Chapter 817: The Dragon Bows Its Head (6000)

The provincial capital of Feng Province.

Spring Bud Pavilion, the highest-class club in the provincial capital, bar none.

Because standing behind this club is the Lu family.

In a premium private room of Spring Bud Pavilion.

On a green jade side table, a gilded, silver-inlaid incense burner sent up curling wisps of smoke.

"This tea is a specialty of our Feng Province, known as 'Seven Boils Point Snow'."

Lu Wenzheng, dressed in casual attire, smiled as he poured boiling water into the teacup, "Only after boiling it seven times can one see its 'true colors'."

As the boiling water was poured in for the seventh time, snowflake-shaped patterns actually floated on the surface of the tea soup.

A refreshing aroma, as if ice and snow were seeping into the heart and lungs, permeated the room.

Sitting opposite Lu Wenzheng was a young man wearing a jade hairpin, with an exceptionally handsome face.

The man had a pair of phoenix eyes, and his smile was particularly charming:

"Truly extraordinary."

"Xiuyong, have a taste."

Lu Wenzheng smiled as he finished pouring the tea and pushed the cup toward the other man.

To have the head of the Lu family personally pour tea for him, the identity of the man before him was naturally extraordinary.

The man was named Xiao Xiuyong, the only son of the current head of the Xiao family, one of the "Ten Great Clans"!

"Many thanks, Uncle Lu."

Xiao Xiuyong picked up the teacup, took a light sip, and praised:

"Uncle Lu's tea-making skills are getting better and better; I am truly fortunate."

"Hahaha."

Lu Wenzheng laughed until his eyes narrowed into slits, "If you like it, Xiuyong, come visit often and taste my craft more."

Xiao Xiuyong shook his head: "I would like to, but my father keeps a close watch and won't allow me the slightest slack. Coming to Feng Province to visit Uncle Lu this time can be considered stealing a half-day of leisure from a busy life."

Lu Wenzheng looked at him: "I heard you have already stimulated your fifth core-level transcendent ability and stepped into the peak of the Dao Foundation realm. After honing it for a few more years, stepping into the realm of a Martial Arts Master will be no problem. By then, you will likely be under thirty. Such a young Martial Arts Master—Brother Xiao has a good son; I am truly envious!"

Xiao Xiuyong was twenty-eight this year; it was actually very difficult to break through and become a Martial Arts Master within two years. However, hearing Lu Wenzheng's praise, the smile on his face grew even brighter.

"Several of my cousins also have extraordinary talent; why would Uncle Lu be envious?"

Xiao Xiuyong laughed.

Lu Wenzheng waved his hand: "They are all good-for-nothings; how can they compare to you? Not worth mentioning."

"Hahaha, Uncle Lu, come, drink tea, drink tea."

Xiao Xiuyong enjoyed such flattery.

In fact, he had heard similar flattery too many times, but those were spoken by servants around him or people of lower status than himself.

How could that compare to the face-to-face flattery of the Lu family head, a high-ranking provincial official?

Especially since Lu Wenzheng's flattery was not at all exaggerated, but very seasoned, making one feel it was sincere.

Among young people, who doesn't love being flattered and praised?

Only an "anomaly" like Li Fei, who looks twenty but has a mind as seasoned as an old fox, could hold himself together so well.

After a round of flattery from Lu Wenzheng, Xiao Xiuyong took the initiative to say:

"I am also aware of the conflict between Uncle Lu and Li Fei. I wonder if Uncle Lu has had a proper talk with him?"

Lu Wenzheng shook his head: "This Marquis of Jing'an is unwilling to talk to me; it looks like he is determined to kill me off."

Xiao Xiuyong frowned slightly: "Wasn't it Xu Jing who forced his teacher to death? Even if the Lu family offended him, it shouldn't be to the point of killing him off, right?"

Lu Wenzheng sighed: "I have sent people to strike at him several times later. Although he didn't catch concrete evidence, I imagine he must count it against me and Xu Jing."

Xiao Xiuyong fell silent.

In fact, he could fully understand Lu Wenzheng's actions. If it were him, having formed a feud with a peerless prodigy like Li Fei, he would naturally want to eliminate the other party before they grew up!

It was just that Lu Wenzheng's several attempts at targeting him had failed, which led to the current situation.

"Then this feud is indeed not small."

Xiao Xiuyong said.

Lu Wenzheng looked at him: "Can you help Uncle Lu mediate this, Xiuyong? I believe that Marquis of Jing'an will surely give you face."

This was the main purpose of his inviting Xiao Xiuyong today.

He had already received news of Lu Wenyao meeting Li Fei in private.

He was also well aware of the various unusual movements within the family during this period.

He had been the head of the Lu family for over twenty years, so he naturally hadn't been doing it for nothing.

He could roughly guess what Li Fei and Lu Wenyao had talked about.

He had to admit that this move by Li Fei was good enough, and ruthless enough!

But Lu Wenzheng would certainly not sit and wait for death.

Since Li Fei started from within the Lu family, he would borrow strength from the outside and bring in Xiao Xiuyong.

The Xiao family, where Xiao Xiuyong belonged, was far more powerful than the Lu family.

The Lu family could only be considered mid-to-lower tier among the "Ten Great Clans," while the Xiao family had firmly remained in the top three for hundreds of years!

Since the founding of the Great Lan Dynasty over five hundred years ago, the Xiao family had produced three Empresses in total.

The younger sister of the current head of the Xiao family was the current Empress!

Xiao Xiuyong, the first heir to the family, was also the Crown Prince's cousin!

That was why Lu Wenzheng asked this person to mediate.

As the Crown Prince began to oversee the state, the Xiao family's status rose accordingly, vaguely showing a trend of ranking first among the "Ten Great Clans"!

This also gave Xiao Xiuyong the confidence to feel he had the qualifications to mediate this matter.

"My cousin values Li Fei very much; I'm afraid it would be inappropriate for me to mediate."

Xiao Xiuyong said reservedly.

"Eh, you and His Highness the Crown Prince grew up together. No matter how close Li Fei is to the Crown Prince, can he compare to you?"

Lu Wenzheng flattered him calmly, "And I don't need you to actually convince Li Fei for me; I only need him to give me a chance for everyone to sit down and talk. Whether we can reach an agreement afterward is my own business!"

"Hmm."

Xiao Xiuyong pondered, his thumb rubbing the carvings on the inside of his emerald thumb ring.

He certainly wouldn't agree to get involved in this matter just because of Lu Wenzheng's flattery.

What could truly move him was profit.

Lu Wenzheng was willing to pay a high price, just asking him to make Li Fei give some face and let everyone sit down to talk.

As for how the final talk would turn out, that was none of Xiao Xiuyong's business; in any case, he wouldn't lose a single bit of the benefits he was due.

And the most crucial point was that Lu Wenzheng indicated the Lu family would fully support the Crown Prince from now on!

Although the Lu family had been "flirting" with the First Imperial Prince before, they had acted with great discretion and had not created any friction or grudges with the Crown Prince's side; everyone could completely sit down and talk again.

Although the Crown Prince was already overseeing the state, he had not yet formally ascended the throne after all.

As long as he hadn't sat on that dragon chair for a day, there would be variables for a day.

Why not reduce an enemy and gain an assistant?

Xiao Xiuyong believed his cousin would certainly think the same way.

For a family like the Lu family that had existed for hundreds of years, killing them off would only damage the national strength and cause turmoil in the country. Pulling them into one's own camp was the choice that maximized benefits!

Based on this point, Xiao Xiuyong accepted the invitation to come to Feng Province and sit down to drink tea with Lu Wenzheng.

As for the hatred between Li Fei and the Lu family.

In Xiao Xiuyong's view, there was no hatred in this world that couldn't be resolved; if there was, it was only because the price offered wasn't high enough!

Small people care about grudges, while big people only talk about interests.

This was the education Xiao Xiuyong had received since he was a child.

He believed that Lu Wenzheng would most likely be able to make Li Fei let go of his hatred in the end.

"Alright, then I will try, but I cannot guarantee success."

Xiao Xiuyong said to Lu Wenzheng.

"Hahaha, with you stepping in, Xiuyong, this matter will surely succeed! Uncle Lu will use tea instead of wine to thank you first!"

Lu Wenzheng laughed loudly.

"Uncle Lu is too polite."

Xiao Xiuyong raised his teacup and clinked it lightly with Lu Wenzheng's.

Inside the private room, the two talked happily, and the atmosphere was harmonious.

December 26th, the last month of the forty-eighth year of Hongguang, approaching the New Year.

Li Fei first took the flying magic treasure Black Boat to the Northern Territory, picked up Li Tianyu, and then flew directly back to Xingcheng.

The return of the Marquis of Jing'an to his hometown was a major event for the entire Datong Prefecture!

However, Li Fei had given notice in advance, and Li Lei, as the Chief of Xingcheng, blocked all visits to Xingcheng on his behalf.

As for those from Datong Prefecture, Li Fei let Bian Jingru block them for him.

For this New Year, Li Fei only wanted to spend it well with his family.

However, this was the first time he was spending the New Year at home after his rise to prominence as the Marquis of Jing'an, so there were exceptionally many "relatives" this year:

Zhang Yuqing's maternal family, and the family of Li Lei's younger sister, Li Shu, had traveled specifically from another province.

Adding both sides together, there were over twenty people coming to the Li family to spend the New Year this year.

Fortunately, the newly built Marquis of Jing'an Mansion is large enough that even with several hundred people gathered together, it does not feel crowded.

The evening of December 31st.

To the people of this world, tonight is New Year's Eve.

The Marquis of Jing'an Mansion is decorated with lanterns and streamers, and the whole family is eating in the banquet hall.

There are three tables in total in the banquet hall; the main table in the center is occupied by the four members of the Li family, Zhang Yuqing's parents, Li Shu and her husband, and Feng Chenfeng.

To the side, a massive 120-inch black-and-white television is playing a program.

Aside from the Li family, the other relatives present are all secretly observing Li Fei, feeling as if they are in a dream!

Li Fei's expression remains as usual as he drinks a few glasses of wine with everyone else.

The banquet soon enters the round of mutual toasting.

At the main table, Feng Fusheng gathers his courage and is the first to pick up his wine glass and walk toward Li Fei.

He holds the glass with both hands, bows slightly, and wears the brightest smile on his face:

"Marquis, I toast you a glass!"

Li Fei stands up, supports the other man's arm with one hand, and smiles:

"Uncle Feng, you are too polite. You are an elder; just call me by my name."

"Eh! I wouldn't dare, I wouldn't dare!"

Feng Fusheng shakes his head hurriedly.

He is a businessman who started from scratch and built a net worth of several hundred thousand; he is not someone who lacks self-awareness.

Never mind that Li Fei and the Li family actually have no blood relation and cannot be considered relatives at all.

Even if they were truly relatives, given the current disparity in status between the two sides, how could he dare to put on the airs of an elder?

Being able to toast Li Fei at such close range is already more than enough for him!

Therefore, no matter what Li Fei says, he insists on addressing Li Fei as "Marquis."

Li Fei does not press the matter further, gently clinks glasses with him, and drinks the wine.

After the glass of wine goes down, Feng Fusheng, who usually has an excellent tolerance for alcohol, suddenly turns bright red in the face.

Having drunk this glass, it will be enough for him to brag about in the business world for the rest of his life:

You say you earned a few million? Laozi has had a drink with the Marquis of Jing'an!

You say your business covers the whole province? Laozi has had a drink with the Marquis of Jing'an!

You say you know some high-ranking official? Laozi has had a drink with the Marquis of Jing'an!

"Hahahaha—"

Feng Fusheng laughs with a look of satisfaction.

Behind him, Li Lei's own sister, Li Shu, walks over with Feng Chenfeng, holding a wine glass with some trepidation.

Seeing this, Li Fei takes the initiative to walk up and greets Li Shu with a smile:

"Aunt Li, I toast this glass to you."

Li Shu is somewhat flattered, not expecting Li Fei to be so polite to her.

Regarding Feng Fusheng, Li Fei is actually indifferent, but toward Li Shu, he shows a certain level of respect because he knows Li Lei cares deeply about this sister, and he does not want to make things difficult for Li Lei.

"Mar..."

"Aunt Li, just like with Uncle Li, just call me Xiao Fei."

"Xiao... Xiao Fei."

Li Shu subconsciously glances at Li Lei to the side, then points to her son:

"I'm sorry about before; my Chenfeng was ignorant, he..."

"Aunt Li, it's all a small matter, it doesn't matter."

Li Fei waves his hand, signaling that Li Shu need not say more.

Li Lei had briefly told him about Feng Chenfeng's matter today, and his thoughts are the same as Li Lei's; he has no intention of blaming Feng Chenfeng.

Next, Li Fei takes the initiative to drink a glass of wine with Li Shu and Feng Chenfeng respectively, which makes Feng Fusheng, standing to the side, grin from ear to ear, and Feng Chenfeng is also incredibly excited.

Afterward, other relatives come to toast Li Fei one after another, and Li Fei gives them all face by drinking a glass with each.

Finally, he takes the initiative to toast Zhang Yuqing's parents, which makes the two elders very happy.

Although he is a bit tired from the socializing, looking at the happy faces of Li Lei and Zhang Yuqing, Li Fei feels very satisfied.

These two, along with Li Tianyu, are like some kind of "Dao markers" for Li Fei in this world.

Only with them around does Li Fei not feel like an "alien" in this world, and only then can the loneliness in his heart be relieved.

Although enjoying family affection also means having to bear many things.

But Li Fei does not reject it.

Even someone as strong as Lin Tianyi has such "weaknesses."

What Li Fei must do is to keep making himself stronger until no one dares to target his "weaknesses" again!

Under the night sky, the atmosphere of this banquet at the Marquis of Jing'an Mansion is warm and lively.

The 49th year of Hongguang, January 3rd.

The New Year holidays have just ended.

Li Fei has arrived at the Datong Prefecture city.

Shangguan Xiao's case cannot be separated from the assistance of the Datong Prefecture government, so it is necessary to maintain relations here.

After Li Fei enters the prefecture city, he is immediately taken to the residence of Bian Jingru.

"Marquis, Happy New Year."

At the entrance of the Bian residence, Bian Jingru comes out personally to welcome Li Fei.

Li Fei cups his hands toward him: "Lord Bian, Happy New Year."

After the greetings, as the two walk into the residence, Bian Jingru says in a low voice to Li Fei:

"Marquis, I have other guests at my residence today; I really could not refuse them, and I hope you will forgive me."

"Oh?"

Li Fei is startled, "Who is it?"

"Xiao Xiuyong of the Changliu Xiao family."

Bian Jingru's expression is serious.

As soon as he mentions the "Changliu Xiao family," Li Fei knows this is the Xiao family to which Empress Xiao belongs.

"Who is Xiao Xiuyong?"

"The only son of the current head of the Xiao family, the first-in-line heir, and the cousin of the Crown Prince. He is the Crown Prince's playmate; the two grew up together and have a deep relationship."

Bian Jingru quickly tells Li Fei what he knows, "He learned that you, Marquis, would be coming to my residence today, so he came a step ahead. He did not give me any prior notice, and I was caught off guard and unable to refuse."

"Good, I understand."

Li Fei nods calmly, "No matter, I do not blame you for this."

Bian Jingru nods, then leads Li Fei into a hall for receiving guests.

Inside the hall, Xiao Xiuyong is wearing a black crane cloak with dark cloud patterns today, his long hair tied up in a jade-inlaid crown, and he holds a folding fan in his hand, looking elegant and graceful.

Seeing this person, Li Fei immediately thinks of the Third Imperial Prince; the two have somewhat similar temperaments.

However, the Third Imperial Prince has a noble air within his carefree nature, while Xiao Xiuyong has more of a heroic spirit, possessing the distinct aura of a martial artist.

Li Fei only glances at Xiao Xiuyong before shifting his attention to the person standing beside him.

This person looks somewhat aged, with many wrinkles on his face, wearing an inconspicuous gray robe, slightly hunched, looking like an old servant of advanced age.

But in Li Fei's perception, this person vaguely gives him a feeling like a needle prick on his skin!

"Danger Perception," the core-level extraordinary ability Li Fei first awakened, is not as good as perception-type divine abilities, but as his strength and realm have improved, his perception ability has also risen accordingly.

As long as it is not someone who possesses a divine ability like 【Shadow Masking】, Li Fei can more or less judge the other person's strength based on "Danger Perception."

So at first glance, Li Fei makes a judgment: this man standing beside Xiao Xiuyong, appearing like an old servant, is definitely a martial arts master with formidable combat power!

"Haha, Marquis of Jing'an, I have long admired your name."

Seeing Li Fei walk into the hall, Xiao Xiuyong stands up with a smile, holding his folding fan, and cups his hands toward Li Fei.

Bian Jingru, as if he had never mentioned this person to Li Fei before, turns and smiles at Li Fei:

"Marquis, let me introduce you. This is Young Master Xiao Xiuyong. Hearing that you, Marquis, were coming to my residence as a guest today, he specifically came to pay a visit."

Li Fei raises his hand to return the gesture: "Young Master Xiao, hello."

"Please, both of you, sit."

Bian Jingru invites them both to sit first, then has the servants serve tea.

Once the tea is served, he suddenly says:

"You two, I am truly sorry, but I suddenly have an urgent need, so I must excuse myself for a moment."

"Please go ahead, Lord Bian."

Xiao Xiuyong says with a smile.

Li Fei also nods at Bian Jingru.

After Bian Jingru leaves, only Li Fei, Xiao Xiuyong, and the old servant standing behind him remain in the hall.

Xiao Xiuyong observes Li Fei; he has heard of this first prodigy in history for a long time and is actually quite curious, finally seeing him today.

He looks completely different from what he had imagined.

He had thought this would be a high-spirited, sharp-edged young man, after all, he is only twenty years old.

But he looks upright, very steady, and seems easy to talk to.

"Marquis of Jing'an, His Highness the Crown Prince often mentions you to me, saying he views you as a friend. I grew up with him and am also a very good friend of his. You don't mind if I call you by your name directly, do you?"

Xiao Xiuyong asked with a beaming smile.

Li Fei looked at him calmly: "You may."

The smile on Xiao Xiuyong's face grew even wider, feeling that this number one prodigy in history was indeed very easy to talk to.

Or rather, very willing to give him face.

"Young Master Xiao, you came to find me specifically today; is there something you need?"

Li Fei asked directly.

Xiao Xiuyong restrained his smile and said seriously:

"Li Fei, I am aware of the grievances between you and the Lu family. I came today because I want you to give the Lu family a chance, to let them sit down and have a proper talk with you."

After finishing, he immediately added:

"But don't misunderstand, I am not here to persuade you to let the Lu family off, just to have you talk with them. As for how you and the Lu family talk, I will not intervene, and I will absolutely not care about the final outcome. How about it?"

Li Fei understood; this was Lu Wenzheng's "counter-move."

Since he was dismantling the Lu family from the inside, Lu Wenzheng was borrowing strength from the outside.

Now that the Crown Prince was acting as regent, the status of the Xiao family was rising with the tide. If it were any other external force, Li Fei could refuse to give them face, but the Xiao family was the Crown Prince's most important support. With this connection to the Crown Prince, could Li Fei really afford to give them no face at all?

Li Fei had now reached the momentum of a "dragon raising its head."

Lu Wenzheng wanted to use the Xiao family to force the dragon to lower its head!

Li Fei looked at Xiao Xiuyong: "Is Young Master Xiao planning to stand up for the Lu family?"

Xiao Xiuyong was startled and frowned slightly: "Li Fei, you have misunderstood. I said, regarding the grievances between you and the Lu family, I will absolutely not favor either side; I am just letting both of you talk it out yourselves."

Li Fei: "Does Young Master Xiao know about the grievances between me and the Lu family?"

Xiao Xiuyong nodded: "I know."

"Do you know that Lu Wenzheng plotted to kill my master and mistress, and sent people to kill me several times?"

"I know."

"When I was being persecuted by the Lu family, you didn't stand up to let us sit down and talk. Now that I am about to strike back, you suddenly stand up and say, let's all sit down and have a good talk. You call this not favoring anyone?"

"."

Xiao Xiuyong's expression turned somewhat ugly.

You didn't speak when others were being beaten, but now that they are about to fight back, you suddenly jump out; if this isn't intervening in a fight, what is?

The logic was sound, but Xiao Xiuyong hadn't expected Li Fei to put it so directly, without giving him any face at all!

"Li Fei, His Highness the Crown Prince has not yet ascended the throne, and there will always be variables in the future. It is better to have one more friend than one more enemy. The Lu family is willing to offer you compensation with sufficient sincerity; why must you push the Lu family to the opposite side of His Highness the Crown Prince?"

Xiao Xiuyong also simply laid it out clearly.

Li Fei did not say that he had already talked with Lu Wenyao, because he knew very well how the abacus in the hearts of people like Xiao Xiuyong worked.

The branch of the family head represented by Lu Wenzheng was the strongest. If Li Fei wanted to kill Lu Wenzheng, suppress the family head's branch, and cause internal strife in the Lu family, he would inevitably weaken the Lu family's strength.

And to a certain extent, this was also weakening the national power of the Great Lan Dynasty.

For Xiao Xiuyong, if he could gain the service of a complete Lu family and obtain extra benefits, why would he necessarily support Li Fei in splitting the Lu family?

Therefore, the best way to solve the problem was to persuade Li Fei to let go of his hatred, take a share of the benefits, and turn hostility into friendship.

And even if Li Fei really didn't reach an agreement with Lu Wenzheng in the end and still intended to take revenge, Xiao Xiuyong wouldn't intervene.

Anyway, by then, the benefits Lu Wenzheng promised him would already be in his hands.

To put it bluntly, he came today just to have Li Fei give him some face.

He was very confident, feeling that Li Fei would definitely give it.

"Lu Wenzheng must die. As for whether the Lu family will stand on the opposite side of His Highness the Crown Prince at that time, I think they will make a wise choice."

Li Fei said calmly.

Hearing this, Xiao Xiuyong clenched his fists, and anger began to rise in his heart!

"Li Fei! Are you truly unwilling to give me this face?"

Li Fei looked at him and suddenly smiled:

"Then I will answer you one last time—"

"Do you think you are worthy?"

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(End of chapter)