Chapter 889: Setting Up (1/2)
Rui Xiang’s words froze the atmosphere in the hall. Many of the generals stared at him with fierce expressions. These people were loyal followers who had been with Luo Bingfeng for many years. Although being loyal to the city lord also meant being loyal to Zhang Buzhou, the latter’s popularity had dwindled since his appointment of the Wolf King. By keeping a clear line between himself and the Wolf King, Luo Bingfeng managed to win the loyalty of the staff.
There had always been a rumor in the army that Zhang Buzhou had encountered an accident in his cultivation, and that was the reason why he had made no progress despite many years of cultivation. People also believed that City Lord Luo had already caught up in terms of power.
Du Yuan’s eyes flickered. “The Heavenly Monarch is everyone’s lord, and people know that. There’s no need to repeat it.”
“Really? That might not be the case.”
Du Yuan ignored Rui Xiang’s words of ridicule. “Although we’ve managed to rule a region in the neutral lands, we’re still not strong enough to hold out against an all-out attack from Evernight and the Empire. The Heavenly Monarch had been in isolated cultivation for so long, and the powers under us have dwindled constantly for no good reason. Sire Rui, why did you have to fight this battle, can you explain it to us?”
Rui Xiang sneered, “What, are you afraid just because there’s a brat outside the gates?”
Du Yuan smiled coldly. “That isn’t the point. Battles have to be fought for a clear reason, or there might be people raising the Heavenly Monarch’s flag to advance their own interests! What if that person escapes before he exits isolation and the truth comes to light?”
Rui Xiang’s expression was ashen. He stood up with a harrumph, saying, “Since Commander Du has spoken thus, there is nothing more to say. People of different ideals cannot work together. Goodbye!”
With that, Rui Xiang left with a swing of his sleeve. He paid no attention to the fiery glares directed at him.
Everyone was furious, but they knew they couldn’t force Rui Xiang to tell them the entire story. After all, the man was a nominal representative of the heavenly monarch and his residence.
Rui Xiang’s men left as well, leaving only the city lord’s party in the conference hall.
A general asked, “Commander, what should we do now?”
“Send someone to conduct a detailed investigation of the youngsters’ background and history. Perhaps we can deduce the reason for Rui Xiang’s sudden attack. Especially that captured young man, I must know everything related to him.” Du Yuan contemplated for a moment before saying, “As for that Qianye, no matter what his background is, we can’t spare him since he’s come knocking on our door. I’ll take the field if necessary.”
Everyone became spirited, feeling a bit of relief from the brewing resent.
Zhu Meng said, “Commander, that Qianye might not be so easy to deal with. That crafty old thief has used every means at his disposal to avoid fighting Qianye after the first couple of encounters. There must be a reason for this, so I hope you will be cautious.”
His words incited a commotion, with people blaming him for cowardice. These people were Du Yufeng’s subordinates. Their position naturally diminished after the general’s death, so they were resentful of Zhu Meng.
Du Yuan waved his hand, saying, “I'll be leaving hunting down Qianye to the two vice-commanders, Zhu Meng will act as support. Summon me if I need to take action.”
The two vice-commanders and Zhu Meng accepted the order, and the meeting thus came to an end.
Zhu Meng felt great uneasiness upon leaving the meeting room. There had been no outcome despite all the discussions, and there was still no explanation for why his three hundred brothers had died.
Before long, he saw a man hurrying over toward him. He stepped forward to greet this person, “Steward Luo.”
Luo Yun stopped upon seeing Zhu Meng. “General Zhu, how did the meeting go?”
Zhu Meng smiled helplessly. “How can there be any outcome? Steward Rui wasn’t willing to say why he had to capture that young man. Oh right, Steward Luo, did the city lord say anything?”
Luo Yun sighed. “The city lord wanted to ask about this matter at first, but that person stopped him. I can’t do anything, either.”
Zhu Meng whispered, “Don’t tell me that woman and Steward Rui are working together? Are they working from inside and out to control him?”
Luo Yun was shocked. “What nonsense are you spouting? How can you make such wild conjectures? Besides, the city lord is our benefactor, we ought to do whatever he commands. Let’s take a step back and say you’re right, that person’s divination arts are unfathomable and her daybreak origin power is the purest I’ve ever seen, perhaps even above the city lord’s. Are you not afraid of being discovered?”
Zhu Meng snorted. “So what? I’ve never feared death. Besides, I’ve always been loyal to the city lord. What can she do to me?”
Luo Yun sighed. “General Zhu, this matter isn’t the same as fighting. Even my words hold no sway with the city lord, I can’t even approach the courtyard without being summoned. No matter how loyal you are, it doesn’t matter if the city lord doesn’t know.”
Feeling increasingly stifled, Zhu Meng stomped hard on the ground.
Luo Yun said, “I’ll take my leave now as I still have a mission to attend to.”
Noticing the direction of Luo Yun’s departure, Zhu Meng asked, “Is Steward Luo heading to…”
“Yes, to Southern Blue.”