Let them offer their loyalty!

Hearing Rao Shou's words, Tang Wanli nodded with a smile.

He said, "At first, when you supported Old Lei and Old Hu, I thought you had dementia."

"Those two play politics too much. They think they can use tricks to handle Qiu Tu."

"But we know, Qiu Tu is not someone who can be manipulated."

"They think Qiu Tu is a loyal minister who will play by the rules with them. Yet, they don't understand that Qiu Tu never likes to play by the rules."

"With Qiu Tu's personality, if the Sanctuary really tries to control him, he's likely to leave with his people and land, either to join another Sanctuary or establish his own."

"That's why I looked at you in surprise at that time."

Tang Wanfeng's tone changed as he said, "However... seeing how you decisively supported Old Lei and Old Hu's proposal afterwards, I felt something was wrong."

"So, I thought it over and guessed your intentions."

Rao Shou smiled and responded, "But... you know Hu Jie is very suspicious."

"If you agreed with me, he would probably start doubting. So you voted against it twice? To purposely mislead him."

It was clear the two were not cooperating for the first time, so Tang Wanfeng nodded with a smile.

Then he said, "I think your thinking is correct."

"Rather than paving the way for Qiu Tu, allowing him to smoothly become the Four States Guardian and Sanctuary Leader, it's better to let him 'fight' his way in."

"Only by relying on his own 'strength' can he establish his prestige."

"Moreover..." Tang Wanfeng paused, then continued, "They, especially Hu Jie and Third Elder Lei, have indeed been living too comfortably."

"They've long forgotten how we fought through hell to build this foundation. They only know how to play intrigues and tactics."

"It's time to let them see the power of the new generation."

Hearing Tang Wanfeng's words, Rao Shou nodded slightly, gripping the fishing rod, then said indifferently, "And... this is also a test for Qiu Tu."

"If he can see our intentions, adapt to the circumstances, and establish his own prestige before the Sanctuary, in front of Third Elder Lei and Hu Jie."

"Then he qualifies to become the Four States Guardian, Sanctuary Leader, and pioneering the new path."

"If he doesn't see our intentions and truly accepts the Sanctuary's arrangements..."

Rao Shou slightly shook his head and said, "Then it proves he is at most just a ruler maintaining status quo. And a plan as aggressive and dangerous as 'Controlling Evil Gods' actually doesn't suit him."

"I will still give him the corresponding treatment. However... I'd have to find a good retreat and plan other alternatives."

"Only when he sees through our intentions and understands what kind of path he has chosen."

"And is willing to strive for it, to fight for it."

"Then he is worth our continued investment."

Rao Shou gazed at the clear pond and couldn't help but sigh, "After all... what we can help him with ends here."

"At most, we can support him a bit more. Beyond that, he has to walk on his own."

"This path... will be extremely rough and winding."

"No one knows if this path will reach the other side, nor does anyone know if this path is right. Even... because of this path's unique nature, most people can't agree with it."

"Therefore, he must learn to walk alone."

"Now, it seems he has passed this test. I feel he can really achieve something."

Rao Shou leaned back on the lounge chair, "As for us old folks, after completing our historic mission, it's time to retire, to enjoy old age."

"Let's not always trouble the young."

Hearing Rao Shou's words, Tang Wanfeng looked at him with a smile, "You really think highly of him."

"I feel you're even more optimistic than me, who's supposed to be his grandfather."

Hearing Tang Wanfeng's jest, Rao Shou glanced at him, hitting him with a cutting remark, "Grandfather? Hehe..."

"Although I think Qiu Tu is a good person, he's certainly not a suitable match."

"And now, who still supports sons-in-law, grandson-in-law? Countless examples from ancient to present tell us this path 'yields small benefits but comes with high risks.'

Tang Wanfeng:....

The veins on Tang Wanfeng's forehead slightly throbbed, wishing to duel Rao Shou to relieve this resentment!

However... he also knows Rao Shou's words are correct.

Actually, even before the Era of Disaster, the top figures in both political and business circles had already realized the 'Son-in-law Party' isn't a good choice.

Too many sons-in-law, grandson-in-law have been supported for decades, only to rebel after the elders' deaths.

By then, the family's political resources are wasted, and the marriage of daughters, granddaughters is ruined. Everything ends in disaster.

Comparatively, supporting daughters, granddaughters may be less effective, but at least it poses no risk.

Of course, the best option is to support capable secretaries, direct lineage, relatives, and then use their influence to support one's family, progressively advancing.

So, the political resources that the Fengtian Faction has invested in Qiu Tu during this time may well be wasted.

However... knowing this is one thing, saying it is another.

Especially since he was just happy for Qiu Tu, suddenly to fall from joy.

This made Tang Wanfeng really want to give Rao Shou a couple of punches.

Rao Shou might have felt a chill on his back, detecting something amiss.

He shifted the topic, "Princess Xi seems a bit odd recently?"

Hearing Rao Shou talk about serious matters, Tang Wanfeng's expression also turned serious.