Before Solomon and the Heavenly Path had walked far, Lu Hong tidied up the teapot and cups, then stood up to close the door.
He saw an elder standing at the entrance, chuckling. Seeing Lu Hong’s surprise and hesitation, the elder spoke: "What? Won’t you invite this old man in for a sit?"
Lu Hong had seen this visitor once before at the Luo family’s wedding, where the elder had sat alongside the Luo Family Head, his identity becoming undeniable.
"Family Head, please co in."
Indeed, it was the Clan Leader of the Dukeesa family, currently the most powerful person in Weyang City.
The Dukeesa’s Clan Leader leisurely walked into the courtyard and sat in the spot Solomon had vacated earlier.
Lu Hong brought out a new set of tea ware and began preparing tea for the elder.
After a cup of hot tea was downed, the Dukeesa Clan Leader finally spoke: "Aren’t you curious?"
Lu Hong nodded: "Indeed, logically speaking, recruiting is sothing for the younger generation to showcase themselves. Isn’t your visit... a bit too formal?"
If Lu Hong commanded a million troops and ruled over dozens of worlds, even then, he wouldn’t find it necessary for the Dukeesa Clan Leader to personally recruit him.
Lu Hong truly felt surprised by the elder’s visit: "So, you’re not here to recruit for the Dukeesa family?"
The Dukeesa Clan Leader nodded: "Exactly, bringing in talents doesn’t require my old bones to move. The visit is rely to chat with you."
Chat? Doesn’t that imply there’s more to the conversation?
Although Lu Hong wasn’t too keen on the Dukeesa Clan Leader, it didn’t stop him from feeling so respect: "What would the Clan Leader like to discuss? I will speak without reservation."
The Dukeesa Clan Leader nodded with satisfaction, then said: "I’ll call you Xiao Lu (Little Lu). Xiao Lu, after three rounds of recruitnt, you should know what’s going to happen in Weyang City next, right?"
"I know a bit."
"Then what do you think the cost will be for my Dukeesa family to control the Imperial Authority?" The Dukeesa Clan Leader squinted slightly, as though testing him.
Lu Hong pondered for a mont, then answered after organizing his thoughts: "It should be power."
From what Solomon and the Heavenly Path had said earlier, Lu Hong made his inference.
After becoming a consort, one cannot hold power or official positions. Most likely, it wouldn’t just be the consort but the entire Dukeesa family upon becoming part of the Emperor Clan.
Hearing Lu Hong’s answer, the Dukeesa Clan Leader was very pleased: "You are smart. Yes, establishing an empire for us families bound by alliances ans the primary concern is who will hold the most leading power. Even as the Tian Sheng family declines, they can still contend with my Dukeesa family, not to ntion the ambitious Luo and Su families. So even the establishnt of this Emperor Clan took three days of discussion, and only by modifying the power structure of the imperial authority slightly did most give up probing the Emperor Clan."
Indeed!
"May I ask, Clan Leader, after becoming part of the Emperor Clan, will all powers be lost?"
The Dukeesa Clan Leader shook his head slightly: "If that were the case, and the imperial authority beca symbolic, what use would my Dukeesa family have for this throne? Wouldn’t I, Du Qianfan, beco a disgrace to the Dukeesa family forever?"
After a mont’s contemplation, as if considering whether to reveal the contents, the Dukeesa Clan Leader continued. Compared to the new generation of these families, their elders had much more to say, unrestricted, and it all depended on their interests.
"The Dukeesa family holds imperial power, and the main lineage would beco the true royalties of the empire, respected by hundreds of families. Aside from maintaining their own imperial guard, the royal family isn’t allowed to form any other military forces."
"Is even an intelligence agency off-limits?" Lu Hong suddenly asked, having learned much about ancient empires in history. How could a true emperor not have a private intelligence agency? Without one, they’d be played by their ministers like a monkey.
The Dukeesa Clan Leader looked more approvingly upon hearing Lu Hong’s question: "You have a keen mind. There is an intelligence agency, but it’s not established by our royal family."
"Then... the throne..." Lu Hong left the sentence unfinished, but the aning that it wouldn’t last more than a few generations was sothing the Dukeesa Clan Leader couldn’t fail to comprehend.
"Rest assured on this. Though the intelligence agency isn’t established by the Dukeesa family, what my Dukeesa family holds is the pinnacle combat power of any clan that assus office within the empire, including all entities within the world!"
"Pinnacle combat power? A God Realm patriarch?!" Lu Hong was taken aback.
"Precisely." The Dukeesa Clan Leader’s face turned stern: "A completely stripped-down royal family would vanish within three generations. Only absolute power can suppress everything."
"If so, then what’s the point of the massive formation Weyang City is building?"
"Of course, it’s to ensure security for these families rging into the empire."
The Dukeesa Clan Leader’s response enlightened Lu Hong. Although he didn’t know how the Dukeesa family could command the allegiance of those lofty divine powers, even if half pledged, possessing many Heavenly Gods, they could crush any army and suppress the entire court. A formation that could deter gods would be their greatest safeguard.
As for the details, the Dukeesa Clan Leader didn’t elaborate, and Lu Hong saw no need to question further.
"Xiao Lu." The Dukeesa Clan Leader shifted the topic and began: "Once the empire is established, it doesn’t an all family mbers can assu office. A nascent empire requires capable and virtuous people in key positions for stability and growth. You are talented, and although you co from humble beginnings, both your skills and character are top-notch. It would be a pity if you didn’t join the court. I’m not recruiting you for the Dukeesa family, but I genuinely ca to guide you."
Oh, good gracious, after all the chatter, we’re finally getting to the point.
Lu Hong clasped his fists and bowed slightly, saying respectfully: "Please enlighten , Clan Leader!"
"Pay a visit to the Luo family. Although there is enmity, the Luo family elder agreed to reconcile, so there will be no more unpleasantness. Only the Luo family can offer you the best support."
Saying this, the Dukeesa Clan Leader patted Lu Hong on the shoulder: "Of course, I’m rely making a suggestion. Whichever family’s offer you truly want to accept is entirely up to you, and my Dukeesa family won’t interfere."
"Alright then!"
With this, the Dukeesa Clan Leader stood up and leisurely left: "Think it over well; this old man won’t require a farewell."
Although the Clan Leader said so, Lu Hong couldn’t take it literally and hurriedly accompanied him for a hundred miles, only returning after seeing him off to the gates of the Dukeesa family.
Lu Hong could never have imagined that the Dukeesa Clan Leader ca as a spokesperson for the Luo family.
Unbelievable, truly unbelievable, couldn’t predict it even if he were beaten to death.
But still...
Since the Dukeesa Clan Leader personally recomnded it, it shouldn’t be ant to harm him. Besides, Lando is from the Dukeesa family, and as her husband, though his interaction with the Dukeesa family has been brief, he could be considered part of it. Moreover, Lu Hong’s strength is recognized by most families in Weyang City. Perhaps having a chat with the Luo family wouldn’t be a bad idea.
After two rounds of conversation, night silently fell.
Lando returned to the manor with bags and baggage.
"Darling, I’m back!"
Lando called out sweetly at the entrance: "I’m exhausted. Co and help with these things!"
Awakening from his thoughts, Lu Hong quickly went to the door and, seeing the heap of chaotic items behind Lando, couldn’t help but sigh: "Did you go robbing?"
"What robbing?!" Lando playfully punched Lu Hong in the chest and then raised her brows: "My man gives money to spend, so naturally I had to satisfy my shopping desires."
"Co in." Lu Hong hoisted the bags and without caring what they contained, dumped them into the courtyard.
After securing the door, Lando threw herself eagerly into Lu Hong’s arms like a starving wolf.
It had to be said, over the past few months, their indulgence had been excessive. Even though Lu Hong had physically ascended to the God Realm, he had no choice but to consu so kidney supplents daily.
Seeing Lando’s insatiable eagerness, Lu Hong couldn’t help but reflect that it’s true there are no fields too exhausted, only oxen too tired!
"I say, can we take a break for a few days? Your husband can’t handle it!"
"No! I won’t!"
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