Wang Jingxin stood at the door.

The anxiety in his eyes was so clear that everyone could see it clearly.

The young senior official, who was likely to become a leader and even the leading figure of the Southeast Group in 20 years, was tall and straight. His features were ordinary, but his eyebrows were thick and imposing. Now he stood there quietly. Although he was a little anxious, he still had dignified authority and calmness in him.

“Secretary Wang? You’re a rare visitor.”

Li Honghe smiled. He did not get up and merely said slowly, “Please come in.”

Wang Jingxin came in. He said, walking to Li Honghe with a deep bow, “Senior Li, how do you do?”

“I’m not so good.”

Li Honghe looked at Wang Jingxin.

His voice was soft, but his content was straightforward.

The body Wang Jingxin had just straightened suddenly stiffened.

He shot a glance at Li Honghe.

Li Honghe watched him as well. His eyes were deep and peaceful, and all Wang Jingxin could see was calm.

Wang Jingxin had not expected Li Honghe to be so straightforward.

He had not expected Li Honghe to be so calm, either.

At that moment, a ridiculous idea even occurred to him.

The Sword Emperor of Zhongzhou State ranked first on the Divine List.

The God of War, as well as the Guardian of the state, ranked fifth on the Divine List.

The two men joined forces to attack an old man. Not only did they fail to kill him, but he was still sitting here, safe and sound.

What did the two do?

Were they here to drink and chat?

“I heard you were attacked last night, Senior Li…” Wang Jingxin said, but he did not finish.

…

Li Honghe interrupted him straightly and asked, smiling, “Are you disappointed to see me the way I am, Jingxin?”

Wang Jingxin’s heart missed a beat, but there was no change on his dignified face. He just said softly, “Senior Li, you’re the backbone of Zhongzhou State, who have worked hard and performed a valuable service. Your health is of great significance to Zhongzhou State. I’m relieved to see that you are all right.”

He spoke so honestly that everyone could hear a hint of relief in his tone.

Sitting beside Li Honghe, Lin Fengting smiled, shook his head, and stood up, saying, “I’m going out for a walk with Youxian.”

He got bored of getting involved in these things.

Behind such sincerity and relief were all conspiracies. Under the appearance of hypocrisy, there was no real sincerity but viciousness.

This kind of life was too tiring.

Li Honghe looked at Lin Fengting’s back.

There was a little disappointment in his eyes.

Lin Fengting took his stand through departure, though a part of the reason was about his character.

He would protect the Li family.

But the Lin Clan neither wanted to enter the secular world nor get involved in the disputes of Zhongzhou State.

The headquarters of the Lin Clan was outside Zhongzhou State. Lin Fengting was a recluse with no fixed abode, having no pursuit.

So his heart was the quietest.

If he wanted to protect someone, he didn’t need to play games, because nothing was the benefit he wanted.

Therefore, one sword strike was enough.

Li Honghe turned his eyes to Wang Jingxin.

There was only Qin Weibai in the hall, aside from Li Tianlan.

As a result, he was more direct. “So, aren’t you disappointed, Jingxin?”

Wang Jingxin seemed utterly relaxed.

He was not interested in Martial Arts, but he was as good at scheming as anyone else. On such an occasion, he naturally knew what kind of attitude he should adopt.

“Not disappointed.”

He added, “Just somewhat worried.”

“Worried?”

Li Honghe raised his eyebrows.

“For myself.”

The look in Wang Jingxin’s eyes seemed honest and plain.

He was completely telling the truth.

He had expected to come today and see Li Honghe dying from his severe wounds, but he had not expected to see a founding member so calm that as if nothing had ever happened to him.

The better the condition of Li Honghe was, the greater the trouble of the Wang family of Beihai became.

Li Honghe, who looked as if he was not seriously injured, deserved more support from some forces.

Wang Jingxin knew the internal meeting of the Giant Group last night.

He was even aware of some contents of the meeting.

The Dongcheng Clan did not know that Wang Tianzong had made no arrangements when he left Lin’an.

The old man of the Liu family suggested that Dongcheng Rushi marry Wang Jingxin, which was actually Wang Jingxin’s proposal.

But Dongcheng Wudi rejected this arrangement.

His rejection was tantamount to showing his support for the Li family.

He supported the Li family, and definitely, he would let the Wang family of Beihai pay the price.

Li Honghe was attacked in Lin’an.

Given his identity, if the higher-ups determined to find out who was to blame, Wang Jingxin, the top leader of Lin’an, was undoubtedly responsible.

The Giant Group supported the Li family and would like the Wang family of Beihai to pay the price. In that case, Wang Jingxin was the best sally port and even the most obvious one.

In the Wang family of Beihai, the collateral branch Wang Jingxin was in was not very powerful, but he was highly regarded by Wang Tianzong. Even if he were in charge, the consequences he was going to bear would not be too fatal. At worst, he would leave Lin’an and Jiangzhe.

Wang Jingxin did not want to leave.

He had been working in Lin’an for almost six years.

If he had been forced to leave the headquarters he had operated for many years because of this matter, his actual loss would have been hard to imagine, even if he had gotten a position similar to his present one elsewhere.

That was the purpose of his coming today.

He did not expect to change the Li family’s attitude toward himself.

But at the very least, he had to try something.

At present, not leaving Lin’an was his bottom line. As for the others, he was mentally prepared.

“Your worry is very reasonable.”

Li Honghe looked at Wang Jingxin gently, and his tone was almost unacceptably candid.

He was very direct.

Wang Jingxin was more direct.

Instead of answering Li Honghe, he turned to look at Li Tianlan.

“Nice to meet you, too.”

He took the initiative to reach out.

“Nice to meet you, too.”

Li Tianlan shook hands with him in a calm manner.

“Is there anything I can do for you in Lin’an?” Wang Jingxin asked directly.

…

It was not a surrender but a deal.

He was the young core force of the Wang family of Beihai, and he could never change his stand.

But that didn’t mean he couldn’t make a deal with the Li family.

Even enemies could make a deal.

And if he could stay in Lin’an, Wang Tianzong would be pleased to see that.

The sound of the helicopter whistling outside the window sounded again.

Another helicopter flew over from above.

Wang Jingxin still looked at Li Tianlan, and his eyes became dignified without anyone noticing.

“I’ll entertain Secretary Wang.”

Qin Weibai spoke at the right time, and her smile was flawless. “Tianlan, just stay here. Marshal Dongcheng is coming. Maybe he’ll bring you some unexpected presents.”

“No presents.”

Li Honghe laughed and whispered, “It’s merely an old military uniform.”

Wang Jingxin’s pupils suddenly contracted, as if they were stabbed by needles.

An old military uniform.

But that was the military uniform of Li Honghe!

Li Honghe took a look at Li Tianlan.

“You go together.”

He added, “I can entertain our distinguished guest myself.”

Li Tianlan thought for a moment and nodded. “Secretary Wang, please.”

He pointed upstairs.

There was a small living room of higher privacy upstairs.

Wang Jingxin walked behind Li Tianlan.

Qin Weibai glanced at Li Honghe before taking a step.

In the angle that Li Tianlan could not see, her eyes were cold and full of aversion.

Li Honghe frankly looked at Qin Weibai’s eyes, and his smile remained unchanged.

Qin Weibai narrowed her eyes and took a deep breath. She turned and followed behind Li Tianlan.

The third helicopter flew over the sky.

Li Honghe stood up and walked to the door.

The distance from the living room to the door was very short.

The morning wind blew into the villa along the door, bringing with it the aura of West Lake, cool and refreshing.

The turbidity in Li Honghe’s eyes began to fade away, and his eyes became clear and bright.

He was alone in the hall.

He no longer needed to cover up anything.

In plain clothes, he straightened his body, and his eyes also revealed a sharp light.

Three men who looked only middle-aged appeared in Li Honghe’s line of sight with their backs to the morning sun.

Dongcheng Wudi, Councilor of the Zhongzhou State Decision Making Committee, as well as the Minister of Army Headquarters, was in the middle.

The people on his right and left were also familiar figures to Li Honghe.

The three looked solemn.

They entered the yard and came to the door.

Li Honghe stood there quietly, his eyes serene and calm.

The three subconsciously wanted to bow to him, but Li Honghe smiled and waved his hand. “Let’s go in and talk.”

“As you wish, Uncle Li.”

Dongcheng Wudi smiled. He stood at the door, dressed in uniform, his golden rank of marshal shining in the morning light with dazzling colors, which made him look majestic.

Li Honghe turned and walked into the living room.

He resumed his previous seat.

“How about another one?” Li Honghe asked.

…

“He’s behind. As the rumor has it, he and Zhiyuan are not on good terms. They might as well go apart.”

The middle-aged man on Dongcheng Wudi’s left smiled and opened his mouth. He looked young and energetic at first glance, but in fact, he had shown some signs of old age. The wrinkles around his eyes were very dense, and his hair was dyed black with hair dye. He was the oldest of the three, so he seemed the most relaxed in front of Li Honghe.

“Zhengmin, you are in good spirits. Can you serve another term?” Li Honghe looked at him and asked with a smile.

…

“Another term? Difficult. Not to mention Zhongzhou State, even this guy is probably unwilling to let me serve another term. I’m just taking that place now to pave the way for his fine son-in-law.”

The middle-aged man named Zhengmin smiled and pointed at Dongcheng Wudi.

Dongcheng Wudi smiled but did not speak.

Wu Zhengmin.

In Jiangzhe Province of Zhongzhou State, it was definitely a well-known name. Even in the entire political arena of Zhongzhou State, this name was arguably a legend.

He was the only powerful man who had served as the top leader of one province for more than 15 years in recent decades.

He was the core force of the southeast faction and the top leader of Jiangzhe Province!

He had never entered the Decision Making Committee in his life. But in Jiangzhe, his foundation was deep beyond imagination. Even the most senior councilors would have to ponder over his words.

Wu Zhengmin was 69 years old this year. He should have retired two years ago and even five years ago, but now, he still served as the top leader of Jiangzhe steadily. With his ability and prestige, no one would doubt that he would be unable to continue serving another term, as long as his health permitted, to scrape together the 20 years he had held the supreme power in Jiangzhe.

“The Li family is in your debt.”

Li Honghe looked at Wu Zhengmin, his eyes soft.

“His Highness, it’s meaningless to talk about that. I’ve been fine these years.”

Wu Zhengmin restrained his smile and looked at Li Honghe seriously.

Dongcheng Wudi was Li Honghe’s junior.

Ning Zhiyuan, Commander of the Eastern Theater of Operations on Dongcheng Wudi’s right side, was also a junior of Li Honghe.

But Wu Zhengmin, who was 69 years old this year, was a friend of Li Honghe.

Li Honghe was a little older than Wu Zhengmin. In Li family’s heyday, Wu Zhengmin was arguably a talent that Li Honghe valued the most. In the core of the Li family, his level may not be the highest, but he was recognized as one of the most representative political forces of Li Honghe’s will.

If the Li family had not collapsed back then, Wu Zhengmin’s journey would never have stopped at Jiangzhe. In that case, he would have at least entered the Cabinet and would have at least become the first deputy prime minister of the Cabinet, even if he had missed the principal post.

However, with the collapse of the Li family, Wu Zhengmin’s official rank had never changed since them. He had become the dominator of a province from the governor of a province, but his political life had come to an end.

Despite the fact that he had remained silent these years after the Li family’s collapse.

That was the case even after Li Tianlan reappeared.

Nonetheless, he had never received the genuine trust of the Wang family of Beihai and the full support of the Southeast Group.

Wu Zhengmin said he was fine these years.

How could he be fine?

Li Honghe glanced at him deeply, turned his head, and looked at Ning Zhiyuan, who was silent.

This General of Zhongzhou State, who was also promoted by him, had the experiences diametrically opposite to those of Wu Zhengmin.

Wu Zhengmin, who had never said anything for the Li family, had never received the real trust of the Wang family of Beihai.

But over the years, Ning Zhiyuan, who had been speaking for the Li family, had been deeply trusted by Wang Tianzong. It was only in recent years that Wang Tianzong’s attitude toward him had undergone some subtle changes.

Ning Zhiyuan was ordinary–looking, low-key, and silent. As he noticed Li Honghe’s gaze, he seemed a little excited and subconsciously bowed to the latter.

“Zhiyuan, Qiancheng is not bad. I heard Donglai say Qiancheng’s dating his granddaughter. Very good. Some things don’t change over time. That brings you and Donglai closer,” Li Honghe said with a smile.

…

“It’s our children’s own business. I didn’t intervene in it, and I am very supportive of this,” Ning Zhiyuan spoke respectfully.

…

Li Honghe made a noise in agreement. He hesitated and then asked, “How has Megrez been these years? Qiancheng has been on bad terms with you all these years for his daughter, right?”

His eyes looked sad.

Dongcheng Wudi was puzzled.

Not to mention him, even Wu Zhengmin, who had never spoken for the Li family but had been absolutely standing with the latter, was somewhat puzzled.

He did not know who this so-called Megrez was, either. He could only vaguely guess that it was a code name.

“Megrez is all right.”

Ning Zhiyuan whispered, “The strength he holds now is mighty. Over the years, he has been preparing to help Tianlan in any way he can.”

“He’s worked hard.”

Li Honghe suddenly didn’t know what to say. He was silent for a long while, and then he uttered these placid words.

At that time, the Li family’s collapse came too horrifyingly and fiercely. Even Li Honghe would struggle to make some flawless future schemes. Wu Zhengmin was a part of his plans. The force he had hidden the most perfectly was a group of seven people.

That was the core, hidden power of the Li family, code-named Starry Sky.

The seven were named according to the seven stars of the Big Dipper.

Ning Zhiyuan ranked the last, codenamed Alkaid.

After more than 20 years, six of the seven were still alive.

Only Phecda was dead.

He died in Heaven Capital.

“Thank him for me.”

Li Honghe whispered, “His identity is special. I am afraid it’s hard for me to see him again. I will give Tianlan some instructions. When he returns to the Li family once again, no one will say that he is an unfaithful person. He is a hero to the Li family, and so are you.”

Ning Zhiyuan wished to speak but stopped on second thought. Finally, he nodded silently.

A slight footstep sounded.

At the entrance of the villa, a man of about forty came in.

The man was tall and burly. He was dressed in plain clothes, but his body was as straight as a sword. He looked commanding and wild.

He had a striking bald head. With his hands solemnly holding a box, he walked slowly into the living room.

“Senior Li.”

He went to Li Honghe and put the box down, his tone respectful.

“Sit down.”

Li Honghe smiled and nodded.

The bald man sat down next to Ning Zhiyuan, with no expression on his majestic face. He did not even cast a glance at Ning Zhiyuan.

“Hey, it’s okay for you to pretend in this way at ordinary times. Why do you still keep a straight face when all the people here are of the same clique? It seems to us that you do bear a deep grudge against Zhiyuan.”

Wu Zhengmin suddenly laughed and mocked him.

The bald man started, and then he smiled wryly and shook his head. “It is indeed a deep grudge. Up to now, my sister-in-law still thinks I, her brother-in-law, is a pervert. It was this bastard who told his sister that I loved her. After all these years, the misunderstanding remains.”

Ning Zhiyuan’s sister was Ning Xinyi.

Ning Xinyi was the daughter-in-law of the powerful Zhang family in Huating.

Her brother-in-law, naturally, was surnamed Zhang as well.

Zhang Qi.

Minister of the Southeast Special Warfare Headquarters of Zhongzhou State.

Zhang Qi loved Ning Xinyi, but Ning Zhiyuan married her sister to Zhang Qi’s brother Zhang Xiaohua.

This incident caused an uproar in the southeast back then, and Zhang Qi also fell out thoroughly with his family and Ning Zhiyuan. This matter was still being gossiped so far.

At that time, the Wang family of Beihai designated Zhang Qi as the Minister of the Southeast Special Warfare Headquarters in order to check and balance the expansion of Ning Zhiyuan, who had gradually been at odds with them in the Eastern Theater of Operations.

For more than 20 years, Zhang Qi and Ning Zhiyuan had rarely met each other. On the surface, their relationship was almost hostile, and they just rubbed along in public.

Today’s gathering was, too, a public occasion in the eyes of outsiders.

Li Honghe was stabbed in Lin’an.

Wu Zhengmin, the host.

Ning Zhiyuan, Commander of the Eastern Theater of Operations, who was responsible for the defense of the southeastern part of Zhongzhou State.

Zhang Qi, Minister of the Southeast Special Warfare Headquarters.

Dongcheng Wudi, the de facto number one leader of the Military.

Their identities gave them the reason to show up here to visit Li Honghe.

As for the actual scene of this visit…

Who would have thought that it was so harmonious?

Li Honghe smiled and waved his hand, knowing that Zhang Qi was joking, so he didn’t bother to say more.

He looked at the box that Zhang Qi had brought here.

The box had been opened.

There was a military uniform inside it.

The military uniform was archaic, but the old colors seemed to be stained with the aura and glory of endless blood and fire.

The old-fashioned marshal rank of Zhongzhou State was pinned onto the military uniform, glittering with golden light.

This was the military uniform that belonged to Li Honghe.

Everyone’s attention was concentrated on this military uniform.

“When will the meeting begin?” Li Honghe asked softly.

…

“One o’clock in the afternoon,” Dongcheng Wudi replied.

…

Li Honghe was attacked, and that was a big event. The Decision Making Committee had already released the meeting time last night.

Li Honghe gently reached out.

His hand was placed on the military uniform, and his face was nostalgic.

The sound of Li Honghe sounded in the quiet living room, without the slightest hesitation.

“I am going to change clothes,” he said.

…

A sharp light flashed through the eyes of Dongcheng Wudi, Wu Zhengmin, Zhang Qi, and Ning Zhiyuan simultaneously.

The four stood up at the same time, bent, and bowed deeply.

The distinct and steady voice swept the entire living room in a moment, tough and raging.

“Welcome back to Youzhou, Your Highness!”

After a lapse of more than 20 years, Li Honghe returned to Youzhou again.

…

His fingers touched the marshal badge on the military uniform, and he turned his head to the north.

The north was West Lake.

West Lake rippled suddenly.

The wind from the south blew to the north. It became more and more fierce and seemed never to stop.