Chapter 688 - A sudden visit (1/2)
Since the release of the statement from the national investigation and the Guan Empire, two days have passed.
In IHZHI company.
Xiong Zhi was busy with the doc.u.ments when Linfeng came in.
She put down the pen, looked up at Linfeng. ”How are they?”
Linfeng approached her office table as he reported what he had found out. ”As expected, some of the businessmen who have connections with the police looked into Gunan's case. They probably surmised that Gunan will be guilty of the charges. It is only day two, yet rumors already circulated in the circles. This makes it harder for the Guan Empire to stabilize. Their market value keeps falling. Sooner or later, they will be out of the legendary families' position.”
Xiong Zhi nodded. Then she sighed.
”We expected this. But witnessing it now is different. Guan Gu Ri and Guan Xixin must have summoned a lot of courage to make this decision.”
Linfeng smiled helplessly. He gently laid a hand on her shoulder. ”They surely have many deep regrets. But they did the right thing. Guan Gu Ri and Guan Xixin opted to publicize the trial so that everyone will know the real Guan Gao Huan's death, and that all those crimes were done by an impostor. They don't want their brother's name to remain tainted by Gunan's sins, even if it cost them the Guan Empire.”
Xiong Zhi was silent. Her long lashes lowered to cover her dark eyes.
She naturally understood and empathized with their decision.
Even though the path that they chose would make them suffer, this was also the path that could make their hearts and minds be at peace.
A long finger gently smoothed out Xiong Zhi's furrowed brows.
”Don't be sad. I believe those two brothers will handle it better than we expect. Guan Gu Ri doesn't look like it, but he can be a capable leader if he wants to. His talent and abilities are suppressed because he prioritized his brothers over himself,” Linfeng said. ”And Guan Xixin can now entirely focus on the Guan Empire after this situation is settled. He put shackles on himself before because he could not trust his grandfather and his family, but now, it isn't the case anymore. Those two brothers will just get stronger with one goal in mind.”
Xiong Zhi countered. ”Who said I am sad? I am just thinking that if the Guan family left the legendary position, then, will another family rise and take the position? After all, to only have three legendary families in Country C, it never happened before. The economic stability of the country will be messed up for a long time ”
Many others would fight to grab a piece of the available pie, and strive to sit on the available throne.
Linfeng nodded thoughtfully. ”Now that you mentioned it, I think it almost happened before.”
Xiong Zhi was stunned. ”It did?”
”Yes, I guess? But it's not really the same situation. Instead, the four legendary families almost became 'five' legendary families.”
Almost became five legendary families…?
Xiong Zhi's brows rose in surprise. Her face had an expression of blank shock.
Linfeng could not help but smile. His fingers ran over the soft white cheeks and gently pinched.
So adorable.
”Whah haffen?” Xiong Zhi spoke while her cheeks were still pinched.
'....'
Linfeng suddenly bowed down and pecked on her lips, before straightening up his body. He covered his mouth and coughed.
Alright, back to serious business.
”I think it happened in Master Xiong's generation. There was once a family that is almost equivalent to the legendary families in terms of influence and wealth. They wanted to raise their ranks through intermarriage with one of the legendary families' heirs.”
”Intermarriage, huh?”
”Yes, this is a common thing after all in our circle, especially for declining families who are trying to save their positions or aspiring factions trying to rise in ranks. Since ancient times, it's been an effective strategy to immediately bolster a family's influence and resources.”
Intermarriage.
Declining family.
Xiong Zhi thought of her own forced engagement in the past life, and now of the Guan family's current decline.