Chapter 1060 - 1031: Sudden Upheaval in Yanjing (2)
Chapter 1060 - 1031: Sudden Upheaval in Yanjing (2)
"If I could understand what Lao Xiao is thinking, would I need to resort to this?" Hua Muyun glanced at Wu Jiyi. "This time he’s really letting go and allowing Xiao Lin to take the lead, just abandoning the person in Sicily without a word. Now my brat at home is all about severing ties, and I have no idea what he’s plotting."
"Oh, is that so? Those two grew up wearing the same pants; they couldn’t be involved in some conspiracy, could they? Young people nowadays have such audacious ways of doing things. Look at the matters in the northern district; despite the many loopholes, they shattered the burden that weighed on your heart for years. They are far bolder than you. I think you should remain steadfast; there’s nothing major that Quan Xianglin can pull off." Wu Jiyi laughed heartily. The names Xiao Lin and Hua Qingyi weren’t uncommon to hear at the center; Dragon Soul’s two tricksters were indeed quite mischievous.
"Ah, ah!" Hua Muyun suddenly sighed repeatedly and stared wide-eyed at Wu Jiyi. "Why are you so carefree? You’re not hiding something from me, are you?"
"I think you’ve been living too comfortably. Just a Shao Weihua is enough to throw you into disarray, and you still can’t see through Quan Xianglin’s intentions? The investigation into you is just a smokescreen. Don’t you know your standing in the minds of those bigwigs in the center? Sicily is a place even Lao Xiao rarely touches, yet Shao Weihua went there. Do you really think it’s the territory of those indolent Wang Family members? Bah, I truly feel sorry for Elder Wang from back then, raising so many useless brats. All they know is how to sponge off others. Being challenged by that Xiao kid serves them right. I even think Xiao Lin went easy by not running off with all the money!" Wu Jiyi’s words were filled with indignation, making Hua Muyun feel a bit embarrassed.
"Brother Wu, we’re here today to talk about taking a leave. Why are you getting all riled up?" Hua Muyun, younger than Wu Jiyi, poured him a cup of tea. "The bamboo shadows and tea tasting, such fiery temper spoils the scenery."
"It’s not you driving me mad! With Lao Xiao at the helm, you should also hold the fort. Don’t think about running off on your own." Wu Jiyi snorted coldly but stopped shouting.
"Brother Wu, if I don’t step down, how will we uncover the hidden individuals in the municipal committee? The matters in the northern district could completely save Dragon Soul’s traitors. It was my momentary softness, hoping he would come to me voluntarily. But I was wrong on this matter. I intend to personally eliminate this person; if Lao Xiao can’t bring himself to do it, I’ll handle it!"
"Are you willing to spend most of your life’s efforts on such a person? I think you should put a bit more trust in Lao Xiao. He sees farther than you do."
"It’s called ’dying before one can live!’ I trust he won’t let my decades of effort go to waste, which is why I sent my only son to Sicily." At this, Hua Muyun sighed again. "Brother Wu, we both risked our sons this time, so give me a clear answer: what on earth is this about? Ten years ago wasn’t a big enough deal to cause such a fuss; Quan Xianglin couldn’t have gotten those files, they must have been leaked by your side!"
"You know about the Dan Clan in the Northeast, right? Xiao Lin once saved a mother and daughter, coincidentally, the mother is the Clan Leader of the Dan Clan. It wasn’t a bad thing for us; having them handle the arms trade routes was reassuring. But recently, somehow this secret was discovered by certain people. This individual used some connections to infiltrate the center and link up with Quan Xianglin to monopolize the pipeline, and that means eliminating the biggest obstacle."
"Xiao Zhenfeng is the biggest obstacle! A man holding both a sword and a shield."
"Exactly! The crucial part is the Xiao Family holds another secret weapon, and for Quan Xianglin, who holds military power, that’s a fatal flaw! The bigwigs fear if this person gets both these things, upheaval is imminent!"
"The Rose Staff and the Dharma Seal!"
"Replacing the Dan Clan’s arms trade by controlling the drug market through Sicily, and if he gains control of the world’s mafia along with his military power, who could stop him? I think even Lao Xiao may not truly have the strength to confront this guy!"
"So you want to eliminate Quan Xianglin, but there’s no need to plan all this. Secretly executing someone is simple."
"Who is Quan Xianglin? With such great ambitions, he wouldn’t surface without five or six years of preparation. Plus, Xiao Lin is investigating matters from ten years ago. Even if Lao Xiao disclosed everything, do you think that kid would really believe it all? Until he finds Mu Rongyun, he won’t rest in peace. Don’t forget this stain follows him for life. Just on this alone, those with the surname Quan can lead us by the nose. He can confidently and openly dispatch Shao Weihua, which is the best evidence. He holds all the cards; what can our older generation do? We’ve been comfortably in our positions for too long! Without passing this burden to the next generation, no one will have a good time. Can you not use the ones at the top’s chosen? Xiao Lin certainly can’t escape; this is the final test of whether he can sit as Xiao Family’s heir, as is Hua Qingyi. Of course, there are a few others inserted into the mix, and I’m not entirely clear on the exact plan. Who is true or false will only be known in the end."
Beyond sighing, what else can Hua Muyun say? The plan was set from the start, using political reassurance as a starting point, he couldn’t make any moves even if he wanted to.
"But rest assured, as long as they take down Quan Xianglin’s minions there, I can assure you we can take down Quan Xianglin from here. Once those people completely disappear, I’ll immediately take action and cut off his head." Sensing Hua Muyun’s doubts, Wu Jiyi could only offer this final assurance. As Hua Muyun said, killing a person is simple, but pulling out the roots is not. Quan Xianglin could die, but the lines he buried wouldn’t wither following his demise.
"I understand! However, I still insist on taking my leave."
"You..." Wu Jiyi was left speechless by Hua Muyun’s persistence.
"Brother Wu, I’d like to handle the Dragon Soul situation my way, including resolving the issues in Yanjing. Since you have vouched for me, I must take some action. Lao Xiao is too busy to pay attention to my side; he’s stationed in the United States. Xiao Lin and Hua Qingyi are in Sicily. Yanjing can’t be left unattended. Since Lao Xiao has focused everyone’s attention on Sicily, now is the best time for me to act."
"Hmm, what do you mean?" Wu Jiyi said in a deep voice. This is indeed a route, a method.
"Currently, only Shao Weihua has surfaced, and our perspective is in Sicily. Rather than being distracted in Yanjing and disrupting the children’s mood, it’s better to follow Quan Xianglin’s lead. By going from light to dark, we can seize the opportunity to eliminate those people with a pincer attack, making it easier for Xiao Lin and the others."
"But once you step down, you won’t be able to intervene with Dragon Soul anymore!"
"Following the rules won’t work, but aren’t there some other ways to do things? Haven’t we done enough ’cut first, report later’ acts? As long as we get evidence, even if it’s risky it allows for enforcing clan law and reporting afterward. Anyway, once they’re gone, what can anyone do to me?"
"Hahaha, you rascal, finally seeing your guts from back in the day! Alright, let’s do it this way; I’ll be your backing from behind!"
Amidst the shadows of bamboo, the two old men were sipping tea and laughing heartily. Yet, within their laughter, there was a faint sense of hopelessness. No one knew the outcome of this battle, how many lives would be lost or implicated, but they had no choice but to proceed.
August 5! Nine in the morning!
During the routine weekly municipal committee meeting, a special envoy from the central government announced that due to personal health issues, former municipal secretary Hua Muyun needed to be hospitalized for recuperation. The new municipal committee secretary would be appointed directly from the central government three days later; the former secretary’s personal secretary was asked for opinions to assist Secretary Hua.
This announcement immediately sparked various speculations, the most prevalent being that the Hua Family was the second among the Four Great Families, following the Wang Family, to be toppled. Does this mean the Sun Family and Chen Family might face the same fate soon? Such rumors spread throughout the skies of Yanjing.
Following Hua Muyun’s stepping down, Hua Mansion quickly welcomed two guests who immediately started berating Hua Muyun for not being enough of a friend. These two elders were the leaders of the Chen and Sun Families, although retired from worldly affairs, their imposing presence still lingered.
"Mu Yun, this isn’t like you, running into such a big problem and not seeking our help?" Elder Sun sat massively on the sofa, spreading his hands without any pretense.
"That’s right, Mu Yun. We’ve been old friends for years; you should have given us a heads-up. I was genuinely shocked when I received the news!" Elder Chen agreed with Elder Sun, pulling a face that made Hua Muyun feel a bit awkward.
"Dear elder brothers, Mu Yun’s been unwell lately. Madam has given me the final ultimatum; if I don’t go for recovery soon, I might face divorce! Hahaha."
"Indeed! Dr. Zhang has urged him multiple times, yet he wouldn’t listen. Work never finishes, but health is the capital for revolution. If he continues to ignore it, I might seriously consider divorce." Madam Hua emerged from the kitchen carrying fruits and tea, a gentle smile always gracing her beautiful face.
"Oh dear! Sister-in-law, those words are fine to say but don’t take them seriously!" Elder Sun quickly followed Madam Hua’s cue, warning against taking divorce talk too seriously, knowing the couple’s strong bond.
"Mu Yun, we’ve heard about your situation. Feel free to discuss anything with us. We have connections up there."
"Thank you, elder brothers! It’s official business, nothing major. If I encounter trouble, I’ll certainly seek your help. This time, an old injury has resurfaced, forcing me to recover."
"Has Wang Zhantian not been caught yet?"
"He’s rumored to have fled to Sicily!" (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, feel free to visit Qidian (qidian.com) to cast your vote and support me. Your support is my greatest motivation.)
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