After Marrying a Vegetative Princess, I Went Crazy With Joy! - Chapter 215:

The severed head lay on the ground, his eyes reflecting an unmistakable look of shock. This gruesome scene stirred up commotion among the workers in the factory.

Su Li gripped a blood-soaked longsword in his hand, casting a cold gaze upon the lifeless head of Lu Yang, which still bore a vacant expression. His face remained emotionless as he signaled to the subordinates waiting outside. In an instant, a swarm of people rushed in.

Moments earlier, they had identified the foremen hidden within the crowd, and their actions were precise and targeted. Soon, those arrogant foremen were separated from the group.

Once they had captured these individuals, Su Li led his team away. That night, they didn’t get a wink of sleep as they investigated all twenty-eight factories in Changan, uncovering connections to the Five Clans and Seven Aristocratic Families.

What had appeared to be a seemingly empty prison for wrongdoers was now overcrowded. At dawn, the sky remained shrouded in darkness.

Inside a residence in Wannian County, Lu Chengqing, the head of an ancient aristocratic family known for its poetry and traditions, followed his routine. As a leader, he was expected to master the Six Arts of a Confucian gentleman.

Morning exercises had been his habit for over four decades, offering him a sense of tranquility. Suddenly, urgent knocking at the courtyard gate disrupted his routine. Lu Chengqing’s displeasure showed as he halted, focusing on the entrance.

The household’s elderly steward, accompanied by servants, hurried in. “Master, something significant has occurred!” Fear etched the old steward’s face.

Lu Chengqing’s heart raced as he inquired, “What’s happened?” The old steward had overseen the household’s affairs for generations, and his alarm indicated a grave matter.

“Just last night, Crown Prince Yongle and his group investigated all twenty-eight factories, with our forging factory at the foot of Mount Zhongnan as their primary target. Lu Yang…Lu Yang was killed by him,” the old steward revealed.

Lu Chengqing’s eyes widened in shock, and cold sweat drenched his body. The steward of their household had been murdered. Lu Chengqing had never imagined such a thing could occur in the Fanyang Lu clan. While aristocratic families were known for intrigue, violence of this magnitude was inconceivable to him.

It was too crude and didn’t align with their refined image. The news struck fear deep within Lu Chengqing, as such incidents were rare in their experience. He had never expected Su Li to be so ruthless towards members of the aristocratic families. How could he dare to target the prestigious Fanyang Lu clan?

Following the initial shock, anger welled up within Lu Chengqing. “Master, all five of our factories in Changan have been raided. Crown Prince Yongle took nearly a hundred stewards and foremen. We must formulate a plan!” the old steward urged.

Without needing further prodding, Lu Chengqing’s mind raced. Faced with this situation, his initial instinct was to mount a decisive counterattack. The honor of their aristocratic family must not be tarnished!

However, Lu Chengqing’s expression fell after contemplation, and he felt a profound disappointment. A counterattack? If they were dealing with anyone else, the power of the Fanyang Lu clan would likely force their opponent to beg for mercy, rendering them powerless.

But this time, they were up against Su Li, the only outsider to ascend to royalty in the Great Tang. Furthermore, Su Li rarely engaged in political maneuvers and had minimal dealings with court officials. He was elusive, with no discernible vulnerabilities. The Emperor held him in high favor, and they were even connected through marriage.

Given the current situation, the Emperor would undoubtedly firmly support Su Li in a conflict between the two sides. It would likely have minimal impact if accusations were raised against Su Li in court. Let’s put aside whether the imperial censors and officials could find any fault with Su Li. It wouldn’t trouble him even if they managed to nitpick and uncover some minor issues.

As for trying to damage Su Li’s reputation among the common people, there was no need to mention that. Su Li’s standing among the common people was skyrocketing. It was said that even when envoys from foreign countries arrived in the Tang Dynasty, many only heard of Prince Yongle’s name and were unfamiliar with the Emperor. Su Li’s reputation had surpassed the influence of the Five Clans and Seven Noble Families. Trying to manipulate public opinion against him in this regard would likely lead to their own embarrassment.

Regarding retaliation, it was better to discard that idea promptly. Su Li was a formidable force on the battlefield, capable of taking on countless opponents single-handedly with his strength. Attempting to assassinate him? Never mind the fact that it was a highly risky endeavor to begin with. Even if they were willing to proceed, how many people would they need to send? Sending too few would be pointless, similar to delivering vegetables. Sending too many… would it be five thousand or ten thousand? With such a large group, it would hardly be considered an assassination attempt. People would immediately suspect a rebellion, and if they pursued it, the Emperor would be the first to turn against them.

The more he contemplated it, the more desperate Lu Chengqing became. He suddenly realized that the Five Clans and Seven Noble Families had underestimated Su Li. They had always believed their ancient heritage and deep legacy made them superior and that Su Li, despite his position and influence, couldn’t compare. The difference in numbers had led them to undervalue Su Li’s capabilities, unconsciously thinking he was not worthy of being their opponent. However, when Su Li took action, Lu Chengqing realized that the aristocratic families could not counter him. They had grown complacent.

At this moment, Lu Chengqing deeply regretted his past decisions. Meanwhile, Li Er had just finished dressing in the palace and was preparing to attend the court session when a eunuch entered with a confidential report. Li Er picked up the report and casually glanced at it, but his eyes widened in astonishment.

So much had occurred overnight? Su Li had conducted investigations on twenty-eight factories, eliminated eleven individuals, and apprehended over four hundred others. What a bold move! Even Li Er couldn’t help but be somewhat amazed upon seeing these reports. He had pondered how Su Li would handle the aristocratic families. Li Er’s expertise was limited to political maneuvering, and in his lifetime, he had only engaged in such endeavors. Whether it was court intrigue or warfare, there was a gradual progression, a process of mutual testing followed by deeper engagement, leading to a decisive battle.

Li Er believed that Su Li might face difficulties against the aristocratic families. He had the power to disrupt the order, but there would still be considerations and hesitations. He wouldn’t act prematurely. Yet, Li Er had never imagined Su Li would be so audacious.

At this point, the unexpected nature of Su Li’s actions had surprised even someone as astute as Li Er. Going straight for the jugular, no beating around the bush! Just issuing a symbolic decree and swiftly drawing a sword to kill and imprison those who dared not comply was completely unconventional! It wasn’t following the usual playbook at all! But… this approach was undeniably satisfying!

At this moment, Li Er felt like he had sipped a large glass of ice-cold grape wine on a scorching summer day. That refreshing sensation emanating from within was truly indescribable. Su Li lived up to his reputation… He had succeeded! Li Er couldn’t help but burst into hearty laughter.