Lian Zhuping possessed neither formidable martial strength nor deep roots in Qi State. Over the years, the Lian Family had naturally built up its own foundations, but given the special nature of the family business, its principal connections lay within the military.
As for the Chongxuan Family's influence in the military... it could press a family like the Lian Clan down a hundred times, a thousand times.
The resources the two sides could mobilize were simply not on the same level. There was no need to demonstrate any gap in strategy or intellect.
To Chongxuan Sheng, the Lian Clan had never been a difficult game to play. The only questions he needed to consider were what role the Lian Family could serve, and when it would be most appropriate for him to close the game.
The opportunity to attack Xia came once in a century. Whatever plans he had previously made had to yield before this war—the so-called "following Heaven and seizing the time."
Thus, after picking up Jiang Wang outside the Qi King Palace, he came straight to Nanyao City.
The entire process by which the Lian Clan seized power contained not the slightest trace of any so-called heart-stirring spectacle.
It began abruptly and ended cleanly.
Lian Zhuping burned himself to death within the Ancestral Hall.
Outside the Ancestral Hall, Lian Que announced the end of the Life Tablet system.
Like an autumn wind sweeping away fallen leaves.
There was hardly any sorrow or joy to speak of.
Nothing more than an old wish fulfilled; nothing more than the high spirits of youth once shared in a wine tavern.
And just as Lian Que formally took control of the Lian Clan's power...
The Emperor of Qi's edict had descended!
Cao Jie was appointed commander-in-chief for the campaign against Xia,