He dared to take a share of the profits from the Fortune Gambling House because it was implicit income understood by successive city guards—it would be a waste not to take it.

But if Wang Shouzhe wanted to use money to force him, dragging him into a noble family feud, wouldn’t that be counterproductive?

"Xiahou City Guard, you worry too much," Wang Shouzhe said with a smile. "If I wanted to involve you in family struggles, would I bring it up afterward? I’m simply leveraging your military connections to sell wine and expand our family’s sources of income. It’s purely a business collaboration, nothing more."

"Of course, should there be anything appropriate, reasonable, and legal within your jurisdiction that you can assist with, I would be most grateful. It would be an act of mutual support."

"Fine." Xiahou Hongde eventually couldn’t resist the temptation and agreed with a smile, "I can only promise that during my term, I’ll provide your family some convenience in line with Daqian Law. At the same time, I’ll subtly hint to the Huangfu family not to cause trouble during my term."

"In that case, thank you, Xiahou City Guard."

Wang Shouzhe cupped his hands in thanks, his smile becoming even more sincere.

He indeed believed Xiahou Hongde would subtly warn the Huangfu Family, as it concerned the peace of Changning Guard during his term.

However, it was in vain; Xiahou Hongde overestimated his deterrent power over the Huangfu Family and underestimated the immense pressure they faced for survival and promotion.

The way things would develop was destined to disappoint Xiahou Hongde~

With the benefit of cooperation, Xiahou Hongde’s attitude towards Wang Shouzhe changed somewhat.

After exchanging a few more words, Xiahou Hongde left with a few jugs of Fire Crystal Burn gifted by Wang Shouzhe.

Once he got off the carriage, his calm and collected appearance vanished without a trace, his face flushed red with embarrassment and discomfort.

Finding a corner, he no longer cared about anything else and immediately darted towards the City Guardian’s Mansion.

Because that damn Fire Spirit Stone unknowingly slipped beneath his stomach, entering an indescribably complex, longest organ of the human body.

...

Meanwhile, over on Wang Shouzhe’s side, just after sending off Xiahou City Guard, he welcomed another wave of guests.

It was the Direct Disciple Faang You’an from Purple Mansion Academy.

He maintained his warm and jade-like demeanor, a composed noble young master, even displaying a particularly graceful posture while savoring the spirit tea.

Smiling, he teased, "Junior Brother Shouzhe, you seem too popular. Now, to meet you, I have to queue."

"Hehe, Senior Brother Yoou’an, you’re joking," Wang Shouzhe replied with a slightly apologetic expression, "I know Senior Brother Yoou’an’s intentions. Indeed, it was my fault today, stirring up a storm while you’re in Changning Guard using the Academy’s prestige to deter Ancestor Hua Ye, making him hesitate temporarily."

Even though Faang You’an and the other academy disciples had not spoken or expressed opinions during the whole incident, it didn’t mean they weren’t part of Wang Shouzhe’s calculations.

In fact, if not for their presence, given the influence the Celestial Person Huangfu Family and Ancestor Hua Ye have in Changning Guard, they might have been able to cover up the matter, and Xiahou Hongde wouldn’t have decided to handle it impartially so decisively.

After all, the Academy’s influence on the official front is substantial. Xiahou Hongde also feared that his hesitation would affect his subsequent promotion and reputation.

Thus, the presence of Faang You’an and the other academy disciples became the most critical factor in executing this plan perfectly.

"No matter, being able to leverage the situation is your skill," Faang You’an said with a bland smile. "Besides, the opponent indeed had connections to the Yin Sha Sect. Since you’ve taken care of it, it’s considered a contribution to Daqian."

"Thank you, Senior Brother Yoou’an, for understanding," Wang Shouzhe said with a smile. "Senior Brother Yoou’an, your timing is perfect. Here, try the ’Ice Mountain Fire Burn’ I personally brewed."

With that, he snapped his fingers, producing another jug of spirit wine.

"..."

Faang You’an was a bit curious.

"Ice Mountain Fire Burn" was also a high-proof spirit. However, Wang Shouzhe’s "Ice Mountain Fire Burn" was brewed using White Jade Orchid Spirit Rice, complemented by Ice Dew Grass, making it crystal clear and sparkly like ice, emitting a faint chill.

When the liquor was poured into a specially thickened glass, strands of white mist spiraled and rose, lending it an aura resembling immortal rhyme.

"This wine pairs well with Ice Spirit Stones."

As he said this, Wang Shouzhe took out an Ice Spirit Stone, activating it with his Profound Qi before putting it into the glass.

In an instant, the white mist transformed into frost, and a layer of gorgeous ice flowers formed at the rim of the glass.

"Interesting, let me try it."

Faang You’an picked up the thickened glass, ready to take a sip.

Recalling the previous lesson, Wang Shouzhe quickly reminded him, "Senior Brother Yoou’an, don’t drink the spirit stone with it."

Faang You’an gave Wang Shouzhe a sideways glance filled with an unusual look: "Junior Brother Shouzhe, is there really a need for such a reminder? I’m not foolish enough to swallow a spirit stone."

"Uh... haha~ It’s just me talking too much." Wang Shouzhe chuckled awkwardly and gestured, "Please, Senior Brother Yoou’an."

Faang You’an inhaled the aroma slightly and then gracefully took a sip.

The next moment, his calm expression shifted slightly, then changed again, followed by yet another change, his eyes becoming somewhat hazy as if lost in some memory.

It took a full ten breaths before his eyes cleared up, and he expressed his mild wonderment, "Now I understand why this wine is named ’Ice Mountain Fire Burn.’ It’s like drinking chilled wine when it enters the mouth, leaving one’s whole body icy and refreshing. Yet after the refreshing surge, the organs feel like they’re burning. Good wine, good wine. However..."

"Might Senior Brother Yoou’an find it lacking?" Wang Shouzhe asked humbly. 𝓯𝓻𝒆𝙚𝒘𝓮𝙗𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝒍.𝙘𝓸𝙢

"There’s nothing lacking; it’s just that the name could be different." Faang You’an’s eyes slightly squinted, "This wine, at first glance, is like a pure, gentle lady, and the initial sip is exquisite. But when you truly drink it, you discover its nature is rather fiery, aggressively tormenting you to the point of pain. Yet, upon reflection, you’ve fallen in love with its indescribable taste. Why not rename it—’Ice Woman’?"

"..."

Wang Shouzhe was speechless, thinking that Senior Brother Yoou’an must have quite the colorful life experience~

Wondering which Senior Sister handled him so deftly that even Senior Brother Yoou’an was moved.

But Ice Woman—

Alright! As long as you’re happy, you’re the Celestial Human Realm Cultivator. With big fists, you have the say.

Wang Shouzhe decided that the promotional words on the wine’s future packaging would cite Senior Brother Yoou’an’s description. And it must be credited.

Even the Academy’s Direct Disciples rave about the wine. Don’t you want to give it a try?

Subsequently, Wang Shouzhe used his usual tricks to send Faang You’an off to sell the wine.

Despite being an Academy Direct Disciple, a Disciple is only human and needs to gather resources to ascend to the Purple Mansion, don’t they?

It’s mutual benefit~

...

After Faang You’an left, the carriage Wang Shouzhe "borrowed" welcomed another guest.

It was "Lady Jii" dressed by Wang Mei.

In the recent operation to cut off the Huangfu Family’s claws, she played a significant role. Moreover, her identity remained useful for the subsequent strategic arrangements.

Especially after the unintentional endorsement by Jii Mingyu, her identity representing the "Jii Family" was now "beyond doubt."

"Wang Mei," Wang Shouzhe still "entertained" her with "Jade Hook Green," saying, "You’ve indeed worked hard this time, and I still need you to endure a little longer."

"Patriarch Shouzhe, please call me ’Lady Jii,’" Lady Jii said, full of alluring charm, her eyes filled with a bit of long-term resentment, "Don’t call out the wrong name."

"Hiss~"

Wang Shouzhe could only feel helpless. Wang Mei was great in every way, but once she entered the role, it was quite overwhelming for him.

"Well..." Wang Shouzhe coughed lightly, "Aren’t you afraid the Huangfu Family will be enraged at seeking me out at such an hour?"

"Afraid of what?" Lady Jii shot a charming glance, her voice inexplicably alluring, "The more provoked they are, the more they’ll fear losing me, and the more they will value me. Just like men..."

Uh...

You make such good points, but I’m afraid my wife might not understand.

Wang Shouzhe sighed inwardly.

...