The remaining two black-clad men saw the displeasure on their young master's face. One of them cautiously said, "Young Master, the family head has instructed that if you wake up, you should join him in the front hall."
Li Yi nodded slightly in response and said, "After my wounds are treated, I'll head to the front hall."
The two men promptly summoned servants to treat Li Yi's injuries. After changing into fresh clothes, they slowly escorted him towards the grand hall.
The Li family mansion was spacious and grand, showcasing the splendor befitting a family of their stature. Although Li Yi wanted to closely observe the layout and terrain, he had to maintain an impatient demeanor due to his current status. This expression was no different from the usual Li Yi, who was known to irk many with his behavior. However, at this moment, revealing any abnormality in his actions would only complicate matters further.
As they approached the grand hall, the two men gently knocked on the door before quickly stepping aside. Li Yi took a deep breath, knowing the importance of the upcoming encounter. If he could navigate this situation successfully, it would pave the way for what lay ahead. However, any misstep could spell trouble.
Upon entering, he saw a chair at the front of the hall, exuding an aura of dominance. The chair was flanked by rows of seats on both sides. Seated in the middle was a middle-aged man with a cold, yet passionate demeanor, dressed in a voluminous robe that highlighted his commanding presence. His mere presence seemed to envelop the entire hall, deterring anyone from speaking out of turn.
This man was Li Yi's adoptive father, Li Han, the head of the Li family. Not only was Li Han the family head, but he was also a Nine Crystal Dou Shi, rumored to be on the verge of breaking through to the Dou Wang level. Despite not having achieved this breakthrough yet, he was considered a top-tier expert both within the Li family and in the city of Wan Chao. It was said that even the city's lord dared not speak loudly in front of Li Han.
To Li Han's left and right sat two elders, among the four senior elders of the Li family. Each of them possessed considerable strength. Following them were the elite members and promising younger generations of the Li family, arranged in order of seniority.
Li Yi recognized most of these individuals from his memories. However, the disdainful looks directed at him by many in the room were unsettling. Their scornful glances made Li Yi feel uncomfortable, but he masked his feelings and approached them confidently. He performed a courteous bow, as he remembered from his past, and said in a measured tone, "Father, esteemed elders."
The four elders responded with faint hums of acknowledgment. One of them even muttered under his breath, "A troublemaker and a waste." Though spoken softly, the words resonated sharply in the silent hall.
Li Yi chuckled inwardly, realizing that his current identity was indeed universally detested. He knew well that the elder's scorn wasn't directed at him personally, but now that the previous Li Yi was gone from this world, the distinction between insults directed at his predecessor and himself blurred.
Gradually adapting to his new role, Li Yi merely responded with a slight smile, his gaze fixating on the elder who had spoken. The elder was visibly taken aback, clearly not expecting the usually useless Li Yi to look at him so boldly, let alone detect a faint hint of murderous intent in his eyes. Though the elder was somewhat surprised by this, he chose not to dwell on it and turned his head away.
Li Han, though not looking directly at the scene, was fully aware of what was transpiring. He spoke calmly, "Third Elder, if you have nothing useful to say, better to remain silent. Let's leave it at that for now, but be aware of the consequences should there be a next time."
The Third Elder, evidently prepared for this, retorted sharply, "Li Han, while you are the head of the Li family, you have no right to act as you please."
Li Han responded with a slight smile, "Third Elder, why don't you enlighten us on how exactly I have been acting as I please?"
The elders exchanged glances, with the Third Elder taking the lead. "You've allowed Li Yi to run wild, tarnishing the reputation of our Wan Chao Li family. That could be overlooked, but just yesterday, he even went as far as to..."
He paused, frowning slightly before continuing, "Now that the Mo family has come knocking, Li Han, how do you propose we handle this?"
Li Han chuckled lightly, "A solution? Why don't you, Third Elder, pay a visit to the Mo family yourself and propose marrying Mo Rouxin into our family? No matter how unworthy Yi'er might be, he is still the prospective head of our Wan Chao Li family. Such a match would hardly dishonor them. Given your close ties with the Mo family, surely this won't be too difficult a task for you?"
The Third Elder was momentarily stunned, his face freezing over in disbelief at Li Han's suggestion. The surrounding family members, now realizing that Li Yi had 'conquered' Mo Rouxin, were abuzz with whispers.
Li Yi could sense the shift in the previously mocking glances now filled with a complex mix of emotions. Although the act of coercing a young lady wasn't something to be proud of, it seemed that many in the hall couldn't help but consider what it would be like to be in Li Yi's shoes.
His gaze then settled on Li Han. From his memories, Li Yi knew he had always been fearful of his adoptive father. As reckless as he was outside, he would turn into a timid mouse in Li Han's presence, barely daring to breathe loudly.
However, Li Han's attitude was peculiar. While he had been strict with his son when his wife was alive, his demeanor shifted to indifference following her untimely death. He turned a blind eye to his son's aimless and reckless behavior. It seemed the previous Li Yi, in his constant misdeeds, might have been trying to challenge his father.
Li Han's expression was unreadable, his demeanor as detached as if he hadn't been the one who just proposed the shocking solution.
Seeing Li Han's reaction, Li Yi held back the words he was about to speak. He had initially suspected that the previous Li Yi's actions were instigated by others within the family, and his suspicions now seemed justified. Perhaps even the incident with Mo Rouxin was linked to several individuals in this hall.
Li Yi had prepared several arguments to draw out these people and address the dire situation he faced upon his arrival. However, judging by Li Han's reaction, he likely had a clear understanding of the family dynamics.
This realization made Li Yi more inclined to observe the unfolding drama, despite being its central character. His curiosity was piqued, not just as a participant, but as an observer keen to understand the full scope of the family's internal politics.
An elder who had been squinting throughout the exchange suddenly spoke with a light chuckle, "Family Head, while the position has traditionally been held by someone from your direct line... our family rules state that by the age of twenty, a member must at least attain the status of a Dou Zhe. Failing that, they are relegated to managing the family's external affairs and forfeit any claim to the family headship. Li Yi, as your only direct heir, would be eligible to succeed you if he becomes a Dou Zhe by twenty. However, now at fifteen, he doesn't possess a trace of Dou Qi, so how can he be considered a candidate for family head?"
Li Han's expression shifted subtly. He was well aware of Li Yi's lack of Dou Qi. If the elders insisted on this point, he had little recourse. He responded with a forced smile, "Elder, isn't it premature to say Li Yi has no Dou Qi? And as for who becomes the next family head, that's my decision, not something for the elders to determine."
The elder smirked, "Whether Li Yi has Dou Qi can be easily tested. Although it may be unreasonable to ask him to demonstrate his abilities today, our family's annual gathering is in three months. If he truly deserves the role, let him show us then. Until that time, I urge you, Family Head, not to act on behalf of an unproven successor—it wouldn't be fitting."
Li Han's expression darkened instantly. The elder held considerable influence within the family and was not lacking in ability. Initially, Li Han thought the elders merely aimed to strip Li Yi of his inheritance over the Mo Rouxin affair, but their ambitions seemed to run deeper...