Xiao Fengchun's expression was cold.
He admitted that he had indeed been wrong not to announce his return to the Central Plains at the first opportunity.
But remaining hidden had its advantages: he could deliver a thunderous blow to the Cui Family and the others at the right moment.
For this, Xiao Fengchun had even prepared to live out his life under an assumed name.
Elder Master Xiao was not as angry as he was.
Over the years, he had weathered harder times than these, such as when the manor had been short of money.
Compared with back then, Xiao Manor's circumstances were far, far better.
They had people when they needed them-Xiao Fengchun and Fu Wanqing had returned, the Wind and Rain Tower and the Tianshan Sect had offered righteous assistance, and the Duke of Qianguo, Yang Ye, and others were willing to trust the Xiao Family.
They had money when they needed it-the Hundred Herbs Hall and the Wushan Mutual Market brought substantial shares of revenue every month, not only replenishing the Xiao Family's coffers but leaving money to help others as well.
Besides that, the Dingyuan Army was also much better off than before.
With Zhu Hao no longer lining his own pockets, the Shuzhou Commander's Office under Li Fu and Chen Yunfan engaged in far fewer petty maneuvers. Money, provisions, and military supplies were issued to the Three Towns as usual; these were no longer the days when even military pay could not be disbursed.
Whenever Elder Master Xiao thought of their present circumstances, a smile would unconsciously appear on his face.
It was no exaggeration to say he could wake from his dreams laughing.
"This time, whatever the Cui Family's purpose, I've decided to take a hand.
"I intend to erect this monument."
Xiao Fengchun