Chapter 1821 - 823: Slump (Part 2)

Chapter 1821: Chapter 823: Slump (Part 2)

Reasonable.

And there is a certain basis.

Because although the Eight Veins have gone through long-term confrontations, they have now formed a certain stable relationship, and the means of conflict and resolution are no longer so intense.

However, the contradictions that should exist, the private grudges, and the old enemies left from the past, there is still a large basket of them.

There’s no guarantee that it’s not an old enemy of Brother’s from when he worked for the Tianji Pavilion, who found an opportunity to kill him. But even so, to be able to kill Brother, there must be the shadow of other Eight Veins behind it; without the support of equal forces, it’s impossible to find the opportunity to kill Brother with just one’s enthusiasm.

Many adoptive sons nodded, some even frowned, beginning to think about who Mr. Xu might have offended recently, and who he might have offended in the past.

"The Jin Yinyin ranked fourth on the Heavenly List Warrant had a grudge with Brother, but the injuries on Brother’s body do not match Jin Yinyin’s methods."

"How long ago was that? Besides, how could a mere wanted criminal have the opportunity to make a move on Brother in the Capital? In my opinion, it must be someone else, maybe from the Demon Blade Army..."

The voice lowered.

Some things can be suspected, but cannot really be said out loud.

As for Mr. Xu’s old enemies, they are not all clear about, but there are still many who qualify to have killed Mr. Xu, so instead there are quite a few suspects with significant suspicion.

"Father, I feel this is incorrect."

As everyone had entirely shifted their thoughts to the internal struggles within the Eight Veins, the second adoptive son, who had remained silent, finally spoke.

With long silver hair and a handsome face akin to a gentleman, he stood out among the other middle-aged adoptive sons.

Folding his folded fan, the second adoptive son slowly stood up, looking directly at the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion Master.

"Father, we cannot deceive ourselves any longer. Let us abandon our illusions; in today’s world, how many people dare to kill Brother? And how many dare to make a move at this time?"

"I fear it’s because the Third Prince discovered that our Tianji Pavilion has secretly pledged allegiance to the Seventh Prince, being indecisive and preparing for both options, which was discovered by his lordship. Therefore, he made an example of us, wanting us to correct our attitude."

"Today it’s Brother, tomorrow it could be me, then Third Brother, Fourth Brother, Fifth Brother..."

As the second adoptive son pointed the folded fan at someone, that person nervously lowered their head.

Unlike the Eldest Godson Mr. Xu who was on the decline, the now spirited and vigorous second adoptive son was the strongest among all of the Tianji Pavilion’s adoptive sons, poised to steadily succeed Brother’s position and become Father’s real right-hand man.

When things involve the princes, the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion Master’s attitude became hesitant.

"The Third Prince holds us in high trust, and cooperating for so many years, holding onto our Vein has undoubtedly provided him huge assistance. Even if only to maintain his current position, he could not possibly make a move against us, let alone Chang Zui."

The second adoptive son kneeled slowly: "Father, how can such matters be clearly explained? Serving the ruler is like serving a tiger; how can we know what the Third Prince is thinking? Stepping back, if it was not the Third Prince who acted, then it would be the Seventh Prince who tired of our indecisiveness, hence the assassination, then feigned ignorance, letting us speculate among ourselves, subtly hinting for us to make a decision early and break off completely from the Third Prince to follow him!"

"..."

The Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion Master was silent, tapping his finger knuckles lightly on the tabletop.

"The Seventh Prince might have such thoughts, but I continue to disbelieve that the Seventh Prince would act so recklessly. Chang Zui’s death, aside from forcing our stance, bears no other benefits for him, only detriments. If the Seventh Prince truly committed such a foolish act, continuing to follow him would undoubtedly lead us down a dead-end."

The second adoptive son frowned.

"If Father says so, then I have another candidate in mind..."

"Enough!"

The Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion Master interrupted directly.

Debating about two Prince Lords consecutively brought immense pressure to everyone present.

The third prince whom the second adoptive son wanted to mention, the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion Master knew well who he meant.

Of course, it was that utterly enigmatic Second Prince who had just returned to the capital not long ago!

The motives and reasons are there, yet, due to the delicate status of the Second Prince and the Holy Emperor’s favoritism towards and high regard for him.

Even after disappearing for so many years and suddenly returning to the capital, he was not blamed, as if nothing happened; he returned inheriting all expected rights, status, and glory of a Prince.

So, without discerning the Holy Emperor’s intention, he absolutely would not make any superfluous speculations about the Second Prince.

After pondering for a moment, the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion Master spoke in a deep voice.

"Dispatch people to investigate first, for now the identity of the mastermind is not important; first find out who killed Chang Zui."

"I must... give Chang Zui an explanation!"

After many years as father and son, though both were eunuchs, it was merely a physical defect, unconnected to human relationships and emotions.

As the saying goes, with death comes the end of debts, even the less pleasant memories from the past begin to be gradually beautified, leaving only heartwarming moments behind.

That relationship, the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion Master needs to give an explanation, both for the Capital, the rest of the Eight Veins, and everyone of this world!

To let these people know how the Tianji Pavilion handles matters! The people of Tianji Pavilion cannot be trifled with!

Even if someone borrows the Sword to kill, the Sword itself must first be broken.

As for how to negotiate with the one wielding the Sword, that is a matter for the future.

"Understood!!"

Everyone responded in unison.

It was evident to all that Father was truly furious this time.

If the Tianji Pavilion does not demonstrate Thunder tactics to resolve this matter, all of the adoptive sons will face severe consequences!

Nurturing troops for a thousand days, only to use them at a critical moment.

Regardless of their usual slackness, now that the head of the Vein has spoken, if the aggressive Tianji Pavilion doesn’t start operating and showcase absolute strength, then indeed good days would have come to an end.

All the adoptive sons withdrew one after another.

In ordinary times, they were each responsible for handling various parts of Tianji Pavilion, dealing with different matters.

But now, they needed to regroup and become... the true Tianji Pavilion.

The gears were set in motion.

Originating from Tianji Pavilion, like the roots of a large tree expanding indefinitely downwards, branching out, this terrifying and gigantic institution began its operation.

And this power, with its terrifying energy, was enough to make anyone in the Capital tremble a bit.

The entire Capital seethed with undercurrents, with the final destination and the spearhead being aimed directly at... the Bo Mansion!

...

"What? You want me to lead a team out to execute a mission?"

Bo Li’s eyes widened.

As the second sister of the family, her status was not considered high.

Because the most beloved in the family was this younger brother Bo Fu.

Good things in the family rarely made their way to her for enjoyment.

Unexpectedly, all of a sudden, Grandfather ordered someone to assign her a special mission.

And it was the kind where she had to prepare and depart the same night.

"Will Senior Diao be coming along?"

After digesting this information, and becoming excited and eager to try, Bo Li suddenly thought of something and hastily asked.

The Great Elder of Bo Mansion frowned.

"Nonsense! Mr. Diao is a guest, how could he accompany you? Remember, although you’re leading this time, several Young Masters will also be traveling with you, and you must be responsible for ensuring their safety."

Bo Li pursed her lips, not taking this to heart.

He and his other brothers couldn’t see eye to eye, who still cared about protecting them?

"Alright, go prepare yourself first, I have other matters to attend to."