The Yu Family Old Residence.

The atmosphere here was oppressive. All the key members of the Yu family had gathered.

Seated at the head of the room with his eyes closed was the current patriarch of the Yu family—Yu Paoyan.

"Yu Taiduo, as Chengqun’s father, how could you neglect his injuries and make concessions to those juniors, Luo Yao and Lin Ran? Chengqun is my eldest grandson—what face do you think you’re leaving me?"

Yu Taiduo, Yu Chengqun’s father and the old man’s own son, stood before him.

Dad, maybe you should open your eyes when talking to me. This is just rude.

That’s what he thought, but he didn’t dare say it out loud. After all, he wasn’t the family head yet.

"Father, Chengqun was in the wrong in this matter. My concession was only temporary. Our family alone can’t contend with Luo Yao, let alone take on the Chen Family at the same time."

Finally, the Yu family patriarch opened his eyes, his sharp gaze assessing his eldest son.

"The Chen Family? Chen Qingtian is merely Chen Xiao’s granddaughter. And the most formidable figure in the Chen Family isn’t even Chen Xiao—what are you afraid of?"

Yu Taiduo shook his head. "The Chen Family isn’t like our kind of families. They don’t have a patriarch in their rules, but if any of their members face trouble, the entire family must rally to help. They’re a ‘red family’—their influence is immense."

"Hmph. That’s just your assumption. I refuse to believe the Chen Family would oppose us over some little girl."

Sigh. I’m exhausted.

Arguing with this old fossil was like playing a heavenly melody to a deaf ox.

Once he became family head, he’d make a new rule: "Yu Paoyan and dogs are forbidden from attending family meetings."

"I’m just preparing for the worst. This is a strategic retreat."

Yu Paoyan’s face twisted with displeasure. "Oh? Then what’s your next move? Do you expect the Yu family to just swallow this humiliation?"

The rest of the Yu family members began chiming in with their criticisms.

Yu Xingcao: "Elder Brother, you’re being unreasonable. The Yu family’s dignity cannot be compromised."

Yu Ganyou: "Exactly, Elder Brother. Our ancestors worked hard to build the Yu family into a top-tier dynasty—not so you could disgrace us."

Yu Chengcai, more "concerned" about whether Yu Chengqun was truly crippled, asked, "Father, how is Elder Brother really doing?"

Yu Weiwen, Yu Chengqun’s younger sister and a staunch supporter of her second brother, feigned concern.

"Has Elder Brother really been ruined? Second Brother and I would like to visit him."

In truth, she just wanted to see for herself whether Yu Chengqun was truly finished.

The rest of the Yu family—Yu Tang, Yu Fu, Yu Zijiang, Yu Lei, Yu Mu, Yu Rouwan, and others—also piled on with their accusations.

Patriarch Yu Paoyan finally erupted in anger, his voice booming with authority. "Enough! Silence! Let’s hear what your eldest brother has to say."

Yu Taiduo surveyed his siblings, uncles, nephews, and juniors with calm detachment. No matter how much you resent me, I’m still the next heir.

"What do I have to say? Before I speak, let me ask all of you—are you trying to stage a mutiny? Do you really think I’m that easygoing?"

Internal strife was a long-standing tradition in the Yu family. Even between fathers and sons, brothers and brothers, it was always a battle for dominance.

At the "crown prince’s" outburst, the others reluctantly fell silent.

Only after coldly scanning the room did Yu Taiduo answer Yu Paoyan’s question.

"Father, I’ve already contacted the Ai and Zhang family heads. They’ll be arriving shortly to discuss our plan against Luo Yao."

This time, Yu Paoyan was genuinely taken aback.

"They agreed?"

"I reached out to them yesterday after having Chengqun withdraw the lawsuit. They’re on board." As he spoke, Yu Taiduo rose to his feet, casting a triumphant look at the assembly.

See how impressive your crown prince is? I convinced two family heads to join forces.

"Real dignity is earned through action. Next, I’ll unite the other families to take down Luo Yao—that’s how we reclaim our pride. Unlike some people who do nothing but flap their gums."

The Yu family members exchanged disdainful glances.

Taking on Luo Yao? More like mutual destruction—except we’ll lose more than she will. Then we’ll see what excuses you have left.

Just wait. Your time is coming.

Only Yu Taiduo’s wife, Chang Lüfù, remained steadfastly by his side in support.

"Don’t worry, husband. You still have me and our children."

Right then, an announcement echoed through the hall:

"The Ai Family Head, Ai Renqi, and the Zhang Family Head, Zhang Deshuai, have arrived with their families."

Yu Taiduo stood to greet them, and even Yu Paoyan rose to his feet, eyes now wide open.

After brief pleasantries, Zhang Deshuai cut straight to the chase.

"Brother Taiduo, let’s skip the formalities. Once we declare war on Luo Yao, there’s no turning back. It’ll be a fight to the death—are you prepared?"

Ai Renqi, after stealing a glance at Chang Lüfù, spoke slowly.

"My daughter was originally betrothed to your son. Does that engagement still stand?"

He was probing—if Yu Chengqun was truly crippled, he wouldn’t let his daughter marry into such a situation.

Handing over Ai Xianbai yesterday had been partly due to Luo Yao’s pressure, but more importantly, it was a test of Yu Chengqun’s condition.

Yu Taiduo hesitated briefly before responding.

"Family Head Ai, rest assured. Both of my sons are doing well."

His meaning was clear—even if the eldest was ruined, he still had a younger son.

Ai Renqi nodded in approval. As long as the alliance held, it didn’t matter whether his daughter married the first or second son.

With that settled, the group began strategizing against Luo Yao.

They had tried to take her down before—and failed spectacularly. That defeat had cost them dearly, allowing the Yi and Zhang families to rise in their place.

Now, Luo Yao was even stronger. If they couldn’t defeat her back then, their chances now were even slimmer.

So this time, they’d learned their lesson.

If they couldn’t beat her in business, they’d resort to simpler methods…

"Do you know what Luo Yao cares about most?"

Ai Renqi didn’t even need to think. "Isn’t it obvious? The whole world knows—it’s Lin Ran."

"Exactly. So we’ll use him as leverage to crush that madwoman Luo Yao in one strike."

Zhang Deshuai frowned. "Will that really work? Lin Ran is important, but is he enough to bring Luo Yao down?"

Yu Taiduo smirked confidently. "You’re underestimating him. To Luo Yao, that man is worth more than her own life. Trust me—this will work."

"Fine."

...