Bai Tian paused for a moment, then smiled and said, "It is my honor."
Ye Longlin organized his thoughts before speaking. "I recall the Bai family was not one of the Ten Elder families. It was during the era of change that you seized an opportunity and rose to your current status. The Bai family was once an inconspicuous small family in Chang'an, wasn't that right?"
Bai Tian nodded. "Yes, I didn't expect Marshal Ye's memory to be so sharp, still remembering such a minor detail."
Ye Longlin ignored his flattery and continued. "Later, you gradually established yourselves in Chang'an. Since your family originated in Chang'an and became a top family there before moving to the capital, does the Bai family still possess influence in Chang'an?"
Bai Tian was not foolish. Hearing Ye Longlin's implication, he immediately understood the unspoken meaning.
"Although the Bai family has left Chang'an, we still hold influence there. Marshal Ye, rest assured, the Bai family will cooperate with Marshal Ye's actions in Chang'an."
Satisfied with his assurance, Ye Longlin nodded slightly, then left with Ye Churan in his arms and Mu Hanqi by his side.
After they departed, Bai Tian's expression turned grim. He slapped Bai Ze again.
"Are you trying to get yourself killed? The Ye family's downfall has shaken the entire capital. Do you think the Bai family can compare to the Ye family? Even the mighty Ye family is gone, do you think the Bai family can withstand his wrath?"
Bai Tian roared furiously. This fool had nearly led the Bai family into a fiery abyss.
Bai Ze's tears welled up. "Brother, I didn't know she was actually the Marshal's wife! If I had known, I would never have dared to make a move."
"What else can you do? I've already bailed you out of trouble with women twice. Now, let's see if you dare to mess around with women carelessly. Some people, even without official positions, appearing ordinary, possess an energy you cannot provoke!
Don't think that just because the Bai family is one of the Ten Elder families in the capital, there aren't many people above us. And don't think you're invincible!"
Bai Ze remained silent, his brother unsure if he had absorbed any of the lesson.
Bai Tian sighed. He guessed that their trip to Chang'an would cost the Bai family dearly.
Downstairs, in the tea room.
The Huameng Hotel was a four-star hotel in the capital, equipped with conference rooms, banquet halls, business centers, tea rooms, and a chess and card room, all intended to serve business elites.
"Yiyi, come to Grandpa."
Mu Ye saw Ye Churan and immediately crouched down, extending his hand.
The little one, upon seeing Mu Ye, scurried over with her short legs and called out in a milky voice, "Grandpa."
Since she had a child, Mu Ye had often visited Jiangnan to see the little one. From the moment she could remember, Mu Ye had always been a presence in her life.
While Ye Longlin was in the capital, his contact with the Murong family was minimal, primarily to avoid suspicion. There were always restless individuals in the capital, and many were watching Ye Longlin. A single misstep could lead to a cascade of negative attention.
To avoid unnecessary trouble, they would not meet unless there were special circumstances.
"Hey, Yiyi, what did you eat tonight? Your little belly is so round."
"Grandpa, Yiyi ate beef balls today. Daddy only fed Mommy, he didn't feed Yiyi."
Mu Ye: "......"
Ye Longlin: "......"
Mu Hanqi: "......"
This little girl! Was that something to say?
After a brief chat about family matters, the little one grew tired. Mu Hanqi lulled the child to sleep before they began discussing more serious topics.
"The Ye family is no more. I told the Grand Elder that I would not interfere with any of the Ye family's assets; their distribution is of no concern to me. However, I hope the Murong family can also participate, and when necessary, even use my name to increase the Murong family's standing in the capital.
Of course, as I've said, if we engage in business, we should not dabble in other matters. Focus on making the business side successful. This will also serve as a fallback for Xiao Qi and me. The future is uncertain, and I must consider her. If one day I fall in battle, at least under the plaque of a first-class merit family, no one will dare to trouble her."
Mu Ye remained silent for a moment. He had objected initially, but he couldn't stand against his daughter's genuine affection. He was helpless and had no other choice but to agree.
In fact, he had anticipated such a day.
"I understand your meaning. After I returned to the family, those who were to step down have done so. I established five companies, each managed by family members. However, my largest enterprise is registered under Xiao Qi's name. She is the legal representative and holds the shares. You can rest assured about this.
To put it bluntly, she is not only your wife but also my daughter. Regardless of what happens to you in the future, the Murong family will always be your support."
Ye Longlin smiled. "Dad, please prepare a house for us, a good school district. Next spring, the little girl should be starting school."
Hearing himself addressed as "Dad," Mu Ye grinned. His happiness was genuine, as was his underlying worry.
If Ye Longlin were to fall in battle one day, he couldn't imagine how heartbroken his daughter would be.
This fellow was truly something else.
"Alright. The matters in the capital are mostly settled. What are your plans now?"
Then, Ye Longlin informed him of his intention to go to Chang'an, and Mu Ye nodded in agreement.
"Although your parents are gone, you should still visit your maternal grandfather. I suspect your grandfather believes you are dead. He'll likely be shocked when you return."
Ye Longlin merely smiled. After drinking two cups of tea, Ye Longlin rose and left, not lingering any longer.
Upon returning home, after placing the little one in bed, they began to pack. There wasn't much for them to pack, just essential items into their bags.
The little one, however, had many more things: milk powder, cups, toys, and other miscellaneous items.
Therefore, they planned to take a business van for this trip, as it offered more space and could carry more.
"Are you taking your military uniforms?"
Mu Hanqi turned and asked, unsure if Ye Longlin would bring them. After all, this was a return home in honor.
Ye Longlin paused for a moment. "Yes, let's bring them. After all, after so many years of separation, I want my grandfather to know that I am doing well."
Mu Hanqi walked over and hugged his neck. "Husband, actually, just going back is enough. Let the elder see that his daughter and her bloodline are alive, and that there's even a great-grandchild."