Chapter 265: Chapter 265 Condolences
Tong Family.
When Tong Yunshu and Yang Fei returned to the Tong Family with the body of Tong Yan, a mourning hall had already been set up—where the bodies of Tong Hai and Tong Fujun were displayed.
The members of the Tong Family had not fully recovered from the huge catastrophe and shock of the previous day, and the entire Tong Family was shrouded in deathly stillness, everyone’s spirits were incredibly low, and faces were etched with worry.
Yesterday evening, it seemed as if Tong Yan had been rescued by someone, but so far, there had been no sign of him, and his phone was unreachable; the Tong Family was incredibly worried, not knowing how the old man was faring.
If the old man had passed away, then it would truly be as if the sky had fallen on the Tong Family.
Early in the morning, when Tong Yunshu and Yang Fei arrived with Tong Yan’s body, the Tong Family was thrown into utter chaos, with many collapsing in tears.
The sky of the Tong Family had truly fallen.
As the stabilizer of the Tong Family, Tong Yan had protected the Tong Family for decades; under his guard, the Tong Family went from being an insignificant small clan to a Martial Arts Family with a certain status in the Martial World. Moreover, they became the wealthiest in Binhai, commanding significant influence.
Now that Tong Yan was gone, along with Tong Hai and Tong Fujun, the mainstays and leaders of the Tong Family had all departed from this world, leaving the Tong Family headless.
Even if a new Family Head could be elected, without the stabilizer Tong Yan to rely on, the Tong Family would still be in a precarious position, at risk of fading into obscurity at any moment.
Considering how many powerful individuals targeted the Tong Family yesterday, one could imagine how difficult the days ahead would be for the Tong Family.
At this time, many of the clan elders had lost the ambition to vie for the position of Clan Leader, due to the immense pressure and the ever-present danger of losing their lives.
Therefore, after Tong Yan’s body was placed in the coffin, some of the elder family members gathered together and approached Tong Yunshu, surrounding her.
An elder said, "Yunshu girl, while Tong Yan was alive, he supported you as the head of the Tong Family, in command of all major and minor affairs. Yesterday, your grandfather and your second uncle committed treacherous acts against the family that were equivalent to leading wolves into our house and betraying our ancestors; their deaths are well deserved. Now, the Tong Family is united in supporting you as our Family Head. This mess of the Tong Family now rests on your shoulders, young lady."
"Indeed, Yunshu, although you are a woman, you are more capable and determined than the males of your age within our family. Plus, with you being good friends with Yang Fei, it is most fitting for you to assume the role of the Family Head, and we all support you."
"Right, from now on, if anyone in the Tong Family dares to oppose, they are not true members of the Tong Family."
"Exactly, we of the Tong Family must present a united front and not allow outsiders to scoff at us. We believe that under Yunshu’s leadership, we will gradually recover and uphold the dignity of the Tong Family."
For a moment, several influential family members spoke up, expressing their support.
Tong Yunshu’s gaze swept around the gathered people, understanding their thoughts.
Many truly supported her ascent to power, as they belonged to the weaker class within the Martial World, and were more concerned about whether the Tong Family could make money—and she had indeed earned a significant amount for the Tong Family.
Besides, a small portion who originally had their ambitions among the more distant relatives, were now also supporting her, fearing the responsibility.
Now that Third Grandpa was gone, and the Tong Family lacked a pillar of support, they recognized they weren’t capable of assuming the role of Family Head; thus, they decisively gave up and instead supported her rise to power.
Without hesitation, Tong Yunshu accepted the responsibility unreservedly, becoming the true new leader of the Tong Family.
This was the last wish of Third Grandpa; even if the road ahead was fraught with danger, she would bravely march forward.
Yang Fei had accompanied Tong Yunshu back to the Tong Family out of concern that she might face difficulties from the clan members, but he hadn’t expected her rise to power to go so smoothly.
At that moment, a loud call came from outside, "Miss Qin has arrived to pay her respects to Old Master Tong Yan."
Qin Yanyang, wearing a long black dress with a white flower pinned on her chest, her expression serious and eyes carrying a hint of melancholic sorrow, strode in.
Yang Fei quickly went to meet her.
Tong Yunshu couldn’t help but admire this stunning woman, whose appearance and aura were no less impressive than her own, to the point of being humbling.
No wonder Yang Fei remained infatuated with his wife even after having Tong Yunshu; a ravishing beauty like this would be irresistible to men, let alone to herself.
She felt a suffocating pressure.
It was so intense.
Taking a deep breath, she stepped forward to greet her.
As the current master of the Tong Family, she had to present the right demeanor.
The young lady of the Qin family from Imperial City personally coming to pay tribute at Third Grandpa’s memorial service is an immense honor for the Tong Family.
"Honey, you’ve arrived," Yang Fei approached Qin Yanyang and said softly.
Qin Yanyang hummed in response.
Tong Yunshu walked over and said, "Miss Qin, hello, I am Tong Yunshu. Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to come to the Tong Family’s memorial service for my Third Grandpa."
Qin Yanyang’s gaze settled on Tong Yunshu’s face. She had some understanding of this woman and even once felt a hint of jealousy due to the help she had offered Yang Fei.
However, these were just minor emotions. There was no personal grudge between the two of them, and it was even their first meeting where they were somewhat captivated by each other’s appearance and demeanor.
Tong Yunshu was impressed by Qin Yanyang’s imposing and confident aura and wished to become like her.
Qin Yanyang was also charmed by the enchanting femininity and allure naturally exuded by Tong Yunshu.
She felt that for a woman, being like Tong Yunshu was the best way to capture a man’s heart and soul.
Even she was secretly learning from the mature and seductive demeanor of Tong Yunshu, thinking that maybe she could use it on Yang Fei in the future.
Men probably all liked such women, whereas someone like herself, too aloof, too confident, with too strong an aura, might intimidate men and lose many feelings.
After a brief assessment of each other, Qin Yanyang said, "Elder Tong was well-respected in the Martial Arts World. His untimely demise by treachery is a great loss for the Divine Continent Martial World. It is only right for me to come and pay my respects."
After speaking, she walked solemnly to the center of the shrine, glanced several times at the portrait of Tong Yan, then bowed three times and offered libation.
"The Binhai Martial Alliance Deacon, Li Zhengyi, leads the members of the Binhai Martial Alliance to offer their condolences."
At that moment, another shout was heard from outside.
Soon after, Li Zhengyi entered the shrine with his delegation in tow.
When he saw Yang Fei, he quickly came over to greet him: "Mr. Yang, you’re here too."
Yang Fei nodded and said, "Hello, Old Li."
Knowing his wife was the Heavenly Pride Girl from the Qin family in Imperial City, Li Zhengyi was thrilled and flustered by Yang Fei’s politeness, quickly saying, "Mr. Yang, you’re too kind."
Then he caught sight of Qin Yanyang standing next to Yang Fei and felt his heart race at her noble and generous demeanor, and he carefully inquired, "Mr. Yang, may I ask who this lady is?"
Yang Fei replied, "This is my wife."
Li Zhengyi’s heart skipped a beat with excitement, and he bowed deeply to Qin Yanyang, saying, "So you are Elder Qin, I am Li Zhengyi, the Binhai Martial Alliance Deacon. It’s an honor to meet Elder Qin."
Qin Yanyang smiled faintly and nodded, saying, "There’s no need for such formality."
"As an important member of the Martial Alliance Elder Council, we, the officers of the Martial Alliance, should pay homage to show respect," Li Zhengyi said with great veneration.
Upon hearing this, the expression of some nearby Tong Family members drastically changed.
Some quick-witted elders immediately realized something, and before Qin Yanyang, they exclaimed in shock, "You are the Heavenly Pride Girl from the Qin family in Imperial City, Miss Qin Yanyang?"
When Qin Yanyang had arrived earlier, the guests outside did not mention her name, simply referring to her as Miss Qin, so members of the Tong Family were unaware of her identity.
Moreover, although many of them had heard of the illustrious name of Qin Yanyang, they had never seen her in person.
Now, being reminded by Li Zhengyi, the people of the Tong Family were greatly alarmed.
They hadn’t expected that even the distinguished young lady from the Qin family in Imperial City would come to pay tribute.
Looking at Tong Yunshu again, some Tong Family members who initially harbored other intentions were secretly nervous.
This young lady actually had such a good relationship with the husband and wife, Yang Fei and Qin Yanyang; it was truly not simple.
Others who genuinely supported Tong Yunshu were secretly delighted.
With such a connection, others who might consider oppressing the Tong Family in the future would surely think twice.