No title, no marriage? Do you think I'm some kind of lapdog?

"Lord Duke, do you understand His Majesty's meaning?"

Eunuch Gui spoke in a low voice, the outline of the bulging silver notes on his sleeve barely visible.

"Thank you for reminding me, Eunuch Gui. I understand."

"Also, please convey to the Emperor that he will not bring shame upon the royal family!"

Su Chuang held the imperial edict in his arms, feeling a slightly cool touch on his fingertips.

Representing the Emperor at the banquet?

Although it's about saving face, it's also putting him on the hot seat!

He knew that those officials and servants who were peeking around were all there to find out about his background as the newly promoted Duke.

Previously, despite his title as the heir apparent, he was considered a spoiled brat who couldn't be brought to the table.

But things are different now. In the entire Great Qian Dynasty, there are only three Dukes!

Furthermore, Emperor Wu's status as "half a son" was both a shield and a target.

He guessed that Ye Qingyue's former subordinates from the Northern Border... were probably more than just "former subordinates" at tonight's victory celebration banquet.

"No problem, no problem, we'll head back now."

After saying this, Eunuch Gui was about to leave, little did he know that Su Chuang would not let him leave so easily.

"Why is Eunuch Gui in such a hurry to leave?"

"If Father Emperor doesn't have time to dine at my humble abode, does that mean Eunuch Gui doesn't have time either?"

Su Chuang looked disgusted and grabbed Gui Gonggong's arm.

He's going all out to get money.

"This...this...Your Excellency, this is unacceptable, this is unacceptable!"

Upon hearing this, Eunuch Gui immediately refused.

"Why not? As the Emperor's most trusted confidant, you have the responsibility and obligation to accompany me and oversee the Duke of Xin's mansion."

"That way, the ministers who come to give gifts won't dare to fool the young man."

"Otherwise, if I were to admire the fake goods they sent me for a long time, wouldn't I be embarrassing you all?"

Su Chuang had a nonchalant attitude.

His gaze casually swept over Eunuch Gui's sleeve, where it was bulging, clearly the "tribute" he had just received.

"Uh...how about this?"

"Our family will also present the Duke with ten thousand taels of silver as a gift."

"I hope Your Excellency will accept this and allow us to leave."

"It hurts," said Eunuch Gui with a pained expression.

"Oh! That's so embarrassing."

While politely refusing, Su Chuang subtly slipped the ten thousand taels of silver into his pocket.

"It's alright, it's alright... I'll be leaving now, I still have to serve His Majesty, I can't delay any longer."

After saying this, Eunuch Gui dared not linger any longer and immediately ran towards the palace.

"Shameless, making money is so easy."

Su Chuang clapped his hands, signaling Yue Fei to lead the way while he followed behind.

As for the destination, it will definitely be the Duke of Xin's mansion.

Instead of taking the shortest route, they took a detour to the homes of high-ranking officials and nobles to show off Emperor Wu's imperial edict.

Then he can blackmail others.

You said you didn't know, so I'll go through the trouble of visiting each and every one of them to make sure you all know!

Su Chuang was hoping that this donation would raise enough money to build the intelligence network.

Therefore, he will not allow these people to find a reason not to give the elements!

It wasn't until it started to get dark that he led Yue Fei, dragging his exhausted body, back to the gate of the Duke of Xin's mansion.

"Not bad, not bad..."

"Next time we're short of money, we'll find a way to hold a banquet and squeeze these ministers dry!"

Su Chuang looked at the mountain of gift boxes and sighed with emotion.

His gaze swept over them swiftly, sharp as a ruler:

Brocade from the south, fine horses from the north, gold and silver...

His heart was completely unmoved, filled only with cold calculations:

This wealth was enough for Jia Xu's intelligence network to quietly take root underground in the capital.

Hereditary honor is all just empty talk.

Only the wealth and power you hold in your hands are the true keys to survival and turning the tide.

"My lord, you're back."

Jia Xu greeted them with a smile that looked more like a grimace.

"Hmm... how is it? How's the situation?"

Su Chuang pulled Jia Xu aside and asked him in a low voice.

"My lord, with these resources, we have more than enough to establish an intelligence network."

Jia Xu answered in a low voice, his tone unusually excited.

"Also, to encourage them to leave the gifts on their own and leave."

"This old servant has specially arranged for a tasting session of coarse tea and plain water."

"It worked very well; I guarantee no one stayed for dinner!"

Upon hearing this, Su Chuang's lips twitched.

He was just thinking about it; he never expected that Jia Xu would actually be able to do it.

I also saw the food tasting table at the entrance.

That's food for humans, even if it were for a dog, it probably wouldn't eat it.

"Hmm... Wenhe, you've worked hard."

Su Chuang patted Jia Xu on the shoulder.

After giving his instructions, he did not go to his residence to rest, but turned around and took Yue Fei to the Summer Palace again.

However, this time he was going to a banquet, which could very well be a trap.

……

[Congratulations, host, you have successfully completed the advanced mission.]

[Gained S-rank general physique.]

"That's the feeling!"

The moment I stepped into the Summer Palace, a surge of heat burst through my spine!

Su Chuang paused in his steps.

The bones emitted a faint hum, and the previously weak aura suddenly became solid.

The world before my eyes became clearer by a third, and I could hear the breathing of the guards in the distance;

The sound of the candlelight crackling;

Even Ye Qingyue's suppressed breathing, conveying her anger;

Everything rushed into his ears.

[S-rank general's physique fusion complete.]

Su Chuang subconsciously clenched his fist, his knuckles clicking softly.

power.

The long-lost power to control life and death.

Right now, he feels like he could kill a bull with one punch!

Finally, I have the confidence to tear a path to survival with my own hands in this cannibalistic world.

"Anyway, I've finished checking in, so I'll just show my face briefly and then leave."

As Su Chuang thought to himself, the system's unique voice suddenly rang in his mind.

[Warning! Warning! The host must participate in the entire celebration party, otherwise not only will the rewards be revoked, but divine punishment will also befall them!]

"Um...why didn't they just tell me to participate? Was it really necessary to make the punishment so severe?"

Su Chuang was speechless and had no choice but to make the best of it. He and Yue Fei had just arrived at the podium when they saw Princess Ruxue.

"Brother Chuang, you've come."

"Do you know? I've been waiting for this day for ten years."

Princess Ruxue, dressed in a blue robe and wearing a veil, looked up from the main seat.

Her voice was very soft, with a slight, almost imperceptible tremor.

Su Chuang didn't stop walking and went straight to the empty seat next to her.

Princess Ruxue.

"I have just been heartbroken and have no plans to engage in romantic relationships for the time being."

He nodded, his voice calm, but as she raised her hand to indicate that she should rise, he caught a faint scent of medicine.

She was injured? When did that happen?

"It's okay, we'll take it slow."

"I've waited this long, what's a couple more days?"

"Please sit down. This time you are representing Father Emperor, so you should sit in the main seat."

Princess Ruxue pointed to the empty seat next to her and said.

"Okay... alright then..."

Su Chuang had just sat down and hadn't even relaxed his bottom yet.

Ye Qingyue roared:

"Su Chuang! You fucking get up right now!"

"This is the Emperor's seat. You, a fallen duke, dare to sit here!"

Immediately afterwards, the glass shattered on the ground with a loud crack!

The entire room fell silent.

All eyes—gloating, worried, and inquisitive—pierced the seat of honor like needles.

Su Chuang simply straightened his clothes slowly before looking up at the furious Ye Qingyue.

The man in the rear had changed into military attire today, with silver armor and a red cloak, which made his face look even more fierce.

It's just a pity that her eyes are filled with jealousy, making her look like a resentful woman.

"General Ye."

Su Chuang's voice was not loud, but it suppressed the whispers throughout the room.

"I am here on behalf of the Emperor to attend the banquet, and will not sit here..."

He paused, a very faint smile curving his lips.

"Am I supposed to sit on your lap and serve you with my mouth?"