Nine-Colored Lotus

Chapter 589 Fearing My Office Would Be Surrounded

During the Glory Hall's assembly, the entire capital was under martial law, ensuring no negative news could emerge.

This wasn't to say negative news was strictly forbidden, but rather that any such incident would easily reach the upper echelons. Once known, many would pay the price, potentially losing their positions.

This was precisely why many areas enforced stability during the Glory Hall's meetings.

No one wanted their career to turn into a fleeting dream over a minor issue.

Han Qingshan looked at the man speaking. He recalled this was the least remarkable among his disciples, the one who dissatisfied him the most—too cautious, too hesitant!

Life itself, wasn't every choice a gamble?

Only by winning the gamble could life proceed smoothly; a wrong bet would lead to obscurity.

"So what if the Glory Hall is in session? Ye Longlin initiated this matter. If there's blame, it should fall on Ye Longlin, not us. Therefore, I hope you understand, we are the victims. Now, we merely wish for Ye Longlin to die in the Dragon Observation Bureau. How he dies is your concern."

Using others to kill one's enemy.

Only Han Qingshan could orchestrate such a scheme, even if these individuals were merely his students.

Those who reached their positions were never soft-hearted.

"If Ye Longlin dies, it will greatly benefit the entire capital. At that time, I will use my influence, along with countless individuals in the capital who wish Ye Longlin dead, to support you and elevate your positions."

Everyone understood the principle of needing to feed the horse if you wanted it to run, but not everyone could implement it.

Since they were now being used to eliminate Ye Longlin, they had to be shown tangible benefits. Only with these benefits could they fully commit, treating it as their own affair.

...

Upon receiving the news that the evidence was conclusive, the Ten Elder families who wished Ye Longlin dead all appeared at the Ye family residence.

"Patriarch Ye, Ye Longlin's evidence is conclusive. The fact that he incited murder is established. In that case, why shouldn't we strike hard? The families annihilated during Ye Longlin's tenure are countless, many of them innocent..."

Ye Nantian hesitated, then nodded, a meaningful smile appearing on his lips.

"This information has already been given to the Dragon Observation Bureau; you need not concern yourselves with it. I asked you here because I want to know what your follow-up plans are if Ye Longlin manages to turn this crisis into an opportunity."

Ye Nantian spoke slowly, revealing a fact that shocked them.

They couldn't fathom how Ye Longlin, with irrefutable evidence against him, could still escape. It seemed utterly impossible!

Though it seemed impossible, the thought itself suggested a possibility. After all, Ye Longlin had considerable backing. If these supporters united, they might very well rescue Ye Longlin.

Thus, this situation evolved into a struggle between them and Ye Longlin's supporting forces.

"The Second Elder's overt support for Ye Longlin is the biggest problem."

At the same moment, within the Glory Hall, the Second Elder met with Zeng Zizai and Hu Fanghua.

The effort Hu Fanghua expended to achieve her current status as a woman was unimaginable. Within the system, it was already harder for women to rise, let alone become the Director of the Dragon Observation Bureau.

This in itself was incredible.

"To have reached this point, your efforts have been considerable," the Second Elder said with a slight nod and a smile, his eyes filled with admiration for Hu Fanghua.

Hu Fanghua lowered her head slightly, not saying much, merely offering a shy smile.

"I summoned you here today for one matter, concerning Ye Longlin."

Li Chengdao cut straight to the point without pleasantries, his gaze calm, revealing nothing.

"Please, speak."

The two sat upright on their chairs, hands placed neatly on their laps.

At their level, they couldn't typically meet the Second Elder. However, this time, they were personally invited by Inner Court Executive Ning Qi, making it impossible for them to refuse. His status disallowed any defiance.

"Ye Longlin was the former master of the Dragon Pavilion, the former Dragon War King. During the current assembly, it's even been proposed to... Therefore, I do not wish to see any unexpected developments in this matter. He is a hero of this nation, having silently guarded the front lines for the country for over a decade, fighting hundreds of battles without a single defeat."

The Second Elder's words had gone this far; both of them understood his intentions, rendering further words unnecessary.

They were not fools; they understood the Second Elder's underlying message.

"However, Second Elder, Mr. Ye's current situation has already been determined, and it's difficult to change. Moreover, on the way here, we received calls from some individuals urging us to uphold justice."

Hu Fanghua found the situation difficult. After all, in her position, some matters were not solely within her control.

She had never imagined she would one day be entangled in such an affair.

The Second Elder remained silent, merely waving his hand. "Alright, you may go attend to your duties. I have to attend the meeting."

Li Chengdao glanced at the time and then spoke.

The afternoon session of the meeting had begun. Normally, all other matters should be deferred at such times, and ideally, no meetings should be held. But the Second Elder paid no mind to such protocols. His most valued junior had been apprehended; he certainly couldn't just stand by.

The two nodded, took their leave, and then looked at each other.

"Minister Zeng, what should we do about this matter? All the major families are pressuring us, and now the Second Elder is also ordering us to release him. We are caught between a rock and a hard place. What do you think we should do?"

Hu Fanghua rubbed her forehead, speaking with great helplessness, her eyes reflecting her predicament.

He was also helpless, having no solutions. If possible, she wouldn't have wanted to get involved in such a mess.

But now, there was no alternative.

"Why don't you transfer Mr. Ye to headquarters first, treat him with utmost seriousness, and then seek a resolution after the assembly concludes? Many people are currently in meetings, so this matter can only be resolved by us. Most importantly... the Dragon Pavilion's stance. I fear my office will be surrounded by the Dragon Pavilion and the Imperial Guards."

Zeng Zizai: "..."

It wasn't an impossible scenario.

The entire high command of the military was behind him; before moving against him, one had to consider whether they possessed the strength to do so.

"What's even more frightening is that old gentleman from the Murong family."