After much deliberation, Second Uncle Li finally decided to attend the Sun Family's banquet. He had never wanted to get involved in the Three Major Cases, much less the struggles between the great clans. But when he looked back, his young nephew was already an inside mole through and through. Coupled with the Sun Family's invitation at this particular moment, it made him realize that trying to hide now was probably a little too late.
Since that was the case, he might as well visit the Sun Family himself and see just what that old fox Sun Michen was up to.
Although the invitation from the Sun Family looked very brief, its "requirements" were explicit. Sun Michen had plainly stated that he was inviting Brother Taishan alone to warm wine and converse into the night. In other words, whatever he intended to discuss was for Second Uncle Li's ears only. If he came, he must not bring anyone.
That requirement left Second Uncle Li faintly uneasy. It even felt a little like a banquet concealing murderous intent.
He was definitely going, but what would he do once there? What might he and Sun Michen discuss? How should he respond? What exactly did he and the Li Family want...? He needed to think through all these questions beforehand, thoroughly, and prepare early.
Second Uncle Li seemed wild and unrestrained, domineering in his dealings, with something of a reckless military commander about him. But a closer examination revealed that he was actually a meticulous clan leader beneath that rough exterior, extremely steady in his actions-even steadier than Sun Michen or Qian Zhongge.
Why say that?
Let us recall the Li-Yin Conflict. To outsiders, it might have seemed that victory was settled in the arena and the fortunes of two clans decided in