"Second Master, something terrible has happened."
The butler returned, standing beside Wu Qixian with utmost trepidation.
Seeing the butler's hesitant demeanor, Wu Qixian felt an inexplicable surge of annoyance. "Just say what you have to say, and stop beating around the bush. Are you implying I'm not angry enough already?"
*Plop!*
The butler knelt on the ground.
This scene stunned Wu Qixian.
Over the years, his cooperation with the butler had been smooth. He had never seen the butler display such a fearful expression. He frowned and asked, "Tell me, what exactly has happened? Is there anything more frightening than my son's death?"
"Second Master, there are people everywhere outside!" the butler said, his throat dry.
"They are all young men with buzz cuts, dressed in civilian clothes, and they've surrounded our Wu family. Not even a fly can escape."
Wu Qixian's face changed drastically upon hearing this.
He immediately stood up and paced in his study. "Quick, come with me to see the Old Master. These dogs are trying to rebel!"
His first thought was that this matter was related to Li Qiutao.
However, after calming down, he realized that Li Qiutao definitely did not have such influence. Someone else must be behind this.
The two hurried out, intending to find the Wu family's Old Master to discuss a plan.
Unexpectedly, halfway through their journey, several gunshots suddenly rang out in the courtyard. Wu Qixian was so terrified that his face turned ashen, and he stood frozen in place.
The butler immediately said, "Second Master, let's find a place to hide. Chaos has erupted outside!"
Wu Qixian seemed not to hear the butler's plea, remaining rooted to the spot. Under the butler's repeated urging, Wu Qixian swayed a few times, then coughed up a mouthful of blood, and collapsed in the courtyard.
"Second Master!"
The butler tried to lift Wu Qixian.
Wu Qixian weakly waved his hand. "It's too late. The Wu family is already a bird in a cage. After tonight, we will all die!"
"These dogs are too wicked. To use such a stratagem!"
"I will not let them rest in peace, even as a ghost!"
At this moment.
Qin Fengwu, far away in Jiangnan, had not yet slept.
He had obviously learned that the military would join forces with the Qin and Li families tonight to eliminate the Wu family and had been waiting for the results.
One phone call after another kept Qin Fengwu informed of the overall situation.
At precisely three o'clock.
Intense gunfire erupted from the Wu family compound. Soldiers guarding the entrance immediately stormed the Wu family, surrounding them tightly.
At ten past three.
The Wu family's main gate was breached, and the army directly entered the courtyard.
At half-past three.
The Wu family rebels were suppressed, and the key figures of the Wu family were captured. Wu Qixian was shot and killed on the spot for 'fierce resistance.'
As for the truth of the matter, it was likely known only to Wu Qixian himself.
Even Qin Fengwu could not ascertain the full details.
At forty-five past three.
The Wu family's Old Master confessed his crimes and then shot himself. In addition, the Wu family's eldest son and Wu Zhongjun, along with other Wu family disciples who were away, were all apprehended. The once-prosperous Wu family officially exited the stage of history.
At four-thirty.
The headquarters of the Divine Kingdom Research Institute in the northwestern desert was pulverized by several missiles, rendering the hard work of three generations of the Wu family to naught.
It was at this moment that Qin Fengwu saw the eastern sky turning the color of fish belly and stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, gazing at the distant horizon.
"The Wu family rose to power using this very tactic back then, leaping to become the largest aristocratic family in the country. Ironically, they have fallen in the same manner. It is both laughable and regrettable," Qin Fengwu remarked. The fall of the Wu family meant that the Qin and Li families had reaped substantial benefits.
It could be foreseen that the struggle between him and Li Tian Ce would become even more intense, even openly declared.
After standing by the window for a while, Qin Fengwu suddenly thought of a crucial point.
"Hmm?"
"This is not right. The Wu family was the foremost aristocratic family, possessing more influence than the Qin and Li families. Would they be willing to hand over their empire so easily?"
"Or am I overthinking things?"
Qin Fengwu was perplexed and could only shake his head, dismissing the thought.
In Fengtian.
Chen Jinzhao had also stayed up all night, closely monitoring the situation in the capital.
When the sun rose and the dust settled, Chen Jinzhao harbored the same doubt as Qin Fengwu—
Was the Wu family truly that weak?
For this reason.
Chen Jinzhao specifically called Xu Hanchen to inquire about the situation. Xu Hanchen replied, "I don't know why, but the Wu family's will to resist seemed weak. Moreover, from what I know, the old Wu family member seemed to have known about our impending action all along. He was fully dressed and waiting in the main hall for Li Buyan and Qin Jianguo to arrive."
"What about the Divine Kingdom Research Institute?" Chen Jinzhao asked again.
Xu Hanchen's tone suddenly turned cold. "We directly turned it into dust with a few missiles. Such an evil entity should not exist in this world. Only missiles can cleanse such wickedness."
Chen Jinzhao was stunned.
There were certainly innocent people in the research institute, but this was indeed the best method.
For those innocent individuals, was it not also a form of release?
"I understand, but I believe you should continue to investigate everything related to the Wu family, striving to erase all traces of them," Chen Jinzhao suggested.
"Do you think I need you to tell me that?" Xu Hanchen chuckled.
Chen Jinzhao thought to himself that Xu Hanchen's experience was far greater than his. In certain aspects, Xu Hanchen's considerations were more thorough than Chen Jinzhao's.
"Elder Xu, thank you for your hard work. Once my health recovers, I will help you share the burden. However, for now, I might need to go and comfort my cousin." Chen Jinzhao said.
"Yes, you go ahead."
After hanging up the phone.
Chen Jinzhao, in his wheelchair, arrived at Wu Lingyun's hospital room door and saw a familiar figure—
Xiao Hu.
After not seeing him for several days, Xiao Hu seemed to have grown stronger.
Xiao Hu was also very excited to see Chen Jinzhao, having already regarded Chen Jinzhao as his idol. He quickly stepped forward to help push Chen Jinzhao's wheelchair. "Mr. Chen, you're here."
"How is Lingyun?" Chen Jinzhao asked.
Xiao Hu shook his head. "Miss's condition is not good. She keeps clamoring to return to the capital. However, Master Li has instructed her to stay in the hospital and rest well."
"I'm troubling you," Chen Jinzhao added.
"It's no trouble, no trouble at all. It's what I should do." Xiao Hu gave a wry smile and pushed Chen Jinzhao into Wu Lingyun's hospital room, then quietly left.
Chen Jinzhao walked to the bedside.
Wu Lingyun was sitting on the bed, hugging her knees and burying her head between them, occasionally letting out soft sobs.
"Things have happened. Please accept your grief and move on," Chen Jinzhao said.
If Wu Lingyun knew that Chen Jinzhao also approved of this course of action, would she turn against him?
Wu Lingyun looked up at Chen Jinzhao. "Cousin, my grandfather, uncle, and second uncle are all dead. The Wu family of the past has become a laughingstock. Do I no longer have a home?"
Chen Jinzhao was taken aback, then replied.
"No."
"Your home is still here, and the Wu family is still here. It's just not the same Wu family as before."
"From today onwards, you will have to carry the Wu family."