Inside the Marquis Jianghan Estate, the Jiang family members had calmed down from their exhilaration.
They knew that killing Long Yinye was only the beginning of this conflict. The real decisive battle was still far from arriving.
Not long after, having heard the news, Marquis Jinshan arrived, and Marquis Huqiu arrived.
These two were die‑hard allies of Jiang Feng. Even if they didn’t board the Jiang family’s ship, Marquis Longteng would not let them off!
What pleased Jiang Chen was that Huqiu Yue was safe and sound, which lessened his guilt a little.
However, Jiang Chen did not have time to catch up with Huqiu Yue at the moment. He had secretly summoned Qiao Baishi.
Qiao Baishi hurried over as soon as he received Jiang Chen’s summons.
“Baishi, the situation in the royal capital has changed drastically. You must be aware of the situation.”
Qiao Baishi was also excited: “Master, everyone in the capital said you fell in the Infinite Cave, but I didn’t believe it. I knew you are someone with great fortune and would not die young. I never expected you to return in such a legendary way.”
“Heh, legendary? That’s just embellishment by busybodies. Baishi, you are a calm person; you should know that the royal capital is about to descend into chaos.”
“Mm.” Qiao Baishi sighed softly, but his eyes sparkled. “Master, what brilliant plan do you have?”
“Once chaos erupts in the capital, the trend is set, and even I cannot stop it. With my Jiang family’s limited strength, we are not enough to turn the tide. To say we can confront Marquis Longteng’s estate head‑on is a joke.”
Although Qiao Baishi was reluctant to admit it, he knew that Jiang Chen was telling the truth. Marquis Longteng, as the top marquis under heaven, had too deep a foundation.
It is absolutely not something that the Jiang family, a second‑rank noble that has risen only recently, can oppose.
“Baishi, I’ve decided: retreat!”
“Retreat?” Qiao Baishi was slightly taken aback.
“Of course not returning to Jianghan Territory! With the turmoil in the capital, if we try to leave, we won’t get far. I plan to break up into smaller units, disband my Jiang family’s personal guards, and hide in every corner of the capital. As for the core members, I intend to have you arrange them.”
Seeing Jiang Chen’s trust in him, Qiao Baishi felt his blood surge: “Master, rest assured, my Medicine Hall’s foundation in the capital is even deeper than Marquis Longteng’s. Hiding a few people is absolutely foolproof.”
“Good, as long as there are no worries behind me, I can have some fun with the Long family!” A cold smile crept onto Jiang Chen’s lips.
“Master, are you going to fight the Long family single‑handedly?” Qiao Baishi asked in shock. Wouldn’t that be too legendary?
“Single‑handed? I’m not that bored! I have my methods. You don’t need to ask; you’ll know when the time comes!”
Jiang Chen laughed mysteriously.
Somehow, Qiao Baishi had grown accustomed to this mysterious smile of Jiang Chen’s that still made him feel secure.
Every time, Master could win by surprise at critical moments.
Repeated facts had proven this.
So seeing Jiang Chen smile like that, Qiao Baishi felt reassured.
“Master, I’ll go back and prepare now. I can take you in at any time.” Qiao Baishi rose to take his leave.
“Baishi, you’ve worked hard. If you handle this well, I will remember your merit.”
Qiao Baishi was elated. Following Jiang Chen, he had already enjoyed great benefits. Those magical pill formulas had elevated Qiao Baishi’s status in the Medicine Hall to almost rival the Head Hall Master.
However, Qiao Baishi’s horizons had also broadened. With such a master, why limit his vision to just a single kingdom?
Seeing his master’s manner and bearing, it was clear that a mere kingdom could not contain him.
After reaching an agreement with Qiao Baishi, Jiang Chen headed to the hall. At the moment, Jiang Feng, Marquis Jinshan, Marquis Huqiu, and others were still anxiously deliberating.
The several of them had discussed many countermeasures but always felt that these strategies were useless in the face of absolute power.
“Brother Jiang, the only way now is to seek help from the royal family,” Marquis Jinshan sighed softly.
Jiang Feng shook his head faintly. “Both of you worthy brothers, if you seek help from the royal family, I have no objection. But based on my understanding of Dongfang Lu, you must not place too much hope in him.”
It was clear that Jiang Feng was completely disheartened with Dongfang Lu.
With the Jiang family’s contributions, Dongfang Lu’s Tiandu Army was withdrawn just like that. Where was the responsibility of a monarch? He was simply a ruthless despot!
Hearing his father’s assessment of Dongfang Lu, Jiang Chen clapped his hands and laughed. “Father, you’ve finally seen through it. The Dongfang clan truly isn’t worth our loyalty. I have a plan now; how about you listen?”
“Oh? Chen’er, what brilliant plan do you have?”
Now, upon seeing Jiang Chen, even Jiang Feng, Marquis Jinshan, and Marquis Huqiu no longer dared to regard him as a foppish son.
Jiang Chen smiled and explained his plan.
“Break up into smaller units? Avoid their edge?” Jiang Feng murmured.
Marquis Jinshan nodded slightly. “Nephew, this plan is good, but in the capital, to avoid Marquis Longteng’s searches, one needs deep connections.”
“I have my own means for this. I wonder if both uncles trust their nephew?”
Marquis Jinshan sighed. He had also heard about his son’s “great feat” today, which had thoroughly offended Marquis Longteng’s estate.
Carrying the heads of Long Yinye and Long Yi to Marquis Longteng’s estate to demonstrate—having done such a thing, Marquis Jinshan knew he had no way back and must go all the way with the Jiang family.
“Nephew, your seeming dullness hides great wisdom, and your various miraculous feats can convince anyone. My Jinshan lineage will follow your arrangements.”
“Well, after a lifetime as officials, it’s rare to have two good brothers like you. My Huqiu lineage will live and die with you too,” Marquis Huqiu also stated.