The Winged Dragon Family was one of the seven noble families of Glory City. To be recognized as a noble family, one must produce a Black Gold rank Demon Spiritualist. A family's position is largely determined by its financial resources and prestige. Producing strong Demon Spiritualists is crucial, as they can increase both. A formidable Spiritualist or fighter can join the military, earning an income commensurate with their rank. If a family fails to do so, it's considered to be in decline, which could lead to a drop in status—potentially from major families to nobles, nobles to aristocrats, or aristocrats to commoners.
In the original novel, the Winged Dragon Family was the weakest among the seven due to traps set by the Sacred Family, which resulted in them losing most of their assets. The specifics of this situation were unknown to Ye Xinghan. Currently, however, the Winged Dragon Family had not yet entered its decline, led by their patriarch, Xiao Yunhai, a Black Gold Demon Spiritualist. (OC: I will try to unravel the plot not explained in the original novel.) His presence served as a deterrent to any noble or aristocrat families with intentions against the Winged Dragon Family.
Today marked the official start of Ye Xinghan's plan. He chose this family because it was powerful enough to be influential yet not so much as to draw undue attention. Additionally, his actions were to avert the unfortunate fate of Xiao Ning'er if Nie Li had not reincarnated in this timeline.
Accompanying Ye Xinghan were Head Servant Feng, Ye Ziyun, and two Silver rank Demon Spiritualists assigned by Ye Zong to guard Ye Ziyun. Their party consisted of one carriage driven by Head Servant Feng and two horses for Ziyun's bodyguards.
Inside the carriage, Ye Ziyun was visibly embarrassed, her face flushed, unable to look up even when Ye Xinghan spoke to her, merely nodding in reply.
*'What's wrong with her? Can a four-year-old have a crush? Lol,'* Ye Xinghan mused humorously.
(Note: Nie Li is the same age as Ye Qingyu. Chen Linjian, Shen Fei, and Huyan Lanruo are the same age as Ye Xinghan, while Ye Han is the same age as Gyutarou and Ume.)
Upon arrival at the Winged Dragon Family, they were greeted by Xiao Yi, Xiao Ning'er's uncle.
"We welcome Young Lady Ye Ziyun and Young Master Ye Xinghan," Xiao Yi announced loudly.
Ye Ziyun was mentioned first due to her higher status within the Snow Wind Family.
"Thank you for the warm welcome, Uncle Yi," Ye Xinghan responded as he helped Ye Ziyun out of the carriage. Both then bowed respectfully to Xiao Yi, acknowledging his seniority.
"Hahaha, come, come. It is our honor to welcome descendants of the Snow Wind Family," Xiao Yi said with a grin, signaling a servant to fetch Xiao Ning'er.
"Both young scions, today I will act as host since both my father and my older brother are away, searching for ancient ruins," Xiao Yi explained, rubbing his hands together.
"Nah, it's fine. I just accompanied Ye Ziyun to play with her friend; she was feeling lonely inside the mansion, heheh," Ye Xinghan replied with a grin.
"Ah, Uncle Xiao Yi, do you have some free time?" Ye Xinghan inquired suddenly.
"Do you have something to say, Young Master?" Xiao Yi responded, raising an eyebrow with a warm smile.
"It's nothing much, honestly. But I need to keep it private."
"With pleasure. Please follow me, Young Master."
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Ye Xinghan followed Xiao Yi to a study room in a private courtyard.
*'Looks like Xiao Yi's personal room,'* Ye Xinghan thought to himself.
"Is there something I can help with, Young Master?" Xiao Yi asked once Ye Xinghan had finished looking around.
"I'm here on behalf of my father. Is the Winged Dragon Family interested in doing business with us?" Ye Xinghan used his father's name to ensure Xiao Yi took him seriously.
Sure enough, Xiao Yi's demeanor changed to one of keen interest.
"Hoo... What does Master Ye Xiao have to say?" Xiao Yi straightened up, his hands rubbing together with a flattering smile, like a businessman about to land a significant deal.
Ye Xinghan smiled, noting his initial disappointment at not meeting Xiao Yunfeng, the eldest son, but realizing Xiao Yi might be the better choice. From the novel, Xiao Yunfeng was weak and easily influenced, particularly when it came to protecting his daughter from harm, making him unfit to lead. Xiao Yi, however, was ambitious, switching allegiances from the Sacred Family to Nie Li with ease, making him a more manageable partner.
Ye Xinghan planned to use Ye Xiao's name, which carried more weight than even the Sacred Family's patriarch, Shen Hong.
It was better for Xiao Ning'er as well because as long as Ye Xinghan told Xiao Yi to kept his hands out of her, he would do so!
Instead, if Ye Xinghan chose Xiao Yunfeng. There would be a lot more trouble because Xiao Yi's constant bites!
'I hope I didn't make a wrong choice' Ye Xinghan silently thought.
Poor Xiao Yi didn't know that he was no more than a licking dog in Ye Xinghan's eyes.