"The dangers involved could be discerned the moment the ancestors heard it. In September, the late Emperor met with disaster; unrest sprang up in the southwest, Fujian, and along the eastern coast, not to mention the north," Zhang Liuzhen said gravely. "The entire north was in chaos, its currents tangled and muddied. It was the second most dangerous place, and Aunt Li went north. The east was the third most dangerous place, and Zhang Ziming was sent east..."
Zhang Liuzhen's gaze sharpened further as he said in a deep voice, "Everyone knows in their hearts which place was more dangerous. As for his claim that I laid ambushes along the way—Ancestors, I, Zhang Liuzhen, have always acted openly and aboveboard. No matter what grudges I have with the second branch, they should remain within this residence. As the Heir of the Celestial Master's Mansion, I believe I possess at least this much tolerance."
Approval flickered in Zhang Shangde's eyes, while the Celestial Master's Mansion disciples surrounding them with swords in hand also gained a glimmer of respect in their eyes as they looked at Zhang Liuzhen.
Pan Yun raised an eyebrow and only then seriously examined the people encircling them.
Most were unfamiliar faces, between twenty and forty years old. They were likely forces the Celestial Master's Mansion had hidden away, or people transferred back from elsewhere.
These people were the backbone of the Celestial Master's Mansion. If Zhang Liuzhen could gain their support, half his position would be secure.
As for the other half...
Pan Yun looked toward the two silent ancestors.
She could not resist curling her lips in mockery. She swept a glance over Xuan Miao and Tao Ji, then darted forward with the speed of thunder, too swift to cover one's ears, and struck his Dantian