Chapter 1125: The Fourth Power

After Feng Yunfei returned to the Feng Clan, the Clan Chief immediately announced her return publicly, restored her status, and held a banquet to celebrate her. Ye Xiaotian's and Ye Liuyun's identities were also naturally made public.

The Feng Clan also had ulterior motives, wanting to bind Ye Liuyun tightly to them.

Ye Liuyun understood, but for the sake of giving his mother a bright smile, he did not object, only silently reminding himself to keep his business independent.

As expected, the Grand Elder seized the chance to propose a deeper cooperation, even suggesting merging their businesses, which Ye Liuyun temporarily set aside.

He also discussed it with his parents. They all agreed that Ye Liuyun should maintain a cooperative relationship with the Feng Clan.

If Ye Liuyun lost his independence, his voice would be gradually stripped away.

The current good relations are fine, but if things change in the future, Ye Liuyun fears he will end up with nothing.

Although Ye Liuyun does not care about the wealth, having it himself and receiving it from others are two different concepts.

His arrangement with the Feng Clan reflects his habit of independence; he has no plan to merge with the Feng Clan for now.

The Clan Chief Feng Yunxiao did not pressure Ye Liuyun, but let him continue leading the Feng Clan youths in cultivation, elevating him as a benchmark to present him outwardly as a member of the Feng Clan.

Emperor Xia also did not expect that Ye Liuyun was a member of the Feng Clan.

Ye Liuyun's influence is moderate; wherever he leans, that side's strength will be greatly amplified.

Therefore his decision will inevitably affect the power structure of Zhongyang Dalu.

For this, Emperor Xia specially summoned Ye Liuyun to the palace to test his attitude.

It was still in that study, and Emperor Xia was dressed casually.

"You really kept me in the dark, it's so painful!" Emperor Xia sighed.

"At the time it was inconvenient to reveal my identity; I had no intention of deceiving you!" Ye Liuyun explained.

"Hmm, I understand your urgency to save your mother. But what are your plans now? Are you staying with the Feng Clan?" Emperor Xia asked Ye Liuyun.

"Of course not, I have my own matters to attend to. I'm only staying with the Feng Clan temporarily to accompany my parents! Even whether my parents will reside in the Feng Clan in the future hasn't been decided yet!" Ye Liuyun declared.

"But even if you are not physically in the Feng Clan, others will still think you are one of them!" Emperor Xia said slowly.

Ye Liuyun nodded: "The Feng Clan also promotes it that way. My bloodline is there, I can't deny it. But I don't wish to merge into the Feng Clan; maintaining the current cooperative relationship is better."

Emperor Xia stared into Ye Liuyun's eyes for a moment, then smiled: "Could it be that you have greater ambitions?"

Ye Liuyun also smiled: "My ambition lies in martial cultivation; I don't care about power at all. It's just that my reputation is now public, and handing over my influence would endanger myself."

Ye Liuyun knew clearly that if he handed over all his influence, even a branch of the Cheng Clan would dare send people to hunt him.

Previously, the princes, nobles, and various forces that had grudges against him would unite against him.

Even the mighty Cheng Clan would have opportunists who would kick him when he's down, let alone him.

Emperor Xia glanced at Ye Liuyun and thought he didn't seem to be lying.

However, he would not watch what Ye Liuyun says, but what he does.

As long as Ye Liuyun shows signs of merging with the Feng Clan, or any situation involving Imperial Family interests, he will definitely act against Ye Liuyun.

And everyone had previously underestimated Ye Liuyun. If he decides to act, it will be with thunderous force, leaving Ye Liuyun no breathing room.

So outwardly he still jokes, but in reality he is openly warning Ye Liuyun.

"Haha, you see it clearly. But I still need to remind you that your current position is actually rather dangerous."

"You are growing larger; you must be careful not to infringe on Imperial Family interests, prevent the Feng Clan from gradually swallowing you, and also guard against retaliation from the Cheng Clan!"

"You have crossed the Cheng Clan, and they will not easily give up! Moreover, rumors are fearsome; even if I trust you, others will think you will inevitably end up with the Feng Clan!"

"This time Cheng Clan yielded because they thought the Feng Clan could not surpass them. But you disrupted the balance, so they will not stand by while the Feng Clan presses them!"

Ye Liuyun also said: "I had long anticipated the result of offending Cheng Clan. No matter what, it cannot be avoided. Then I can only fight them to the end."

"Can you defeat Cheng Clan on your own? Between the imperial court and the Feng Clan, you will eventually have to choose one as a backing!" Emperor Xia said firmly.

Ye Liuyun shook his head: "The imperial court and the Feng Clan are my partners, not backers! I rely on no one but myself!"

After Ye Liuyun finished speaking, Emperor Xia silently looked at him and then asked: "Do you intend to become the fourth major power of Zhongyang Dalu?"

Ye Liuyun retorted: "Why not?"

Emperor Xia thought for a moment, shook his head: "Your foundation is still insufficient!"

Ye Liuyun also admitted: "Indeed, I am not yet qualified. But if Cheng Clan destroys me, they will have to pay a price and lose their standing, won't they?"

Emperor Xia thought for a moment and gave a slight nod.

Although Ye Liuyun is not yet powerful enough, anyone who wishes to completely eradicate Ye Liuyun's influence must also incur a considerable cost, affecting their own standing.

As long as the interests of the three families—the Imperial Family, the Feng Clan, and the Cheng Clan—are not disturbed, none will be inclined to make that choice first.

In other words, Ye Liuyun has seized the opportunity and risen swiftly. Now if the three families still wish to eliminate him, they will have to suffer great losses.

"The fourth great power of Zhongyang Dalu!" Emperor Xia murmured.

His view of Ye Liuyun has changed.

Not long ago, he held a martial competition to find a son‑in‑law, hoping to use the chance to eliminate this future threat. But now, he must treat Ye Liuyun with caution.

Finally, he could only say: "Very well, I hope you can keep your word today!"

After leaving the palace, Ye Liuyun still thought, he had actually become the fourth major power of Zhongyang Dalu.

He estimated that Zhongyang Dalu should still have many forces of comparable size.

However, his situation is special: he is both a member of the Feng Clan and a Prince Consort of the imperial court, so the three major forces pay attention to him, elevating him to the fourth major power.

And he indeed has an advantage: having the Imperial Family and the Feng Clan as partners allows his development to outpace others.

At the same time, Cheng Clan's Clan Chief Cheng Wenjun felt as nauseated as if he had swallowed a fly.

He had just wanted the Feng Clan to bow and seek reconciliation, when it suddenly emerged that Ye Liuyun was a member of the Feng Clan and the son of Feng Yunfei.