Meeting

Li Ming and Li Xuan returned to the Li Clan, feeling a sense of urgency. They rode in the carriage, aiming to reach their destination before nightfall. Another pressing matter awaited them.

Curiosity got the better of Li Xuan as they traveled, prompting her to ask, "Li Ming, I hope you don't mind me asking, but could our current activities have an impact on the water supply?"

Rather than evading the question, Li Ming gestured towards a nearby hill and responded, "Do you know why I don't mind exploring the resources on that hill?"

Perplexed, Li Xuan inquired, "Is there a specific reason?"

Li Ming nodded and opened the map, pointing towards the river. "Take a look at the river. We are currently headed in the opposite direction of the main water supply. Moreover, I carefully calculated our expansion and ensured that we only focused in this direction. This area lacks water sources and although there are hills, the absence of dense vegetation suggests a scarcity of groundwater."

While Li Ming didn't deny the possibility that their work could harm the water supply, he wanted to convey that he had no intention of doing so.

Li Xuan had trust in Li Ming, but the situation was complex. She let out a sigh, contemplating the potential outcomes. "It's difficult to believe that this situation has arisen from our actions. We never anticipated such an incident occurring in the midst of our work."

After a moment of reflection, Li Xuan made a decision. "I'll do my best to support you during the discussion, but I cannot guarantee the outcome."

Li Ming calmly nodded in acceptance of the uncertain circumstances.

Upon their arrival at the Li Clan, they knew they couldn't approach the problem passively. Remaining silent might lead people to suspect their prior knowledge of the issue. However, directly confronting the problem could also result in further trouble.

Fortunately, Li Ming appeared to be in agreement with Li Xuan's approach. She asked a servant near the entrance, "Could you inform me of my father's whereabouts?"

"He is currently in the grand hall," the servant replied.

Li Xuan glanced at Li Ming, who nodded in affirmation. They were ready to enter the meeting room.

Li Xuan took the lead, pushing open the doors and catching the attention of everyone inside. The grand hall was spacious, accommodating a hundred people. At the far end stood a grand seat where the patriarch, Li Changming, sat. The remaining individuals, mostly elderly, were seated on the floor.

All eyes turned towards Li Xuan, their expressions a mixture of curiosity and bewilderment. While they recognized Li Xuan's capabilities, she rarely attended meetings and typically worked behind the scenes. Her presence at this particular gathering was unexpected.

Li Changming, sensing something amiss, inquired with a serious tone, "Is something wrong?"

Li Xuan stepped forward, passing by the assembled individuals. Standing before them, she knelt down and clasped her hands together. "I have heard that the city is facing challenges with its water supply. I recently learned about the rumors and I apologize for not realizing it sooner, as I was too focused on my assigned tasks."

The room filled with murmurs of surprise. Even the patriarch furrowed his brow. On one hand, he hadn't paid much attention to the issue, and on the other hand, he sought to protect his daughter. The news would undoubtedly cast scrutiny on Li Xuan, and though the matter hadn't escalated significantly, he had refrained from questioning her about it. However, the secret collaboration between Li Xuan and Li Ming regarding oil was bound to surface sooner or later as the situation grew more prominent. People would inevitably question whether their actions had indeed impacted the entire city.

But Li Xuan didn't want to wait for the situation to worsen. While they might gain more power and benefits by delaying, it would be easier to resolve the problem while it was still manageable. That's why she had come to participate in the discussion.

Li Changming, after a brief pause, made a decision. "Everyone except the First Elder, Second Elder, and Tenth Elder, please leave the room."

Confusion filled the minds of the other elders, but they noticed that these three elders were primarily responsible for managing the water supply issue. It was evident that the problem was more severe than they had initially perceived.

Complying with the order, the elders reluctantly left the room, eventually encountering Li Ming waiting outside. Some of them recognized him and couldn't resist stealing glances in his direction. However, before any discussions about him could ensue, Li Xuan interjected, "I would also like to invite Li Ming to participate in this discussion."

"Permission granted," came the response.

Without hesitation, Li Xuan took hold of Li Ming's arm and pulled him inside the room, swiftly closing the doors behind them.

Only five people remained in the room—the First and Second Elders, who were responsible for most of the clan's affairs, and the Tenth Elder, who was unfamiliar with the situation but suspected that something was amiss.

Unable to contain his curiosity, the second elder spoke up, unable to help himself, "The water supply has been contaminated with oil. Does that mean he is the one responsible for the problem?"

The First Elder maintained his silence, though his agreement with the second elder was evident. As for the Tenth Elder, who was unaware of the situation, he pondered whether this accusation held any truth.

Unable to protect his daughter any longer, Li Changming's expression turned cold as he fixed his gaze upon Li Xuan and Li Ming. "Now, tell me what is going on."

Li Xuan responded with a calm demeanor, "Before we begin, I kindly request permission to provide an explanation of the situation. Following that, we can engage in a two-way communication."