We Would Rather Die, We Have a Common Enemy

During the day, Shandong became bustling with excitement thanks to five merchant ships. The local people were overjoyed to find that, with less money than usual, they could buy even more goods—everyone was as happy as if it were New Year's.

When they learned that from now on the Su family shops would open in Shandong, and that prices would remain just as low, the people of Shandong completely forgot about the Lu Clan. Now, whenever the Lu Clan is mentioned, they only show hatred, cursing them for being bloodsuckers who made fortunes off their backs.

“This is the downside of monopoly—when all of Shandong's commerce is in the Lu Clan's hands, of course they squeeze the people to amass wealth,” Serena remarked with a smile, hearing Vincent Su excitedly describe how welcome he was among the locals.

No matter where you are, people always welcome cheap goods into the city—they want to spend as little as possible for as much as they can get. The Lu Clan had driven prices sky-high in Shandong, but as soon as Vincent Su arrived, he didn’t even need to dump goods below cost; just selling at normal prices was enough to win over the people instantly.

Serena’s original plan was to strike at the Lu Clan economically. But she had no power or influence, and the Shandong Governor-General protected the Lu Clan too closely—outside merchants couldn’t get a foothold, and she didn’t have the money to dump goods at a loss.

But what she couldn’t do, Ninth Royal Uncle and Vincent Su could—Nolan had authority, Vincent had money. With the two of them working together, Shandong’s economy could be brought under Nolan’s control, choking off the Lu Clan’s lifeline.

Without a way to make money, how long can the Shandong Lu Clan last? Can they possibly avoid defeat?

That was Serena’s original plan. It might have been slower, but it was the safest approach—at least this way, the Emperor couldn’t openly find fault with Nolan.

By contrast, Nolan was much more ruthless. The moment he made his move, he intended to crush the Lu Clan in one blow, leaving them no chance to recover.

Nolan led five hundred personal guards and three thousand elite soldiers, marching straight to the gates of the Lu Clan.

The Lu Clan’s estate covered a thousand mu; the streets on either side were lined with their own houses. Ordinary people never dared enter, so even Nolan’s large-scale operation didn’t alarm the city’s residents.

As for the city’s garrison?

Without the Governor-General’s military tally, they didn’t dare make a move.

Nolan’s troops surrounded the Lu Clan’s estate, but inside was dead silent. The Eight Commanders stepped forward together and requested permission: “Your Highness, please allow us to scout out the situation first.”

They still had no idea how many private soldiers were hidden in Lu Garden. Even with three thousand men, they couldn’t be sure they’d all make it out alive.

“No need. Send in my calling card.” If victory could be won without a fight, that was best—so Nolan decided to gamble.

If the person inside the Lu Clan was really the one he suspected, then that person would definitely agree to meet him.

“Your Highness?” The Eight Commanders all disagreed—this was far too risky.

“Do as I say.” Once Nolan made a decision, no one could change it.

The Eight Commanders had no choice but to obey. They shot Nolan’s letter into the Lu Clan with an arrow and shouted loudly outside: “Our lord is here to pay his respects—will the master of Lu Garden please come out and meet him?”

As they said this, the Eight Commanders looked gloomy—they felt Nolan was being far too polite. In their eyes, no one in the world deserved such courtesy from him.

“Wait a moment.” A deep voice sounded from within Lu Garden, and soon Nolan’s calling card was taken away. Nolan waited patiently outside.

If the person inside Lu Garden was really the one he suspected, Nolan was certain that person would agree to meet him.

Back at Blossom Garden, after Vincent Su finished recounting the events of the day, he saw Serena lounging lazily and asked, “Aren’t you worried?”

“Worried about what?” Serena raised an eyebrow.

“Of course I mean Nolan. He insisted on personally leading the troops to Lu Garden today. Aren’t you afraid he’s in danger? We still don’t know how many private soldiers are hidden inside.” Although they didn’t know for sure, they estimated at least ten thousand men. Even with the Black Riders, Nolan’s move was risky.

“If Nolan decided to enter the tiger’s den, it means he’s confident. You know he never does anything without preparation.” If Nolan hadn’t mentioned it later, Serena wouldn’t have known just how long he’d been preparing for the Lu Clan situation.

“Blades and arrows know no mercy—no one can guarantee what will happen on the battlefield.” Vincent Su was firmly against Nolan going in person.

To be honest, Nolan’s life was more valuable than all of theirs—anyone else could die, but not him. If Nolan died, none of them would survive.

“What’s there to be afraid of? I’m a doctor—as long as Nolan still has a breath left, I can save him.” Serena understood battlefield dangers better than anyone, but so what? She couldn’t keep Nolan off the battlefield just because it was risky. Besides, it wasn’t even certain there would be a fight tonight.

Inside Lu Garden, everything was quiet. Nolan’s calling card had been delivered for a full quarter-hour with no reply. The Eight Commanders grew anxious, but seeing Nolan so calm, they didn’t dare speak—only stood guard at his side, protecting him.

Time ticked by; nearly four thousand men surrounded Lu Garden, and apart from breathing and the crackle of torches, there was nothing else. Everyone waited quietly for Nolan’s orders—no one dared show impatience.

After another quarter-hour, a reply finally came from inside Lu Garden: “My master says only Nolan himself is invited inside.”

“No way.” Before Nolan could speak, the Eight Commanders all objected at once.

No one knew how many experts and elite soldiers were hidden inside Lu Garden—letting Nolan go in alone would be sending a lamb into a tiger’s den.

“Then…”

“All right.” Before the messenger inside could finish, Nolan interrupted him.

“Nolan, you’re truly bold. My master said you’d come in, and you did.” The voice inside praised him loudly.

Nolan was unmoved. He swung down from his horse, and at the same moment, the Eight Commanders dismounted and knelt at his feet: “Your Highness, it’s dangerous.”

“Your Highness, think twice. We could launch a direct assault—why take such a risk? If necessary, we can wait for the imperial army.” The Eight Commanders knew Nolan had already sent evidence from Lu Garden to the capital, and the Emperor should soon dispatch troops to wipe out the rebels in Shandong.

“I know what I’m doing.” Nolan ignored the Eight Commanders’ pleas and insisted on going in.

He knew that the person inside had an identity that could never be exposed to the light—never!

With a creak, the gates of the Lu Clan swung open. Inside was pitch black, not a trace of light—like the gaping maw of a beast, ominous and terrifying, as if Nolan would be swallowed whole the moment he stepped in.

The Eight Commanders grew even more anxious in this atmosphere, but Nolan acted as if he didn’t notice. Step by step, he walked to the threshold and waved his hand: “Stand down.”

“Your Highness?” The Eight Commanders were nearly in tears—the mood inside Lu Garden was all wrong, and Nolan’s decision to enter was far too dangerous.

“What? Do you intend to disobey my orders?” Nolan’s tone carried clear displeasure. The Eight Commanders immediately knelt: “We wouldn’t dare.”

Nolan paid them no mind and strode inside. As soon as he entered, the doors slammed shut, cutting off the Eight Commanders outside. No matter how anxious they were, there was nothing they could do.

Inside, it was still pitch dark and utterly silent. Fortunately, Nolan could see in the dark; even without a guide, he made his way steadily to the main flower hall.

In the darkness, Nolan’s silver armor stood out like a glaring beacon, yet no one dared make a move.

The flower hall was unlit as well, but Nolan sensed at least ten people inside—each with weak, steady breathing, all trained experts, standing in different positions. The moment he entered, they blocked every escape route; if they attacked, he’d have no way out.

Nolan pretended not to notice, stood in the center of the hall, and addressed the main seat: “Third Royal Brother, is this how you treat your guest?”

As soon as Nolan finished speaking, the room lit up. The dozen or so hidden experts immediately withdrew, leaving only an old man seated at the main seat.

Yes, an old man…

His hair was white, but on closer look, he wasn’t actually that old—judging by his face, he didn’t look like someone in his seventies or eighties.

“Third Royal Brother, you…” The moment Nolan saw his face, he knew he’d guessed right. But seeing his nominal third brother like this, Nolan unexpectedly felt a pang of sorrow.

His third brother was not yet fifty, but already had a head full of white hair—he must have suffered greatly over the years.

“Third Royal Brother? Are you so sure that I am your third brother?” The Third Prince spoke mockingly.

“I wasn’t certain before, but once I came in, I knew.” The shock lasted only a moment; Nolan quickly regained his composure and took the seat to the left.

Sitting before this man, Nolan felt he ought to show respect—both emotionally and by right.

“Because I didn’t kill you?” The Third Prince said coldly, though his eyes showed deep appreciation.

His ninth brother was both brave and cunning—his future was limitless.

Nolan nodded. “If you weren’t my third brother, I’d already be a corpse.”

“Yet you still dared to come?” The Third Prince looked at Nolan as if he were insane.

Lu Garden was fraught with danger—if the Third Prince wanted to kill Nolan, he’d have died the moment he stepped inside.

“You invited me so warmly—how could I refuse?” Nolan took the risk because he was prepared; even if the Third Prince wanted him dead, it wouldn’t be easy.

“Warmly invited? When did I ever invite you? Don’t flatter yourself.” The Third Prince turned away with pride, his royal arrogance evident even without trying.

“Today’s performance, Third Brother, was clearly meant to show me that Lu Garden’s true master is someone else. Since the owner is not who we thought, how could I not pay a visit?” Nolan didn’t mind the arrogance—he was used to it after seeing so much of it in the Emperor.

All of his royal brothers were arrogant and conceited, thinking the world was theirs to manipulate. But they never realized that no one in this world was truly a fool…