(These days, Yuewen is blocking Chapters on a large scale, regardless of the book, causing Chapter chaos. Clearing the cache resolves this issue. Thank you for your understanding.)
After leaving Zhao Guosheng’s office, Luo Ziling prepared to meet with Wang Guoguo.
He was certain that Wang Guoguo would be waiting for him somewhere.
He planned to talk to Wang Guoguo first and then find Li Haiyang.
Coming to the compound, not speaking with Li Haiyang would be impolite.
Unexpectedly, as soon as he left Zhao Guosheng’s office, he was stopped by Li Haiyang’s new secretary.
Li Haiyang’s new secretary intercepted him ahead of Wang Guoguo, saying Li Haiyang wanted to see him.
So, without meeting Wang Guoguo, Luo Ziling followed the young lieutenant to Li Haiyang’s office.
"It feels like if I didn’t send someone to intercept you, I might not have been able to meet you today!" Li Haiyang said with a laugh as Luo Ziling entered, "Isn’t that right?"
Luo Ziling replied with a smile, "No matter what, coming to the compound definitely means finding the elder to chat, unless the elder is not here."
"You’re still the best," Li Haiyang laughed, "Seeing how busy you’ve been lately, I thought you wouldn’t come!"
"Actually, the main reason I came today is to consult with you on a few things!"
"Oh?!" Li Haiyang was a bit surprised by Luo Ziling’s words, "What do you want to discuss with me?"
"A lot of things I’d like to discuss, elder!" Luo Ziling said a bit shyly, "There have been many developments lately, Lin Lan and Wu Xiao have started working with me, and I hope to gain more retired fighters from Dragon Rise, so I’d like to chat with you."
"You’ve been very busy lately, and still have the mind to handle so many things?" Li Haiyang was somewhat surprised.
"Indeed very busy. Every day I’m occupied without knowing exactly what I’m doing!" Luo Ziling said with embarrassment, "First I visited the Fang Family, then had a meal with the Yang Family, and after visiting both families, I went to see my grandfather and great-grandfather. Last night, I had dinner at Wang Zhengqiang’s house. Haha, in others’ eyes, I look like I’m mooching off meals at these big shots’ homes every day, living quite glamorously."
"Isn’t it glamorous?" Li Haiyang looked at Luo Ziling with a playful expression, "I think there are few people in the world who can be as glamorous as you? No matter which prestigious family, you come and go freely. Even if there are people like you, there aren’t many."
"Elder, you might be considered a bystander, and you have a clearer perspective on these matters than we do. Hence, I’d like to hear your thoughts!" Luo Ziling said sincerely, "Although I can understand some things, it’s impossible to see through everything clearly. Previously, I would often exchange opinions with you. But now that you’re stationed in the military compound, it’s not easy to reach you. Coming here this rare time, I just wanted to chat and hear your opinions."
Luo Ziling’s high regard for him made Li Haiyang quite happy.
Without holding back, Li Haiyang asked Luo Ziling some questions and then shared his opinions.
"One point that’s actually easy to understand is that the Fang Family, Yang Family, and Ling Family want to join forces against the Chen Family. They’ve almost reached a consensus, and the separate dinner invitations they extended to you explicitly express one thing: you have formed an alliance. Making this clear aims to ensure that those slow to react stand in the right camp quickly and don’t make a mistake. Also, they wish to eliminate any misunderstandings with you, to avoid any mishaps later."
At this point, Li Haiyang smiled before continuing, "If I’m not mistaken, the one most eager to act against the Chen Family should be your grandfather!"
"Why does elder think so?"
"There are several reasons: firstly, because the Chen Family has been fighting against your mother and you the most, and as your mother’s father, your grandfather wants to make a point. Of course, your grandfather certainly won’t admit this reason. Another reason is that your grandfather wants everyone to know that the Ling Family is the most influential large family, and the Chen Family has been problematic for the Ling Family, leading to their own doom. Additionally, your grandfather wants to secure more benefits and ensure other families don’t take more." Li Haiyang paused, picked up his teacup, and took a sip.
After drinking tea, he continued, "Moreover, another reason is your grandfather knows the Chen Family’s actions are largely due to your mother and you, and the Chen Family is targeting you. Therefore, he can’t allow you to be troubled while he and the Ling Family do nothing; otherwise, he loses face and his prestige."
"Elder’s thoughts are truly spot-on, I haven’t thought about it in such complex ways!" Luo Ziling smiled bitterly, "It seems every matter should be considered from different angles; otherwise, it’s impossible to understand things clearly."
Li Haiyang also smiled, then said, "Certainly, there’s even deeper stuff in this. Some aspects I’m unclear about, but you understand, so I won’t elaborate. In this situation, the Yang and Fang Families being friendly and expressing their stance through you is very understandable. After all, they also won’t give up opportunities to grab a share of the benefits."
Luo Ziling pondered a bit, unable to understand what Li Haiyang was trying to convey.
But he didn’t ask, knowing Li Haiyang would continue explaining.
Li Haiyang certainly wouldn’t stop so soon; having someone he could candidly talk with, wouldn’t stop halfway.
"In any case, many now feel that the Yang, Fang, and Ling Families want to act against the Chen Family, and many originally part of the Chen Faction have started seeking alternatives. Our co-resident Zhou Rongsheng has gained many more grey hairs these days!" Li Haiyang smiled meaningfully at this point.
"As I left General Zhao’s office, I ran into him at the door," Luo Ziling recounted, "General Zhou came over to greet me and mentioned he wasn’t feeling well, hoping I could help treat him."
"Didn’t expect him to be so proactive, quite unexpected!" Li Haiyang’s expression was even more playful.
Without waiting for Luo Ziling to say anything, Li Haiyang continued, "In the coming months, there will be turbulent times in Yanjing. It will also be a reshuffling period, and the outcome of the reshuffle is hard to predict. However, barring any anomalies, the Ling Family’s prestige will rise even more. And you both will benefit accordingly. However, compared to your input, the gains might not be as plentiful unless you can truly control Chen Yining, then you’d be the biggest winners."
Li Haiyang was aware of their dealings with Chen Yining, which didn’t surprise Luo Ziling.
His visits to Chen Yining were to let others know that Chen Yining would cooperate with them.
Wanting to join forces with Chen Yining against Chen Ruchang and Chen Yijing—though simple and straightforward—could yield results in a short term.
Overall, it should be more beneficial than detrimental, which is why Luo Ziling took these actions.
Of course, negotiating cooperation with Chen Yining without others finding out is almost impossible.