Stratagems of the Scholarly Noble who Clears Dust

from behind him pressed forward slightly, causing a piercing pain to travel through his entire body. The man’s expression changed and he勉強笑道：“葉三小姐不會打算殺人滅口吧？”Ye Li shook her head, revealing an uncommon...251. Young Master Qingchen's Strategy

251。 Young Master Qingchen's Strategy

"Does King of Southern Peace have the means to deal with Murong Xiong" Xu Qingchen spoke casually, but what he said sounded completely different to King of Southern Peace.

Swordsmen and martial artists might seem like they don't influence major events, but at Murong Xiong's level, it was impossible not to feel apprehensive. Even if one is in a commanding position, if he fights to the death regardless of his own life, there aren't many people who can withstand such an attitude. The higher one's position, the more they value their lives; King of Southern Peace naturally doesn’t want to ignore this significant threat.

He wants to unify the world and eliminate Mo Liufang’s descendants, but if he dies at the hands of a martial artist, everything would be for nothing.

"Young Master Qingchen convinced Ling Tiehan to take action... Right, Ling Tiehan has a close relationship with both Young Master Qingchen and Prince Dìng."

Xu Qingchen smiled lightly, saying, "Friendship is friendship; business is business. I won’t hide anything from Your Majesty. This time, my visit was merely a detour from Nanzhao. Not many people from Northwest came with me. However, if I can convince Pavilion Master Ling to take action, it naturally means that I can also control the King of Hell Pavilion at will this time... It’s likely that the King of Hell Pavilion will need to contribute the most this time; Your Majesty offering one-tenth of the benefits isn’t too much."

King of Southern Peace was speechless. Xu Qingchen's casual mention of a tenth profit could amount to hundreds of thousands or even millions of silver in his eyes. Looking at the smiling, elegant young gentleman before him, King of Southern Peace once again felt something stuck in his throat that he couldn’t spit out nor swallow.

"This king doesn't understand why Young Master Qingchen wants to act against the Murong family. To speak frankly... The existence of the Murong family isn't entirely without benefits for Northwest, right" King of Southern Peace asked. As long as the Murong Clan exists, Northwest’s economy will never catch up with Da Chu's. Compared to the vibrant hundred schools of thought in Da Chu, the dominance of the Western Capital Murong Family has been around for too long.

Xu Qingchen sipped a little clear tea and sighed softly, "Indeed, I did consider cooperating with the Murong family, but unfortunately... Some people are just out of touch. Now that the Murong family can become a threat to Western Capital, they might also become a potential threat to Prince Dìng’s王府將來也未必不是隱患。”鎮南王沉默半晌，恭敬道：“本王知道了，就按照清塵公子說的辦。有什麼需要本王做的，清塵公子派人告訴騰風一聲便可。”

雷騰風明白父親這是想要將此事交給他處理，點了點頭，對著徐清塵拱手道：“還請清塵公子多加指點。”徐清chen淡笑道：“世子言重了。”

鎮南王父子離去不久，淩鐵寒便從半開的窗戶外飄了進來，看著徐清塵笑道：“難得清塵公子竟然會想著本座，也不枉本座當年一心結交，若是你這樣的朋友能多幾個，本座也就不用為家裡那群笨蛋的生計發愁了。”

徐清chen抬眼一笑，道：“這麼說淩閣主是同意了？”淩鐵寒點頭道：“當然同意，這麼好的事情為何不同意。做了這一筆能讓閻王閣三五年不開張都冇問題。不過…你這次倒是大方了許多，我還以為你就算不要打頭也要跟雷振霆對半兒分呢。”

徐清chen道：“西陵畢竟是鎮南王的地盤，逼得太急了隻會雞飛狗跳。空手套白狼，能得三成已經不錯了，再多了容易招人恨。”

淩鐵寒皺眉道：“這次你可算是幫了雷振霆，他想要動慕容家可想了不少時間了。你就不怕等他緩過氣來了再跟你為難。西陵也就是國庫不豐，一旦等他緩過氣來了，隻怕就是定王府的百萬雄師也扛不住吧。”

The Prince DIng's王府, no matter how valiant and battle-ready it is, cannot avoid the disadvantage of its small size and poor land quality. It is squeezed between three major powers, with the wealthiest Great Chu being off-limits to attack; conquering Northern Rong in the north would not yield much benefit either, as nomadic tribes are far more formidable than scholars from Great Chu. Furthermore, Xiling watches closely over the situation. Although governance of the northwest has improved recently, most people still see a bleak future ahead.

Mr. Xu Qingchen elegantly used his teacup lid to skim the tea leaves floating on the surface and chuckled softly: "Many things may be easily destroyed, but rebuilding them is incredibly difficult. If Leizhenting believes that dismantling the Muong Family will revive Xiling’s economy, he might be in for disappointment. Although it would secure a large military budget, at least within three to five years, Xiling will only become poorer."

Shaking up the Muong family means disrupting the entire economic foundation of Xiling; without at least three to five years, no matter how brilliant a person is, they cannot save it. Moreover, in this era, the nobility generally does not value merchants unless they are short on money, and those who understand finance are few and far between. Prince Southern Zhen believes that eliminating the Muong Family would lead to political harmony, which only shows his lack of understanding of economics.

It seems chatting with Li'er occasionally has its advantages. Sometimes she proposes insights that even the wise and astute Mr. Qingchen never considered before. Recalling the confident and joyful woman in the study, Xu Qingchen’s face showed a faint smile.

Ling Tiehan was silent for a moment before sighing: "I thought you were planning against the Muong Family, but now it seems you're strategizing against Leizhenting." True, although the Muong Family is renowned as the richest family, no one knows how wealthy Prince Ding's王府 actually is. Even if they are not richer than the Muong Family, their ability to sustain tens of thousands of Black Ink soldiers under generations of pressure from the Great Chu imperial court indicates formidable economic depth. Facing such a rival, Leizhenting can only consider himself unlucky.

"Your minds think too much; I don't have the patience for this. Just send me word when you're ready to act," Ling Tiehan said quietly. Throughout his life, he pursued martial arts excellence and had little interest in江湖and朝廷affairs. Even with閻王閣, it was more a matter of duty than passion. Therefore, Xu Qingchen's complex strategies were merely headache-inducing matters that held little appeal for him. Xu Qingchen smiled and agreed, watching Ling Tiehan leave the room as it returned to silence.

Since Mr. Xu left the Muong Family after their meeting, he had not communicated with them again. The rankings of the new round of martial arts competition at the武林大會had been announced; however, this time it was somewhat awkward. The reason One of the four top experts from the past two sessions was still alive, although only two attended and did not participate in the contest. Thus, this generation’s young masters could not directly claim the title of number one expert. As a result, what had been hailed as an impressive武林大會had a rather hasty conclusion.

Initially, the Muong Family was patient, waiting for Xu Qingchen's response after the武林大會and hoping he would stay in An City to deliberate on such a significant matter as joining their family. However, gradually they noticed something was amiss.

At first, there were no reports from distant regions, but closer to An City, news started coming in about problems with various businesses. This involved not only interference by the Xiling imperial court, but also suspected involvement of Great Chu or Prince Ding's王府. The Muong Family head thought back to that calm and composed figure in white who had smiled faintly at them and his face darkened.

This was merely the beginning; when the Muong Family discovered issues with their businesses simultaneously in Great Chu, Nanzhou, and the northwest, where shops were either shutting down or being forcibly closed, some even seized by authorities, only then did they truly understand how immense this elegant man's power was.

"Damn it! Is that Xue kid crazy!" In the Muong Family study, Uncle Muong Xiong read the report from his nephew and burst into rage. Muong Mingyan stood behind her grandfather, already with tear-streaked cheeks, unable to imagine Xu Qingchen would go so far as to attack their family because he did not wish to marry her. Muong Xiong angrily ordered: "Send out an order! I want Prince Ding's王府to buy no more iron mines in the northwest!"

The head of the Muong Family sighed and said, “Just received news; there are iron mines within the northwest territory itself. Moreover... currently, Prince DIng’s王府 not only conducts business with neighboring countries but also extends far to the western regions. They started targeting our shops before the武林大會even began—looks like Xue is here for trouble!” Muong Xiong was so furious he could only pant heavily, “What extent of losses has our family incurred”

The head of the Muong Family replied: "All businesses outside of Xiling are gone."

Although the Muong Family's base is in Xiling, their businesses elsewhere were not crucial enough to impact the economy severely. Thus, they could act without restraint. However, if the Muong family’s business fails, even domestic merchants might celebrate. "Within Xiling itself, our losses are also severe; it’s not just from Southern Prince and official pressure but also from some merchants attacking us."

The Muong Family controls most of Xiling's business, thus having countless enemies. Muong Xiong sneered: “If they wish to compete with us, let them see how deep the Muong family’s pockets go!” The wealth of the Muong family extends far beyond their external businesses; centuries of accumulated gold and silver could crush those who oppose them.

The head of the Muong family hesitated and said, "Uncle, this might not be appropriate. If so, wouldn’t it give Prince of Southern Command a reason to interfere" If the merchants caused too much trouble affecting ordinary people, Prince of Southern Command could easily send his troops to take over the Muong family without anyone saying anything against him. Muong Xiong frowned unconsciously. He had been trained in martial arts since he was young and didn't excel either in politics or business.

Just as they were frowning, a servant came to report, "Head of the family, there is a Young Master Ren Qining seeking an audience outside." The head of the Muong family frowned and asked, "Ren Qining Who's that" Muong Xiong did have some recollection. "The one who won in the martial arts competition has good potential for martial arts. Unfortunately, he’s too young. If he were ten years older, he might surpass Ling Tiehan and Lei Zhenting." The head of the Muong family was not interested in Ren Qining's martial arts skills. Even someone as skilled as Muong Xiong was at a loss to resolve the current deadlock within the Muong family, "What does he want"

The servant reported, "Young Master Ren says that he can help the head of the family break the current deadlock."

Surprised, the head of the Muong family looked sideways at Muong Xiong. Muong Xiong narrowed his eyes slightly and said, "Please invite him in."

A few yards away from the entrance to the Muong residence, on a lush tree, two people were leisurely sitting on a branch looking at the entrance of the Muong family.

"Alu, do you know what Ren Qining wants by coming here" Mo Xiu Yao asked curiously.

Ye Li shook her head. She was no god or goddess; how could she possibly know Mo Xiyao sighed and said, "We agreed to come out for fun, but it feels even more tiring than usual."

Leaning against him with a smile on her face, Ye Li said, "Didn’t you say that he doesn't have any martial arts skills Although there are Shadow Guards protecting him, you know how powerful Muong Xiong is. If he suddenly turns his back and attacks, no matter how smart your brother is, would it help"

If Xu Qingchen and Muong Xiong were face-to-face with the decision to kill each other, even if Xu Qingchen was the most intelligent person in the world, it would be useless. In front of absolute strength, any strategy would be ineffective.

Mo Xiu Yao sighed and looked down at Ye Li, saying, "Alu is right. Now that Ren Qining has become involved, we really can't leave." The Prince of Southern Command and Ling Tiehan teaming up against Muong Xiong was a fifty-fifty chance, but if an unknown person like Ren Qining got involved, the outcome would be uncertain. Mo Xiu Yao didn’t care about others or the Muong family, but at least they had to ensure Xu Qingchen's safety. "I’ll go and take a look."

Ye Li grabbed Mo Xiyao’s arm and said, "Muong Xiong is much more skilled in martial arts than you are; it would be better not to risk it." Smiling at her, he gently brushed away the hair beside her ear. "Don't worry, even if I’m discovered and can’t fight back, am I really unable to escape" Ye Li frowned, staring closely at him. “Be careful.”

Mo Xiu Yao nodded, released Ye Li, and silently circled around a large number of guards by the entrance before heading towards the Muong residence.

In the study at this moment, Ren Qining was smiling at the three people in front of him while elegantly waving his folding fan.

"Who are you and what do you want" The head of the Muong family glared coldly at the refined-looking scholar before him. He knew very well that this person was different from Qingchen, who was a real literary figure. This man was known for being the top martial arts talent in the new generation.

Ren Qining smiled and said, "I am Ren Qining of the Ren family. I have come to see Head of Muong Family and Senior Muong." Muong Xiong snorted coldly; Ren Qining felt his heart jump as blood rushed up, nearly causing him to fall over. Amazed at Muong Xiong's deep inner strength, Ren Qining remained calm on the surface and smiled in praise, "Senior Muong indeed is a senior martial arts expert worthy of respect."

Meng Meng Xiong gave a cold laugh. How could he fail to notice that Ren Qining was reminding him of his bullying behavior due to his martial arts skills "Are you here at the Meng family just to praise this old man"

Ren Qining smiled and glanced at Meng Mingyan beside him, then said with a smile, "To be honest, I've come to seek your daughter's hand in marriage."

"Seeking her hand in marriage!" All three people in the study were taken aback. It was still Meng Xiong who reacted first and sneered coldly, "What makes you think this old man would marry Mingyan off to you" Ren Qining tapped his palm with a fan casually as he said slowly, "At present... apart from me, is there anyone else willing to take Lady Mingyan as their wife"

"You dare be so presumptuous!" Meng Xiong bellowed.

Ren Qining showed no fear and said with a smile, "Senior Meng, please do not get angry. Although my words may sound impolite, Senior Meng cannot deny that they are true. The Meng family is huge and prosperous, so there aren't many who have the qualifications to marry Lady Mingyan. I believe Senior Meng must be aware of Qingshen's attitude these days, and Lord Ling probably sides with him too. Or... does Head of the Meng Family plan on marrying off Lady Mingyan to the Great Chu Kingdom"

Given Meng Mingyan’s status, even if she entered the palace, she could only be a concubine at most. Besides, there are Empresses and consorts above her. The Great Chu isn't short of money either; thus, it is questionable how important the Meng family is in Emperor Chu's eyes. In the end, they would lose both their daughter and their wealth.

"So you think that makes you qualified to marry Mingyan" Meng Xiong stared at him coldly.

Ren Qining smiled slightly as he said, "Although I may not be as wealthy as the Meng family, I believe I have some skills and assets." Meng Xiong sneered. In both the martial world and officialdom, he had never heard of Ren Qining's name before, nor did any powerful families bear that surname. A nobody dared to speak so arrogantly; yet, when he saw this disdainful look on Meng Xiong’s face, Ren Qining didn't get angry. Instead, he said with a smile, "Senior Meng, why don’t you show me a few moves"

Before Meng Xiong could mock Ren Qining for his overestimation of himself, he saw that Ren Qining had launched an attack at Head of the Meng Family with a gust of wind from his sleeve. The latter wasn't trained in martial arts; thus, he was too shocked to dodge when this unexpected incident happened. Standing beside him, Meng Mingyan gritted her teeth and grabbed a dagger out of her sleeve, then thrust it towards Ren Qining. Ren Qining smiled slightly as he flicked his fingers and easily took the dagger out of her hand.

While this move was indeed impressive, if Ling Ti han or Mo Xiuyao were present, they might not have noticed anything unusual. However, Meng Xiong was different; fifty years ago, he had already been the number one martial artist in the world, so naturally, his experience far exceeded that of Mo Xiuyao and Ling Ti han's generation. His expression changed as he stared at Ren Qining and said, "The Shocking Crane Finger technique! What relation are you to the Lin family"

Ren Qining bowed slightly with a smile and said, "I am surnamed Lin, called Wen. My grandfather was also surnamed Lin, named Fu Qin. I believe Senior Meng must have heard of him."

"You are Lin Wen! That's impossible... Lin Wen is not..." The Meng family’s businesses were spread across the world, so naturally, their sources of information covered all corners too. Long ago, Meng Xiong had noticed Lin Wen; in fact, he was even aware of him earlier than Mo Xiuyao.

While everyone else noticed Lin Wen because of his identity as a descendant of the previous dynasty’s imperial family, what drew Meng Xiong's attention was that he had a grandfather named Lin Fu Qin. Nowadays, both in the martial world and officialdom, few people knew about Lin Fu Qin. However, Meng Xiong remembered him as an extraordinary martial artist like himself. The only difference was that Lin Fu Qin never truly made his name in the martial world. Sometimes, Meng Xiong even wondered if he had also vied for the title of number one martial artist fifty years ago.

A trace of disdain flashed across Ren Qining's brows as he said, "Tan Jizhi He’s just a worthless piece of trash; what is he worth"or." Seeing Mo Xiuyao's cheerful expression, Ling Tiehan laughed loudly in response, "Indeed it is an honor! Originally I thought Duke Ding would not be able to come this year. But unexpectedly here y...