Countermove

In the Li family mansion, within Li Han's study, Li Han sat behind his desk, engrossed in an ancient scroll, seemingly lost in its contents. Li Yi lounged on one side of the room, idly fiddling with an exquisitely crafted teacup, which looked like a priceless antique. His gaze drifted to the three elders who were visibly uneasy, a smirk appearing on his face. Their current humble demeanor was a stark contrast to their arrogance months ago.

After what seemed like an eternity, Li Han finally looked up at the three elders and asked lightly, "What brings the three of you to visit so late at night?"

The elders exchanged glances, hesitating before the third elder spoke, "Patriarch, about today's incident, our elder brother..."

"Our eldest elder betrayed the family and was executed by Yi'er on the spot. Are you seeking justice for him?" Li Han interjected coldly.

The third elder forced a smile, "Patriarch jests... We admit our mistake. His execution was his own doing. We thank you for not pursuing the matter further. In the future, our branch..."

"Not pursue it?" Li Han shook his head, "How do you know I won't pursue this matter? You four plotted to usurp my position as patriarch. Should I just watch you grow in power again?"

Caught off guard by Li Han's stance, the elders exchanged worried glances. They had come to apologize, betting on Li Han's reluctance to weaken the family by punishing them. But now, they couldn't read his intentions, growing anxious.

Observing their discomfort, Li Han scoffed internally. He needed to seize this opportunity provided by Li Yi's influence to suppress the branch families. His cold smile sent shivers down the elders' spines, and as they prepared to retreat, he said, "Hold on, tomorrow is the annual opening of the Wuyi Pavilion. It's crucial and mustn't be delayed... As for today, I have my judgment. How to deal with it depends on your future behavior. However, third elder, hand over the control of Wuyi Pavilion. I'll appoint new elders to fill the vacancies. As for you, manage the branch families."

The control of Wuyi Pavilion, vital to the Li family's strength, had always been contested between the main and branch families. Li Han's move to reclaim it was a significant blow to the branch families. The third elder's face darkened, wanting to protest, but knowing any resistance now would be foolish, especially after their failed coup attempt.

As they reluctantly agreed and turned to leave, Li Yi, who had been quietly observing, spoke up. "Hold on," he said calmly. The elders stopped, turning back hesitantly.

Li Yi asked, "Am I truly the young master now? Not planning to bring Li Chong or Li Chen to challenge me?"

The third elder forced a more respectful smile, "Those worthless ones can't compare to you, young master. We were blind before, please forgive us."

Li Yi chuckled, "I'm not interested in troubling you... but I do have a question... Three months ago, why was Mo Rouxin in the valley outside the city, and who drugged me? You must know, third elder."

The third elder stiffened, feeling the cold threat in Li Yi's eyes. "Think carefully before you answer. If I can kill one elder, I can certainly kill another."

With that, Li Yi tossed the teacup towards the third elder, striking his forehead and shattering on the ground.

The Third Elder's back was drenched in cold sweat at this gesture. He realized he could no longer see through the young man in front of him. Swallowing hard and steeling himself, the Third Elder finally spoke in a low voice, "Young Master, about that day's incident... it was actually a conspiracy between Eldest Elder and that old coot Mo Yi. They lured you there in Mo Rouxin's name, then drugged you with an aphrodisiac. The plan was to have you act against Mo Rouxin, providing Mo Yi an excuse to kill you on the spot. But unexpectedly..."

"Unexpectedly, that old fox Mo Yi didn't show up due to some mishap, and I ended up benefiting greatly from it, right?" Li Yi clapped his hands, his eyes brimming with amusement.

"Yes! Young Master, you are indeed blessed by fortune!" The Third Elder quickly bowed.

Li Yi snorted but said nothing further. After pondering for a moment and glancing at his adoptive father, who was smiling behind the desk, he said, "Well, let's end this matter here. However, I have another task for you... If you handle this well, I'll overlook the past."

The Third Elder's forehead was now beaded with sweat, but he could only respond with a bitter smile, "Yes, Young Master, just give your command."

Li Yi nodded, "Very well, I want this done first thing tomorrow morning... The Eldest Elder's lineage, aside from Li Chong, must have some other notable figures, right?"

"Yes, there are a few Fighters in the Eldest Elder's line, and also..."

"Enough," Li Yi waved his hand, "I don't want to hear any nonsense. Just make sure that by tomorrow morning, everyone from the Eldest Elder's line, starting with Li Chong, is kneeling at the entrance of the Wuyi Pavilion. Then, Third Elder, you will personally behead them... Do you understand what I mean?"

The three elders trembled, their faces a mixture of disbelief and shock. They looked at Li Han, who had already started to smile, and before they could speak, he said, "Since Yi'er has commanded so, you should follow his orders... It's also good to discipline them, letting others know not to covet things beyond their reach. As for filling the vacancies left by the Eldest Elder's line, you three can find suitable replacements..."

Watching the father and son, the three elders could only swallow their bitterness. They knew if they handled this matter well, tonight's incident would likely not be pursued further. However, executing this task would forever tarnish their reputations in the family. Li Yi and his father, on the other hand, would solidify their unassailable prestige.

As the elders left with heavy hearts, Li Yi turned to Li Han, "Father, I have a question for you."

"Ask away," Li Han replied with a smile.

"Father, you must have known about the Eldest Elder and Mo Yi's plan that day. Why didn't you..."

Li Han laughed heartily, "That old fox Mo Yi wanted to use his daughter to scheme against my son. I let his daughter lose her chastity, ensuring she can't marry off. Who said taking advantage of the Li family would be easy? Moreover, Yi'er, weren't you always eyeing her? Since the opportunity was rare, I had to help you fulfill your wish! Ahahaha..."

Li Yi rolled his eyes at his audacious father. He guessed that Li Han must have blocked Mo Yi's attempt to harm him that day, and the arrival of the Li and Mo family's guards later must have been within his expectations.

Seeing Li Yi's expression, Li Han chuckled before continuing, "Right, Yi'er, there's another matter I need to ask you about."

Here it comes, Li Yi thought, maintaining a calm demeanor. "What is it?"

"About that day, why did you order the three elders to execute such a command? I don't oppose it, but it does weaken our family's strength."

Li Yi's smile turned cold, "With the Eldest Elder dead at my hands, how could his line remain loyal to me? What use are they if kept around? Besides, if dogs raised by the family turn on their master, shouldn't we kill a few as a warning? If we don't, it's hardly dignified."

Li Han pondered, then agreed, "You're right. Not killing a few would hardly be convincing... I guess I've been too soft-hearted."

Li Yi smiled slightly, "Father, you're not soft-hearted. You just didn't want to waste the Fighters nurtured by the family. But what use are disloyal Fighters? After all, being bitten by your own dog isn't something to be proud of."

Li Han shook his head helplessly, "You're quite the schemer, Yi'er. Let's follow your plan this time... Anyway, let's not dwell on this. There's something else I need to ask you."

"What's that?" Li Yi asked.