"What?" Gong Changfan was stunned.
Wasn't this something you only did recently? Wasn't it because of the old man's decision that you took the risk?
Gong Changhong shook his head, "The earliest confession given by the people we caught is from three years ago."
"Three years ago?" That long ago?
Gong Changfan never expected the timeline to be like this. Three years ago, the old man was still in charge of the family, but due to his advanced age, he had relinquished some power.
Among them, Gong Changzhou, as the eldest son, had the advantage of being the eldest son, and Gong Chengjue was raised by the old man. The second son, Gong Chengkun, also had the advantage of being young. Therefore, the eldest branch of the Gong family was the most prominent.
If Gong Changzhou hadn't met with this accident...
However, there are no "ifs".
Gong Changfan believed that everyone had tacitly accepted that his eldest brother would inherit the position of family head, and that Gong Changming's dissatisfaction was a psychological issue that arose after his eldest brother's death.
But now it seems that's not the case?
Three years ago...
In other words, Gong Changming had already been trying to make money and making plans beforehand.
Because the old man wasn't too old to care about anything, he did it quite discreetly.
"Does the fourth brother know?" Gong Changfan asked after a long silence.
Gong Changhong looked at him, "If I remember correctly, it was only three years ago that the fourth brother and he started getting closer and closer?"
It's normal for brothers to be close, but in a large, powerful family, this closeness often represents a matter of political stance.
And three years ago... the timing is so coincidental that it makes one think deeply.
Gong Changfan let out a breath, "Then, I can understand why the old man suddenly made me his successor."
Because... there is no other choice.
The eldest son died unexpectedly, the second son was involved in illicit business, and such a person could not be chosen as the head of the family. The third son did not engage in business, and the fourth son had a grudge against the second son. Apart from the fifth son and the only daughter, who else could be chosen?
The eldest grandson was the perfect candidate, but he was too young, and the old man was deeply affected by the death of his eldest son. His once robust health suddenly deteriorated like a deflated balloon...
Things had spiraled out of his control, so Gong Changfan had no choice but to be placed in the position of family head.
Even if he is not suitable.
Although their only daughter was also in business, she was married and had two sons. The Gong family would never choose a daughter who had children with another family name as their heir.
If the daughter, like Gong Changfan, doesn't have children, then that's a different story.
It's a bit ridiculous to think about it, but in the end, the Gong family, with its large number of members, didn't really have many choices for who could be the heir.
The atmosphere was tense, and neither Gong Changfan nor Gong Changhong were in a good mood.
If the old man knew before his death that Gong Changming was secretly doing illicit business, why didn't he deal with it first?
For example, being expelled from the palace family...
Now they've left this mess to the next head of the family...
Gong Changfan suddenly thought of something and laughed, "Hehe."
Gong Changhong looked at him, who had suddenly burst into laughter, and asked, "Changfan?"
"Third Brother, the old man is truly biased towards Chengjue to the core." Gong Changfan looked at Gong Changhong and smiled helplessly.
It's not that I feel resentful, it's just that... even he, as the son, doesn't receive this kind of preferential treatment.
The old man treated all his children equally and did not show any particular favoritism. Gong Changzhou had the advantage as the eldest son, but as for affection, he did not show any particular favoritism.
The eldest son is the least loved and receives the strictest education from a young age.
Gong Changfan is the youngest son, so he is relatively relaxed and his marriage is not interfered with much. However, compared with Gong Chengjue, the eldest grandson, he is heartbroken.
Gong Changhong looked at him and coughed lightly, "Well... Chengjue was taken in by the old man, so it's normal for him to be favored."
In an instant, Gong Changhong understood what Gong Changfan meant.
"Isn't this favoritism? The old man not only intends to make Chengjue the head of the family, but he has also blocked everyone's path, making it impossible for anyone to compete with him."
Gong Changfan took a sip of tea; it was cold, and his heart felt a chill. Thankfully, he had no son, otherwise he wasn't sure if he would have gone mad with jealousy.
He didn't put down his teacup, but said to Gong Changhong, "The old man knows that the second son and his gang are engaged in illicit business but doesn't manage it, leaving this mess for me. He wants me to finish this so that I can obediently withdraw."
Given the actions of Gong Changming and Gong Changsheng, after being expelled from the Gong family, he, as the younger brother and head of the family, can truly step down.
At that time, Gong Chengjue will be the rightful next head of the family.
Looking around, who else in the Gong family is qualified?
Not a single one...
The older generation is completely outdated.
Peers? They're even less qualified. He's not only the eldest son and grandson, but his abilities surpass everyone else's. Not to mention, the old man had appointed him as a director of Xinji Group before his death, giving him real power.
Gong Changfan looked at Gong Changhong and asked, "Do you think Chengjue knew about the scheme the old man set up?"
Gong Changhong lowered his eyes. "Chengjue almost lost his life for the sake of the family this time, which is something that everyone has witnessed."
Therefore, whether you know it or not is not important.
Gong Changfan hummed in agreement, then smiled. "I didn't mean anything by it. I don't have any children. I watched Chengjue grow up, and I treat him like my own son."
Gong Changhong looked at him.
Gong Changfan put down his teacup. "Originally, I had some concerns, considering the brotherhood between the second and fourth brothers. But now it seems that I'm going to see this ugly man through to the end. It's what I can do for the Gong family as the head of the family."
Since the old man has made this arrangement, then they will follow his lead.
Gong Changhong nodded, "I just hope that cleaning up the house won't cause too much turmoil in the Gong family."
Gong Changfan let out a sigh of relief. "I hope so." But judging from his conversation with Gong Changming and the others just now, it seems like wishful thinking.
……………………
Riverside
Two black cars were parked on the side of the road. The people who came out of the Gong family did not go home, but got out of the cars by the river.
The two strolled along the riverbank, enjoying the summer breeze.
Gong Changsheng spoke up, "Second Brother, Changfan's meaning is very clear."
Gong Changming looked ahead and said, "Yes, he's just making a pointless struggle."
"But what about Gong Changhong..." Gong Changsheng didn't think they were unsure, it was just that it would be great if Gong Changhong could truly remain neutral.
Gong Changming narrowed his eyes and made a decision, "Then let him go on a mission."
Upon hearing this, Gong Changsheng was slightly surprised. Gong Changhong held a high position, but Gong Changming's words meant... could he influence him?
Who exactly is collaborating with his second brother?
Gong Changsheng felt completely bewildered.
Of course, he wouldn't be foolish enough to ask. He looked up at the sky and said, "The night is quite nice tonight."
Gong Changming looked up and saw a waning moon hanging in the night. Not bad?
"When you're in a good mood, everything seems good," Gong Changsheng said.
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