Chapter 364: Vying for the Spotlight, Each with Ulterior Motives

’Not bad, not bad at all!’

Old Sir Li’s anger subsided a little. A moment ago, his only thought was to make Guo Dongmei abort the child, but doing so would be a dead giveaway.

At the same time, this would save the child in Guo Dongmei’s womb. It was Li family blood, after all. Even though it was an illegitimate child, they had to treat it well, or else they would face divine retribution. The Li family might even be left without heirs.

Of course, this was just a superstition, but it was a line the older generation dared not cross.

"Yes, you’re right. It’s a good plan." Old Sir Li nodded. "Alright, then. When Mr. Guo gets here, I will speak to him and have him arrange this matter. As for you, just stay at home obediently. If you must go out, go to the Wu Family’s place to pick Wu Jingjing up from work."

Seeing that his father’s anger had faded, Li Gongming finally let out a sigh of relief. "Father, I’ll definitely make it up to Wu Jingjing. Our marriage with the Wu Family will be fine, I promise. As for the alliance between the Li and Wu families, that will depend on how you negotiate with Wu Jianxiong."

"Hmph. Just focus on doing your part," Old Sir Li said with a nod. "The other matters are indeed beyond your capabilities."

’Seeing Father so satisfied with my younger brother... This whole mess was his fault. Isn’t it only natural that he should be the one to fix it?’

’I can’t let my younger brother take all the credit.’ Li Gongde stood up and said, "Father, you seem to think the Wu Family is breaking off the engagement for reasons beyond my brother’s mistake. Perhaps there’s something else going on."

Hearing his eldest son say this brought Old Sir Li a small measure of comfort. He nodded and said, "I’m pleased you were able to consider that. As you said, I feel the Wu Family isn’t just breaking off the engagement for this simple reason; there are definitely other factors at play. So, tell me, what other reasons might the Wu Family have?"

Standing not far away, Housekeeper Li heard the old master’s words and stopped sighing. ’At least the First and Second Young Masters have some redeeming qualities. Perhaps once they get a little older, they’ll become more mature and experienced.’

Seeing that his father was no longer angry, Li Gongde ignored the pain in his body and said immediately, "Father, the worst-case scenario is that the Wu Family no longer wants to cooperate with our Li family and has chosen another political partner. Our Li family’s biggest rival is Gu Qingyu. Therefore, we need to investigate whether Wu Jianxiong has been in contact with Gu Qingyu. If he has, we should prepare ourselves defensively instead of blindly pleading for the Wu Family to reinstate the marriage."

"Mm, not bad. That’s some good thinking." Old Sir Li nodded, then looked to his other son. "Gongming, what are your thoughts?"

The whole affair had started because of him, so Li Gongming hadn’t dared to speak up. Only when his father asked directly did he have to answer. "Big Brother already mentioned an investigation. So, Father, you can investigate externally. As for me, I’ll try to find out more from Wu Jingjing when I apologize to her. I’ll ask around indirectly."

"Are you confident you can get the truth from Wu Jingjing? Is it possible she wouldn’t even know about such an important decision for the Wu Family?" Old Sir Li countered. It would be a more convenient and accurate source of information, and a highly discreet one at that.

Old Sir Li understood that one small move could affect the entire situation. The moment he sent people to investigate his political rivals, others would surely get wind of it and try to fish in troubled waters.

"Wu Jingjing is a very simple and naive girl. As long as I’m determined to find out, I’m sure I can get some useful information. She might not be involved in the Wu Family’s high-level decisions, but the attitude and words of the family elders would still be revealed. I just need to judge the situation based on Wu Jingjing’s reactions." Li Gongming was skilled at reading people, which was why he was so successful with women.

He was adept at this and felt very confident, so he immediately gave his father his assurance.

Hearing his son’s words, Old Sir Li nodded. "Good. I’ll leave this matter to you! Gongde, you send people to investigate the Wu Family and see if they’ve been in contact with Gu Qingyu. This needs to be resolved as quickly as possible. You two must do your best."

"Yes, Father," Li Gongde and Li Gongming said hurriedly. They didn’t want to face their father’s wrath again, so they took the matter very seriously, determined to handle it perfectly.

Without a moment’s rest, Li Gongde and Li Gongming went their separate ways to take action.

After his two sons left, the worry on Old Sir Li’s brow deepened. He slumped dejectedly into the chair in his study.

Housekeeper Li was just about to leave when Old Sir Li stopped him. "Sihai," he asked, "what do you really think of my two sons?"

Hearing the Old Master’s question, Housekeeper Li looked troubled. He wanted to speak the truth, but he didn’t dare.

"Just say what you think. You’ve been by my side for many years, and you are completely loyal to me. I know that much," Old Sir Li said. "All those allies on the outside are only with us for personal gain. I can’t trust a word they say."

"Sigh... Old Master, I have been with you for thirty years. If you hadn’t saved me back then, I would be dead now, and I wouldn’t have the family I have today," Housekeeper Li said. "But... a man who doesn’t think of the future will soon have worries at his doorstep. We must secure a way out for ourselves!"

Although Housekeeper Li didn’t mention Li Gongde or Li Gongming by name, his warning to Old Sir Li to secure a way out was an answer in itself.

’Neither of them is competent. Even if the Li family reached new heights, they wouldn’t be able to hold onto it.’

"Sigh... I understand. You may go and rest." Old Sir Li was despondent. For a week before the Wu Family came to break off the engagement, he had felt powerless, unable to control the situation. Now, with the Wu Family’s withdrawal, it would be difficult for the Li family to weather this storm.

But Old Sir Li quickly composed himself. He had weathered great storms before; he wasn’t afraid of a little thunderstorm.

Not long after Housekeeper Li left, Mr. Guo came to the Li family residence in person.

Old Sir Li looked at Mr. Guo; he was the type of person who wouldn’t budge without seeing a benefit for himself.

"Old Guo, the Wu Family came to break off the engagement!" Old Sir Li said with a sigh. "They’ve already found out that Dongmei is pregnant and are using it as an excuse to call things off."

When Mr. Guo heard this, his expression turned grim. ’It was bad enough that your son slept with my daughter and refused to marry her,’ he thought. ’But now you want her to abort the child and destroy the evidence? Then what leverage would I have over the Li family in the future?’

Although Mr. Guo was furious inside, he didn’t let it show on his face. He had been playing the submissive role in front of the Lis for a long time anyway; a little longer wouldn’t make a difference. The Li family’s situation was looking bleak. He was curious to see what trick Old Master Li had up his sleeve.

"Old brother Li, that’s your own flesh and blood we’re talking about! Even if I could bear to let my daughter suffer, could you bear to just throw this child away?" Mr. Guo said with a pained expression. "That would be an offense against heaven itself!"