The north of Yuanyang City was the residence of Longyou's top dignitaries a year ago.
Officials who have a stronghold on government affairs and are the most powerful ones. In the field of power in Longyou, these aristocratic families are the evergreen trees.
They control all walks of life and can stir up a lot of trouble with just one move, and officials have to give in to them.
If these aristocratic families put pressure on each other in tandem, even the governor of Longyou would have to avoid his edge, which shows his fierce power.
But all this became a thing of the past after a mutiny last May.
The aristocratic families were directly knocked off the ground by the military power of Prince Yong's Mansion, and the so-called prosperity no longer existed.
The property of the rich clan was confiscated, and all the clan members were dispersed, leaving only a few members of the master's family to stay at the main house.
Because of the absence of status, the prosperity was no longer there, and the entire North City fell into silence and became much more desolate and deserted.
But today, all the powerful men of Yuanyang have gathered in the Chen family.
In the past, they always kept their tail between their legs, and in private they would disappear whenever possible in order to avoid suspicion.
Otherwise, the patrol officers will catch you, and you will at least be blackmailed.
At this moment, in the main hall of the Chen family's house, Chen Ruilin put on a long robe and new clothes, as did everyone else in the courtyard.
Since the decline of the family, although there are still many fine clothes left in the family, they have kept a low profile and have not worn them.
On weekdays, he is just like ordinary people, wearing cloth clothes and short shirts, which is low-key and suitable for work.
There were more than twenty people in the courtyard, most of whom were over thirty.
In the main hall, Chen Ruilin was drinking tea when he saw his son Chen Hanzhi walking in.
"Dad, everyone is here, please let them all in!"
Chen Ruilin was still drinking tea and looked extremely calm.
At this time, Chen Hanzhi reminded: "Dad... we are so negligent, I'm afraid it's disrespectful to treat guests!"
At this time, Chen Ruilin put down the teacup and said calmly: "Do you think your father and I are narrow-minded?"
"Son, I don't dare!" Chen Hanzhi said quickly, even though that was what he was thinking.
"Have you forgotten how we were ostracized by them last year? What a miserable life our family lived at that time?"
Of course Chen Hanzhi would not dare to forget these things.
Last year, monsters broke out in Erliufang, and Zhao Yanxun killed Hu Maode, forcing the Chen family to submit a petition.
On the line between life and death, Chen Ruilin could only bite the bullet and jump into the pit, which can be said to be a break from the powerful system.
After this time, although Chen Ruilin went to various families to express his love, he was still jealous and hostile.
Therefore, when Zhao Yanxun launched a mutiny, Chen Ruilin was the first to surrender, directly betraying the interests of the family.
Because of his choice, the Chen family's life was much better than that of other families, and Chen Hanzhi even became an official.
Of course, this also led to a complete break between the Chen family and other families.
"That's right, dad just wants to avenge the past. They insulted us many times that day. Can't we just show off to them today?"
"But Dad, isn't this just a simple enmity? It won't do us any good!"
Hearing this, Chen Ruilin suddenly laughed and said, "Do you think that we and them still have to support each other? We should not see each other when we look up, so we need to have a good relationship?"
Just as Chen Hanzhi nodded, he heard Chen Ruilin scold: "Wrong!"
"Why?" Chen Hanzhi couldn't understand.
"We support each other under equal circumstances. Are we the same as them now? If we are the same, why do they gather in our home?"
Hearing this, Chen Hanzhi suddenly understood a lot and just heard him say: "So, dad is not just trying to vent his anger, but also to establish his authority?"
Seeing that his son had regained consciousness, Chen Ruilin felt relieved and said: "We were the first to surrender, and His Highness praised us now. If we cannot surpass other families, wouldn't our suffering be in vain?"
"There will be a discussion at the palace in the afternoon. They have to beg their father to take them there. If they don't show some authority at this time, they won't know the rules in the future!"
Chen Hanzhi nodded, feeling ashamed for his superficiality. He really didn't think as much as his father.
However, at this time, Chen Ruilin continued to say: "In addition to revenge and establishing authority, there is actually another reason!"
Is there a third reason? Chen Hanzhi wanted to break his head, but he didn’t even understand what the third reason was.
"Please give me some advice from my father!" Chen Hanzhi said respectfully.
The reason why he raised the third point is that Chen Ruilin also wanted to teach his son. After all, the Chen family will have to have young people to shoulder the responsibility in the future.
"As a superior, you are most afraid of collusion between those below you. You should understand this truth!"
"Our family wants to be the leader of each family. Do you think His Highness will be wary of us?"
After being brought up to this point, Chen Hanzhi realized it no matter how stupid he was, so he answered: "So my father is grudged against various families just to show His Highness!"
Chen Ruilin did not answer directly, but said: "Now in Yuanyang City, His Highness is a man of his word. Naturally, we have to follow his rules and do things according to his wishes!"
There was silence in the room for a while, and then Chen Hanzhi said: "My father is thoughtful and the child admires him!"
Chen Ruilin stood up, walked out, and said: "You can talk less with your mouth, but you must think more with your head... We have to rely on you to support our family from now on!"
Feeling the weight of his old father's words, Chen Hanzhi suddenly felt a lot heavier.
Then he took steps to keep up with his father's pace, and he decided to start changing from this moment on.
Soon, the two of them appeared in front of everyone in the yard.
"Everyone, I've been waiting for a long time!"
Everyone was silent, obviously feeling a little unhappy. At this moment, Chen Ruilin showed a smile.
"I have summoned you all here under the order of His Highness. This afternoon... His Highness is going to summon us!"
"Your Highness summoned me, but I don't know why?" someone asked from below.
On the steps, Chen Ruilin said calmly: "His Royal Highness asked me to send a message, but he did not specify when. If you are willing to go, just sign up with me. If you don't want to go, you can leave now!"
Since it is registration, it is non-compulsory, but who dares not to attend Zhao Yanxun’s summons?
"I'll sign up, Brother Chen will mark me down!"
"I'm going, Brother Chen, you have to remember!"
At this time, everyone had to be careful, for fear that Chen Ruilin would miss him.
When the charge of "disrespect" came up, no one present could bear it.
"You guys come one by one. I am old and have a bad memory, so I might miss someone!"
Chen Ruilin's words made everyone's hearts tighten, and they were already scolding Chen Ruilin in their hearts.
Seeing everyone's dejected appearance, Chen Hanzhi also felt very relieved. Back then, these people had arrogantly attacked the Chen family.
People signed up one after another, and everyone said a lot of good things to Chen Ruilin. Some people even apologized to the Chen family, saying that they had misunderstood the Chen family because they were coerced and deceived by others.
In any case, by signing up, the Chen family has managed to get a handle on these people.
After the registration was completed, Chen Ruilin informed the time and place of the afternoon gathering, and then everyone went home.
Everyone was very nervous, not knowing what would happen if they went to the palace, whether it would be a good thing or a bad thing.
