Zhan Mohan brought Wei Yumeng to the main hall. Many guests had already arrived. Judging by their affluent and noble status, they all showed great respect for Old Master Ji, which indicated the Ji family was quite influential in this region.
Old Master Ji, who already knew Zhan Mohan's identity, flashed a fleeting expression of displeasure upon seeing them approach. This was quickly replaced by a formulaic smile. "You're here. Please, take a seat."
Zhan Mohan, with Wei Yumeng by his side, sat down and offered polite words. "We heard about the Ji family's birthday banquet at the last minute. We hope our uninvited arrival isn't too much of a disturbance?"
Although the Ji family held considerable sway here, the Zhan family's influence extended beyond Pengcheng. Even on their home turf, they had to show some deference to the Zhan family. Therefore, even if Old Master Ji felt their arrival was indeed a disturbance, he could not voice it.
He waved his hand dismissively, "It's no disturbance at all."
"That's good."
The people sharing a table ate with their own agendas, offering superficial smiles and toasting each other. This continued until a servant entered and whispered a few words to Ji Tong. Ji Tong's expression changed drastically, and he glared at Zhan Mohan.
Receiving his look, Zhan Mohan put down his wine cup. "What happened?"
Ji Tong glanced at the guests attending the banquet. Ultimately, he suppressed his rage and forced out, "Nothing."
Zhan Mohan raised an eyebrow and feigned ignorance. "It's good that nothing happened. I thought there might be an issue with the Ji family's business. That would be a serious loss indeed."
Ji Tong took two deep breaths, suppressing the urge to lash out. He stood up. "I have something to attend to. I'll be excusing myself for a while."
"Please, be our guest."
Watching him leave with hurried steps, Zhan Mohan curled his lips into a cold smile.
He knew why Ji Tong was leaving. Since it was the Ji family's ninety-year-old elder's birthday, he should have prepared a small gift. Therefore, he had instructed someone to bore holes through the bottom of the Ji family's ship that was about to set sail. The military supplies and firearms on board were all lost at sea. This would undoubtedly be a significant loss for them. Otherwise, Ji Tong would not have rushed off so quickly to deal with it.
Of course, Ji Tong would surely guess that he was behind it, but they couldn't openly declare war in such a setting.
His intention was to give the Ji family a small warning. Ji Tong had abducted Wei Yumeng and the Mu family. Did he not deserve to pay a price?
Old Master Ji was unaware of what had transpired, but seeing Ji Tong's displeased expression before he left, he guessed it was related to Zhan Mohan. He also wished to avenge his grandson. The old grudges from years ago should be settled today.
Now that they were on his territory, if he were to tolerate this, had their business grown so much over the years for nothing?
Thus, he suggested that Zhan Mohan and his party stay at the Ji manor for a few more days, so he could play the host.
Zhan Mohan understood his intention immediately. If they were to truly stay at the Ji manor, it was likely none of them would survive the night.
"We came uninvited today and ate at the Ji family's banquet empty-handed. We've already taken advantage. We shouldn't impose further. Moreover, I have matters to attend to back in my country. When the Ji family returns to China, we will certainly have a good reunion."
Old Master Ji was not willing to give up so easily. However, before he could insist, Wei Yumeng continued, "Yes, we were presumptuous to intrude this time. The Ji family has been rooted here for many years, so you must not have returned to China in a long time, right? Even tall trees eventually shed their leaves, and they always return to their roots. It would be best to catch up properly when the Ji family returns to China."
Both husband and wife had clearly declined. As an elder, Old Master Ji maintained his dignity and did not continue to persuade them.
After lunch, some guests departed. The remaining guests were using this occasion to establish business connections. The Ji family left them their space and led Zhan Mohan and his wife to the inner chambers.
However, the moment they entered the room, they found the atmosphere was far from that of a casual reunion. The room was filled with bodyguards.
Zhan Mohan's expression turned cold. "What is the meaning of this?"
Old Master Ji began to babble with his eyes wide open. "I am old now and require protection at all times. These are my bodyguards. Please, pretend they are not here."
This was utter nonsense. Zhan Mohan held Wei Yumeng back, preventing her from moving forward. "I apologize, but I dislike having unrelated people listening in when I'm having a conversation. We won't have this reunion today. We'll take our leave."
He turned to leave, but two bodyguards at the door blocked his path.
"What? Does the Ji family have rules about restricting guests' personal freedom?"
As soon as he spoke, all the bodyguards drew their firearms and aimed them at him and Wei Yumeng. Old Master Ji finally revealed his true colors.
"Mr. Zhan, this is the Ji manor, not your Zhan family's territory. At times, it's best not to be so sharp-tongued, lest you and your wife die in this foreign land without anyone to collect your bodies."
Zhan Mohan patted Wei Yumeng's hand reassuringly and pulled her behind him. "Is that so? Are you so sure that your subordinates are not useless gluttons and can truly take my life? What if your guns are not as fast as mine? Wouldn't this threat be counterproductive?"
Upon hearing this, Old Master Ji snorted, "Youngster, you are far too confident in your words. These men are enough to turn you both into sieves. Originally, I didn't intend to do anything to you. Ji Tong was wrong to take your things back then. But today, you came to provoke me yourself. How can the Ji manor be a place you can come and go as you please? It's outrageous!"
Zhan Mohan looked at the dark muzzles of the guns pointed at them, but showed no panic. Instead, he pressed closer to Old Master Ji. "Even if it's outrageous, I am already here. To tell you the truth, if Ji Tong hadn't led my sister astray, such a situation would not have arisen today. It's no longer about whether you want to avenge your grandson. It's that we, the Zhan family, cannot let you off so easily."
"Outrageous!" Old Master Ji pointed at him furiously. "You are utterly lawless. What are you waiting for? Fire at will! Once these two are dead, throw them into the sea to feed the fish, and let that old geezer Zhan experience the pain of losing his grandson."
"Bang!"
A loud gunshot echoed from outside the window, drawing everyone's attention. Seizing the opportunity, Zhan Mohan lunged forward, grabbing Old Master Ji by the neck. His gun was pressed against his temple.
"Now, we have a stalemate."