It was indeed laughable.
But Su Yang didn't have the luxury of laughing at the moment, as he had truly overlooked the situation at home.
Even with guards, if someone with malicious intent deployed a significant force, defense would be futile.
Fortunately, Shangguan Zhongtang had assigned Shangguan Qianji to this task today. If it had been someone else, everything would have been ruined.
"Boss Su?"
Seeing Su Yang's lack of movement, Shangguan Qianji called out to him.
Su Yang replied, "Shangguan, follow his instructions and see what his next move is.
However, regarding my family, don't scare them. I will return as soon as possible. For now, don't tell them about these matters. I have a resort villa in the suburbs that is quite secluded and convenient for operations. You should transfer them there first.
I will provide you with additional funds later."
Upon hearing this, Shangguan Qianji waved his hand and said, "No need, Boss Su. I still have a lot of money left from what you gave me before. It will last a very long time.
We are friends and allies now. You can rest assured about this matter. I will protect your family well."
"Alright, thank you," Su Yang said and hung up the phone.
After some thought, Su Yang called Yang Mange.
"Hello?"
Since Su Yang was using a new phone number, Yang Mange didn't know it was him.
"Mange, it's me."
"Su Yang?" She recognized his voice instantly.
"Where have you been? Mom and Dad have asked about you several times. When are you coming back?"
Yang Mange rarely inquired about Su Yang's whereabouts, but this time he had been away for quite a while.
Su Yang comforted her, "Don't worry, I'm fine. But I still have some matters to attend to here. Listen to me now.
You know about our villa in the suburbs, right?"
"I know."
It was a property they had bought together before, intended for vacations, but now it had become a refuge.
"Take Mom and Dad, and all your other sisters, with you. Shangguan Qianji will be there shortly. Go to the villa with him and stay there for now. I'll be back as soon as I can."
"What happened?"
"Nothing, just a precaution. Don't you trust me to handle things? Be good. I should be done with my business here in a few days, and I'll return immediately."
"Okay, be careful."
After a few more words, Su Yang hung up.
He had considered calling his parents again but decided against it, fearing they would worry.
If he called, his parents would inevitably ask many questions and become anxious.
It was better not to say anything for now.
Besides, he estimated that the matters here would be completely resolved within a week.
Su Yang was quite confident.
He turned off his phone and reviewed his plan in his mind, confirming its perfection and the existence of contingency options. Only then did Su Yang feel at ease.
Meanwhile, after hanging up with Su Yang, Shangguan Qianji began to act. Time was not extremely pressing, but Shangguan Qianji still felt a sense of unease.
This was the first mission Shangguan Zhongtang had assigned him, and Shangguan Qianji worried that Shangguan Zhongtang might have sent people to monitor him.
Therefore, before heading to Songhai, Shangguan Qianji needed to thoroughly investigate if Shangguan Zhongtang had dispatched any surveillance.
However, the reality was that Shangguan Zhongtang had deployed all his available forces to pursue Su Yang. The Shangguan family mansion was left with only a few servants and scattered bodyguards, with no significant power remaining.
After confirming there were no surveillance measures, Shangguan Qianji departed from Kyoto.
Concurrently, Shangguan Zhongtang and Tang Shanhe were discussing how to eliminate Su Yang.
"Su Yang's Yangwei ship's current location is unknown, and we cannot track his movements. We only know he is heading to Sangguo," Shangguan Zhongtang stated.
"But General, what if going to Sangguo is a trap?" Tang Shanhe interjected.
Hearing Tang Shanhe's words, Shangguan Zhongtang looked at him, the first time he had truly acknowledged Tang Shanhe that day.
He pursed his lips and let out a soft scoff, "You've thought quite meticulously. My anger earlier made me overlook this point.
Sangguo is not like other countries..."
Shangguan Zhongtang recalled his dealings with the Sangguo Assassination Hall over the years, and a flicker of hesitation crossed his face.
For someone like Shangguan Zhongtang, while avenging his child was important, it paled in comparison to his own future prospects.
However, Shangguan Zhongtang had no intention of abandoning the pursuit of Su Yang to Sangguo.
"But this is the last clue we have for Su Yang. We will only go to Sangguo to investigate. If we find Su Yang, all will be well. If not, we will leave immediately. It won't have any significant impact."
In reality, a trip to Sangguo would not greatly affect the Eight Great Families of Qingcheng; it would have a more substantial impact on Shangguan Zhongtang.
Seeing Shangguan Zhongtang's wavering resolve, Tang Shanhe immediately spoke up.
If Shangguan Zhongtang didn't go, it would truly be a colossal blunder.
However, Tang Shanhe was unaware that Shangguan Zhongtang was already committed, with no turning back.
Not only had many people witnessed him being pushed to such a point by a nouveau riche, but with so many juniors accompanying him on this expedition, Shangguan Zhongtang could not afford to retreat.
Moreover, Shangguan Zhongtang believed Tang Shanhe's assessment was entirely correct. His dealings with the Assassination Hall were seamless, meticulously handled each time, and Shangguan Zhongtang had never directly participated. Thus, he wasn't overly fearful.
Upon hearing Tang Shanhe's words, Shangguan Zhongtang declared, "Naturally. Furthermore, regarding past events in Sangguo, what does it matter if we fight within Sangguo's borders? Killing one person there is a gain."
With that, Shangguan Zhongtang sternly issued the order: "Proceed directly to Sangguo. Regardless of whether Su Yang goes there, this is our only opportunity to ascertain his location."
The order was relayed, and Tang Shanhe and his companions became excited.
Their excitement stemmed not only from accompanying Shangguan Zhongtang but also from the prospect of killing Su Yang.
However, Shangguan Zhongtang was unaware of what was happening at the Dragon Association in Longguo.
Due to prior intersections between Dragon Association members and local forces in various cities, Li Yue did not trust any Dragon Association member for her current operation.
She personally investigated all of Shangguan Zhongtang's past affairs.
Her investigation was conducted in secret, with no information leaked to anyone.
At this point, Li Yue trusted no one, not even her closest assistants. She handled everything herself.
Upon receiving her instructions, she began her investigation. However, her distrust of others had a drawback.
It meant that Li Yue's investigation was proceeding at a slower pace.
Even though she was the top graduate of Longguo's First Military Academy, with top scores in all subjects, one person's efforts could not match the assistance of many.
Yet, Li Yue found her solitary work fulfilling.
Until the Dragon Association was thoroughly investigated and reorganized, she would not trust anyone.
However, her current pace was too slow, so she called her father.
Li Feng, one of Longguo's three Throne holders, held a position second only to one person.
"Hello?"
"Your Highness..."
Before Li Yue could finish, she was interrupted.
"Wait, wait, wait. Stop calling me 'Your Highness.' It's after work hours. Call me by my proper title. It's been a while since I've heard you use my affectionate nicknames for you, Madam President."
Li Yue glanced out the window. Indeed, it was past seven in the evening, and the sky had darkened.
She had been off work for two hours.
Li Yue hadn't even noticed.
She pinched her brow and smiled, "Dad, it's mainly about official business. It's not appropriate for me to contact you through personal channels."
Li Feng scoffed from the other end, "What's wrong with official business? Who says two officials can't discuss work after returning home?"
"Dad, it's not appropriate from either a public or private perspective..."
"What's inappropriate about it? With my position, am I afraid of what others might say?" Li Feng began to scold Li Yue, "You, you know, your father isn't a workaholic. Unless there's essential overtime, I rush home as soon as work is over to be with you and your mother.
How did I end up with such a workaholic daughter?"
Listening to Li Feng's words, Li Yue felt a pang of guilt.
Having ascended to her position at such a young age, many subordinates were constantly watching her, looking for any flaw to bring her down.
In fact, Li Yue had not relied on Li Feng's influence to become the President of the Dragon Association.
She had earned the position through her own merits.
When someone possesses great ability, they invite jealousy. Moreover, Li Yue was a woman, and most importantly, she had such a powerful father. This made it difficult for people not to suspect that she had obtained her position through improper means.
Therefore, Li Yue had always been on edge, never daring to relax her vigilance as the President of the Dragon Association.
The official closing time was 5:30 PM, and Li Yue would not go home until all her day's work was completed.
Sometimes, she worked until the early hours of the morning.
For this reason, Li Feng had spoken to Li Yue several times.
On one hand, he urged her to take care of her health. On the other hand, he asked her to spend more time at home with them.
Li Feng and Li Yue's mother had only one child, Li Yue. Since childhood, they had poured all their love into her.
They had originally envisioned her attending an ordinary school, finding a regular job, and then marrying a live-in son-in-law who would honor them throughout their lives.
After all, Li Feng was not short of money and had left Li Yue a considerable fortune.
However, Li Yue, having been influenced by the excellent culture of Longguo since childhood and growing up in Li Feng's environment, wanted to emulate him.
This child was simply too ambitious.
"Your mother hasn't seen you in a month. She talks about you to me every day. I only saw you once during a meeting half a month ago. If it weren't for that meeting, I might not have seen you for a long time."
Li Feng continued, "I know what you're dealing with. You asked me for instructions today, and I did a little investigation. I don't know if you've reached a conclusion yet. If not..."
Hearing Li Feng's words, Li Yue's eyes lit up, and she exclaimed excitedly, "Thank you, Dad!"
Li Feng chuckled, "I didn't say I would share information with you."
Li Yue blinked, "Dad?"
"Mmm-hmm?" Li Feng found his daughter very endearing. "What, you know to call me Dad now?"
"I just did..." Li Yue said plaintively.
A girl like Li Yue would only show her spoiled side to her parents.
Li Feng snorted, feigning anger, "You little rascal, you make yourself so exhausted every day. Your mother and I are heartbroken, and you don't even spare a thought for us.
You're our only daughter. If you found us a son-in-law to honor us, that would be fine. But we don't even have a son-in-law, and our daughter never comes home. What will happen to us old folks if something happens to us at home with no one knowing..."
As he spoke, Li Feng used his superb acting skills to simulate some crying.
Li Yue knew Li Feng was faking his tears, but his words still pricked her heart like needles.
As a child, she couldn't help but pity her parents.
Li Yue herself knew that since taking on the role of Dragon Association President, she had neglected her parents' well-being.
She pursed her lips and said, "Dad, don't say that..."
The Li family had servants, so they would never reach such a state. However, Li Feng said this to coax Li Yue home.
"Come home first. It's so late. Your mother is cooking. Let's have a good meal together as a family of three. If you make me happy, perhaps I'll give you the information."
"Really?!"