Chapter 1041: Chapter 1041

Finally, as Nalan Fangyuan was the last one to walk in, the main figures of the Nalan family were almost all present.

However, Prince Nalan still hadn't come out, and everyone was whispering, discussing and guessing what exactly was happening. Among them, some who were more well-informed had already vaguely guessed something. After all, tomorrow the Meng District General Helian Tiehua would be entering the Capital, which was a matter of paramount importance for the Nalan family.

Great General Helian Tiehua, among the Five Unmatches of the World, was the youngest and the one with the greatest potential. This person, now just over fifty years old, was in his prime, with his physical attributes in peak condition. His entry into the Capital posed a significant challenge for Prince Nalan. Even Prince Nalan had to take this matter seriously, as it was the biggest challenge he had encountered in many years!

Next to Prince Nalan's seat, there were two other positions, one belonging to Nalan Tianyu. In the Nalan family, Nalan Tianyu held a very high position, having been personally selected by Prince Nalan as the next Family Head. Opposite Nalan Tianyu sat Nalan Lie, Prince Nalan's second son.

In fact, the seat was originally meant for the father of Nalan Tianyu, who was Prince Nalan's eldest son. However, since Prince Nalan's eldest son passed away relatively early, Nalan Lie became the eldest of this generation in the Nalan family, able to sit in this position, yet only on equal footing with Nalan Tianyu, showing Prince Nalan's emphasis on Nalan Tianyu.

Now, however, these two seats were empty. Nalan Tianyu wasn't here, Nalan Lie wasn't here, and neither was Prince Nalan. While everyone was guessing what was going on, they were also speculating about the whereabouts of Nalan Tianyu and Nalan Lie. Logically, they both should have arrived early for such an event, so why hadn't they come today?

Finally, amid everyone's anticipation, Nalan Lie walked out with Prince Nalan. Following them was a young man, none other than the third-generation Nalan Tiancheng.

Seeing Nalan Tiancheng, everyone was momentarily stunned, as no one had expected Nalan Tiancheng to walk out with Prince Nalan. It should be known that Nalan Tiancheng, being of the third generation, was too young in rank and age to enter this conference room. In fact, among the third generation, only Nalan Tianyu was allowed into this room, with others being outright barred from entering.

This time, not only did Nalan Tiancheng enter, but he also walked in alongside Prince Nalan, which surprised everyone greatly. Could it be that Prince Nalan was planning to focus on nurturing Nalan Tiancheng? This was unlike Prince Nalan's usual stance. It should be known that Prince Nalan always insisted on the elder being the most important; otherwise, why would he emphasize Nalan Tianyu so much? Nalan Tiancheng was relatively young among the third generation, so how did he garner Prince Nalan's attention?

Everyone whispered all the more. Honestly, although they were all part of the Nalan family, Prince Nalan's closest kin, they couldn't figure out Prince Nalan's methods or truly fathom his intentions behind these actions.

Once Prince Nalan came out, he directly sat in the main seat, with Nalan Lie taking his seat. As for Nalan Tiancheng, he stood behind Prince Nalan, not sitting down, indicating that there wasn't a place for him to sit in this room.

Despite not having a place to sit, everyone envied Nalan Tiancheng greatly. Standing by Prince Nalan's side was equal to receiving Prince Nalan's attention, something even members of the Nalan family deeply envied.

After sitting down, Prince Nalan glanced at the empty seat for Nalan Tianyu, frowning slightly.

Nalan Lie, often following Prince Nalan, knew what he was thinking upon seeing his frown and immediately stood up to ask, "Where is Tianyu? Why hasn't he come over yet?"

Everyone looked at each other, with nobody knowing where exactly Nalan Tianyu had gone. In truth, everyone was curious about Nalan Tianyu's whereabouts.

"Didn't anyone notify him about the meeting?" Nalan Lie asked, puzzled.

"I sent someone to notify him, but they said Tianyu wasn't in his room. In the afternoon, he left with Helian Qingfeng, and they don't know what they went to do. He hasn't returned yet," a middle-aged man stood up and said, "I made a call, but Tianyu didn't answer, and Helian Qingfeng's phone is also unreachable. I'm not sure if something has happened."

"This is the Capital, and Tianyu is part of our Nalan family. What could possibly happen?" Nalan Lie remarked.

A man interjected, "That's hard to say. I received news that the last time Ye Qing also entered the Capital. Tianyu suffered a loss at Ye Qing's hands before. Is it possible he went to seek revenge on Ye Qing?"

Upon hearing this, Prince Nalan frowned even more deeply. He had told Nalan Tianyu not to trouble Ye Qing again. Could it be that Nalan Tianyu was this disobedient?

Nalan Lie had been quietly observing Prince Nalan's expression, intentionally steering the discussion so that Prince Nalan would secretly harbor dissatisfaction with Nalan Tianyu. Honestly, Nalan Lie sincerely didn't want Nalan Tianyu to become the next Family Head of the Nalan family, so he hoped Prince Nalan would quickly revoke Nalan Tianyu's position as Young Master.

However, despite his frown, Prince Nalan said nothing from beginning to end. Finally, once the discussion among the people had ended, he waved his hand and said, "Fang Yuan, take a team and go find Tianyu and that Helian Qingfeng quickly and bring them back."

"Yes!" Nalan Fangyuan arose in response and walked out of the meeting room alone.

Nalan Lie glanced at Prince Nalan, noticing that although he frowned, he showed little anger, which left him somewhat disappointed. Honestly, he couldn't understand why Prince Nalan valued Nalan Tianyu so highly. Nalan Tianyu wasn't particularly outstanding among the third-generation members of the Nalan family. How had he gained Prince Nalan's favor?

In fact, neither the Nalan family nor outsiders knew the reason behind it. Everyone thought that Prince Nalan was unyieldingly stubborn, still adhering to the idea of primogeniture being supreme, which was one of the most significant reasons why many mockingly called him senile behind his back.

Once Nalan Fangyuan left the room, Prince Nalan waved his hand, signaling everyone not to speak further. He cleared his throat and said loudly, "It's been a long time since we all sat together. The main reason for calling you here today is to announce two matters."

Every member of the Nalan family looked at Prince Nalan, each listening intently. Prince Nalan hadn't personally issued a command in years, but his authority and status in the Nalan family remained indisputable. To say no more, Prince Nalan was a pillar for the Nalan family. Without him, could the family still call itself the Nalan family?

"First, tomorrow Helian Tiehua is entering the Capital. I hope everyone in the Nalan family treats the Helian family with a bit more courtesy!" Prince Nalan's eyes swept over everyone present and said, "Helian Tiehua is merely passing through and means no harm. So, you also needn't bear any hostility toward them!"

The members of the Nalan family looked at each other; indeed, Prince Nalan's first matter was Helian Tiehua's entry into the Capital. They had initially thought Helian Tiehua was coming to challenge Prince Nalan. But to their surprise, Prince Nalan mentioned he was just passing through. What did it mean by merely passing through? If Helian Tiehua planned to travel south, he could easily fly or take a train without stopping in the Capital first, right?

Moreover, Prince Nalan seemed to be restraining the Nalan family members, urging them not to conflict with Helian Tiehua and his people. This, the Nalan family members could understand. After all, the Nalan family held significant power and status in the Capital, leading many within the family to become somewhat arrogant. If due to such arrogance they clashed with Helian Tiehua's people, it would indeed be inappropriate. Prince Nalan's pre-emptive restraints were also a warning for the family, a timely reminder.

"Rest assured, Father!" Nalan Lie stood up and said, "Since General Helian is visiting the Capital, he is a guest of our Nalan family. We will certainly treat them as guests. As long as General Helian bears us no ill will, we will certainly not provoke any trouble!"

"Very good!" Prince Nalan nodded slowly and said, "The second matter is that, in a few days, I will be taking a trip to the South!"

"Father, are you going to the South?"

"Why are you going to the South?"

"Are you leaving the Capital?"

This statement immediately caused the room to erupt as everyone stared in shock at Prince Nalan. It should be known that Prince Nalan had been guarding the Capital for decades, and the Nalan family, thanks to his presence, had deterred others from causing trouble. Now, with Prince Nalan suddenly announcing he was going to the South, something that hadn't happened in decades, how could everyone not be astonished?

Nalan Lie, too, stared wide-eyed at Prince Nalan, shocked, and said, "Father, why the sudden thought of going South? The Nalan family still needs your leadership!"

"While I'm away for a few days, the management of the Nalan family will be entrusted to you personally!" Prince Nalan proclaimed loudly, "I'm going South on an important matter, and you don't need to ask about it. Just know that this is happening. During my absence, all family affairs will be handled by Lier!"