The Immortal Seeker: Legend of Bronze Mirror-Chapter 447 - 195: Clouds in the Blue Sky, Water in the Bottle (Please Subscribe) _2

And once he became the Emperor, he was the Sky!

...

...

"Sir, Madam of the Sea Sand Gang would like to ask for your help," Su Lianqing delivered a new piece of intelligence.

Xu Qing knew well that Madam of the Sea Sand Gang wouldn’t seek him out if it weren’t for a significant issue.

And it indicated that this problem was something even Prince Yu wouldn’t help with.

Is she being sacrificed?

Xu Qing unfolded the letter and learned about the internal problems of the Sea Sand Gang.

Madam of the Sea Sand Gang was actually the daughter of the former Gang Leader, but currently, the Sea Sand Gang lacked a leader and was headless.

Both major and minor matters were decided jointly by the Gang’s Elder and Madam.

Previously, Madam had the covert support of Prince Yu, which gave her substantial influence.

However, after the incident with the East Sea Gang, it was clear that Prince Yu’s support for Madam was dwindling.

The people in the gang noticed the change and relentlessly tested Madam, pressuring her step by step.

Now the time was ripe, and the ambitious saw it as natural to step out to become the new Gang Leader.

Moreover, the Sea Sand Gang’s collusion with the Ministry of Revenue was growing, involving ever-greater interests. No matter who became the Gang Leader, they stood to gain significantly.

They also had the backing of powerful individuals from the court.

If Madam still had the support of Prince Yu, others would naturally be wary of her.

Now, the situation was entirely different.

Even some had observed from Madam’s actions that she was now leaning on Xu Qing of Jiangning Prefecture.

To Sea Sand Gang, Xu Qing was no stranger, but in the face of interests, a name alone could not deter them. Xu Qing had his backers, and so did they.

Moreover, if Madam lost power in this upcoming major gang conference, being expelled from the Sea Sand Gang was inevitable, and her followers would be purged as well.

Xu Qing was well aware that this was a common maneuver in underworld organizations.

In terms of power and size, the Sea Sand Gang was even above the Giant Whale Gang, and for Xu Qing, who wanted to maintain connections via maritime routes and East Mountain Province, the Sea Sand Gang was essential.

The other party also had a deep official backing; forcibly annexing them was not feasible.

There was also a compelling reason he must take action.

Having just collaborated with the East Sea Gang and Gu Daoist of Fang Immortal Dao, if he couldn’t even protect Madam, it would surely shake the confidence of others like Dongming Princess.

It would also diminish his stature in the eyes of the world.

Xu Qing’s current prestige was earned through repeated struggles.

While it brought him great benefits, it also meant he could not afford to fail.

This is one of the hardest aspects of rising from the grassroots.

You can win countless times, but if you lose once, you find yourself surrounded by wolves.

Even though he is renowned across the land, he cannot afford to lose like those with the legacy of generations of high officials.

Xu Qing cannot afford to lose.

Xu Qing did not shy from acknowledging his disadvantages.

He knew that once successful, this was also his advantage; with fewer burdens, he could boldly tackle many challenges.

"Reply to her, saying I will handle this matter."

"Just that much?"

"That’s enough."

"Understood."

Su Lianqing quickly responded with a letter.

Only then did Xu Qing ask her about the specifics of the Sea Sand Gang. Knowing your enemy and yourself will ensure victory in every battle.

The more you know about your enemy, the fewer uncontrollable factors.

"Sir, should King Lin join you this time?"

Xu Qing waved his hand: "No need. In the end, brother’s status is not suitable for too many overt connections with me, as it would easily cause disputes in court."

Some actions are doable but should not be brought into the open.

Xu Qing, for now, was not at the point where he needed to upset the table; he naturally followed the rules.

Of course, if necessary, there’s no need to be so strict with the rules.

In the end, when I follow the rules with you, it’s because I’m giving you face; when I don’t, it’s because you’re not giving me face.

Things in this world are sometimes that simple.

The simpler the matter, the more it needs to be resolved with fists.

Fancy tricks often indicate insufficient force.

Currently, the issues worth Xu Qing’s cerebral efforts are not many, and the Sea Sand Gang matter is clearly not one of them.

This also serves to reduce his burden.

...

...

While Xu Qing and Su Lianqing were discussing the matter of the Sea Sand Gang, Duke Wei Mansion received an unexpected visitor.

"Let me find a way to detain Xu Gongming for a month, preventing him from going to the Sea Sand Gang?" Duke Wei hesitated after receiving a message from an ally in the capital.

Lately, he and Xu Gongming had been coexisting peacefully.

And together, they had nearly forgotten past grudges as they prospered.

But the tree desires calm, yet the wind will not cease.

Clearly, Xu Gongming, being a prominent figure, had troubled more than just himself. 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝒆𝔀𝒆𝙗𝓷𝒐𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝓶

Especially since this person was also a known supporter of Prince Yu.

"Could it be at the behest of Prince Yu?" Duke Wei temporarily placed the visitor in the guest house and returned to his study to ponder the matter.

If Prince Yu was targeting Xu Qing, wouldn’t that mean Xu Qing was in a difficult position?

But at such a time, targeting Xu Qing clearly held no benefit for the Imperial Family.

Duke Wei stared at the letter, quite indecisive.

Looking from a long-term perspective, weakening Xu Qing was extremely beneficial for Duke Wei Mansion. However, Duke Wei was well aware of Xu Qing’s capabilities, even having bested Yansheng Gong Mansion.

Although Duke Wei kept a low profile, his hidden strength was not comparable to that of Kong Mansion, but winning against Xu Qing brought no benefits for him.

"This is a rare opportunity," an evil voice seemed to whisper in the depths of Duke Wei’s heart.

Duke Wei suppressed the evil thoughts and mulled over the letter repeatedly.

In fact, he also had his people within the Sea Sand Gang.

Duke Wei was well aware of the imminent developments within the Sea Sand Gang.

He mulled over it and suddenly a thought emerged.

...

...

"Duke Wei is visiting Golden Ray Monastery to offer prayers tomorrow, and he asked to meet with me," Xu Qing felt surprised for a moment.