The first step was to place the eight great families completely under the City Lord's Manor's control, ensuring they could not break free.
Then came the second step: hollowing them out from within.
At Moonwatch Tower today, although Chen Yan had appeared quite enraged, in truth, everything had gone according to his plan.
Or rather, he had been hoping these people would make mistakes.
Only by making mistakes would they give him the chance to completely seize control of these great families and truly make them the City Lord's Manor's own strength.
Before long, the grain and fodder trade within Forgotten River City would be controlled by the Wei Family, while the Zhang Family would become the Wei Family's puppet.
After that, the remaining seven great families would likewise be swallowed up by the City Lord's Manor, one by one.
The scene returned to the present.
Chen Yan looked at the young man standing before him, dressed in a crimson-purple training outfit, and nodded.
"I'll go over now."
That was what he said.
Three years had passed, and Wei Yang had grown far beyond the green youth he had once been.
Although Wei Yang always behaved with great obedience and sensibility before Chen Yan, Chen Yan had naturally heard the rumors circulating outside.
A wastrel. Arrogant. A bastard.
That was how the people of Forgotten River City judged Wei Yang.
Chen Yan merely knew of it, that was all.
He had never thought of correcting Wei Yang's behavior, because he had never thought highly of Wei Yang to begin with.
He was merely an ordinary youth whose talent could at best reach the Martial Spring Realm.
It was only because what he cultivated now was the Sea-Breaking Force that Chen Yan had improved himself.
With a little guidance, coupled with