In the Peng family ancestral hall, Peng Yuansheng and a group of clan elders stared blankly at the bowls of chilled tea before them. The taste and texture after cooling were almost indistinguishable from the hot drinks. In fact, because they could be drunk in one gulp, they felt even more refreshing than the hot ones.

"These few recipes alone are enough to support an entire clan!" an elder exclaimed excitedly.

"Clan leader, go apologize and ask for help! No matter what, we must keep the herbal tea business in the Peng clan. Even if it means sacrificing our friendship from the War of Resistance!" After discussing it, the clan elders expressed their opinion to Peng Yuansheng.

Peng Yuansheng shook his head with a wry smile, "Difficult...very difficult! He Ping'an's position in the north is very special. Although his official rank isn't high, his status is extraordinary. Our friends have even subtly indicated..."

Beijing agreed to let us contact He Ping'an because they wanted us to provide assistance if necessary. It's supposed to be mutually beneficial, but in reality, it probably depends on He Ping'an's mood!

There were some things Peng Yuansheng didn't mention, because of the mainland's policies toward Hong Kong and Kowloon, the status of these Hong Kong and Kowloon celebrities in the north had risen significantly, and he was thus able to find out some rather hidden information.

In short... they can't afford to mess with this guy.

"Father, uncles..." Peng Yuansheng's son stepped forward.

"I heard some news these past few days that Mr. He is preparing for his wedding, and the bride's name is Lou Xiaohui. Her sister-in-law, Liu Hui, is the daughter of the Liu family, a small family in the New Territories."

"The Liu family, the Liu family that's third in Sheung Shui?"

"What do you mean, third in Sheung Shui? That's nonsense! There are only the Liao and Hou families in Sheung Shui. What is the Liu family anyway!"

The clan elder explained the origins of the Liu family in just a few words...

"Then let's ask the Liu family for help. Besides, we must show sincerity..." Peng Yuansheng looked at his son, "Zhiyue, go and invite the Liu family patriarch over for a talk!"

"Yes!" Peng Zhiyue stood up, bowed, and left.

Peng Yuansheng looked at everyone and said, "The herbal tea business and the attitude of the North are both things the Peng family cannot afford to lose! Elders, it's time for everyone to step up their efforts."

"no problem……"

"You can't write two 'Peng' characters in one stroke, Yuansheng, you tell me!"

The elders of the Peng family spoke up one after another, and Peng Yuansheng nodded gratefully, "Mr. He's wedding is the only opportunity for our Peng family. Elders, please bring out the most valuable betrothal gifts for your descendants!"

Polygamy was abolished in Hong Kong and Kowloon in October 1971. However, weddings in Hong Kong and Kowloon in 1950 still followed Qing Dynasty customs, with the groom's family often giving betrothal gifts and a three-day homecoming ceremony.

He Ping'an had acquired luxury cars and a mansion, so naturally, the wedding attire was also provided through a door-to-door service. He Ping'an was embracing a young woman in her wedding dress when an untimely knock sounded at the door from a servant…

"Sir, there's a gentleman outside named Peng Yuansheng. He's brought a car full of gifts, saying they're congratulatory presents for your wedding!"

He Ping'an pursed his lips, released the blushing beauty, and said, "Let's go, my wife, come with me to meet this Patriarch Peng!"

"But I haven't changed my clothes yet..."

"It's alright, let him wait!" He Ping'an waved his hand casually.

Taking the cake from him without his consent, and sparing the lives of key members of the Peng family, was already an act of mercy from He Ping'an. What's a little waiting and swallowing a bit of humiliation?

Although June is not as hot as the dog days of summer, it is not much cooler. Peng Yuansheng stood at the door for more than an hour.

Even so, she dared not utter a single complaint, and even the act of wiping her sweat was done with utmost care, lest she displease He Ping'an!

"Mr. Peng, my husband and wife have changed their clothes and are waiting for you in the living room!" The maid's words were like a life-saving rain for the dazed Peng Yuansheng. He thanked her repeatedly with gratitude!

"Mr. Peng, are you trying to sound like you're offering a humble apology?" He Ping'an sneered. "So, the prescription's already made! It seems to be working well. Otherwise, Mr. Peng wouldn't have condescended to perform in my humble abode!"

Peng Yuansheng hunched over, forcing a fawning smile. His hair, already soaked with sweat, made him look utterly disheveled.

"Mr. He is wise; I, Peng Yuansheng, was blind last time. I heard that Mr. He is getting married in a few days, so I have prepared a small gift for you to accept!"

The twelve golden zodiac animals, especially the golden horse and golden monkey, are highly prized. The white silk jacquard fabrics from Zhejiang, the high-patterned soft satin from Hangzhou, the translucent jade, and the sky-blue porcelain vases are all exquisite pieces.

He Ping'an lightly flicked the gift list, raised an eyebrow slightly, and said with a half-smile, "Mr. Peng, you're very thoughtful. These are all good gifts that could be used as betrothal gifts. Very well..." He paused, then shook his head with feigned regret.

"The betrothal gifts are ready; they are priceless. Mr. Peng should be able to guess, right? Hmm? Hahaha..."

Peng Yuansheng was suddenly startled, looking at He Ping'an in disbelief. Using a family heirloom as a betrothal gift was unheard of. "Mr. He... this... Mr. He has great courage!" Meeting He Ping'an's smiling eyes, Peng Yuansheng could only smile and cooperate.

"Right? I think so too!" He Ping'an's smile grew even more wicked. "Don't worry, considering that the Peng family of Fanling helped our Party during the War of Resistance, I'll give you those recipes the other day!"

"Mr. He..." Peng Yuansheng's forehead was covered in beads of sweat, and he looked at He Ping'an with pleading eyes.

"Mr. Peng, you should understand the principle of not being worthy of your position! Some things were never meant for you. But since you've brought it up, I can share some with you considering the Peng family's past contributions. That's all..."

He Ping'an stated his bottom line directly... Since the Peng family of Fanling was able to find out some of his background, they must have connections, especially since his plan required their help. He could be disciplined, but not pushed too far!

Most importantly, it can't be too deliberate; right now... it's just right! Hmm... it's just a bit annoying.

If it weren't for the interference from his hometown, He Ping'an could have simply summoned the five major families and then, on the grounds that the Peng family had made contributions, given Peng Yuansheng a larger share of the profits.

By using a carrot to entangle the Peng family, they willingly become targets for the other four families, while he mediates between them... In this way, he reaps the benefits!

"I appreciate the sentiment, but please take the gifts back. However..." He Ping'an tossed the gift list back, "The Peng family is welcome to attend my wedding!"

Peng Yuansheng, who had been in despair, suddenly had a look of joy in his eyes. The nearly fifty-year-old clan leader burst into tears of happiness, "Thank you, Mr. He, for giving the Peng clan this opportunity! Thank you, Mr. He..."

After seeing Peng Yuansheng off, He Ping'an went with Lou Xiaohui to the Lou family's house next door. Lou's mother wanted them there to discuss the wedding details…

"Mr. He, you've arrived! Please come in..."

He Ping'an looked at the obsequious Liu Hui, then shifted his gaze to Lou's mother on the sofa. Lou's mother was resting with her eighteen jadeite imperial green toy in hand, her eyes closed.

"Sister-in-law, why the sudden change from arrogance to obsequiousness?" He Ping'an finally uttered the boastful words of the CEO of the six kingdoms. It's a bit of a shame it wasn't Lou Bancheng!

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