288: Chapter 289 Volunteering

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone couldn't help but look at each other in dismay.

They didn't feel much pressure investigating the Gangs in the outer city, but the noble families...

Yang Tiexin stepped forward at this moment, his tone carrying a trace of caution: "Sir, moving against the noble families right off the bat will likely trigger a considerable backlash."

The Sun Family was already secretly instigating the other families. If we act rashly at this time, they will likely join forces to pressure the Demon Suppression Division."

Commander Zhuge Yuan glanced at him, his tone indifferent: "Captain Yang, I understand your concerns."

But this is a task assigned from above, and matters concerning the Demon are greater than the heavens. Whoever dares not to cooperate will be beaten until they cooperate."

Rest assured, I will take responsibility for whatever happens!"

As soon as these words were said, the atmosphere in the hall changed noticeably, and those who had been somewhat hesitant straightened their backs one after another.

They all knew Commander Zhuge Yuan's background. With him personally backing them, what else was there to hesitate about? Just get it done.

Moments later, everyone's operational targets were finalized.

Zhang He and Old Man Shen led people to the Chen Family, Yang Tiexin and another veteran captain went to the Wu Family, and the remaining captains all scrambled to go to the Zheng Family.

It wasn't that the Zheng Family was particularly hated, but rather that no one dared to provoke the remaining Family.

The Wang Family was the true uncrowned king of Qingfeng County, and more importantly, they had a fifth-rank Old Ancestor holding down the fort.

Even with Commander Zhuge Yuan endorsing them, they wouldn't dare easily provoke the Wang Family's bad luck.

After all, distant water cannot quench near thirst. If the Wang Family truly refused to give Face to the Demon Suppression Division, it would probably be very difficult for them to leave unscathed.

Commander Zhuge Yuan naturally understood everyone's concerns. Just as he was thinking of simply making a trip to the Wang Family himself, Lin Ye's voice suddenly rang out:

"As for the Wang Family, let me handle the investigation."

He had some friendship with the Wang Family to begin with, and having saved Wang Lin's life twice in a row, he believed the Wang Family head would likely accommodate him.

As soon as Lin Ye said this, several gazes instantly fell upon him, some filled with puzzlement, some with relief, and some with admiration.

Lin Ye's friendship with the Wang Family was only known to the few people present.

Therefore, in these people's eyes, Lin Ye's willingness to proactively chew on this hard bone of the Wang Family made him truly a model of their generation; they couldn't help but admire him.

Even Commander Zhuge Yuan was somewhat surprised: "Are you sure?"

"I am sure." Lin Ye nodded.

Seeing Lin Ye's resolute expression and looking at the others present, Commander Zhuge Yuan finally had no choice but to agree: "Alright, you go handle the negotiations with the Wang Family."

Remember to proceed with caution. If the Wang Family's attitude is resolute, do not force it; send back a message at the first instance."

...

At the entrance of the Wang Mansion, Lin Ye's figure appeared here.

Unlike the previous few times he came, this time he was on official business, so he wore a captain's uniform, naturally carrying a majestic aura.

The guards at the gate recognized Lin Ye from afar. One of them hurried forward with a smile on his Face: "Captain Lin, the Master has given orders that you can go straight in when you arrive without announcing yourself."

"Good."

Lin Ye nodded and stepped through the main gate.

Receiving the news, Wang Lin greeted him from afar.

His injuries had mostly healed, and although his complexion still carried a trace of pallor, his pace had recovered some of its steadiness.

"Brother Lin, you've come at just the right time. I've already had the servants prepare wine and food. Come, join me at the banquet."

Without waiting for refusal, he pulled Lin Ye toward the main hall, forcing Lin Ye to swallow the words that were on the tip of his tongue.

Oh well, some matters were actually more suitable to discuss at the dinner table.

As soon as the two walked to the main hall, a fragrance of food drifted out from inside.

"Brother Lin, please."

Wang Lin pushed open the door and turned sideways to signal Lin Ye to enter first.

Wang Anlin was currently sitting in the main seat. Seeing Lin Ye enter, he immediately stood up to welcome him, his Face wearing just the right amount of warmth: "Nephew Lin has arrived, please take a seat quickly."

Last time you came and went in a hurry without even getting to eat a meal, today you must drink a few cups properly no matter what."

"Uncle Wang is too polite."

Lin Ye expressed his thanks, and just as he was about to take his seat, a figure rushed in tempestuously.

Wang Shan was wearing a goose-yellow long dress today, holding a dish of pastries in her hand.

As soon as she entered, her gaze fell upon Lin Ye, and a smile immediately bloomed on her Face: "Big Brother Lin, you're here!"

As she spoke, she hurried to Lin Ye's side and handed over the plate of pastries: "Come, I just learned how to make these these past few days. Big Brother Lin, have a taste."

"Cough, cough."

Wang Anlin coughed twice, his tone carrying a hint of helplessness: "Shan'er, sit down first."

"Oh."

Wang Shan acknowledged, sat down somewhat reluctantly, and pushed the pastries closer to Lin Ye.

Having no other choice, Lin Ye picked up a piece and tasted it.

Surprisingly, it was quite delicious; she had clearly put some effort into it.

"It's very delicious."

Hearing Lin Ye's words, the smile on Wang Shan's Face became even brighter.

"Hee hee, as long as Big Brother Lin likes it."

"Alright, alright, let's eat first."

Wang Anlin signaled everyone to start eating.

During the meal, Wang Shan busied herself happily, picking up a piece of braised pork for Lin Ye one moment and adding a bowl of soup for him the next.

Holding his wine glass, Wang Lin glanced at his younger sister, then glanced at Lin Ye, a trace of an imperceptible smile playing at the corners of his mouth.

After three rounds of drinks, the atmosphere at the table became relaxed and harmonious.

Feeling that the atmosphere was about right, Lin Ye put down his wine glass and directly stated his purpose for coming: "Uncle Wang, I have a favor to ask this time."

"Nephew, speak your mind without worry."

Wang Anlin appeared very easygoing.

"Uncle Wang also knows that the Demon Suppression Division has recently launched investigations in Qingfeng County. The other families have already arranged personnel, but no one dared to come to the Wang Family's side, so this junior has boldly come over."

He then explained the decision that the Demon Suppression Division was preparing to investigate the major noble families in the inner city one by one after discovering leftover evil qi from the outer city Gangs.

As Lin Ye's voice trailed off, the atmosphere in the hall noticeably cooled down.

Wang Anlin's hand holding the wine glass paused mid-air. Although his Face still wore a smile, it was somewhat less natural.

Wang Lin's motion of picking up food also froze, his gaze shifting back and forth between his father and Lin Ye.

Wang Anlin was silent for a long while before slowly putting down his wine glass. His tone was slightly lower than before: "Nephew, isn't this matter of an investigation... going a bit too far?"

"Our Wang Family considers ourselves to have always been on peaceful terms with the Demon Suppression Division, and there have never been any anomalies appearing within our estate."

If our Wang Family opens our gates to let people search, if this word gets out, where will the Wang Family's Face in Qingfeng County go?"

Lin Ye's expression remained unchanged: "Uncle Wang, I understand your difficulties."

If I were you, I wouldn't easily agree either."

Then his tone shifted: "But I came today not representing myself personally, but representing the Demon Suppression Division."

"The investigation is not targeting the Wang Family, but rather to ensure nothing goes wrong."

Besides, the other families are all being investigated. If only the Wang Family is not investigated, it will inevitably leave behind talking points."

By then, others will say the Wang Family has a guilty conscience, and that won't just be a simple matter of losing Face."

"This..."

Wang Anlin fell into a dilemma, his fingers gently tapping on the table surface.

Wang Shan also became unusually quiet, not interrupting.

She knew this wasn't a matter she could meddle in.

Just as the atmosphere fell into a deadlock, an aged voice suddenly drifted in from outside the hall door.