Mo Li

In the opulent hall of the Murong family, Xu Qingchen sat calmly sipping tea.

Ling Tiehan naturally sat beside him, enjoying the exquisite tea imported from Great Chu. He couldn't help but sigh in admiration, "As expected of the Murong family. Even in Great Chu, such premium tea is rare." Xu Qingchen smiled faintly and said, "If Brother Ling likes it, I’ll have someone send you two boxes later."

Ling Tiehan raised an eyebrow. "Does the Northwest have a lot of this tea?" That shouldn’t be the case. This tea was already scarce in Great Chu. Although trade between Great Chu and the Northwest had resumed, certain goods were still embargoed from the Northwest—including this so-called "Number One Fragrant Tea" of Great Chu. These restrictions didn’t actually hinder the Northwest much; they were purely Mo Jingqi’s petty attempts to annoy Mo Xiuyao.

Xu Qingchen replied mildly, "Not exactly. The Northwest imported a batch at the beginning of spring, and Li’er sent a few boxes to me. However, this tea… while fragrant, its overpowering aroma overshadows the natural freshness of the leaves. Most people in our household don’t care for it, so I happen to have more on hand."

Ling Tiehan’s lips twitched. So, he was getting the leftovers Xu Qingchen didn’t like? "I see. You scholars are always so particular—not only do you demand the finest tea, but you even rank the finest among themselves."

Xu Qingchen smiled without responding.

Meanwhile, the servants waiting on them were sweating nervously. They had been instructed by their young mistress to serve the best tea to Qingchen Gongzi, only to find out he didn’t actually like it. They were unsure whether to let the mistake slide or to hurriedly replace his cup.

"Hahaha… Qingchen Gongzi! Your esteemed presence truly brings honor to our humble Murong residence!" The Murong family head laughed heartily, appearing every bit the gracious and hospitable host. By his side stood Murong Mingyan, her face veiled in light gauze, gazing at Xu Qingchen with a smile so warm it bordered on unsettling. Yet, this very warmth sent shivers down the spines of the two outsiders present—Ling Tiehan and Xu Qingchen.

Xu Qingchen smiled politely. "You flatter me, Family Head Murong. May I ask why you summoned me here today?"

The Murong patriarch laughed again. "Qingchen Gongzi is a straightforward man, so I won’t beat around the bush. I’ve heard that you, despite being past thirty, have yet to marry?"

Xu Qingchen’s expression shifted slightly, his lowered eyes darkening imperceptibly. "That is correct," he replied evenly.

The Murong family head smiled in satisfaction. "What do you think of my Mingyan?"

Murong Mingyan blushed, casting a shy glance at Xu Qingchen—only to find him staring calmly at his teacup, not sparing her the slightest attention. A pang of grievance welled up in her chest, her eyes instantly reddening.

Seated nearby, Ling Tiehan arched a brow, shooting Xu Qingchen an amused look, thoroughly enjoying the spectacle.

Xu Qingchen, however, was in no mood for amusement. The reason? Mo Xiuyao had actually guessed the Murong family’s intentions correctly. Just the thought of the smug, insufferable smirk Mo Xiuyao would wear when he found out was enough to sour Young Master Xu’s mood entirely.Originally brimming with confidence and smiles, the Murong family head gradually lost his cheerful expression as Xu Qingchen remained silent for a long time. After a considerable pause, Xu Qingchen finally responded calmly, "Thank you for your kind intentions, Family Head Murong. However, I currently have no plans for marriage and must regretfully decline your generous offer."

The Murong family head forced a smile and said, "As the saying goes, 'Regulate the family, govern the state, and bring peace to the world.' Young Master Xu, you are already past thirty and yet remain unmarried. It is time to give this matter serious thought."

Xu Qingchen smiled faintly. "Your reprimand is well taken. In recent years, I have been striving to cultivate my moral character. Unfortunately, my dull nature has yielded no progress."

Ling Tiehan, standing nearby, nearly burst into silent laughter but suppressed it with his profound martial discipline. The Murong family head had quoted the latter half of the proverb—"Regulate the family, govern the state, and bring peace to the world"—but Xu Qingchen deliberately took it out of context by adding the first part: "Cultivate one's moral character." The full proverb states, "Cultivate one's moral character, regulate the family, govern the state, and bring peace to the world." Thus, Young Master Xu was still diligently working on self-cultivation and had no time for regulating the family.

This rejection was unmistakable, especially in Ling Tiehan's presence. It effectively closed off any alternative path the Murong family might have considered. The Murong family head's expression darkened, and he said coldly, "If that is the case, then why did Qingchen Gongzi spend last night alone in a room with Mingyan? Could it be that Young Master Xu, despite his extensive study of the sages, is unaware that men and women should not interact intimately? Do you not understand the importance of a young lady's reputation? Does Qingchen Gongzi not intend to give our Murong family an explanation for this matter?"

"An explanation?" Xu Qingchen frowned, looking puzzled at the Murong family head and Murong Mingyan. The pure confusion in his calm eyes nearly shattered their composed expressions.

Xu Qingchen replied, "Last night, Miss Murong came to visit me of her own accord. I initially suggested we speak at the door, but she insisted on a private conversation. Or does Family Head Murong believe it would have been better for us to stand arguing at the entrance, drawing the attention of passersby? Moreover... even if we spoke privately, as you are well aware of my status, I can assure you there were no fewer than four people in the room at all times. And I most certainly did not lay a single finger on Miss Murong."

Murong Mingyan, humiliated and ashamed, said tearfully, "Qingchen Gongzi, am I truly so unworthy in your eyes?"

Xu Qingchen frowned slightly and answered calmly, "My apologies."

At this point, the conversation had reached a deadlock. Ling Tiehan considered whether he should intervene. No matter what, his priority was to ensure Xu Qingchen left the Murong estate unharmed. He cared little for the others, but if Murong Xiong, that old monster, were to suddenly take action, their situation today could become precarious.

The Murong family head's face darkened further as he stared at Xu Qingchen. "Even if Qingchen Gongzi does not consider himself, he should at least think of Prince Ding and Princess Ding."

Xu Qingchen raised an eyebrow. "Family Head Murong, I must confess I do not understand your meaning."

The Murong family head sneered. "Our Murong family controls nearly sixty percent of Western Liang's trade, and even in Great Chu—including the northwestern Li Cheng—we have significant business dealings. Speaking of which... the iron ore in the northwest is purchased from Great Chu and Western Liang, is it not? Coincidentally... seventy percent of the iron ore Li Cheng acquires comes from Western Liang—through the Murong family."For ordinary households, they might never use much ironware in their lifetime, but for Prince Ding's Estate, which commanded nearly a million troops, without iron mines, there would be no weapons. Thus, iron mines were a crucial issue for the northwest. The Murong family, being among the wealthiest in the world, could hardly overlook such immense profits. As early as when the northwest first broke ties with Great Chu, the Murong family had already taken the initiative to contact Prince Ding's Estate. Xu Qingchen lowered his eyes in silence. If the Murong family head could see, he would surely notice the cold sneer and icy indifference in those serene eyes. Unfortunately, the Murong family head did not see it and thus mistook Xu Qingchen’s silence for acquiescence. With a hint of smugness, he nodded and chuckled, "Qingchen Gongzi, why not consider it carefully? Though my Murong family is a merchant house, our wealth rivals that of nations. If you marry into the Murong family, you would become the next family head—wouldn’t that be thousands of times better than being a mere advisor under Prince Ding?"

"Cough, cough..." Such a shocking proposal nearly made even the unflappable Ling Gezhu choke on his tea. Ling Tiehan looked at the Murong family head with admiration: Asking Xu Qingchen to marry into their family? You old man truly dare to dream... If Xu Qingchen doesn’t destroy your Murong family, I’ll hand over the King of Hell Pavilion to you. Ling Tiehan had known Xu Qingchen for a long time, and though they didn’t meet often, it didn’t hinder his understanding of the man—because this knowledge was earned through personal lessons.

In the end, the two were politely escorted out by the Murong family’s servants, who fawned over Xu Qingchen along the way. It seemed the servants were already convinced that Qingchen Gongzi would become the future son-in-law of the Murong family. Once they were far enough from the Murong estate, Ling Tiehan finally couldn’t hold back and burst into laughter, looking at Xu Qingchen with amusement.

Xu Qingchen glanced at him coldly and asked indifferently, "Is it that funny?" Ling Tiehan admitted freely, "Not bad. After all these years... Qingchen Gongzi has finally entertained me once." Usually, it was Qingchen Gongzi who watched others’ misfortunes with a serene smile—this time, the tables had turned. Being forced into a marriage and to marry into another family... If word got out, it would surely shock countless people.

Xu Qingchen gave him a look before turning to walk back toward the city. Ling Tiehan watched his retreating figure, stroked his chin, and promptly forgot about his second sister and younger brother waiting for him at the venue. With eager anticipation, he followed.

Xu Qingchen, lacking martial skills, could only walk back slowly. Ling Tiehan strolled beside him with ease. "Qingchen Gongzi, have you thought of how to deal with the Murong family? Or are you really planning to marry into their house and become the richest man in the world?" Xu Qingchen stopped and studied him thoughtfully. Ling Gezhu immediately grew wary and floated back several feet. "What are you planning? I’m no match for that old monster from the Murong family."

Xu Qingchen smiled faintly. "Someone told me that with another expert of your caliber, we could handle Murong Xiong."

"Mo Xiuyao!" Ling Tiehan gritted his teeth. He shot Xu Qingchen a glance and said, "Fine, tell Mo Xiuyao to come himself. I’d like to see if he’s improved. Also, what’s in it for me if I help you deal with the Murong family?" Friends were friends, but business was business. For something as significant as taking on the Murong family, he wouldn’t lift a finger without benefits.Xu Qingchen stood with his hands behind his back, his tone calm. "Naturally, I won’t disappoint you, Brother Ling. However... dealing with the Murong family requires more than just the two of us. We need an ally." Ling Tiehan frowned and said solemnly, "Lei Zhenting?" As someone who had risen to become the master of the King of Hell Pavilion and one of the top four martial artists in the jianghu at a young age, Ling Tiehan was no fool. Taking on the Murong family—a colossal entity even the imperial court feared—within Western Liang would be extremely difficult without official permission. "Would Lei Zhenting really cooperate with you? His feud with Mo Liufang is known throughout the land."

"There are no eternal friends in this world, just as there are no eternal enemies. Lei Zhenting will come to us on his own." With these lightly spoken words, Qingchen Gongzi gracefully departed, leaving Ling Tiehan shaking his head in place. He sighed helplessly, "It seems the Murong family’s luck has truly run out. How else could they have offended such a deity?"

"Wang Ye." Zhennan Wang watched the Martial Arts Contest on the stage with a solemn expression, but Lei Tengfeng, seated behind him, knew his father’s thoughts were no longer on the competition.

"Well?" Zhennan Wang asked the Gold-Clad Guard before him. The guard replied in a low voice, "We’ve just received word that the Murong family wishes for Qingchen Gongzi to marry into their household."

Zhennan Wang was momentarily stunned before letting out a cold laugh. "They certainly think highly of themselves. What was Xu Qingchen’s reaction?"

The guard answered, "Qingchen Gongzi seemed unwilling. When he left just now, his expression was rather unpleasant. He has already returned directly to the city." Zhennan Wang lowered his head in thought, remaining silent for a long while. Lei Tengfeng whispered, "Xu Qingchen rose to fame at a young age and comes from a scholarly family. He must be proud and arrogant—it’s unlikely he would agree to such a proposal."

Zhennan Wang furrowed his brows and turned to Lei Tengfeng. "Teng Feng, if you were Xu Qingchen, would you agree?" After a moment of contemplation, Lei Tengfeng nodded honestly. "Answering Father, this son would agree." Zhennan Wang smiled and nodded. "At least you speak the truth. Let’s go—back to the city!"

Rising to his feet, Zhennan Wang turned and strode out of the venue, with Lei Tengfeng naturally following close behind. Leng Liuyue, seated nearby, watched the two depart and then glanced at the now half-empty chairs in the front row. After a moment’s thought, he said, "Third Brother, let’s leave as well." Sick Scholar naturally wouldn’t contradict Leng Liuyue’s words, nodding before rising to follow. On the stage, Ren Qining caught sight of the empty seats below in his peripheral vision. A cold glint flashed in his eyes as he flipped his sword and sent his opponent tumbling off the platform. Standing atop the stage, Ren Qining gazed thoughtfully toward the Murong family’s estate not far from the venue.

After bidding farewell to Ling Tiehan, Xu Qingchen wandered the city for a while before returning to the inn where he was staying. The moment he stepped into his room, he saw two people seated inside. Before Xu Qingchen could speak, several shadow guards lunged forward from his side. Zhennan Wang naturally paid them no heed, letting out a cold laugh as he set down his teacup and delivered a casual palm strike. The shadow guards quickly realized they were no match for this man. In the blink of an eye, two of them engaged Zhennan Wang while the other two pounced toward Lei Tengfeng. Meanwhile, two more figures darted out from behind Xu Qingchen, shielding him.

"Stand down," Xu Qingchen commanded.Before the words had even faded, several shadow guards had already ceased their offensive and retreated to stand respectfully at attention. Zhennan Wang clapped his hands and laughed, "Excellent! Truly worthy of Prince Ding's shadow guards—their reputation is well-deserved. Qingchen Gongzi, I must apologize for this unannounced visit." Xu Qingchen stepped out from behind the shadow guards and waved his hand. "Stand down. Zhennan Wang means no harm."

"Your subordinate takes his leave," the shadow guards responded without delay, withdrawing swiftly at Xu Qingchen's command.

Zhennan Wang arched an eyebrow, now viewing the gentle and refined Qingchen Gongzi in a new light. "Oh? How can Qingchen Gongzi be so certain I bear no ill intent?"

Xu Qingchen smiled. "If Zhennan Wang wished to ambush me, why wait in a guest room when there are countless other opportunities?" Zhennan Wang nodded. "Indeed. I truly envy Prince Ding—not only does he have a wise advisor like Qingchen Gongzi, but his subordinates are also impeccably trained. I had hoped to enter unnoticed, yet I was discovered. Even more impressive is their restraint."

Xu Qingchen took a seat opposite Zhennan Wang, picking up a Celadon Teacup to pour himself some tea. "You flatter me, Wang Ye."

With a knowing smile, Xu Qingchen said, "I am aware of the purpose of your visit, Zhennan Wang. I have no interest in selling myself to anyone."

Zhennan Wang's smile turned peculiar. "The Murong family possesses wealth rivaling a nation's."

Xu Qingchen replied calmly, "Wealth of such magnitude is only useful if one knows how to wield it. If a man can live the most extravagant life with just a hundred thousand taels, what meaning does a million hold for him? Beyond a certain point, silver becomes merely a number." Zhennan Wang narrowed his eyes, studying Xu Qingchen. "I do not follow your meaning, Gongzi."

Xu Qingchen chuckled. "In my current position, I am in great need of money—millions would not be too much. But under another identity, eight or ten thousand would suffice."

A glint flashed in Zhennan Wang's eyes as he cupped his hands in respect. "Gongzi's brilliance is unmatched. To miss the chance of having someone like you by my side would be a lifelong regret. Prince Ding is truly fortunate." Xu Qingchen's words were clear: as a key figure overseeing the northwest's governance, more silver was always better for managing the region, yet Qingchen Gongzi himself had no personal interest in wealth. Zhennan Wang observed him and said, "Qingchen Gongzi does not seem surprised by my visit—or rather, were you waiting for me to come?"

Xu Qingchen smiled faintly. "I recently told Ling Gezhu something: there are no eternal friends or enemies in this world. Now I shall add—only eternal interests. At least for now, our goals align, do they not? Or... does Zhennan Wang doubt my ability to bring the Murong family under my control?"

"No eternal friends or enemies, only eternal interests? Profound!" Zhennan Wang praised.

"Merely borrowed wisdom. I happened to hear Wang Fei mention it and found it fitting here. Wouldn't you agree?" Xu Qingchen sipped his tea.

"Princess Ding... she is indeed a rare and extraordinary woman. If Qingchen Gongzi is confident in seizing control of the Murong family, why then collaborate with me?" Zhennan Wang inquired."A waste of time," Xu Qingchen remarked bluntly. Of course, he could take down the entire Murong family, but that would take far longer than ten days or half a month—it might even take three to five years to accomplish. Right now, if Mo Xiuyao were to let Xu Qingchen out for so long just for the sake of the Murong family, he’d probably prefer to burn down all of their assets instead. Who would handle official duties in Xu Qingchen’s absence? Who would deal with the headaches of managing the people’s welfare?

Zhennan Wang lowered his gaze, pondering Xu Qingchen’s words. If possible, he would absolutely refuse to cooperate with Xu Qingchen. Cooperation meant the benefits couldn’t be enjoyed alone, and most of the Murong family’s interests were in Western Liang—originally belonging to Western Liang. But if he refused, Zhennan Wang had no doubt that even if Xu Qingchen disliked becoming the Murong family’s son-in-law, he still had ways to cause trouble. Moreover, with the Great Chu looming, if the Murong family were driven to directly ally with them, the losses would far outweigh the gains.

After a long silence, Zhennan Wang finally raised his head and asked, "What does Qingchen Gongzi want?"

Xu Qingchen smiled with composed satisfaction. "All of the Murong family’s assets in the northwest will belong to Prince Ding's Estate. As for those within Western Liang… I won’t ask for much—three-tenths to Prince Ding's Estate, and one-tenth to the King of Hell Pavilion."

Zhennan Wang’s expression darkened. "Qingchen Gongzi’s appetite is rather large." To demand forty percent of the Murong family’s assets at once was equivalent to nearly twenty percent of Western Liang’s total wealth. Xu Qingchen smiled faintly. "Does Zhennan Wang mean to say your estate alone can take down the Murong family? Or can you guarantee that Great Chu, Nanzhao, and Northern Rong won’t interfere? Though the Northern Rong imperial family hasn’t sent anyone this time… given that we’re on your territory, I doubt you’re unaware of their movements. And further, does Zhennan Wang truly have the confidence to deal with Murong Xiong?"