Chapter 174 - 28: Smash the Cup as a Signal_2
Hong Weiqing on the opposite side naturally feels the fluctuation of energy around Pei Zeqi, clearly in frequent communication with several elders.
But now the generals are facing off, kings against kings.
Pei Zeqi can wait, and the Hong family can wait too.
The atmosphere seems somewhat frozen, only the cold wind blows the lanterns, which bump against the wooden pillars with a tapping sound.
The shadows of everyone sway left and right with the sound.
It is unclear how long has passed, perhaps dozens of breaths, or perhaps an hour.
Everyone present suffers greatly because, so far, the stakes presented intermittently are only small, the real decisive issue has yet to be fully determined.
Pei Zeqi sips hot tea, feeling the tea moisten his dry throat: "I have a question, and I ask the Family Head Hong for clarification."
Hong Weiqing similarly picks up his teacup, drinks the warm tea in one go, and then gently sets the cup down, clearly showing little interest in answering.
"Our Pei and Hong families have always had clear boundaries. Your Hong family governs medicinal herbs and elixirs, meat, we Pei family manage salt and iron, and it has been like this for hundreds of years. Why did you easily take this step today to break the balance between the two families?" Pei Zeqi said softly, disregarding Hong Weiqing’s attitude.
"Ridiculous. This is the best joke I’ve heard." Hong Weiqing said coldly: "Does your Pei family think that my Hong family is a fool?"