Super Soldier in the City
Chapter 899 - 940: Driven to Liang Mountain

Chapter 899: Chapter 940: Driven to Liang Mountain

Everyone had just learned about the benefits that Li Yifei, the "Golden Eagle," could bring to them, and they were all somewhat tempted. However, upon hearing Elder Fourth’s words, their expressions turned somewhat unsightly.

If Xiao Ling’er and Zheng Yuling were both to marry Li Yifei, as long as it wasn’t flaunted excessively, it could still be considered a beautiful tale among these prominent families. But now that Li Yifei was already married, it meant that he couldn’t possibly have a wedding with Xiao Ling’er and Zheng Yuling. Moreover, there was also the woman Su Mengxin. In all of Huaxia, who could compare with Su Mengxin? If Zheng Yuling and Xiao Ling’er were also married off to him, wouldn’t that become a laughingstock?

On the other hand, considering that a woman like Su Mengxin could follow Li Yifei, and she most likely knew he was already married, what did that imply? It could be a very strong signal.

In terms of strength, the Xiao Family and the Zheng Family were still a notch below the Su Family. If they could truly reach a strategic alliance with the Su Family, that would be quite an excellent arrangement, clearly offering more benefits than marrying into the Chen Family or the He Family.

Thus, the Xiao Family and the Zheng Family were now in a dilemma. A single controversy had caused such a headache for the four major families, an unimaginable affair.

Li Yifei was at this moment having dinner with the Su Family’s patriarch, as well as Su Mengxin and Su Mengfei.

During the meal, it was like an ordinary family dinner; the patriarch said nothing. However, after the meal, he called Li Yifei into his study, and as soon as they entered the study, the patriarch suddenly heaved a sigh.

Li Yifei was somewhat surprised and said, "Patriarch, we don’t have to start with this routine, do we?"

The patriarch shook his head and said, "Yifei, I want to discuss some serious matters with you today. Put away that flippant smile."

Seeing the patriarch’s solemn expression, Li Yifei felt that the patriarch was unusual today and seemed to have important matters to discuss with him. Then, no longer provoking the patriarch as he had done in the past, he sat down respectfully and said, "Go ahead."

The patriarch nodded satisfactorily. The way Li Yifei was now, almost resembled his time as a soldier. That’s when the patriarch spoke, "Yifei, I’ve decided that I will no longer concern myself with the affairs of our clan."

"Why?" Li Yifei’s eyes widened in astonishment. He was still expecting the patriarch to take control of the situation, and now abruptly, the man was thinking of throwing in the towel.

The patriarch gestured, and Li Yifei quickly understood, lighting a cigarette for the patriarch.

After taking a couple of puffs, the patriarch said, "In the past, I labored tirelessly for the prosperity of our clan, always thinking about how to better develop it. But as I moved higher up the ranks, I felt the burden on my shoulders grow heavier, and what I carried was not just the responsibility of the clan but also that of a nation, the responsibility of the entire Huaxia, and I couldn’t forsake the greater good for the sake of my own family."

Li Yifei stared blankly at the patriarch, unsure what to say.

The patriarch then smiled faintly and continued, "Perhaps this differs from you. You were once in the military, devoted entirely to the service of the military and the country. But after you left, you must pay more attention to your family. But I am different from you; I bear too many responsibilities, and they are too heavy. If I were to look out solely for the interests of my clan without regard for the rest, I wouldn’t deserve my position. That’s why, over recent years, I’ve seldom interfered in the clan’s affairs, preferring instead that they develop on their own."

Li Yifei watched the patriarch intently, suddenly feeling that the old man was indeed worthy of admiration. Compared with the patriarch, he realized his own level was too low.

"Actually, having been in this position for so many years, I feel that our family’s way of doing business is no longer suitable for the development of society. Once a family has power, it will use that power to make arrangements for its members. Many of these people lack significant abilities yet hold high positions, posing a very troublesome issue for our country’s development. And yet, these major families are deeply entrenched and cannot be easily disentangled. The country has no choice but to tacitly acknowledge their existence, but internally, there is a growing disapproval of such families."

Li Yifei was startled and said, "Patriarch, it can’t be that serious, can it?"

"There’s no need for me to scare you. I know you also want to create a space for your own family, but I must remind you not to go too far. Being too prominent isn’t good. Ensuring that your family lives a decent life is enough. Let your children struggle for themselves. If everything is arranged for them, they’ll grow accustomed to waiting for handouts and lack the drive to advance. Even the most talented can become mediocre."

After a pause, the patriarch added, "Wealth does not pass three generations; this is the wisdom handed down from our elders. It may seem like a joke, and indeed some families have lasted many years, but consider the immense hardships required for those that truly endure, as well as the need for a strong leader in every generation. Such a leader must not only be talented and capable but also firm, decisive, and able to contain the family to prevent it from falling apart."

"To give you the simplest example, consider the emperors throughout history. Even the most sagacious rulers faced brutal succession struggles after their death. It is the same with families. When you’re gone, your descendants will vie for control, leading to a series of conflicts. In our clans, this is an inevitable occurrence with every change of clan chief, else a major family would dissect."

Li Yifei listened, a chill running down his spine. He understood all too well what the patriarch was saying.

The patriarch smiled faintly and said, "Doesn’t it sound like such a major family is not what you’re looking for?"

Li Yifei nodded and said with a wry smile, "Yeah, if it really turned out that way, it would be better not to have it at all."

"Yeah, but how many people can see through that? A person’s lifetime is always spent trying to make it more splendid. How many are content to just take things as they come and live a simple life? Especially you—you’ve now reached this point, and even if you wanted to live plainly, you wouldn’t be able to."

"Grandpa, what should I do now?" Li Yifei asked the old man for advice with unprecedented humility.

The old man showed a look of appreciation and said, "My suggestion to you is that you can continue to strive and build up your family."

Li Yifei expressed his confusion immediately, "Didn’t you say building a family doesn’t have much benefit?"

The old man laughed out loud and said, "Creating good conditions for your family and for your children is not wrong. But my advice is at least to stay out of the officialdom, to not cut through all that red tape. As long as you have enough influence, the government will serve you. You don’t have to control everything yourself."

"But... that doesn’t sound very reliable. Talking about service, it all feels quite hollow to me."

"That’s true. In the past, we had an official-centric mindset; those in office always acted big. But haven’t you noticed the current leaders? They have intensified their efforts and increased restrictions on officials. They are trying to bring back the idea that being an official is to serve the people. Although this task is challenging, you should be able to see that it has become more effective. Officials can no longer flaunt their power as before. If they displease the common people and get complained about, it might not necessarily cost them their office, but at the very least, they will be dealt with."

Li Yifei nodded and said, "I’ve noticed that."

"So, in the future, you can make money and expand your business. If you bring them enough performance, they will naturally serve you. Additionally, I have another task for you."

"What task?" Li Yifei felt this task might not be easy.

"That is to become the biggest family."

Li Yifei’s eyes widened in shock, "Grandpa, I’m completely confused."

"Haha, it’s simple. I want you to become the biggest family and then dissolve this family. Set an example for all the other families, encouraging them to dissolve as well."

Li Yifei’s eyes widened even further, and after a long while, he finally gave a wry smile and said, "Old man, your idea is really too crazy. Then why don’t you dissolve the Su Family? It seems like the Su Family has quite a strong influence too."

The old man sighed and said, "I’ve thought about that, but the Su Family’s influence is still not enough. Other families are even stronger than ours. Besides, the Su Family is entrenched in complexities; it’s not something that can just be dissolved with a word. That’s why I need a simpler family to do this."

Li Yifei rolled his eyes and said, "But somehow, I always feel that I’m getting the short end of the stick."

The old man chuckled and said, "Isn’t life all about the struggle? What significance is there in the actual result? In the end, doesn’t it all just burn to ashes? Today I tell you these things because, in the future, when you’re older and your children have grown up, to see them fighting over power within the family, causing discord among your women, then you will realize that having nothing is a kind of happiness."

Li Yifei cracked a smile. He couldn’t really argue against that. He wasn’t a child. He believed he could keep his women in harmony forever, but once women have children, most of their thoughts will shift to their offspring, especially as they get older, this concern becomes more pronounced.

"Yifei, you’re a smart man. Many things don’t need to be spelled out for you to understand. Besides, time will prove whether I’m right or wrong. Now, let’s talk about the problem we face at the moment. I can’t step in this time, but the Su Family will have someone to help coordinate and make sure you marry the girls from the Xiao and Zheng Families."

Li Yifei gave a bitter smile, "After hearing you say that, I’m not so interested in establishing a family anymore."

"Haha... You don’t have an option unless you don’t want Mengxin, don’t want Xiao Ling’er, don’t want Zheng Yuling, don’t want Ning Xin’er, don’t want Ye Yunzhu. Otherwise, you can only grit your teeth and go through with it."

Li Yifei sighed, "Suddenly, I feel as if I’m being forced up to Liang Mountain, like I’ve been shanghaied onto a pirate ship." He now understood. Setting up a family wasn’t such fun after all.

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