SFS Chapter 177 Hired a Shady Businessman
Chapter 177 Hired a Shady Businessman
Inside the manor in the mountain valley, Kongming was resting with his eyes closed, calculating the development of the situation.
A hawk flew into the manor like lightning.
A smile appeared on Kongming's lips as he stretched out two fingers and steadily caught the hawk flying at high speed.
A glint of shrewdness flashed in his eyes: "It seems it's time to descend the mountain!"
……
"Mr. Zhuge, I've been waiting for you! The Emperor is waiting for your arrival in the palace!"
Temujin, his face full of obsequiousness, strode toward Kongming, only glancing briefly at Zhao Yun and Zhu Ganglie beside him.
Perhaps to him, these two were nothing more than desperate men who had been taken in by Zhuge Liang. If they weren't still of value, he would have killed them on the spot long ago.
Kongming, dressed in a simple long robe, with a calm expression, nodded slightly to him and then stepped straight into the palace.
Upon entering the main hall, Emperor Yuan, Tie Muzhen, sat high on the dragon throne, his eyes fixed intently on Kongming as he walked in.
Before Tie Mujincheng could introduce him, Tie Muzhen asked first, "Are you the legendary Zhuge Liang, who is said to have extraordinary abilities and can predict the future of the world?"
Kongming glanced at Tie Muzhen, then slightly bowed, his voice steady and powerful: "It is indeed I. I have long admired the Emperor's reputation, and it is a great honor to meet him today."
Tie Muzhen nodded slightly. After all, Kongming was a cultivator, and he was not required to kneel before emperors of the mortal world, so he did not mind. Then his gaze swept over Zhao Yun and Zhu Ganglie.
"General Zhao Changshan, how have you been? My Yuanzhu still often mentions your name!"
Tie Muzhen's eyes turned sharp, attempting to use his imperial status to intimidate this mortal general.
"Hehe... Do you still remember me, buddy? I, Old Pig, almost got to visit your harem!"
Seeing that he was being ignored, Zhu Ganglie raised his big pig head and tried to get attention regardless of the occasion.
Tie Muzhen's face instantly darkened, and a flash of anger appeared in his eyes. He slammed his hand on the armrest of the dragon throne and shouted angrily.
"You audacious pig demon! How dare you speak so recklessly in my palace! If it weren't for the sake of Master Zhuge, I would have killed you!"
Upon hearing this, Zhu Ganglie hurriedly shrank behind Kongming, then poked his pig head out and shouted, "Do you think I'm easy to bully? You're all shouting for a fight! If it weren't for that brat Temujincheng inviting me down the mountain, I wouldn't have come!"
Kongming coughed lightly and cupped his hands to Tie Muzhen, saying, "This pig demon is my newly acquired pet. It is unruly and doesn't know the rules. I hope Your Majesty will not take offense."
"Hmph! Since Mr. Zhuge is speaking up for you, I'll forgive your disrespect this time!" Tie Muzhen glared at Zhu Ganglie, snorted coldly, and said, suppressing his anger.
Even though Zhu Ganglie is very useful now, Tie Muzhen thinks it doesn't matter much if he makes him suffer a little; at worst, he can force him to submit.
However, one must consider the owner before beating a dog. Zhuge Liang's plans for the imperial family were of great importance, and it was not advisable to displease him.
After saying that, Tie Muzhen refocused his gaze on Kongming.
"Mr. Zhuge, let's get back to the main topic. I've heard you have some brilliant strategies, but such important matters can't be boasted about casually. Are you absolutely certain?"
Kongming did not answer, but slightly raised his head and looked at the old eunuch beside Tie Muzhen.
"Don't worry, Mr. Zhuge. Eunuch Jiang has served four generations of emperors in our royal family. There's no need to hold back when you speak."
When Temujin saw that Kongming had noticed the old eunuch beside his father, he hurriedly explained.
Kongming was well aware of the old eunuch's power; his new identity had made him famous so quickly, which must have been the work of this man.
However, this old eunuch is indeed very patient. As the dignified master of the Blood Drop Pavilion, he has submitted himself to a mortal royal family. It seems that his determination to restore his country is truly extraordinary.
The Blood Drop Pavilion has been stirring up trouble in the shadows for many years, and its accumulated strength must far surpass that of any of the three major sects. Kongming was also secretly on guard, wondering how to get rid of the Blood Drop Pavilion's control in the future.
However, he remained expressionless and smiled slightly, saying, "Your Majesty, please await good news!"
Seeing Kongming's confidence, Tie Muzhen, though still harboring doubts, nodded slightly and said, "Very well, I will trust you, sir. If things succeed, you will be the first national advisor of our Great Yuan."
Kongming bowed slightly and said, "It is good that Your Majesty the Emperor has this intention!"
Seeing that Kongming remained calm and composed in the face of such great benefits, Tie Muzhen felt slightly displeased.
But he also knew that some reclusive masters didn't seem to value these identities much, but only wanted to use them as an opportunity to display their skills.
In the days that followed, Kongming settled in the Eastern Palace where Temujin had come to pay homage. In order to avoid being disturbed and to keep the plan secret, no one was allowed to enter or leave his courtyard at will.
Even Princess Tie Yuanzhu was unaware of the intricacies of the situation, and of course, she was also completely unaware of Zhao Yun's arrival.
Half a month later, under Kongming's control, the 'Flying Sky' wine gradually spread like ripples throughout the cultivation and mortal realms of the Great Yuan Dynasty.
Sure enough, within two days, the Xuantian Sect, one of the three major sects of the Great Yuan Dynasty, sent people to the royal court to inquire about the situation.
However, Emperor Yuan claimed to know nothing about it, a response that greatly displeased Xuan Tianzong.
This was also a deliberate arrangement by Kongming, who then gradually pointed the clues toward Crown Prince Temujin.
After receiving a satisfactory answer, the Xuantian Sect envoy immediately returned to the sect to report back.
Meanwhile, the Xuanhuo and Xuanjian sects also heard the news and, seeing that the Xuantian sect had taken the lead, naturally could not sit still.
"Mr. Zhuge, I have dealt with all three envoys as you instructed. What should we do next?"
Temujin Cheng looked anxious, with fine beads of sweat on his forehead. He paced back and forth, his eyes filled with fear of the unknown situation.
It's quite obvious that I've gone a bit too far this time.
Kongming rose unhurriedly, his expression calm. A slight smile played on his lips, and a sly glint flashed in his eyes as he spoke.
"How much is a jar of 'Feitian' liquor being sold for now?"
Temujin immediately replied, "Thirty thousand gold coins per jar, and there's no market for it!"
Kongming nodded upon hearing this. It seemed he had underestimated the space of 'Flying Sky'. He knew that the initial price here was only two thousand gold coins per jar.
Unexpectedly, after being killed by the Sima family, he experienced a surge in his 'flying' ability. Is this a blessing or a curse?
“Send people to deliver one thousand jars of ‘Flying Heaven’ to each of the three sects. Of course, you, the Crown Prince, will have to cover the costs!”
Kongming spoke slowly, as if it were just a trivial matter.
Upon hearing this, Temujin Cheng almost jumped up, but he still gritted his teeth and nodded.
Kongming offered him 5,000 gold coins per jar, and here he lost another 15,000 gold coins for nothing. If it weren't for Tie Muzhen backing him up, he wouldn't have been able to afford such extravagance.
“Mr. Zhuge, the three major sects have enormous appetites. I’m afraid it won’t be long before they start demanding more!” Temujincheng said with a pained expression.
"Then I'll give you more!" Kongming said without even looking up.
Upon hearing this, Temujincheng's facial muscles trembled slightly. Had he invited back a swindler? What if this guy was just a wine seller? That would be ridiculous.
Wouldn't this drain the royal family's coffers...?