Protect Our Clan Leader

Wang Zong'an knew that such matters couldn't be resolved in a single day. When Prominent Families take action, especially involving investments that require so much manpower and resources, there's always a need for internal discussions. He was in no hurry.

Shangguan Zhenhai, holding the revenue projection chart, expressed slight astonishment, "Young Clan Leader Zong'an and His Highness the Commandery Prince, are you leaving without attending the welcoming feast?"

"Everyone is quite busy; we'll have it when we find the time," Wang Zong'an replied with a smile as he stood up and bowed his hands, "His Highness the Commandery Prince and I still have many other families to visit."

Indeed, there were more than just the Shangguan family in Shangjing City...

"There's another question. If our Shangguan family agrees to take part in this project, do we need to explicitly show our support for His Highness the An Commandery Prince?"

"Senior Zhenhai worries too much; this is merely a cooperative development project. Whether you support His Highness the An Commandery Prince or His Highness the Kang Commandery Prince, it won't affect the subsequent processes.

To be honest, this project is too costly; even Prince Dexin's branch and His Highness the Kang Commandery Prince, we want to invite them to join the effort - the more, the merrier."

"Good, good, good; then there's hope for cooperation," Shangguan Zhenhai affirmed.

During the conversation, Wang Zong'an and His Highness the An Commandery Prince formally took their leave.

After that, they visited one family after another in a serious and formal manner.

As expected, they were determined to make good on the boasts they had made. They even went to Prince Dexin's and Prince Yong'an's mansions to lobby for investments, though they were "politely shown out" quite quickly.

But just from this alone, one could see that the partnership between His Highness the An Commandery Prince and Wang Zong'an was serious. This fact made those with vested interests even more resolute in their convictions.

...

Time flew by.

A month later.

In the Middle Segment of the Peace River, Jiaolong Island.

As the base of the Jiaolong Gang, the island was shrouded in mist and water vapor all year round, protected by a great formation and thus easy to defend, hard to attack. The harbor of Jiaolong Island was frequented by numerous large river vessels, and the view from the sky was quite spectacular.

There were several peaks on the island, and the highest of these had been artificially flattened to build a cluster of buildings, where the members of the Jiaolong Gang resided.

Within this cluster, stood a grand and imposing hall known as the "Jiaolong Hall."

This Jiaolong Hall served as the place where the Jiaolong Gang discussed their affairs, and it was also the center of the gang's power.

Inside the Jiaolong Hall.

On the spacious main seat, Long Wuji, who was usually insouciant and carefree, now had an iron-blue complexion, and on the ground lay a pile of shredded letters.

His close subordinates, including Zhao Wu Qing, stood trembling at the side, heads lowered, not daring to speak out of turn.

Ever since the boss learned that Wang Shouzhe had sided with the An Commandery Prince, his temper had become volatile, easily irritable and unpredictable.

His communications with the Imperial City became more and more frequent, and his mood worsened with every letter he received.

"Shouzhe, you are indeed going further and further down the path of betrayal," Long Wuji clenched the arms of his chair tightly, a certain green light flickering in his deep-set eyes, "What is so good about that Wu Mingyuan? That you go to such lengths to help him."

"Isn't it nice for everyone to be happy brothers together?"

"No, we cannot let Wang Shouzhe continue to make mistakes; the way back is ashore," Long Wuji's eyes slightly narrowed, a hint of ruthlessness flashing through them. "Someone, order the troops to set out; our target is Changning Defense. Position the entire army outside of Changning, and station them there. As soon as the appointed date arrives, immediately command the troops to strike Ping'an Town."

"I, Long Wuji, must personally ask him why he chose to betray me."

...