Today's events confirmed one thing for everyone:
Regardless of your identity, status, or background, as long as you gain Su Yi's approval, he will come to your aid!
He doesn't even mind going to war with the formidable Su family in Jade Capital City!
This alone made Shen Jiusong, Chen Zheng, and others completely unregretful about standing on Su Yi's side.
Indeed, facing the threat of the Su family in Jade Capital City, everyone would bear great risks and even endanger their own loved ones.
But as long as Su Yi remains standing, all risks can be nullified!
"Why do you think Young Master Su decided to go to Jade Capital City before the fourth day of the fourth month and gave the Su family one month to prepare?" Jiang Tanyun pondered.
Chen Zheng smiled with profound meaning. "The influence of the Su family in Jade Capital City is too vast, with their members spread throughout Da Zhou. If I'm not mistaken, Young Master Su's intention is to attract all the power of the Su family to Jade Capital City, seizing the opportunity to deal a decisive blow and achieve a one-shot victory."
Jiang Tanyun's heart trembled, and he immediately understood, inhaling a cold breath. "But wouldn't that be even more dangerous? It's Jade Capital City, the imperial capital of Da Zhou! With the Su family's prestige, even if Su Hongli doesn't personally intervene, they can mobilize various forces to deal with Young Master Su."
"To achieve extraordinary accomplishments, one must undertake extraordinary measures."
Mu Xi's eyes shimmered, full of anticipation. "I'm very much looking forward to seeing what kind of storm Young Master Su will stir up after arriving in Jade Capital City!"
Next, everyone began to take action to assist Su Yi in handling the aftermath.
...
Tianyuan Academy.
Songhe Hall.
Ning Ehuo sat calmly, sipping tea while gazing absentmindedly at the distant sea of clouds outside the hall.
She wore a plain cloud-patterned long dress, with youthful eyebrows and eyes, a high bun casually styled. She sat there, serene as bamboo, elegant as an orchid.
In the hall, there were also Tao Zheng, the deputy master of Jixia Academy, and Mo Huaque, the deputy master of Shuiyue Academy.
"Ning Madam summoned the two of us early this morning. Could it be just for tea tasting?" Tao Zheng couldn't help but speak as he noticed Ning Ehuo's prolonged silence.
He had a venerable appearance, with kind eyebrows and benevolent eyes, seeming old but full of vitality.
Ning Ehuo withdrew her gaze from the distant view and said, "If I don't stay here, I'm afraid both of you would feel uneasy."
Tao Zheng and Mo Huaque exchanged a glance, both falling silent.
After a moment, Tao Zheng tentatively asked, "Young Master Su of the Su family will be heading to the Governor's Office this morning. Ning Madam doesn't seem worried at all?"
Ning Ehuo retorted, "What is there to worry about?"
Tao Zheng was at a loss for words, unsure of how to respond.
However, Mo Huaque smiled and said, "Brother Tao, can't you see? Ning Madam's actions undoubtedly indicate that she has no intention of getting involved in the troubles of the Su family. This is undoubtedly the wisest course of action. If it were me, I would have distanced myself from Young Master Su early on."
He appeared handsome, dressed in a silver robe, exuding elegance.
As the deputy master of Shuiyue Academy, he seemed young but was actually a formidable expert at the Master Realm's Quadruple Awakening stage.
In terms of status and authority, he was on par with Tao Zheng, the deputy master of Jixia Academy.
Ning Ehuo's gaze shifted to Mo Huaque as she said, "Who said I want to distance myself from Su Yi?"
Mo Huaque was puzzled and asked, "Isn't that the case?"
Ning Ehuo's reaction was strange, leaving both Mo Huaque and Tao Zheng feeling uneasy.
Suddenly, Ning Ehuo smiled faintly and said, "Of course not. Please enjoy the tea for now. You may not have the chance to taste its flavor later."
"What do you mean by that, Ning Madam?" Tao Zheng furrowed his brows.
Ning Ehuo set down the teacup in her hand and calmly said, "The purpose of your visit is clear to everyone. However, in my opinion, the forces mobilized by the Su family in this conflict will surely crumble."
Tao Zheng and Mo Huaque exchanged glances and couldn't help but chuckle, clearly not believing her.
"Ning Madam, do you really think that someone like Su Yi, a mere young man, can withstand the pressure from the Su family?" Tao Zheng laughed.
Ning Ehuo replied, "It's not a matter of whether he can withstand it or not. Even a dragon has its weak spot, and when touched, it will perish. The Su family has committed a grave mistake this time, and unless something unexpected happens, the forces they've deployed will be slaughtered. As for the two of you, you will likely pay the price as well."
Tao Zheng and Mo Huaque continued to laugh, dismissing her words.
With the Su family making a move in Jade Capital City, how many people in Da Zhou could stand against them?
Not to mention the idea of slaughtering the forces of the Su family—that was simply wishful thinking!
Ning Ehuo glanced at the two of them and remained silent.
Before long, Elder Shang Zhen of Tianyuan Academy arrived and reported, "Madam, there is an urgent matter from Lord Leying's subordinate, Le Qing. He specifically requests to see Tao Zheng and Mo Huaque."
"It must be good news," Mo Huaque smiled immediately.
But Tao Zheng froze, sensing something amiss.
Ning Ehuo said, "Let him in."
Soon, a robust man hurriedly entered the hall, looking anxious, and respectfully saluted Mo Huaque and Tao Zheng.
"Two esteemed gentlemen, please leave Tianyuan Academy quickly!"
Mo Huaque's smile froze on his face, and he furrowed his brows. "Why is that?"
The robust man spoke with bitterness, "Just a moment ago, Su Yi unleashed a massacre in the Governor's Office... He killed Xiahou Ling, Le Qing, and Pei Wenshan one after another."
His words were filled with shock and fear as he recounted the events.
Bang!
After hearing the story, Mo Huaque's teacup shattered, and he stood there in a daze, completely lost.
Tao Zheng's face turned pale, and he panicked, whispering, "Let's go, we must leave quickly!"
He finally realized the gravity of the situation.
At this moment, Ning Ehuo also stood up, her eyes indifferent as she said, "I already mentioned earlier that the two of you will also have to pay a price, but it seems that you don't believe it. However, it doesn't matter anymore."
Tao Zheng trembled, filled with suspicion. "Ning Madam, what are you planning?"
Ning Ehuo smiled faintly, whispering, "I need the heads of both of you as a bargaining chip."
Tao Zheng and Mo Huaque's faces turned pale.
A moment later, Ning Ehuo walked out of the Pine Valley Hall, followed by Elder Shang Zhen of Tianyuan Academy, who held a wooden tray in his hands.
On the tray were two blood-drenched heads, their eyes wide open, filled with terror.
"Madam, after you do this, it means completely severing ties with the Ji Xia Academy and the Shuiyue Academy," Shang Zhen couldn't help but speak up.
"If Su Dao-you dares to wage war against the Su family in Jade Capital City, why wouldn't I dare to sever ties with these two academies?" Ning Ehuo didn't even turn her head, her tone indifferent. "In the end, they shouldn't have gotten involved, let alone come to Tianyuan Academy to intimidate us. When someone makes a mistake, they naturally have to pay the price, don't they?"
Shang Zhen looked at the two heads on the wooden tray and fell silent.
...
Gunzhou City, Zheng Family.
Underground dungeon.
In the prison cell, Zheng Tianhe's hair was disheveled, and his appearance was haggard.
Ever since he was stripped of his position as clan leader and imprisoned in this dark and damp dungeon, Zheng Tianhe had gradually calmed down from his initial anger, unwillingness, and unease.
The blow of going from a high and mighty clan leader to a prisoner awaiting judgment was undeniably heavy.
Did he regret it?
That was the question Zheng Tianhe pondered the most.
He reviewed every detail, every little thing about his acquaintance with Su Yi, dissecting every aspect of their interactions.
In the end, Zheng Tianhe came to a conclusion. If he were given a chance to choose again, he would still do the same.
It wasn't because he had great courage, but because he understood very well that he was aligned with the Sixth Prince's faction. As long as the Sixth Prince befriended Su Yi, it was inevitable for Zheng Tianhe to build a relationship with him as well.
It was a matter of position and faction, not a matter of personal will.
Furthermore, it was thanks to Su Yi's intervention at the West Mountain Tea Gathering that the Sixth Prince had the opportunity to prevail and that the Zheng family had not suffered any repercussions.
"It's a pity that those shortsighted individuals in the clan have no backbone!" Zheng Tianhe sighed inwardly.
Suddenly, the dungeon door opened, bringing in a ray of light and dispelling the darkness within.
"Clan Leader, I have come to confess and redeem myself!"
A thin figure hurriedly entered and knelt before Zheng Tianhe, his face filled with shame and unease.
"Third Uncle?"
Zheng Tianhe was taken aback, and then he vaguely understood. His eyes brightened, and the accumulated frustration in his heart seemed to dissipate.
"So, Su Gongzi won?" Zheng Tianhe asked.
"He won! He won!"
The old man nodded vigorously, his voice carrying a pleading tone. "Clan Leader, the current situation requires your leadership. I am willing to accept punishment for my previous actions. But if our Zheng family falls into chaos, the consequences will be severe."
Zheng Tianhe calmly said, "Under the leadership of Third Uncle, how could our Zheng family fall into chaos? Besides, it was you who removed me from the position of clan leader the day before yesterday, and it was you who imprisoned me here. So why are you kneeling before me now?"
The old man's face turned red from the mockery, and he bitterly said, "I will take full responsibility for my mistakes. I only ask that the Clan Leader consider the face of our Zheng family, young and old, and prioritize the overall situation."
Zheng Tianhe's expression remained indifferent. "If you want me to take charge, then chop off the heads of those useless fools in the clan."
The old man was shocked and stammered, "Isn't that... too heartless?"
"Without their heads, how can I explain to Su Gongzi? Don't forget, it was you who announced to the outside world that the Zheng family would cut ties with Su Gongzi. Now that Su Gongzi has won and you're worried about retaliation, you're pushing me forward. There are no such cheap deals in this world."
Zheng Tianhe sneered coldly. "Of course, Third Uncle, you can refuse if you want."
The old man remained silent for a long time, finally nodded with difficulty, and said, "Alright."
That day, a bloody scene unfolded within the Zheng family. All the prominent figures who had previously attempted to seize power and overthrow Zheng Tianhe were beheaded one by one.
After regaining his position as clan leader and carrying those heads, Zheng Tianhe left the Zheng family.
He decided to visit Su Yi.
...
On the same day, news of the bloody battle that took place at the Governor's Mansion spread like a storm throughout Gunzhou City, causing a great uproar.