Chapter Thirty-Five: With Whom to Form an Alliance?

Three days later, Shi Tianhe gathered all the core members of the family in the main hall, which also served as their usual place for discussions, to deliberate on the next crucial step for the family.

“Everyone,” Shi Tianhe began, “in the past few days, nearly every prominent family in Cangzhou has come to visit us. They’ve all expressed their desire to cooperate and develop alongside us.”

“However, I have not agreed to any of them yet. The purpose of today’s meeting is to pool our wisdom, to determine the future path for our Shi family through everyone’s insight.”

With these words, the hall erupted into lively discussion. Although everyone present held an important position within the family, none had expected the Shi family to suddenly become so alluring to others.

These were the most distinguished families in all of Cangzhou. Such recognition and attention was something the Shi family had never enjoyed since their rise. This newfound prestige instilled an involuntary sense of pride in each member.

Yet while the others debated, three individuals found themselves in an awkward situation.

Ji Chunyan, pulling Yan Yuanqing and Shi Yurou along, had originally wished to join the nearby family members in their discussions. But everywhere they turned, they were rebuffed, facing cold shoulders and rejection; no one was willing to let them join.

“Yan Yuanqing, this is all your fault. Were it not for you, my daughter and I wouldn’t be in such a predicament within the Shi family!”

“Yurou, just look at us now. We’ve become the outcasts in the family, treated like rats scurrying across the street—everyone’s eager to chase us away!”

“Yurou, listen to your mother’s advice. That fool merely stumbled into luck by accident. Do you really believe he’s been hiding his talents all along, only now revealing his brilliance?”

Shi Yurou, caught in the middle, felt deeply uncomfortable. She could only hint to Yan Yuanqing not to mind, while awkwardly appeasing her mother.

Yan Yuanqing, for his part, felt nothing at all—after all, he’d spent the past few years enduring much the same.

“Very well, I trust everyone has reached some conclusions. Let’s each share our thoughts with the group,” Shi Tianhe announced, finally putting a stop to the discussions and relieving Shi Yurou.

“Patriarch! I believe the Shi family should ally with Master Fan and the Fan family! The Fan family not only holds sway in Cangzhou, but even has connections with the influential figures and noble families in the capital!”

“Establishing ties with them will surely allow the Shi family to rise swiftly, soaring to new heights and promising a bright future!”

...

“Patriarch, I disagree. The Fan family is certainly powerful, but if the gap between our statuses is too large, we may suffer from their backlash! If that happens, the Shi family will face a disastrous future.”

“Therefore, I believe the Lian family, whose strength is slightly less than the Fan family but still respectable, is our best choice!”

“And since we recently cured their patriarch, Lian Yixian, they will certainly feel indebted to us!”

Shi Tianhe listened patiently to the analyses, his gaze suddenly settling on Shi Chengren.

“Chengren, what is your opinion on this matter?”

Shi Chengren’s eyes flickered, clearly considering his response. He then clasped his hands and said, “I believe the Shi family should not depend on any family!”

“Oh? And why is that?” Shi Tianhe’s eyebrows arched in interest.

“To rely on others always brings harm to our Shi family. There are no true friends in this world—only interests.”

“Only by choosing the path of independence and self-strengthening can we truly flourish.”

“That is merely my personal view. For the final decision, I defer to you, Patriarch.”

With that, Shi Chengren fell silent and retreated to a less prominent spot among the crowd.

His actions caught Yan Yuanqing’s attention for a moment.

“This man seems to be quite shrewd and deep-minded,” he thought.