Chapter 95

In the study, there was complete silence. From the eldest to the third branch of the Shangguan family, from the head of the household, Shangguan Ruomeng, to the managers of each branch, and down to the accountants, all were drenched in sweat and trembling.

They knew that Feng Jueyu's words were not exaggerated. If someone had planned to scheme against the Shangguan family's assets from the beginning, and even intended to harm the Shangguan household, the recent incidents were indeed a meticulously planned layout. They had dug a trap long ago, waiting for the Shangguan family to fall into it, leading to their complete ruin. The depth and toxicity of the plan were shocking.

However, what Feng Jueyu said was not absolute. These intricate plans required a premise: that someone truly intended to set up a scheme against the Shangguan family, which would make Feng Jueyu's conjecture valid.

Therefore, even though everyone agreed with Feng Jueyu's arguments, they still remained in the realm of conjecture.

Tong Shengyue frowned and thought for a moment before countering, "Do you have any evidence? Father is loyal to the southern region and has achieved great accomplishments, contributing to the country. Why would the Emperor target the Shangguan family? As for the Xu family, Xu Lao once fought alongside Father in the north and south, and they have a deep bond. Would he harm the Shangguan family?"

Everyone nodded in agreement, and Feng Jueyu chuckled, "Of course, there is no evidence; otherwise, I wouldn't have joined everyone in analyzing it. As for whether the Emperor will target the Shangguan family, I don't know, but I have heard a saying: 'Accompanying the emperor is like accompanying a tiger,' and another one: 'Great achievements overshadow the master.' As for who Xu Liefeng is, I am not clear, but I can say one thing: 'Great trees attract the wind,' and another: 'One must not lack the heart to guard against others.'"

He spoke slowly and calmly, as if the imminent crisis of the Shangguan family had nothing to do with him. Or perhaps some felt that when he spoke, he was not afraid at all, but rather had a plan in mind, as if he had already seen through everything and was making strategic decisions.

Adding to his previous analysis of the chamber of commerce election, everyone was surprised. These were traits that had never been seen in Feng Jueyu before. Was he really that smart?

Carefully pondering Feng Jueyu's words, the managers of each branch nodded. Indeed, what this young man said made sense.

Accompanying the emperor is like accompanying a tiger, and great achievements overshadow the master. Who knows what the Emperor is thinking?

Great trees attract the wind. The Shangguan family has earned a fortune and gained a reputation far and wide, with a golden monument inscribed with "Civil officials dismount from their carriages, military officials dismount from their horses" in front of their house. Isn't this exactly what it means to attract the wind?

One must not lack the heart to guard against others. If the Shangguan family feels secure and does not set up defenses, and something happens, wouldn't they be caught off guard, risking their reputation and the destruction of their family?

Combining this with Feng Jueyu's previous analysis, everyone realized that if his conjecture was wrong, it would be fine; but if it were true, the Shangguan family would truly be in an irredeemable situation.

Everyone raised their heads, and the expressions in their eyes had changed dramatically. They all thought that the son-in-law of the Shangguan household was incompetent, but was this really incompetence?

It was a joke. Just based on his comprehensive and thorough analysis, calling him a strategist would not be an exaggeration.

Could this be the legendary "great wisdom appears as foolishness"?

Shangguan Ruomeng had not spoken, carefully listening to Feng Jueyu's analysis. After reflecting, she found that his words made a lot of sense, and she, like the others, began to look at Feng Jueyu differently.

In fact, over the past two days, due to the Huairen Hall incident, Shangguan Ruomeng had not returned home often. But whenever she had free time, she would inexplicably think of Feng Jueyu. She found this sudden and persistent thought strange and could not explain why.

But today, she finally realized that every time she spoke or interacted with Feng Jueyu, his impression on her deepened. By now, even if she wanted to forget him, she couldn't.

His logical arguments and detailed analysis left everyone speechless, and they were both curious and puzzled.

Tong Shengyue, the initiator of this event, felt that even though she thought Feng Jueyu's words were reasonable, she did not want to be convinced in public. Seeing that the others were beginning to lean towards Feng Jueyu's arguments, she felt a bit annoyed, blaming him for ruining her plans. She retorted, "Since it's just a guess without any real evidence, talking more is pointless. Anyway, I think the best way to protect the Shangguan household is to withdraw from this whirlpool as soon as possible. We can even leave the southern city, so that even if it's the Emperor..."

She did not finish her sentence, and Shangguan Lingyun coldly interrupted, "I said the Shangguan household cannot leave the southern city. I don't want to say it a third time."

Being reprimanded by Shangguan Lingyun several times in front of the younger generation, Tong Shengyue finally lost her composure and shouted, "What should we do then? Now we can neither advance nor retreat. If what Xiao Yu said is true, isn't the Shangguan family just sitting here waiting to die? Even if those are just guesses, our chances of winning the election are slim, and we will end up in a dead end. I don't care; I insist on redirecting the Shangguan family's assets elsewhere. I won't take a single silver coin, and I won't..."

Shangguan Lingyun unexpectedly did not get angry this time but glared angrily at his third daughter-in-law and then asked Feng Jueyu, "Xiao Yu, since you have analyzed it so thoroughly, do you have a solution?"

Finally, the question was on point. Feng Jueyu chuckled, having been holding back all night, afraid that he wouldn't be asked.

He stood up and snapped his fingers, "Of course, I do."

Everyone's eyes lit up. This young man's performance tonight was almost divine. Seeing his confident demeanor, they thought he might really have a solution. They listened intently.

"Let's hear it," Shangguan Lingyun smiled, genuinely. He didn't believe that Feng Jueyu had the talent of a strategist, but he knew that Feng Jueyu had a capable person behind him, and perhaps these words were from that person.

Feng Jueyu said, "Since we can't determine if someone is targeting the Shangguan family, we need to make two plans to be safe."

"How do we make two plans?" Shangguan Ruomeng asked, eager to see Feng Jueyu's performance, just like at Zhang Changling's house, wondering if he would surprise everyone again.

Feng Jueyu said, "The two plans mean considering all factors that are不利 to us and coming up with a solution that benefits both sides. Since not being the head of the chamber of commerce has no disadvantages, and being the head is fraught with danger, we don't need to think about it. What we really care about is the person above us. We just need to make him afraid to move against us, and all problems will be solved."

Shangguan Ruomeng laughed, "Feng Brother, just say it directly. Don't keep us in suspense."

Shangguan Lingyun also felt more relaxed. He didn't know why, but the more he looked at this young man, the more he felt at ease, as if his smile could solve all the world's problems.

Feng Jueyu said, "It depends on what we do. Grandfather, please forgive me for keeping it a secret, but I can't reveal it yet."

"What?" Everyone was furious. After all this talk, he cut off at the crucial moment. What kind of thing is this?

"Xiao Yu, this is a serious matter. Everyone here is an elder of the Shangguan family and can be trusted. Why can't you say it?" Shangguan Tengfeng was anxious, as the Shangguan family's affairs were too important.

Feng Jueyu smiled, thinking, "This young master's top-quality golden wound medicine hasn't even been sold yet, so I need to keep it mysterious. Besides, you trust them, but I don't. What if there's a spy here? Talking about the Emperor is already a capital offense, and you want to know everything about me? No such luck."

He said, "Uncle, my plan requires flexibility to achieve the best results, so the fewer people who know, the better. However..."

To avoid being accused, Feng Jueyu quickly added, "If you give me three days and 30,000 silver coins, I can guarantee that the Shangguan family won't have to worry about the chamber of commerce and won't fall into an irredeemable situation."

"More silver coins?" Everyone was even more upset. He hadn't finished talking and was already asking for money, 30,000 silver coins. What are you trying to do, take advantage of the situation?

Indeed, Feng Jueyu was taking advantage of the situation. Hearing that 30,000 silver coins could be used, he saw an opportunity and asked for the money.

Shangguan Lingyun frowned and asked, "Xiao Yu, this is no joke. Are you serious?"

"More serious than gold and silver," Feng Jueyu spread his hands, "If you don't give me the money, I won't help."

Shangguan Lingyun thought for a moment, suspecting that a powerful figure was involved. Thinking about Shangguan Ruofan's progress in swordsmanship, he said, "Alright, I trust you."

Hearing this, Tong Shengyue immediately objected, "No, this young man's words are baseless. If we give him the silver, who knows where he will use it? No..."

"Shengyue, who is in charge of this family, you or me?" Shangguan Lingyun said, displeased.

Tong Shengyue trembled, still fearing her father-in-law. Seeing Shangguan Lingyun's anger, she was frightened.

At this moment, Feng Jueyu walked to Tong Shengyue's side, leaned in, and whispered a few words. Then he smiled and said, "Third Aunt, what do you think?"

Tong Shengyue's expression suddenly changed from委屈 and helpless to one of intense joy, "Is what you said true?"

"Of course, it's true," Feng Jueyu said, squinting his eyes in a smile.

"Alright, I'll give you 10,000 silver coins. If it's not enough, I can give you another 10,000..."