Ningshen said, “There is no need to rush on this matter now; we should plan for the long term. We should tackle the Nangong family first, then the Bai clan. This is the order we should follow. Moreover, the Nangong family has an entire regiment of troops stationed nearby. Their original plan was to reclaim this front after Blackstream City fell. This way, they could justify their actions to both superiors and subordinates. But now that the siege on Blackstream City has been lifted, we must be cautious of their desperation leading them to reckless action.”
Qian Ye scoffed coldly, “Even if they want to cause us trouble, they will need at least half a month to recover.” He then briefly recounted his raid on the Nangong family’s base.
Ningshen laughed, slapping the table, “Well done! The Nangong family of Yishui truly suffered a loss this time. Among the higher-ranking families, the overall quality of their younger generation is quite good. Suffering such heavy losses will take them a long time to recover.” However, Ningshen felt a bit puzzled, “The Nangong family’s approach is so crude and direct, completely unlike Nangong Yuanbo’s usual cunning style.”
When it came to this, Qian Ye furrowed his brows, asking, “Did something happen on your end? I encountered Ningyuan Heavy Industries’ merchant convoy being ambushed in Tianhe County, a thousand miles away. And why hasn’t the Song clan made any moves yet? Even if some of our squads are no match for the Nangong private army, this is no longer a trivial matter of personal vendetta. The Empire can’t just sit idly by while two major clans wage a full-scale war under the Iron Curtain, right?”
After listening to Qian Ye’s account of the encounter with Ningyuan Heavy Industries’ merchant convoy, Ningshen murmured, “The Bai clan? Or the Hou clan?”
Fatigue showed in his eyes as he leaned back in his chair, silent for a moment before he smiled, “I was wondering how to tell you about this. In fact, I won’t stay in Blackstream City indefinitely. If the situation becomes untenable, I’ll break out on my own, perhaps taking Nangong Xiaoniao with me. I’ve kept her Red Scorpion squad in reserve to protect her during the final moments. But whatever happens, I will not use any more resources from the Song clan.”
Qian Ye, slightly taken aback, looked at Ningshen’s expression and recalled his recent actions, understanding, “So, you’re determined to completely separate from the Song clan.”
Ningshen smiled bitterly, “Yes. The convoy from Ningyuan Heavy Industries was my final contribution to the family, exposing those who were conspiring and had turned against us. Whether the convoy survives or not, it doesn’t affect the outcome. Those with ill intentions have already been exposed. But given the current situation, it seems the process of cleaning house isn’t going smoothly. If the clan really had the intention, would this small matter be a problem?”
Qian Ye said, “Traffic in and out of Blackstream City should be restored soon. Have Zhouchanguo send over the latest intelligence, and we’ll know the situation.”
Ningshen replied calmly, “He can’t gather information within the clan. As for the rest, it’s not important now.”
However, Qian Ye sensed a hint of despondency in Ningshen’s tone. Even if the Song clan faced some difficulties, their reluctance to aid Blackstream City was a sign of complete indifference. Even Qian Ye could see that the Nangong family’s arrogance was built on the silence of the Song clan. If the Song clan had shown a bit more firmness, the situation might have been different.
Perhaps Ningshen never expected significant support from his family, but being ignored still hurt like a sharp blade.
Not knowing how to comfort Ningshen, Qian Ye stood up, walked to the side cabinet, and poured two glasses of wine, handing one to him.
In a short time, Ningshen had regained most of his composure. He took the glass, swirled it, and watched the liquid reflect strange colors, then smiled, raised his glass to Qian Ye, and drank it in one go.
“Qian Ye, don’t worry too much. I’m free now, isn’t that a good thing?” Ningshen’s eyes suddenly lit up as he continued, “With all the dark races outside the city, we’ll have enough military achievements to elevate Darkflame in the expeditionary forces. Do you want to form a new field division, or upgrade Blackstream City’s defense zone?”
“I don’t have that kind of ambition yet.”
“Ambition is something that, once you’re in this position, you either develop it yourself or others will force it upon you,” Ningshen laughed.
Qian Ye also laughed, sipping his wine slowly. They began to chat, sometimes in silence, occasionally hearing the joyful noise of the city outside.
In the Hanbic Garden of the Song clan, there was a steady flow of people, with many servants cleaning every corner. The large garden was filled with spring colors, and the air was warm. Threads of dawn essence continuously flowed from the artificial hills, pillars, and flower beds, invigorating the mind with each breath. In terms of essence density, even some small sects’ training halls might not compare.
The servants were cautious, fearing even the slightest mistake. Today, the routine elders’ meeting of the Song clan was held here. With the Ancestor in seclusion, all the key figures of the Song clan were gathered in the Hanbic Garden.
In the Shouzhuo Hall to the north of the garden, dozens of Song clan elders had been discussing for half a day, covering over ten major clan matters.
In the hall, Song Zhongnian’s face was stern, showing his displeasure. Opposite him, former Grand Elder Song Zhongcheng smiled, seemingly unbothered by his removal from the position.
“Next, let’s discuss the expenses of the six houses…” Before Song Zhongcheng could finish, Song Zhongnian could no longer hold back and said, “We should first discuss how to support Zining! He’s been trapped in Blackstream City for half a month!”
Song Zhongcheng coughed, replying calmly, “Blackstream City is in a perilous location, surrounded by the dark race army. We only have a few squads nearby, and they are vastly outnumbered. I have ordered them to penetrate the enemy lines at all costs to support Zining. But in the past half month, despite their repeated attacks and heavy losses, they have made little progress. In fact, there’s no need to worry. With Zining’s abilities, breaking out shouldn’t be a problem.”
At this, Song Zhongcheng signaled, and another elder said, “Elders, Blackstream City isn’t our Song clan’s territory, and there are no Song clan squads there. Don’t forget, the military achievements in Blackstream City are credited to the Zhao clan. In my view, saving Zining and saving Blackstream City are two different matters.”
This statement was met with nods from the other elders.
Song Zhongnian’s face turned ashen, and he huffed helplessly. The Song clan squads near Blackstream City were controlled by Song Zhongcheng’s faction, and despite his efforts, Song Zhongnian, as the clan head, could do nothing.
Song Zhongnian huffed, “Then let’s discuss the case of Ye Muran, Ye Muwei, and three clan members colluding with the enemy, leading to the destruction of our Song clan’s merchant convoy. The evidence is clear, and the punishment should be execution. What do the elders think?”
Song Zhongcheng stroked his beard, saying, “That was Ningyuan Heavy Industries’ convoy, not ours. Zining has long intended to separate, and his properties cannot be equated with the Song clan. Therefore, the accusation of the Ye sisters collaborating with the enemy needs further discussion. This matter involves many suspicious points and needs a thorough investigation. Let’s postpone it until the next elders’ meeting.”
Song Zhongnian’s face flushed with anger, “Song Zhongcheng, you are evading the issue because you don’t want to dissolve Zining’s engagement! What are your true intentions? Think I don’t know?”
Song Zhongcheng’s smile remained, “I am merely being cautious and not avoiding the discussion. It needs further investigation. Why is the clan head so angry?”
Song Zhongnian’s face turned pale, “No, we must discuss this now! Elders, don’t make a mistake!” His tone was severe.
Song Zhongcheng’s face also changed, “The elders’ meeting isn’t run by you alone! The matter needs the approval of all elders.”
The elders tried to mediate, but most sided with Song Zhongcheng.
Although Song Zhongnian held the clan head position, the real power lay with the Ancestor. All major decisions required her approval. Thus, Song Zhongnian’s authority was limited, and before Song Zhongcheng was removed as Grand Elder, the two factions were evenly matched.
During this tumultuous time, the Ancestor announced her seclusion, forbidding any disturbance. Rumors spread that she was attempting to prolong her life, and if she failed, she might die or suffer a significant loss in cultivation.
Though Song Zhongcheng lost his position, he still wielded considerable influence. In crucial matters, they were evenly matched.
As the conflict escalated, many elders whispered among themselves. Zining’s engagement had become a major issue.
Recently, the Duke of Wei announced he would select a husband for his granddaughter, Xiner, causing a stir among the Empire’s young elites. The Duke of Wei’s power was at its peak, and Xiner was beautiful and favored. Marrying her would be a great leap forward. Even the best of the four great clans were interested.
Song Zhongcheng proposed a marriage between Zinan and Xiner. If this happened, Zinan could potentially claim the clan head position. Thus, Song Zhongcheng spared no effort. Song Zhongnian also wanted to free Zining from his engagement to marry Xiner, as the Duke of Wei had praised Zining after the Tianxuan hunt, and Zining was known for his charm.
Zining’s engagement became the key, and Song Zhongcheng’s efforts to block it. Delaying the selection would secure the victory.
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