CHAPTER 31: ALLIES

Li Jin's face was filled with shock.

"Ling, what did you just say?"

"Sister Mei had a lover, Zhong," Ling repeated.

Li Jin's eyes widened.

"I had no idea."

He thought Mei wanted to leave Chenheng due to lost love.

Not because of a secret lover.

Ling's expression turned grim.

"Chenheng's obsession knew no bounds."

Li Jin's jaw clenched.

"I'll make him pay."

Determined, Li Jin met with influential families.

"It's time to bring Chenheng down," Li Jin urged.

Chenheng's downfall loomed.

Li Jin's determination hardened.

Justice for Sister Mei.

Protection for Nuan Nuan.

The battle for the estate had begun.

.........

The masked figure stood before the grand estate, his presence shrouded in mystery. He sought the support of the capital's most influential families to topple the tyrannical ruler.

"Who are you?" the butler asked, eyeing the mask.

"A concerned citizen," the figure replied, his voice low.

The butler hesitated, then led him to the study.

The patriarch, a wise elder, looked up.

"What brings you to my home?"

The masked figure bowed.

"I come seeking your support against the current regime."

The elder raised an eyebrow.

"Many have tried and failed. What makes you think you can succeed?"

The masked figure pulled out a parchment.

"Evidence of the ruler's atrocities. Testimonies from victims."

The elder's expression turned grave.

"I'll need convincing. Meet with my advisors."

The masked figure spent hours presenting his case.

Facing skepticism, hostility, and curiosity.

He met with other influential families.

Each meeting a battle to win their trust.

Charismatic leaders, cunning strategists.

All required persuasion.

One family demanded proof of the ruler's wrongdoings.

Another questioned the masked figure's true intentions.

A third family's matriarch wept.

"I lost my child to his cruelty."

The masked figure's determination grew.

With each meeting, his resolve hardened.

Convincing the influential families.

Was like scaling a treacherous mountain.

But he persisted.

For the sake of justice.

For the freedom of the oppressed.

Finally, after countless meetings.

The families agreed to support him.

Their combined power would bring down the tyrant.

The masked figure's quest gained momentum.

The capital's balance of power began to shift under Chenheng's nose.

The ruler's grip on power.

Started to slip.

.......

Meanwhile on Si Kong's side

"We've had enough of his tyranny."

Han Yesi agreed.

"Our families will stand with you."

Jiang Yichen smiled.

"Together, we'll restore justice."

With their support, Li Jin's alliance grew.

Meanwhile, Si Kong strategized.

Using his charisma, he swayed more guards.

To follow him, secretly loyal.

Their numbers grew.

Chenheng's grip on power began to slip.

Si Kong's influence spread.

Within the estate, whispers spread.

"Si Kong stands against Chenheng."

"Join him, and reclaim your honor."

Guards quietly defected, without alerting Chenheng or anyone close to him.

Swearing allegiance to Si Kong.

Nuan Nuan did know about the plan she seemed to be the only innocent person that didn't know of the plan.

Freedom seemed within reach.

Ling continued to investigate.

Uncovering more secrets.

Chenheng's downfall loomed.

.......

Si Kong arrived at the secluded tavern.

Li Jin awaited, sipping tea.

"Si Kong, your timing is impeccable," Li Jin said.

Si Kong smiled.

"News from within the estate?" Li Jin asked.

Si Kong nodded.

"Guards are defecting, silently swearing allegiance to me."

Li Jin's eyes sparkled.

"Progress. The influential families are on board."

Si Kong's grin widened.

"Our alliance grows stronger."

Li Jin leaned in.

"Chenheng's grip on power falters."

Si Kong's expression turned serious.

"But we must remain cautious."

Li Jin nodded.

"Agreed. Chenheng will stop at nothing."

Si Kong pulled out a map.

"Escape routes, guard patrols... I've marked everything."

Li Jin studied the map.

"Perfect. Nuan Nuan's escape will be seamless."

Si Kong's jaw clenched.

"We must ensure her safety."

Li Jin's determination hardened.

"We will. Together, we'll bring Chenheng down."

Their conversation flowed.

Strategies, timelines, and contingencies.

Their plan solidified.

Si Kong stood.

"I'll return to the estate. Maintain our momentum."

Li Jin nodded.

"I'll coordinate with our allies."

Their handshake sealed their partnership.

United against Chenheng's tyranny.

The night hid their smiles.

But their resolve shone brighter.

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