In the Divine Capital, there were many wealthy and influential families, as had been the case throughout the different dynasties. At the establishment of a new regime, prominent families from all over the empire were often relocated to the imperial capital. This practice ensured that they lived under their watchful eyes, every move observed to prevent any undesirable thoughts or actions. The Divine Capital, being the capital of several generations of dynasties, had naturally gathered countless influential families. However, there were distinctions among these wealthy households, with the most significant difference lying in the matters of legacy and foundation.
Regardless of the distinction, the most remarkable families in the current Great Liang Dynasty were undoubtedly the Xie Family and Wei Family. Despite the vast difference in their history, their positions, influence, and various other aspects were enough to be on par with each other in the present Great Liang Dynasty.
These two were colossal entities, and any movement from either of them had a considerable impact.
Apart from these two families, the Divine Capital was home to many other influential and sizable noble families, and the Xia Family was one of them.
As another ancient and influential family with a history spanning hundreds of years, the Xia Family rose to prominence during the previous dynasty. The founding ancestor of the Xia Family was an incredible person; single-handedly elevating the Xia Family to a position comparable to many prominent families of the previous dynasty. However, following the rise of the Xia Family came the inevitable decline of the former dynasty. At that crucial juncture, when witnessing a dynasty beyond salvation, the major prominent families often faced three choices. The first was to recklessly tie themselves to the current ruling dynasty, regardless of life or death. But unless one's head was kicked by a donkey, there was basically no one who would choose this option.
The second path was to seek a way to survive in the chaotic times, overthrowing the current dynasty, and establishing a new order. However, most prominent families rarely ventured down this path due to its significant risks. It could very likely lead to the abrupt demise of their family and be erased from history.
The third path was to assess the person.
Seeing a promising individual, they would then place their bets on that person. If this individual succeeded, the family would naturally follow them into a new era, leaving behind the old times while continuing to exist and flourish.
Most prominent families thought this way, but not everyone could accurately judge the correct person, so such decisions had to be made cautiously.
Back then, the Xia Family followed a similar approach, expending a considerable amount of time to judge people. At the time, three individuals caught the attention of the Xia Family; all of whom had risen amidst the chaos, aiming to overthrow the decadent regime. During those turbulent times, the family head of the Xia Family was stuck between the three individuals, unsure how to make a choice.
He appeared deeply troubled.
In the end, the head of the Xia Family personally went to meet these three individuals and decided to choose the founding emperor of the Great Liang.
The outcome proved that their choice was not wrong. The founding emperor eventually emerged victorious. The Xie Family contributed the most at that time, leading to the current glory of the Divine Capital's Xie Family. Although the Xia Family was timely in their allegiance, they did not make as significant contributions. Nevertheless, they managed to safeguard their interests and continue their existence, which was precisely what the Xia Family sought. Therefore, there were no unexpected variables.
Now, the Xia Family stood quietly at the end of Yucheng Street, occupying a residence slightly smaller than that of the Xie Family.
Perhaps common to the prominent families, the Xia Family also preferred tranquility. There were hardly any people around, and with the arrival of the heavy snow and the approaching New Year, the Xia Family merely hung two red lanterns in front of their main gate. Apart from this, they did not make any grand fanfare.
In the deepest part of the Xia Family's manor, there was a secluded small house. Usually, this place was off-limits to ordinary members of the Xia Family. Over time, very few people even remembered that the Xia Family had such an inconspicuous courtyard.
However, this small courtyard was far from ordinary, and its inconspicuous appearance was a deliberate choice made by the Xia Family.
As early as autumn, some seemingly ordinary but actually extraordinary middle-aged men had come to this courtyard.
After they entered this small courtyard, the Xia Family became a lot more tense. Subsequently, strict controls were imposed on the Xia Family members entering and leaving this courtyard, virtually never allowing them to leave the Xia Family's residence.
Now, from autumn to winter, the number of people in this small courtyard had increased considerably.
……
……
The current head of the Xia Family in this generation was an ordinary-looking middle-aged man. Although he appeared to be middle-aged, his actual age was quite advanced. Twenty years ago, he served as the Minister of Penalty in the Great Liang Dynasty, and he had many disciples in court. However, before the ascent of the current Great Liang Emperor, he chose to resign from his official position and retire, no longer concerning himself with court affairs.
But to avoid any suspicion of disloyalty, the Xia Family continued to have many descendants serving in various important positions in the court.
Taking advantage of the night, the head of the Xia Family arrived at the small courtyard. He stood at the entrance for a while before walking in.
The door to the small courtyard was quickly closed. The head of the Xia Family pushed open the door of a house and entered. Several cultivators were already waiting for him inside.
These individuals had solemn expressions, and their auras had long been suppressed to the depths of their bodies. Coupled with the array formation used by the Xia Family to conceal auras, the whereabouts of these people were well hidden.
The Xia Family Head glanced at them and suddenly furrowed his brows. "Where is Immortal Master Liang?"
Among them, someone spoke up, "Junior Brother Liang went out to gather information."
The Xia Family Head said with dissatisfaction, "Given the current situation, how can he casually go out? All the information comes from the Xia Family. What is there for Immortal Masters to worry about?"
Although the Xia Family Head spoke like this, the others did not take it to heart. They just said calmly, "Junior Brother Liang has always been cautious. The current situation in the Divine Capital may not necessarily be a dangerous place. Let him take a look; there shouldn't be any problems. Please rest assured."
The Xia Family Head knew that his words carried little weight among these people. He did not dwell on this matter and quickly changed the topic to share the information he brought.
"As expected, the news of the death of the Great Liang Emperor is false. However, after the battle with the Demon Emperor, he managed to escape unscathed. Such a character is truly rare."
A cultivator spoke up. Putting aside their positions, the formidable cultivation of the Great Liang Emperor was enough to astonish and arouse admiration.
"This Great Liang Emperor, many people probably underestimated him. Previously, they thought he was just an ordinary martial artist. Looking at it now, it's likely that even if someone on the level of the Temple Master encounters this Great Liang Emperor, they would find it troublesome too."
Someone commented, "No matter how powerful he is, escaping from the Demon Emperor's hands, he's likely heavily injured. If I were him, I'd choose to nurse my injuries temporarily in the Northern Frontier."
Another person shook their head, "The Northern Frontier may not be safer than the Divine Capital. If he stays in the Northern Frontier, it's inevitable that the demon race will launch a massive attack, and make him stay forever in that icy world."
"Perhaps... since he's heavily injured and has returned, there might be an opportunity for us..."
Someone was silent for a long time before uttering an earth-shattering statement.
"We mustn't! Although the Divine Capital isn't as strong as the foreign lands, with the Dean and the Lord Warden Commander stationed in this city, how can it be an ordinary place? Even if the Emperor suffered severe injuries, it won't be easy for us to kill him."
Someone expressed deep concern, "The Divine Capital is not the same as before. Haven't you guys realized it yet?"
Upon hearing this, the others fell silent. The Divine Capital was no longer the past Divine Capital. They had not considered this before, but starting from the Myriad Willow Convention, they gradually understood that the current Great Liang was no longer a dynasty they could easily manipulate, and the Great Liang Emperor was also not a secular emperor who would bow to the foreign lands at any time.
Everything was changing, and it was a situation they did not want to see.
"We need to be careful. Wait until he returns, then we can assess the situation again. If we find any opportunities, we can discuss it again."
Someone glanced at the Xia Family Head and said, "We need to be especially careful during this period. Any action we take will surely leave some traces. If you get investigated, it will be a huge problem."
The Xia Family Head frowned, "We have been very careful, it shouldn't be easy to track us."
That person laughed coldly, "Don't think that everyone is a fool, and only you are the smart one. There's a lot of thinking involved in these matters. If you don't pay attention, a huge problem could arise. How many years has your Xia Family existed in this world? The so-called luxurious life and thousand-year household, can you really bear to let it go? If, by any chance, you're discovered, can your Xia Family still stay in the current Great Liang Dynasty?"
The Xia Family Head flattered, "With esteemed immortal masters backing us up, the Xia Family isn't too worried."
The person said coldly, "I really don't know how you managed to become the Xia Family Head. Does your Xia Family really want to establish itself in the foreign lands?"
As he spoke, that person continued to talk about the stakes involved. Finally, there were footsteps approaching the door. It was the Junior Brother Liang who had gone out and returned. That person beckoned his hand, signaling for the Xia Family Head to leave.
When Junior Disciple Liang entered the room, the person asked, "Junior Disciple Liang, how is it?"
"Now we can be sure that the young man in the black robe is definitely the heir of the late Crown Prince."
Junior Disciple Liang lowered his voice, "We should immediately report this to the sect."
……
……
The Xia Family Head left the small courtyard and quickly arrived at the ancestral hall of the Xia Family. People were already waiting here and upon seeing the Xia Family Head, they naturally greeted him.
Glancing around, the Xia Family Head lowered his voice and asked, "How is it?"
The person nodded and whispered, "His Majesty is already on the way back south. These foreign cultivators are not to be underestimated. They may pretend to converse here, but in reality, someone has likely gone to assassinate His Majesty."
Frowning, the Xia Family Head said, "After the battle with the Demon Emperor, His Majesty is likely severely injured. With his return south, the Northern Frontier needs to defend against the demons, they are likely unable to mobilize any powerful cultivators to escort him southward. His Majesty's journey south is probably not easier than venturing deep into the desolate north."
The person remained silent, standing quietly to the side.
The Xia Family Head was silent for a long time before slowly saying, "What if His Majesty really can't make it back?"
