With something this big happening, it was hard to keep the news completely under wraps.
Besides, the Sunflame Daoist Grounds had never intended to hide it in the first place.
In less than half a day, everyone in Martial Might Commandery City knew what had happened.
Naturally, the ordinary citizens did not want to see the great families gain the upper hand.
Otherwise, things might well return to how they had been under Lü Suhu's rule.
But since Lu Mian had given them three days, the people could only remain silent for now and wait to see how things stood when those three days were up.
They still believed Lu Mian could handle the matter, feeling that those great families would not be able to stir up much trouble under his watch.
Another two and a half days passed in this strange atmosphere.
The great families seemed to have no intention of backing down. Their people still did not report for duty with the City Guard.
Lu Mian, on the other hand, seemed somewhat flustered.
On the evening of the third day, he made a decision: he would hold a banquet at the Four Seas Tavern and invite Huang Tonghe, Zhao Lifang, and the other patriarchs.
For a moment-
The instant the news broke, Martial Might Commandery City erupted.
Everyone understood.
Lu Mian was about to lay his cards on the table with the great families.
Whether it would be war or peace would largely depend on tonight's outcome.
Huang Tonghe and the others had no intention of retreating either. Not one made an excuse to stay away; they all accepted.
The He Family's study.
After hearing that Lu Mian would hold a grand banquet that evening to negotiate, He Wen remained perfectly calm, simply reading in his study.