It seems he underestimated his cousin's abilities.

But this is for the best, at least she is doing well while they are failing as family members.

This is the greatest comfort.

Back in his study, Dongfang Yi sat in a chair, lost in thought until dark, still undecided whether or not to call Jian Yixue.

Despite her superb medical skills, Jian Yixue never mentioned them when treating her grandparents.

He figured Jian Yixue probably didn't want to be exposed.

If he were to call now, wouldn't it be very impolite, or rather, very abrupt?

After thinking it over, Dongfang Yi decided not to make the call.

He'll ask again next time they meet, which gives him another reason since he already promised Mr. Cheng.

In addition, he can also take this time to see how effective the medicine is.

...

The Dongfang family's two-bedroom residential area on the west side.

Night falls, a time when darkness and wind make things easier.

"Is everything ready? We must find the token tonight."

Dongfang Yelei, sitting at the head of the table, had a serious expression and his eyes were fixed on the few trusted confidants in front of him.

"Yes, Master, your subordinates will do their utmost." Even the trusted confidants dared not make a guarantee.

So many years have passed, who knows if she took it with her?

Dongfang Yelei was slightly dissatisfied with their replies, but he didn't say anything at the moment.

The operation was about to begin, and he didn't want to disrupt the morale of the troops.

Another reason was that he wasn't sure if the token was still with the Eastern family.

After all, his sister had left the Dongfang family more than twenty years ago.

Over the years, he has also mobilized all his resources to carefully search the places where Dongfang Tinglan might appear after her disappearance.

He still found nothing, which is why he wondered if it was possible that she hadn't taken it with her in the first place.

Otherwise, how could there be no clues at all?

"Be very careful not to let anyone find out. Otherwise, I don't need to tell you the consequences," Dongfang Yelei said coldly.

Upon hearing this, several of his trusted confidants felt a chill run down their spines, and a sense of fear washed over them as they recalled Dongfang Yelei's ruthless methods.

They knew that some people had failed their missions and were instead punished by their masters by having their limbs broken and being thrown into the back mountains to fend for themselves.

The back mountain is a primeval forest, home to all sorts of ferocious beasts. These people, who were unable to move, eventually became food for these beasts.

Later, they were ordered to clean up the scene to avoid leaving anything that could give others cause for criticism.

They saw the ground stained red with blood, and human skeletons scattered everywhere.

That scene was particularly terrifying, and even now they often dream of that horrific image.

"Yes, Master," the trusted confidants replied, forcing themselves to speak.

He secretly resolved to complete this mission perfectly.

"It's getting late, we can set off now." Dongfang Yelei glanced at the sky outside the window and turned to say to the others.

Upon seeing this, the group withdrew one by one.

Heading towards tonight's destination.

Three hours later.

"Master, we searched every corner of the room but found nothing suspicious," reported one of their trusted lieutenants.

They entered Tinglan Pavilion very carefully, looking around the room several times, but they didn't see anything suspicious at all.

They dared not cause too much damage, otherwise the cleaning staff would find out when they went in, and the old man would definitely investigate thoroughly, with unimaginable consequences.

Dongfang Yelei fell into deep thought.

Not here!

So where exactly would it be?

Thinking of the three-day deadline given by that person, Dongfang Yelei couldn't help but feel a headache coming on.

Some even regretted collaborating with him, otherwise they wouldn't have been forced into this situation.

All he ever wanted was the position of head of the Dongfang family.

But the old man just couldn't stand him!

They also said he was too ruthless, not tolerant or magnanimous enough, and couldn't accept everyone in the Dongfang family.

Hmph, it's obvious that he's favoring the eldest son's branch.

They even had to find such a reason to embarrass him.

He was determined to prove to the old man that he was blind!

He has been fighting for it for so many years.

As a result, a few years ago, the old man still chose Dongfang Yi as his successor without hesitation.

How ridiculous! Giving it to the grandson instead of the son!

But he had no other choice; otherwise, he wouldn't have so easily chosen to cooperate with outsiders.

He was well aware of his family elders' aversion to outsiders, but he had no other choice.

His own strength was insufficient to propel him to great heights; he could only rely on the strength of others.

Even if they disagree, so what? He's already in that position, do you think anyone will pull him down?

Anyone who stands in his way deserves to die!

The trusted leader, looking at the terrifying aura approaching, said tremblingly, "Master, could it be that someone has already taken the token from there?"

Upon hearing this, Dongfang Yelei turned his cold gaze to his trusted leader, "Continue!"

“When the Second Miss went there yesterday, she ran into the Eldest Miss, but when I passed by there later, I found that, apart from the Eldest Miss, the Eldest Young Master was with two strangers and seemed to be heading in the direction of Tinglan Pavilion.”

The trusted confidant reported cautiously.

He happened to be passing by yesterday and witnessed this scene.

He didn't think much of it at the time, but it wasn't until his master instructed him on this matter today that he had this suspicion.

Upon hearing this, Dongfang Yelei angrily retorted, "Why didn't you do this earlier!"

If I were to tell him, he wouldn't have bothered with such a pointless effort tonight.

Not only is it labor-intensive, but the risks involved are also extremely high.

I wonder if anyone is guarding Tinglan Pavilion tonight, and whether his actions have been discovered by someone with ulterior motives.

Will they know it was him who ordered it, since this group of people ended up returning to his courtyard?

The trusted subordinate was startled and looked at Dongfang Yelei with some fear. "I...I just guessed it too."

"A bunch of good-for-nothings! A bunch of idiots! How did I end up raising such trash..."

Dongfang Yelei angrily cursed at everyone.

After cursing for a while, he finally felt less angry, picked up the now-cold tea on the table and drank it all in one gulp, then fell into deep thought.

The Dongfang family has a rule that outsiders are not allowed to be brought in casually.

Given that Dongfang Yi personally received these two, and that they might even have gone to Tinglan Pavilion, Dongfang Yelei became increasingly curious about their identities.

"Go and find out immediately who Dongfang Yi brought back," Dongfang Yelei ordered.

In private, Dongfang Yelei always addressed Dongfang Yi by his given name.

"Yes, Master." The trusted confidants breathed a sigh of relief and hurriedly left the terrifying study.

At this moment, all they wanted was to save their lives; they knew very well that if they stayed any longer, the dangers they would face would be enormous.

No one knows how their unpredictable master will treat them for their poor performance next time.

Although the responsibility for this matter does not lie entirely with them.

But since they were the masters, they had no choice but to obey.