Despite the current tranquility in the capital, it was rife with hidden dangers.
Over the past six months, the capital had seen a massive reshuffling of personnel, and the military was no exception.
If Ye Longlin were still here, these people would certainly not dare to utter a word of dissent. They wouldn't even dare to express their dissatisfaction. But now, times had changed.
He had, after all, retired. Once retired, his influence should have been swiftly purged. Put nicely, it was to reduce his influence. Put crudely, it was the classic case of "out of sight, out of mind," nothing more.
"Since I'm back, I might as well kill a few more people."
"Honestly, I'm sometimes afraid that by the time I return, there will be no one left for me to kill."
In a high-end hotel, Ye Longlin murmured to himself as he looked in the mirror.
Xuan Niao had spread the word: at six o'clock, a banquet would be held at this hotel for those whom Yuan Gang had knelt before that day.
As soon as this statement was made, the entire capital erupted in a frenzy. The outside world buzzed with activity, but for the thirteen individuals involved, it felt like a journey to the underworld; few would return from this.
After Ye Longlin's declaration, many people began to gossip, their gazes almost universally fixed on this hotel. However, there were still two hours until six o'clock.
Ye Longlin had set aside these two hours for himself to tidy up, take a bath, change his clothes, and shave his beard.
Concurrently, at the Military Headquarters, several individuals were gathered.
"Ye Longlin is back, and Yuan Gang is still in the hospital. My suggestion is to arrest Yuan Gang directly. The evidence is already in hand. If Ye Longlin personally shows up, then send him on his way. This path is not an easy one to tread!"
"Do not underestimate Ye Longlin. While he may not hold power upon his return, his influence remains. Yuan Gang, as a titled general, is also his subordinate. Picking a fight through him is a reasonable approach. However, there's another issue: Ye Longlin's connections!
If any of the top-tier figures Ye Longlin knows appear, do you have backup plans? I don't want this matter to fail!"
"Rest assured, the Wu family and the Ye family will make their move."
The Wu family had been gradually advancing into the secular world, or rather, the Wu family was slowly approaching the secular realm. With the Ye family's assistance, no one knew what agreement they had reached.
Since that was the case, there was essentially nothing more to discuss. They all nodded and then dispersed.
The capital seemed to suddenly fall silent, without any news, and then inexplicably became ominous.
When things are unusually quiet, there's usually trouble brewing.
Many people calmed down, and many remained silent, simply waiting for the day's events to unfold. There was no doubt that today would not be peaceful.
By all rights, given Ye Longlin's temperament, he wouldn't let this matter go so easily. Furthermore, Yuan Gang had knelt before thirteen people, and as Yuan Gang's patron, Ye Longlin would surely use this incident as a catalyst, not just for Yuan Gang, but also for the dignity of a soldier!
Half-past five.
The thirteen individuals began to panic. If they went today, there might be no turning back. This was a road to the underworld!
Their phones were ringing off the hook, but there was nothing they could do. The people behind them had only one directive:
Go!
And they absolutely had to go!
Even if they didn't want to, they had to. Those behind them would not permit them to refuse.
Six o'clock.
One by one, cars pulled up. The hotel's senior management appeared, personally welcoming them.
The big shots from various departments arrived, and the hotel management dared not show any disrespect. They understood that if today's events were mishandled, these individuals might all be detained, and if they were all detained, the hotel could also be implicated.
"Director Chang, you've arrived. Please, come in, please."
"Minister Kou, please, please."
"..."
As distinguished figures arrived, their moods were exceptionally heavy. They knew that perhaps today was their last day, that their lives might have reached their end.
In the banquet hall, Xuan Niao was already seated. Yuan Gang was still receiving treatment in the hospital, as his injuries, combined with a severe cold, had worsened his condition. Prompt treatment was necessary for him to return to the battlefield sooner.
"You are all quite punctual. Good. My boss appreciates punctuality."
Xuan Niao smiled playfully as she watched them enter, her tone calm. She held no great emotional attachment to these people, as they were, in her eyes, already as good as dead.
"Where is he?"
She had intended to say Ye Longlin's name directly, but the words caught in her throat.
Xuan Niao chuckled lightly. "The boss is burning incense and bathing. He considers it a sign of respect for you all. You should feel honored."
Burning incense and bathing?
They didn't believe it. Or rather, how could someone like Ye Longlin pay attention to such things?
Of course, at this juncture, they had no choice but to believe it, even if they doubted it!
"Director Chang, I thought you wouldn't come, considering you're the elder brother of the council of rotating council members."
Chang Yuchun snorted, placing his hands behind his back. "Why wouldn't I come? Do you think I'm afraid of him? Or do you think you'll kill me?"
Xuan Niao chuckled, saying nothing more, only remarking, "I thought someone who rose from humble beginnings like you would know that the battlefield is a forge of life and death."
Her words left Chang Yuchun in deep silence.
The implication was that Chang Yuchun was the least likely person to associate with them and the least likely to be present.
This incident had originated from Yuan Gang's request for personnel support, implying that Chang Yuchun believed they all deserved to die, and that Yuan Gang deserved to die.
This was the reason for his silence.
However, none of that mattered now.
Meanwhile, at the Military General Hospital.
After Yuan Gang returned to his ward and the saline drip had just been connected, two individuals in white coats entered.
"Military Inspection."
Yuan Gang's eyes narrowed slightly.
"Master Yuan, this is an arrest warrant, issued directly from above. Will you accompany us willingly, or must we escort you?"
The two in white coats presented a document to Yuan Gang. Upon seeing it, his eyes narrowed further. This was a meticulously laid trap!
Hei Long, standing nearby, instinctively reached for his weapon upon seeing the arrest warrant. However, Yuan Gang placed a hand on him, saying with a smile, "I'll go with you. Of course, I also hope you can tell your superiors whether they can bear the ultimate consequences of this matter.
After all, my boss is back. If you intend to target my boss, then make sure he keeps his head ready, for it will be severed not long from now!"