“I’d like to see how you explain yourself!”
Lu Fan said coldly and stepped towards the City Lord’s mansion. The situation outside the mansion was having a very bad influence.
At the same time, Steward Wu hurried to follow, feeling more and more terrified. He had not expected Lu Fan to truly be the King of the Northwest, and such a young King of the Northwest was truly impressive.
The strength Lu Fan had displayed earlier was also extraordinary; otherwise, Steward Wu wouldn’t have been so shocked, even feeling a stir in his eyes.
“Steward Wu, what should we do next? We won’t survive if we offend the King of the Northwest!”
Qian Dafu said quickly, looking increasingly desperate. He had never imagined things would turn out this way; it had caught him completely off guard, and he was deeply worried.
“It’s alright, the City Lord can handle it!” Steward Wu waved his hand, appearing quite confident, as if everything was under his control.
Facing these words, Steward Wu frowned, unsure of what to do. He didn’t believe the Lord of Dragon City could easily resolve this, especially given the significant impact of the matter.
Furthermore, Lu Fan was from the Northwest, and if he became displeased, it would undoubtedly cause endless trouble.
Upon entering the City Lord’s mansion, the Lord of Dragon City cupped his fists and chuckled, “King of the Northwest, you’ve had a long and arduous journey. I’ve already ordered a banquet to be prepared, and delicious food should be here shortly!”
“I’m not concerned with these things. What I care about is why you acted this way, arbitrarily changing the taxes in Dragon City and causing the people to suffer!” Lu Fan said coldly. “Do you understand the consequences of your actions?”
“King of the Northwest, you jest. In truth, these spirit stones are allocated layer by layer, and indeed, quite a lot reaches our hands.”
The Lord of Dragon City smiled slightly and said to Lu Fan, “Most of the spirit stones from Dragon City’s taxes are remitted to the King of the Northwest’s mansion. This means your mansion possesses a large number of spirit stones, which is a great advantage for you, King of the Northwest. What I did was all for you, King of the Northwest!”
“I haven’t even taken office yet, and you’ve already done such splendid work!” Lu Fan said coldly. “In other words, you altered the taxes arbitrarily because you wanted to embezzle spirit stones. I believe I’m correct?”
“King of the Northwest, please be clear. Eighty percent of the spirit stones are handed over to the King of the Northwest. This subordinate has absolutely no intention of misappropriating them!”
The Lord of Dragon City quickly cupped his fists. “After all, this belongs to the King of the Northwest; how could I dare to covet it.”
“When did I ever say I wanted those spirit stones?” Lu Fan narrowed his eyes, looking directly at the Lord of Dragon City, his gaze filled with anger.
The Lord of Dragon City’s words had shifted all the blame onto him. How could Lu Fan possibly accept this? After all, he was to represent the Northwest and should set an example; how could he allow his subordinates to do such things?
“King of the Northwest, you need not worry too much. This matter will not reach the higher authorities!”
The Lord of Dragon City spoke again. “Moreover, the Northwest is a great distance from the imperial capital, so you, King of the Northwest, have no reason to worry. Besides, these spirit stones can enhance cultivation, which is an extremely important treasure for you, King of the Northwest!”
“It seems you have been trying to figure out my intentions all along!”
Lu Fan narrowed his eyes, a cold glint within them. “However, by speaking first, you have made me extremely displeased. Have you ever considered the consequences?”
“King of the Northwest, what I did was all for you. You cannot betray me!” The Lord of Dragon City quickly cupped his fists.
But in that instant, Lu Fan grabbed the Lord of Dragon City and brought him close, his eyes sharp and piercing. “You have such audacity! Without my permission, you dare to act recklessly and then pin the blame on me. Do you truly think I’m easy to bully?”
“This subordinate has absolutely no such intention. I implore the King of the Northwest to see clearly!” The Lord of Dragon City cupped his fists. “Everything I did was for you, King of the Northwest. If you do not appreciate it, I have nothing to say, but please do not blame me!”
“Such noble words! If you gained no benefit, why would you do these things!” Liu Ruyan said coldly. “Now that the matter is exposed, you speak so righteously, as if one must believe you!”
“Since Your Excellency does not believe me, there is nothing I can do!” The Lord of Dragon City said with a wry smile. “However, having managed Dragon City for many years, I understand certain matters. I hope you, King of the Northwest, can give me another chance!”
“Guards, throw him into prison!” Lu Fan’s voice was cold. He would absolutely not tolerate such a black sheep, especially one like the Lord of Dragon City.
The guards within Dragon City exchanged glances but did not move. They remained standing in place, as if Lu Fan’s orders held no sway over them.
“What, are my words not effective?” Lu Fan’s expression was cold and filled with displeasure as he looked towards the guards.
Seeing this, the guards all lowered their heads, not daring to say anything more, yet also not daring to act rashly. The Lord of Dragon City was their superior. If they truly acted, they would be the ones in trouble.
“King of the Northwest, are you truly going to lock me up?” The Lord of Dragon City frowned. “Everything I did was for you. You cannot be ungrateful!”
“Stop with your sanctimonious talk. Don’t think I don’t know your ulterior motives!” Lu Fan said coldly. “However, regardless of the truth of this matter, you must receive due punishment. Otherwise, how can I face the people of the Northwest!”
“King of the Northwest is right. Since the King of the Northwest intends to act this way, I naturally will obey your command!” The Lord of Dragon City smiled and said to the other guards, “What are you all standing there for? Lock me up!”
“This…”
The guards exchanged glances, unsure of what to do. They knew very well that the Lord of Dragon City was in charge of Dragon City. If they really imprisoned him, it would not be good for them.
“What, is the King of the Northwest’s word not valid, or is mine not valid?” The Lord of Dragon City narrowed his eyes.
Without any delay, the guards quickly imprisoned the Lord of Dragon City. Although they were filled with doubt, they dared not act too presumptuously. After all, Lu Fan was the King of the Northwest. While this was Dragon City, in the true Northwest region, Lu Fan was an absolute ruler.
There were many experts in the Northwest Mansion who obeyed the King of the Northwest’s commands. The Lord of Dragon City was merely a city lord; how could he dare to challenge the King of the Northwest?
Seeing the Lord of Dragon City being apprehended, Qian Dafu also panicked instantly, unsure of what to do. Even the Lord of Dragon City had been defeated; who could possibly suppress Lu Fan? He likely met his end today.