48: Chapter 48 Reorganizing the Wang Family

"I am very gratified that Elder Wang Shi has such determination. If the Wang Family had more people like Elder Wang Shi, willing to sacrifice themselves for the Family, we wouldn't be in this state." While praising Wang Shi, Wang Gang's words were filled with hints.

None of the Wang Family Elders present were fools; such an obvious hint was clear to anyone with eyes.

Thus, the Elders present began to voice their stances one after another.

As long as it could save the Wang Family, they would certainly support the Clan Head's decision.

Seeing that he had achieved his goal, Wang Gang finally explained slowly, "I believe there is currently only one way to gain a glimmer of hope. That is to seek refuge with the Pei Family and become their subordinate Family."

Even though many Wang Family Elders had prepared themselves mentally, they were still shocked by Wang Gang's statement, their eyes filled with disbelief.

Had Wang Gang not been Wang Yang's younger brother and the current Acting Clan Head of the Wang Family, they would have even suspected him of betraying the Family.

Ignoring everyone's shock, Wang Gang continued to speak eloquently, "I know everyone finds this hard to accept at first, but have you considered that this is already the only way out for our Wang Family? Please think it over carefully before answering me..."

But before Wang Gang could finish, an Elder excitedly interrupted him.

"I disagree! Clan Head Wang Yang's body is barely cold; how can we seek refuge with the Pei Family? As Clan Head Wang Yang's younger brother, why would you do this? You're not saving the Wang Family; you're destroying it!"

"As the Clan Head of the Wang Family, as long as I am in this position, I must have the determination to sacrifice everything for the Family's interests. Seeking refuge with the Pei Family is the only chance for our Wang Family. I cannot make irrational choices that go against the Family's interests due to personal feelings. If Wang Ming disagrees with my idea, you may raise an objection. As long as it can save the Wang Family, I will have nothing more to say," Wang Gang said with righteous indignation.

"Since the Clan Head says that only by seeking refuge with the Pei Family can our Wang Family survive, then why can't we seek refuge with the Li Family? Compared to the Pei Family, our grievances with the Li Family aren't as deep. I believe the Li Family is more reliable. If we abandon the Clan Head while his body is barely cold, once word gets out, our Wang Family will surely become the laughingstock of the whole city. I believe the Elders do not wish for the Family's reputation to be trampled upon like this," Wang Ming retorted, a sharp glint in his eyes.

Hearing this, many younger Elders showed signs of being moved. After all, Family reputation was a matter of Face. Being young, they cared more about Face.

In their view, the Pei and Li Families' strengths were actually quite similar.

If they sought refuge with the Li Family, their reputation would sound much better.

Of course, some shrewd Elders, knowing how terrifying Pei Qingyun was, supported Wang Gang's decision more and didn't care much for so-called reputation.

Regardless, Wang Ming's words faintly divided the Elders present into two camps.

Facing Wang Ming's challenge, Wang Gang felt a secret resentment.

Although he knew in his heart that the Pei Family was the best choice, he couldn't publicly analyze the pros and cons of the two families.

Who could be sure if any of the Elders had secretly reached agreements with other forces?

Once the Pei Family found out, failing to seek refuge would lead to suffering the consequences instead.

Just as he was feeling anxious, an old man with white hair at his temples and age spots on his Face walked slowly into the Council Chamber, leaning on a cane.

With the old man's arrival, everyone's eyes fell upon him simultaneously.

Only Wang Gang broke into a smile, taking quick strides to greet him immediately.

"Elder Yongnian, why are you here?"

"What, am I too old to be qualified to attend a Family meeting? You didn't even notify me of such an important meeting," Wang Yongnian said sternly, though his eyes showed affection.

"If even you aren't qualified, then no one here needs to attend. I just didn't want to disturb your rest, so I didn't notify you in time. It's my fault," Wang Gang apologized while signaling the guards on the side with his eyes.

Although he didn't know how Wang Yongnian had found out, since the man was already here, there was no way he could keep hiding it.

"Everyone, carry on, don't mind me." Wang Yongnian looked at the crowd and sat down in the nearest seat.

"Clan Head, since Elder Yongnian is here, don't hold back. Seeking refuge with the Li Family is the wise choice. I believe the Elders' thoughts align with mine." After speaking, Wang Ming didn't forget to give Wang Gang a provocative look.

At the same time, an Elder beside him chimed in.

"Clan Head, Elder Wang Ming is right. We should seek refuge with the Li Family so we don't lose the Family's reputation. With the Li Family's backing, the Pei Family won't be able to do anything to us."

Wang Gang knew that if he didn't speak up now, more Elders would side with Wang Ming.

By then...

Not only would he be unable to fulfill his agreement with Pei Qingyun, but he might even lose his position as Acting Clan Head.

But to take down Wang Ming, he would have to reveal more insider information.

However...

Just then, Wang Yongnian suddenly stood up, his gaze sweeping across every Elder present. "I do not agree with Elder Wang Ming's words."

After saying this, he immediately turned his gaze back to Wang Ming. "Elder Wang Ming keeps talking about the Family's reputation, but I don't think that's the case. Is the Family's reputation more important, or its survival? How could I not know the little schemes the Li Family has in mind?"

"They are winning some of you over just to use our Wang Family as cannon fodder. The Pei Family is coming on strong and will never stop just because we turn to the Li Family. If we side with the Li Family and the Pei Family attacks, do you really think the Li Family will help our Wang Family with all their might? I think that's impossible. Conversely, if we side with the Pei Family, the Li Family will never dare to lift a finger against us."

At this point, a bit more Killing Intent appeared on Wang Yongnian's wrinkled Face.

"Some people are ungrateful and work for outsiders, yet they insist on calling it 'for the Family's reputation.' In my view, this is the behavior of a Family traitor."

At this moment, everyone's eyes turned to Wang Ming. Even the Elder who had sided with him just now deliberately distanced himself.

Wang Yongnian's words undoubtedly suggested that Wang Ming had sold out the Family's interests and hooked up with the Li Family.

Wang Ming was secretly alarmed, but he couldn't admit it publicly.

According to clan rules, betraying the Family was punishable by death.

"Elder Yongnian, do not make such baseless accusations. Everything I do is for the sake of the Family's interests, without the slightest selfishness. Since the Clan Head asked us to voice our opinions, what is wrong with me offering my own suggestion?"

"Is that so? You really refuse to admit it. An Yi, bring out the evidence of Elder Wang Ming's collusion with the Li Family and let the Elders see for themselves."