Chapter 22: Private Conversation (First Update)

  Ding Hua's expression remained calm as he slowly said, "So what do you think was the reason behind this person's actions today?"

  Fu Bo lowered his head and replied: "Master, I think it's just a matter of feelings!"

  Ding Hua listened, and a hint of light flashed in his eyes. He stroked his beard before saying, "There's some truth to that, but must one be so lacking in propriety? No one else is coming, and just this one invitation can make my daughter attend the banquet?"

  Fu Bo was well-prepared and said with a calm demeanor: "Sir, this person may think that being a red man by Lin's side is a bit too easy-going, but it's not uncommon for young people to be overly ambitious! This move also seems quite normal!"

  Ding Hua seemed to have an epiphany and looked at Fu Bo, saying: "Your intention is to get close to this person? I think it's not possible. I've also heard rumors about him, with the suppression of the rebellion in Shang Huang Fu in the past and leading troops to quell the uprising, one can imagine that his ambition is not small. I'm worried that he doesn't value Xiao Ya but rather values the power of my Ding Manor. If it's really like this, then we'll be bringing a wolf into our home, gaining nothing but trouble, and later on, regret will be useless!"

  Fu Bo hesitated and said: "But, Master, if not so, then once the Huang Fu reaches a tacit understanding with General Lin, our Ding Fu will be in danger!"

  Ding Hua let out a cold snort and said, "If he really doesn't leave any room for others, then it's a case of 'the fish dies and the net is broken'. Lin Mouren won't be able to win people's hearts in Chao Mei, his foundation won't be stable. By that time, he'll have good days ahead! The Chen Da Shuai of Guangzhou probably won't let him off first!"

  Master Fu still worried and said: "Sir, since ancient times the people cannot fight against the officials, let alone a general with heavy troops in hand. In the end, we will suffer! His fate is unknown, but our Ding family's downfall is almost certain! I think it's better to make friends with General Lin through Mao Feng, this might be the best way!"

  Ding Hua shook his head, but then let out a low sigh and said: "I am truly incompetent, the family business passed down from our ancestors has fallen to this state under my hands, I am truly ashamed before our ancestors, what incompetence!"

  "Master, this is a changed world. It's no longer an era of benevolence, but a chaotic one! Now whoever has the gun in their hand holds the truth!"

  Ding Hua nodded in agreement after hearing this, he also knew this simple truth. The Ding manor had secretly nurtured a group of people and had dozens of guns in their possession, including "flower machines".

  Fu Bo continued, "Master, I think it's not bad to take a look at this Mao Feng. If he is indeed capable, then Miss marrying him might not be a bad thing! With Mao Feng as a mediator, General Lin will definitely not tear his face off, and the Huang Mansion will also have to be extremely cautious. At that time, the situation will turn around, and it won't be the Huang Mansion suppressing our Ding Mansion, but rather our Ding Mansion wanting the Huang Mansion to get out of this Chao Mei territory!"

  Ding Hua smiled bitterly and said, "Don't think too much about it, this is the best outcome. If there were any other ending, it would be a disaster for the Ding family! If all else fails, we can only put aside our pride and rely on Lin Hu wholeheartedly!"

  Fu Bo looked at his master with a puzzled expression and said: "Master, why don't you think highly of Mao Feng?"

  Ding Hua said in a low voice: "Those who achieve success at a young age are bound to have an unstable foundation and many enemies. They may seem invincible, but one misstep can lead to disaster! Do we want to risk our Ding family's reputation? I don't think highly of Lin Hu either, which is why I'm remaining neutral for now. This situation is too complicated, it's a dead end! Whoever comes to power in Taimei territory, I'll support them, but my support will be limited, not wholehearted. I don't seek greatness for the Ding family, just survival."

  Ding Hua's words shocked and moved Fu Bo deeply. As the elder of the Ding family, he had watched Ding Hua grow up, witnessing his transformation from a young and arrogant youth to someone with ambitions to revive the family, and now to someone who has become conservative as if resigned to fate.

  Fu Bo secretly sighed, knowing that today's conversation had reached this point. Fu Bo said to Ding Hua: "Since the master has already made a decision, then I will not speak again, and wait for the master's orders."

  After Fu Bo came out, he arrived at the backyard. He saw that Miss was in the garden at this moment, taking a stroll to clear her mind. Fu Bo stepped forward and bowed slightly, saying: "Miss."

  Ding Xiaoya saw Fu Bo and said warmly: "Fu Bo, you're here."

  Fu Bo still adhered to his own style, he didn't dare to make any excessive moves. He said: "Miss, the old servant doesn't dare to be called so by you."

  Ding Xiaoya wouldn't bother with this title and Fu Bo, as she had already bothered about it for so many years. Ding Xiaoya smiled and said: "Fu Bo, is there anything new today?"

  Fu Bo sighed and said: "Chaozhou is just a small place, there's nothing that can interest you every day! There's no fresh news today."

  Ding Xiaoya responded with a "oh" and nodded her head. Fu Bo continued, "Miss, just now the old master mentioned you."

  Ding Xiaoya's thoughts suddenly focused, and she said solemnly: "About my affairs? What is it? Mr. Fu, please tell me."

  Mr. Fu said calmly: "Miss, it's not directly about you, actually it's mainly about Captain Mao."

  "Director Mao?" Ding Xiangya looked slightly puzzled, but then seemed to understand. She asked: "What did you all say?"

  Fu Bo said: "Just now, Mao Tuanzhang sent an invitation card inviting Miss to attend a banquet at Fuyun Building."

  "Going to the banquet?" Ding Xiaoya's eyes flashed with excitement, and this naturally did not escape Fu Bo's notice. In his heart, he was even more certain of his conjecture - Miss still had a good impression of Mao Feng, and it wasn't just an ordinary good impression.

  Fu Bo continued: "The old master did not agree and thought it was really impolite!"

  Ding Xiaoya felt a bit dazed and somewhat lost, but Fu Bo naturally saw it all in his eyes. He confirmed his own speculation that the young lady indeed had an unusual affection for Mao Fengzhi, this young captain.

  Ding Xiaoya didn't say much before speaking up: "Fu Bo, come with me to see my dad!"

  "Miss, I'm afraid Master won't listen to any reason now! The burden on his back is too heavy."

  Ding Xiaoya listened and naturally thought of her father's ambition, she sighed slightly and said: "That's why I want to lay my cards on the table with Dad, being with Mao Feng has immeasurable benefits, not just for me, but also for this family!"

  After finishing speaking, Ding Xueya walked towards the living room. She knew that her father usually stayed in the living room drinking tea when he had nothing to do, rather than staying in his study.

  Mao Feng heard the report from the messenger department, Mao Feng was not surprised at all, but several battalion commanders under him were quite indignant. They were a bit angry and humiliated by Ding Hua's lack of respect.

  Listening to the curses of his subordinates, Mao Feng said calmly: "This is also part of the cleanup. Although we are now in power, in their eyes, we are nothing but upstarts. These big families care more about so-called 'door-to-door matches'! I hope he can do it too. Otherwise, how would I have the chance to continue? Assemble the guard squad, none of you go, all stay here and watch the house! I will personally meet this head of the Ding family!"

  Mao Fengzhi had made up his mind, and it was not someone who could be persuaded to stay. This point was well known to the troops, let alone Mao Fengzhi's prestige had long been established among them, and they would not think that their own captain would have any bad ideas.

  Mao Feng led the guards in a majestic procession towards the Ding Mansion. The common people along the way dared not speak, but instead made way for them to pass. After Mao Feng's troops had gone by, they whispered to each other, wondering what these soldiers were up to again! However, it was unlikely to be anything good, as these soldiers exuded an aura of killing and their stern atmosphere was extremely heavy.

  Ding Hua listened to Ding Xiao Ya's explanation and indignantly said: "My Ding family has not yet reached the point of selling daughters for glory, you must also be self-respecting, you are my Ding family's daughter, don't be so unaware of the weight! I just don't believe that Mao Feng has the guts to make trouble in my Ding mansion! Does Lin Hu not want his reputation and stability in the Chao Mei area? In the end, Mao Feng is still a dog under Lin Hu!"

  "Ding Xiangya's eyes immediately turned red when she heard her father say this about herself, and she choked back tears as she said: 'Father, Mao Fengzhi is Lin Hu's trusted aide. If he wasn't exceptionally capable, he wouldn't have been able to make a name for himself in the military, nor would he have risen so quickly. It's only been less than a year since he enlisted, and yet he's already a regiment commander - a real one, not some self-proclaimed leader of a ragtag group. Not long ago, he was able to swiftly put down the rebellion in the Third Regiment... is Mao Fengzhi really that incompetent? Father, won't you take a closer look at him? Compared to others in the entire Chao Mei region, how many can match up to him? Am I, your daughter, really so shameless?"

  "You!" Ding Hua was about to scold loudly, but his brain kept echoing his daughter's words. He felt that his daughter was right, so he didn't continue speaking.

  The old butler, Fu Bo, who was standing by the side, spoke up at this time: "Master, Miss's words make sense. Now our Ding family is short of manpower, and what we lack most is military power. If we can pull in Commander Mao Feng, then at least we will have a battalion of soldiers. This is an intangible deterrent that can intimidate people like the Huang family who are full of malice! Master, this is an opportunity. Moreover, Commander Mao Feng is already a battalion commander now, and as long as he agrees to cooperate, his future prospects will be bright! Please, Master, think thrice!"