The news about Wei Qianyuan's xử lý spread like wildfire that day.
First, it sent shockwaves through the East Sea's official circles, then through the Dragon Triangle and even the entire South Half Nation's establishment, and indeed, the whole Dragon Country's high society was shaken!
This was because Wei Qianyuan was a rising star in the South Half Nation's establishment, renowned far and wide. His downfall was beyond anyone's expectations!
The vast majority of officials who were unaware of the inside story were utterly shocked upon hearing the news.
As for the few who were privy to the details, their shock, along with that of others in various high-society sectors, stemmed from a different point: After the incident at the East Sea Hotel, the Li family not only did nothing to Jiang Wuming but even assisted him in bringing down Wei Qianyuan!
Why would the Li family do such a thing?
After the shock subsided, almost everyone secretly asked themselves this question.
...
Jinling.
The compound of the Military's Eastern Theater Command.
A car with an East Sea license plate was parked outside General Building No. 3. Ye Rui and his cousin Wang Zhisheng alighted from the vehicle.
This was Ye Rui's first time returning home after taking up his post in the East Sea, and Wang Zhisheng had accompanied him.
Upon entering, Ye Rui and Wang Zhisheng found only Wang Hong at home.
Wang Hong, dressed in casual home wear, was sitting on the sofa, engrossed in her phone.
"Mom."
"Aunt."
Ye Rui and Wang Zhisheng greeted Wang Hong.
"Ye Rui, you and Zhisheng change your slippers and wash your hands. Your father will be here soon, and we'll be ready to eat," Wang Hong said, putting away her phone and standing up.
"Okay."
Ye Rui replied. His gaze fell upon the dining table, where six dishes, one soup, two bottles of high-end baijiu, and one bottle of red wine were already laid out.
Knowing that Ye Rui and Wang Zhisheng were returning, Wang Hong had specially prepared the meal. However, she hadn't cooked it herself but had arranged for a nanny to do so.
Wang Hong had worked in the military's cultural unit her entire career, dealing only with musical scores and having no knowledge of recipes. She had hardly ever cooked.
As Wang Hong had said, Ye Wentao soon returned home.
"Dad, Wei Qianyuan was demoted by three levels because of Jiang Wuming. Do you know about this?"
After dinner began, Ye Rui had a drink with Ye Wentao and then couldn't help but ask.
Upon hearing Ye Rui's words, Wang Zhisheng quickly turned his gaze to Ye Wentao.
He and Ye Rui had learned of this matter at noon that day and had been discussing it all the way back, but they hadn't come to any conclusion.
Even now, they still didn't understand why Jiang Wuming could bring down Wei Qianyuan, nor why the Li family would help Jiang Wuming!
"Wh-what? That Wei family kid was demoted by three levels by Jiang Wuming?!"
Before Ye Wentao could speak, Wang Hong exclaimed with a look of utter disbelief.
She was unaware of this matter, but she knew that Wei Qianyuan was a representative figure of the younger generation in the Wei family and a rising star in the South Half Nation's establishment.
She couldn't imagine how such an outstanding young man could have his career ruined by Jiang Wuming!
From the first moment she met Jiang Wuming, she had held a prejudice against him, or rather, she had completely looked down on him.
Even after the incident at the East Sea Hotel, she had specifically called Ye Wentao to boast about her keen judgment of people – Jiang Wuming was no good, not worth Ye Wentao's help, and certainly not worthy of returning to the Ye family!
"I've heard."
Ye Wentao's chopsticks paused for a moment as he replied to Ye Rui.
"What did Jiang Wuming do? What capabilities does he have to ruin the Wei family kid's career?"
This time, before Ye Rui and Wang Zhisheng could even ask, Wang Hong questioned with an incredulous expression.
Yes.
Even though Ye Wentao's words confirmed what Ye Rui had just said, she still found the matter unbelievable, even absurd!
"From what I heard, Wei Qianyuan sought revenge on Jiang Wuming for the incident at the East Sea Hotel, attempting to cause trouble for Tianyao Group. As a result, Jiang Wuming caught him in a mistake and used the influence of the Qin family and his father in the Ministry of Martial Arts to threaten the cancellation of Tianyao Group. This prompted the Ministry of Martial Arts to pressure the East Sea authorities, resulting in a disciplinary action against Wei Qianyuan."
Wang Zhisheng hesitated for a moment before relaying the information he had heard.
"Logically, after something like the East Sea Hotel incident, the Li family should have done something to Jiang Wuming. Instead, not only did the Li family do nothing, but they actually helped Jiang Wuming deal with Wei Qianyuan. This is too strange!"
Ye Rui picked up the conversation, looking at his father Ye Wentao with utter bewilderment, "Dad, do you know what's going on here?"
"It is said that the qi and blood medication produced by Tianyao Group is of the highest quality in this era. The Li family likely doesn't want to lose this business."
Ye Wentao offered his opinion.
Although he served in the Military's Eastern Theater Command, he knew a lot about the martial arts world, especially the Ministry of Martial Arts, including some information about Tianyao Group.
"I've considered that, but I feel there's more to it."
Ye Rui said thoughtfully. Seeing Ye Wentao, Wang Hong, and Wang Zhisheng looking at him, he continued, "I suspect that besides considering the business of Tianyao Group, the Li family is also employing a 'retreat to advance' strategy!"
"What do you mean?"
Wang Zhisheng was a bit confused. Ye Rui hadn't said this on the way back.
"I believe the Li family and Jiang Wuming have reached an agreement. The Li family helps Jiang Wuming, and in return, Jiang Wuming must not disrupt Tianyao Group's business, and simultaneously cancel his engagement with Li Lianyi!" Ye Rui stated his deduction.
"Isn't that obvious?"
Upon hearing Ye Rui's words, Wang Hong sneered. "How could the Li family possibly let that Jiang Wuming become their son-in-law? Moreover, that's Li Lianyi, the woman who even captivated your cousin Ye Feng!"
"Let's eat."
Ye Wentao took a sip of wine, unwilling to continue the discussion.
His reason told him that based on Jiang Wuming's performance at the East Sea Hotel that day, if the Li family truly wanted to break off the engagement, Jiang Wuming would absolutely not drag it out!
After all, Jiang Wuming didn't even seem to put the Ye family in his eyes – compared to the Ye family, the Li family's status in the Dragon Country was somewhat inferior!
...
Southwest, Medicine God Valley.
In his residence, Li Guyi concluded his phone call with Li Shanglai.
Li Shanglai had reported the process of Jiang Wuming's revenge on Wei Qianyuan to Li Guyi, including some details.
Even though Li Guyi was renowned as the foremost physician of his time, held an supreme position in the Dragon Country, and had weathered countless storms, his expression changed several times as he listened to Li Shanglai's report.
After the call ended, Li Guyi pondered for a moment, then got up, left his study, and went to find Li Lianyi.
"Grandpa, you're here earlier than I expected."
Li Lianyi was reading in her study. Seeing Li Shanglai enter, she put down the medical book she was holding and stood up to greet him.
"It seems Li Shanglai called you first before calling me to report," Li Guyi said, taken aback, and then realized something.
Li Lianyi gently shook her head. "No, after Uncle Shanglai called you, he called me. But when I answered, I didn't let him talk about Jiang Wuming's revenge on Wei Qianyuan."
"Oh? Why?"
Li Guyi was somewhat surprised.
From their previous conversation, he knew that Li Lianyi had a very good impression and high evaluation of Jiang Wuming, and had been keeping track of his movements.
Under such circumstances, Li Lianyi should have been interested in the process of Jiang Wuming's revenge on Wei Qianyuan!
"The result is the best process."
Li Lianyi said calmly. "I knew the outcome before this matter even happened, so I'm not interested in the process."
"Lianyi, according to Li Shanglai, Jiang Wuming was in control of everything throughout the entire process of retaliating against Wei Qianyuan, even anticipating the reactions of Wei Qianyuan, the Wei family, and the East Sea authorities. It was as if everything was a script he had written!"
Although Li Lianyi claimed not to be interested in the process, Li Guyi couldn't help but say it.
Li Lianyi's expression remained calm, and she didn't respond.
"Lianyi, this time, even Grandpa has to admire your foresight!"
Seeing this, Li Guyi couldn't help but exclaim, "As you said, it's no coincidence that Jiang Wuming has survived safely until now!"
"Grandpa, this grand play has just begun. Please enjoy it slowly."
Li Lianyi said softly, her mind conjuring the image of the determined young man, feeling a warmth in her heart.
...