Crowned Consort in Golden Age-Chapter 252 - 251. Young Master Qingchen’s Strategy

251. Young Master Qingchen’s Strategy

"Is the Southern Garrison Prince confident enough to deal with Murong Xiong?" Xu Qingchen’s words were spoken lightly, but they held an entirely different meaning for the Southern Garrison Prince.

Worldly experts might seem unable to influence the grand scheme of things, but an expert of Murong Xiong’s caliber inevitably inspired trepidation. Even if one had the upper hand, should he decide on a fight to the death, willing to perish just to take your life, few in this world could withstand such an assault. The higher one’s position, the more one cherished life; the Southern Garrison Prince naturally did not want to leave such a potent threat to himself unaddressed.

He aspired to unify the world and eliminate the descendants of Mo Liufang. However, if he were to die at the hands of a worldly expert, all his ambitions would come to naught.

"Young Master Qingchen has persuaded Ling Tiehan to take action... Indeed, Ling Tiehan has significant connections with both Young Master Qingchen and Prince Ding," the Southern Garrison Prince said gravely.

Xu Qingchen smiled faintly. "Friendship is friendship, and business is business. I will not hide it from Your Highness; I am merely passing through on my way from Nanzhao and have not brought many men from the Northwest. However, if I can persuade Pavilion Master Ling to act, I can also deploy the King of Hell Pavilion. This time... I am afraid the King of Hell Pavilion will be required to contribute the most. Your Highness offering ten percent of the profits is not an excessive demand."

The Southern Garrison Prince was speechless. The ten percent profit Xu Qingchen mentioned so casually amounted to hundreds of thousands, even millions, of taels of silver for him. Gazing at the smiling young master in white, serene as the bright moon and gentle breeze, the Southern Garrison Prince once again felt something lodged in his chest, unable to be swallowed or expelled.

"I do not understand, Young Master Qingchen, why you wish to move against the Murong family. Speaking of which... isn’t the Murong family’s existence somewhat beneficial to the Northwest?" the Southern Garrison Prince asked. So long as the Murong clan existed, the Northwest’s economy could never catch up to Great Chu’s. Compared to the flourishing competition among various families in Great Chu, the Murong family’s monopolistic dominance in Xiling had persisted for far too long.

Xu Qingchen took a light sip of his tea and sighed softly. "I did indeed consider cooperating with the Murong family. Unfortunately... some people are too oblivious to the changing times. If the Murong family can be a hidden threat to Xiling today, they could very well become a hidden threat to Prince Ding’s Mansion in the future." The Southern Garrison Prince remained silent for a long moment before respectfully saying, "I understand. We shall proceed as Young Master Qingchen suggests. If there is anything you require of me, Young Master Qingchen, simply send word to Tengfeng."

Lei Tengfeng understood his father intended to entrust this matter to him. He nodded and, cupping his hands in salute towards Xu Qingchen, said, "I implore Young Master Qingchen for further guidance." Xu Qingchen smiled faintly. "Heir, you are too courteous."

Not long after the Southern Garrison Prince and his son departed, Ling Tiehan drifted in through the half-open window. Looking at Xu Qingchen, he chuckled. "It’s rare for Young Master Qingchen to think of me. My efforts back then to befriend you were not in vain. If I had a few more friends like you, I wouldn’t have to worry about the livelihood of those idiots in my household."

Xu Qingchen looked up and smiled. "So, Pavilion Master Ling agrees?" Ling Tiehan nodded. "Of course, I agree. Why wouldn’t I agree to such a good deal? A single transaction like this could keep the King of Hell Pavilion sustained for three to five years without needing further business. However... you are much more generous this time. I thought even if you didn’t take the largest share, you would at least demand a fifty-fifty split with Lei Zhenting."

Xu Qingchen said, "Xiling is, after all, the Southern Garrison Prince’s territory. Pushing too hard would only backfire, achieving nothing. To gain thirty percent from nothing is already quite good; asking for more would easily breed resentment."

Ling Tiehan frowned. "This time, you’ve truly helped Lei Zhenting. He’s been wanting to make a move on the Murong family for a considerable time. Aren’t you afraid that once he catches his breath, he’ll cause trouble for you? Xiling’s main weakness is its depleted national treasury. Once he recovers from that, I fear even the million-strong army of Prince Ding’s Mansion might not be able to withstand him."

No matter how valiant and skilled in warfare Prince Ding’s Mansion was, it could not escape the disadvantages of its small, barren territory, wedged between three major powers. They could not attack the wealthiest, Great Chu. Conquering Beirong to the north offered little benefit, not to mention the nomadic tribes beyond the border were far fiercer than the refined scholars of Great Chu could compare to. Furthermore, Xiling remained a looming threat. Although the governance of the Northwest had improved in recent years, in the eyes of most, its future remained precarious.

Xu Qingchen elegantly used his cup lid to brush away the tea dust floating on the surface, smiling softly as he said, "Many things are easy to destroy, but rebuilding them... is exceedingly difficult. If Lei Zhenting believes that Xiling’s commerce will revive simply because the Murong family falls, he is bound to be disappointed. Although he will gain a large sum for military expenses, for at least... three to five years, Xiling will only become poorer than before."

To destabilize the Murong family was to destabilize the entire economy of Xiling. Without three to five years, not even a peerless genius could salvage it. Moreover, the nobility of this era generally held merchants in low regard, except when they themselves were short of funds. Consequently, those truly proficient in finance were even rarer. If the Southern Garrison Prince believed that with the Murong family gone, everything would proceed smoothly and harmoniously, it only proved that he himself had never studied economics.

It seemed that occasionally chatting with Li’er had its benefits. At least, some of the perspectives she raised were things that even someone as intelligent and perceptive as Young Master Qingchen had never considered. Thinking of the woman who once spoke eloquently with confidence and joy in the study, a faint smile touched Xu Qingchen’s lips.

Ling Tiehan was silent for a long moment before sighing. "I thought you were scheming against the Murong family, but now it seems you’re scheming against Lei Zhenting." True, while the Murong family was known as the wealthiest, the true extent of Prince Ding’s Mansion’s resources had never been fully calculated. Even if not as rich as the Murong family, to be able to support hundreds of thousands of the Mo Family Army despite generations of suppression from the Great Chu imperial family spoke volumes of its underlying strength. Facing such an opponent, Lei Zhenting could only consider himself unlucky.

"You people think far too much. I can’t be bothered with these things. Just send word to inform me when it’s time to act," Ling Tiehan murmured. His lifelong pursuit was the pinnacle of martial arts. He had little interest in the affairs of worldly society or the imperial court; even his involvement with the King of Hell Pavilion was more a matter of responsibility. Thus, he naturally had little interest in Xu Qingchen’s convoluted schemes, which merely listening to gave him a headache. Xu Qingchen agreed with a smile, watching as Ling Tiehan exited the way he came, through the window, and silence returned to the room.

Since the day Xu Qingchen left the Murong estate, he had not sent any further word to the Murong family. The rankings for the new round of competitions at the Martial Arts Conference were also announced, but this time, the situation was clearly somewhat awkward. The reason was simple: some of the Four Great Experts from the previous two conferences were still around; and though two of them attended this Martial Arts Conference, neither had competed. Consequently, the young experts of this generation could not legitimately claim the title of ’First Expert’. In the end, the Martial Arts Conference, which had been promoted with such fanfare, concluded rather anticlimactically.

For the first few days, the Murong family still had some patience while waiting for Xu Qingchen’s reply. Moreover, Xu Qingchen had not left Ancheng City after the Martial Arts Conference, so it seemed natural that Young Master Qingchen would need some time to consider a matter as significant as marrying into their family. Gradually, however, the Murong family began to sense that something was amiss.

There was still no significant activity in more distant regions, but news from areas closer to Ancheng City indicated that their businesses in various places were subtly beginning to encounter problems. This involved not only interference from the Xiling imperial family but also the faint, shadowy involvement of Great Chu, or more precisely, Prince Ding’s Mansion. The Murong Family Head recalled the white-robed figure in the Murong family’s main hall, his calm and composed smile, and his own expression grew increasingly grim.

This was merely the beginning. When the Murong family discovered their businesses in Great Chu, Nanzhao, and the Northwest were simultaneously facing issues—shops either going bankrupt, being forced to close, or even being directly confiscated—the Murong Family Head finally understood just how much power that elegant and seemingly detached man truly wielded.

"Damn it! Has that brat surnamed Xu gone mad?!" Murong Xiong thundered in his study, looking at the report his nephew had brought. Murong Mingyan stood behind her grandfather, her face streaked with tears. She had never imagined that Xu Qingchen would attack the Murong family merely to avoid marrying her. Murong Xiong roared, "Issue the order! I want Prince Ding’s Mansion to be unable to buy even half a piece of iron ore in the Northwest!"

The Murong Family Head gave a bitter smile. "News just arrived. There are iron mines within the Northwest territory itself. Moreover... Prince Ding’s Mansion is now not only trading with neighboring countries but also with nations in the distant Western Region. They started targeting our shops in the Northwest even before the Martial Arts Conference began. I’m afraid... that Xu fellow came with malicious intent from the very start." Murong Xiong, panting with rage, asked, "Exactly how much has the Murong family lost?"

The Murong Family Head replied, "All our enterprises outside of Xiling are gone."

The Murong family’s foundation is in Xiling. While they have holdings elsewhere, these are not significant enough to truly affect their adversary’s economy, so their opponents can strike without compunction. It’s feared that if the Murong family’s businesses collapse, local merchants in those other regions will raise their cups in celebration. "Within Xiling, our losses are also severe. It’s not just suppression from the Southern Garrison Prince and the government officials; many private merchants have also begun to attack us."

The Murong family monopolized more than half of Xiling’s businesses, naturally making countless enemies. Murong Xiong sneered, "Since they want to fight us, let them see just how substantial the Murong family’s resources truly are! Is the Murong family’s wealth merely from its external shops and businesses? The real gold and silver accumulated over centuries is enough to crush anyone who opposes us."

The Murong Family Head hesitated. "Uncle, I’m afraid this is inappropriate. Wouldn’t this give the Southern Garrison Prince a legitimate reason to interfere?" If disputes between merchants escalate to the point of affecting ordinary people, the Southern Garrison Prince could directly dispatch troops to dismantle the Murong family, and no one would protest. Murong Xiong couldn’t help but frown; he had practiced martial arts since childhood and was not well-versed in either political affairs or commerce.

While the two were frowning in deep thought, a servant came from outside to report, "Reporting to the Family Head, a Young Master Ren Qining is outside requesting an audience." The Murong Family Head frowned. "Ren Qining? Who is that?" Murong Xiong, however, had some recollection. "He’s the one who won first place in the martial arts competition. His martial arts aptitude is indeed not bad. It’s a pity he’s a bit young. If he were ten years older, he might well surpass Ling Tiehan and Lei Zhenting." The Murong Family Head had no interest in Ren Qining’s martial skills. Even someone with cultivation as profound as Murong Xiong was helpless before the Murong family’s current impasse. "What does he want?"

The servant reported, "Young Master Ren says he can help the Family Head resolve the current deadlock."

The Murong Family Head started and glanced sideways at Murong Xiong. Murong Xiong’s aged eyes narrowed slightly. "Invite him in."

Not far from the Murong estate, two figures sat leisurely on the branch of a large, verdant tree, gazing at the distant main gate of the Murong residence.

"Ah-Li, what do you think Ren Qining intends to do by visiting the Murong estate at this time?" Mo Xiuyao asked curiously.

Ye Li shook her head. She wasn’t a deity; how could she know so clearly? Mo Xiuyao sighed ruefully. "We clearly agreed to come out and have fun, yet why do I feel even more tired than usual?"

Ye Li leaned into his embrace and said with a soft smile, "Isn’t Big Brother unskilled in martial arts? Although he has hidden guards for protection, you know how formidable Murong Xiong is. If Murong Xiong were to suddenly turn hostile, what use would Big Brother’s supreme intelligence be?"

If Xu Qingchen were to face Murong Xiong, and Murong Xiong was determined to kill him, then even if Xu Qingchen were the most intelligent person in the world, it would be futile. In the face of absolute power, all schemes are useless.

Mo Xiuyao sighed, looking down at Ye Li. "Ah-Li is right. Now that this Ren Qining has also gotten involved, we really cannot leave." The outcome of a confrontation between Murong Xiong and the combined forces of the Southern Garrison Prince and Ling Tiehan was roughly even, a fifty-fifty chance. If an enigmatic Ren Qining were added to the mix, the result would be difficult to predict. Mo Xiuyao didn’t care about others or the fate of the Murong family, but they had to ensure Xu Qingchen’s safety at the very least. "I’ll go in and take a look."

Ye Li quickly grabbed Mo Xiuyao’s arm. "Murong Xiong’s martial arts are significantly superior to yours; it’s better not to take the risk." Mo Xiuyao smiled at her, gently brushing a strand of hair from her ear. "Don’t worry. Even if I’m discovered and can’t defeat him, surely I can still escape?" Ye Li frowned, staring at him intently. "Be careful."

Mo Xiuyao nodded, released Ye Li, and like a silent shadow, gracefully bypassed the large contingent of guards at the entrance, heading into the Murong estate.

Meanwhile, in the study, Ren Qining was observing the three people before him with a smile, leisurely fanning himself with a folding fan, appearing quite debonair and carefree.

"Who exactly are you, and for what purpose have you come?" The Murong Family Head coldly regarded the smiling, scholarly-looking man before him. He knew in his heart that this person was different from true literati like Young Master Qingchen; this man’s martial arts ranked first among the rising stars of the worldly society.

Ren Qining chuckled. "My humble surname is Ren, given name Qining. Greetings to the Murong Family Head and Murong Senior." Murong Xiong snorted coldly. Ren Qining immediately felt a jolt in his chest as his qi and blood surged, nearly causing him to stumble. Internally astounded by Murong Xiong’s profound internal energy, Ren Qining nonetheless maintained a calm and composed demeanor, praising with a smile, "Murong Senior is indeed a venerable master. This junior is deeply impressed."

Murong Xiong sneered, easily discerning Ren Qining’s subtle implication that he was using his martial prowess to bully a junior. "Surely Young Master Ren hasn’t come to the Murong estate at this hour merely to praise an old man like me?"

Ren Qining smiled, glanced at Murong Mingyan beside them, and said, "To be frank, this junior has come to propose marriage to Miss Murong."

"Propose marriage?!" The three in the study were stunned. Murong Xiong was the first to recover, sneering, "And what makes you think I would marry Mingyan to you?" Ren Qining casually tapped his palm with his folding fan and said slowly, "At present... besides myself, is there anyone else willing to marry Miss Murong?"

"Insolent!" Murong Xiong roared.

Ren Qining remained unfazed, smiling. "Murong Senior, please do not be angered. Though my words may be harsh, Murong Senior cannot deny they are true. The Murong family is large and influential; naturally, not many are qualified to marry Miss Murong. Murong Senior must have understood Young Master Qingchen’s stance these past few days, and I fear Pavilion Master Ling also sides with Young Master Qingchen. Or perhaps... does the Murong Family Head intend to marry Miss Murong into the Great Chu imperial family?"

Given Murong Mingyan’s status, even if she entered the palace, she would at best become a consort. Not to mention, she would be beneath the Noble Consort and the Empress. Great Chu is not lacking in funds, so the Murong family’s importance in the eyes of the Emperor of Great Chu would be debatable. At that point, it would likely be a case of suffering a double loss: the Murong family would lose their only daughter and have to throw in their vast fortune as well.

"And you think you are qualified to marry Mingyan?" Murong Xiong stared at him coldly.

Ren Qining’s lips curved into a smile. "Although this humble one cannot compare to the Murong family’s nation-rivalling wealth, I believe I possess some skills and resources of my own." Murong Xiong snorted derisively. Whether in worldly society or court circles, he had never heard the name Ren Qining, nor was there any powerful family with the surname Ren. For an obscure brat to be so arrogant! Noticing Murong Xiong’s disdainful expression, Ren Qining did not become angry. He smiled and said, "Murong Senior, why not offer this junior a few pointers?"

Before Murong Xiong could mock Ren Qining for overestimating his abilities, he saw Ren Qining’s sleeve flutter as a gust of powerful wind struck towards the Murong Family Head beside him. The Murong Family Head, not being a martial artist, was startled by this sudden development and couldn’t dodge in time. Standing nearby, Murong Mingyan gritted her teeth, a dagger falling from her sleeve into her palm as she lunged at Ren Qining. Ren Qining smiled faintly, and with a flick of his fingers, easily snatched the dagger from Murong Mingyan’s hand.

This move was undoubtedly exquisite, but if young experts like Ling Tiehan or Mo Xiuyao had been present, they might not have discerned its true nature. Murong Xiong, however, was different. Fifty years ago, he was already the world’s foremost expert; his breadth of experience naturally far surpassed that of Mo Xiuyao and Ling Tiehan’s generation. Murong Xiong’s expression changed abruptly. He stared at Ren Qining and demanded, "The Startling Swan Finger! What is your connection to the Lin Family?"

Ren Qining bowed slightly and smiled. "This junior’s surname is Lin, given name Yuan. My grandfather’s surname was Lin, given name Fuqin. Senior has likely heard of him."

"You are Lin Yuan?! Impossible... Isn’t Lin Yuan..." The Murong family’s businesses spanned the world, so their sources of information were naturally widespread. Murong Xiong had noticed this Lin Yuan long ago—even earlier, it could be said, than Mo Xiuyao had. However, his reasons for noticing Lin Yuan differed from those of Mo Xiuyao and the others.

Mo Xiuyao, and indeed the rest of the world, noticed Lin Yuan because of his identity as a scion of the former dynasty. Murong Xiong, however, noticed him because he had a grandfather named Lin Fuqin. This Lin Fuqin was now largely unknown in both worldly society and court circles, but Murong Xiong remembered him as a peerless master, just like himself. It was just that Lin Fuqin had never truly gained fame in worldly society. At times, Murong Xiong even wondered if he himself could have claimed the title of the world’s foremost expert back then, had Lin Fuqin also vied for it.

A flicker of disdain crossed Ren Qining’s features. "Tan Jizhi? Just an insignificant pawn. What does he amount to?"