"I'd like to see how you explain this to me!"
Lu Fan said coldly, then stepped into the City Lord's mansion. The situation outside the mansion was extremely unfavorable.
At the same time, Steward Wu hurried to follow, his heart filled with trepidation. He hadn't expected Lu Fan to truly be the King of the Northwest, and such a young King of the Northwest was truly impressive.
The strength Lu Fan had displayed earlier was also extraordinary, otherwise, he wouldn't have been so shocked, even with a hint of emotion in his eyes.
"Steward Wu, what should we do next? Offending the King of the Northwest, I'm afraid none of us will survive!"
Qian Dafu said hurriedly, looking utterly desperate. He never imagined things would turn out this way, catching him completely off guard and filling him with worry.
"It's alright, the City Lord can handle it!" Steward Wu waved his hand, appearing quite confident, as if everything was under his control.
Facing these words, Steward Wu frowned, unsure of what to do. He didn't believe the Lord of Dragon City could resolve this easily, as the matter had too significant an impact.
Moreover, Lu Fan was from the Northwest. If he became displeased, it would surely cause endless trouble.
After entering the City Lord's mansion, the Lord of Dragon City cupped his fists and smiled, "King of the Northwest, you've had a long journey. I've ordered a banquet to be prepared, and delicious food should be ready soon!"
"I don't care about these things. What I care about is why you acted this way, arbitrarily changing the taxes in Dragon City, causing the people to suffer!" Lu Fan said coldly. "Do you know the consequences of your actions!"
"King of the Northwest, you jest. In fact, these spirit stones are allocated layer by layer, and we do receive a considerable amount."
The Lord of Dragon City smiled slightly and then said to Lu Fan, "Most of the spirit stones collected as taxes in Dragon City are remitted to the King of the Northwest's mansion. This means that the King of the Northwest's mansion possesses a large number of spirit stones, which is a great benefit for the King of the Northwest. What your subordinate did was all for the King of the Northwest!"
"I haven't even taken office yet, and you've already done such a fine job!" Lu Fan said coldly. "In other words, you arbitrarily changed the taxes to embezzle spirit stones, am I correct?"
"King of the Northwest, please enlighten me. Eighty percent of the spirit stones are given to the King of the Northwest. Your subordinate has absolutely no intention of pocketing them!"
The Lord of Dragon City quickly cupped his fists. "After all, this belongs to the King of the Northwest. How dare I covet it."
"When did I say I wanted those spirit stones?" Lu Fan narrowed his eyes, looking directly at the Lord of Dragon City, his gaze filled with anger.
The Lord of Dragon City's words had shifted all the blame onto himself. How could he accept this? After all, he was serving the King of the Northwest and should set an example. How could he allow his subordinates to do such things?
"King of the Northwest, you don't need to worry too much. This matter will not be known to those above!"
The Lord of Dragon City spoke again. "Moreover, the Northwest is a long distance from the imperial capital, so the King of the Northwest need not worry. And these spirit stones can enhance cultivation, which is a very important treasure for the King of the Northwest!"
"It seems you've been trying to guess my intentions!"
Lu Fan narrowed his eyes, a cold glint appearing. "However, you spoke of this first, which makes me extremely displeased. Have you considered the consequences!"
"King of the Northwest, your subordinate acted this way all for you. You cannot betray me!" The Lord of Dragon City quickly cupped his fists.
But at that very moment, Lu Fan grabbed the Lord of Dragon City and pulled him close, his eyes sharp. "You have great audacity! Without my permission, you dared to act recklessly and even pinned the blame on me. Do you truly think I am easily bullied?"
"Your subordinate has no such intention. I beg the King of the Northwest to see clearly!" The Lord of Dragon City cupped his fists. "Everything I have done is for the King of the Northwest. If the King of the Northwest does not appreciate it, I don't mind, but I beg the King of the Northwest not to blame me!"
"You speak so eloquently. If you gained no benefit, why would you do these things!" Liu Ruyan said coldly. "Now that the matter is exposed, you speak so eloquently, making people have to believe you!"
"Since Your Excellency does not believe me, there is nothing I can do!" The Lord of Dragon City said with a bitter smile. "However, I have managed Dragon City for many years and understand some things. I hope King of the Northwest, you can give me another chance!"
"Guards, throw him into prison!" Lu Fan's voice was cold. He would never allow such a rotten apple to exist, especially someone like the Lord of Dragon City.
The guards in Dragon City exchanged glances but did not act, remaining silently in their positions, as if Lu Fan's orders meant nothing to them.
"What, are my words not effective?" Lu Fan's expression was cold, tinged with displeasure as he looked at the guards.
Seeing this, the guards all lowered their heads, not daring to say anything, yet also not daring to act rashly. The Lord of Dragon City was their superior. If they were to act, they would be in trouble.
"King of the Northwest, are you really going to lock me up?" The Lord of Dragon City frowned. "Everything I did was for you. You cannot be ungrateful!"
"Stop spewing platitudes. Don't think I don't know your ulterior motives!" Lu Fan said coldly. "However, regardless of whether this matter is true or false, you must receive the punishment you deserve. Otherwise, how can I face the people of the Northwest!"
"King of the Northwest is right. Since King of the Northwest wishes to proceed this way, I will naturally obey the King of the Northwest's command!" The Lord of Dragon City smiled and said to the other guards, "What are you all standing around for? Go and lock me up!"
"This..."
The guards exchanged glances, unsure of what to do. They knew very well that the Lord of Dragon City was in charge of Dragon City. If they were to truly lock him up, it would not be a good thing for them.
"What, is the King of the Northwest's word not good, or is mine not good?" The Lord of Dragon City narrowed his eyes.
The guards dared not delay any longer and quickly locked up the Lord of Dragon City. Although they were quite confused, they did not dare to act too presumptuously. After all, Lu Fan was the King of the Northwest. Although this was Dragon City, in the true Northwest region, Lu Fan was an absolute ruler.
There were many experts in the entire Northwest Mansion who obeyed the King of the Northwest's orders. The Lord of Dragon City was merely a city lord. How could he dare to challenge the King of the Northwest?
Seeing the Lord of Dragon City being apprehended, Qian Dafu also panicked instantly, not knowing what to do. Even the Lord of Dragon City had surrendered. Who else could suppress Lu Fan? He was likely doomed today.