Volume One: Scheming and Intrigue in the Imperial Capital, Chapter 53: Looking for Trouble?

"The Cleon Family finally showed up? I thought they weren't coming."

"These two families have been enemies for over a thousand years, always sabotaging each other and crashing each other's events. This ought to be quite a show."

"But this is the Si Nan Family's home turf, after all. Is it really wise for them not to hold back?"

"I wonder what's gotten into the Cleon Family. Lately, they're always causing trouble on Si Nan Family territory. Who knows what they're thinking?"

The guests whispered among themselves and parted to make way, not wanting to get caught up in the two families' all-out feud.

At the head of the group was a man about the same age as Si Nan Zheng. He was of average height, with hair and beard graying at the temples. He wore a pure black suit, with a bright red rose pinned to his chest. Every gesture radiated an authority that brooked no offense. He was none other than Tang Cleon, the current Patriarch of the Cleon Family!

Beside Tang were three young men in their early twenties: the eldest, Fred Cleon; the second son, Mike Cleon; and the third son, Tim Cleon. The shout just now had come from Fred.

"So it's an old friend. I wondered who it was. Forgive me for not welcoming you sooner." Si Nan Zheng smiled warmly, but there wasn't a trace of warmth in his eyes.

"I'm the one who should apologize. I arrived late to such an important occasion and made a laughingstock of myself." Tang spoke in an unhurried, even languid tone, the polar opposite of Si Nan Zheng's. But his eyes were just as cold.

"But I've long heard that Brother Tang dislikes the limelight. What brings you here to attend my birthday banquet today?"

"Isn't