204: The refuge of four small families

Li Lei's business acumen was something even Li Mu felt inferior to, and even if Li Lei refused Zhong Wencheng, it wouldn't have any substantial impact on Li Mu's relationship with him.

After introducing Li Lei, Li Mu prepared to leave. In the side hall next to the main hall, several people from the Leshan Prefecture Lord were waiting for him.

"Father-in-law, Brother Zhong, you can discuss the cooperation with Li Lei first. There are a few others waiting in the next room that I need to see. If you're not satisfied, Father-in-law, just let me know directly!"

Li Mu spoke with a smile, but his actions were extremely swift. After finishing, he left the hall without looking back, leaving Zhong Wencheng and Zhong Lecheng staring at each other in bewilderment.

"Father, should we...?"

Zhong Lecheng lowered his voice, suggesting that Zhong Wencheng reduce his demands, but Zhong Wencheng snorted coldly.

"As the father-in-law of the Li Family, can't I be treated a bit better than others?"

Li Mu's way of handling things made Zhong Wencheng very dissatisfied. Although there was nothing wrong with his words, anyone could see that Li Mu had no intention of fully supporting the Zhong Family's development.

Li Lei found the situation a bit awkward but knew his duty. Now that he controlled all of the Li Family's industries, he wouldn't yield an inch when it came to interests.

"Family Head Zhong, why don't we discuss this in detail?" Li Lei asked softly as he brewed tea for the two, waiting for their reaction.

"Fine. Lecheng, you discuss it. This old man is tired!"

Zhong Wencheng spoke in a low voice, ignored Li Lei, and walked out with his hands behind his back.

Zhong Lecheng understood his father's intent and smiled helplessly. Taking the tea from Li Lei, he began to slowly lay out his demands.

On the other side, as Li Mu stepped into the room, he saw four elderly men who appeared relatively restrained.

"Everyone, sorry for the wait! Li Mu is ashamed!" Although the people before him were much older, Li Mu's strength completely overwhelmed the four of them. Without a hint of nervousness, he got straight to the point.

"I wonder how you all wish to cooperate with my Li Family?"

Seeing Li Mu so direct, the men exchanged glances, and then the eldest-looking old man stepped forward.

"Family Head Li is young and promising. I am Zhuge Qing. Greetings, Family Head Li!"

Li Mu waved his hand and said softly, "Senior Zhuge, please speak freely!"

"Good! In that case, this old man will speak a bit more!"

"We are well aware of our own strength. Furthermore, we know the Li Family is about to establish itself in Leshan Prefecture, so the four of us have discussed it and would like to boldly seek cooperation with Family Head Li!"

"We only ask that the Li Family provide us with enough specialty Medicinal Pills to supply one shop. When the Li Family moves into the Leshan Prefecture Lord, we are willing to contribute our humble efforts. Moreover, after our discussion, we have unanimously agreed to become subsidiary families of the Li Family!"

Li Mu frowned as he listened, and his pupils dilated slightly, especially when he heard about them becoming subsidiary families.

He didn't quite understand why Zhuge Qing would make such a choice. After all, the Li Family's current overall strength hadn't reached the point where four families would voluntarily submit.

Without Li Mu, the current Li Family would be nothing more than an insignificant small Family in Leshan Prefecture.

Sensing Li Mu's confusion, another man stepped forward and said, "I am Gongsun Ye. Family Head Li, please don't overthink it. Our choice is actually a form of investment. Leshan Prefecture is becoming increasingly unstable. If we cannot find the protection of a wise master, we fear we will become cannon fodder for the Four Great Families!"

Hearing this, Li Mu's eyes lit up. He hadn't expected the Four Great Families to already be engaged in open and covert strife. This was a rare Opportunity for the Li Family.

Li Mu rubbed his chin and thought for a while, while the other four watched him nervously. If Li Mu didn't agree, it probably wouldn't be long before their four families were wiped out in Leshan Prefecture.

Without making them wait too long, Li Mu slapped the table and stood up, saying loudly, "I have seriously considered your proposal. However, if you truly wish to become subsidiary families of my Li Family, I will give you a choice. If you succeed, I will satisfy the Medicinal Pill needs of not just one shop, but all four!"

The men were instantly excited. The needs of four shops—that would rival the shops of the Four Great Families! If what Li Mu said was true, it would be a heaven-sent Opportunity for them.

"Family Head Li, please tell us your requirements quickly!" Zhuge Qing asked excitedly.

"My requirements are simple. The Li Family has no Foundation in Leshan Prefecture yet. Now, the four of you need to work together to find shops sufficient for the Li Family to break into the Leshan Prefecture market, as well as a residence. You decide on the specific scale yourselves!"

After a pause, Li Mu continued, "If you can satisfy me, I, Li Mu, will ensure your safety in the upcoming battles among the Four Great Families!"

They had originally thought Li Mu's demands would be excessive, but they hadn't expected it to be just finding a few shops and a residence. As local families of Leshan Prefecture, such a task was simple.

But they didn't know Li Mu's specific requirements. After he said that much, Zhuge Qing wanted to ask if there were any special requests, but Li Mu waved his hand and said, "You decide!"

As soon as those words were spoken, Zhuge Qing immediately understood. This was a test for them, and Li Mu wanted to see the extent of their resources.

If the shops and residence they found were just ordinary, Li Mu would naturally be displeased.

Having received Li Mu's response, they didn't stay long. They took their leave one after another to prepare what Li Mu needed.

"Big brother, what should we do?"

After leaving the Li Family, Gongsun Ye approached Zhuge Qing and asked. Hearing this, the other two also gathered around. Among the four, Zhuge Qing had the most authority.

"If you trust me, when we get back, we'll do our best to find a vast location and work together to build a Li Manor for Family Head Li!"

Hearing Zhuge Qing's words, the other three were a bit confused. Why build a new one? There were countless vacant manors in Leshan Prefecture; wouldn't it be enough just to find one?

So they voiced their doubts to Zhuge Qing. Zhuge Qing was suddenly filled with frustration at their lack of vision, and his voice involuntarily carried a hint of anger.

"You lot! Is Family Head Li someone who would settle for something ordinary? Would he be interested in places that have been abandoned for who knows how long? Haven't you seen the current Li Manor?"