As it had come to this, no matter how unwilling Wang Pengyu was, he did not dare to resist in the slightest and could only silently accept Ye Fan's command.
Soon, the Wang family members were gathered together. Besides those who were killed, there were still more than fifty people left.
These people could be considered the elites of the Wang family, but unfortunately, with such a leader, their chances of survival were slim.
Wouldn't it be a waste of talent to let these elites die here?
Taking out the token given by the Great Elder, Ye Fan said coldly, "Everyone, no unauthorized actions. I don't care what your conduct was before, but in the future, if anyone is arrogant and harmful, I will make them wish they were dead."
Ye Fan's voice was cold and piercing.
These words reached everyone's ears.
Afterwards, a few leaders were left behind, and the rest were dismissed.
Ye Fan noted down the contact information of these leaders and told them to rest at the hotel and await his orders at any time. Then, Ye Fan left with Shen Bao and the others.
Ye Fan's actions had effectively sidelined Wang Pengyu's authority.
Currently, these Wang family elites only obeyed his orders. As for Wang Pengyu, he was left to fend for himself.
If he didn't want to die and stayed honestly in Jiangcheng until everything was resolved, Ye Fan wouldn't want to make things difficult for him.
But if he didn't know any better and insisted on courting death, Ye Fan wouldn't mind sending him to accompany Wang Pengyun.
Upon returning to the Boguzhai, Shen Bao quietly asked, "What's the next plan?"
He couldn't stay here for too long. After all, he had just caused trouble, and Lin Yue was very wary of him, sending people to monitor him secretly.
If it weren't for his quick thinking and letting his subordinates lead away the spies, it would have been difficult for him to come here alone.
Ye Fan pondered for a moment and then said in a low voice, "I will send out an invitation to ask Lin Yue out to probe his intentions. There are some things I haven't figured out yet. With Lin Yue's personality, he should have surrendered long ago when targeted by the Wang family. Once he chose to surrender, he could negotiate with the Wang family. I don't think the Wang family would want to kill him, but why did he insist? What trump card does he hold?"
This was what Ye Fan couldn't understand and what made him uneasy.
Hearing Ye Fan's words, Shen Bao was stunned and frowned.
"When I was at the City Lord's Mansion, I accidentally went into Lin Yue's study and overheard people talking. It seemed Lin Yue had someone backing him. I heard Lin Yue refer to that person as 'Young Master'."
"Young Master?"
Ye Fan turned his head abruptly, staring intently at Shen Bao.
"So, Lin Yue's actions are all instigated by someone. But he is already the City Lord of Jiangcheng. Who could be directing him?"
Ye Fan also frowned, his face dark as he pondered.
"Lin Yue has always been mysterious. He never acts himself but as the mastermind behind the scenes, so very few people truly understand him," Shen Bao added.
"Never mind, if I can't figure it out, I won't think about it. I'll ask him directly tonight when I meet him."
Ye Fan gave up thinking and then had someone secretly escort Shen Bao away from the Boguzhai.
That evening, Ye Fan received a call from Shen Bao. Lin Yue had gladly accepted the invitation.
However, the location would be decided by Lin Yue.
Ye Fan did not refuse at all. After all, Lin Yue was in a difficult situation. As long as he wasn't foolish, he knew he couldn't make a move against Ye Fan. Once he did, many forces in Jiangcheng would likely join forces with the Wang family to deal with him.
At that time, the City Lord's Mansion would be in an even worse predicament.
As dusk fell, Shen Bao drove over and took Ye Fan to a small restaurant near the City Lord's Mansion.
Logically, given Lin Yue's status, coming to such a small restaurant was quite beneath him.
But in the current crisis, Lin Yue had to be cautious.
"For City Lord Lin's status to come to such a humble place is truly impressive. It seems City Lord Lin also cares about the common people."
Ye Fan said with a smile as he looked at Lin Yue sitting there drinking tea, then walked over quickly and pulled up a chair opposite Lin Yue, sitting down.
Hearing Ye Fan's sarcastic remark, Lin Yue couldn't help but give a wry smile.
"Young friend Ye, don't laugh at me. You know the situation in Jiangcheng. Although I, your elder brother, don't fear death, it would be too humiliating to die at the hands of those scoundrels, so I can only temporarily avoid the conflict."
Making an excuse for himself, Lin Yue explained with a smile.
Knowing that Lin Yue was giving himself an out, Ye Fan didn't expose him but lowered his voice.
"City Lord Lin, the Wang family has already thrown Jiangcheng into chaos. If there's no action, the reputation of the City Lord's Mansion will be ruined."
Staring into Lin Yue's eyes, Ye Fan spoke coldly in a low voice.
Hearing Ye Fan's words, Lin Yue clenched his fists tightly.
Indeed, the reputation of the City Lord's Mansion had plummeted. Everyone was dissatisfied with them.
After all, these people had endured too much humiliation from the Wang family recently.
And as the leader of Jiangcheng, the City Lord, he bore an undeniable responsibility.
"Brother Ye, I don't think you came here just to say this to me, do you?"
Immediately understanding Ye Fan's intention, he quickly asked.
If Ye Fan could help him overcome the current difficulties, that would naturally be the best.
Seeing Lin Yue's cunning gaze, Ye Fan sneered in his heart. He was so shrewd, still testing him at this point. Lin Yue truly lived up to his reputation as a powerful figure.
He had methods, shrewdness, and a sinister disposition. If he hadn't encountered Ye Fan and the Great Elder this time, Lin Yue would have easily toyed to death with the people from the Wang family who came this time.
However, Ye Fan wasn't foolish either. A faint smile played on his lips as he crossed his legs.
"Currently, no one dares to provoke the Wang family. After all, they are a prominent family from Jiangnan City. Once they are angered, the consequences would be unimaginable. However, City Lord Lin is the leader of our Jiangcheng. If he is eliminated by the Wang family, the entire Jiangcheng will be implicated.
Therefore, if City Lord Lin wants to ensure his safety, he must save himself!"
Ye Fan finally stated his purpose, looking at Lin Yue with a harmless smile.
"Save myself?"
Lin Yue was immediately stunned, looking at Ye Fan in confusion.
Ye Fan nodded: "That's right, save yourself. I think after serving as the City Lord of Jiangcheng for so many years, City Lord Lin should be accustomed to leaving behind contingencies."
Unexpectedly, Lin Yue put on an expression of bewildered ignorance.
"Brother Ye, I really don't know what you're talking about. I have indeed been in the position of City Lord for many years, but during these years, I have always worked tirelessly for the development of Jiangcheng. Where would I have the energy to manage other matters, let alone leave behind contingencies? I simply don't have the time or energy."
Lin Yue dodged the question, refusing to answer Ye Fan directly.