freenovelworld Chapter 2045 Can a fierce tiger withstand a pack of wolves surrounding it, one after another?
Chapter 2045 Can a fierce tiger withstand a pack of wolves surrounding it, one after another?
Inside the room, the air was so stagnant it felt like you could squeeze water out of it.
The cold sweat on Qian Houjin's forehead was no longer just overflowing, but pouring down, soaking his temples and staining the collar of his Zhongshan suit with a dark patch. His Adam's apple bobbed several times, and his chapped lips trembled, but he couldn't squeeze out a single syllable for a long time.
The son, Qian Shenquan, was already pale with fright. His arrogant expression had vanished. He was pressed against the back of the chair, not daring to breathe, and his eyes were filled with terror and pleading as he looked at his father.
“Song… Second Master Song…” Qian Houjin’s voice was terribly hoarse, like a broken bellows being pulled, “Aren’t you… aren’t you trying to kill me! The Shangguan family… they’re like dragons in the sky… they’re elusive and rarely seen… Our Qian family can barely even look up to them… how could we possibly fathom the thoughts of a dragon?”
He struggled to organize his thoughts, desperately trying to say something that would neither offend Song Cijiu nor sever his own connection to the matter.
"As for the other families... I... I arrived early, and I really don't know if they will come, or when they will come! You know, I'm the third oldest in my family, just a messenger and errand boy. Major family matters aren't decided by my eldest brother... or second brother. I'm just someone who takes orders..."
His words pushed his ignorance and low status to the extreme, almost begging Song Cijiu to be lenient and stop pressing him for answers!
He lowered himself so low, his waist bent so low, and his usual smooth smile had been replaced by fear and pleading, leaving only a disheveled and bewildered expression.
Song Cijiu looked at him quietly, her eyes deep and unreadable.
He didn't reply immediately, but picked up his teacup and slowly took another sip. The subtle clinking of the porcelain was exceptionally clear in the deathly silent room, each sound striking Qian Houjin's taut nerves.
This is the overwhelming power that comes from absolute strength and status.
The Qian family might be considered a respectable family among the lower five families. They had some money and connections, and in ordinary situations, Qian Houjin could get by with his reputation as a "smiling tiger."
But in the face of Song Cijiu, and the Song family, which truly possessed profound heritage and was deeply rooted in the heart of the Republic, his meager resources and scheming were like a paper tiger, easily punctured.
All his confidence came from the vague alliance of the Ten Families of Yanjing, which was looming behind him, and the shadowy Shangguan family, which was shrouded in secrecy.
But when Song Cijiu pointed out these behind-the-scenes forces without any mercy and asked him to make a statement, he immediately realized that he had no capital to support himself independently!
To betray the forces behind them?
He dares not!
We can't afford the consequences!
Should we stubbornly resist Song Cijiu?
He doesn't have the guts, nor the weight to back it up!
This despair of being pressured from both sides and caught in a dilemma made him feel cold and powerless from the bottom of his heart.
For the first time, he realized so clearly that in the true arena of top-level competition, he, Qian Houjin, and even the entire Qian family, might just be a pawn that could be sacrificed and pushed out at any time.
"You're just going to drink it?" Song Cijiu finally put down his teacup, his voice cold and knowing. "Qian Laosan, you don't need to whine to me. The fact that you were sent to lead the charge means that in some people's eyes, you're clever and useful enough! I'm making this clear today..."
He leaned forward slightly, his gaze sharp as lightning, locking onto Qian Houjin's flickering eyes.
"The Li family is not a place for you to run wild! Li Xiangnan is a junior valued by my Song family, and a young talent recognized by the Qin, Jiang, and Yu families! Today's wedding banquet is not just attended by members of the Song family! The patriarchs of the Jiang and Yu families are sitting in the main room right now! And Qin Zongheng, the old marshal, is Li Xiangnan's real grandfather-in-law! You should think it over whether it's worth offending so many people at the same time for some underhanded thoughts!"
"Today's wedding banquet is attended by distinguished relatives and friends who genuinely wish us well! If you know what's good for you, just drink a toast and offer your blessings! We, the Song family, can temporarily overlook those petty schemes from before!"
He paused, then his tone suddenly turned sharp, each word like a blast of ice.
"But if there are still people who are courting death and want to take advantage of today to do something underhanded or have any other improper thoughts!"
"Then don't blame me, Song Cijiu, for not giving certain people face! Although my Song family has kept a low profile in recent years, our habit of protecting our own has never changed! When the time comes, we'll settle both old and new scores, and I'm afraid it won't be something you, Qian Laosan, or those people behind you can handle!"
boom!
These words struck Qian Houjin like a thunderclap!
The Jiang family! Jiang Huaiyuan?
The Yu family! Yu Haoran?
The Qin family! Qin Zongheng!
Each word in these names carries immense weight!
They actually all came?
Moreover, judging from Song Cijiu's words, they gathered here in support of the Li family.
Qian Houjin felt a chill run from the soles of his feet straight to the top of his head, as if he had fallen into an ice cave.
He originally thought that the Li family was just a newly rich family that relied on the Qin family's powerful connections and had some medical skills and luck!
But now... the Song family, the Jiang family, the Yu family, three of the top five families have already been eliminated!
Moreover, it is still unknown whether the vanished Mu family supports the Li family!
Except for the Shangguan family, all five families were actually supporters of the Li family!
What a terrifying lineup!
Even if the ten families of Yanjing were united, what would they amount to compared to these four families?
Overwhelmed by immense fear and regret.
Qian Houjin then realized that he, the entire Qian family, and even those behind them might have seriously underestimated Li Xiangnan's power and the Li family's resources!
This pool of water is deeper than I could have imagined!
Song Cijiu's words, combining kindness and severity, conveyed an extremely strong warning!
This not only revealed who was behind the Li family and flexed their muscles, but also gave Qian Houjin a way out.
If you simply attend the wedding banquet, then we'll let bygones be bygones.
Finally, it was a blatant threat: if you dare to make a move, the Song family will not hesitate to tear off the mask of civility and personally intervene, and you will bear the consequences!
Qian Houjin was terrified as he listened, his legs trembling. In particular, the phrase "to settle both old and new scores" immediately made him think that the Li and Song families might have the truth and leverage over the Mu family fire decades ago!
hiss!
As a red capitalist family, the Song family's connections and information network are unfathomable. Who knows just how much they actually control!
"No! Absolutely not!"
With his mind racing, Qian Houjin almost swore to the heavens, his voice trembling with tears, "Second Master Song, you can rest assured! Our Qian family is here today to offer our sincere congratulations! We have absolutely no ulterior motives. I...I will go back...and definitely convey your words to you, relay them exactly as they are! Let the family...and let...and let all the relevant people understand that some thoughts should be cut off as soon as possible, cut off!"
He was truly terrified at this moment. All his missions, observations, and ledgers seemed insignificant in the face of Song Cijiu, this formidable figure, and the forces supporting the Li family, as well as the ensuing thunderous wrath.
Ensuring the safety of the Qian family and myself is the top priority.
Seeing his completely subdued appearance, Song Cijiu knew that the time was right and the purpose of intimidation had been basically achieved.
He composed himself, leaned back in his chair, and said in a slightly calmer tone, "It's good that you understand. After all, today is a joyous occasion, and I don't want to cause any more trouble. You'd better take care of yourself!"
After speaking, he stopped looking at Qian Houjin and turned his gaze to the window, as if he were pondering, giving the other person some space to process and calm down.
But just then, outside the courtyard gate, Cui Xingjian's announcement, with its obvious tremor and broken gong-like tone, once again tore through the air and forcefully poured into everyone's eardrums.
"Yanjing—the Zong family has arrived!"
That sound, like a cold needle, instantly pierced the stagnant air in the room.
Qian Houjin, who was slumped in his chair, suddenly had a complex light flash in his previously lifeless eyes when he heard about the Zong family's son.
There was astonishment, there was surprise, but more than anything, there was a sense of relief and a subtle, distorted excitement!
Upon hearing this, Song Cijiu, who was sitting in the main seat, frowned sharply, a fierce glint flashed in his eyes, and his fingers gripping the teacup tightened abruptly.
Zong family!
Among the five lower-ranked families, this one is the most formidable in both strength and style!
They did indeed arrive!
And it came so quickly!
Qian Houjin subconsciously glanced at Song Cijiu, whose expression was blank but whose aura suddenly turned cold. He then listened to the sudden commotion outside. On his pale face, he couldn't help but slowly draw an arc that was a mixture of relief and dark anticipation.
The water is indeed getting muddier and muddier!
Master Song, you are indeed a fierce tiger guarding the mountain!
But can a fierce tiger withstand a pack of wolves surrounding it, one after another?