When Beth arrived at the Qin Clan's residence, Victoria was already summoning the clan's other elders. She immediately followed and went to her side.
"The Qin Clan has hidden itself away from society here on the Cloud Mountain for the past twenty years. I think it's time we go out and make our presence felt again," Victoria declared matter-of-factly, bordering nonchalance. No one responded to her, and instead, they just looked at each other with puzzled looks.
The Qin Clan had hidden themselves away from people's prying eyes mainly because of the harassment they had to endure for years. It was not easy for them to retreat and make a life for themselves on the secluded Cloud Mountain, but they did in order to live a peaceful life. Because of that, it was understandable if some did not want to go back to where they escaped from.
"But My Lady, the people who had chased after us before we moved here haven't been apprehended. If we return, I'm certain that we'd all be killed!"
"The Great Jade Kingdom was the one trying to kill our clan off. Now that I'm sure their imperial court had been destroyed, I know that we will be safe. What's more, we have Phoenix City on our side now. With their help, we will be able to take back the land we once had. The Qin Clan will rise again!" Victoria exalted, excited.
"Phoenix City?" Beth asked, surprised by this sudden announcement from Victoria. "Mother, have you forgotten about Douglas?"
Victoria frowned in response and said, "As I have told you, Beth, I will deal with Douglas by myself. Why do you keep on bringing him up? Do you think I have forgotten him? Do you think I'm just going to leave him behind?"
Beth took a deep breath and calmly said, "Mother, Douglas is my son. I care deeply about him and his safety. He has fallen into the hands of Prince Matthew who controls the Black Flag Army's three hundred thousand soldiers! If they all come for us, I'm afraid that Phoenix City can do nothing to help him!"
Victoria's frown deepened. "What are you trying to say, Beth?"
"Mother, what I'm saying is that we must not be too sure of Phoenix City's help. Darren heads the city, but according to news that has been going around, he has been seriously injured recently and may soon die. If that's the case, then who are you cooperating with? Yes, my son's life is in Harper's hands, but more importantly, we have our people to protect. We need to give them more security, and not just empty promises!" Beth responded in a way that was neither humble nor pushy. She thought, 'Old bitch, you didn't strike any deal with Phoenix City, did you? You are just lying! Since Darren is currently in the process of dying, how did you secure his support?'
With that, Victoria shifted her gaze towards Beth. Her stare was knowing and piercing. "Do you really think that Darren is the one controlling Phoenix City?" she asked flatly.
This sent shivers down Beth's spine. "Lord Derrick? Are you working with Lord Derrick?"
Victoria stayed silent. Her expression didn't even change. With her acquiescence, she neither admitted nor denied what Beth had just said. While some elders seemed worried about Phoenix City not being a match for Matthew, most of the elders looked pleased with what Victoria had just said. After all, Matthew brought the Great Jade Kingdom on its knees. Even though Phoenix City lasted longer than one of the great kingdoms of the world, nobody knew what Matthew would do if they offended him.
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