Dispute (2)

The Fourth Uncle confidently declared, "Miss Yuruo, Master Tao is a textile magnate in Suzhou, overseeing the textile affairs of the entire Jiangsu province. Our Xiao family has been in the fabric business for many years, and our relationship with Suzhou textiles has been harmonious. It has been mutually beneficial for many years. Our family's business relies on Master Tao's support. How can we go against him? But now, due to this matter, we have offended Young Master Tao and even Master Tao. With just a word from Master Tao, our fabric business faces uncertainty. This is a significant disadvantage for the Xiao family."

"Uncertain survival? If it weren't for Lin San, we would have long been swallowed up by the Tao family. Where is the room to discuss survival?" Xiao Yuruo sneered, biting her lip, "According to the Fourth Uncle's perspective, how should we handle this situation appropriately?"

The Fourth Uncle replied, "Niece Yuruo, I have lived longer than you and have seen many things. In my humble opinion, it might be wise to return the Tao family's fabric workshop, showing our sincerity and expressing a desire for reconciliation."

Indeed, it was a shallow view, almost laughably so. According to this old man's suggestion, he seemed eager for Miss Xiao and the Tao family to form a matrimonial alliance, all in the name of "reconciliation." Lin Wanrong felt deep contempt for this so-called Fourth Uncle from the distant Xiao family. It was a typical appeasement policy, dressed up in noble terms.

Suppressing her anger, Miss Xiao said, "Fourth Uncle, conflicts in business with the Tao family have occurred more than once since they managed the fabric workshop. While you talk about reconciling with the Tao family, let me ask you this: when has the Xiao family ever reconciled with them? In the last incident, they pressured our family into a joint venture. This time in Hangzhou, they abused their position as the leader of the Jinling Chamber of Commerce to collude with the Hangzhou Chamber of Commerce, causing trouble for our Xiao family. If it weren't for Lin San's assistance, I'm afraid by now—"

Miss Xiao paused, her silver teeth biting her lip. Lin Wanrong understood the unspoken meaning in her words. These relatives of the Xiao family, comfortably seated and talking without understanding the hardships faced by Miss Xiao as a young woman striving outside. Without Lin San's assistance, the Xiao family would have been defeated by Tao Dongcheng.

Before the Fourth Uncle could speak again, Lin Wanrong suddenly stood up and smiled, "But I wonder, what is the surname of this steward?"

The Fourth Uncle arrogantly declared, "I am the fourth in line in the Xiao family genealogy. You can address me as Fourth Master."

"Ah, so your surname is Xiao. Listening to your words just now, I thought you were surnamed Tao," Lin Wanrong chuckled.

The Fourth Master's face changed, and he angrily said, "How dare you! This is not a place for your insolence."

Miss Xiao saw Lin San speak up and looked at him gratefully, "Fourth Uncle, Lin San's participation in the council has been approved by my mother and me. The managers have also agreed. His current status is equal to yours, so there is nothing wrong with him speaking here."

The steward rolled his eyes but couldn't find words to refute. He knew Lin Wanrong. He cast an angry glance at him and remained silent.

Lin Wanrong, unafraid of verbal battles, sneered, "This so-called Fourth Master just spoke about reconciling with the Tao family, showing concern for the Tao family. I thought this old man was a member of the Tao family, only to find out he is from our Xiao family. A member of the Xiao family, enjoying the benefits provided by the Xiao family, yet instead of considering how to contribute to the Xiao family, he is busy pleasing others. He is willing to harm the interests of the Xiao family to gain favor elsewhere. It's truly surprising."

The Fourth Master angrily retorted, "I am thinking for the sake of the Xiao family's foundation. I don't want to see the ancestral legacy ruined in your hands."

Lin Wanrong thought to himself, this Xiao family relative, brought in through the genealogy, still has the audacity to talk about protecting the ancestral legacy. He is probably eyeing the Xiao family's wealth. Lin Wanrong's sharp eyes revealed his disdain. This Fourth Master, repeatedly speaking for the Tao family, nearly caused trouble for Miss Yushuang and himself last time. Now, with everyone quiet, he dared to speak up again. Could it be that he is genuinely upright? Nonsense. Just look at those triangular eyes; you can tell he's up to no good. Either he's received benefits from the Tao family, or he wants to take over the Xiao family's wealth.

"Thinking for the sake of the Xiao family's foundation? Old Master, Madam is the daughter-in-law of the old patriarch, and the Miss and Second Miss are the old patriarch's direct granddaughters. By thinking for the Xiao family, do you mean intentionally causing trouble for the Xiao family? Returning the shop to show reconciliation? These words may sound easy, but they are a humiliation to the Xiao family's ancestors. The Tao family's ambitions, the constant conflicts with the Xiao family, forcing us into a joint venture last time, and the troubles during this trip to Hangzhou, colluding with the Hangzhou Chamber of Commerce—all of Jinling's business community has witnessed. Everyone sympathizes with the Xiao family. Does the old master not hear about it? Everyone knows the Tao family's intentions towards the Xiao family, but there are some who speak up for them repeatedly. Their actions are mysterious, and their motives are unclear. Are they trying to gain some benefits from this situation?" Lin Wanrong looked at the Fourth Master, speaking with conviction.

In recent days, news of the events at Hangzhou's Qing Yu Lou had spread in the Jinling business community. The Xiao family, with Lin San's assistance, resisted the joint oppression of the leading figures from the Jinling and Hangzhou chambers of commerce, and their defiance was widely known. Though unspoken, the businessmen admired the Xiao family's resilience. The reappointment of the Xiao family as the leader of the Jinling Chamber of Commerce was met with a welcoming attitude. Everyone present in the hall was involved in trade, and they had heard a lot about these events. Lin San's words were logical, and the Fourth Master, speaking up for the Tao family again, raised suspicions in people's hearts.

"You dare to speak like this! I am a Xiao family relative, and no one can treat me like this. If you don't heed my words, you will suffer in the end. Master Tao has arrived in Jinling today. Cooperating with him is the right path. Otherwise, it's a dead end—"

"Take him away, punish him with one hundred canes, and expel him from the family." Madam Xiao sternly commanded.

Several robust family servants rushed in, dragging the Fourth Master out.

 Soon, a series of miserable screams echoed back into the hall.

Indeed, a traitor. Lin Wanrong shook his head in helplessness. This guy had a history of misdeeds, and it was a wonder Madam Xiao had tolerated him for so long. If it were up to him, he would have kicked him out long ago.

Madam Xiao's face turned cold, addressing everyone in the hall, "The Xiao family has been forced to this point, with no retreat. All the managers should focus on finding ways to assist Yuruo in taking over the Tao family's fabric workshop. Other matters need not concern you."

She looked at Lin Wanrong with a hint of relief in her eyes, her red lips lightly opening, and whispered, "Lin San, what do you think of Yushuang?"

(Note: As the original Chinese text does not explicitly mention Lin San's thoughts about Yushuang in this part, I provided a neutral transition to the next part of the story. If you would like a different approach or have specific details in mind, feel free to let me know.)