The elders of the Feng Clan did accept the benefits sent by the Zheng brothers. They felt mistreated by Feng Yue, so taking the gifts from Feng Yue’s sons was, in their eyes, a form of compensation—why not accept what was offered?
As for the Zheng brothers’ attempts to win them over, they hadn’t actually agreed to anything.
Without proof, what could the Zheng brothers do?
Sending so many gifts was just a normal gesture of juniors showing respect to their elders with New Year presents, wasn’t it?
Zheng Hua couldn’t hold back and slapped his son’s arm.
He scolded, “How many times have I told you? You never listen, treating my words like they’re nothing!”
“You and Feng Qing may be siblings, but your surname is Zheng, not Feng. The Feng family’s unique clan rules have been upheld for over a century. They won’t change for you.”
“If they could change, it would’ve happened long ago. Would it have waited until now?”
“Those clan members are Fengs. Of course, they side with their own. In their eyes, you’re Zhengs, not Fengs. Why would they help you against Hai Ling?”
“They won’t even support Feng Qing anymore, yet you’re delusional, trying to buy them off, thinking they’ll back you. Dream on—it’s not even possible in dreams!”
“If they were to support your mother’s descendants, they’d choose Feng Qing over you. Isn’t Feng Qing far more capable than you?”
“The major families in Guancheng still give Feng Qing some face. If it were you, they’d join forces and crush the Fengs in minutes.”
“Do you really think the Fengs are still the same as before? They’re about to fall out of Jiang City’s elite circle. Do you think the Fengs are still that prestigious?”
Zheng Hua ranted until he was out of breath.
He was old.
With his physical and mental health deteriorating, he felt his condition worsening.
To live a few more years, he had quickly left Jiang City’s center to retire in his hometown.
He no longer involved himself in the Feng family’s troubles—nor could he.
After decades as the Feng family’s live-in son-in-law, what had he gained? Nothing but a broken body.
Before his wife died, she even tried to drag him down with her. His biological daughter had no regard for him as her father.
His sons were filial, but they lacked ability and loved stirring trouble. Sooner or later, they’d die at Hai Ling’s hands.
If he’d known it would come to this, he never would’ve become the Feng family’s live-in son-in-law.
Picking up his water cup, Zheng Hua drank half of it, caught his breath, and continued berating his sons.
He scolded them until they didn’t dare make a sound.
When he finally stopped, Zheng Yifan said bitterly, “Dad, are we just supposed to watch the empire Mom built for decades fall into Hai Ling’s hands?”
“Just because she’s a woman, she’s more qualified than us? Her surname is Hai!”
“She can change her surname anytime.”
“Eldest, listen to your dad’s advice. Come back. Only by coming back do you have a chance to survive. If you don’t, you’ll end up with nothing. Right now, your sister is still in Jiang City, and Hai Ling might show her some leniency.”
“Once that damned girl leaves, Hai Ling won’t hold back. You won’t even know how you’ll die.”
“Let me break it down for you. Handing the Fengs to Hai Ling is the best path forward. Hai Ling has the backing of Guancheng’s major families and is on good terms with the Qiao family in Jiang City.”
“The Qiao and Zhan families are in-laws. Hai Ling is Young Master Zhan’s sister-in-law. If Hai Ling becomes the Feng family head, she’ll be tied to the Qiao family, which means the Fengs will be tied to the Qiao family too.”
“Will those major families let the Fengs fall? No, they won’t.”
“The Feng family members are shrewd. They see the situation clearly. Even if your sister didn’t step aside, they’d cause a fuss, helping Hai Ling take the head’s position.”
The major families in Guancheng were determined to control the Feng family head’s seat. The person who took it had to be one of their own.
