Beijing, inside a luxurious manor in an upscale villa district.
Song Haitian sat in the main Taishi Chair, his complexion gloomy. The chair, carved from huanghuali wood, featured two vividly lifelike dragons on its handles, with pearls in their mouths and their tails eting at the backrest. In the center was a round "Fu" character, where one's head would rest, and hands could hold onto the dragon heads, symbolizing the blessings brought by twin dragons. Yet, at this mont, Song Haitian felt utterly miserable, with no sense of fortune whatsoever.
On his left sat Song Yan, who had once been influential but was now dismissed from his roles, leading to unimaginable frustration evident as he sat quietly with a stern face. On the right was Song Tao, the executor for the Song family, who had also lost his once proud and spirited deanor, deeply pondering sothing with a grave expression.
The room was deathly quiet, a suffocating atmosphere spreading as everyone was lost in their thoughts. After a while, Song Haitian suddenly broke the silence and asked in a somber tone, "Given that Reincarnation and the Japanese pirates tead up, along with that bandit leader Turul, the trio's cooperation should have been successful. Why have we received no news yet? Also, why would Reincarnation accept a partnership with the Japanese pirates? Song Tao, share your thoughts."
"Dad, the original plan involved only Reincarnation and Turul's people—I didn't expect the Japanese pirates to get involved. They're like vicious wolves. Our ancestral teachings forbid any collaboration with the Japanese pirates, a fact I rember well. I suspect that the Japanese pirates might already have a standing collaboration with that bandit leader Turul. It's possible that Turul was even supported by them," Song Tao hurriedly explained, looking worriedly at Song Haitian.
All major families have their taboos and rules, and the Song family was no exception. Like many major families in Huaxia Country, they preferred to keep their distance from the Japanese pirates. Song Yan suddenly said, "Dad, discussing this isn't very aningful right now. The key issue is why there was no contact within the agreed ti?"
"There's only one possibility—that Reincarnation's team was completely annihilated," Song Tao took over the conversation, although he harbored another worry that he dared not ntion.
Song Yan, who had fewer reservations, frowned and glanced at Song Tao before turning his serious gaze to Song Haitian. "Dad, if that's the case, it might be better. But if Reincarnation succeeded and is now using that as leverage against us, then we'll be in trouble. We must be cautious."
"Impossible, there's no evidence or leverage left. Even if they succeeded, they couldn't possibly blackmail us. There's no need to worry about that," Song Tao imdiately explained, his look toward Song Yan becoming one of dissatisfaction. Despite being a family, the internal competition for benefits and positions was inevitable.
If it had been before, when everybody was still getting along and Song Yan had power and influence, now, being sidelined, he had to fight even harder for more interests, naturally setting his sights on Song Tao's position as the executor. Song Tao understood this too well and was naturally cautious of Song Yan, a sad reality within major families.
"Enough, both of you," Song Haitian, clearly seeing the undercurrents of conflict, scolded with a chilling face, making Song Tao and Song Yan imdiately fall silent, warily watching Song Haitian. Song Haitian gave them a cold glare but did not intervene in their dispute, believing sotis competition could drive progress, as long as it was kept within limits he thought he could control.
"Song Tao, two things. First, ensure that no clues or leverage can be traced back to Reincarnation; and second, if Reincarnation has already failed and proven unreliable, replace them. But not with family Death Soldiers—look abroad instead. That bastard must die, and quickly," Song Haitian said coldly, his eyes half-closed, flashing a hint of brilliance, but his heart was bitter. Song Yan's dismissal signified the beginning of the Song family's decline, with increasing pressure from above, making it harder to act freely in the future.
"Dad?" Song Yan looked towards Song Haitian, sowhat troubled.
"You should go overseas, we need soone to oversee things there," Song Haitian said indifferently.
Upon hearing this, Song Yan imdiately beca furious. Given that dual citizens faced limited opportunities for developnt within the country, going abroad was undoubtedly the best choice. Song Yan, seeing that Song Haitian consistently favored Song Tao as always, thought he had no chance, but upon hearing this, he imdiately expressed his gratitude, saying, "Okay, thank you, Dad."
...
On the cliff-top of the prival forest, Turul, while ordering his troops to pursue down the cliff, stared ahead with a cold face. His angry eyes brimd with icy murderous intent. Not only had they lost soldiers and generals, their opponents hadn't left behind a single hair, which infuriated Turul to the point his fists clenched, grinding his teeth in hatred.
Balang glanced at Turul nervously, then toward the direction where Luo Zheng and others were retreating. He said with concern, "Dad, the direction these bastards are heading is a bit troubleso. If they cross that high mountain and head west, they'll reach our base. Could it be?" Upon saying this, Balang's expression beca grave.
"It's possible." Turul could see that too and his expression turned cold as he seriously instructed, "Imdiately notify the base to get ready for defense, and also, tell the troops to catch up quickly."
"But, it seems like the hostages weren't moving with them, could they have run off in another direction?" Balang worriedly ntioned, recalling the mbers of the tour group from the Military Research Institute.
Turul was of course aware of this issue and, after pondering, instructed, "The hostages aren't our concern; they're wanted by the Japanese pirates and Reincarnation. Assisting in the kidnapping is fine when there are benefits to be had, but now they're all gone. Even if we capture the hostages, who do we ask for benefits? It would only bring us trouble from Wu Jin. Let them go; those bastards seem to be planning to attack our base, and that is where our interests lie."
"Understood." Balang sincerely said, imagining among the hostages the beautiful woman he regretted losing. His expression flickered continuously, and he sneaked a glance at Turul who was imrsed in his thoughts with a gloomy face. He hesitated, then tentatively asked, "Dad, isn't it a pity to just let the hostages go?"
"Hmm, what do you think?" Turul asked in return. As a regional tyrant, if he let hostages slip easily from his grasp, both his reputation and position would be at stake. He needed to take so action.
Understanding his father, Balang was pleased to hear Turul inquire and, with a flattering laugh, said, "Dad, I'm quite certain; their direction is definitely toward the east. Many organizations in the east hold deep grudges with Huaxia Country. As long as we leak so news appropriately, many will be willing to step forward."
"Hmm, makes sense. Kuntai Group has recently been severely suppressed by Huaxia Country, I heard they lost a lot and had many goods seized," Turul said coldly, his eyes lighting up as he looked at Balang.
Realizing what was implied, Balang said, "Understood, I'll handle it." Saying this, a sinister smile crept across his lips.
Note: In the next two days, three more updates will follow. On June 2, there will be an update spree. Stay tuned and thank you!
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