Sheng Fu

Chapter 1117 A Mix of True and False Feelings
Helian Qingyi frowned slightly and said softly, "Step back."

The scout with his face covered in armor disappeared instantly outside the hall door.

The elders in the main hall grew increasingly heavy-hearted.

The Li family of the South is considered a second-tier aristocratic family with a large and prosperous population. However, in recent years, no Lingxiao Realm expert has emerged. There was a time when the Li family of the South had an ancestor at the Lingxiao Realm who was in charge.

The second-tier elite families have gradually shown signs of bowing down.

This means that similar things will happen in the Northern Prince's Mansion.

If the two kings of the North and South control a portion of the second-tier powerful families, then their assistance in implementing the new policies will undoubtedly be enormous.

At the same time, it will also leave some top-tier luxury families out in the cold.

The pressure was growing stronger. Helian Xiong looked at everyone, took a deep breath, and said with concern, "If we split into two camps, the two kings of the North and South will take the initiative to attack, Yuwen Jun will guard the central government, and that Prime Minister will add icing on the cake. This is not a good thing for us."

"I'm more worried about something else than this."

Having said that, Helian Xiong didn't know what to say next.

An elderly elder with white hair raised his chin, stared at Helian Xiong, and asked in a deep voice, "What are you still worried about?"

Helian Xiong hesitated for a moment, but after thinking it over, he said, "It is true that Fu Cheng is our family's son-in-law, but times have changed. Fu Cheng was once the leader of the Seven Laws, and now he is the powerful Northern King."

"For someone like Fu Cheng, being a live-in son-in-law is a humiliating past."

“I am worried that once Fu Cheng gains complete power, he will retaliate against my Helian family.”

"After all, Fu Cheng has never really held power within the family. Now this hot-blooded young man is gradually experiencing the taste of power. It's hard to say what his attitude will be towards my Helian family in the future."

Upon hearing this, everyone fell silent once again.

Fu Cheng was a man of great ambition, but unfortunately, during his time as a son-in-law in the Helian family, he was always frustrated and unfulfilled. In addition, the other members of the Northern Seven Laws must have whispered many things about the Helian family to Fu Cheng.

"Does this mean that my Helian family must always keep our heads down?" an elder said with a look of grief and indignation.

After the words were spoken, another scout with armor covering his face came to the outside of the main hall, bowed and said, "Reporting to the young lady, Ouyang Peng has personally gone to the Northern Prince's mansion."

The Ouyang family, within the northern region, is considered a lower-tier, second-class aristocratic family. Although far inferior to first-class aristocratic families, they are still among the elite families.

Ouyang Peng was nearly forty years old, but his cultivation level remained stuck at the peak of the Returning Origin realm, unable to make any further progress.

Over the years, the Ouyang family has not produced any outstanding individuals or talents, and its overall performance has been unremarkable. However, its strength lies in its stable family foundation, which has kept it in an invincible position.

Moreover, their relationship with other aristocratic families in the north was lukewarm, with each keeping to their own interests.

Once the Ouyang family pledges allegiance to the Northern King, it means that the first powerful family is willing to submit to the Northern King's command, a move of profound significance.

For the remaining second-tier elite families, this is undoubtedly a concrete direction.

Helian Qingyi feigned composure and replied softly, "I understand. You may leave now."

The scout bowed slightly and then withdrew. The Helian family was able to know the inside story of every move of the Northern Prince's Mansion immediately.

Helian Qingyi stood up, her hands behind her back. Although she was a woman, she possessed a majestic and awe-inspiring presence at this moment.

Helian Qingyi said with deep concern, "The situation is so threatening that we have no choice but to make a decision."

"As the saying goes, a dynasty lasts for a thousand years, and a family lasts for ten thousand. Although those bigwigs have not yet made their statements, there will definitely be some bloodshed after the North-South talks."

"For the sake of the eternal prosperity of my Helian family, I still have to take the initiative to get closer to that Prince of the North." "Speaking of which, the Prince of the North and I also had a marriage relationship."

"Do our best to turn this marriage into a positive one. If things continue to deteriorate, my Helian family may be wiped out."

These words enraged the elders present, but they had nowhere to vent their anger.

Anyone with eyes can see that the Northern King's power is gradually reaching its zenith.

Helian Qingyi was also overcome with emotion, her eyes filled with tears as she said, "Although I am unwilling and have unfulfilled ambitions, the foundation of the family business is of paramount importance. It is truly our misfortune that our generation has encountered such turmoil and changes, and the era that belonged to our elders has passed."

"The so-called splendor and elegance were nothing more than ordinary during times of prosperity."

"But now that we have reached a point of decline, we can no longer be as spirited as we once were; we must prioritize self-preservation."

"Within the territory of Beihai, there are still three supreme evil beings, as you all know. Their power is overwhelming, and our Helian family is destined to be powerless against them."

"The fact that powerful and influential families like the Yang family of Yunhan have not yet expressed their opinions means that they are also wavering in their minds and dare not act rashly. The fact that the ancient nobles in the imperial court have not made any moves is probably because they have long been submerged by the undercurrents."

"Elders, it is not that I am incompetent, but that the world is beyond our control."

Seeing Helian Qingyi's tearful appearance, the elders fell into a long silence once again. Was this time, really going to go back to their old ways?

Helian Qingyi was truly saddened, because the Helian family had once been extremely prosperous and glorious, but after it came into her hands, it had to decline. As the future head of the family, she gradually realized that in the years to come, she would gradually lose the ability to protect the direct descendants of the family.

Family honor is paramount; Fu Cheng's ideals and feelings are secondary.

"If that's the case, then so be it!" In the end, the oldest white-haired elder could only bow his head with tears in his eyes.

Helian Qingyi closed her eyes, a thousand words welling up in her chest, unable to be expressed.

Helian Xiong bowed slightly and said, "Then after nightfall, I will prepare gifts and go to the Northern Prince's Mansion to discuss this matter with Fu Cheng in detail?"

Helian Qingyi sighed deeply and said, "Remember to be humble. He is now the King of the North, not the Fucheng of the past."

Helian Xiong remained silent. As the glory was about to fade, those who had stood in the spotlight were more heartbroken than anyone else.

Some things can be settled by sacrificing one or two direct descendants.

However, some things involve the future and destiny of the entire clan. They have no choice but to bow their heads, because history will not give them a second chance. Once they go back to their old ways, the Helian family will inevitably become a laughing stock for many people.

……

The rear courtyard of the Northern Prince's residence.

Ouyang Peng was dressed in a light brown brocade robe. He was handsome with bright, piercing eyes. However, he seemed to have encountered some troubles recently, as there were signs of graying at his temples.

He sat obediently to Fu Cheng's left, meekly serving him tea and water.

"What is it, senior? Please speak freely." Fu Cheng picked up his teacup, swirled it slightly, and smiled faintly at Ouyang Peng.

Ouyang Peng forced a fawning smile, hesitated, and didn't know where to begin.

"Let's be frank. My household is quite busy with official duties, and I only have about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn to accompany you for tea and a chat," Fu Cheng said with a gentle smile, feigning ignorance.

Ouyang Peng gritted his teeth slightly, cautiously approached Fu Cheng's ear, and whispered, "My Ouyang family is willing to serve under Your Highness and support the new policies. We hope Your Highness will not look down on the Ouyang family for its weak strength."

Fu Cheng feigned composure, but inwardly he was overjoyed.

Fu Cheng didn't rush to respond, deliberately holding his teacup in mid-air, lost in thought...