The Blade-Wielding Legend
Chapter 213 - 152 Struggle of Stance_2

Chapter 213: Chapter 152 Struggle of Stance_2

"Otherwise, if I came across an issue I didn’t wish to deal with, without any way out, wouldn’t that be pitiful?"

"I understand."

Li Kongqing fully understood his duties at that point.

"That’s good."

Xiao Hongqi nodded his head, then his expression became serious and he calmly said, "Nowadays, a group of people have surrounded my father, instigating the Prince Mansion to fund the organization of a fleet for overseas trade, and even to establish the Shan State Chamber of Commerce."

"In the past two years, some Prince Mansions have already gone out to sea secretly, profiting greatly, and have even colluded with local strongmen to train naval forces for escort. My father is already tempted, what do you think?"

Li Kongqing immediately stiffened his neck, "I am not clear about this, I only know that merchants are of low status, and for the Prince Mansion to compete with the people for profit is even more improper, not to mention establishing a private army, which violates the laws of Great Xuan!"

"Hmm."

Xiao Hongqi smiled in satisfaction, stood up, then slightly shook his head, "Some things lose their fun when spelled out, but with your block-headedness, you really might take the wrong path if not explicitly told."

"Remember your role, and I will ensure you a lifetime of peace."

After speaking, he stood up and strode away.

Li Kongqing, following behind, felt his whole body had already become drenched...

...

Princely Heir Xiao Hongqi left Renxiao Building, turned his head to look at another palace, and thoughtfully said, "Those people have come again?"

A guard quickly approached and whispered, "Yes, Princely Heir. The Prince has started the Treasured Wine Banquet, and several Chambers of Commerce have sent people to participate, each presenting exotic treasures from abroad."

"Did anyone from the Li family Chamber of Commerce come?"

"They only sent exotic treasures, no one came in person."

"Who’s taking the lead?"

"Mr. Yue."

"Hmph!"

Princely Heir Xiao Hongqi’s face immediately darkened, but soon returned to normal as he indifferently said, "Let’s go, follow me and have a look."

Xiao Hongqi, accompanied by the guards, walked briskly, soon arriving at a lakeside tower.

Hearing the laughter inside, a smile also appeared on his face as he quickly entered the tower.

"The Princely Heir has arrived!"

As the guards announced, all eyes inside suddenly focused on them.

This Snow Viewing Tower was a place where the Prince Mansion hosted private banquets for guests, not very large and rather less solemn than the Prince Mansion’s main hall.

At the moment, a row of wooden racks was set up in the hall, brimming with a dazzling array of artifacts; many people had left their seats to join a portly middle-aged man in a python robe admiring the objects.

The man was none other than Prince Chang’an Xiao Qingyuan. Despite his chubby figure, he had a neatly trimmed beard, with well-defined features, exuding a dignified aura.

"Greetings, Father."

Xiao Hongqi greeted with a smile, bending over and clasping his hands.

"Princely Heir has come." Prince Chang’an seeing his eldest son arriving, was in a very good mood, pointing to the table he said, "Come, join me in looking at this, do you recognize it?"

Xiao Hongqi hurriedly stepped forward to see a piece of black rotten wood riddled with holes, filled with swarms of golden worms wriggling inside.

Xiao Hongqi felt nauseous, suppressing his discomfort and he shook his head, "I don’t know what these worms are, but they don’t seem like treasures."

"Ha ha ha, my son, you are mistaken."

Prince Chang’an turned towards a man nearby and laughed, "Mr. Zhou, since you have offered this treasure, explain it to the Princely Heir."

"Yes, Your Highness."

A well-dressed elderly man bowed and said with a smile, "To inform the Princely Heir, this object is called shipworm. It can erode wood and stone. Docks and sea-going ships dread this creature the most as many ships are rendered useless by it every year."

Xiao Hongqi raised his eyebrows and smiled, "Then it’s strange, if it’s harmful, why do you present it as a treasure?"

"Princely Heir, you may not be aware."

The elderly man respectfully clasped his hands, "Although shipworms are harmful, they can eat wood and stone. This piece of wood is sunk timber from the sea, eroded by shipworms, and happens to be hidden in a spiritual acupoint in the sea."

"We went to the South Seas, to the Sulawesi of the South Seas, and exchanged silk and porcelain for this object. These special shipworms have become a Heavenly Spirit Earth Treasure, revered as a divine gift by the local witch doctors."

"After trials by renowned medical experts, it opens Magic Veins and removes dampness. Once dried and ground into powder, it has miraculous effects on rheumatism, truly a Treasure Medicine."

"Oh?"

Xiao Hongqi’s expression eased, "In that case, it can indeed be called a treasure."

While the Xingqing Palace was lovely, sometimes it accumulates water during summer, making the palaces damp and dark, causing some to suffer from rheumatism after living there for extended periods.

His mother was afflicted with rheumatism, which caused her intense pain whenever it rained. If this really had miraculous effects, it would be necessary to purchase it, regardless of the cost.

His interest was piqued at this revelation.

"What is this object?"

Xiao Hongqi pointed to a peculiar golden mask.

Another, a tall and dark-skinned elder with a hint of the pugilistic world about him, stepped forward with clasped hands and said, "Reporting to the Princely Heir, this was obtained after capturing the barbarian pirates, as they stated, taken from a continent deep within the extreme seas, originating from a Land of Gold."

"And this?", Xiao Hongqi pointed to a gold-crafted box.

"Princely Heir, please look."

A portly middle-aged man hurried forward, opened the box, and inside stood a small dancing figure. When he twisted a knob on the side, a crisp melody rang out, and the figure slowly began to spin...

The middle-aged man looked smug, "This object comes from a country called Flante. With only a hundred jin of broken tea leaves, I managed to exchange for it."

Xiao Hongqi gave a slight nod, "Quite exquisite indeed. How about the national power of this Flante?"

"Their national power is passable, but now they are constantly engaged in war. It is said that there’s a crimson-robed State Preceptor from the Li family serving as the prime minister, aiding their sovereign in subduing various local princes..."

"Heh heh."

Xiao Hongqi chuckled sardonically, "State Preceptor, sounds like someone from the Mystical Sect, who would have thought they could also take on the role of a prime minister? Mr. Yue, gentlemen, it seems you must strive harder."

Prince Chang’an, upon hearing this, instantly furrowed his brow, "Speaking in such an ambiguous tone, is the Princely Heir intentionally trying to provoke me?"

Although he spoke sternly, his eyes were filled with affection.

Who was the Princely Heir? He knew better than anyone else; if he were to leave, only the Princely Heir could protect his lineage.

Yet, he was very much against this organizing of merchant teams to sail the seas.

"This son dares not."

Xiao Hongqi quickly bowed his head, yet his eyes were resolutely firm.

As soon as he spoke, a chill fell over the hall.

Just then, from within the crowd stepped a middle-aged Daoist, wearing a white Daoist robe, with handsome features and a long black beard hanging down to his chest, exuding an extraordinary demeanor. He sighed, flicked his horsetail whisk, and respectfully bent at the waist, "Princely Heir, please do not be angry. This poor Daoist had only good intentions. If there was any impropriety, I ask for your forgiveness."

The speaker was none other than Yue Fazhong from the Prince Mansion.

That’s enough, that’s enough.

Prince Chang’an shook his head slightly, "We’re all considering the interests of the Prince Mansion. There’s no need for arguing and spoiling my mood. Everyone, please take your seats."

"Yes, Prince."

Everyone took their seats, and soon after, the maids began to sing and dance to liven the atmosphere, with guests drinking and chatting, and no further mention of forming merchant teams.

After the feast had ended, everyone dispersed.

Watching Prince Chang’an and the Princely Heir depart into the distance, Yue Fazhong stood by the lake with no expression, silent for a while, then turned and returned to his own courtyard.

"Meeting the senior brother."

Luo Faqing was waiting in the courtyard, and he quickly clasped his hands when he saw him.

"Um."

Yue Fazhong nodded slightly, his expression softening.

Seeing his mood was off, Luo Faqing quickly asked, "Senior brother, I heard that the Princely Heir was enraged at the treasure reward meeting?"

"Alas..."

Yue Fazhong sighed, shaking his head, "The Princely Heir is very wary of me; if he insists on opposing, I fear this matter will come to nothing."

"Prince’s health is poor; when the Princely Heir succeeds, it will be difficult for me to remain in the Prince Mansion. However, the Princely Heir thinks highly of you, junior brother. Do not become antagonistic with him."

Luo Faqing hesitated for a moment, "Senior brother, forgive my frankness, but the Princely Heir’s concern is nothing more than the fear of the court’s suspicion. Moreover, we really aren’t suitable to involve ourselves in such matters."

"Of course, I know."

Yue Fazhong spoke indifferently, "The Magic Veins of the world each have their own strongholds; our Shang Mountain lineage, though increasingly thriving in Shan State, lies only below the Taixuan Orthodox Sect. But outside of Shan State, we are nothing."

"I have sent out a few disciples, but they are suppressed and excluded, hardly able to stand out. If we ever want to enter the ranks of the Proper Xuan Sect, our current strength is not sufficient. Only with a push from all sides could one have a chance."

"Perhaps taking on the name of overseas exploration could be a strategy to break the stalemate."

"What a pity..."

Luo Faqing hesitated, "Senior brother, I also feel that setting sail is not a good choice. Maybe, like those of the Proper Xuan Sect, we should also spend some effort on more rituals of disaster relief and prayer for blessings."

Upon hearing this, Yue Fazhong’s eyes turned harsh, "Saying this so suddenly, have you been listening to some idle gossip?"

"Have you forgotten... how our master died?"

"Do something with all your might and heart, and those fools will remember your good deeds at first, but soon after, they’ll take it for granted."

"In the end, if you don’t sacrifice your life to save them, you will be cursed by thousands, even if they are in the wrong. There will be no good words for you, at best, hypocritical righteousness with a temple dedicated in your name."

"I won’t follow the path of our master again."

"Right now, it’s not your turn to make decisions here!"