The tension within the Wang Clan's fortress was palpable. The constant threat of demon beasts gnawed at the warriors and civilians alike, but the true battle was the one no one saw—the one being fought behind closed doors. Wang Hao walked the winding halls of the patriarch's residence, his mind as sharp as ever, plotting his next move.
When Wang Hao arrived at the patriarch's private chamber, he straightened his robes and knocked softly on the door. His father's voice, tired and worn, beckoned him inside.
The room was dimly lit, the patriarch sitting at a wooden table, poring over scrolls and reports. His eyes were sunken, dark circles etched beneath them from sleepless nights. The weight of leadership hung heavy on his shoulders, but that burden would soon be lifted—whether the patriarch realized it or not.
"Father," Wang Hao began with a respectful bow, his voice low and concerned. "I've been thinking about the state of the clan's defenses, and there is something I need to share with you. I'm worried for the future."
His father looked up, a weary expression crossing his face. "Wang Hao, we're all worried. The beasts grow bolder every day, and our supplies dwindle. What more could there be to worry about?"
Wang Hao sat down across from him, his expression carefully composed. "It's not the beasts that trouble me, Father. It's the… unrest within the clan. I've noticed tensions rising among the elders, and I fear that General Fang may be overstepping his authority in certain areas."
The patriarch's brow furrowed, and he leaned forward slightly. "What do you mean?"
Wang Hao exhaled slowly, as if weighing his words carefully. "I wouldn't bring this up unless I was truly concerned. But I've noticed certain… patterns in the general's behavior. He has been commanding more resources than what's necessary for the defense, positioning key warriors in strategic locations that could serve his interests rather than the clan's. I don't want to believe it, but it seems as though he's consolidating power."
The patriarch frowned deeply. "General Fang is a trusted ally. He has served this clan loyally for years. Why would he—?"
"I don't question his loyalty," Wang Hao interjected quickly, a note of concern in his voice. "But perhaps, in the chaos of battle, he's making decisions that serve his own interests more than the clan's. His pride, his strength—those are qualities that make him a powerful leader. But they also make him… dangerous if not properly checked."
His father's gaze softened slightly, torn between the trust he had in General Fang and the growing doubts that Wang Hao was so carefully planting.
Wang Hao leaned forward, his tone conspiratorial. "Father, I've heard whispers among the elders. They're concerned that Fang is withholding supplies, keeping them for his own personal troops rather than sharing them with the rest of the clan's defenders. They've seen him moving men to areas of the wall that, while important, also give him control over key positions within the fortress. If something were to go wrong… he could be in a position to seize control."
The patriarch's eyes narrowed, his lips pursing as he considered this new information. "And you believe these whispers?"
"I wouldn't be bringing this to you if I thought it was mere gossip," Wang Hao replied, feigning reluctance. "But it's not just the elders. I've seen it myself—the way he speaks to the warriors, the way he commands them. He's no longer just defending the clan. He's preparing for something more."
The patriarch sat back, rubbing his temples as the weight of Wang Hao's words sank in. "If what you're saying is true…"
Wang Hao leaned in further, his voice soft and measured. "I think General Fang still believes he's acting in the clan's best interests. But if we don't address this soon, it could spiral out of control. We need to remind him that his power comes from the patriarch, from you, Father. We can't allow him to think he's above that."
His father was silent for a long moment, deep in thought. Wang Hao could see the gears turning in the patriarch's mind, the seeds of doubt taking root. The once unshakable trust between the patriarch and his general was beginning to crack, just as Wang Hao had planned.
The patriarch finally looked up, his expression clouded with uncertainty. "I will speak to General Fang. I'll make it clear that his actions must be in line with the clan's best interests, not his own."
Wang Hao nodded, hiding his satisfaction behind a mask of filial concern. "That's all I ask, Father. The clan needs you to remain strong, to ensure that all of its leaders are united in purpose. If the general understands that, I'm sure he will fall back in line."
But deep down, Wang Hao knew that this conversation had already done the damage. The patriarch's trust in Fang was shaken, and from here, it would only grow worse. All he had to do was continue feeding the flames of doubt, little by little, until the patriarch was convinced that Fang was a threat. Then, when the moment was right, Wang Hao would make his move to eliminate the general entirely.
As Wang Hao rose to leave, his father called out to him. "Wang Hao."
He turned, his face calm. "Yes, Father?"
The patriarch hesitated, then smiled weakly. "I'm grateful to have a son like you. You've shown great wisdom in these troubled times. I'll need your counsel more than ever in the days to come."
Wang Hao bowed, his voice steady. "I am always here to serve you and the clan, Father. Whatever happens, we will get through this together."
But as he left the chamber, his thoughts were anything but loyal. The cracks in the clan's leadership were widening, and soon, Wang Hao would be the one to step into the vacuum of power. All that remained was to wait for the right moment.