"Do you think the City Lord would give that up and incur the wrath of the Third Prince because of a few words from me?" Ling Yue asked mockingly.
The question stunned Captain Yu for a bit. He knew that the City Lord was a ruthless man. Apart from doting on Ling Yue a bit, all his actions were always pragmatic. Captain Yu knew that no matter how much the City Lord doted on Ling Yue, he wouldn't jeopardize his standing with the Third Prince because of that. Still, he felt a little stifled by the current circumstances.
"But… shouldn't the City Lord's office protect the common people in the city? If not, the prestige of the City Lord's office will take a huge hit. Moreover, if the City Lord's office doesn't take any action, what will the other clans think?" Captain Yu asked worryingly.
"Heh, the clans are all self-serving. Do not worry about them. Do you think that the Wang Clan doesn't have any good relations with other clans? Why don't you see any of them rushing to help?" Ling Yue asked sarcastically.
"This…"
"That's because they too are waiting and watching from the shadows. The enemy that came to Wang Clan's gate this time is very powerful. No one wants to incur the wrath of such an enemy on themselves by standing out. The destruction of the Wang Clan is a foregone conclusion. What Uncle Yu should be worried about is the aftermath…"
"What do you mean?"
"What do you think will happen after the Wang Clan is destroyed? These so-called righteous clans will be vying for the power that the Wang Clan occupied until now. But, this power must not fall into their hands."
"Then what? Do you want the Ling Clan to take that power over as well?" Captain Yu asked mockingly.
"No, this time it is different. Patriarch Ling Yan has already rushed to discuss this with the City Lord. But, I don't think he will get what he wants. I am sure he will be coming to me asking to intercede as well," Ling Yue laughed a little coldly.
"But, this power will only belong to the City Lord's office. The City Lord will not allow any mishaps. Any mistake will incur the wrath of the Third Prince. Does Uncle Yu want to hear my advice on how to deal with this without damaging the prestige of the City Lord's office?"
Hearing that the Ling Clan will not succeed made Captain Yu's attitude soften a bit. He really disliked the Patriarch of the Ling Clan. That man was like a slimy snake. He didn't want him to hold more power.
"So, what do you think I should do?" Captain Yu asked a little softly.
"Uncle Yu, it is time for you to be a little proactive this time. While interfering in the destruction of the Wang Clan might incur the wrath of the City Lord, he will be happy with you if you can make sure that there is no more unrest because of other clans fighting for power," Ling Yue smiled softly.
"What do you mean?"
"Be ready to head over with the City Guard. As soon as the battle is finished, give another five minutes for the situation to calm down and rush over to the Wang Clan compound. Take control of the shops and other regions that Wang Clan originally had power over," Ling Yue said with a small smirk.
"This way you can maintain the peace of the city and also show the prestige of the City Lord's office. I am sure Uncle Yu might have some grudges or unhappiness with some people, but was not able to act on them because of the power behind them. You can use this opportunity to deal with them as well."
Captain Yu's mouth twitched upon hearing Ling Yue's words.
"Why do you want me to wait for five more minutes? Wouldn't delaying five minutes allow the culprit to run away? Wouldn't catching him would bring more prestige to the City Lord's office?" Captain Yu asked a little dissatisfiedly.
Ling Yue shot him a look that told him that he was stupid to have such a thought. Seeing the derision in her eyes, Captain Yu paused.
"Heh, Uncle Yu, you still want to catch someone who can wipe out the whole Wang Clan relying on your City Guards. Are you sure you are sober? If he can flatten the entire Wang Clan, your City Guards would not even be enough for him to chew on."
Captain Yu's fist clenched hearing that. Even though he wanted to refute it, he knew that it was indeed the truth. Without the City Lord personally making a move, there was likely to be no one present in the City that could fight with that culprit. Trying to attack or detain him will be like sending his loyal guards to their death. He didn't want to do such a thing.
"I understand," Captain Yu sighed.I think you should take a look at
"That is all I can tell you, Uncle Yu. How you handle stuff is left up to you. Remember the stakes here. The City Lord will not fault you if you step on a few clans' toes as well. This time, the City Lord's office must issue a strong statement," Ling Yue said seriously causing Captain Yu to nod.
"Little Yue, you have truly grown up," Captain Yu sighed. "I always knew you were an intelligent one. Even though your marriage to the City Lord was done under ill circumstances, I am happy to see you embrace your marriage and think on behalf of the City Lord like this. Leave the rest to me. Uncle Yu will do a good job. You just go accompany the City Lord."
"Thank you, Uncle Yu," Ling Yue smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes at all. "If there is anything, send a message to the City Lord. I will go and see how the discussion between the City Lord and Patriarch Ling is going on."
"Don't worry, leave it to uncle," Captain Yu saluted and immediately left the place.
Ling Yue remained on the balcony for a bit longer staring at the battle that was reaching the end and let out a deep sigh. Her eyes turned cold and she turned around to walk towards the City Lord's study.
As she walked through the mansion, everyone who came across her saluted her with a little fear and trepidation in their eyes. Ling Yue didn't care about any of their actions and walked passed them calmly.
In the end, she reached the end of the corridor and stood before the large door that led to the City Lord's Study. The guards on duty relaxed seeing her. They saluted her and waited for her orders.
"Has the discussion between Patriarch Ling and the City Lord come to a conclusion?" Ling Yue asked one guard.
"My lady, it looks like the discussion is still going on. Neither the patriarch nor the City Lord has come out yet. Do you need me to announce your presence, my lady?" one of the guards asked respectfully.
"No need, I will announce myself in," Ling Yue shook her head with a small smile. "It looks like Patriarch Ling had run out of luck this time."
"My lady is sharp," the other guard flattered. "Without my lady's help, the City Lord wouldn't even stop to look at someone like Patriarch Ling. Maybe, he will need your help again this time."
"No, I know my duties. Helping my parental clan a little bit is fine, but I can't put my husband's welfare behind theirs. A married woman must know when to speak and when to remain quiet," Ling Yue smiled at the guard and shook her head.
"To have such a dutiful wife, the City Lord is surely blessed," the guard said with a large smile. "Go on in, my lady. The Lord has told us that his study is always open to you."
"I know," Ling Yue smiled with a small blush on her face and nodded at both guards. "Carry on with your duty."
Ling Yue opened the door and entered without hurry and closed the door behind her smoothly. The guards on either side smiled at each other and shook their heads. They knew that the City Lord doted on his wife a lot. It looks like the lady's icy heart was also beginning to thaw from the City Lord's repeated efforts.
Inside the study, Ling Yue closed the door and the smile on her face vanished completely. A cold, indifferent look came over her face as she walked into the study with confidence.
"Reporting to master, your instructions have been carried out. The City Guard would be busy trying to take over the power left behind by the Wang Clan and no one would look for the City Lord for at least a day."
Ling Yue bowed and reported solemnly. Across the table, an enchanting figure sat in the seat of the City Lord and was casually playing with two eyeballs in her hand. A smirk emerged on her face and she looked at Ling Yue with approval.
Below her, a whimper could be heard clearly. Hearing the sound, a trace of displeasure emerged on the woman's face and she snorted. If Duncan was present at this moment, he would have been clearly shocked to see Elder Feng of the Heavenly Demon Sect sitting in the seat of the City Lord.
*****
A/N: Check out my other stories and let me know your thoughts...
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