Kong Lie hesitated for a moment, but ultimately couldn't resist the other party's status. With a sigh, he summoned Kong Zikang.
Although Kong Zikang and the others didn't have high hopes for him, and there weren't many significant mistakes during his tenure, it was why he had maintained his position.
Now that such an incident had occurred, even if Kong Zikang wasn't captured by them in the end, the Kong family would no longer allow him to be the patriarch.
If he were to cause further trouble, it would be a real headache.
Moreover, they still didn't know the final outcome of this matter, and none of them could be sure.
With so many things happening, no one could predict how this day's incident would ultimately conclude.
Kong Lie found Kong Zikang, who was currently arranging for someone to take the blame, and said with a cold voice, "Don't leave any loose ends. People from the Hall of Honor are present today. Be careful not to slip up, and you," he addressed Kong Fangchen, "just obediently take the blame. Don't expose yourself now, stay in character!"
In the main eastern chamber, Kong Lie looked at Kong Fangchen and warned him.
Kong Fangchen nodded, "Uncle Lie, don't worry, this matter is on me!"
Ancient wisdom states that if a ruler wants a minister to die, the minister must die. Now, Kong Fangchen, knowing he was going to die, had no choice but to press forward.
The other party threatened him with the lives of his entire family, forcing him to compromise. Although he was extremely reluctant to take the blame, there was no other option now.
He had elders and young ones, a wife and children, his parents' lives were all in the hands of the other party. If he didn't come forward to take the blame for them, his entire family would die!
Now, his death alone could provide an opportunity for his entire family to live. He had no choice.
"I heard you were looking for me. Is there something you need?"
After Kong Zikang came out, he looked at them and asked calmly.
He stood in the center of the hall, a smile lingering on his lips. This smile felt utterly repulsive to everyone who saw it.
Knowing what had happened but feigning ignorance was quite sickening.
"Stop playing dumb. Do you think you can escape the law? So many people have died, do you really think you can get away with it?"
"This is Da Xia, not the United States! Such casualties are rare even in the United States. Now it has happened on the land of Da Xia. If this matter isn't thoroughly investigated, where will the majesty of my Da Xia be?"
"A mere family dares to attack the military. I'm very curious, who gave you the courage?"
Ma Zhou said coldly, a killing intent beginning to surge. His temper couldn't be contained any longer, and he threw a punch.
The massive fist enlarged in Kong Zikang's pupils.
Just as it was about to hit him, Kong Lie appeared and effortlessly neutralized the attack.
"Dao Realm."
Ma Zhou looked at Kong Lie warily, his eyes narrowing, emitting a dangerous glint.
It was both expected and unexpected that the Kong family possessed a Dao Realm expert.
It was expected that the Kong family, as a top family in a first-tier city like Jinling, would surely have a powerful protector within their ranks.
It was unexpected, however, that a top-tier existence like a Dao Realm expert would so easily agree to become a retainer.
"Indeed, I am a Lower Grade Dao Realm expert. I hope you will give me some face, otherwise, if the Kong family resists with their lives, it's anyone's guess who among you will survive and who will die."
Meanwhile.
Inside the vehicle.
"The voice analysis results are out. After analyzing them against all members of the Kong family, Kong Zikang's match reached ninety percent."
Yu Suowei had a recording on his phone, which he had made when meeting with the other party. He feared they might silence him, so he left some evidence, which ultimately benefited them.
It was also because he immediately asked Qing Long to perform voice analysis that they were delayed until now; otherwise, they would have already arrived at the Kong family's residence.
"Let's go,"
Ye Longlin said slowly, sitting in the back seat of the car, his eyes closed as he rested.
Qing Long was also on his way to the Kong family.
"Boss, Kong Zikang will definitely find someone to take the blame. Should we just arrest him when we get there?"
Yuan Gang asked. After all, many people were going today, and they didn't want to leave any handle for the other party to use, in case they accused the Dragon Pavilion of violent law enforcement.
"Arrest them directly."
But then again, when has the Dragon Pavilion ever cared about other people's opinions?
It was always others who had to consider the Dragon Pavilion's feelings; there was no reason for the Dragon Pavilion to act according to others' wishes.
"What about Sister-in-law? Your mother-in-law is also a Kong family member. What should we do then?"
These were all factors that needed to be considered. Kuan Shu Ge
It was indeed difficult.
What if Sister-in-law said something that put Boss in a difficult position?
Speaking of Kong Bailu, Ye Longlin also felt it was troublesome. If Kong Bailu pleaded with him, should the Kong family be destroyed or not?
As he was pondering this, Kong Bailu called.
"Hello, son-in-law."
She started by trying to build rapport, clearly calling to plead for mercy.
"Auntie, you know that I initiated this matter. Now that something like this has happened, I need to give an explanation to the capital, and the deceased citizens also need an explanation. I hope you won't make things difficult for me."
Ye Longlin's words directly cut off her plea.
Kong Bailu sighed, "I know. I'm calling you to ask if you can spare my branch of the family. My branch is insignificant within the Kong family and doesn't have much say. Even if we wanted to do something like this, we'd have the will but not the means. So I'm just asking you to spare my branch."
Ye Longlin finally breathed a sigh of relief and nodded, "Alright."
"Thank you. You go ahead and handle your business. I'll go back and spend time with Yuhan."
Kong Bailu evidently had no intention of appearing herself. It was fine to spare her branch, and since her branch was insignificant, there was no reason not to.
"Investigate who belongs to Kong Bailu's branch. Spare her entire branch. As for the other Kong family members... with the exception of the old, weak, sick, disabled, and pregnant, kill them all without mercy!"
"Understood!"
At the Kong family's site.
Currently, there was no evidence to suggest the Kong family was responsible, so it was difficult for them to take action. They were all waiting!
"If you come here to frame my Kong family without any evidence, I assure you, I will report it level by level. Even if it goes all the way to the capital, none of you will escape!"
"My Kong family conducts itself with integrity. We have remained reclusive for so many years. It was one thing when that surname Ye caused trouble a while ago, as we were in the wrong first. Now, you are slandering us again. Do you truly think my Kong family is easy to bully?"
"All Kong family members, listen to my orders!"
"Prepare for battle!"