Upon hearing Fang Ze's words, the Tiger King snapped back to his senses. He couldn't help but glance at Fang Ze. Whether it was an illusion or not, at that moment, the Tiger King, who always intimidated others and feared neither heaven nor earth, felt his heart tremble involuntarily. Hence, his words came out a bit softer, "Thanks to the grace of the previous master, the Hu Family has indeed developed quite smoothly over these past ten years."
Fang Ze heard the Tiger King's words without showing any emotion and simply let out a "Hm." Then he looked at this Hu Family estate and, reversing their roles, said, "If I remember correctly, this place used to be a residence of the Si Family in the Provincial Government. Ten years have passed; I wonder if it has changed. Guard Hu, take me for a tour, will you?"
Upon hearing Fang Ze's seemingly meaningful words, the Tiger King's heart skipped a beat.
However, to show his authority earlier, he had positioned himself back to his former role as a vassal. Now Fang Ze was using this status to manipulate him, he couldn't immediately change his expression and thus forced a couple of laughs, saying, "Alright. Then I'll accompany the Young Master to tour our Hu Family estate."
He might have feared that Fang Ze would use the pretext of "this residence used to belong to my family" to forcibly take the manor, so he emphasized the words "Hu Family estate."
Fang Ze didn't pay attention to the Tiger King's petty thoughts. Or perhaps, he found the Tiger King's thoughts simply too simplistic. Was he a person who aimed to seize the Hu Family estate? He had much grander schemes...
Thinking this, Fang Ze adopted the posture of a Young Master and, accompanied by the Tiger King, toured the Hu Family manor twice.
After finishing, the two returned to the front courtyard. Fang Ze slowly said, "Guard Hu, seeing the Hu Family's development over these ten years, I feel genuinely gratified."
The Tiger King chuckled twice but didn't respond; he was unwilling to engage with the "Guard Hu" and "Young Master" topic anymore...
Yet Fang Ze seemed oblivious to the Tiger King's reluctance. He scanned the courtyard and continued, "However, the Si Family suffered a calamity ten years ago. Now the Federation has just rehabilitated us, and it's my duty to rebuild the family; the responsibility is heavy indeed. So..."
On hearing Fang Ze's words, the Tiger King sharply sensed something wrong. He coughed and said, "Councilor Si...."
His words had just begun when Fang Ze interrupted, "Guard Hu, don't call me by my title; it's too formal. I prefer when you call me Young Master."
The Tiger King hadn't anticipated that the address he used to subtly assert dominance would now be exploited by Fang Ze.
Moreover, since he was the one who initiated the term, and now Fang Ze demanded its continuation, it would be inappropriate to refuse directly. After all, forcefully changing the term so soon would be humiliating if word got out. Hence, after hesitating for a moment, he ultimately accepted with reluctance.
Of course, it was only a verbal acceptance; he wouldn't genuinely regard Fang Ze as his master, nor could he offer any real benefits.
With that thought, the Tiger King coughed and then reluctantly said, "Youn... Young Master, indeed, the Hu Family ought to contribute a share to the Si Family's rebuilding."
At saying this, he quickly added without pausing, "However! The Hu Family now has many clan members to feed, to train in martial arts, to cultivate. Various resources are saved through frugality. The manor is also just one place and is needed for the clan members' training."
Fang Ze glanced at the massive jade tiger sculpture in the front courtyard, reminisced about the security bureau's records of Hu Family's seven or eight estates, and nodded, "Understood. Your situation indeed isn't easy."
The Tiger King breathed a slight sigh of relief.
But before he could fully exhale, Fang Ze continued, "However, the Si Family is truly struggling now. Since you lack resources, how about... lending me a few dozen clan members to use?"
"My family rebuilding receives many resources from the Federation, but lacks trustworthy people. And you have clan members yet lack resources for cultivation."
"In this way, wouldn't our two families complement each other perfectly?"
The Tiger King was momentarily stunned by Fang Ze's abrupt proposal.
Over the past ten years, he had encountered people borrowing money, land, and subordinates, but it was his first time encountering someone borrowing clan members.
Hence, his initial instinct was to refuse.
Yet he hesitated when the words reached his lips.
Because he suddenly thought... borrowing clan members might be doable!
Subordinates couldn't be lent out since after training by others, they might become their subordinates. But lending clan members was different. The Awakened Clan's strength is sustained by bloodline; bloodline signifies power, and only the family holds the most correct and comprehensive power inheritance. They fundamentally couldn't abandon the family.
Moreover, the clan members' parents and families still remained in the clan, he wasn't afraid of them defecting.
Therefore, Fang Ze's training would ultimately benefit himself.
Additionally, having his clan members serve as Fang Ze's guards would allow him to better understand Fang Ze's movements.
Thinking this, the Tiger King hesitated briefly but then burst into a hearty laugh, saying, "If the Young Master needs it, the Hu Family certainly won't refuse! Then I'll..."
His words had only half proceeded when Fang Ze interrupted by raising his head, "Really won't refuse? Then how about merging your Hu Family directly into our Si Family?"
"Make your daughter my concubine, and our children will inherit your Hu Family headship. Let our families forge a strong alliance. As long as the Si Family exists, your Hu Family will prosper eternally."
"Cough cough cough." Hu Shan nearly choked on his own saliva.
He realized Fang Ze truly dared to take an inch with every opportunity given! Grab the pole and climb indefinitely!
He mustn't engage with Fang Ze's proposition!
Thinking this, Hu Shan pretended not to hear and continued, "Then I'll lend you 30 clan members for your personal guard, Young Master. I hope you won't mind."