Protect Our Chief-Chapter 610 - 55: The Trend! Where Will the Wang Family Go_4

"First, the City Guard of Changning Guard City, Xiahou Hongde, was transferred away. Less than two years later, the City Guard of Dingnan Guard, after serving for twenty years, was also transferred." Wang Shouzhe took a sip from his wine cup, moistening his throat, before continuing, "If it were just these cases, it would be nothing, but within three years, the City Guard of Zhenze Guard was replaced due to dereliction... Similar events have occurred more than once in the past decade."

"Moreover, in recent years, the conflicts between the Tantai Family and the Tuoba Family in East Sea Guard have become more intense. It’s hard for me not to speculate that there’s a hand behind the scenes pushing all these events." Wang Shouzhe sighed, "And considering the unpredictable situation in the capital nowadays, one naturally has some suspicions."

Upon hearing this, Du Tiangang showed no reaction, but Jiaang Yusong couldn’t help but have a slight change in his expression.

Though Wang Shouzhe’s words were simple, it seemed as if he had an intimate grasp of the whole situation of Longzhou County. To achieve this without a powerful intelligence network and extremely keen insight is simply impossible.

Moreover, the incidents Wang Shouzhe mentioned, when looked at individually, seemed perfectly normal. It is likely that even the local noble families might not sense anything wrong, yet it is Wang Shouzhe, far away in Changning, who has detected the issue.

Such terrifying insight and foresight are truly chilling.

Even Long Wuji was lost in thought: "Yet you haven’t said what this has to do with my Jiaolong Gang?"

"Although the Jiaolong Commerce Association is nominally a commercial association, in reality, it monopolizes waterways and exclusive markets, with influence spanning several counties in the Anjiang Section. To be frank, all of this would be difficult to achieve by Brother Long alone. Hence, I speculate that you have backing from someone."

Wang Shouzhe glanced at Long Wuji, seeing no reaction from him, and continued: "Previously, the Jiaolong Gang did not expand overseas because there were powerful gang forces at sea holding sway, and both parties had a mutual understanding. Now, the Jiaolong Gang has set its sights on East Port, even intending to incorporate my Wang Family’s marriage alliance. If it were merely for the interests of my Wang Family, it likely wouldn’t suffice. Therefore, I boldly guess that the true purpose of the Jiaolong Gang is the sea. And this, presumably, also relates to the scheming of the mastermind."

Upon saying this, Wang Shouzhe sighed once more, cupping his hands towards Long Wuji with a wry smile: "My Wang Family is merely a Seventh-Grade Noble Family, insignificant in the grand scheme... Please, spare us."

"Spare you? Haha~~ what an amusing thing to say, Younger Brother Shouzhe is indeed sharp and witty." Long Wuji laughed heartily, "However, you underestimate the importance of Changning Guard. Though remote, it can expand sea power eastward, control the Anjiang route westward, and infinitely expand Outer Domain territory southward. It’s a rare treasure for establishing feats and career. This place, I am determined to secure."

"Nevertheless, you, Wang Shouzhe, are indeed an extraordinary talent. At less than fifty years of age, you can wield the heavens, manipulate clouds and rain, and have elevated a family on the brink of decline and destruction to Seventh-grade status— no, I believe even most Sixth-Grade Noble Families are not your equal. This capability is not something an ordinary person possesses."

"Younger Brother Shouzhe, if you are willing to place an early bet..." Long Wuji gazed at Wang Shouzhe, admiration apparent in his eyes, and a rare touch of sincerity entered his tone, "the future prospects of your Wang Family are boundless, do not miss the opportunity."

"I understand Brother Long’s intention. However, I must thank Brother Long for the mistaken preference. My Wang Family still prefers to advance steadily and gradually." Wang Shouzhe bowed deeply once more, "Our Changning Guard is but a drop in the Vast Sea in terms of the world’s affairs, and not a must-have place for military strategists. Please, Brother Long, grant us this convenience~"

"Alright!" Long Wuji agreed straightforwardly, "Since you’ve asked repeatedly, I shall decide to temporarily spare Changning Guard. However, a hundred years is too long; I cannot agree to it."

"Then what is the meaning of that, Elder Brother?" Wang Shouzhe slightly frowned.

"Fifty years. I only grant you fifty years. With your capability, Younger Brother Shouzhe, fifty years should suffice to develop Changning Guard well, with initial achievements in both sea expansion and Outer Domain development," Long Wuji said candidly, "These fifty years will also be enough for you to fully understand the changes in global affairs. By then, the situation in the capital will be clearer. At that time, any one piece will be invaluable to that person, and you wouldn’t be able to decline easily."

Fifty years? That person?

Wang Shouzhe quietly let out a breath of relief.

The previous mention of a hundred years was nothing but an opening gambit, leaving room for negotiation. Winning a period of fifty years now is already gaining much.

Immediately, Wang Shouzhe agreed, "Then it’s settled, fifty years later, we shall renew today’s agreement."

"This time, you’ve won, capturing Zhao Wuqing’s weakness and dismantling my plan of coercive strategy, securing fifty years for you," Long Wuji looked at Wang Shouzhe with a touch of gravitas and seriousness in his eyes, "However, next time may not be as smooth. Younger Brother, do not harbor any illusions."

"Thank you, Brother Long, for the reminder." Wang Shouzhe cupped his hands in gratitude.

He paused and suddenly looked up, adding, "But should I call the headmaster Brother Long or Elder Brother Wu?"

Long Wuji paused in his expression.

After several breaths, he burst into laughter: "Interesting, interesting. Younger Brother Shouzhe, I have more faith in you now. I, Long, shall take my leave, and in fifty years’ time, I will fulfill today’s pact again. Younger Brother Shouzhe, do not disappoint my expectations!"

As his words ended, he waved his large hand, and a surge of azure brilliance whirled forth, instantly enveloping him and the three behind him, Jiaang Yusong and Du Tiangang.

"Boom boom boom~"

The brilliance swept upward, surging into the skies, as grand and magnificent as the waves of the vast river, its splendid light nearly dyeing half the sky azure.

But soon, the splendid azure brilliance shot across the sky, disappearing far into the horizon.

Looking out from the pavilion, no glimmer of brilliance remained in the sky, only the lingering white strands of clouds, as if everything that had transpired moments ago had never happened.

Only then did Wang Zong’an, who had been observing and learning all along, with a somewhat worried expression, bow his hands and speak, "Father, in fifty years, must we indeed be forced into that conflict?"

"If the timing and participants are suitable, it’s not necessarily out of the question," Wang Shouzhe replied calmly, "Zong’an, what have you learned from today’s events?"

"Father, Zong’an understands," Wang Zong’an said solemnly, "only by being strong can one control their own destiny. Otherwise, one becomes a piece in someone else’s hand, living or dying at their whim."

"No, what I mean is, you should get married soon and contribute more to the family," Wang Shouzhe smiled warmly at him, "I, as your father, would like to become a grandfather sooner~"

"..."

Wang Zong’an’s body jolted, filled with a desire to cry but without tears. Turns out, as the dignified Young Clan Leader, he is just a tool for offspring propagation~~~

...