The Yang family’s resting room.
Yang Si Tian summoned all the direct descendants of the Yang family.
He announced that from this day forward, Chen Fan was a distinguished guest of the Yang family.
Anyone who disrespected Chen Fan was disrespecting him.
The younger generation of the Yang family was somewhat displeased, but dared not voice their opinions, as this was the old master’s decree, and no one could defy it.
Yang Qing hesitantly asked, "Grandfather, by doing this, aren't we lowering our Yang family's standing?"
Yang Si Tian directly replied, "This time, if it weren't for Chen Fan, I, Yang Si Tian, might have been lying in a coffin in Donghai, courtesy of the Bai family!"
"As for the Yang family's reputation, it would have been trampled into the dirt!"
"Furthermore, we might have been erased from Jiangnan!"
"You should all understand the gravity of the situation!"
"Yes… understand…" The Yang family members nodded in agreement. Yang Si Tian’s words, though blunt, were irrefutable. Without Chen Fan, the consequences would have been unimaginable.
"Very well, from now on, when Yang family members meet Chen Fan, they must be respectful!" Yang Si Tian added, "If I find out any of you disrespect Chen Fan, don't blame me for disowning you, or showing no mercy!"
"Yes!"
Yang Si Tian sighed leisurely and said to Yang Sen, "I think we should make peace with Hong Ying!"
"She has Chen Fan as a sworn brother, so let her decide her own marriage!"
"What do you say?"
Yang Sen nodded, "Father, we'll do as you say!"
"Yang Qing, go invite Hong Ying in!"
He even added the word "invite."
Yang Qing did not dare to delay, left the resting room, found Hong Ying, and said directly, "Grandfather and Father want to see you!"
Hong Ying was eating cake, a little bit smudged on her lips, making her especially alluring. She bit the silver fork and asked, "What do they want to see me for?"
Yang Qing replied, "I don't know, Grandfather and Father are inviting you in!"
"Invite?" Hong Ying asked expressionlessly.
"Yes, invite…"
Hong Ying smiled faintly, "Considering the word 'invite,' it’s not impossible for me to go in!"
Thus, the two walked into the resting room, one after the other.
Seeing Hong Ying, Yang Si Tian’s thoughts were turbulent. He sighed, "Xiao Min, we haven't seen each other for a long time, have we!"
"Are you still angry with your grandfather?"
"No…" Hong Ying responded perfunctorily.
Yang Si Tian continued, "Your grandfather had his reasons, which led him to seek an alliance with the Xihai family. You know, our Yang family is insignificant compared to the Xu family of Xihai, that's why I…"
At this, Hong Ying frowned and said faintly, "I didn't come here to listen to you say these things. If you have nothing else to say, I'm leaving!"
Yang Sen's gaze deepened, and he reprimanded, "Yang Min, no matter what, you are still a member of the Yang family, and we are your relatives. Is this attitude appropriate?"
Hong Ying retorted directly, "When you forced me back then, did you ever consider me your relative?"
"You…" Yang Sen was speechless for a moment.
"Alright, alright, stop arguing…" Yang Si Tian waved his hand and continued, "Xiao Min, we called you here today to make amends. From now on, we won't interfere with your affairs. How you proceed is entirely up to you. How about it?"
Hong Ying remained expressionless and responded faintly, "Okay… I understand!"
"Also, Chen Fan is an outstanding person. Jinlong Diving, one day, will surely soar to the heavens. You shouldn't miss this opportunity…" Yang Si Tian hinted pointedly.
Hong Ying frowned slightly but said nothing more.