"No, absolutely not! Do you know how many spirit fields are on Mount Huazhong, feeding how many of our clan members?! We fought tooth and nail to get it; how can we just hand it over to the Li Family!"
An Jingming sighed lightly, realizing that An Zheyan's character would never allow for the ceding of Mount Huazhong. Thus, he solemnly suggested, "Since Father is reluctant to give up Mount Huazhong, I have another plan. The key to the Li Family is Li Tongya...He is extremely cautious, fully focused on cultivating in seclusion in the south, and difficult to remove. However, if we can ally with the Yu Family against Li Xuanling and Li Xuanfeng, eliminating one of them, could Li Tongya still remain indifferent?"
Continuing, An Jingming said, "With the Yu Family currently favorably inclined toward us, there are opportunities to be utilized. Yu Mugao is a dark and ruthless man, difficult to deal with. If we can unite with other families to assassinate Yu Mugao, the threat of the Yu Family can be significantly reduced."
An Zheyan was confused, seeing him aim to kill Yu Mugao on one hand and remove Li Xuanling and Li Xuanfeng on the other. He was unable to follow his son's ambitious line of thought. He murmured, "So, does our An Family side with the Yu Family or the Li Family?"
"Both sides!" An Jingming softly chuckled, lifting his head slightly as he declared, "As the Yu and Li families harbor mutual suspicions, our An Family has the opportunity to sow discord and navigate both sides. Regardless of who dies, or if both sides suffer no casualties, it's as good as setting a feud between the Yu and Li families."
An Zheyan, somewhat moved by this, pondered for a moment before hesitantly saying, "But... neither side is foolish. How could they simply act as you suggest?"
"Don't worry, Father," An Jingming assured, "It is precisely because neither side is foolish and they are wary of each other... Fear leads to murderous intentions. The conflict between the two families is inevitable, and we are merely a catalyst. Father just needs to follow the script I've taught you, ensuring that both families betray each other, resulting in mutual destruction."
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In the estate at the foot of the mountain in Lijing Town, Mu Yalu paced around the courtyard before taking a seat on a stone bench. A servant hurriedly served her tea.
Since it was discovered that Li Yuanjiao had spiritual orifice and extraordinary talent, Mu Yalu's days in the main courtyard had significantly improved.
Previously, Li Xuanxuan rarely visited her courtyard and Mu Yalu always tried to keep a low profile, minimizing her presence. Once Li Yuanjiao started spending more time on the mountain, Mu Yalu instantly became one of the most significant figures in the courtyard.
"Madam, this tea was sent over by the main family yesterday. This month, they've sent gifts to the courtyard three times already," whispered a servant girl beside her.
This woman, a descendant of the Mount Yue refugees who had assimilated completely with the Easterners, was brought into the courtyard personally by Mu Yalu and was deeply trusted by her.
Upon hearing this, Mu Yalu nodded slightly, and the servant girl added softly, "Since Young Master Xiu and Jiao'er get along well, the first madam has always been displeased. But in recent years, ever since Jiao'er was found to have spiritual orifice, she has started to curry favor..."
Mu Yalu gestured for her to stop talking and said quietly, "The first madam is crafty. Over the years, she has managed the concubines in the family well, and Xiu'er has been well-taught; he's capable of managing a household and is no ordinary person. She sees Jiao'er as Yuanxiu's future right-hand man, hence naturally wanting to maintain a good relationship with me..."
Setting her small teacup on the table, Mu Yalu softly inquired, "Have you found out about the matter I asked you to investigate?"
"Yes Madam, the man's name is Shamoli—the fourth son of Mu Jiaoman. He is now residing on the eastern side of the town," the servant girl replied obediently.
Mu Yalu smiled, her eyes slightly crinkling as she spoke gently, "What a godsent opportunity! In the future, Mount Yue will become even closer to the Li Family, and when Jiao'er grows up, he can also receive some support from the Mulu clan."
Although the servant girl did not understand why Mu Yalu considered it a godsend opportunity, she felt happy seeing her madam so delighted. However, their conversation was interrupted by a gentle knock on the door.