Clan Leader Yi sighed helplessly, "This matter must be traced back to ten days ago, when the half of the treasure map found its way into the hands of the Yi family. Knowing that the Yi family was not capable of guarding the treasure map, I discussed it with the clan mbers, planning to seek an alliance."
"We approached the Yan family, one of the three major families in Hejian Prefecture, but the Yan family, relying on their formidable power, seized the treasure map from us. This would have been fine, we thought Yi family simply didn’t have the fortune to enjoy it. But who would have thought the Yan family, having obtained the map themselves, would spread rumors outside that the map was still within the Yi Mansion, causing people to swarm after us. Recently, the Yi family has continually closed its doors to visitors due to this, utterly exhausted by dealing with the situation!"
Tears stread down Yi Lanshan’s face as he spoke of the heartache of losing the treasure map and the resentnt towards the despicable Yan family for forcing them down a dead-end road.
Yi Lanwen, the second brother of Clan Leader Yi standing nearby, also expressed his unbearable anger, "Brother! The Yan family really bullies us too much. They want us to take the bla, and pitifully, they’ve pushed us to the brink, not knowing how much longer we can hold out!"
The other two elders of the Yi family present also felt sorrowful and regretted not having made the right choice back then.
They were busy cursing the Yan family’s despicability and shalessness while lanting that they should not have coveted the treasure map in the first place.
Gu Chengyu twitched his lips, cursing inwardly, a little Oscar belongs to you!
Lu Chen couldn’t help but furrow his brow as well; Clan Leader Yi wanted to completely disclaim responsibility for the matter.
He glanced at Gu Chengyu, whose face was empathetically enraged, and couldn’t help but feel amused.
That Clan Leader Yi bullied the fresh-faced one, not realizing that this person was even more cunning than the Clan Leader Yi.
"So, does this an the treasure map has been taken by the Yan family?" Gu Chengyu’s expression darkened slightly, still showing signs of anger on his face.
"Indeed! Sir, didn’t the Yan family visit you yesterday? That old scoundrel wanted to act ahead of the Yi family and redirect trouble eastward. His deception of you is truly unforgivable."
Yi Lanshan clenched his fist and spoke through gritted teeth.
"The Yan family is indeed abominable!" Gu Chengyu nodded in agreent.
Clan Leader Yi couldn’t help scrutinizing Gu Chengyu, doubting whether he was truly the imperial envoy sent by the Emperor. How was he so easily deceived?
"But how can I be sure what you say is true?" Gu Chengyu’s eyes narrowed slightly, the anger on his face had now llowed into calmness.
Yi Lanshan observed Gu Chengyu’s deanor, feeling a bit uneasy.
He had previously thought the envoy would be easy to deceive, but now Gu Chengyu’s behavior was making him question that notion.
"What I said is entirely true, I ask the officer to see clearly!" Yi Lanshan’s face was full of grief and anger, yet helpless.
"Yes! Officer, how could we dare deceive you? During this period, because of the treasure map, the mansion has suffered considerable losses. It is a pity that those people, however, sharpen their heads, want to break in; we truly are in a miserable state."
Yi Lanwen’s square face conveyed a sense of noble righteousness.
Unfortunately, Gu Chengyu would not be fooled by appearances; he had sent people to investigate. Since that half a treasure map entered the Yi Mansion, no one had the capability to take it away.
As they chatted, unknowingly, more than an hour had passed.
"Master, it’s already noon, should we prepare the banquet?"
Suddenly a steward entered from outside, approached Yi Lanshan, and whispered by his ear.
Gu Chengyu picked up his tea bowl, covering his slightly curved lips.
Yi Lanshan glanced at the unmoved Gu Chengyu and secretly grew anxious.
The al hour had arrived, but this guest remained seated, apparently refusing to leave.
Gu Chengyu noticed the brief flash of urgency on Yi Lanshan’s face, which quickly disappeared, causing him to secretly disdain.
Clan Leader Yi’s earlier narrative seed so tragically miserable, yet since he ca today, he wouldn’t leave until he achieved his objective.
Regardless of the Yi family’s previous grievances or ambitions, he only cared about his own needs.
He wanted a promotion, and to achieve that, he must bring back the treasure map.
"Officer! It’s now noon, the mansion has prepared a banquet, and we kindly invite you to honor us with your presence!"
Yi Lanshan, although extrely reluctant inside, knew saying nothing would be too disrespectful.
Gu Chengyu remained, and they had to accompany him, couldn’t just chase him away.
"Oh! Didn’t realize how quickly the ti passed, Clan Leader Yi is indeed courteous."
Gu Chengyu finally reacted, suddenly realizing.
Yi Lanshan watched Gu Chengyu stand up, believing he was about to take his leave, feeling secretly pleased.
"Since Clan Leader Yi’s invitation is sincere, I accept with thick-skinned compliance."
The other Yi clan mbers couldn’t help but collectively twist their mouths; Mr. Gu certainly was shaless.
Gu Chengyu had deliberately chosen this ti to co, precisely to ensure he could stay. Naturally, he wasn’t about to leave.
"Co, co! Quickly, pour wine for Mr. Gu."
The table was filled with mouthwatering delicacies, yet the people kept pouring Gu Chengyu wine, with only a few dishes eaten.
Lu Chen watched anxiously from behind, but as a re servant, he could only stand aside and watch.
Gu Chengyu drank one cup after another, accepting every toast from the Yi family mbers without refusal.
Seeing Gu Chengyu’s eyes gradually turn dazed, a red blush like a sunset appeared on his face, Lu Chen felt a sinking feeling in his heart.
What was Gu Chengyu doing? Previously, before visiting the Yi Mansion, Gu Chengyu had only said to act according to circumstances.
Yet the current scene wasn’t sothing Gu Chengyu had inford him about beforehand. Typically, Gu Chengyu wouldn’t be so reckless, right?
"Mr. Gu’s capacity is truly impressive, we all concede!" Yi Lanshan chuckled, his mind hatching a plan.
He had just had a flash of inspiration, considering getting Gu Chengyu drunk as an idea.
Recently, a nephew had died in the mansion, and his nephew’s wife was observing mourning for her deceased husband.
If these two were consummated, Gu Chengyu, for his reputation, would have to ally with the Yi family.
Yi Lanshan felt guilty and a bit pitying towards his nephew’s wife. But for the sake of the Yi family, such a sacrifice seed minor.
Besides, Mr. Gu was an official of the court, now well favored by the Emperor, and was handso and dignified, not disgraceful to his nephew’s wife.
Yi Lanshan made a resolution, deciding to make it happen.
Later, provide extra support to the Third Branch; after all, their current life wasn’t going well.
With the legitimate eldest grandson gone, leaving no heir or child. The Third Branch had only one legitimate son, so what use was a re illegitimate son?
The third wife’s nephew-in-law also disliked the nephew’s wife, thinking she cursed her husband to death with a hard fate.
Considering this, Yi Lanshan viewed this as his nephew’s wife’s best option.
Following Mr. Gu, even if not recognized as the legitimate wife, being a concubine was better than staying ho in widowhood.
As for whether Gu Chengyu would take the bait, Yi Lanshan wasn’t concerned.
Once Gu Chengyu was drunk, he planned to place nephew’s wife Niu on his bed; would Gu Chengyu refuse?
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