Chapter 523 — The Kang Family's Trump Card
The Blossom Guardian · Page 1 of 2
The Kang family had been steadily growing stronger over the years, and their marriage alliance with the Xiao family had not escaped the Yu family's notice. The Kangs could no longer wait to force their way into the ranks of the great houses. After all, becoming a great house brought more than mere prestige; more importantly, the great houses networked with one another and shared resources, each deferring to the others' face. And the small salons and gatherings held every year were simply too numerous to count.
By the Kang family's qualifications, they were already good enough to rank as a minor, bottom-tier great house. But this was not a matter that could simply be waved through; it involved the allocation and balancing of all manner of interests. One more great house meant a good deal more trouble.
The Yu family, at present, could scarcely wait to weaken the other great houses — how could they let anyone else squeeze in? Yet when Yu Haitian heard that the Kang family had come together with the third-generation heir of the Wu family, he hesitated.
The Kangs had certainly come this time to discuss their elevation to great-house status. And to bring along the Wu family at such a moment — what did that signify? Was the Wu family also standing on the Kang side, supporting the Kangs' bid for great-house status?
"Second Uncle..." Yu Haitian said, rather at a loss. Since he could not decide such a matter himself, he naturally went to consult the one within the family who could.
"Let them in, and see what they have to say." Having heard Yu Haitian's account, the middle-aged man pondered briefly, then nodded. "The Kangs' elevation to a great house is bound to happen, and even if we block it, they will keep pushing. Since they have pulled the Wu family in as an ally, we may as well see what card they are holding. If they truly offer terms that tempt us, then we may as well do the Kangs and the Wus a favor. But if they cannot produce anything worthwhile, then even if we agree, the other great houses may not. You must understand — this is something only our five great houses can decide together; the Wu family alone does not get to call the shots."
"Do we not need to concern ourselves with the four minor houses?" Yu Haitian was slightly taken aback. He was a peripheral member of the Yu family and had no access to much of the core, which was why he asked.
"It is not that we need not concern ourselves with them; it is that once our Yu family nods, they will not object," the middle-aged man said lightly, though his tone carried a certain confidence.
"All right, then I will bring them in now. Second Uncle, will you...?" Yu Haitian asked cautiously.
"I will not show my face. Do not agree, and do not refuse — first see what terms they offer," the middle-aged man instructed. "If it looks promising, I will send you a message on your phone."
"Yes, Second Uncle!" Yu Haitian nodded, turned, and left the inner room for the outer parlor, where he said to the subordinate who had brought the report: "Bring them in."
Before long, Divine Doctor Kang arrived at the reception room with Kang Jinglong and Wu Chengtian, and Yu Haitian rose warmly to greet them: "Divine Doctor Kang, Young Master Wu, Young Master Kang, welcome!"
"You are too kind, Mr. Yu!" Though Divine Doctor Kang was their senior, he dared not slight anyone from the Yu family. Yu Haitian might be only a liaison man on the Yu family's periphery, yet he still held a position of considerable importance.
"Divine Doctor Kang, the auction does not begin until tonight. Might I ask what brings you here at this hour? Do you have some new item you wish to consign to us for sale?" Yu Haitian was a fine hand at playing the fool; whatever Divine Doctor Kang did not bring up himself, he would never be the first to mention.