Chapter 84 - What a Lucky Thing!
“Who's this?” Yin Xu inquired, eyeing the lone unfamiliar figure in the study.
Teng Yu casually draped his arm around Yue Yang's waist, their closeness evident at a glance.
“His surname's Fu now, used to be something else. He's Yun Heran's assistant.”
Rising, Fu Jingzhi bowed to Yin Xu. “My name's not essential. Seventh Young Master, you can call me Mister Fu.”
Yin Xu assessed him, noting his unremarkable appearance, short stature, and gauntness, with a shrewd gaze and a goatee.
A closer examination hinted at a disguise; his true visage likely differed.
“I once served the Third Prince. I don't think I've imposed on Seventh Young Master excessively. Your Highness previously mentioned I could've taken on another disciple.”
It was clear whom he meant as that disciple. Teng Yu's intention was not lost on Yin Xu.
“You were in the Third Prince's residence? How did you gain Yun Heran's trust, circumventing the Yun Family?” Yin Xu queried with intrigue.
“It's a lengthy tale. Seventh Young Master, perhaps His Highness could elaborate,” Fu Jingzhi suggested.
Yin Xu, no longer dwelling on the question, nodded. “Then why's Mister Fu here today, all decked out?”
Though familiar with Yin Xu and the Third Prince's affairs, the others didn't anticipate his involvement in such clandestine matters, casting curious glances at Teng Yu.
Teng Yu gestured for them to continue without restraint. “Where were we? Let's proceed. Mister Fu's pressed for time.”
“Indeed,” Fu Jingzhi interjected, “Yun Heran once probed the Great Prince, subtly inquiring if he desired a swift ascension to the throne. The Great Prince was intrigued, but the Emperor remained vigilant.”
“Ha, while the Great Prince is brave and forward-thinking, his caution limits his ambition. He'll have more options,” remarked an elder on the right, shaking his head.
“It seems the Great Prince wants Yun Heran to take the lead. If it succeeds, he can join; if not, he can distance himself,” another interjected.
“Foolish! Everyone knows the Great Prince and the Yun Family are intertwined. If this fails, he'll bear the brunt,” someone countered.
“Hence, he'll focus most of his efforts here. Even if unsuccessful, he'll ensure secrecy,” another chimed in.
“How's Yun Heran arranged for this?” Teng Yu prodded.
“Yun Heran's cautious. Initially discussed with a select few trusted aides, then handed off tasks to the Yun Family. But I'm certain the Third Prince will investigate.”
Teng Yu chuckled, offering no denial. Once he learned of Yun Heran's intentions, tracking the matter became straightforward.
“Given the timing, with the beginning of the year, when Royal Father is most relaxed, it's likely he'll act soon. Whatever concoction he's brewing, it's evidently long-term and requires meticulous planning.”
“Indeed. Yun Heran's departure to the north after his 15th birthday necessitates prior arrangements. Imperial Consort Yun and her son won't remain passive observers.”
“Seems he's always aimed to embroil Imperial Consort Yun and her son.”
“Inevitable. The harem belongs to Imperial Consort Yun; manipulating it is easier than direct intervention.”
Teng Yu scratched his chin, smiling. “Let's table this discussion for now. We'll revisit it in 15 years.”
His trusted aides exchanged glances, nodding in tacit agreement, having witnessed the Third Prince's capabilities firsthand.
Teng Yu crossed his arms, turning to Yin Xu. “What was it we were discussing?”
Yin Xu reiterated their earlier conversation from the storage room, proposing the idea of immediate action. “Storing these items serves no purpose. Why not sell them and invest in practical endeavors?”
While Teng Yu's aides might not have known the extent of his treasures, they surmised it was substantial. Accustomed to such proposals, Yin Xu's suggestion hinted at his astuteness.
A chest of gold might not sway someone, but a room full could overwhelm even the strongest resolve.
“It's a solid plan, but isn't it too conspicuous at this stage of the Third Prince's journey?” Fu Jingzhi queried.
Yin Xu shrugged. “When has the Third Prince ever shied away from grandiosity? The more extravagant he appears, the less suspicion he attracts. If he were to perform a good deed quietly one day, it'd raise eyebrows.”
“True, I find it perplexing,” Fu Jingzhi chuckled. “Besides, with Seventh Young Master present, excuses for overindulgence are readily available.”
Yin Xu glanced at him, noting: An advisor indeed possesses intellect surpassing that of a mere servant.
“Regarding the sale, consider whether direct selling or establishing a store is preferable.” The Demon Lord confessed his ignorance in matters of commerce.
“Let's open a shop. Secretly selling these items is time-consuming. Besides, some officials covet what I possess. We needn't fear them.”
“Then I must appoint a trustworthy manager.”
“You have one at your disposal. Considering the life debt he owes, he won't dare betray us.” Teng Yu withdrew a stack of papers from the documents and handed them to Yin Xu. “Use your skills to solidify your position in the palace.”
“You mean Wei Zi'an?” Yin Xu accepted the papers, scanning them. “Isn't it risky to involve him?”
“Upon completion of your perusal, his suitability will become evident,” Teng Yu asserted confidently.
Yin Xu scanned the lines below, astonished by Teng Yu's swift investigation into Wei Zi'an's background. Unexpectedly, the person he had casually rescued turned out to be the heir of Hui State's wealthiest individual.
The circumstances surrounding the richest man's son being left at the cemetery at night compelled Yin Xu to delve into the Wei Family's saga.
The Wei Family stood as a formidable business entity, boasting vast wealth and assets. Wei Zi'an himself had earned the esteemed title of imperial merchant, a testament to his prowess.
As the direct grandson of the eldest son, Wei Zi'an was slated to inherit the family legacy, bypassing his spendthrift father.
However, his father's profligate lifestyle hindered progress, prompting Manager Wei to consider passing the reins to his eldest grandson.
Despite having three uncles holding significant positions within the family business, they were no match for Wei Zi'an's competence. Lacking legitimacy due to their concubine status, they couldn't vie for succession.
While the Old Master Wei lived, he maintained control over the situation, grooming his own descendants. However, upon his demise, the three uncles conspired against Wei Zi'an, ousting him from the family fold.
Sensing imminent danger, Wei Zi'an's uncles resorted to kidnapping his father, intending to extort ransom and then eliminate them both.
Despite the peril, Wei Zi'an, driven by filial piety, ventured forth, accompanied only by two trusted guards.
Encountering formidable adversaries, including Yin Xu, hired by his uncles, Wei Zi'an's party faced near annihilation.
Miraculously, Wei Zi'an survived, narrowly escaping a grim fate.
“The wealthiest…” Yin Xu's eyes gleamed with curiosity. “That means incredibly rich?”
“Indeed, surpassing mere merchant status. With over a century of business prosperity, the Wei Family's lineage is exceptionally affluent, rivaling even mine.”
Yin Xu's eyes sparkled with determination. “The treacherous deeds of Wei Zi'an's uncles demand retribution. Let's stand by him and seek justice.”
“The decision ultimately rests with the one you rescued.”
Yin Xu hesitated, pondering the weight of indebtedness. “Repaying a life debt is no trifling matter. It wouldn't be right to demand too much.”
“True, wealth is transient. What good is having riches if devoid of gratitude?” Teng Yu mused.
Yin Xu chuckled, feeling blessed by fate. “Seems my destiny aligns with aiding the affluent and prosperous. Truly fortuitous!”
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