Chapter 118: The Entire Ye Family Clan Shaken to Its Core

That very evening, upon receiving notice from the overseas Hong family, the members of the distinguished clan, led by the matriarch, all boarded the merchant association’s special vehicles and arrived at the meeting place: the most prestigious Bulgari Grand Hotel in Jiangnan.

To ensure the utmost security for this gathering, the overseas Hong family had reserved the entire hotel, with security personnel stationed inside and out, creating an atmosphere of solemnity and gravity.

As they proceeded through the hotel, flanked by guards on both sides, they made their way directly to the banquet hall.

The entire hall was decorated with the utmost formality, resembling a large-scale conference venue.

At this moment, Hong Jiannian was already present, accompanied by numerous members from the overseas Hong family, all impeccably dressed in suits and clearly of considerable wealth.

Upon seeing Hong Jiannian, the matriarch immediately stepped forward with a beaming smile, extending her hand warmly. “Young Master Hong, truly a man of outstanding talent and promising achievement at such a young age.”

“You flatter me too much, Matriarch. Everyone knows that the Ye family is the true pillar here. Though I hail from the overseas Hong family, before you, I am but a junior,” Hong Jiannian responded with a matching smile.

He then shifted his gaze to the three venerable elders standing behind the matriarch, his eyes settling on Patriarch Ye Gong as he respectfully greeted, “I have long heard of your esteemed name, Ye Gong, head of the three elders. Seeing you today, it is clear that your prowess remains undiminished.”

Ye Gong stroked his white beard, his expression one of delight. “Young Master Hong, you truly know how to flatter. Even a man with one foot in the grave like me feels years younger from your words!”

Laughter erupted on both sides, filling the room with a joyful atmosphere.

Only Jiang Yingxia stood among the crowd, her expression somber and out of place.

At that very moment, Hong Jiannian’s eyes landed directly on her. “I presume this is Aunt Jiang Yingxia, the mother of Ye Tianlin?”

Hearing this, Jiang Yingxia wished she could disappear into the ground but forced a stiff smile and nodded with difficulty.

“On an occasion like this, perhaps it’s best not to bring up unnecessary topics. After all, the overseas Hong family is well aware of Ye Tianlin’s actions,” Ye Gong remarked with a sharp edge.

Seeing this, Ye Tiancheng quickly chimed in, “Indeed. I am now the rightful young master of the Ye family. Ye Tianlin belongs to the past and must bear the consequences of his deeds.”

The matriarch’s face stiffened slightly at this development.

The situation had clearly reached a decisive point. No one could overturn the verdict that Ye Tianlin’s failures had allowed others to seize an opportunity and reap the benefits from behind the scenes.

Under these circumstances, the matriarch’s lineage was evidently fading, and if the cooperation went smoothly, the influence of Ye Gong’s faction would undoubtedly rise to dominance.

At that time, even the matriarch herself would be overshadowed, perhaps forced to gracefully withdraw from power and spend her remaining years in retirement.

With no other choice, the matriarch composed herself and asked directly, “Young Master Hong, may I inquire about the identity of the person you mentioned earlier?”

“Indeed,” Ye Gong added eagerly. “It’s almost unbelievable that the overseas Hong family has such powerful backing. We all very much look forward to meeting this mysterious figure.”

Ye Tiancheng squinted his eyes mockingly. “Since so many are present, let me share a joke. When I met Ye Tianlin today, he shamelessly claimed to be the true power behind the overseas Hong family. Young Master Hong, don’t you think that’s a bit absurd?”

The Ye family members couldn’t help but chuckle at this.

Jiang Yingxia was filled with suppressed fury but powerless to intervene. Even the matriarch, despite her inner resentment, found no reason to express anger publicly.

“That Ye Tianlin is just desperate to save face, spouting nonsense. If he had any sense, he wouldn’t have thrown away such a promising future for the likes of Su Rulan,” Ye Gong sneered.

“The funniest part was his claim that the overseas Hong family had long become a subsidiary of the Shàngjīng consortium. That was outright lying with eyes wide open. I nearly died laughing,” Ye Tiancheng added, eager to kick Ye Tianlin while he was absent.

The matriarch took a deep breath and, unable to tolerate it any longer, raised her hand to interrupt forcibly.

She then turned to Hong Jiannian with solemnity. “Young Master Hong, please forgive us for the disgrace the Ye family’s affairs have caused you. However, our purpose today is not to discuss Ye Tianlin’s matters, but rather the cooperation. When exactly is that person expected to arrive?”

“Matriarch, please be patient. Actually, you are mistaken. The matter we are to discuss today does indeed concern Ye Tianlin,” Hong Jiannian announced suddenly, his words striking like thunder.

Instantly, the entire Ye family delegation was shaken.

Ye Tiancheng’s smile vanished abruptly, his eyes bulging in shock.