Ye Fan's face was stern as he blinked, deep in thought.
The Grand Elder did not disturb Ye Fan, knowing that Ye Fan was considering the matter. After all, the stakes were incredibly high, and if things went wrong, he himself would be implicated.
And clearly, Ye Fan was not someone who liked to get involved in trouble.
After a moment of contemplation, Ye Fan slowly looked up, his gaze complex as he met the Grand Elder's eyes.
"I can provide you with some information about Lin Yue, but there's a condition: once Lin Yue fails, I want Jiangcheng."
Undoubtedly, this was an excessive demand. Even the Grand Elder might not have the authority to make such a decision.
But to Ye Fan's surprise, the Grand Elder's reply was unexpected.
"This is reasonable. Currently, in Jiangcheng, in terms of popularity and capability, you, Ye Fan, are the undisputed choice. Therefore, after Lin Yue is brought down, you dominating Jiangcheng is an unstoppable trend."
Even Ye Fan showed surprise at this.
He agreed so readily? Without the slightest hesitation?
In reality, the Grand Elder had his own considerations. Firstly, his Wang family had no intention of ruling Jiangcheng. After all, it was just a small place, and the Wang family disdained it.
Their relationship with Lin Yue was one of cooperation. Once Ye Fan became the ruler of Jiangcheng, they could still cooperate, merely with a different person. Moreover, this person would make them feel more at ease, so from the Wang family's perspective, there was no loss.
Secondly, the Grand Elder had intended to win Ye Fan over. By doing this favor, it would significantly improve Ye Fan's impression of the Wang family, killing two birds with one stone.
"Is what the Grand Elder says true?"
Looking at the Grand Elder, Ye Fan narrowed his eyes, clearly disbelieving.
The Grand Elder smiled, "While the Wang family cannot compare to the noble clans of the capital, our word is our bond. Once a promise is made, it will never be broken. You can be assured of this, Brother Ye."
These words were enough to reassure Ye Fan.
"Good, then it's a deal."
Ye Fan extended his hand, and he and the Grand Elder clasped them tightly.
With the Grand Elder's promise, Ye Fan had no further worries.
"Lin Yue has a brother named Lin Ri. Years ago, Lin Ri imprisoned Lin Yue and impersonated him, committing wicked deeds in Jiangcheng that drew the wrath of heaven and earth. Although Lin Yue did much to rectify this after his return, there are still many in Jiangcheng who harbor resentment towards the City Lord's Mansion."
This was sensitive information. If Ye Fan hadn't been personally involved, he likely wouldn't have known.
"I didn't expect such a ridiculous affair. So, if we bring up those old matters, we can politically cripple Lin Yue and make him unable to show his face. That's a good plan."
The Grand Elder, truly an old fox, understood immediately, seeing the trickery involved.
Ye Fan gave the Grand Elder a thumbs-up, "As expected of the Grand Elder, truly wise. As long as we overwhelm Lin Yue psychologically, he will have no room to retreat. At that point, if we defeat him militarily, he will have nothing left. He will have no choice but to leave the City Lord's Mansion."
This strategy was a pincer movement. No matter how powerful Lin Yue was, he would ultimately face ruin.
However, the Grand Elder frowned, "Solving this militarily might be difficult. Lin Yue is deeply entrenched in Jiangcheng. As you said earlier, even if we defeat him, my Wang family would suffer heavy losses."
The Grand Elder was naturally unwilling to engage in such a pyrrhic victory.
But Ye Fan smiled mysteriously at this moment.
"What if we use a strategy of sowing discord, causing Lin Yue's confidantes to betray him? Then, wouldn't the Wang family be able to defeat Lin Yue without expending much effort?"
This suggestion made the Grand Elder's eyes light up.
But immediately, he once again showed a troubled expression.
"Please, Brother Ye, clarify how this so-called strategy of sowing discord is to be used?"
The more the Grand Elder learned about Ye Fan, the more he felt a sense of alarm. Ye Fan was truly formidable, his mind and depth of character too profound. If such a person could not be won over by the Wang family, and if he were to stand in opposition, even with the Wang family's centuries of foundation, they might not be his match.
After all, Ye Fan had not yet fully matured. Once he had spread his wings, he would be even more terrifying.
Therefore, at this moment, the Grand Elder had made up his mind to do his utmost to win Ye Fan over. Even if that effort ultimately failed, he would strive to maintain a good relationship with Ye Fan. Only then could the Wang family continue to prosper.
"Grand Elder, who is Lin Yue's greatest reliance in Jiangcheng?"
This question caught the Grand Elder off guard, and he pondered for a moment.
"The Dark Alliance?"
The kidnapping of the second young master this time was carried out by people from the Dark Alliance, which showed how much Lin Yue valued them.
Ye Fan nodded, "Precisely, the Dark Alliance. Perhaps the Grand Elder is unaware, but the Dark Alliance and the Ghost Market are known as the two major underground forces in Jiangcheng, virtually ruling the entire underground antique trade in the city. The difference is that the Dark Alliance engages in legitimate business, while the Ghost Market deals in illicit artifacts. Therefore, the Dark Alliance is stronger. The Dark Alliance comprises four major families: the Liu family, the Zhao family, the Wu family, and the Wang family, all of whom are ancient families with centuries of heritage. The combined power of such a colossal entity is unimaginable."
He explained the complexities of the situation to the Grand Elder in detail.
"I have also heard of the Dark Alliance's formidable reputation. Their alliance of four families is like an unbreakable iron plate, difficult to breach. They rise and fall together, sharing each other's fate. Therefore, dealing with them is very challenging."
"Indeed."
Ye Fan sighed, "But such an alliance, while seemingly impenetrable, I believe there are no secrets that cannot be exposed. Their so-called stability is merely because they haven't encountered interests substantial enough to tempt them. With the Wang family's financial resources, all it takes is sufficient sincerity to sway one or two of these families. Then, the grand plan can be accomplished."
Ye Fan stopped at the crucial point, not elaborating further, but he believed the Grand Elder could now understand.
The Grand Elder's face grew stern, and a faint smile gradually curved his lips.
"Good, good indeed, a stratagem of sowing discord. Conquering an army without fighting is the best approach. Brother Ye, it is only today that I have truly come to know you."
The Grand Elder exclaimed with genuine admiration, filled with respect for Ye Fan.
Ye Fan quickly waved his hands in response to the Grand Elder's praise.
"Grand Elder, please don't say that. I have merely done some insignificant things for you. The truly wise one is the Grand Elder. I believe with the Grand Elder's guidance, the Wang family will surely flourish and become the most powerful family in Jiangnan City."
Everyone loves to be flattered. Naturally, the Grand Elder stroked his beard and laughed heartily, clearly pleased with Ye Fan's flattery.
"Brother Ye, I shall immediately inform the family and commence action against Lin Yue without delay. I believe it will not be long before the ruler of Jiangcheng becomes Brother Ye."
The Grand Elder was impatient and immediately issued orders for arrangements to be made.