Return to the City: The Strongest King
Chapter 837 - 838: Just Leave Some Breathing Room

Chapter 837: Chapter 838: Just Leave Some Breathing Room

Having Song Xiaodong disrupt the family dynasty was certainly not just about getting him to take control of the Su Family, nor was it simply about turning the Su Family into a normal law-abiding business entity. It was also about hoping to use the Su Family to influence other dynasties.

This influence couldn’t be achieved merely through cooperation and the like; rather, the best method would be conflict.

There was no need for the higher-ups to mention this—Song Xiaodong knew it well. Only through conflict could these major families lose their unity; only through conflict could they be scattered and lose their significant influence.

Song Xiaodong had always been looking for a breakthrough, and this time, the conflict between Su Qingmiao and the Cao Family provided him with an excellent excuse.

"How about that Cao Jun from the Cao Family?" Song Xiaodong asked.

Su Yuya immediately brought up some information and read, "Cao Jun is twenty-eight this year. After graduating from university, he has been helping to manage a transport company for the Cao Family. Although the company has been operating mediocrely in recent years, its profits have decreased significantly. It seems Cao Jun has been siphoning off a substantial amount of money for his extravagant lifestyle."

"What about his character?"

"In terms of character," Su Yuya quickly responded, "This guy is quite lecherous and fond of peculiar things. Additionally, relying on his family’s status, he has not refrained from harming many young girls over the years."

Miao Qingqing looked at the information and added, "This Cao Jun is a scumbag. He’s been sued for rape several times, but each time the Cao Family managed to get him off the hook."

Song Xiaodong nodded, pulled out his phone, and dialed Xu Hao, saying, "When you act, no need to be too polite, just leave him breathing."

Su Yuya’s eyes widened in shock as she said, "Holy cow! Isn’t this too ruthless? He’s not just any ordinary person; he’s one of the people of the Cao Family. This will surely provoke them, and they won’t let this go easily."

Song Xiaodong narrowed his eyes and replied, "So what if he is from the Cao Family? They attacked a member of our Su Family, and they will have to face the consequences."

"Family Head... are you thinking about more than just this? Are you trying to... assert your authority?" Su Yuya pressed on.

Song Xiaodong nodded and said, "I’m not just trying to establish authority within the Su Family. I’m also establishing my presence in Minghe, in this province. Whoever thinks about crossing the Su Family will have to weigh their options carefully."

"But... if the Cao Family decides to pursue this matter and we’ve struck them so hard... I’m afraid it’ll be difficult to handle. We have a conflict with the Cao Family, but we’re not yet outright enemies. Escalating to that would be detrimental to everyone involved."

Song Xiaodong smiled arrogantly and said, "The Su Family has been stagnant for years due to a lack of boldness. Starting now, I want to make the Su Family the unrivaled leading dynasty in this province, turning all other families into our vassals."

Su Yuya’s eyes lit up. She was not only a capable person but also an ambitious one. Song Xiaodong’s words instantly filled her with grand visions of the Su Family’s future glory. She nodded continuously and said, "Excellent. With you having such aspirations, Family Head, I, Su Yuya, will definitely become your most supportive ally."

While Su Yuya dealt with other matters, Song Xiaodong sat down in the living room with Miao Qingqing and Song Xiaoru.

Miao Qingqing frowned and said, "Dongzi, this isn’t your usual style."

Song Xiaodong shrugged helplessly and replied, "I have no choice. I must act this way now; it’s the higher-ups’ directive."

"The higher-ups?" Miao Qingqing paused and asked, "You mean...?"

Song Xiaodong, who has yet to clarify his relationship with the higher-ups, and Miao Qingqing only knew that Song Xiaodong had a good relationship with them. He glanced outside and then lowered his voice, "The higher-ups do not wish for the existence of these major families. So, they want me to find an entry point, and such a conflict serves as one. Now, I must break the peaceful coexistence between the major families."

Song Xiaoru smirked and commented, "It sounds like you’re starting trouble."

Song Xiaodong gave a wry smile and said, "Yes, it is starting trouble. But I need a just cause; we can’t just bully others. Now that the Cao Family has come provoking us, it’s the perfect opportunity for me to make an example of them first."

"That’s a hefty mission indeed," Miao Qingqing pursed her lips, sensing the gravity of the situation.

Song Xiaodong said, "Indeed, it’s not just a family squabble but also involves the higher authorities. However, they can’t directly intervene because these families have made considerable contributions in the past. But now, the families’ obstruction of policies is too substantial, necessitating a change. This change must be carried out discreetly; otherwise, if it triggers a collective backlash from the major families, the resulting unrest would be too much for the higher-ups to bear."

"Such a heavy task," commented Song Xiaoru, shaking her head; yet, she also felt immense pride knowing that her brother was now involved in matters relating to national decision-making—an honor not bestowed upon the average person.

Song Xiaodong nodded and stated, "I’m aware, but it’s a sign of trust from the higher-ups, and it’s a good cause for the country and the people. I have no reason to refuse."

Miao Qingqing clenched her fists and passionately responded, "Then let’s do it. Someone like Cao Jun is no good person anyway. Plus, I’m starting to see that these major families indeed have too many problems. Even as a member of the Su Family, I believe there are too many issues within, with too many mediocre individuals holding key positions who prioritize family interests over the common good. Truly honorable officials like Uncle Sijie are way too rare."

In her recent interactions, Song Xiaoru had also come to understand the state of the major families, adding, "Indeed, it’s too easy for major families to do business, which hinders the development of marketization. Many promising enterprises fail to survive due to suppression by major families."

Song Xiaodong nodded and declared, "Therefore, even though this may be an ungrateful task, successfully completing it would indeed be a great service to the nation and the people."

"This isn’t just a service to the people; it’s an act of historic significance," Miao Qingqing observed.

Song Xiaodong laughed heartily and remarked, "Put that way, I feel like I’ve suddenly become much more noble."

Miao Qingqing burst into laughter and said, "Indeed, you are handling noble affairs, so you become more noble yourself." While the words were said in jest, Miao Qingqing’s eyes shone with a different light, reflecting the magnitude of such deeds. Undertaking such challenges was immeasurably more meaningful than running a large company—such a life’s purpose was truly incalculable.