Protect Our Patriarch

……

While the winds of change swept through Shangjing City,

Within the Anbei Garrison,

With the migration of people, the Anbei Garrison was no longer as sparsely populated as before. Although the population was still not large, the gathering of people had given rise to numerous natural villages.

The lives of the common folk were simple. The Imperial Heir Struggle and the power plays of the upper echelons were distant matters that did not affect their daily lives. For them, the most practical concern was their three meals a day. They worked hard to live a slightly better life than they currently had.

Xiaolu Village.

This was a small village that had formed less than half a year ago, one of the many natural villages that had sprung up due to population migration, and it was quite ordinary.

When the village was established, the village head casually named it Xiaolu Village because there was a rock at the entrance that resembled a small deer. Over time, everyone got used to calling it that.

Old Li's family lived in a row house in the village.

Their family had been tenant farmers for the seventh-grade Monan Gongsun's Clan for generations. This time, when the Anbei Garrison was being developed, a direct descendant of the Monan Gongsun's Clan came over, and their family followed along.

Of course, the main reason was that Monan Commandery had become overcrowded, and as tenant farmers, they had not had land to farm for a long time. Hearing that they could get land here, they decided to take a chance.

As for these row houses, they were funded by a business association called "Wang's Third Construction." Using something called "cement," along with stones and steel bars, they built several row houses in just half a month. These houses were large, spacious, and exceptionally sturdy, much better than the ones they had built themselves.

The people from "Wang's Third Construction" knew they couldn't afford to buy houses, so they promised that as long as they paid a small amount of money each month, they could live in these houses indefinitely. It was said that after twenty years, these houses would completely belong to them.

Of course, the condition was that during these twenty years, they could only plant the seeds provided by "Wang's Grain Seed Company" on the land they were given, and when it was time to harvest, they had to sell the produce to Wang's Grain Seed Company first.

But what did it matter? As long as they had land to farm and could earn money to support themselves and their families, it didn't matter what they planted.

Early that morning, Old Li took his son and left the row house, carrying hoes to the fields at the east end of the village to loosen the soil and fertilize it.

There were already many people working in the surrounding fields, all busy with their heads down.

However, unlike the initial anxiety and unease when they first arrived, they were now calm and composed, even their hoeing movements exuded a sense of ease.

It was only natural because, after a few months, they had discovered that the Anbei Garrison was different from other places. Not to mention anything else, just the seeds provided by Wang's Grain Seed Company were extraordinary.

These tenant farmers had spent their lives digging in the fields. While they might not be able to research how to improve seeds, they were very sensitive to the quality of seeds.

The seeds provided by Wang's Grain Seed Company not only sprouted quickly and had a high survival rate, but they were also exceptionally resilient, growing well even in the arid conditions of the Anbei Garrison.

The pearl rice and cumin from before were like this, and now the alfalfa was the same.

The alfalfa seeds they had brought themselves mostly didn't sprout, and even if they did, the plants were weak and stunted, far less healthy than the alfalfa from Wang's Grain Seed Company.

The difference was clear.

Tenant farmers had simple minds. To them, good seeds meant good harvests, and good harvests meant more money.

So, when they discovered that the seeds from Wang's Grain Seed Company were of excellent quality, they felt reassured and hopeful about the future of the Anbei Garrison.

"Clip-clop~"

The crisp sound of hooves echoed as a black colt, accompanied by two smaller colts, ran along the cement road in the middle of the village.

"Hey~ Big Black, taking your wives for a stroll again?" Old Li's son, Little Li, teased, leaning on his hoe.

Big Black, whether it understood or not, neighed in greeting and then wandered into the field, leading the other two colts to graze heartily.

The alfalfa in the field was partly theirs, so Little Li didn't stop them. Instead, he walked over and patted Big Black's neck.

Big Black was obviously familiar with him, showing no resistance and even nuzzling him affectionately.

"Dad, Big Black is growing so fast, and its muscles are solid. It will definitely grow tall in the future." Little Li smiled contentedly. "The horses we raised before never grew this well. Do you think it's because of the alfalfa?"

"Do you even need to ask?" Old Li rolled his eyes at him. "Haven't you noticed that besides the alfalfa, they don't touch any other grass?"

In fact, they didn't even look at other grass. It was as if, in their eyes, Wang's alfalfa was a delicacy, while ordinary alfalfa was like spoiled leftovers.

There were many other miraculous things in the Anbei Garrison.

Besides the tall buildings made of cement and the extraordinarily high-quality seeds, there were the wide, straight, gray-white roads built in a very short time, the "unified irrigation system" composed of countless underground pipes, and the huge "large agricultural machinery" made entirely of metal seen during the harvest...

There were many things they couldn't understand, but the shock they felt when they first saw those miraculous things was deeply etched in their hearts. For a long time, they were in a daze, wondering if they were dreaming.

It wasn't until they had lived in the Anbei Garrison for a few months that they gradually got used to it. However, they still couldn't help but marvel at the difference in treatment between livestock and the two types of alfalfa.

The Anbei Garrison, once a desolate and uninhabited land, now had the makings of a northwest granary. Such a drastic transformation was inseparable from the miraculous things they had witnessed during this time.

This was a "miracle" created by humans.

As they were talking, a loud eagle's cry suddenly came from above. A flying carriage pulled by a dragon eagle appeared in the blue sky, circling and slowly descending.

"A dragon eagle... It's the flying carriage from Commandery Prince An's household!" Old Li was initially stunned, then quickly reacted, pushing his son. "Quick! Go call the village head!"

Little Li was a beat slow to react, then hurriedly ran towards the village. He started shouting long before he reached the village.

In no time, the entire village was alerted.

The village head of Xiaolu Village, a middle-aged Basalt cultivator, quickly arrived at the village entrance.

Soon, the dragon eagle flying carriage in the sky slowly landed on the village's drying yard. The carriage curtain was lifted, and a handsome young man, surrounded by several officials, stepped down.

He was dressed in a sky-blue spirit silk robe, his demeanor calm and noble. This young man was none other than the eldest son of Commandery Prince An, Little Commandery Prince Wu Shengjun.

"Village head Sun Simian of Xiaolu Village greets Little Commandery Prince." The village head hurriedly stepped forward and bowed deeply. "Xiaolu Village is just a tiny place, yet it has troubled Little Commandery Prince to visit several times. I am deeply humbled."

Although he was a mid-stage Lingtai Realm cultivator, which would make him a significant figure in a small place, Sun Simian was so nervous in front of Wu Shengjun that sweat kept forming on his forehead. He spoke carefully, afraid of saying the wrong thing.

It wasn't his fault for being so nervous.

Although Wu Shengjun showed no airs in front of Wang Zong'an and even respected him, in the eyes of ordinary families, as the Little Commandery Prince of Commandery Prince An's household, he was already a high and mighty figure.

A casual word from him could determine the life and death of an eighth or ninth-grade family. Even sixth or seventh-grade families wouldn't dare to provoke him.

Although Sun Simian's branch was from the seventh-grade Monan Gongsun's Clan, his branch, including himself, only had three Lingtai Realm experts. Naturally, he was terrified and didn't dare to be presumptuous in front of Little Commandery Prince Wu Shengjun.

"Village head Sun, you're too kind." Little Commandery Prince Wu Shengjun didn't put on any airs. He warmly helped him up, his expression sincere and earnest. "You all came to settle in the Anbei Garrison because you trusted my father. It's only right and proper that our household takes responsibility for you. I'm just doing my part."

For the past few months, Commandery Prince An had been busy discussing and formulating a series of follow-up development plans, fundraising plans, and other core strategic policies with Wang Zong'an, leaving him swamped and unable to attend to details.

Therefore, during this time, many of the specific implementations of the plans in the Anbei Garrison were actually handled by Wu Shengjun and a group of officials from Commandery Prince An's household.

Especially when these families and commoners first migrated to the Anbei Garrison, they were somewhat anxious and uneasy. Wu Shengjun spent a lot of effort comforting and encouraging them, often inquiring about their living needs to ensure that all the people felt the care and dedication of Commandery Prince An's household.

Such a considerate and attentive Little Commandery Prince was unique in the entire Great Qian, and how could they not be moved?

Village head Sun Simian was naturally filled with gratitude.

While they exchanged pleasantries, the officials from Commandery Prince An's household were also busy, kindly inquiring about the recent living conditions of the commoners, whether the water supply was sufficient, and if there were any problems that needed solving.

Additionally, accompanying Wu Shengjun on this visit were Wang Shicheng and Wang Yingdie from the Changning Wang's Clan.

They were there to verify the actual growth conditions of Wang's alfalfa seeds in the Anbei Garrison.

Wang Shicheng was the second son of the ninth generation "Shicheng" branch of the Wang's Clan. His father, the second son of the eighth generation "Zong" branch, was Wang Zongchang, now a Celestial Realm ancestor.

At fifty-five years old, Wang Shicheng had reached the fifth level of the Lingtai Realm. Although he couldn't compare to the prodigious talents of his father's generation, his aptitude and cultivation were already on par with the direct descendants of ordinary sixth or seventh-grade families.

Among the Wang's Clan members who followed Wang Zong'an to the Anbei Garrison, he was the oldest and strongest, aside from Wang Zong'an.

Wang Yingdie, ranked twelfth in the ninth generation "Ying" branch, was the eldest granddaughter of Wang Shouzhe's sixth brother, Wang Shoulian. Her father, the ninth son of the eighth generation "Zong" branch, was Wang Zongping.

Wang Zongping had caused quite a stir in the family when he fell in love with a rogue cultivator girl. Typically, family descendants rarely married rogue cultivators, and the family would never allow it.

Fortunately, Clan Leader Wang Shouzhe was open-minded. After a thorough investigation of the rogue cultivator girl's family, finding them generally clean and without any bad records, he persuaded the stubborn Wang Shoulian to let Wang Zongping marry the rogue cultivator girl. Their marriage was peaceful, and Zongping achieved some success in the military.

However, Wang Yingdie's innate aptitude wasn't particularly high, but the Wang's Clan was always generous to its members. After taking a series of pills like the Enlightenment Pill, Blood Refining Pill, and Xisui Dan, her aptitude improved to mid-grade C, making her a small prodigy.

At twenty-five, she had reached the seventh level of the Qi Refining Realm and had considerable experience in handling matters, capable of dealing with minor issues independently.

Wang Shicheng brought her along this time because her bloodline talent was very sensitive to plant growth, often detecting problems invisible to the naked eye. With her, information collection would be much more efficient.

The data collected would be crucial for developing the next generation of high-quality alfalfa seeds.

After exchanging pleasantries with village head Sun Simian, Little Commandery Prince Wu Shengjun looked around, feeling very gratified to see everyone performing their duties.

After months of adjustment, not only had the commoners who migrated to the Anbei Garrison adapted to life there, but the officials from Commandery Prince An's household had also gradually adapted to this new way of working.

Everything was moving in a positive direction.

Sometimes, even he, who had personally deployed and implemented many plans, was amazed by the changes in the Anbei Garrison.

His gaze unconsciously turned southeast, a hint of worry in his eyes.

According to the plan set by his father and Zong'an, the current development of the Anbei Garrison was just the beginning. There were still a series of massive plans to be implemented.

His father and Zong'an had been in the capital for some time now. He wondered if they could successfully raise enough funds.

It was a staggering amount of long-term funding, difficult for any single family to bear alone.

He hoped everything would go smoothly, so the Dala Great Desert could be conquered.

……

The Great Qian's capital, Guilong City.

Guilong City had been extraordinarily lively in the past year or two. First, Miss Liyao, the great prodigy, dominated the "Top Ten Outstanding Youths" list. Then, before the commotion had settled, Commandery Prince An and the young clan leader of the Wang's Clan, Wang Zong'an, arrived in Guilong City together, vigorously promoting the development plan for the Dala Great Desert.

At the same time, another shocking piece of news spread.

It was that Wang Zong'an, the young clan leader of the Changning Wang's Clan, like his sister, was also a great prodigy. This explosive news quickly triggered a chain reaction in Guilong City, making the development plan for the Dala Great Desert widely known.

Meanwhile, in the most popular restaurant in Guilong City, White Cloud Tower,

The black iron arena was surrounded by banners with bold, enlarged characters proclaiming "A rare opportunity in a thousand years for Great Qian," "Quasi-Imperial Heir takes you through the Great Desert," "A hundred-year investment, a thousand-year fortune," "Leave a legacy for your descendants," "Imperial credibility worth billions of gold," "The only recommended project by the commercial genius Commandery Prince of Heng," "Miss Liyao, the great prodigy, pledges Divine Spirit Artifacts for full investment," "Strive for the rise of Great Qian," "A prosperous business for generations," "Miss this opportunity and regret for a lifetime," and other highly provocative phrases.

Under the dense banners, one of the usually low-key and mysterious Quasi-Imperial Heirs, Commandery Prince An, and the great prodigy young clan leader of the Wang's Clan, Wang Zong'an, were passionately introducing their grand plan and goals.

In the private rooms were the decision-makers of fourth and fifth-grade families. In the scattered seats, the heads or ancestors of numerous sixth and seventh-grade families were intently absorbing the results presented by Commandery Prince An and Wang Zong'an, astonished by the grand blueprint.

Compared to Commandery Prince An's initial plan, this plan was not only more detailed and specific, but it also included many new elements, such as the required investments, labor, and materials for each stage, and the expected benefits after each stage's completion.

Don't underestimate these details.

It was these details that turned what seemed like an unattainable grand project into a systematic project that could be completed step by step.

These family ancestors were knowledgeable. They couldn't be fooled by grand but vague blueprints. They could naturally judge whether a project was feasible.

Instead of telling them how grand the project was, how beneficial it was to Great Qian, and how far-reaching its impact would be, it was better to use solid data to show them that this business was a sure bet and could make a lot of money.

Below the arena,

A group of officials from Commandery Prince An's household had already set up desks, subscription contracts, and other materials.

Unlike typical government officials who often had a condescending attitude, these officials from Commandery Prince An's household, though not very famous, were very enthusiastic and young.

They stood while working, methodically explaining the "Dala Development Joint Office" stock plan, obligations, and future benefits and risks to the family members who came to inquire.

Each item was written very clearly, without any ambiguous wording. The risks were also clearly stated in the terms and conditions.

The officials even carefully explained the risks and asked the subscribers to consider them thoroughly.

It was their serious and responsible attitude that ultimately convinced the sixth and seventh-grade families, who were already quite interested, to make up their minds. They subscribed to shares within their means.

These shares, aimed at fifth, sixth, and seventh-grade families, accounted for about twenty percent of the total shares, divided into two thousand shares, with each share representing one ten-thousandth of the total shares.

But even one share was a significant investment for a seventh-grade family, as it meant they had to contribute two thousand top gold annually for two hundred years, totaling forty thousand top gold.

Additionally, each share required ten Qi Refining Realm cultivators and one Lingtai Realm cultivator to join the development team.

For an ordinary seventh-grade family, coming up with forty thousand top gold all at once would be difficult, but spreading it over two hundred years made it more manageable. The challenge was providing cultivators for the Joint Office, but rotating them every ten years was feasible.

Seventh-grade families had a low status in Guilong City.

In a city full of high-ranking families, it was tough for seventh-grade families to survive independently. To avoid being squeezed out, the simplest way was to rely on high-ranking families. As a result, nearly half of the seventh-grade families in Guilong City were vassals of high-ranking families, and even the better ones were semi-vassals, living cautiously.

Moreover, it was much harder for seventh-grade families in Guilong City to advance in rank compared to local powerful families.

However, seventh-grade families in Guilong City did have their advantages, the biggest being stability and security. As long as they clung tightly to their patron family, didn't act recklessly, and didn't cause trouble, they could usually continue for a thousand or two thousand years, with some even lasting four or five thousand years.

Unlike local powerful families, which often experienced power shifts every few hundred years, only a few seventh-grade families could last a thousand years, and those that did often became sixth-grade families.

Now, with an opportunity to break the rigid class structure before them, and the risks not being too high, even the seventh-grade families in Guilong City, who had grown accustomed to comfort, were willing to take a chance for the sake of their descendants.

Moreover, Commandery Prince An had made it clear that this was purely a commercial venture, unrelated to the Imperial Heir Struggle. Even if he failed in the struggle, it wouldn't affect the profitability of the project.

With future benefits guaranteed, more families were willing to invest. Many strong seventh-grade families, after family discussions, decided to sell some fixed assets to subscribe to two or three shares.

"Seventh-grade Li Clan from the western district, subscribing to one share."

"Seventh-grade Wang Clan from the western district, subscribing to two shares."

"Seventh-grade clan from the northern district..."

"Sixth-grade Gongsun's Clan from the eastern district, subscribing to twelve shares."

"Sixth-grade Chen's Clan from the southern district, subscribing to ten shares."

"Fifth-grade Xu Clan from Guilong, subscribing to one hundred shares."

"Fifth-grade Wan Clan from Guilong, subscribing to one hundred and ten shares..."

According to the subscription contract, sixth-grade families had to subscribe to at least ten shares and provide a Celestial Realm expert for periodic service. Otherwise, the Joint Office wouldn't include them.

Fifth-grade families had to subscribe to at least one hundred shares, provide several Celestial Realm cultivators, and one Purple Mansion ancestor, though the ancestor didn't need to serve full-time, only forty percent of the time.

Every family that subscribed had a dedicated person announcing it loudly.

The numerous fifth, sixth, and seventh-grade families in Guilong City, when combined, represented a formidable amount of wealth. The mere two thousand shares couldn't fully satisfy their appetite.

As soon as the first subscriber appeared, many families realized that if they didn't act quickly, they might miss the opportunity.

In just ten days, the two thousand shares were sold out, leaving many families who hadn't yet raised funds or were still hesitating, filled with regret.

At the same time, the eight fourth-grade families in Guilong City also began to fall in line. With the strong Shangguan's Clan taking the lead by subscribing to three percent of the shares, the remaining seven families couldn't sit still and soon, four of them subscribed to two percent each.

Including the two percent already pledged by the Commandery Prince of Heng, a total of thirty-three percent of the shares had been subscribed.

……

Meanwhile,

In the "Zhuozheng Pavilion" within the imperial city,

The elderly Emperor Longchang, rarely seen in a foul mood, was somewhat irate.

On his desk was a thick stack of memorials, all impeaching Commandery Prince An, and all had been reviewed by the cabinet before being sent to him.

"Absurd, utterly absurd," Emperor Longchang grumbled angrily. "Wu Mingyuan, one of the only two Quasi-Imperial Heirs, stripped to the waist and partnering with that Wang Zong'an for... what did they call it again, Old Yao?"

The eunuch, Old Yao, bowed his head and softly reminded, "Commandery Prince An called it a 'roadshow,' seeking 'angel investors' with exceptional vision."

"Yes, 'roadshow,' it doesn't even sound like a proper term. Mingyuan usually isn't like this; it must be that enigmatic Wang's Clan stirring things up behind the scenes," Emperor Longchang snorted. "Disgraceful, he's brought shame to the royal family. Look at these impeachment memorials, they're piling up on my desk. Isn't it just a big project? Why couldn't he propose it at the grand court meeting for collective discussion?"

"Your Majesty..." Old Yao's mouth twitched, and he awkwardly reminded, "Decades ago, Commandery Prince An did propose the Great Desert development project at the grand court meeting, but he was collectively attacked by the ministers. Among them, the one who criticized the most..."

He opened his mouth but didn't dare to continue.

Emperor Longchang's face turned awkward as he recalled the past. The one who had criticized the most back then was indeed himself.

But it wasn't entirely his fault. At that time, he thought Wu Mingyuan's plan was too far-fetched. Previous attempts by other families to develop the desert had failed, and Wu Mingyuan's plan seemed unlikely to succeed. Moreover, he was old, and his pioneering spirit had long since waned.

Additionally, the faction of Commandery Prince Kang, Wu Chengsi, had ridiculed and pressured him, making him think Wu Mingyuan was just trying to use the plan to win favor and elevate his status as a Quasi-Imperial Heir.

He hadn't expected that Wu Mingyuan was genuinely serious about developing the Great Desert. Over the decades, he had managed to turn the desolate Anbei Garrison into an excellent experimental area, hinting at the potential of a granary.

Based on this foundation, proposing the development of the Dala Great Desert was naturally different.

Detailed data, clear development routes, future risks, and benefits were all based on facts. Compared to Wu Mingyuan's initial plan, which seemed like mere boasting, this plan was infinitely more convincing.

Moreover, with endorsements from great prodigies like Miss Liyao and Wang Zong'an, its credibility and feasibility increased significantly. Even Emperor Longchang felt that if Commandery Prince An was willing to put in the hard work, the plan would likely succeed.

"Hmph, they talk grandly about bringing everyone along to make money, unrelated to the Imperial Heir Struggle," Emperor Longchang thought, feeling a bit disgruntled. He pretended to remember nothing and naturally shifted his criticism. "In the end, Wu Mingyuan and the Wang's Clan are just trying to win people's hearts. Otherwise, why didn't they seek investment from Commandery Prince Kang's household?"

"Your Majesty, Commandery Prince An did visit Commandery Prince Kang's household," Old Yao's mouth twitched again as he softly replied. "But Commandery Prince Kang's wife, Zhao Yijing, received them briefly and then politely sent them away, saying the Commandery Prince wasn't home and she couldn't make decisions on her own..."

Even Old Yao couldn't help but feel embarrassed for Emperor Longchang. With his nearly thousand years of professional experience, he managed to suppress his laughter and maintain his composure.

He knew the Emperor well, understanding that he was somewhat in favor of Commandery Prince An's development plan and wasn't truly angry. He was just annoyed that Commandery Prince An had bypassed him and was venting his frustration.

"Posturing. He only did that because Commandery Prince Kang was away on the outer region battlefield, to make himself look selfless," Emperor Longchang's mouth twitched as he pretended to forget and naturally shifted the topic again. "If Commandery Prince An was truly devoted to the country, why didn't he come to discuss it with me? Does he think I'm an unreasonable and muddle-headed emperor?"

"He must have held a grudge ever since I scolded him a few times back then, always wanting to prove me wrong."

Emperor Longchang, judging others by himself, became more convinced the more he thought about it.

But just as he finished speaking, a eunuch came to report from outside, "Your Majesty, Commandery Prince An and the great prodigy of Changning Wang's Clan, Wang Zong'an, have come to seek an audience with Your Majesty."

Emperor Longchang's face stiffened.

That brat Wu Mingyuan was really giving him no face at all. He had just called him petty, and now the brat was here to see him? Did he, Longchang, not care about his dignity?

"Old Yao, that brat Wu Mingyuan is here to see me now. He must have encountered some difficulties in his grand plan." Emperor Longchang was silent for a moment, finally finding a reason and pretending to ponder, "What do you think, should I see him or not?"

Old Yao, knowing the Emperor's mind well, bowed his head and smiled obsequiously, "Your Majesty has always been kind-hearted and caring towards the younger generation of the family. Even if you don't favor Commandery Prince An, he is still a direct descendant of Princess Qingluo and the father of Princess Yiluo. Moreover, this time he is accompanied by the newly emerged great prodigy, Wang Zong'an. Naturally, Your Majesty would not refuse to see them."

"Hmph, you old fox, guessing my intentions. I'll deal with you later." Emperor Longchang scolded with a smile, then cleared his throat and said seriously, "However, for the sake of Yiluo and the great prodigy Zong'an, I must give them some face. I also want to see what that brat has to say. Old Yao, summon them."

Old Yao smiled obsequiously and excused himself, then went out to solemnly announce, "His Majesty summons Commandery Prince An and Wang Zong'an for an audience."

Old Yao's voice was not loud, but it carried precisely to the gates of the imperial city.

After a stick of incense's time, Commandery Prince An and Wang Zong'an were led by the eunuchs to Zhuozheng Pavilion for an audience.

After the formalities, the two took their seats as arranged by Emperor Longchang.

Emperor Longchang first chatted with Wang Zong'an, inquiring about the situation of Changning Wang's Clan, Wang Zong'an's cultivation, and the condition of the Longevity Tree spirit seed, fully displaying his care and concern as an emperor for the great prodigy. He also specifically mentioned Wang Liyao, offering much encouragement.

Wang Zong'an naturally responded with humility, maintaining a composed and graceful demeanor, not disgracing Wang Shouzhe at all.

After two cups of tea's time, the pleasantries ended, and it was Wu Mingyuan's turn to speak.

In his prime, Emperor Longchang liked to put on airs and boast, but as he aged, he became more capricious.

Relying on the fact that Wu Mingyuan was his own child and that the Ancestor would scold him but he would have to take it, Emperor Longchang was ready to scold Wu Mingyuan a bit to vent his anger.

Unexpectedly, Wu Mingyuan suddenly stood up, excitedly saying, "Your Majesty, great news! Great news!!"

The words that were about to come out of Emperor Longchang's mouth were choked back.

His face twitched as he looked at Wu Mingyuan with displeasure, "What great news?"

"Back then, Mingyuan was fortunate to receive Your Majesty's teachings, a wake-up call that pointed out many unrealistic plans. At first, Mingyuan was somewhat unconvinced, but after careful reflection, I realized that every word of Your Majesty contained the wisdom accumulated over thousands of years of imperial experience." Wu Mingyuan said gratefully, "Therefore, Mingyuan made up his mind, adjusted the plan, and spent decades working diligently, achieving some results, and only then did I have the face to come see Your Majesty."

You overthink it, I was just scolding you for the sake of scolding.

Emperor Longchang thought to himself.

However, seeing Wu Mingyuan giving him face and offering him a way out, his mood improved, and he put on a kind face, "Mingyuan, your realization is not in vain of my painstaking efforts."

"I am fully aware of your achievements and subsequent plans. You have done well, not disgracing our royal family. Have you encountered any difficulties this time?"

"Reporting to Your Majesty, there are no difficulties." Wu Mingyuan said, "Even if there are some small problems, Mingyuan can solve them. This time, I mainly came to thank Your Majesty for your teachings back then. Secondly, I have reserved a ten percent share in the Dala Development Joint Office for Your Majesty. Today, Mingyuan and Zong'an have come specifically to deliver the contract to Your Majesty."

"Ten percent share?" Emperor Longchang smiled kindly, "Mingyuan, the whole world is mine, what use do I have for your ten percent share? Your filial piety is appreciated."

Although he didn't care much about the ten percent share, he felt quite pleased.

It seemed that Mingyuan was sincerely grateful for his "guidance," even though he was just scolding him back then. It was indeed a case of "unintentionally planting a willow, yet it grows into a shade."

"Your Majesty is dedicated to the country, and Mingyuan admires that. However, Your Majesty always needs some private funds." Wu Mingyuan said earnestly, "With this ten percent share, you can reward some beloved juniors or buy some things you like more freely."

"That's true. Always using the treasury to reward the children, there will inevitably be people gossiping behind my back." Emperor Longchang felt deeply comforted, his heart warmed.

Why hadn't he noticed before that Mingyuan was so good with words? Every word seemed to hit the mark, making him feel inexplicably comfortable.

Afterward, there was another round of pleasantries.

Emperor Longchang, in a good mood, became more generous than usual, rewarding Wu Mingyuan and Wang Zong'an with a pile of valuable treasures, encouraging Wang Zong'an to cultivate diligently and strive to reach the Divine Realm as soon as possible.

If the family couldn't afford to support two great prodigies, they could come to him, and he would help find a solution.

Regardless of Emperor Longchang's merits and demerits in this life, he was indeed attentive in supporting potential royal descendants and great prodigies from other families. Even Shangguan Yunque had benefited from him in the early years.

Among the eleven Divine Realm experts in the royal family today, one had married into the royal family because his family couldn't afford to support him, becoming a prince consort.

Now, his family, under his protection, although not yet a third-grade family, was already one of the strongest fourth-grade families, just waiting for another great prodigy to emerge and elevate them to a third-grade family.

A stick of incense later.

The meeting ended, and Wu Mingyuan and Wang Zong'an were politely escorted out of Zhuozheng Pavilion.

After they left, Emperor Longchang, feeling quite gratified, said, "Old Yao, Mingyuan has grown up, starting to care for the Ancestor. Look, he left a ten percent share for me to reward the juniors. I heard that the Shangguan Clan spent a fortune to get just three percent of the shares."

Old Yao was slightly stunned, then reminded softly, "Your Majesty, aren't you going to pay for this ten percent share?"

Emperor Longchang waved his hand, "That's Mingyuan's filial piety to me, why should I pay?"

"Your Majesty, although that's true," Old Yao's face twitched, and he braced himself to advise, "I heard that the 'Joint Office' means an alliance for cooperative development, with internal regulations, mainly funded, jointly held, and jointly benefited by various families... If Your Majesty doesn't contribute money or effort, those families won't say anything openly, but they will certainly gossip privately, thinking you are embezzling company assets... Who knows what the history books will say..."

Emperor Longchang's face gradually darkened, his eyelids twitching, "I see~ Mingyuan, that little brat, has dug a pit for the Ancestor to jump into? When did he become so cunning?"

Recalling Wu Mingyuan and Wang Zong'an's previous actions, a line in his mind suddenly connected, "This matter is probably not that simple. Based on their previous actions, once I pay, that brat will shamelessly publicize it, like 'His Majesty invested heavily, securing a ten percent share in the Joint Office.' This will likely prompt the three third-grade families who are still observing to respond immediately..."

"Good! That brat played a good trick of borrowing the tiger's might~~~ Haha~ I never thought that after hunting geese all day, I would be pecked in the eye by that little brat."

"Calm down, Your Majesty." Old Yao, sweating profusely, said, "Mingyuan might not have meant it that way. How about I go and mediate this matter?"

"No need, if Wu Mingyuan can dig a pit for me, it's his ability. I am the emperor, once I say something, there's no turning back." Emperor Longchang instead laughed, "I thought this Imperial Heir Struggle was already decided. Unexpectedly, Wu Mingyuan has emerged as a dark horse. Now, the situation has become unpredictable."

"But, that's what makes it interesting~~~ Back then, I spent countless efforts and thoughts to win the throne, how can I let these brats get it easily? Hahaha~"

...

Downstream of the An River, near the Zhenze Garrison after passing through the swamp.

For the past few days, one giant river ship after another had been flowing downstream, stopping less than a mile from the riverbank.

They didn't approach the shore but stayed there, seemingly gazing downstream.

In just a few days, dozens of river ships had gathered on the An River near the Zhenze Garrison. They lay dormant in the water like giant beasts, ready to pounce on Changning Garrison at any moment.

All these river ships flew the flag of the Flood Dragon Gang.

In the An River section, almost no one failed to recognize this flag. In the howling river wind, these flags fluttered, creating an invisible intimidation, brewing a sense of impending storm.

Unknowingly, a sense of fear and unease began to spread.

Fishing boats and merchant ships passing through the An River became cautious and tense. Even if they had to pass by the fleet, they kept as far away as possible, hoping the Flood Dragon Gang wouldn't notice them.

At the small port belonging to the Zhenze Garrison, workers loading and unloading goods and merchants coming and going also became more discreet.

Because of the Flood Dragon Gang's ships, business at the dock had plummeted in recent days, with a worsening trend. Many merchants preferred to lose some profit rather than do business under such circumstances.

On the flagship of the Flood Dragon Gang.

Long Wuji sat grandly, holding a small Qiankun wine flask, occasionally taking a sip.

In the distance, a lone building ship lay on the river.

This building ship was also a giant river ship, quite large, but compared to the dozens of ships of the Flood Dragon Gang, it seemed isolated and vulnerable, as if it could be torn apart at any moment.

The ship flew the flag of the Changning Wang's Clan.

Wang Shizhao, the young clan leader of the Wang's Clan, stood at the bow, shouting from afar, "Chief Long, my grandfather said that if you agree, he will personally come to invite you to the Wang's Clan as a guest."

"Hahaha~~" Long Wuji laughed, "Young Clan Leader Shizhao, please tell your grandfather that there are still five days until the fifty-year agreement. When the time comes, I, Long Wuji, will visit without needing Shouzhe to invite me."

"Chief Long, my grandfather said..."

Wang Shizhao tried to persuade a few more times, but Long Wuji stubbornly adhered to the old promise, refusing to visit the Wang's Clan early.

"Why go to such lengths, why go to such lengths."

Wang Shizhao, helpless, had to retreat, directing the ship to turn back.

After the Wang's Clan ship left, Zhao Wuqing, standing nearby, curiously asked, "Foster Father, since Master Shouzhe has already signaled for peace, why not take the opportunity to accept? This way, Master Shouzhe might feel goodwill, and there might be room for reconciliation."

"Hmph!" Long Wuji took a swig of wine, his eyes full of confidence, "If I did that, wouldn't I be seen as untrustworthy? Shouzhe is cunning; if I really went, he might use it against me. I won't let him succeed."

"Don't worry, as long as I 'communicate' with Shouzhe properly, he will be moved by my 'sincerity' and become our brother again."

"Foster Father is mighty." Zhao Wuqing admired.

"Hahaha~ Wuqing, you must understand one thing. There's no wall that can't be breached, only a pickaxe that doesn't work hard enough." Long Wuji laughed, "In any case, whether he likes it or not, Shouzhe will be my brother."

Later.

In the main residence of the Wang's Clan, in Shouzhe's study.

Wang Shizhao, having failed his mission, felt uneasy and reported Long Wuji's words verbatim to his grandfather.

"Grandfather, it was Shizhao's incompetence." Wang Shizhao said, "Please punish me."

"No matter, it's not your fault." Wang Shouzhe, leaning back in his grand chair and sipping spiritual tea, pondered, "Long Wuji, his father is Prince Yong'an, and his mother is the legitimate daughter of the only second-grade family in Daqian, the Zhao Clan of An Guogong. He has been pampered since childhood, with an unyielding nature, unwilling to be restrained, yet loyal and trustworthy. Such a person, if possible, is far more valuable as a brother than as an enemy."

For someone with a fifty-year agreement, how could Wang Shouzhe not investigate him? The only mystery was that the legitimate daughter of An Guogong's Mansion disappeared shortly after giving birth to Long Wuji.

Both Prince Yong'an's Mansion and An Guogong's Mansion were tight-lipped about it, as if it never happened.

"Grandfather." Wang Shizhao frowned, puzzled, "But Long Wuji and Commandery Prince Kang are natural allies, it would be hard to persuade him to switch sides."

"Shizhao, you must understand one thing. There's no wall that can't be breached, only a pickaxe that doesn't work hard enough." Wang Shouzhe smiled, "I believe that with sincerity and reason, I can move him."

"...Grandfather, you make a lot of sense."

Looking at his grandfather's smile, Wang Shizhao suddenly felt uneasy. He had a feeling that what his grandfather said and what he thought might not be the same.

Unknowingly, several days passed.

On the agreed day, the Flood Dragon Gang's fleet set sail at a command, grandly passing through Broken Dragon Gorge, heading straight for Dingpu Ferry.

At the same time, the Divine Might Cannons at Dingpu Ferry were all loaded.

A great battle.

Was about to erupt!