Chapter 1709: Chapter 1709

When Elder Wang spoke, aside from Old Master Ye, the rest of the four family patriarchs weren’t very surprised. It seemed they had anticipated this, so they just looked at each other, found that their expressions were the same, and as if agreed, all raised their glasses. The Hu Family patriarch said, "The Li family is the first, undisputed."

The Hu Family originally ranked second; his endorsement led to the subsequent actions of others. The family patriarchs nodded one after another, even though their nodding or opposition made no difference, as it was already settled that the Li family was the number one family, in terms of economic capability, influence, overall strength, and so on, all deservedly. If there’s a shortcoming compared to these families, it might be that the Li family has few members, well, Li Yifei has very few blood relatives, counting upwards, Li Yifei just has one buddy, his parents’ generation, truthfully, even if Li Yifei wants to help, he can’t help much, taking those elders as examples, Li Yifei can give money, but giving too much wouldn’t be helping, it would be hurting them.

This is true, Li Yifei once gave them some money, and once it was in their hands, it was borrowed by their relatives within days. You borrow tens of thousands, I borrow hundreds of thousands, better not to give at all, crucially it doesn’t lead to anything good. Later, Li Yifei trained the family members who could be nurtured, but... It’s still insufficient. Currently, the best developed among these relatives is just a Deputy Manager of a small factory, can’t even become a manager. Of course, like Little Lei and Little Tao, their treatment is somewhat better, but it’s ultimately not enough.

So it’s not that Li Yifei is rich and forgets his relatives, as Li Yifei has already explained this to those few aunts. They understand the situation, know how their own children are, so they don’t make unreasonable demands. The changes in these families are already significant, having built small villas in the countryside, arranged jobs, for those wanting to start factories or businesses, Li Yifei would also support them.

But speaking back, it ultimately doesn’t represent the core strength and figures of the Li family, can’t rely on it.

Li Yifei’s children wishing to grow, that’s something decades down the line, in this period, it still depends on Li Yifei and his wives.

The Li family is being nominated as the number one family, which is different from self-nomination, so Li Yifei also happily raised his glass in return, drinking it all in one go. At this moment, he didn’t decline, as there was no need. Follow current novels on 𝙣𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙡✶𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙚✶𝙣𝙚𝙩

Now the family rankings are being rearranged, and the conversation on this side was intentionally spread out. Outside, the sound of people drinking immediately lowered significantly. Even if someone was speaking, it would be very quietly, afraid of disturbing here. More people want to hear this ranking process.

The first is decided, it’s the Li family, here among the crowd, some cheered, some had uncertain expressions but dared not show it too openly. Although invited, it doesn’t mean they have good relations or familiarity with the Li family, who they secretly favor is uncertain.

But the Li family being first, this was already a known unknown, not too surprising. But what about the second? Before this, in the Eight Great Clans rankings, the Hu family ranked second, but the first, third, and fourth were wiped out, and the gap between the remaining families is really not large.

At this moment, people couldn’t help but think of the Ye family, as a kin of the Li family, Li Yifei today brought Vice Mayor Ye Yunzhu to host the banquet at her maternal family’s venue, to entertain the crowd, even cleverly arranging a barbecue skewer feast to entertain these great patriarchs and big bosses. Whether there is another intention, that is – to elevate the Ye family to the second of the Eight Great Clans position.

If Li Yifei wants, even if the Hu family is unwilling, they presumably have to endure it. Nothing would come from cursing the Li family behind their backs. Today, another purpose of these families attending the banquet is to see the Li family’s attitude. Who knows, they consumed two great families in succession and stomped another family unable to move. Who knows if they will develop a strong desire to destroy and can’t stop their killing intent, continuing to target other families. Seeing other family members being invited here also reassured them a lot, plus Li Yifei’s attitude is also telling them the Li family currently doesn’t harbor excessive killing intent.

At the liquor table, Li Yifei sipped some white spirit, ate two large meat skewers and felt a bit greasy, so he took some cucumber, dried tofu, and greens dipping them in sauce to eat.

After mentioning the first family, the old foxes at the dinner table surprisingly didn’t continue speaking, seemingly waiting for Li Yifei to bring it up. Elder Master Hu casually drank wine and ate meat without delay, laughing and chatting as if nothing mattered to him.

He didn’t care, others also didn’t, enjoying their food and drinks. These old fellows, despite being patriarchs, seem glorious but there are dietary concerns, normally quite subject to control. Coming from that era, they’d love to eat some big fish and meat. Today they got to indulge.

Each of them ate heartily, finally, Elder Master Hu became a bit impatient. You’ve settled the first, not mentioning the second is leaving the former second family patriarch somewhat suffocated. He wiped the grease off his beard, coughed lightly, seeing everyone stopped to look at him, Elder Master Hu smiled broadly and said, "We’ve been acquainted for decades, this old Hu won’t pretend anymore, Clan leader Li, our ranking has always been based on strength. You’re strong, you’re first, I’m convinced. So the ranking of the second family should be said by you. But rest assured, whatever you say, I, the old man, am convinced!"

The words sound righteous, but Li Yifei would be surprised if he believed them. He stuffed a slice of cucumber into his mouth, chewed a bit, then swallowed it, clapped his hands, and swallowed it down with a sip of wine, then said, "Elder Hu, you’re putting me in a difficult spot. I feel I’m inexperienced, such ranking matters, I’m not good at. The Li family luckily survived to today, truly without thinking of anything excessive, so, for today, just calling everyone here to have a meal. If you enjoyed it, I also feel it wasn’t organized in vain, as for ranking, well... if I were to say I haven’t thought about it, would you believe it?"

The Chu Family Patriarch chuckled, imitating Li Yifei’s action, took some greens and dipped them in sauce to eat. After a couple of bites, his eyes lit up, and he patted the table, saying, "Hmm, you should all eat some greens, don’t just focus on meat. A balanced diet is reasonable. Don’t end up in the hospital after eating all the tasty stuff!"

There are two types of words: literal meaning and those requiring further understanding. The words from the Chu Family Patriarch carried a different meaning, seemingly quietly advising Li Yifei not to appear too voracious.

Li Yifei didn’t speak, the Zheng Family Patriarch spoke, "Old Chu, you’re not well, you should eat more vegetables. We are still young. For the family’s unfilial children, we have to live a few more years, so we still need these big fish and meats for our nutrition."

"Haha, you two can have a fight, but I believe people should eat what they like. Life is too short to not be free!" Elder Wang laughed squinting.