Chapter 585 Do You Have the Capital to Negotiate with Us?

Chapter 585 Do You Have the Leverage to Negotiate with Us?

He Jingyi held out a hand to stop Wei Xiuru—arguing now was pointless.

The top priority was to resolve He Dongqi's situation first.

He raised his eyes to look at He Tingyue. His son was gaining more power and influence daily, while he himself was gradually aging.

He Jingyi asked himself honestly—he truly did not like He Tingyue.

It was laughable, really. He actually felt threatened by his own son.

That sense of threat had vanished the moment He Tingyue left the military.

Grandfather had lamented his grandson's lost future, but He Jingyi was different—he was just relieved.

In truth, he and He Tingyue were like oil and water.

"Dongqi is your brother. Right now, he's the only one in our family still in the military. Can you bear to see Grandfather's hopes shattered?"

He Tingyue's eyes were full of mockery. "He Dongqi isn't worthy of being Grandfather's hope."

He Jingyi choked. "If you brothers supported each other, along with me and Grandfather, he could naturally climb the ranks easier."

Jiang Yu immediately shot back, "Let me reiterate—we do not acknowledge bastards [illegitimate sons] as brothers."

Each "bastard" was like a slap to Wei Xiuru's face.

He Dongqi was a bastard because of her, his mother.

Wei Xiuru's face flushed red as she looked at He Jingyi with grievance.

He Jingyi's expression was equally unpleasant—after all, this bastard wouldn't exist without his cooperation.

"Name your conditions! What will it take for you to let Dongqi go?"

Jiang Yu looked at him disdainfully. "We could set conditions, but do you have the leverage to negotiate with us? You have no power, no money, and you're washed up—a man who's been mooching off his father. How dare you spout such nonsense?"

It wasn’t that she necessarily wanted He Dongqi to be punished, but he needed to get what’s coming to him.

Yet He Jingyi had no bargaining chips to negotiate with her.

Jiang Yu tsked and shook her head, her scornful gaze stinging He Jingyi.

In all his years, this was the first time someone had made it so obvious she looked down on him.

"You! You're going too far! I’m still your elder—how dare you speak to me like this!"

Jiang Yu’s eyes darkened. "Why wouldn’t I dare? I don’t owe you a damn thing! Given what your son has done, the two of you should be groveling to me—and even then, I might not accept it."

He Jingyi was so furious he staggered back, sputtering. Pointing at He Tingyue, he snapped, "I’ll say this one last time—I’m speaking to you as your father. Cut your brother loose!"

He Tingyue fell silent for a moment, at a loss for words.

"Oh."

Moments later, someone walked in from outside.

He Tingyue recognized him—he was Grandfather’s long-serving aide.

"Tingyue."

He completely ignored He Jingyi and his wife, walking straight up to He Tingyue.

"Uncle Stone."

He said discontentedly, "Old Shi, what brings you here?"

Old Shi didn't turn around or acknowledge him.

"Tingyue, Grandfather invites you all home for dinner."

He Tingyue didn't respond immediately, instead looking at Jiang Yu for her opinion.

Jiang Yu pondered for a moment, "Is this about He Dongqi?"

Old Shi gave a slight nod, "Grandfather is getting old and can't take shocks. There's still room for discussion on this matter."

Upon realizing why Old Shi had come, He Jingyi and Wei Xiuru puffed up slightly.

Their anxious expressions turned smug.

With Grandfather stepping in, He Dongqi's situation was as good as settled.

Wei Xiuru was overjoyed, "I knew Father still favors Dongqi."

No matter how biased he might be, he was still his own grandson.

Jiang Yu tilted her head, "How does Grandfather plan to talk this through with me?"

Old Shi stiffened slightly—just as Grandfather had predicted.

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small box.

"Grandfather told me to give you this."

Jiang Yu took it and opened it.

Inside was a solid gold pendant, palm-sized.

She picked it up and weighed it—it was heavier than a gold ingot.

Jiang Yu calmly pocketed the item and said with a smile, "We wouldn't dream of refusing Grandpa's invitation! Tingyue has barely survived a brush with death; he ought to visit Grandfather."

Old Shi: "..."

The speed of her change in attitude left him in the dust.

Wei Xiuru shot a resentful look at the gold pendant in Jiang Yu's hand, her heart seething with resentment.

She knew the He family had wealth.

Back during the war, Grandfather had saved a rich businessman, forming sworn brothers with him. The businessman had gifted half his fortune in gratitude.

Grandfather had then gave up half of it as military funds.

The foreign-style villa the He family now lived in originally belonged to the family's direct line. After they went abroad, Grandfather bought it from them.

But apart from this house, she had never managed to get anything more from Grandfather.

Yet on his second meeting with Jiang Yu, he gave her gifts twice.

"Jiang Yu, have you no manners? That’s your grandfather—your elder! Must he pay just to see you?"

Wei Xiuru’s eyes reddened with anger, seething to snatch the gifts away.

Instead of getting upset, Jiang Yu waved the gold locket in front of her.

"You’re angry? Is it because Grandpa gave me something, or because it wasn’t given to you? Tch tch, you’re so worked up. But Grandpa simply won’t give you anything—what can I do?"

Right in front of her, Jiang Yu pocketed the gold locket.

"Uncle Lao Shi, tell Grandpa we’ll be there soon. But he’d better have offerings ready if he wants to negotiate terms."

Lao Shi was momentarily speechless—how could he possibly repeat that?

"Grandpa is waiting at home and specifically sent me to fetch you. If it’s convenient for you both now..."

Jiang Yu immediately cut in, "It’s convenient!"

Thanks to this gold locket, she’d play along today.

She handed the things to He Feiyan for safekeeping. "Hold down the fort and wait for your sister-in-law to return."

He Feiyan cleared her throat and whispered, "Easy there, sis. Don’t drain Grandpa’s private stash completely."

Jiang Yu flicked her forehead. "Don’t be silly. If you don’t take it, those vultures will."

Wei Xiuru and He Jingyi: "..." They could hear that!

Lao Shi nearly laughed but bit back a laugh at the sight of He Jingyi’s expression.

"Ting Yue, shall we go?"

He Tingyue nodded. "Lead the way, Uncle Lao Shi."

The moment they boarded the car, Wei Xiuru tried to force her way in—only for Jiang Yu to kick her back out.

Jiang Yu swiftly shut the door. "I don’t ride with trash."

Then, with a smirk, she turned to the fuming He Jingyi.

"Same goes for you. Uncle Lao Shi, hit the road."

The car sped off, leaving Wei Xiuru screaming curses after them.

But her curses soon faded into the distance.

Lao Shi sighed silently but refrained from playing peacemaker—this wasn’t his place to meddle.

Years ago, He Jingyi and Wei Xiuru’s affair had sickened everyone.

The disgust stuck, even now.

Still, the He family’s affairs were above his paygrade.

Upon arriving, he only offered one reminder: "The old master’s health is failing these past years. If you two could go easier on him, it’d be for the best."

Jiang Yu waved cheerfully. "Don’t worry, Uncle Lao Shi. We’ve always honored our elders and doted on the young."

Lao Shi: "..." That’s what I’m afraid of.