Pretending To Be A Boss-Chapter 716 - 80: Seizing Power_2

"Sigh, my son is no good. He's been suppressed too harshly over the years, not used to lifting his head."

"That's exactly why he's suited for a high position, to be honed."

"Heh, I'll take that as a good omen from my brother."

After a round of probing, Song Zhuo and Song Wei were quite satisfied.

Within the Pyramid, whether it was a family banquet or a state banquet, they drank and ate expensive fruits. After all, nutritional meals had replaced all staple foods and dishes.

Even though they were here to seize power today, the seating arrangement at the wine table still followed the traditional etiquette of respecting the aged and the hierarchical order. The only exception was that Song Zhuo, who should have been seated at another table with the younger generation, sat at the table of elders. With eight people fitting comfortably around a table for seven, it wasn't too crowded.

In today's terms, the seat of Song Gengzhao was still the "c" position.

The conversation began with everyone exchanging pleasantries before they started drinking.

As they did so, they broached some "appetizer" topics.

For instance, how the business of a certain family was doing, or which country's fortress had placed a large order for paladins.

What the owner of the Ark Fortress, Li Wanye, had been up to recently.

Or perhaps when the second daughter of the eldest brother's family was getting married; the atmosphere was festive, genuinely resembling a family reunion and casual chat. They discussed family, state, and the world in turn, and it wasn't awkward.

Until Song Wei said,

"Big brother, have you been feeling unwell lately?"

With those words, the entire banquet fell silent for a few seconds.

Then Song Gengzhao replied, "I'm still quite alright. I've been a bit tired lately, I'm getting old, and it's about time I step down."

Song Wei laughed and said,

"What are you talking about, big brother? You are still quite robust. And if you retire, there's no one among us brothers who can really handle things."

The fifth instantly stated,

"Sixth brother, your words are not appropriate. Big brother is just a few years older than us; if he retires, we can't be lords for that many years either. Look at the London Fortress, they've just appointed a lord around the age of thirty. We old fellows might as well step back and give the young ones a chance earlier. What do you say, big brother?"

Song Wei kept silent while the second brother snorted coldly. He wasn't speaking up for Song Gengzhao, but he understood what the fifth was implying and despised him for siding with the sixth like a dog.

The third and fourth made no declaration.

Song Gengzhao laughed heartily, shedding his lethargic air and appearing lively and uninhibited:

"That's the spirit. I've come to realize that if you wear a ring for too long, it chafes. It's time to pass it to the younger generation. We are all Songs in the Song Family after all. I won't hide it from you all; as for the lordship, meritocracy shall prevail. As long as one is a member of the Song Family, and has the family's best interests at heart, even if he is not my direct descendant, I am willing to hand over the position. The question is, who is suitable?"

Song Zhuo and Song Wei exchanged glances, feeling that things were proceeding too smoothly, but considering that the Song residence was now surrounded by their hundred paladins, today's change was the natural course of events, and Song Gengzhao had likely realized the situation.

As expected, Song Gengzhao also said,

"The situation is stronger than the person. I am old; I see those outsiders clamoring for me to step down. But my friends, if I retire, who will take over? Who has the talent and virtue? Let me ponder that with you all."

"Please do tell, big brother. I would like to hear your thoughts," Song Wei smiled and said.

"Nephew too wishes to listen to great uncle's teachings," Song Zhuo added.

Song Gengzhao smiled and said,

"Then, as an elder, may I be blunt with some heartfelt words? None of you take offense, please. If you are receptive, perhaps today, I might just hand over this ring."

After Song Que's reputation plummeted, Konstant, to prevent another fortress lord from becoming too dominant, left the matter of the ring to be announced by Li Wanye, and also refined the use of paladins' rights.

The power of the fortress lord was still dominant for ninety percent of fortresses, but not for Lincoln Fortress.