You get Lu Bu as your starting character.

Chapter 291 Master, Cao Zhengchun has arrived with an imperial decree.
The Hall of Nourishing Heart.

The news that the two worldly men who visited the Langya Wang family attacked Cao Shaoqin and were subsequently subdued by him has already been placed on the imperial desk.

Zhou Chen flipped through the messages, his expression remaining largely unchanged.

From the very beginning, Zhou Chen knew in his heart that, given the arrogance and swagger of those worldly people, they would absolutely not obediently follow the imperial court's orders.

The reason Zhou Chen issued an edict ordering those worldly people to register their identities at the Eastern Depot in Luoyang was simply to find an excuse to take action against them.

This is a blatant and overt scheme.

Now it seems that those worldly people were indeed as Zhou Chen thought, and did not take the imperial decree seriously at all.

This was exactly what Zhou Chen wanted.

Zhou Chen wasn't afraid of these worldly people resisting; what he feared was that they wouldn't resist.

If these worldly people obediently followed the imperial decree, Zhou Chen would really have a headache about how to deal with them.

After glancing at the messages, Zhou Chen put them aside and continued processing the memorials.

Zhou Chen has already made arrangements for those who are involved in worldly affairs.

With the likes of Lü Bu, Zhao Yun, and Taishi Ci taking action, Zhou Chen believed that defeating those worldly people would not be a problem.

……

Lingnan.

Song family.

Inside the council chamber.

The head of the Song family sat in the main seat.

Below sat the heads of various branches of the Song family.

The Song family patriarch looked at the heads of the various branches present and said in a deep voice, "You all know about the news from the imperial court."

"The emperor in the palace forbids all aristocratic families from having any contact with worldly people, and this includes our Song family."

"What do you think about this matter?"

"What are your thoughts on what choices the Song family should make next?"

The Song family patriarch looked at everyone present.

As one of the four major clans, the Song family naturally had excellent information channels.

In addition, there is Song Li, the Marquis of Donghuang who separated from the group.

Therefore, not long after Zhou Chen issued his decree targeting those who were involved in worldly affairs, the Song family received the news immediately.

"Chieftain, is there even a need to say it?"

“Our Lingnan Song family is a branch of the Tianshan Song clan. Why should the imperial court prevent our Song family from contacting the main family? Isn’t this just meddling in other people’s business?”

One of the people in charge spoke up.

“That’s right. You can’t write two Song characters in one stroke. Our Lingnan Song family and the main family are one. Of course, our Lingnan Song family will follow the main family’s wishes.”

Several people in charge spoke up, agreeing.

Upon hearing this, the person in charge at the head of the table on the right sneered: "Don't forget, although our Lingnan Song family is a branch of the main family, we have actually separated from the main family long ago. Apart from the main family members visiting our Lingnan Song family every time they enter the world, we have no other interaction with the main family."

"In other words, our Lingnan Song family and the main family are already considered two independent families."

"The person from our master's family who has entered the world this time has a significant purpose; it concerns the rise and fall of our entire Lingnan Song family."

The words of this person in charge were met with nods of agreement from the remaining people in charge.

Even the Song family patriarch, sitting in the main seat, had a somewhat uncertain look in his eyes after hearing this.

The Song family patriarch was also somewhat unsure of what to do because of the issues raised by the person in charge.

Logically speaking, as a branch family member, one should obey the wishes of the main family.

However, the relationship between the Song family in Lingnan and the main family has long since deteriorated to a mere formality over time.

They were like two separate families, with no connection whatsoever; they were just nominally related.

Now the main family wants to use the Lingnan branch to compete in the secular world, which is no small matter.

One wrong move and the entire Song family of Lingnan could be ruined.

"No matter how much you say, it doesn't change the fact that our Lingnan Song family is a branch of the main family."

"Does our Song family of Lingnan dare to disobey our master's wishes and instead obey the imperial decree?"

The person in charge who spoke first glanced at the person in charge at the right and said.

As soon as these words came out.

The Song family patriarch, sitting in the main seat, was visibly shaken.

Yes!

In short, the Song family of Lingnan was an offshoot of the main family.

Could it be that the Song family of Lingnan could stand against the main family and help those worldly members of the royal family?
In an instant, the Song family patriarch's mood brightened.

Previously, the Song family patriarch was being a bit stubborn, but now he has figured it out.

This time, the Song family of Lingnan could not stand idly by as those worldly people vied for power in the secular world.

The only path for the Song family in Lingnan was to follow in the footsteps of their master.

Having figured this out, the Song family patriarch looked at the heads of the various branches present and said, "What you all say makes sense, but the fact that my Lingnan Song family is a branch of the main family cannot be changed."

"The fact that our Song family of Lingnan has become one of the four great clans in the secular world is also due to the influence of our main family."

"Young Master Xingyu said he would help improve the strength of our Lingnan branch."

"Furthermore, our Lingnan branch will be completely incorporated into the main family and return to the main family."

The Song family patriarch's words immediately stirred up quite a storm among the heads of the various branches of the Song family.

None of the leaders of these branches expected that their Lingnan Song family would be able to return to the embrace of their master.

As for enhancing the strength of the Lingnan branch, the leaders of these branches did not care.

What they care about is returning to their home.

You should know that once you return to your master's house, it's like opening the door to the heavens.

The Song family of Lingnan will not be trapped by worldly affairs.

"Chieftain, is this true?"

"Can our Lingnan Song family really return to the main family in the future?"

The heads of these various branches all stared intently at the Song family patriarch in the main seat.

They were waiting for the Song family patriarch's reply.

This event was of extraordinary significance not only to them, but also to the entire Song family of Lingnan.

"Yes, the Lingnan branch will be completely incorporated into the main family and return to the main family."

Before the Song family patriarch could speak, Song Xingyu walked into the council hall.

After entering the council hall, Song Xingyu looked at the leaders of the Lingnan branch and said, "Not only our Song family, but also the other three major secular clans and the royal family will be completely incorporated into their main family and returned to their main family."

"In other words, this secular competition not only involves secular interests, but also concerns the interests of the entire Tianshan Mountains."

"From now on, the worldly order will no longer be dominated by the so-called royal Zhou family."

Song Xingyu's words were very subtle.

But these people present were all seasoned shrewd individuals who had weathered many storms over the years; how could they not discern the hidden meaning within?

At this moment, these worldly members of the Song family realized that the so-called return to the main family was actually the main family in Tianshan trying to swallow up their secular branches. As for why those people in Tianshan now valued the secular world so much, that remained a mystery.

After Song Xingyu finished speaking, the Song family patriarch also spoke up, "You all heard what Young Master Xingyu said, right?"

"Not only our Song family, but also the other three major clans and the royal family will be incorporated into their respective main families in the future."

"In other words, from now on, whether it's the other three major clans or the royal family, they will all act according to the wishes of their respective masters."

"Therefore, our Song family of Lingnan should naturally follow suit and obey the master's will from now on."

The Song family patriarch's words were tantamount to a final decision.

This was said by the Song family patriarch to another group of people in charge who held dissenting opinions.

As the head of the Song family in Lingnan, the decision made by the Song family patriarch was essentially finalized, and no one could object to it.

Those in charge who held dissenting opinions stopped talking after hearing this.

The Song family patriarch looked at Song Xingyu; "Young Master Xingyu, what do you think we need to do next?"

Having made the decision, the Song family patriarch no longer hesitated.

"Elder Song, let's talk about other things later. Let's talk about the Marquis of Donghuang first."

"If I remember correctly, the Marquis of Donghuang should also be a member of our Song family, right?"

Song Xingyu looked at the Song family patriarch and asked.

The Song family patriarch nodded; "That's right, Marquis Song Li of the Eastern Wilderness is a member of my Song family."

"However, that branch of theirs has already separated. What does Young Master Xingyu mean..."

The Song family patriarch looked at Song Xingyu with a questioning gaze.

Song Xingyu's eyes flickered; "Whether he has separated or not, as long as he is a member of my Song family, that's fine."

"If the hundreds of thousands of soldiers of the Eastern Wilderness could all obey the orders of my Song family, it would be of great help to our Song family in our future competition with other forces."

In the past few days, Song Xingyu has learned about the Song family and the entire Great Zhou Dynasty.

Song Xingyu was somewhat surprised to learn that Song Li, the Marquis of Donghuang, was a member of the Song family.

In worldly competition, the main force is still worldly power, and these people generally won't take action.

If they could control all of the hundreds of thousands of Eastern Wilderness troops, the Song family would have the greatest advantage over the other contenders.

Of course, this excludes the royal court.

Upon hearing Song Xingyu's words, the Song family patriarch immediately understood what Song Xingyu meant.

However, the branch of Marquis Song Li of the Eastern Wilderness had already separated from the Song family and no longer had much contact with them.

Although the branch of Marquis Song Li of the Eastern Wilderness originated from the Song family, the Song family patriarch could not guarantee that Marquis Song Li of the Eastern Wilderness would obey the Song family and be willing to stand on the opposite side of the imperial court.

The Song family patriarch was about to speak.

at this time.

The Song family's butler hurriedly entered the council hall.

"Master, Cao Zhengchun has arrived with an imperial decree and is currently outside the gate."

The butler entered the council hall and hurriedly spoke to the Song family patriarch.

Generally, the steward would not easily disturb a family meeting like the Song family's.

But when Cao Zhengchun arrived with an imperial decree, the steward had no choice but to enter the council hall to report the matter.

"what?"

Upon hearing this, the Song family patriarch's expression changed.

The same applies to the other heads of various branches of the Song family present.

None of them expected that Cao Zhengchun, the supervisor of the Eastern Depot, would suddenly come to the Song family with an imperial decree.

At this time, Cao Zhengchun came to the Song family with an imperial decree. The Song family patriarch and others didn't need to think much to guess what Cao Zhengchun's purpose was in coming to the Song family.

Only Song Xingyu and the other two remained calm, though a hint of surprise flashed in their eyes.

“Young Master Xingyu, Cao Zhengchun has arrived with an imperial decree, which is probably related to matters concerning those involved in worldly affairs.”

"I'll go out and take a look first."

As the head of the Song family spoke, he stood up.

"Old Song, let's go together!"

"I also want to see what kind of decree those worldly members of the royal family have given to the Song family."

Song Xingyu said calmly.

Song Xingyu and the others were aware of the imperial decree issued by the court to those who were engaged in worldly affairs.

Song Xingyu wanted to see what kind of decree those worldly members of the royal family had given to the Song family.

Upon hearing this, the Song family patriarch nodded.

Cao Zhengchun is very strong. If Cao Zhengchun tries to intimidate others with his strength again, Song Xingyu and the others can stop him with their help.

The Song family patriarch glanced at the heads of the various branches present and waved his hand; "You may all leave now!"

After saying that, the Song family patriarch walked directly out of the council hall.

Song Xingyu and the others followed closely behind and went out.

However, the heads of the various branches of the Song family present left first, following the instructions of the Song family patriarch.

……

Outside the main gate of the Song Mansion.

Cao Zhengchun stood with his hands behind his back.

Standing behind him was the Black Flag Team, the most elite force of the Eastern Depot.

Cao Zhengchun's main purpose in coming to the Song family in Lingnan was to target the worldly person in charge of the Song family.

In Emperor Zhou Chen's view, the greatest threat to the court from those worldly people who wanted to seize worldly power came from the top aristocratic families.

Just like the four great clans, powerful families like the Langya Wang family are deeply rooted in the Great Zhou Dynasty and have considerable influence.

Once these top aristocratic families align themselves with or obey those who have entered the world of politics, the threat they pose to the imperial court should not be underestimated.

Therefore, Zhou Chen's first targets were the four major clans and top-tier aristocratic families like the Langya Wang family.

Zhou Chen sent Cao Zhengchun to the Song family in Lingnan in person.

Zhou Chen transferred Lü Bu and Zhao Yun to the other three major clans.

With Lü Bu and Zhao Yun taking action, even if the heads of the three major clans rebelled, Lü Bu and Zhao Yun could suppress them.

As long as the worldly figures of the three major clans are subdued, these clan forces will not dare to act recklessly.

Cao Zhengchun stood silently at the gate, and the Black Flag team behind him was also silent.

This put considerable psychological pressure on the guards of the Song residence.

The guards of the Song residence all watched Cao Zhengchun and his group cautiously, keeping a watchful eye on them.

They could all sense from Cao Zhengchun that his visit to the Song family this time seemed to be ill-intentioned.

Footsteps echoed from within the mansion.

Cao Zhengchun glanced at the wary guards of the Song residence, but paid them no heed. Instead, he looked in the direction from which the footsteps were coming from.

Under Cao Zhengchun's gaze, the Song family patriarch walked out of the mansion, followed by three distinguished young men in brocade robes.

(End of this chapter)