The Rise of Phoenixes

Chapter 178

“This Minister’s toast is not something just anyone can offer.” Feng Zhiwei continued decisively, picking up a pot of wine as she unhurriedly stood. “Frankly, nobody here is qualified to make a toast on my behalf, much less a third generation boy.”

Grandfather Yan smiled awkwardly as he stood, but Feng Zhiwei ignored him. She walked down among the tables and poured wine for random guests, smiling as she continued speaking: “Brother Huaishi is different. He and this Minister became friends while we were both nobodies, and if it were not for his full-hearted support, this Minister would not be here. He is a true friend who did not disdain me when I was humble, and he presented the Memorandum to the Emperor and made this new Maritime Department possible. His contribution is immeasurable, and not to mention toasting on this Minister’s behalf, he is even worthy of this Minister toasting him.”

Yan Huaishi hurriedly expressed his gratitude, and Feng Zhiwei smiled as she took his hand. Sincerity and trust filled their faces, and the random guests Feng Zhiwei had served wine to immediately declared their praise, joining in the toast.

Feng Zhiwei’s smile grew more and more satisfied while the Family Heads up above exchanged glittering glances as the Yan Family panicked.

“It is easy to enjoy wealth and happiness together, but rarely do people share your troubles.” Feng Zhiwei slowly continued, walking back to her table and pouring a cup of wine for Grandfather Yan. “People must remember their conscience; if we forget the friends who stood by us when we were poor and powerless, then are we any better than beasts? What does Great Grandfather think?”

Grandfather Yan smiled awkwardly as he accepted the cup of wine, drinking and numbly replying: “Yes... Yes...”

“Giving plums in return for peaches; expressing gratitude for aid; awarding people according to merit; and impartial reward and punishment.” Feng Zhiwei continued warmly, smiling as she poured another cup. “These strictures are why the Yan Family is so rich and established — does the Elder agree?”

Grandfather Yan accepted the cup and drank, but perhaps he drank too hurriedly and began to cough, unable to speak. Feng Zhiwei smiled down at him, an unmoving pot in her hands as she said: “Elder Yan, do not forget to answer this Minister’s question.”

Yan Huaishi stepped forward and gently patted Grandfather Yan’s back, smiling as he said: “Elder, you drank too fast, let me help you.”

The hundreds of guests watched in silence. Even a fool understood that this dainty Imperial Envoy was a Smiling Tiger, decisive and cruel. She had attached in front of all these rich and powerful people, pushing Grandfather Yan into a corner, experienced and famous businessman that he was.

No one dared speak, and even the breath of the hundreds of guests seemed silent. Grandfather Yan coughed again and gain — everyone understood that the Imperial Envoy was showing his intentions; if the Yan Family dared displease him, the decision of department director would be uncertain.

Every Yan Family member wore ugly expressions — they could not let go of this position, but they did not want Yan Huaishi to take it either.

Yan Huaiying’s eyes gleamed coldly and she moved to stand, but Yan Huaiyuan held her down. He glanced at Feng Zhiwei and coldly warned: “Little Sister, calm yourself. It is not the time.”

He glanced over at his father, Family Head Yan Wenhong.

Yan Wenhong excused himself from the table and moved to his son’s side. Yan Huaiyuan whispered, “Father, the Imperial Envoy clearly wishes to support the bastard, what do you think...”

“There is no hurry.” Yan Wenhong replied cautiously. “We should slowly get to know the Honorable Imperial Envoy, and perhaps he will change his mind...”

“No.” Yan Huaiyuan grit his teeth. “Father, did you not see how he insulted me? How he has forced Grandfather into this corner? He is stepped on our hundred years of history and insulting the Yan Family mainline! He wishes to use this setting to force Grandfather to agree with him! If we compromise today, that bastard will definitely climb above us!”

“What are you saying...”

Yan Huaiyuan bit his lips as he dipped his chopsticks into his wine and wrote out ‘Ning’.

“The matter you mentioned before...” Yan Huaiyuan said. “It looks like we’ll have to do it!”

“How can we rush like that!” Yan Wenhong stared wide eyed. “We may not have any other option... but, we were just talking casually. This is still your Little Sister, our Yan Family’s Young lady!”

“Then we will wait to be butchered!” Yan Huaiyuan leaned back into his chair, laughing coldly as he replied: “Just imagine lift when that bastard becomes Family Head. After how we’ve treated him these past twenty years?”

Yan Wenhong’s face changed.

“I’ll do it!” Yan Huaiying announced firmly. “Father, don’t hesitate. Brother is right. She who hesitates loses. If we do not make up our minds, Grandfather will be forced to agree!”

“You...” Yan Wenhong replied wordlessly, staring at his daughter.

“I heard what you two said. I am willing!” Yan Huaiying bit her lips, thinking back to how Wei Zhi had humiliated her. Her! The Young Madam of the Yan Family, asked to serve tea like a servant! She was a princess of the South Sea, raised on wealth and honor, when had she ever been humiliated like that? Whenever she thought back to Wei Zhi’s calm, disdainful eyes and proud, indifferent expression, Yan Huaiying wanted to kick him to the grown and force him to grovel and apologize.

She was talented and wealthy, how dare an upstart peasant like Wei Zhi treat her that way?

When a proud and arrogant person suffered their first humiliation, there was no way they could reign themselves in. Yan Huaiying’s heart filled with burning rage, burning so fiercely that all the self-respect and self-love of a wealthy family’s Young Madam was burnt to cinders.

And of course, Ning Yi’s bearing had been so enchanting...

This sacrifice that did not seem a burden was more than worth it if she could use it to buy assurance for her father and brother, to secure the next Yan Family Head for her branch, and to make sure that Wei brat never looked down on her again.

“Compared to being the lawful wife of a businessman, it is better to be the concubine of a dragon’s son!” She announced, gritting her teeth. “I am the daughter of a businessman, it is impossible for me to be Prince Chu’s lawful wife, but I am more than qualified to be a concubine. That bastard is backed by a Third Rank Minister, but how can he compete with my brother after I become Prince Chu’s concubine?”

“Little Sister...” Yan Huaiyuan said, holding her hands as tears dropped from his eyes. “Big Brother is sorry.

“A long night brings many dreams... Today... it is decided...” Yan Huaiying replied haltingly, angrily brushing away her tears as she bit her lips. A faint blush covered her cheeks, “Anyway... it will be ...”