Fengcheng, a suburb bordering mountains and water.
The Ji family's villa complex is located here, a place of excellent scenery, secluded and quiet. If it were in ancient times, it would be a prime location for defending a city.
From a distance, various courtyards and villas stretch endlessly, nearly a hundred in total.
Ji Hengmin, Ji Lengyue's grandfather, has resided here since the governor of Feng Province retired. Later, his son ascended to the position of governor of Feng Province, but he did not hold it for long before being framed and imprisoned, causing the entire Ji family's strength to be suppressed.
Ji Hengmin had two sons. One once held the position of governor of Feng Province, while the other fled the Ji family to become a constable in the Six Doors, and passed away over ten years ago.
The Ji family has been in Fengcheng for centuries, with extensive connections in all aspects. They have also "branched out," making the Ji family of Fengcheng a formidable entity that no aristocratic family, wealthy clan, or any other force in Fengcheng could afford to underestimate.
In recent years, the Ji family's strength has become increasingly dire, facing targeted suppression in all aspects. This has led Ji Hengmin to lower his status and seek a marriage alliance for his own granddaughter with an aristocratic family, in order to obtain substantial funds. These funds would serve as resources for the Ji family's resurgence and their preparation to regain their peak position.
The Ji family's annual meeting this time is Ji Hengmin's opportunity to showcase his strength and methods. He has utilized all his connections, inviting all the influential figures he could reach in Feng Province to build momentum for the Ji family. He will then announce the marriage alliance with the Tang family, letting those people know that his Ji family will not lack money in the future and will have powerful backing.
Although the Ji family's annual meeting is scheduled for tomorrow, that is for internal family matters.
First, external forces are gathered to witness the Ji family's power, and then the Ji family's internal atmosphere will be rectified. The saying goes "pacify the inside before dealing with the outside," but this old fox has done the opposite.
Currently, the Ji family villa area is filled with luxury cars and distinguished guests. Even Yun Tiancheng came here, sat for three to five minutes, and had a cup of tea before leaving.
In a magnificent villa at the foot of the mountain, the first floor is where the younger generation exchanges ideas, while the second floor is supported by this old man's presence, chatting and drinking tea with various influential figures.
Two generations of Fengcheng governors from the same family – this is a beautiful tale.
Ji Hengmin, leaning on his cane, said to the old woman leaning on her cane, "Inquire about the Tang family. Why haven't they arrived yet?"
As it was nearing lunchtime and the grand banquet, Ji Hengmin planned to announce this news to everyone during lunch. However, since the Tang family had not yet arrived with their granddaughter, he couldn't help but ask.
The old woman leaning on her cane was Ji Lengyue's grandmother. She replied, "We can't reach the Tang family. The phone isn't connecting."
Ji Hengmin frowned, "Perhaps they are on their way. The signal is poor as they approach our area, so it's normal for the phone not to connect."
The extent to which the Ji family is being targeted is such that even the nearby internet signal base stations are designed to be inconvenient.
However, this also reassured him; perhaps the Tang family was arriving soon.
Suddenly, Ji Hengmin heard a slight commotion from downstairs. Immediately, a Ji family disciple walked upstairs and approached him, saying, "Grandfather, Ji Lengyue and Ji Shangxiu have returned with a young man."
Ji Hengmin's frown eased, and a smile appeared on his face, "Good, very good. These two children have finally come home."
This was his arrangement. He deliberately did not mention the identity of the man Ji Lengyue brought back, intending to give the people of Fengcheng a surprise.
"Go and urge the kitchen to prepare the dishes faster."
"Yes, Grandfather."
Immediately, the Ji family disciple turned and went downstairs to the main hall. His gaze lingered on Ji Lengyue and the young man for a moment before he hurried towards the kitchen in the back.
Is this the person Grandpa intends to use to turn the tide of the Ji family's decline, even at the cost of a marriage alliance?
The old Mrs. Ji, leaning on her cane, said to Ji Hengmin, "I'll go downstairs to see those children."
"Alright." Ji Hengmin's old face showed a smile as he nodded.
With that, the old Mrs. Ji went downstairs, leaning on her cane. Upon seeing the people who had entered, her expression changed drastically, and she said sternly, "How could it be you!"
Chen Jiuyang said faintly, "Why can't it be me?"
"Where are the Tang family? Why haven't they come?" the old Mrs. Ji questioned Chen Jiuyang.
"Them?" Chen Jiuyang said with a smile, "They felt they weren't worthy of Lengyue and left. It is I who brought Lengyue and Auntie to the Ji family today."
"Nonsense! Utterly baseless!" The Ji family had meticulously chosen the Tang family, and both families had already finalized arrangements, setting today as the wedding date, for a double celebration.
Chen Jiuyang continued to smile, "If you don't believe me, call them and ask."
The old Mrs. Ji immediately took out her phone and called the Tang family, but the other end was still unreachable. Her face darkened as she said, "We can't get through to the Tang family. What did you do?"
"How would I know?" Chen Jiuyang chuckled.
The old Mrs. Ji immediately turned and walked upstairs, coming to Ji Hengmin's side and explaining the situation. Ji Hengmin's smile froze, and he whispered in her ear, "Suppress this matter for now. Let the banquet proceed as planned. Today, my Ji family is hosting so many guests. Without the Tang family, the banquet must still proceed normally, otherwise, my Ji family's reputation will be completely ruined."
"Arrange for them to sit at a side table for the meal later."
"I understand," the old Mrs. Ji nodded.
...
Downstairs in the main hall.
The attendees were mostly Ji family descendants. Those with outstanding appearances, talents, or status were entertaining other influential young disciples from various forces and were gathered in the backyard, not in the front hall.
The surrounding Ji family members saw Ji Lengyue and Ji Shangxiu, and their gazes turned towards them, filled with envy, mockery, and indifference.
Ji Lengyue and Ji Shangxiu held a special status within the Ji family, so special that everyone was unsure how to address them.
However, some Ji family members were whispering amongst themselves.
"Why did they come back?"
"Something's not right. I heard Grandfather arranged for Ji Lengyue to marry into an aristocratic family to bring in a large sum of funds for our Ji family. Why does Grandmother seem so displeased with them? There's something going on."
Ji Shangxiu, however, calmly sat down with Chen Jiuyang and Ji Lengyue. She had grown up here since childhood, and although she hadn't been home for years, she was still very familiar with the place.
Not long after, there was a tremor from the second floor, and then the people on the second floor all came downstairs and headed towards the backyard. The Ji family members also started moving towards the backyard.
The backyard was by the river. A hundred years ago, the Ji family had built a luxurious riverside courtyard here. Dining here was a delightful experience, exuding extreme prestige.
Soon, a Ji family servant came to arrange for Chen Jiuyang and the other two to attend the banquet. However, the three of them were assigned to a very marginal position, almost next to the restroom.
Even the seats for the Ji family servants were closer to the front than theirs, which infuriated Chen Jiuyang.
"Heh, a scholarly family, but nothing more."
Chen Jiuyang sneered, "They truly know how to judge people."
Saying this, Chen Jiuyang took out his phone and made a call, "Hello, Uncle Fang, help me contact a few people..."