Chapter 309: Overcoming the Hou Family First

 Chapter 309: Overcoming the Hou Family First

Nangong Chang's shameless attitude perfectly showcased his true nature as a spoiled playboy. Hou Yunjiao took a sip of tea and spoke gently, "You're still living carefree, I see." Nangong Chang smiled, "Nowhere near as carefree as you, Third Young Master." In the capital, everyone knew that Hou Yunjiao had poor health and rarely bothered with external affairs unless they were significant matters. Nangong Chang's words were undoubtedly a veiled mockery. Hou Yunjiao lowered his gaze and casually said, "I only concern myself with important matters. So, tell me, why have you come to see me today?" Nangong Chang didn't beat around the bush, "Not long ago, Hou Chuan took someone away from me. I wonder if you're aware of this?" Hou Yunjiao spoke calmly, "Hou Chuan isn't by my side. I sent him away to assist someone this afternoon." Nangong Chang's expression remained unchanged, but his heart stirred slightly. Hou Chuan was one of Hou Yunjiao's trusted subordinates. It was surprising that the Qin family had attracted the attention of the Hou family, leading Hou Yunjiao to dispatch his most capable subordinate. Nangong Chang held the tea in his hand, appearing composed on the surface, but turmoil plagued his innermost thoughts. Observing Nangong Chang pensive expression, Hou Yunjiao smiled gracefully, "I'm not entirely sure of the specifics. I'll call Hou Chuan later and inquire. They usually handle matters appropriately and won't escalate things to the point of bloodshed." Upon hearing this, Nangong Chang nearly cursed. Appropriate handling? What a load of nonsense! Given the operating style of the Hou family's covert guards, if Tang Ya fell into their hands, she would be tormented beyond recognition. Hou Yunjiao's words clearly indicated that Hou Chuan was acting on orders, and he had no intention of intervening. Nangong Chang furrowed his brow slightly and sighed, "I recently obtained something new to play with, but before I could grow tired of it, Hou Chuan took it away. I can't help but feel reluctant." Hou Yunjiao raised an eyebrow, his gaze calm as a tranquil pond, "Your wedding is approaching. It's time to settle down." Nangong Chang stared meaningfully at Hou Yunqiao, "It's not easy to settle down after tasting the joys of intimacy. It feels like scratching an itch in the heart. Third Young Master, you've experienced it too, so I'm sure you understand." The implications of his words were significant. Hou Yunjiao had abstained from relationships with women for many years, nearly three decades, to be precise. Nangong Chang made it clear that he knew about Hou Yunjiao breaking his vow of celibacy. The Su family's schemes against him and the Nangong family's understanding of the situation were crystal clear. Hou Yunjiao's eyes were calm and serene, like still water, with a faint smile at the corners of his mouth that seemed both present and absent, remaining unchanged. He placed the tea on the table gracefully, in a way that couldn't be described as anything but pleasing to the eye. Hou Yunjiao raised his gaze towards Nangong Chang and smiled in his eyes. "Understanding is one thing, but it's better for a person to be faithful. Wenrou is a strong-willed girl. It's best for you to avoid provoking her." As soon as these words were spoken, Nangong Chang's expression finally changed. For a moment, his disguised gentle expression turned gloomy, though it quickly returned to its original state, yet it didn't escape the notice of Hou Yunjiao's across from him. Nangong Chang was truly struck by his words, hitting a nerve. In the capital, everyone knew that Xiao Wenrou had a favorable impression of Hou Yunjiao In the previous years, Xiao Wenrou had some connection with Hou Yunjiao. She once danced the opening dance with him at a banquet. It was that brief interaction that made Xiao Wenrou completely infatuated, with the sole desire of marrying Hou Yunjiao. Over the years, she had been keeping an eye on Hou Yunjiao, boldly declaring that she would marry no one but him. If it weren't for Nangong's collaboration with the Xiao family and the need for a marriage to solidify their cooperation, Xiao Wenrou might still be fixated on Hou Yunjiao. Nangong Chang lowered his gaze and said softly, "That's true, Wenrou is stubborn." That foolish woman had embarrassed him. He would definitely teach her a lesson. Nangong Chang no longer wanted to beat around the bush and directly asked Huo Yunqiao, "Third Master Hou, forgive my straightforwardness, but I'm curious about the relationship between the Hou family and the Qin family." Hou Yunjiao tone was casual, "Which Qin family?" Nangong Chang replied, "The Qin family that started with the jewelry and gold business, the Qin family." Hou Yunjiao pretended to recall for a moment, a look of realization appearing on his face. His smile deepened in his eyes as he said, "For now, there's no significant relationship, but who knows about the future." After all, they hadn't held the wedding ceremony with Qin Ruan yet, so outsiders were still unaware of the relationship between the Hou family and the Qin family. Hou Yunjiao's words were deliberately vague, as if he were playing with people. Nangong Chang clenched his fist lightly by his side and said, "Third Master Hou, let's speak frankly. Hou Chuan took my people with him, and they went to the Qin family." Hou Yunjiao was naturally aware of Qin Ruan's recent actions. Qin Jingcen was set up by his fiancée, and behind this incident, there is also the shadow of the Nangong family. He had his people investigate the matter as soon as Qin Ruan left. Knowing Qin Ruan's style, she wouldn't go as far as killing someone over such a trivial matter, so he decided to let it go. However, he didn't expect Nangong Chang to pay him a visit on his own initiative. Could a woman with no background really capture the ambitious Nangong Chang's attention? Hou Yunjiao shook his head inwardly; that possibility seemed unlikely. Nangong Chang was the eldest son of the Nangong family. Although he appeared to be idle and indulgent, he had even declined invitations to join the Cabinet on multiple occasions. If appearances were true, Nangong Chang could be considered the family's outcast. But the reality was different. He was highly valued by the Nangong family and possessed ruthless methods that exceeded people's imagination. He could be described as someone who stops at nothing. His true nature was that of a wolf—cruel and vicious. Nangong Chang was not to be underestimated. Hou Yunjiao chuckled softly in his heart, his gaze fixed on Nangong Chang, his voice low and gentle, "What do you want?" Nangong Chang replied coldly, "I don't wish to keep ties with the Qin family." Hou Yunjiao responded calmly, "The Huo family will protect them." Nangong Chang said, "If there are no personal or unrelated reasons, please make it convenient for me." Hou Yunjiao replied, "That's not possible." Nangong Chang pleaded, "Third Master Hou..." Lord Huo interrupted him, "Nangong Chang, let me make this clear. If you want to go after the Qin family, you'll have to get past the Huo family first." A flicker of coldness flashed in Nangong Chang's eyes. "If you don't give me a reason to spare the Qin family, I'm afraid I won't be able to swallow this anger." Hou Yunjiao adjusted his sitting posture and leaned slightly towards Nangong Chang, his deep voice carrying a hint of coldness: "Nangong Chang, I understand your personality. You are not someone who would go to great lengths for a woman. You just want to take this opportunity to gather information." Nangong Chang's expression instantly changed, a bright smile blooming on his face, and a softness appeared in his eyes. He chuckled with delight and cheerfulness, "Indeed, Master Hou, I'm genuinely curious. How did a powerless and insignificant small family catch the attention of the Hou family? I didn't expect you to see through such a little trick. I admire you." Hou Yunjiao straightened his body, flicking nonexistent dust off his clothes. "No need for me to say it. I'm sure you can guess. After all, it's not something hidden." The Imperial Palace Hotel is the property of the Su family, and the Su, Nangong, and Xiao families have long joined forces. Everything that happens at the Imperial Palace Hotel should be known to all three families. Nangong Chang's visit today is merely to gauge the Hou family's stance towards the Qin family. To see how highly Qin Ruan is regarded in his eyes. (End of this chapter)