In the Murong family’s magnificent hall, Xu Qingchen sat drinking tea with a serene expression.

Ling Tiehan naturally sat beside him, sipping the premium tea from Great Chu. He couldn’t help but sigh, “As expected of the Murong family – even in Great Chu, this premium tea must be rare.” Xu Qingchen smiled, “If Brother Ling likes it, I’ll have someone send you two boxes later.”

Ling Tiehan raised an eyebrow, “Does the Northwest have much of this tea?” That shouldn’t be right – this tea was scarce even in Great Chu itself. Although Great Chu and the Northwest now traded, certain items were embargoed to the Northwest, including this tea known as Great Chu’s finest. These restrictions didn’t affect the Northwest – it was purely Mo Jingqi’s way of irritating Mo Xiuyao.

Xu Qingchen smiled faintly, “Not exactly. The Northwest received a batch in early spring, and Li’er sent a few boxes to me. However, this tea… while fragrant, its strong aroma overwhelms the natural freshness of the leaves. None of our family particularly likes it. That’s why I have extra.”

Ling Tiehan’s mouth twitched. So you’re giving me what you don’t like? “I know, you scholars are always so particular – not only must you have the finest tea, but you must also rank even the finest teas into different grades.”

Xu Qingchen smiled without responding.

The servants attending them were breaking into a cold sweat. They had been instructed by the Young Miss to serve the best tea to Young Master Qingchen, not knowing he disliked this tea. They didn’t know whether to let the mistake stand or brew new tea for him.

“Haha… Young Master Qingchen. Your presence truly brings honor to our Murong family.” The Murong family head’s laughter was bright and cheerful, like a warm and hospitable host. Beside him stood Murong Mingyan, her face veiled in light gauze, smiling at Xu Qingchen with seeming kindness. However, this warmth made both outsiders present, Ling Tiehan and Xu Qingchen, want to shudder.

Xu Qingchen smiled, “Family Head Murong is too kind. May I ask why you summoned me here?”

The family head laughed heartily, “Young Master Qingchen is straightforward, so I won’t beat around the bush. I hear you’re past thirty but still unmarried?”

Xu Qingchen’s expression changed slightly, his half-lowered eyes darkening as he said flatly, “That’s correct.” The family head smiled with satisfaction, “What does Young Master Qingchen think of my Mingyan?”

Mingyan’s face reddened, and she shyly glanced at Xu Qingchen, only to see him calmly staring at his teacup, not sparing her even a glance. Her heart sank, and a touch of grievance welled up as her eyes immediately reddened.

Sitting to the side, Ling Tiehan raised an eyebrow, casting an amused glance at Xu Qingchen, clearly enjoying the show. Xu Qingchen’s mood, however, was far from pleasant, mainly because Mo Xiuyao had correctly guessed the Murong family’s intentions. Just thinking about how that ill-tempered bastard would mock him later was enough to sour his mood.

Seeing Xu Qingchen’s prolonged silence, the family head’s initially confident smile gradually faded. After a long while, Xu Qingchen finally said calmly, “Thank you for your kind intentions, Family Head Murong, but I currently have no intention of marriage. I’m afraid I must disappoint you.”

The family head forced a smile, “As the saying goes, ‘Order the family, govern the state, bring peace to all under heaven.’ You’re past thirty and still unmarried – you should give it serious thought.”

Xu Qingchen smiled faintly, “The Family Head’s instruction is wise. These years I’ve been striving for self-cultivation, but unfortunately, my limited talents have yielded little progress.” On the side, Ling Tiehan could barely contain his laughter, though his profound martial arts cultivation gave him enough endurance to suppress it. When the family head quoted about ordering family and governing state, Xu Qingchen deliberately took the preceding part about self-cultivation – the ancients said “cultivate oneself, order the family, govern the state, bring peace to all under heaven,” and Master Xu was still busy with self-cultivation, too occupied to order a family.

This rejection was clear enough, especially in front of Ling Tiehan. It effectively cut off the Murong family’s possibility of choosing another path. The family head’s face darkened as he said coldly, “If that’s the case, why did Young Master Qingchen spend time alone with Mingyan last night? Could it be that the well-read Master Xu doesn’t know that men and women should maintain proper distance? Doesn’t understand the importance of a young lady’s reputation? Shouldn’t Young Master Qingchen give our Murong family an explanation for this?”

“Explanation?” Xu Qingchen frowned, looking puzzled at the family head and Murong Mingyan. The pure confusion and bewilderment in his calm eyes nearly made them unable to maintain their expressions.

Xu Qingchen said, “Last night, Miss Murong came to visit of her own accord. I suggested we speak at the doorway, but Miss Murong insisted on speaking privately. Or does Family Head Murong think it would have been better for passersby to see us standing awkwardly at the entrance? Moreover… regarding the private conversation, Family Head Murong surely knows my position. I can guarantee there were no fewer than four people in the room at the time. Furthermore, I did not touch Miss Murong even with a finger.”

Mingyan felt both ashamed and hurt, saying tearfully, “Young Master Qingchen, am I truly so unworthy in your eyes?”

Xu Qingchen furrowed his brow and said flatly, “My apologies.”

At this point, they had reached an impasse. Ling Tiehan considered whether to say something – after all, he needed to get Xu Qingchen out of the Murong estate in one piece. He didn’t worry about the others, only that old monster Murong Xiong might suddenly strike, which would make their situation quite precarious today.

The family head’s face darkened as he stared at Xu Qingchen, “Even if Young Master Qingchen won’t consider himself, shouldn’t you consider Prince Ding and his Princess?” Xu Qingchen raised an eyebrow, “I’m afraid I don’t understand Family Head Murong’s meaning.”

The family head gave a cold laugh, “My Murong family controls nearly sixty percent of Xiling’s trade, and we have significant business in Great Chu, including Northwest’s Li City. Speaking of which… doesn’t the Northwest buy its iron ore from Great Chu and Xiling? Coincidentally… seventy percent of Li City’s iron ore comes from Xiling through the Murong family.”

Ordinary families, might not use much ironware in a lifetime, but for Prince Ding’s estate with its army of nearly a million, no iron ore meant no weapons. Thus, iron ore was crucial for the Northwest. How could the wealthy Murong family miss such enormous profits? They had already contacted Prince Ding’s estate right after the Northwest’s break with Great Chu. Xu Qingchen lowered his eyes in silence, and if the family head could have seen, he would have noticed the cold smile and iciness in those clear eyes. Unfortunately, he didn’t see it and thus took Xu Qingchen’s silence as submission. With a slightly smug nod, he chuckled, “Why doesn’t Young Master Qingchen give it serious consideration? Though the Murong family are merchants, our wealth rivals nations. After marrying into our family, Young Master Qingchen would be the next family head – isn’t that a thousand times better than being an advisor under Prince Ding?”

“Cough, cough…” Such shocking words nearly made even the mountain-steady Palace Master Ling choke on his tea. Ling Tiehan looked at the family head with admiration: Asking Xu Qingchen to marry into their family? You dare to dream… if Xu Qingchen doesn’t destroy your Murong family, I’ll throw in the Yanwang Palace as compensation. Ling Tiehan had known Xu Qingchen for quite some time, and though they didn’t meet often, it didn’t prevent him from understanding Xu Qingchen well. This came from personal experience.

Finally, they were politely escorted out by the Murong family’s servants, who fawned over Xu Qingchen the whole way. The servants had already decided that Young Master Qingchen would be the Murong family’s future son-in-law. Once they were far from the Murong estate, Ling Tiehan finally couldn’t hold back – he snorted and then burst into hearty laughter while looking at Xu Qingchen.

Xu Qingchen gave him a cold look, asking calmly, “Is it that funny?” Ling Tiehan admitted frankly, “Not bad. After all these years… Young Master Qingchen has finally provided me with some entertainment.” Usually, it was Young Master Qingchen watching others’ mishaps with that serene expression – finally, it was others’ turn to watch his predicament. Being pressured into marriage and joining another family… if this got out, who knows how many jaws would drop.

Xu Qingchen glanced at him and turned toward the city. Ling Tiehan looked at his retreating figure, stroked his chin, completely forgetting about his second sister and third brother waiting for him at the venue, and followed with an expectant expression.

Xu Qingchen didn’t know martial arts, so he could only walk back slowly. Ling Tiehan followed beside him with casual ease, “Has Young Master Qingchen thought of how to deal with the Murong family? Or are you preparing to marry into the Murong family and become the world’s richest man?” Xu Qingchen stopped and looked at him thoughtfully, making Palace Master Ling immediately float back several feet in caution, “What are you planning? I can’t beat that old monster from the Murong family.”

Xu Qingchen smiled, “Someone told me that just one more expert of Palace Master Ling’s caliber would be enough to handle Murong Xiong.”

“Mo Xiuyao!” Ling Tiehan said through gritted teeth, glancing at Xu Qingchen, “Fine, tell Mo Xiuyao to come himself. I’d like to see if he’s improved again. Besides, what’s in it for me if I help you deal with the Murong family?” Friends were friends, but business was business. He wouldn’t take action against the Murong family without some benefit.

Xu Qingchen stood with his hands behind his back, speaking calmly, “I certainly won’t disappoint Brother Ling. However… you and I alone aren’t enough to deal with the Murong family. We need another collaborator.” Ling Tiehan frowned and said gravely, “Lei Zhenting?” Being young yet achieving the position of Yanwang Palace Master and ranking among the four great martial arts masters, Ling Tiehan was no fool. Within Xiling’s borders, dealing with a behemoth like the Murong family that even the royal family feared would be extremely difficult without official sanction. “Would Lei Zhenting cooperate with you? His feud with Mo Liufang is known throughout the land.”

“In this world, there are no eternal friends, just as there are no eternal enemies. Lei Zhenting will come to us himself.” Leaving these light words behind, Young Master Qingchen departed gracefully. Ling Tiehan remained, shaking his head and sighing helplessly, “The Murong family must truly be at the end of their fortune, otherwise how could they offend such a deity?”

“Your Highness.” Though Prince Zhennan watched the competition on stage with a solemn expression, Lei Tengfeng sitting behind him knew his father’s thoughts were far from the arena.

“What news?” Prince Zhennan asked the golden-robed guard before him. The guard reported quietly, “We just received word that the Murong family wants Young Master Qingchen to marry into their family.”

Prince Zhennan started, then quickly gave a cold laugh, “They have grand dreams indeed. How did Xu Qingchen react?”

The guard replied, “Young Master Qingchen seemed to disagree. When he left just now, his expression was quite displeased. He’s already returned to the city.” Prince Zhennan lowered his head in thought, saying nothing for a while. Lei Tengfeng said softly, “Xu Qingchen achieved fame in his youth and comes from a scholarly family – he’s surely too proud to accept such a proposal.”

Prince Zhennan frowned, turning to Lei Tengfeng to ask, “Tengfeng, if you were Xu Qingchen, would you agree?” Lei Tengfeng thought for a moment before honestly nodding, “In response to Father, I would agree.” Prince Zhennan nodded and smiled, “At least you’re speaking truthfully. Come, let’s return to the city!”

Standing up, Prince Zhennan turned to leave the venue, with Lei Tengfeng naturally following immediately. Sitting nearby, Leng Liuyue saw the two departing, looked at the mostly empty chairs in the front row, thought for a moment, and said, “Third Brother, let’s go too.” The sickly scholar naturally wouldn’t contradict Leng Liuyue, nodding and rising to leave as well. On the fighting stage, Ren Qining caught sight of the empty seats below from the corner of his eye, a cold light flashing in his eyes as he flicked his sword to knock his opponent off the stage. Standing on the platform, Ren Qining gazed thoughtfully toward the Murong estate in the distance.

After bidding farewell to Ling Tiehan, Xu Qingchen walked around the city before returning to his temporary lodgings. As soon as he entered his room, he saw two people sitting inside. Before Xu Qingchen could speak, several shadows darted toward them. Prince Zhennan naturally wouldn’t take these hidden guards seriously – he gave a cold laugh, put down his teacup, and casually struck out with his palm. The guards realized they were no match for this person. Their figures crossed in a flash of lightning – two engaged Prince Zhennan while two others rushed at Lei Tengfeng. Two more figures emerged behind Xu Qingchen to guard him.

“Stop,” Xu Qingchen commanded.

Before his words faded, the guards had already halted their attack and retreated to stand at attention. Prince Zhennan clapped and laughed, “Excellent! Worthy indeed of being Prince Ding’s hidden guards – their reputation is well-deserved. Young Master Qingchen, please forgive my unannounced visit.” Xu Qingchen walked out from behind the guards, waving his hand, “Withdraw. Prince Zhennan comes without ill intent.”

“We take our leave,” the guards didn’t dawdle, accepting Xu Qingchen’s words and withdrawing cleanly.

Prince Zhennan raised an eyebrow, finding himself viewing this refined and ethereal Young Master Qingchen in a new light, “Oh? How does Young Master Qingchen determine that I bear no ill will?”

Xu Qingchen smiled, “If Prince Zhennan wished to ambush me, why wait in a guesthouse room when it could be done anywhere?” Prince Zhennan nodded, “Indeed. I truly envy Prince Ding. Not only does he have wise advisors like Young Master Qingchen, but his subordinates are also well-trained. I had intended to enter silently, yet was discovered. More impressively, they managed to stay calm.”

Xu Qingchen walked to sit opposite Prince Zhennan, took a celadon teacup, and poured himself some tea, smiling, “Your Highness is too kind.”

Xu Qingchen looked at Prince Zhennan with a smile, “I know why Your Highness has come. I have no interest in selling myself to anyone.”

Prince Zhennan smiled strangely, “The Murong family’s wealth rivals nations.”

Xu Qingchen smiled faintly, “Wealth that rivals nations is only useful if one knows how to use it. If a person needs only a hundred thousand taels to live the most luxurious life for a lifetime, then… what meaning do a million taels have to him? Beyond a certain point, money becomes merely a number.”

Prince Zhennan narrowed his eyes, studying Xu Qingchen, “I don’t understand your meaning.”

Xu Qingchen smiled, “In my current position, I am indeed in need of money. Millions or tens of millions wouldn’t be too much. But in a different position, eight or ten thousand would suffice.”

A light flashed in Prince Zhennan’s eyes as he cupped his hands, “Your talent is exceptional, Young Master. Not having someone like you as an advisor will be my lifelong regret. Prince Ding is fortunate indeed.” Xu Qingchen’s meaning was clear – as an important figure in the Northwest handling its governance, naturally the more money the better, but Young Master Qingchen personally had no interest in wealth. Prince Zhennan looked at him, “Young Master Qingchen doesn’t seem surprised by my visit, or rather… were you specifically waiting for me to come?”

Xu Qingchen smiled faintly, “I just told Palace Master Ling – in this world, there are no eternal friends, nor eternal enemies. Now let me add – there are only eternal interests. At least for now, don’t we share the same goal? Or does Prince Zhennan doubt my ability to hold the Murong family in my palm?”

“No eternal friends, no eternal enemies, only eternal interests? Brilliant!” Prince Zhennan praised.

“Just borrowing others’ wisdom. I happened to hear the Princess mention it and thought it quite fitting here. Don’t you agree?” Xu Qingchen asked while drinking his tea.

“Princess Ding… she is indeed a rare exceptional woman. If Young Master Qingchen is confident in gaining complete control of the Murong family, why cooperate with me?” Prince Zhennan asked.

“It would waste time,” Xu Qingchen said bluntly. He could certainly take over the entire Murong family, but that would take who knows how many months, perhaps even three to five years to complete. And now, if Mo Xiuyao had to let Xu Qingchen out for so long just for the Murong family, he would probably rather burn all of Murong’s assets to the ground. With Xu Qingchen gone, who would handle administrative affairs and the people’s livelihood? What a headache.

Prince Zhennan lowered his eyes, pondering Xu Qingchen’s words. If possible, he absolutely wouldn’t want to cooperate with Xu Qingchen. Cooperation meant the benefits couldn’t be enjoyed alone, and most of the Murong family’s interests were in Xiling, rightfully belonging to Xiling. But if he refused, Prince Zhennan did not doubt that even if Xu Qingchen didn’t want to marry into the Murong family, he had ways to cause trouble. Moreover, with Great Chu involved, if they forced the Murong family to directly submit to Great Chu, that would be an even greater loss.

After a long while, Prince Zhennan finally looked up and asked, “What does Young Master Qingchen want?”

Xu Qingchen revealed a satisfied, composed smile, “All of the Murong family’s assets in the Northwest will belong to Prince Ding’s estate. As for those within Xiling… I won’t ask for too much – thirty percent to Prince Ding’s estate, ten percent to Yanwang Palace.”

Prince Zhennan’s expression darkened slightly, “Young Master Qingchen’s appetite seems rather large.” Asking for forty percent of the Murong family’s assets right away was equivalent to about twenty percent of all Xiling’s assets. Xu Qingchen smiled calmly, “Does Prince Zhennan mean that your estate can take down the Murong family alone? Or can Prince Zhennan guarantee that Great Chu, Nanzhao, and the Northern Nomads won’t interfere? Although the Northern royal family didn’t send anyone this time, this is Prince Zhennan’s territory – I don’t believe you’re unaware of the Northern Nomads’ movements. Furthermore, is Prince Zhennan confident in dealing with Murong Xiong?”