Chapter 1260

"The interesting thing is… the trade with the Kingdom of Taji and the Kingdom of Lei Dun is being handled indirectly by the City Lord's Manor, which only charges a small intermediary fee. Because of that, those merchant caravans haven't spread the word widely — it only circulates among very few people, and those involved have been warned not to speak of it outside."

Iron Fist reported truthfully. Li Li Changan flicked open the jade fan in his hand, a teasing glint flashing through his eyes.

"Indeed interesting!"

"In other words, the City Lord's Manor played matchmaker in the middle, shifting all the trade that originally went to the Kingdom of Chirperi over to the Kingdom of Taji and the Kingdom of Lei Dun. That way, those merchant caravans still have their income — only the goods are being sold in a different place.

"No wonder she didn't know about this. General Shenwei reacted fast enough — block the news at the source. As long as those merchants stand to profit, they don't care who they trade with."

"The Emperor Tianwu Empire has always been on good terms with the Kingdom of Chirperi. Not only in social structure and customs, but in every aspect — even in national development — the two countries share a great many similarities, which has brought them close together."

"On the contrary, relations with the Kingdom of Taji and the Kingdom of Lei Dun have never been particularly good, and in some respects the two sides are practically like fire and water."

"This conduct — General Wei has definitely overstepped his bounds!"

"Considering the Kingdom of Chirperi's special geographical position, once the Kingdom of Taji destroys the Kingdom of Chirperi, the Empire will be directly facing the entire Western Kingdoms!"

"The Western Kingdoms' wolfish ambitions toward the Empire — their hearts must be cut out!"

"Hundreds of years ago, the Western Kingdoms were already eyeing the Empire covetously. They once raised an army of a million to invade, but because of the Kingdom of Chirperi's special canyon position, the million troops couldn't all pass through at once — only a small portion could get through — which caused the Western Kingdoms' plan to fall apart entirely."

"Now the Empire's interior is in a time of rising winds and stirring clouds; the Western Kingdoms must still be scheming."

"The terrifying thing is that within the Empire there are actually people who don't care about this!"

"Your Highness, what do we do now?"

"Father would absolutely never allow the Kingdom of Chirperi to be destroyed. General Shenwei has overstepped his bounds in this matter!"

"Unbelievable — General Shenwei actually betrayed Father! There must be someone backing him!" If Li Li Changan hadn't heard that the City Lord's Manor was playing matchmaker between the merchant caravans of the Empire and the kingdoms of Taji and Lei Dun, she would never have believed that General Shenwei — one of the Four Great Army Groups — had betrayed Father!

"Fierce Tiger, Heavy Sword — you two stay behind and secretly protect Prince Perochechia! This matter is grave; I must go back!"

"Then what do I do?" Iron Fist asked.

"You go monitor those merchant societies that have been in contact with the Kingdom of Lei Dun and the Kingdom of Taji, to guard against the City Lord's Manor killing everyone off. When necessary, rescue the key figures to serve as human witnesses!"

Yes!

Night!

General Shenwei inside the City Lord's Manor received the relevant news.

"General, today someone was investigating the trade between the merchant caravans and the kingdoms of Taji and Lei Dun. I suspect — General Shenwei's other adjutant, Adjutant Xia, hesitated to speak."

General Shenwei Wu Hongtian let out a cold laugh.

"No wonder that wretch Li Li Changan left without saying a word — so she discovered something. But it doesn't matter. Execute Plan B. Inform the Young Master to be ready."

Yes!

The special letter was sent out by carrier pigeon. After reaching another pair of hands, it was transferred several times before reaching a spatial mage who routinely disguised himself as a pauper, and from there the letter was sent straight to the Imperial Capital.......

That very night, one of General Shenwei's trusted confidants, Adjutant Lin Yan, led a large force of city guards under the pretext of tax evasion and raided the merchant society's quarters, taking away all the society heads and team leaders who had secret trade with the Kingdom of Taji and the Kingdom of Lei Dun.

The operation was so swift that the belated Iron Fist could only step forward openly to stir up chaos, then in the confusion took away one of the society heads — the very person who had told Iron Fist the truth earlier.

This scene enraged Adjutant Lin Yan. To brazenly take a key criminal away right under the city guards' noses — they clearly didn't take them seriously at all.

General Shenwei was so furious he ordered a citywide arrest. At such a critical moment, someone still dared to snatch someone away — without even thinking, it had to be that wretch Li Li Changan's people who took the society head.

"General, there's no need to worry. Only one was taken, and the other party can't even leave the city — what's there to fear?" Adjutant Xia said softly to soothe him. "What's important is… what should we do with these society heads who have had contact?"

"Need you even ask?" Killing intent flashed through Wu Hongtian's eyes as he made a slitting-the-throat gesture.

"Then replace them with a new batch?" Adjutant Xia ventured.

After all, cooperating with the people of Taji and Lei Dun can still bring them considerable profit.

"Mm, with you here I feel at ease." Wu Hongtian's right hand patted Adjutant Xia's waist.

"Come to my room tonight."

"Yes, General."

A flash of disgust crossed Adjutant Xia's face for an instant, but he still pretended to cheerfully agree. The next day.

In the court of the Imperial Capital's Imperial Palace, an official who had been tipped off in advance by someone immediately presented a memorial..