Chapter 196: The Adopted Son Volunteers

Just as Lu Anxiang's spirit was about to collapse, the room door was gently pushed open.

A tall figure appeared at the doorway. Lu Xuan wore a crisp uniform, shiny shoulder boards, and his back was straight like a pine. He was in his early thirties, with a resolute face and sharp eyes that held a touch of steadiness. This formed a stark contrast to the chaos inside and Lu Anxiang's disheveled state.

He stepped in with steady strides, his military boots making a faint sound on the floor. That particular military aura of stern righteousness seemed to dispel the room's gloom.

"Father, I'm back." Lu Xuan walked up to Lu Anxiang, bowed slightly. His voice wasn't loud, yet it carried an indescribable strength.

Lu Anxiang looked up, saw him, and was momentarily stunned. This adopted son, who usually guarded the Nanjiang border and rarely returned home, had suddenly appeared, filling him with mixed feelings.

"What are you back for?" he snapped, waving his hand irritably. "Come to laugh at me? Get out!"

Lu Xuan remained unmoved, showing no anger. He stood straight, eyes like torches, voice still calm: "Father, I've heard about what happened to my younger brother. Lin Yu of Shen City acts recklessly, his methods are ruthless. Direct confrontation or simply meeting his monetary demands is likely not the best approach."

"Then what do you suggest?!" Lu Anxiang jumped up, his voice hoarse. "Are we supposed to wait to die?! Tomorrow Lin Yu will have 'parts' delivered to me!"

Lu Xuan locked eyes with his father. In the candlelight, his gaze was exceptionally deep— the calm and wisdom forged over years on the battlefield, forming a stark contrast to his spoiled younger brother.

"Father, please calm down." He spoke slowly, his voice steady and strong: "I am not talented, but I wish to set out immediately for Shen City to meet Lin Yu. First, I will try to mediate, see if we can lower the ransom and keep my younger brother safe; second, I can also gauge his true nature, providing a basis for your future decisions. Perhaps there is still room for a turnaround."

His words were clear and orderly, his attitude neither humble nor arrogant. A gleam flashed in his sharp eyes. This adopted son, who usually kept to himself, now displayed a presence and courage that made Lu Anxiang involuntarily startle.

The attendant stared, dumbfounded. Who would have thought that this adopted son, who had hurried back from the border, would dare to volunteer to face Lin Yu, who even gives the Governor a headache?

Lu Xuan stood there, posture straight as a spear, like a drawn sword. His proposal seemed risky but hid hidden depths. This soldier, who had lived and died on the battlefield, was clearly no mere peacemaker.

Lu Anxiang froze, his hot temper doused like a bucket of cold water. He eyed suspiciously this adopted son, who was not usually particularly close to him.

"You?" His tone full of doubt, his eyes sharp as a knife, as if trying to see into Lu Xuan's heart. "You go? Lin Yu doesn't even regard me; would he listen to you?"

He rose and paced back and forth in front of Lu Xuan. His thoughts raced: What is this kid up to? Always reclusive, why volunteer now— to show off? Or does he think Lu Xiao won't return, seeking to get ahead?

But then he thought: letting Lu Xuan go would at least buy some time. What if... what if they could actually reach a deal? Even if they couldn't, there seemed little loss. Most importantly, perhaps they could temporarily avoid paying those twenty million!

"Do you have confidence?" Lu Anxiang stopped pacing, turned and stared at Lu Xuan. His voice unconsciously gained a hint of hope, but his eyes remained wary.

Lu Xuan's expression remained normal, neither humble nor arrogant: "I dare not say I have full confidence, but I must try. I also have some minor connections in Shen City that might prove useful. Please, Father, give me a chance."

His words were watertight, neither boastful nor lacking, giving a glimmer of hope. This seasoned way of speaking actually made Lu Anxiang's doubts weigh heavier.

When did this adopted son become so smooth?

Lu Anxiang stared at Lu Xuan for a long while. In his bloodshot eyes, madness gradually gave way to a hint of hope, like clutching a lifeline. Yet his vigilance and suspicion did not lessen.

"Smack!"

He slammed the table: "Good! You go! I give you this opportunity! Ask for whatever manpower you need!"

Before his words faded, he lunged forward, nearly pressing his face to Lu Xuan's, voice cold: "But remember, you must bring Xiao back intact! If you dare play any tricks, or collude with Lin Yu..."

The threat went unspoken, but the fierceness in his eyes said enough. This Nanjiang Governor, facing his own adopted son, still held a deep-rooted vigilance.

Lu Xuan retreated half a step without changing expression, bowed slightly: "Father, rest assured. I will devote myself fully and bring my younger brother back safely as soon as possible."

His tone was respectful, yet his straight spine and calm eyes betrayed an unfathomable depth.

Night grew deeper.

The Sun family's cash convoy continued forward on the rough side road. Inside the carriage, the heavy gold and silver boxes emitted a dull thud.

The escorts, grim and resolute, understood this was not just a simple transport mission.

The convoy leader looked up at the sky. In two days they would reach Shen City; then this shipment would be delivered on time into Lin Yu's hands.

And then? He recalled Sun Dingyuan's deep gaze before departure. This shrewd five-province governor had clearly already seen further into the future.

Meanwhile, hundreds of li away at the Nanjiang Governor's residence.

Lu Xuan was simply packing. He took only a few changes of clothes, but carefully selected several books from the study and placed them in his suitcase.

"Young master," the attendant whispered, "I have already picked ten elite soldiers, veterans brought back from the frontier, ready to depart at any time."

Lu Xuan nodded, his eyes on the map on the wall: "Prepare two vehicles—one will openly take the main road, the other will take me via backroads. Upon reaching Shen City, we will also split up."

"Yes." The attendant hesitated, "Young master, the old master..."

"No need to worry about Father." Lu Xuan said lightly, "He's only concerned about my younger brother's safety and that twenty‑million ransom."

He closed the suitcase, his eyes deep: "As for the rest, we'll talk about it when we reach Shen City."

Two forces were converging from different directions toward that storm‑centered city.

One convoy carried the heavy ransom, symbolizing Sun Dingyuan's submission and scheming; a young officer bearing an unknown mission represented Lu Anxiang's last hope—or perhaps another danger.

They were all heading for Shen City. That city, gripped in the hand of the ambitious Lin Yu, was like a vast whirlpool swallowing anyone who dared approach. Money, power, intrigue, kinship—all churned and collided in that vortex.

And this was merely the prelude to the storm.