A few years ago, Qingzhou Linhai City, after its fall—
The night was heavy. The embers had not yet extinguished, and the scent of war still lingered in the streets and alleys of Linhai City in Qingzhou.
On the day the city fell, cries of grief echoed everywhere, corpses littered the ground, and the devastated ruins bore witness to a manipulated war—the wokou and the Pirate King Alliance joined forces to attack the city, while the Ministry of War's reinforcements were heavily delayed, plunging Linhai City into a desperate situation of isolation and helplessness.
However, not everyone was trapped to death in the city.
Before the city fell, Liu Wenzhou led a portion of the commoners and surviving soldiers, relying on the defensive layouts and retreat routes left by Chen Hui, successfully breaking through the enemy's encirclement and quietly withdrawing.
Looking back at the burning city, he clenched his fists, whispering: "Chen Hui... if you are still alive, you definitely wouldn't want to see this situation."
But no one knew whether Chen Hui was alive or dead. His figure vanished into the chaos of the battlefield, his body gone without a trace.
For the Ministry of War, however, this was the most perfect outcome.
Days later, when the outcome of the war was already a foregone conclusion and the defenders of Linhai City were almost completely wiped out, the Ministry of War's garrison finally arrived, "late but eventually."
They raised their military banners high, arriving outside the city in a massive, imposing array, putting on a posture of preparing to retake Qingzhou.
However, this war had long been scripted.
"Attack!" With the command, the Ministry of War's army began attacking the wokou and the Pirate King Alliance. But this battle was no true life-and-death struggle; rather, it was a meticulously orchestrated performance.
Swords clashed, and battle cries shook the heavens, but they never attacked with full force. The wokou and pirates also played along, retreating at the right moments. Finally, after a symbolic fierce battle, under the "fierce assault" of the Ministry of War's army, the enemies were "defeated" and retreated, leaving Linhai City to be reclaimed by the military.
From the very beginning, this war was a political transaction.
The Capital, Minister of War's Manor.
Chang Yanjiao sat in his study, flipping through the military reports sent by the Ministry of War, the corners of his mouth curling up slightly.
"Chen Hui, is dead?" he whispered, his fingers gently tapping the desk, his eyes harboring an unfathomably deep smile.
No, he wasn't certain if Chen Hui was truly dead, and he didn't even care.
But Chen Hui being "dead" was the most advantageous option for him.
He closed the military report, looked up at the several confidants in the room, his tone flat yet carrying an undeniable authority: "Since the outcome of the battle for Qingzhou Linhai City is already set, it is time to let Chen Hui's death serve its purpose."
"What do you mean by this?" A staff officer frowned slightly, asking in confusion.
Chang Yanjiao smiled faintly, picked up his teacup, and slowly blew away the foam, his tone as calm as a tranquil yet deadly trap.
"Chen Hui is dead. This war requires a hero."
"And this hero's battle was personally orchestrated by me."
The next day, a memorial drafted by the Ministry of War was expedited to the imperial city by fast horse.
Its contents elaborately described the "great victory" of the battle for Linhai City in Qingzhou, detailing how the Ministry of War made the wokou and Pirate King Alliance pay a heavy price with minimal casualties, and heavily dramatizing—
"Chen Hui, by order of the Minister of War, Chang Yanjiao, fought heroically against the enemy despite being vastly outnumbered. Defending the isolated city for three days, he ultimately sacrificed himself valiantly, laying down his life for the country!"
"He is a loyal and righteous man. We beg Your Majesty to posthumously ennoble him to highlight the soul of a loyal official!"
When the memorial was presented, the court was shocked. The civil and military officials all praised Chen Hui as "unparalleled in loyalty and heroism," and the emperor sighed with emotion: "Such a loyal official must be ennobled!"
Shortly after, an imperial edict was issued—
"Chen Hui is posthumously ennobled as 'Duke of Loyal Heroism', and the Ministry of War is ordered to immediately rebuild Qingzhou and restore the people's livelihoods!"
Thus, after his death, Chen Hui not only became the "Loyal Hero" of the Shuntian Dynasty but also became the ultimate tool for the Ministry of War to expand its power.
Sitting in his study, listening to a confidant read the contents of the imperial edict in a low voice, the corners of Chang Yanjiao's mouth curled up slightly.
"Posthumously ennobling Chen Hui, rebuilding Qingzhou, restoring livelihoods... what a grand display of righteousness."
He set down his teacup, his tone filled with coldness: "Chen Hui, while alive, you were utterly loyal, serving the country and the people, yet ultimately ended up as an unknown corpse... But in death, your name can seize even more power for me."
"If you know this in the netherworld, you should be gratified."
His eyes held not a shred of sentiment, only cold calculation.
Chen Hui's death allowed the Ministry of War to legitimately take control of Qingzhou. The power to rebuild would be solely managed by the Ministry, and Chang Yanjiao could further consolidate his position in the imperial court.
But the chess game of power did not stop there.
"The State Preceptor's Manor currently holds too much power. It's time to whittle down that old fox, Chang Jin."
Chang Yanjiao slowly stood up, walked to the bookshelf on the side of the study, and took down a secret document.
"Let him taste what true politics is."
A sharp light flashed in his eyes. A faint smile on his lips, he murmured softly to himself—
"This game of chess has only just begun."
Night in the capital. The palace lanterns of the State Preceptor's Manor hung high. The flickering red candlelight cast an elusive, eerie atmosphere over the quiet grand hall.
The master of this manor was Chang Jin, the State Preceptor of the Shuntian Dynasty. He controlled the nation's destiny, feng shui, and military secrets, holding a position second only to the emperor. Backed by his ties to the Shushan Sect and the Shuntian court, his power was overwhelming.
And tonight, he welcomed a special guest.
The Minister of War, Chang Yanjiao.
Both originated from the Chang family. One was an outstanding talent of the main branch, controlling the court's divine secrets and Shushan's influence; the other came from a branch family, relying on political maneuvering and military power to climb to the core of power in the Shuntian Dynasty's Ministry of War.
This meeting was ostensibly to catch up and offer congratulations between kinsmen. However, the true flashing of blades lay sharp within their words.
Chang Jin smiled faintly, personally pouring a cup of hot tea and offering it to Chang Yanjiao: "Lord Minister, the matter in Qingzhou was handled beautifully. Now, everyone in the court praises you for turning the Qingzhou crisis into a victory for the Ministry of War with minimal cost. That move was indeed brilliant."
Chang Yanjiao took the teacup, blew gently on the surface, and chuckled softly: "Lord State Preceptor praises me too much. The Ministry of War's victory is nothing but a part of the changing dynamics in the court. On the other hand, Lord State Preceptor, you have been like the mid-day sun in the palace lately. The Emperor's reliance on you grows deeper by the day. That is the true peak of power."
"Likewise." Chang Jin smiled lightly, picked up his teacup, his tone calm. "You now control Qingzhou, and the court is full of praise for you, saying you command troops like a god, quelled the chaos, and even suffered the loss of a general for the country, elevating Chen Hui's name to the pinnacle of loyal heroism."
Chang Yanjiao swirled the tea gently, a slight smile on his lips: "Come to think of it, when you and I parted ways, cousin, I'm afraid you didn't expect me to reach this point today, did you?"
Hearing this, Chang Jin's smile deepened: "Cousin is too modest. When you resolved to enter the peak of power via officialdom, I knew your character was extraordinary."
"I just didn't expect that my cousin could crown himself by leveraging the name of a dead man."
Chang Yanjiao smiled lightly, his tone remaining indifferent: "The dead cannot speak, so we speak for them. As long as he is the Duke of Loyal Heroism, everything he did becomes the Ministry of War's victory, the Ministry's strategy, the Ministry's achievement."
He looked up at Chang Jin, his gaze piercing: "This is the value of power."
Chang Jin set down his teacup gently, his fingertips rubbing its rim, speaking leisurely: "Power is indeed a good thing, but how to distribute it is the true knowledge."
"You hold the power of Qingzhou very steadily. However, cousin, have you ever thought that when military power becomes too heavy, it will incur the Emperor's suspicion?"
Chang Yanjiao smiled faintly: "There is no need for cousin to worry about that."
"But regarding you, cousin... these past few days, I heard the Shushan Sect has voiced quite a few complaints about the Qingzhou incident. Does this have anything to do with you?"
At the mention of Shushan, Chang Jin's eyes shifted slightly.
He was originally a disciple cultivated by Shushan. He had thought he could distinguish himself within the sect; however, his lightning arts and swordsmanship were both inferior to the current sect leader, the White-Browed Perfected One, Li Zhenglei. Furthermore, struggling to win the masses' submission, he failed to grasp the sect's core power.
Ultimately, utilizing the relationship between the Shuntian Dynasty and Shushan, along with the Chang family's support, he established himself in the imperial court as the State Preceptor, grasping Shuntian's national destiny and imperial power.
Although he was already at the pinnacle of power, Shushan—the faction that influenced his past—always followed him like a shadow.
"Whatever complaints Shushan has regarding the Qingzhou matter, cousin need not overthink." Chang Jin smiled lightly, a hint of perfunctoriness in his words. "But cousin should also know that Shushan's influence in the Shuntian Dynasty is not something the Ministry of War can ignore."
"If cousin wishes to continue securing Qingzhou, I'm afraid dealing with Shushan will be inevitable."
Chang Yanjiao smiled coldly, his tone carrying contempt: "Although Shushan has influence, what can they do without true power?"
"Wasn't that also the case for you back in Shushan, cousin?"
As soon as these words fell, the air instantly grew heavy.
Chang Jin narrowed his eyes, picked up his teacup, took a light sip, and didn't answer immediately.
Although both originated from the Chang family, the main and branch families had always been battlegrounds for power competition.
Back then, the main family selected its most outstanding youths to enter Shushan, hoping to cultivate a future sect leader to sway Shushan's influence for the family.
However, Chang Jin ultimately lost to Li Zhenglei, failing to ascend to the position of sect leader.
This led Chang Yanjiao and the branch family to always believe that the main family's cultivation plan was a failure. Although Chang Jin became the State Preceptor, he failed to truly let the Chang family control Shushan.
Chang Jin looked at his cousin across from him, smiling lightly: "Cousin's tone sounds more and more like those old patriarchs of the Chang family back then."
"But don't forget, were it not for the main family, you would still be a bastard child of the branch family today, with no right to speak with me here."
Chang Yanjiao's expression remained unchanged, instead chuckling lowly: "Cousin's words are correct. Were it not for the main family, I indeed could not have reached this place."
"But precisely because of this, I am even more aware that power must be fought for by oneself, not by waiting for the main family's bestowals."
He smiled faintly, his tone indifferent: "Today, I have mastered the Ministry of War. Although cousin is honored as State Preceptor, you hold no direct military power. If we were to clash, who the Emperor would choose is truly uncertain."
Chang Jin's smile deepened, his tone unchanged: "So, you want to challenge me?"
"No." Chang Yanjiao shook his head, "I only wish to remind cousin that power only belongs to the one most capable of controlling it."
"In Shushan back then, cousin lost to Li Zhenglei; in the imperial court today... cousin, can you still win this game of chess?"
The two exchanged smiles, yet beneath those smiles hid murderous intent.
Chang Jin set down his teacup, stood up, and spoke slowly: "Cousin, the chess game of Qingzhou is settled, but this chess game of the imperial court... has only just begun."
Chang Yanjiao also slowly stood up, adjusted his sleeves, and smiled faintly: "Cousin is right. We shall see who gets the last laugh."
Their tones remained peaceful, like close brothers chatting about domestic affairs, but this meeting was destined to be a clash of power.
This battle had no flashing swords, yet was more brutal than any battlefield.
The night was heavy. Even though many days had passed, in many places of Qingzhou Linhai City, embers still burned. Charred rubble and broken walls bore witness to the end of this war. Grieving people searched everywhere for the familiar people, events, and objects in their memories.
Standing outside the city gates, Liu Wenzhou quietly looked at this once-prosperous city, now reduced to a semi-ruined wasteland.
He clenched his fists tightly, irrepressible remorse and anger flashing in his eyes.
Is this war truly over?
He thought of that man who was always steady and composed, who defended Qingzhou with wisdom and responsibility—Chen Hui.
And that woman who was once a Shushan disciple, but chose her own path—Lin Wanying.
He had once promised Lin Wanying's master to look after her when necessary, but today, her whereabouts alongside Chen Hui were unknown, their lives or deaths a mystery.
When the Ministry of War's garrison returned to Linhai City and "put on an act" with the wokou and Pirate King Alliance, Liu Wenzhou brought the fleeing commoners and soldiers back into the city to search for traces of Chen Hui.
But he scoured the city's main battlefields without finding a single clue.
"No remains on the city walls... none at the warehouse either..."
Standing atop the broken ruins of the city gate, his heart sank.
But right now, there were no remains, no belongings, not even a similar corpse to be found in the city—this indicated that Chen Hui might not be dead!
"If he's still alive, where is he?"
Hope surged in Liu Wenzhou's heart, but immediately after, it plummeted into another abyss.
"What if he was captured, or secretly executed?"
"It shouldn't end just like this, what else can I do..." Liu Wenzhou murmured.
While Liu Wenzhou had yet to find any trace of Chen Hui, an imperial edict from the palace completely altered the situation—
"Chen Hui fought heroically against the enemy, sacrificed his life for the country, possessing unparalleled loyalty and righteousness. We specifically ennoble him as 'Duke of Loyal Heroism,' and order the Ministry of War to take charge of rebuilding Qingzhou and restoring the people's livelihoods."
When Liu Wenzhou heard this news, a chill rose from the bottom of his heart.
"Is this... the Ministry of War's doing?"
Sure enough, upon further inquiry, he discovered that all of this was exactly Chang Yanjiao's arrangement.
Chen Hui's death, true or false, was used by the Ministry of War as a tool to manipulate public opinion.
Standing amidst the crowds, watching the commoners pay homage to and sing praises of the "Duke of Loyal Heroism," Liu Wenzhou's heart grew even heavier.
"Hehehe~~~~ woo woo~~~" Liu Wenzhou laughed and cried simultaneously.
What an absurd reality this was—a man whose life or death was uncertain was worshipped as a hero! While the real him might be struggling with death somewhere.
Shortly after, Liu Wenzhou received an "unexpected reward."
Because he had helped Chen Hui defend the city, when the Ministry of War orchestrated this "Duke of Loyal Heroism Myth," they unexpectedly pulled him in as well—
"Chen Hui's advisor, Liu Wenzhou, who formerly taught at the Holy Scholar Academy, is proficient in mathematics and assisted the Duke of Loyal Heroism in defending the city; he should be rewarded for his merits!"
Just like that, he was crowned with the title "Advisor to the Duke of Loyal Heroism" and received a reward from the imperial court.
The moment Liu Wenzhou accepted the reward, he couldn't tell if what filled his heart was irony or helplessness.
He understood that this was political manipulation, and he was nothing but one of the exploited pawns.
"Since that's the case... I will use this identity to find Chen Hui."
Bearing the title "Advisor to the Duke of Loyal Heroism," Liu Wenzhou personally went to the Ministry of War, requesting the newly stationed Qingzhou general to dispatch troops to search for traces of Chen Hui.
But his request was rejected without any suspense.
"Mr. Liu, the Duke of Loyal Heroism has already died for his country. This is a fact recognized by the imperial court; why must you pursue it further?"
"If the Duke of Loyal Heroism is truly still alive, do you think the Ministry of War wouldn't know?"
"Please rest assured, the reconstruction and stabilization of Qingzhou are the most important matters now."
The officials' words were full of evasion and warning. Liu Wenzhou could hear it clearly—this "Duke of Loyal Heroism" plan had already been finalized; the Ministry of War fundamentally did not want Chen Hui to still be alive.
If he were still alive, it would ruin the perfect ending of this play.
Liu Wenzhou decided to use the reward to travel to the Commercial Republic and seek out the "Money Bridges to Gods Faction's" intelligence organization.
"Since the court is unwilling to search, then I will pay for answers."
The intelligence network of the Commercial Republic was far more flexible than the court's. If anyone could find clues amidst a chaotic battlefield, it would be them.
After several months of inquiries, he finally obtained a crucial clue—
Ichiro Yamanaka had personally and severely wounded Chen Hui, but at that time, Isabel's subordinates had witnessed Chen Hui and Lin Wanying boarding a small boat and fleeing overseas!
When Liu Wenzhou learned of this news, his heart was deeply shaken.
"They... are still alive?"
He couldn't be certain of the accuracy of this intelligence, but it was his only hope!
Ultimately, he decided to spend a hefty sum to hire the professional intelligence organization of the Money Bridges to Gods Faction to lead him on a journey to find Chen Hui and Lin Wanying.
If Chen Hui and Lin Wanying are still alive, I must find them!
He tightly gripped the reward in his hand. What was once a transaction under political scheming would now become his bargaining chip to find the truth.
The Commercial Republic, Headquarters of the Money Bridges to Gods Faction
As the curtain of night fell, within the brightly lit Commercial Republic, a resplendent pavilion stood tall above the bustling docks.
This was the headquarters of the Money Bridges to Gods Faction—"Golden Cauldron Pavilion," the territory of the wealthiest force in the Commercial Republic, the hub where the world's wealth flowed.
At this moment, in the reception room on the top floor of the pavilion, a middle-aged man in a silk robe sat in the master seat. He had a rat-like face and an incredibly sleazy appearance, but his aura was so imposing that it made people ignore his looks, feeling instead that they might be crushed by his presence if they weren't careful. He was twirling a finely carved gold coin in his hand, his deep and shrewd eyes seemingly lost in thought.
He was the "King of Flying Money" Kong Fang, the commercial magnate who had just become the leader of the Money Bridges to Gods Faction. For hundreds of years, several major chambers of commerce in the Commercial Republic began by funding martial arts experts to protect their freight, but there was never a unified organization. Through the development and integration of two generations of the Kong family, it eventually evolved into a sect centered on financial power. Their influence spanned all four nations; not only did they dominate the martial world, but they could also manipulate political situations and market trends.
Although he had ascended to this position, he knew that the seat of sect leader did not mean he was unshakable.
Internally, there were constraints from old merchants, other chamber members, and subordinates; externally, there was the competition and threat from the Pirate King Alliance. All of this required his strategic planning to remain undefeated in this game of wealth and power.
"Sect Leader."
A man in a black long shirt cupped his hands slightly, speaking with a deep and respectful tone.
This man was the Vice Sect Leader of the Money Bridges to Gods Faction, Zhao Yijin, an expert in intelligence and financial logistics, and one of Kong Fang's most relied-upon advisors.
"The war in Qingzhou has ended, but the real chess game has only just begun."
Zhao Yijin stepped forward slowly, placing the intelligence scroll in his hand onto the table, reporting evenly: "The Minister of War, Chang Yanjiao, successfully manipulated the Qingzhou war situation, ennobled Chen Hui as 'Duke of Loyal Heroism,' and used this to consolidate the Ministry's power. Now, the entire court is praising the Ministry's victory, while State Preceptor Chang Jin has not yet made a move."
Kong Fang nodded slightly, twirling the gold coin with a half-smile: "Chang Yanjiao's move was indeed beautiful, squeezing dry even the value of a dead man. As expected of an old fox of the court."
Zhao Yijin continued: "But the intelligence we received indicates that Chen Hui did not definitively die in battle. Although Ichiro Yamanaka heavily wounded him, subordinates of the Pirate King Alliance eventually witnessed Chen Hui and Lin Wanying leaving Qingzhou on a small boat, though their destination is unconfirmed."
Kong Fang stopped his movements, his eyes flashing slightly.
"...Now this is interesting."
He said in a low voice, his tone carrying a thoughtful nuance.
"So, the Blood Empress Isabel intentionally let them go?"
Zhao Yijin nodded: "From the intelligence we've gathered, Isabel left an escape route during the war. Her true goal was not to assist the Ministry of War in seizing Qingzhou, but to incite further chaos in the world, allowing her black markets and maritime trade to flourish even more."
"If Chen Hui is still alive, then this becomes interesting... Does the Pirate King, 'Fang of the Black Tide' Drake, know about this?"
Zhao Yijin's eyes turned fierce, and he said through gritted teeth: "That I am not clear about. Our spies have never been able to ascertain Drake's coordinates or movements. We only learn his whereabouts after he raids our merchant ships!"
Kong Fang suddenly gripped the spinning gold coin in his hand: "Dig for intelligence on the Heavenly Craft Pavilion and Drake as if your lives depended on it! Intelligence is money! Without investment, there is no return! Throw money at it! I refuse to believe we cannot buy the intelligence I want."
"Understood! Additionally, Liu Wenzhou has arrived in the Commercial Republic and is willing to spend a large amount of silver to request our help in finding the whereabouts of Chen Hui and Lin Wanying."
Zhao Yijin added, "Liu Wenzhou was once ennobled as 'Advisor to the Duke of Loyal Heroism.' He is now using the imperial court's rewards to seek our help. This transaction should be very interesting."
Hearing this, Kong Fang couldn't help but laugh. He gently tossed the gold coin, caught it securely, and tapped the desk with his fingertips: "Heh... indeed an interesting man."
"However, the person he is looking for is the 'Duke of Loyal Heroism' who brought massive fame to Chang Yanjiao. If Chen Hui is truly alive, what will Chang Yanjiao do?"
Zhao Yijin smiled slightly, a hint of mockery in his tone: "Naturally, he will kill him off cleanly."
"So, this business is not just about helping Liu Wenzhou find someone; it is an opportunity for us."
Kong Fang stood up slowly, putting his hands behind his back and gazing out the window at the brightly lit docks, his eyes full of endless calculation.
"In recent years, the Pirate King Alliance's movements have grown increasingly brazen, encroaching on our trade routes and threatening our maritime interests, while Chang Yanjiao is using the Ministry of War to attempt to expand his power..."
"If we help Liu Wenzhou and find Chen Hui, then..."
He narrowed his eyes, a shrewd smile curling on his lips: "We can not only earn a handsome reward from this transaction, but we might also use it to drive a wedge between the Pirate King Alliance and the Ministry of War, making them suspect and weaken each other."
Zhao Yijin whispered: "So, the Sect Leader's meaning is... we accept this job?"
Kong Fang chuckled, saying breezily: "Of course we accept it; this is a win-win business."
But immediately after, he blinked, his tone turning profound: "However... when our Money Bridges to Gods Faction does business, we emphasize 'affection and righteousness'."
"Since Liu Wenzhou comes with sincerity, we cannot let him think we are doing this solely for money."
"Are you saying...?"
Kong Fang smiled faintly, his tone leisurely: "I want to make him feel that this is a special favor I am doing for him, not just a transaction. That way, he will owe me a favor, and this favor might be exchanged for even greater benefits in the future."
He turned around slowly, his eyes shrewd and far-sighted: "Liu Wenzhou will think he scored a bargain, while we are the true winners."
"Prepare the arrangements. I will meet him personally."
Zhao Yijin nodded slightly, revealing a smile of admiration: "The Sect Leader is truly a master of calculation."
"A businessman must always leave an out." Kong Fang smiled indifferently, "Don't forget, the path of commerce is like a battlefield. The winner is not the strongest, but the one who calculates best."
Standing in front of the Golden Cauldron Pavilion, Liu Wenzhou looked up at the resplendent building, a myriad of emotions in his heart.
This place was the most iconic landmark of the Commercial Republic, the headquarters of the Money Bridges to Gods Faction, and the hub where the world's wealth flowed.
On this trip, he wasn't just here to "buy news"; he was negotiating with a merchant who controlled the financial lifelines of the world. And this negotiation would determine whether he could find the whereabouts of Chen Hui and Lin Wanying.
"Once here, everything must be spoken with silver."
He took a deep breath and, following in the footsteps of Vice Sect Leader Zhao Yijin, stepped into this glittering building.
Inside the magnificent grand hall, polished marble reflected the candlelight. Hanging on the walls were massive oil paintings depicting maritime trade and the flow of merchant routes. The scent of gold and silver treasures permeated the entire space.
Following Zhao Yijin, Liu Wenzhou passed through layers of attendants, finally arriving at the reception room deep within the pavilion.
He entered the room, illuminated by hundreds of candles, and saw a man in a silk robe sitting leisurely in the master seat. He was playing with a gold coin that spun nimbly on his fingertips, glinting with a subtle light.
Liu Wenzhou braced his spirit, saying: "I presume you are the one known as the 'King of Flying Money', Sect Leader Kong?"
Kong Fang looked up, revealing a profound smile. His tone was gentle yet laced with smooth calculation: "Mr. Liu has traveled a long way and worked hard. Since you have come to the Golden Cauldron Pavilion, I imagine you have business to discuss?"
Liu Wenzhou cupped his hands slightly, his tone neither haughty nor humble: "Indeed. I hope the Money Bridges to Gods Faction can help me find two people."
Kong Fang tapped the table lightly, the gold coin stopping its spin and returning to his palm: "Does Mr. Liu know that finding people has never been a simple transaction?"
"I have brought sufficient wealth," Liu Wenzhou pulled a heavy brocade pouch from his robe and placed it gently on the table, his gaze firm, "as well as some intelligence on the Pirate King Alliance, as additional terms."
A glint flashed in Kong Fang's eyes. He reached out to take the pouch, weighed it slightly, then opened it to inspect, his smile deepening: "Mr. Liu truly shows great sincerity."
"However..." he intentionally dragged out his words, his tone playful, "To make me squeeze out personnel from our busy fleets to help Mr. Liu... this is not a problem an ordinary transaction can solve."
Liu Wenzhou watched him steadily, not rushing to reply. He knew this was a negotiation tactic. Kong Fang wouldn't easily say "no," but he would certainly try to raise the price, even turning this transaction into a chess game more favorable to himself.
Just as this commercial negotiation reached a stalemate, the door to the reception room was suddenly pushed open, and a childish, milky voice rang out—
"Daddy, Mommy says you are counting money again. When will you come back and play with me?"
Liu Wenzhou froze and turned to look. He saw a little girl, about three or four years old, wearing a small silk dress, her hair combed into two round buns, holding a small coin purse, toddling in.
Her big, round eyes shone with intelligence. Although young, her gestures already carried a somewhat shrewd and capable aura.
This was Kong Fang's only beloved daughter—Kong Ning.
Kong Fang frowned slightly, his tone helpless: "Ning'er, we are discussing business here. You cannot barge in."
"But, Mommy said no matter how much money you make, you shouldn't let your daughter wait alone for too long." Kong Ning said in her milky voice. Then, her eyes darted around, turning to look at Liu Wenzhou.
"Is this uncle here to give Daddy money?"
Liu Wenzhou was momentarily speechless, while Kong Fang paused, then smiled bitterly: "Ning'er, how can you speak like that?"
However, Kong Ning wasn't affected by her father's words. Instead, she stepped forward, inspecting the brocade pouch on the table. She blinked and asked innocently, "What are these coins going to buy?"
Liu Wenzhou was amused by this three-year-old girl and couldn't help but chuckle: "I am here to ask your Daddy to help me find someone."
"Find someone?" Kong Ning tilted her head, her fingers lightly fiddling with her little coin purse. After thinking for a moment, she looked up and asked with naive charm: "Then Daddy, if that's the case, did you charge a 'finding fee'?"
Kong Fang: "..."
Liu Wenzhou: "..."
Kong Fang helplessly massaged his temples and sighed: "Ning'er, why have even you started negotiating business with me?"
Kong Ning nodded earnestly: "Mommy said you can't take a loss in business. Daddy, you can't help people for free."
Liu Wenzhou looking at this little girl, didn't know what to say for a moment, yet was amazed by her talent and astuteness.
This child was bound to be a commercial prodigy in the future.
Kong Fang looked helplessly at his daughter, gave a light chuckle, then turned to Liu Wenzhou, his tone carrying a touch of leisure: "Mr. Liu, you see, even this little girl of mine knows that one cannot take a loss in business."
"But, who asked me to be a man who values 'affection and righteousness'?"
He feigned hesitation, thinking for a moment, then slowly nodded: "Since Mr. Liu is so sincere, I will specially squeeze out a few ships from my busy fleet to help find these people. This is a merchant's 'morality'; you must remember this."
Liu Wenzhou laughed inwardly. He knew Kong Fang's words sounded nice, but in reality, he was calculating his own interests. But this transaction was already the best outcome for him, so he cupped his hands slightly: "Thank you for Sect Leader Kong's 'morality'. I, Liu, will certainly engrave it in my heart."
Kong Fang waved his hand, smiling faintly: "Since that is the case, please give me some time to prepare the ships and crew. Such matters require meticulous arrangement."
But Liu Wenzhou knew that this was merely another layer of Kong Fang's calculation—he intended to assign the fleet that was originally exploring the sea routes to Liu Wenzhou. It equated to Liu Wenzhou paying to find someone while the Money Bridges to Gods Faction conveniently mapped new sea charts, achieving a win-win situation.
This was the shrewdness of a merchant—making others feel they had snagged a bargain, while they themselves were the true winners.