Chapter 888: No Low-Key Behavior Allowed!

The Jiang Family Mansion. Study!

Old Master Jiang gently set his teacup down on the table and said, “I’ve given careful thought to what you mentioned on the phone yesterday, and I’ve decided I can’t help that young man!”

Jiang Shiying was taken aback for a moment, then said, “Father, why is that? I don’t see anything wrong with Yi wanting to take a break and spend time with his wife and children.”

Old Master Jiang chuckled. “Haha, that sly little rascal does want to rest, but the reason he doesn’t want to be so high-profile is simply because he’s afraid of being made a target—and even more afraid of being treated like a fat pig being fattened up!”

“A target? A fat pig?”

“Exactly. The government’s attitude toward the private sector seems to have shifted again, especially after that economic ‘late-spring chill’ at the beginning of the year, which dealt a severe blow to the private sector’s morale. I think Xiao Yi saw all this and fears that if he’s too high-profile, he’ll be made into a target!”

The old man continued, “On top of that, his assets are now massive—combined, his domestic and international holdings are worth as much as the annual output of a dozen provinces. He’s worried that one day he’ll end up like Shen Wansan or He Shen.”

Jiang Shiying was no fool; he quickly grasped the crux of the matter.

After a moment’s thought, he looked at his grandfather and asked, “So will Xiao Yi become that target—or perhaps that fat pig waiting to be slaughtered?”

“No!”

The old man continued, “That kid is seriously underestimating the power of the Jiang family. No matter who it is, if they want to touch him, they’ll have to ask us—the Jiang family—and the Ye family first.”

“Furthermore, Xiao Yi hasn’t fully grasped his current standing. Right now, he’s a figurehead jointly established by the old commander and his colleagues. In this unique position, unless there’s a fundamental shift in national policy, no one will be able to touch him!”

“But at the same time, being in this position doesn’t allow him to keep a low profile. If he’s too low-key, he’ll have no glory above and no achievements below—that’s a sure path to disaster!”

Jiang Shiying nodded and said, “As always, you see things with such depth and clarity. I hadn’t considered any of this. But what should we do now? Should I go talk to Xiao Yi…”

Before he could finish, Old Master Jiang shook his head and said, “No need. That lad is a stubborn one—he’s set in his ways. Even if he understands what you’re saying, he might not listen to you!”

“Then what should we do?”

“It’s time for my grandson-in-law to get a feel for the circles of the Jiang and Ye families. Isn’t Uncle Liang’s little girl getting engaged in a couple of days? Bring that boy along when you attend the banquet!”

The old man continued, “At the same time, have Longcheng, Longze, and the younger generation of the Ye family spend more time hanging out with Xiaoyi and the young people in the compound. They shouldn’t be thinking about making money all day long.”

“Will… will that really work?” Jiang Shiying frowned.

“Of course it will. That kid is genuinely smart, and he’s always coming up with all sorts of ingenious schemes—most people can’t outsmart him. But he does have his weaknesses!”

“What kind of weakness?”

“He’s deeply loyal!”

Jiang Shiying thought for a moment and immediately understood what his old man meant.

“Father, are you suggesting that Xiao Yi should spend more time with the scions of those prominent families, integrate into that circle as quickly as possible, and then spark his fighting spirit?”

Old Master Jiang shook his head. “No. That kid has never lacked fighting spirit. Just look at what he’s done abroad—if his fighting spirit were any higher, he might have sparked a diplomatic incident.”

“I’m having him mingle with those scions of prominent families precisely so he can become the leader of the younger generation—so that even if he wanted to keep a low profile, he wouldn’t be able to.”

Whoa!

Gasping in surprise, Jiang Shiying couldn’t help but ask, “Can Xiao Yi really become the leader of the younger generation?”

“Do you think Xiao Yi lacks the ability?” the old man countered.

“That’s not it. I’m worried he isn’t interested. Haven’t you noticed that Xiao Yi looks at Longcheng and Jianhua as if they were children? I think he genuinely looks down on that group of scions from prominent families!” Jiang Shiying said.

He knew his son-in-law’s personality very well. That young man possessed both emotional and intellectual intelligence unlike anything he’d ever seen—a true genius.

And in the eyes of a genius, everyone else—except himself—is either an idiot or a childish fool.

Jiang Shiying truly didn’t think it was very likely that his son-in-law would want to associate with a bunch of dim-witted scions of prominent families.

The old man, however, smiled and said, “It’s precisely because he looks down on them that it’s interesting. Think about it: a genius spending every day with a bunch of mediocrities, watching their self-important, foolish antics—what do you think he’ll be like?”

“He’ll keep his distance as much as possible!”

“But what if he can’t keep his distance?”

“Well…”

At that, Jiang Shiying’s eyes lit up, and he said immediately, “Become their leader and mold these young people into something better.”

“Hahaha, exactly. Just like Longcheng and Jianhua did before.”

The old man continued, “And once he’s surrounded by these scions of prominent families—who all look up to him—how could he possibly keep a low profile?”

Jiang Shiying immediately replied, “Father, while that’s a brilliant move, I’m afraid Xiao Yi won’t even give you the chance to pull it off.”

He knew his son-in-law all too well; once this young man made up his mind, not even eight horses could pull him back.

If he’s determined to keep a low profile, he might just go into hiding and avoid everyone.

“Heh, let’s try this first. If it doesn’t work, we’ll just have to pull out the big guns!” the old man said with a laugh.

“What kind of big move?”

“Do you remember that the lad has quite a few friends back in our hometown and over in Yong County?”

“I do. There are a few police officers, and some working in other government and corporate units. Why are you bringing them up, Old Man?” Jiang Shiying asked, puzzled.

“If all else fails, we’ll select a few of them and transfer them to Beijing. Given Xiao Yi’s personality, once they arrive, he’ll definitely want to look out for them. If those people get bullied, he’ll certainly stand up for them. You get my drift, right?” the old man said.

Jiang Shiying’s mouth twitched slightly, thinking to himself, “Old hands really do know best!”

If they were to follow the old man’s plan, Xiao Yi wouldn’t be able to keep a low profile—unless he was willing to let his friends be bullied.

Knowing that kid as I do, he would never turn a blind eye.

Once he steps in to defend those friends, he can’t possibly keep a low profile and hide his true abilities.

With that in mind, Jiang Shiying immediately said, “I understand, but I’d still like to talk to Xiao Yi. I don’t want him to harbor any hard feelings!”

“That’s up to you. I won’t interfere!”

Jiang Shiying nodded and asked again, “What do you think about that family trust?”

“Not good!” the old man said decisively.

“Father, you don’t agree with setting up that family fund?” Jiang Shiying asked, frowning.

The old man nodded and said, “Hmm, Xiao Yi’s idea is sound—it’s a way of ensuring integrity through high salaries, guaranteeing that our family’s young members won’t compromise their principles for a few pieces of silver and engage in corrupt practices!”

“But you must know that human nature is never fully good, and greed is insatiable. Those raised on high salaries aren’t necessarily talented—they could very well be good-for-nothings and wastrels! Think of the once-invincible Manchu Eight Banners. If their ancestors had given them just a few taels less, they wouldn’t have turned into the good-for-nothings who spent their days playing with birds and training hawks on the streets!”

“Father has a point. Then let’s just do without this family fund!” Jiang Shiying said with a lighthearted tone.

To be honest, he hadn’t wanted to take advantage of his own son-in-law in the first place. He’d only been persuaded by Li Yi yesterday because he believed it would benefit the family’s future.

But after hearing the old man’s analysis, Jiang Shiying felt it would be better to pass on the family fund after all!

However, the old man suddenly furrowed his brow and said, “Wait a moment. My grandson-in-law is cunning to a fault; he couldn’t possibly have missed such a superficial point. Could there be some deeper meaning behind him setting up this family fund?”

“What deeper meaning?” Jiang Shiying asked, puzzled.

Suddenly, the old man’s eyes widened, and he exclaimed, “Could it be that the young man isn’t aiming to ensure the Jiang family’s peace for generations to come, but rather to make us invincible for all time?”

“Invincible for all time?”

Suddenly, a flash of alarm crossed Jiang Shiying’s eyes, and he instinctively lowered his voice. “Father, do you mean that position?”

“It’s possible… Let’s not bring this up for now. I’ll discuss it with Old Ye later!” Old Master Jiang said.

“Alright…”

Then Jiang Shiying said with a hint of resignation, “Xiao Yi’s mind is too hard to read. If you and my father-in-law can’t figure it out, why don’t I just ask the kid directly if he really means it?”

“We’ll talk about it later!”

Then the old man added, “By the way, Old Chen mentioned a few days ago that he’d like to meet with him and hear his views on economic development.”

“But since the kid isn’t willing to meet Old Chen face-to-face, why don’t you step in and have him write something down?”

Jiang Shiying thought for a moment and said, “Alright, but I can’t ask for it in my own name—after all, I’m in charge of the Discipline Inspection Commission now. I’ll consult him on Long Yin’s behalf!”

“Alright, but make it quick. Old Chen is completely blown away by that kid’s incredible investment tactics. If he doesn’t hear back from us soon, he might just go find Xiao Yi himself!” Old Man Jiang said.

“Alright, I’ll go see him tomorrow!” Jiang Shiying said.

“Alright…”

Just as the Jiang father and son were discussing Li Yi, Li Yi—who had just returned to his own courtyard house—suddenly sneezed several times in quick succession. He couldn’t help but shiver all over, sensing that something was amiss…

………..