Xiao Ran immediately took the phone, his tone tinged with disbelief: "Is what you're saying true? Uncle Ye really agreed?"

"Of course it's true! Dad not only happily agreed, but he also told me to leave the hospital right now to focus on preparing for the engagement. He specifically instructed me to prepare the most perfect engagement gift for you, like a super diamond ring or something..."

Ye Haitao's voice came through the phone, his exaggerated surprise evident on his face.

Xiao Ran's initial doubts vanished instantly; this was the Ye Haitao he should be like.

"Thank you so much, Uncle. But since you're not feeling well, please don't be too particular about the gift; the thought is what counts."

Besides, your uncle needs someone to take care of him right now and is quite dependent on you, so you should stay at the hospital with him. As for the engagement preparations, Haixia, your aunt, and I can handle them.

I'll be perfectly content as long as my uncle recovers quickly and can attend our engagement banquet the day after tomorrow.

Xiao Ran's voice was gentle and soft, and every word she spoke was filled with concern for Ye Boxiong's health.

She naturally guessed that Ye Boxiong was right next to Ye Haitao, and that Ye Boxiong could hear her.

"Darling, you are so considerate. You think of me and you always think of Dad."

Thank you for being so understanding. It is truly my blessing, Ye Haitao, to marry you.

Since you've said so, then I'll leave the preparations to you.

However, I'm available whenever needed.

Ye Haitao said excitedly, his face full of excitement.

Ye Boxiong appeared to be browsing his phone, but in reality, he was paying close attention to Ye Haitao's call. He heard Xiao Ran's words clearly and his heart stirred slightly: "Am I being too suspicious? Is Xiao Ran not as scheming as I thought?"

But then he realized that Xiao Ran was saying this on purpose for him to hear.

With his experience and shrewdness, he could naturally see through Xiao Ran's thoughts.

He couldn't help but glance at Ye Haitao, who was gripping the phone tightly with both hands, his eyes shining, and chattering incessantly. He sighed inwardly: his son was like a little white rabbit facing a big bad wolf in front of Xiao Ran; they were simply not on the same level.

If Xiao Ran is really as he fears, after marrying into the Ye family, she will probably be able to completely control her son in no time.

Ye Boxiong's eyes flashed with a cold light as he quickly calculated a countermeasure.

Finally, Ye Haitao ended the call and looked at Ye Boxiong with excitement: "Dad, thank you! I've already told Xiao Ran the good news, and she's very excited and keeps thanking you."

Let them handle the engagement party preparations; I'll take care of the key aspects.

So I'll stay at the hospital with you during this time, hoping you recover soon and can witness our engagement ceremony the day after tomorrow!

This is the real Ye Haitao; he has no deep scheming, and his joys and sorrows are all written on his face.

Ye Boxiong sighed softly in his heart, pondered for a moment, and then slowly said, "Although I have agreed to your marriage, I have one request that I hope you will agree to and swear that you will do as I say."

Ye Boxiong's eyes were deep and serious.

"Dad, please speak!"

Ye Haitao immediately stopped smiling and his expression became serious.

"Our Ye family is a family with a history of thousands of years, with deep roots and abundant branches. As the heir to the family head, you must have sufficient leadership and control abilities. I have repeatedly reminded you of this and urged you to study diligently."

At the same time, managing such a large family is comparable to managing an ancient imperial palace, which is by no means an easy task.

I previously told you to study historical texts more, and you should know that the decline of many dynasties did not stem from external turmoil, but rather from internal strife within the court.

The real source of chaos is often not the power struggles among various factions, but rather the interference of women in politics.

Ye Boxiong spoke slowly, each word carrying a heavy weight: "Throughout history, whenever an empress dowager or empress interfered in politics, the country often ended up in ruin and the family perished. This principle applies to our thousand-year-old family as well."

As the head of the family, one must not only have leadership skills, but also the ability to control the overall situation and firmly grasp all power in one's own hands.

Most importantly, women must never be allowed to participate in the struggle for family power, let alone hold actual power.

All family affairs, large and small, must be led by you. You must not be sidelined or reduced to a puppet head of the family…

As Ye Haitao listened, he nodded slowly: "Dad, I understand what you mean. You're worried that Xiao Ran is too smart, and after marrying into the Ye family, she will rise above me, seize power in the Ye family, and bring hidden dangers to the family."

"Rest assured, I will always keep your teachings in mind and will never let her participate in core family affairs, ensuring that all power remains in my hands!"

"You've finally grown up. You can understand the implications without me having to explain too much!"

After all, Xiao Ran is far too intelligent, far surpassing you in both ability and IQ. Once you delegate authority to her, you will certainly be no match for her.

Therefore, after I pass away, you must remember my words: never let power fall into other hands.

Ye Boxiong's expression grew increasingly serious.

"Dad, if you're worried, I swear to God! Even if Xiao Ran becomes my wife, I will never let her interfere in the Ye family's core business or give her any real power."

If I break this oath, I will surely be punished by Heaven!

As Ye Haitao spoke, he raised his hand and took an oath.

This action startled Ye Boxiong: "You child, I told you to remember my words, not to make such a vicious oath. Why say something like 'I'll be punished by heaven'? That's so unlucky!"

Little did he know that Ye Haitao now felt only hatred for Xiao Ran, not love at all.

After Xiao Ran marries into the family, he will only try every means to torment her, and he will never allow her to have any say in the family's power.

To put it bluntly, due to his physical condition, Ye Haitao's personality has undergone a split, resulting in abnormal psychology.

In the past, he would never have said such a thing.

"I just want Dad to completely trust me, don't I?"

Ye Haitao scratched his head, looking embarrassed.

"You child, you still like Xiao Ran too much. Sometimes you can't help but act impulsively."

Ye Boxiong shook his head again, assuming that he was just too happy to act impulsively, and didn't think much of it.

Ye Boxiong finally agreed and said he would give his full support, which greatly surprised Mrs. Ye.

Upon receiving the news, she was overjoyed and no longer tried to hide it, directly announcing her engagement to the public.

The entire capital was in an uproar.

Ye Haitao, the eldest son of the Ye family, is getting married to Xiao Ran, the eldest daughter of the Xiao family. The day after tomorrow is their engagement day, and the Ye family has booked the entire Imperial Capital Building as the venue for the banquet.

As soon as the news was announced, Mrs. Ye's phone rang non-stop with congratulatory calls coming in one after another.

Mrs. Ye beamed with joy, repeatedly saying "thank you" and "welcome, welcome" into the phone.

Not only Mrs. Ye, but Ye Boxiong's phone was also ringing off the hook.

"Hehehe, you old codger, you finally agreed without hesitation and stopped hiding it. Congratulations!"

"Master Ye, you've finally decided to hold an engagement banquet for your young master and Miss Xiao! What a joyous occasion!"

"Congratulations! Patriarch Ye, I will definitely bring my wife to the banquet the day after tomorrow to offer my congratulations."

"Congratulations, Patriarch Ye..."

Ye Boxiong could only frown and answer the ringing phone one by one, but eventually he couldn't stand it anymore and had to turn it off.

After all, given his status and position, there were simply too many people coming to congratulate him.

The entire Ye family was in an uproar, with everyone mobilized.

The engagement of the young master is undoubtedly the most important event in the family.

Meanwhile, the Xiao family has been closely monitoring the online developments, and Madam Xiao has been frequently in contact with Xiao Ran.

Despite the widespread rumors surrounding Xiao Ran and Ye Haitao's marriage, the Ye family has yet to issue a formal announcement, causing Xiao's wife and the rest of the Xiao family to be on tenterhooks.

Madam Xiao and Xiao Yuanqing, in particular, felt that something was amiss. Ye Boxiong seemed to dislike Xiao Ran and feared that he might interfere and ruin the marriage.

It wasn't until the lady of a prominent family called to congratulate her that Mrs. Xiao became excited, and the entire Xiao family was filled with joy.

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