862 The Tian Family's Secret Conspiracy
The sect leader said softly, "If this disciple is in trouble, the sect will certainly come to her aid. Patriarch Cheng, you are too kind. Let's not stand on ceremony."
Upon hearing this, the leader of the sect was clearly pleased, and he readily offered polite words, as anyone who had lived for so long knew how to say a few pleasantries.
The head of the Cheng family was very pleased to hear this. His son was able to invite King Wu to help him today, which was a great achievement. Although there was a risk of letting the enemy in, the army was outside, so they should deal with the outside situation first.
Moreover, such a good opportunity is perfect for eliminating some small families, which would free up more territory. If the Tian and Yu families are eliminated, then Nanhe Prefecture will belong to the Cheng family.
As for the Yu family patriarch, as long as the Yu family wasn't wiped out by the Cheng family, there wasn't much to fear. Besides, it was unknown how much lifespan the Yu family patriarch still had.
During this period, the spiritual energy in the spiritual land was thin, and the news that the lifespans of Martial Kings and Martial Emperors were slowly decreasing gradually spread. This matter could not be kept secret at all, but it was still spreading among the upper class. Ordinary people would never know about it.
After some discussion, the Cheng family head had his son escort the two sect leaders to their guest rooms to rest. The sect leader, Jiu, promised the Cheng family head's son with a friendly smile, "Don't worry, now that we're here, we'll definitely be able to protect your Cheng family."
However, the other families are none of our concern. Also, you must not go out easily these next few days, and do not stray too far from us, otherwise swords and spears will inevitably cause accidental injuries.
Furthermore, your senior brothers have told them not to act rashly. After we return this time, you will be a true disciple, and they will certainly pass on our sect's unique cultivation method to you.
"Yes, yes, thank you both. My father has secretly agreed to allocate a portion of the city's resources. Please wait for now," said the Cheng family head's son respectfully.
"Good, you're not bad." Master Jiu nodded in satisfaction, he liked such a clever disciple.
Inside the guest room, four beautiful young women were already waiting. Leader Jiu and Leader Feng showed no courtesy whatsoever, each taking turns with two women on each side.
With a slight smile, the beauty blushed, and she was completely uninhibited.
Inside the hall, several elders and Captain Cheng sat silently, their expressions somber, only their lips twitching slightly. They seemed to be discussing something.
The head of the Cheng family did not interrupt, after all, this matter came suddenly, everything was sudden.
It was unexpected that Commandant Guan would dare to send troops to Nanhe Prefecture. Nanhe Prefecture only received the news when Commandant Guan's army was halfway there.
When the news first arrived, everyone in Nanhe Prefecture was in disbelief. Commander Guan actually dared to send troops to attack them! Who gave them the audacity?
It's important to understand that the Holy Emperor and the aristocratic families jointly govern the realm. This is an unspoken rule that everyone accepts. Now that the Holy Emperor is traveling far away, and various regions are governing themselves, everyone is content and peaceful. Isn't that better?
What's wrong with Guan Xiaowei? He actually wants to send troops to attack them. Who gave him that right?
Although it was hard to believe, Captain Guan's marching route was clear and unambiguous; it was heading directly towards Nanhe Prefecture.
In an instant, the entire Nanhe Prefecture was in a state of panic, unsure whether to fight or flee. They were about to lose their family fortune accumulated over generations before even engaging in battle. How could that be possible?
The major families in the city were also suspicious of each other, as each family believed it had done nothing wrong. Collecting rent, arranging corvée labor, killing a few servants, and causing the disappearance of a few impoverished people were all commonplace occurrences.
Several families were completely baffled. 'Could it be? Spirit stone mines have appeared around Nanhe Prefecture. Or has some kind of treasure been unearthed here? Is that why they've all come to seize it?'
'Moreover, the king's ministers are currently weak and preoccupied with their own troubles; how could they possibly have the energy to deal with them? Besides, they haven't rebelled. On the surface, they are all respectfully abiding by the Holy Emperor's rules,' the heads and members of the major families couldn't help but think.
Inside the Tian family mansion, the Tian family head had a smiling face, but his expression was extremely cold, while the other elders looked nervous.
The Third Elder, his face flushed with anger, asked in a low voice, "Patriarch, did the Ancestor give any instructions? Two days ago, the Dalong Prefecture went completely mad and actually tried to attack our Nanhe Prefecture. It's utterly unreasonable."
The other elders echoed their sentiments, saying in unison, "Yes, Patriarch, the Dalong Prefecture has gone mad! They actually sent troops to attack us; this is practically a rebellion!"
We must report this to the imperial court and have the capital issue a severe decree holding them accountable for their blatant disregard for the capital.
The head of the Tian family was already 120 years old and had seen all kinds of storms. He waved his hand gently and said in a low voice with a smile, "Everyone, please calm down. The ancestor has already made a decision. You should unite the strength of the clan."
"Don't let these conflicts ruin our residence. The prefect of Nanhe Prefecture is from the Cheng family, and all the key figures here, big and small, are from the Cheng family. If Nanhe is in trouble, naturally the Cheng family will step in to negotiate. We should just wait patiently."
Seeing that the patriarch was confident, the elders were relieved. They seemed to still have some questions, but since the patriarch and the ancestor had no objections, they naturally did not ask any more.
Secretly, they all prepared some valuables and banknotes, as well as their most cherished lovers, and made several plans.
Inside the inner courtyard, the head of the Tian family walked slowly and gently pushed open the door to the ancestor's seclusion. Seeing that the ancestor looked very well, he felt a slight sense of relief.
"Greetings, Ancestor. Commander Guan and the others, for some reason, insist on setting up camp outside the city, blocking it but not attacking. In recent days, no spirit ore or other precious minerals have been found near Nanhe Prefecture, nor have any treasures been reported."
The head of the Tian family respectfully reported the intelligence he had gathered.
The patriarch of the Tian family had a few strands of white hair mixed in with his jet-black hair, and his complexion was radiant, like that of a twenty-year-old young man. However, he couldn't hide his true feelings; his eyes were weathered and filled with a fierce, ruthless glint.
The stench of blood emanating from him was unmistakable, along with a terrifyingly fierce aura.
The patriarch of the Tian family slowly composed himself, his eyes regaining a sliver of clarity, and said in a low voice, "I just went to the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion, but there were no treasures from the area around Nanhe Prefecture there either."
"Hmph, it seems Commander Guan is incredibly audacious, backed by traitors, plotting to annex Nanhe Prefecture and accumulate fortune to reach a higher realm."
"This..." Patriarch Tian said in a shocked voice, his expression one of disbelief, "Ancestor, this is just a rumor. Advancing upwards isn't that simple. Not everyone is like that person in the royal city, sweeping through everything in their path."
Old Ancestor Tian's expression was equally surprised and uncertain, but his tone was somewhat certain: "Back then, the Holy Emperor must have accumulated a lot of luck as he conquered everything, which is why he was able to break through so easily."
Otherwise, looking at the Wang family from top to bottom, who else could achieve such a rapid breakthrough? Gathering the fortune of one place, or even several places, might be the key to such a rapid breakthrough.
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