Schemes And Plans - 28.3

While Fan Zhu Xia got acquainted with her new aunt and cousin, a very important discussion was happening.

"Li Jie, Yong Rui, it's good that both of you are here."

"Of course. What did you need us for Father? Uncle?"

Instead of answering Fan Li Jie, their father gestured for them to take a seat first.

Meeting each other's gazes, the two brothers simultaneously sat down with tacit understanding.

While one looked serious and aloof, the other exuded an air of lazy frivolity. A complete contrast to each other yet oddly complementary.

Seeing his sons' different personalities clearly reflected in the aura and presence they portray, Fan Hui Liang couldn't help but let out a few chuckles before he motioned his brother to take the lead.

Nodding, Fan Hui Zhong swept a glance at his nephews before finally opening his mouth to explain why they called for them.

"I am sure both of you already know that your father and I have decided to make several moves to reassert are family's status within the capital..."

With a single  word, Li Jie nodded as he said "En."

At the same time that Yong Rui playfully affirmed and replied, "Of course, Uncle."

Nodding in approval, Fan Hui Zhong continued.

"When the title of Lei Wangye was bestowed upon me and I was given authority and status to have my own Lei Palace, the timing for me was incredibly inopportune and my circumstances was not the best which is why all the pressure of both our family's affairs and my Lei Palace was handled by your father. This resulted with the Lei Palace being inextricably linked to the Fan Estate and although I personally have no problems in regards to this, this however had an unfortunate influence on the Fan Estate."

Seeing that both of them were listening attentively, Fan Hui Zhong went on to explain.

"At first glance, our Fan Family benefits from it's association with the Lei Palace and to some extent, that is true. However, due to the benefits gained will also be some unwanted attention along with some underlying schemes and plots made by those who feel threatened or envious of this. What happened happened recently is enough proof of that."

"Then wouldn't things just become harder from now on after receiving the emperor's imperial edict?" Fan Li Jie asked.

"That is indeed true which is why we summoned the two of you so that you may also share your thoughts as well as assist your father and I to ensure that our plans does not fail."

Seeing Li Jie's pondering look, Fan Hui Zhong took the initiative and further elaborated.

"First of all, with the imperial edict, we have monopolized the are surrounding Dark Flames Mountain due to the newly bestowed three plots of the surrounding land to my Lei Palace in addition to our Fan Estate's current ownership of the remaining area. As of now, you both know that the construction of the walls has already begun with the Dark Flames Mountain as the center. Things will generally stay the same with the only difference that I want to help expand the area the Fan family's estate occupies. This is where the two of you will come in."

To further explain, Fan Hui Liang then took over and said, "Your uncle and I have discussed this and I am sure your grandfather will agree to this as well. First of all, we have decided to move the Fan Estate to the eastern side of the Dark Flames Mountain and as such, it's entrance would be much nearer to the area where most military and officials estates would be located, just a short distance away from where our old estate used to be. For this matter, preparations are already underway and you; Li Jie will be in charge of overseeing this and should you need help, you may ask your mother and young brother; Xian for assistance."

Upon hearing this, Fan Li Jie just nodded silently but a small, almost imperceptible frown could be seen forming between his brows.

Seeing this, Fan Hui Zhong chose to explain their reasons behind this decision.

"Li Jie, we placed you in charge because we trust that you know what to prioritize during this time. It's up to you to ensure that the newly built Fan Estate would be nigh impossible to infiltrate. The building placements along with each courtyards location as well as facilities must all be built strategically and this is what your best at. Your mother will only help you in regards to the overall aesthetic appearance of the estate, just to prevent it from being too militaristic, after all the estate isn't a military barracks. We're leaving you in charge of this since your father still has duties as a military official to attend to."

"I understand. I'll do my best." Fan Li Jie replied, seriousness filling him.

"Good." Fan Hui Liang smiled in approval.

After this, Fan Hui Zhong then turned to his other nephew who was sitting there looking relatively relaxed and without a care in the world.

Towards this nephew of his, Fan Hui Zhong only had a few words to say.

"Keep doing what you're doing."

"En." Fan Yong Rui acknowledged with a meaningful smile.

In regards to this, Fan Li Jie shot a questioning look towards his father to which he only replied, "Your brother; Yong Rui is in charge of gathering information."

"Information? Is that why he's always out? He's not going to all those brothels and gentlemen's clubs?"

Before their father could reply, Fan Yong Rui let out a bout of laughter before smilingly explaining to his older brother.

"Eldest Brother, that is where you are wrong. I DO go to brothels... I DO spend time in various gatherings at gentlemen's clubs! Where do you think I got my reputation as a dandy?" he said with another laugh.

Seeing the confused look on his face, even Fan Hui Zhong couldn't help but let out a few chuckles of his own.

"Li Jie, my boy, what Yong Rui is doing is actually the best way to gather information. No one would suspect a frivolous, flower-pants, especially a dandy with a notorious reputation and even if he is suspected, he definitely wouldn't be the first one on the list thus enabling him to gather more as well as retreat safely. Yong Rui is able to find out about things and have underground dealings more easier than any of us here all because of his reputation as the capital's number one dandy."

"Is that so?" Fan Li Jie murmured as he shot a measuring yet appreciative glance towards his younger brother.

Unfortunately, any appreciation he had was tossed outside the window with Fan Yong Rui's next words.

"Don't look at me like that brother, I can't handle Eldest Brother's expectations! Just because I gather information does not mean I don't enjoy my time with the ladies and my fun excursions as a bona fide dandy, after all, this Young Master isn't as boring as Eldest Brother!"

After this, the serious atmosphere was broken with both Fan Hui Zhong's and Fan Hui Liang's loud, boisterous laughter that was almost drowned out by Fan Li Jie's indignant scream.

"YONG RUI!"