Mountain and River Festival

Chapter 415 Shen Tang's Reply

The next morning, Lu Xingzhou went to work as usual.

Foreign trade is not just a means to seize power and climb the ranks. First and foremost, it allows him to cultivate a group of people who belong to him, Lu Xingzhou, such as Qi Tuizhi now, and the unsuccessful disciples of the Prince of Jin whom he brought with him.

But this requires time to settle in; it's not like you become someone's person just because you report for duty today, or that there are any ties between you immediately.

There has to be some tangible result to make it meaningful, and only after everyone benefits from it will it have any real significance.

Secondly, this undertaking isn't just for the Great Qian Dynasty; it also benefits the Demon Realm and the Heavenly Frost Kingdom. Furthermore, once it's successfully implemented, no matter how the Great Qian Dynasty changes its ruling power, it won't be left in ruins like a traditional industrial sector; it will be easily rebuilt. And if Shen Tang were to come along, he would be of great use.

Qi Tuizhi was equally energetic. The beatings he received several times made him, the newcomer, first... oh, currently second, a clown in other people's eyes. In addition, he was implicated in the Prince of Jin's affair, making him look like a jinx. He finally got a decent official position, and he wanted to prove his ability in office.

Early in the morning, Qi Tuizhi met with Pei Zhao and went to the border market with the group for on-site research. He also carried a letter from Lu Xingzhou accusing him of "colluding with the enemy".

The enemy's level was so high that Qi Tuizhi dared not utter a sound.

What's outrageous is that when Lu Xingzhou said he would give the letter to the Empress, Sheng Yuanyao and Pei Chuyun were right next to him, yet they didn't say a word, only their faces darkened.

This doctor is truly amazing, how did he manage that...?

What's even more amazing is that Lu Xingzhou just casually handed over this "treasonous" letter to him, without ever suspecting that he might betray him.

However, Qi Tuizhi felt that he was quite amazing, as he had never really considered it.

Qi Tuizhi went to work in high spirits, and Lu Xingzhou was also making trouble in a very lively manner.

On the same day, Pei, the registrar, drafted a decree that listed a large number of goods that were "prohibited from being exported," ranging from high-end magical artifacts to medium-end military equipment to low-end rice and wheat, as well as which items could be sold as finished products but not as finished products, with extremely detailed categories.

The two officials in charge of the guest room were terrified: "Sir, this..."

"What? Do you have any objections to this ban?"

"The ban itself is reasonable; some things, such as high-level magical artifacts and military equipment, should indeed not be allowed to leave the country. But... uh, aren't some things open to discussion?"

"What, if we list too much detail, whose profits will be affected?"

The two assistant ministers exchanged a glance and lowered their voices: "Just provide a general category, giving each company a chance to find loopholes, and making it easier for them to beg us to be lenient and let certain goods circumvent the ban..."

Lu Xingzhou blinked and smiled: "You guys are really honest, you even say this to me directly."

The official said in a low voice, "The main thing is that a large part of this business is now being run by the Huo family, sir, and the Huo family..."

"We have a grudge." Lu Xingzhou asked bluntly, "Don't you know that?"

The officials exchanged another glance: "Regardless of the relationship between you and the Huo family, Lord Huo is under pressure..."

"It's alright, I'll take responsibility." Lu Xingzhou waved his hand: "Go and convey the message."

The official went there with no other choice. His first action was not to relay messages to all parties, but to notify the Huo family.

Lu Xingzhou knew this too, so he smiled slightly and ignored it. Instead, he called over Registrar Pei: "Draft an internal document on rewards and punishments. Everyone's working, so we need to keep them motivated."

Pei Chuyun rolled her eyes at him: "Do you think you're in the underworld, where you decide your own rewards and punishments? The money and goods have to be issued by the higher-ups... Do you expect me to pay for them out of my own pocket?"

"The department has funds at its disposal for now, and even more to come. Why wait for allocations from above?" Lu Xingzhou said sternly, "Do you not want to work anymore?"

"You want everyone to be motivated, but I don't see any motivation in you!"

"I'm not motivated yet? I'm full of energy, okay?"

"Really?" Pei Chuyun gracefully sat down on the table in front of him, her slender fingers lifting his chin: "I heard last night that you kicked that vixen out. You did a good job. How should I reward you, sir?"

Lu Xingzhou was both amused and exasperated, so he simply pulled her into his arms and sat her on his lap, dribbling the ball with one hand.

Pei Chuyun felt comfortable from the massage and leaned lazily against him: "What's wrong with Jiang Yuan? Is there a problem? Is there anything we can help you with?"

"I don't need this for now. I'll be more polite if I do need it."

"I see you're being quite polite right now."

Lu Xingzhou then unceremoniously put his hand inside his clothes.

October has arrived, and it is early winter. Ordinary people are wearing thicker and thicker clothes, but the most convenient thing for cultivators is that they are not afraid of the cold or heat. So far, the little demon girl is still wearing a single garment, which is extremely convenient for her lover to feel.

It's still the official uniform style; it feels even better to stick your fingers in and rub it.

Pei Chuyun was slightly out of breath from being massaged, and whispered in his ear, "Old Pei knew what was going on that day, but afterwards he actually pretended not to know anything and didn't say a word. Even when I went out to look for you before, I would get scolded when I got home, but this time he didn't even ask a single question."

Lu Xingzhou said "hmm".

Pei Chuyun bit her lower lip, wanting to ask him if he would consider formally proposing marriage... but she didn't say it. The implication was quite obvious; Lu Xingzhou was too smart to miss it. She didn't need to force the question, making it seem like she was pressuring him to marry her.

Unlike Sheng Yuanyao, who didn't want to be a mistress, Pei Chuyun knew she was one. So what if she was? The Joyful Union Sect was full of mistresses. But even mistresses have ambitions; who wouldn't want to seize an opportunity to rise to the top…

In fact, Pei Chuyun was also quite curious about how Lu Xingzhou would handle his love affairs. For example, she, Pei Chuyun, was no longer a bewitching woman, but the legitimate daughter of the Pei family. He couldn't just casually take her as a concubine, so how should he handle it? With Pei Qingyan's tacit approval, what would he do?
Considering that Lu Xingzhou personally helped find Pei Chuyun's identity as the legitimate daughter of the Pei family, Pei Chuyun felt quite sorry for the girl, who had caused her so much trouble. If she were still a Hehuan demoness, it wouldn't seem like a big deal to not give her a title, but that wouldn't be the case now.

But if it weren't for his help back then, I wouldn't like him so much and would be willing to wait silently for him to give me a place... So things always have two sides.

Pei Chuyun knew that pressing him now would only annoy him, so she sighed inwardly and said nothing more. She simply leaned down and kissed him, saying, "My lord... you don't want to take advantage of your female subordinates, do you..."

Before he knew it, the registrar was slumped over the table, still wearing his official robes, but his other clothes had slipped down to his knees.

The official documents on the table were scattered in a mess, and the clean tabletop reflected the clerk's pretty face, as delicate as a peach blossom, and the shimmering light in her eyes.

The soundproofing on the doors and windows gleamed.

Lu Xingzhou stood by the table. He knew what the little demoness was hiding, but he couldn't answer her right away. He could only try his best to deliver the grain and make the little demoness feel comfortable first.

He certainly wasn't burying his head in the sand and hiding from the problem for the time being; he had some plans in mind, but he couldn't act arbitrarily.

In fact, on the very day he was appointed as a physician, Lu Xingzhou had already sent someone to Danxia Mountain to inform Shen Tang that he could resume his business as a royal merchant. He also explained all the details of the matter, including his idea of ​​establishing his own power and even his affair with the Dragon Emperor, without hiding anything from him.

Outsiders speculated that Lu Xingzhou's decision to establish his own power base might conflict with Shen Tang. At least in Lu Xingzhou's heart, he had complete trust in Shen Tang and knew she would never let this cause a rift between them. However, things couldn't be done arbitrarily; communication between the two was essential. It was a matter of respect and trust.

This morning, I received a talismanic message from Danxia Mountain. This type of message doesn't carry much information to avoid interception. Shen Tang's reply was brief: "The list I gave you before, including Imperial Censor Xiao Ting and others, means my people are your people. Use them well. As for who assists whom... why can't I assist you? If it weren't for you, what would the matter of the Crown Prince have to do with me?"

"The idea that Princess Chaohuang is the main figure is just a stereotyped view. Only you and I know the truth of our relationship. Gu Yitang is long dead. The one you love is Shen Tang. Who is in charge of internal and external affairs is none of anyone else's business."

"If the Pei and Sheng families are interested in a marriage alliance, you can try to see if they are willing to be equal wives. Of course, one position must be reserved for me. If you dare to be unfaithful and betroth another Lu family matriarch, I will not let you off the hook. When the Sword Sect is enraged and everyone is in mourning, even if you hide under the dragon throne, I will still cut you down."

"As for the Dragon Emperor, he's just an outer chamber. We'll deal with him once we get in. In my eyes, he's not even as good as the Grand Preceptor and his disciples."

That's all.

If Shen Tang were in front of him, Lu Xingzhou would definitely argue with her. You say you're the Imperial Advisor, why bring a master and disciple?

But since we can't argue over the word "communication," we can only accept it for now.

In any case, the message conveyed in the reply was that Shen Tang had no reservations about Lu Xingzhou setting up his own business, and even allowed him to use her own people.

My people are your people.

Why can't I assist you?

Only the person experiencing it knows whether it's hot or cold.

Lu Xingzhou couldn't help but recall the past, when he gradually relinquished power in the underworld, and felt somewhat dazed by the contrast.

After Lu Xingzhou finished practicing his dual cultivation technique and tidied his clothes, the little clerk was still lying there twitching, barely breathing. Looking at him from his desk, the scene was far more erotic than anything he could imagine at home.

Lu Xingzhou helplessly helped her wipe her clothes and said, "You're both bad at it and love to play around."

The dignified Saintess of the Joyous Union was being told she was inept in this area, and Pei Chuyun couldn't hold back any longer: "I've also learned your technique, but I haven't felt any of its miraculous effects. Did you use the male one yourself and give me the female one?"

Lu Xingzhou chuckled: "That's not true, it's just that you women have a natural advantage in this regard."

Pei Chuyun's eyes widened: "Who do you think is getting the better deal?"

"You know, it's mainly women who feel good in these kinds of things. Men are just like that, so naturally they don't enjoy it as much as you do. To be honest, I'm the one who's working hard to serve the Registrar."

Pei Chuyun: "..."

Is that so? It doesn't seem wrong.

She thought for a moment, then scratched her head: "Actually, I didn't want to flirt with you here, it's a bit too inappropriate. The main thing is I still have to study at the Imperial Academy, I can't stay here all the time, I can only come here occasionally for a part-time job. I just can't bear to leave, so..."

"It's alright, you can come occasionally. We have plenty of clerks here, although none of them are as good at writing as you."

"Oh right, I have another part-time job... The editor-in-chief of the Heroes Ranking came to my door again this morning. The new issue of the Heroes Ranking is about to be released, and he wants me to write a poem. Do you want to write a few lines?"

For some reason, despite it being a seemingly high-class matter, both of them were simultaneously thinking about Qi Huizhi, the first rookie.

Then they both laughed out loud. Lu Xingzhou said, "I won't go. You should think of something for our Director Qi... I have other things to do this afternoon."

"Huh? What's the matter?"

"Go to the Huo family... and cause trouble."

(End of this chapter)