Chapter 1133 - 940: Fear

"Wuyu Trading House?" Gong Yuanhao paused.

The steward nodded, eagerly watching his counterpart, noticing the ever-changing expressions. He reminded again, "Young Master Nan is close to Shi Chun, the Heavenly Domain's Dingnan Prefecture Commander. Heavenly Domain's Dingxi and Dingbei Prefectures are replicating Dingnan's population introduction model..."

Gong Yuanhao suddenly raised his hand to stop him, not wanting to hear more; it wasn't necessary. He wasn't foolish, and his information channels were well-tuned; especially with the recent upheaval in Dingnan Prefecture, teeming with Demon Kings, it was hard not to notice.

Originally thinking he was merely a spectator in the excitement, he never expected to be dragged into the matter himself.

Over ten trillion, borrowed from the industries controlled by his Gong family—money that easily leads one to associate with the two holes Shi Chun created in Dingxi and Dingbei.

Previously curious about where Shi Chun would secure such a large sum, it seemed he aimed to source it from his Gong family. How dare he?

Although nothing was confirmed yet, his mindset was already somewhat compromised.

Calming himself, after a brief consideration, he examined the summary in the Jade Scroll, then asked seriously, "Is the loan guaranteed by collateral?"

The steward replied, "On paper, it appears to be guaranteed."

Gong Yuanhao took a deep breath; if there was equivalent collateral, then the collateral loan wasn't a concern. Failing to repay means equivalent assets are secured—it's just a fair and reasonable transaction.

The issue is, he knew certain young nobles were not genuine borrowers—they were only interested in profit, never losses. Given the massive scale of funds involved, caution was necessary. He immediately ordered, "Investigate the collateral's value against the loans."

The steward responded, "Understood."

Gong Yuanhao continued, "Immediately notify all affiliated industries to halt any form of external borrowing."

The steward obliged, "Understood."

Gong Yuanhao added, "And keep this matter quiet; no leaking information until authorized. Whoever dares breach confidentiality will face dire consequences."

Given the immense sum involved and numerous industries, most were merely managed by Gong-affiliated personnel and weren't officially Gong family assets—they belonged to the Nanshan Royal Court.

If a major mishap occurred, the Gong family would be held accountable. Those eyeing control of these substantial industries would surely seize the opportunity to challenge, potentially leading to a shift in power and a downfall of many Gong affiliates. This was no small matter.

Thus, before clarifying the situation and devising a management strategy, the information had to be suppressed.

After the steward left to perform his duties, Gong Yuanhao used the Mother-child Talisman to contact his father urgently; his father was currently away at the Royal Palace.

Upon establishing contact, he immediately went outside his father's study to await.

Nanshan Right Minister Gong Xuan returned promptly, aware that his son's notion of urgency meant significant matters; otherwise, his duties in the Royal Palace wouldn't have been disturbed. Hence, he was back in half an incense stick's time.

Outside the study, father and son exchanged no words. After entering the study sequentially, they communicated through sound transmissions.

Gong Xuan queried, "What's the matter?"

Gong Yuanhao swiftly offered the Jade Scroll and explained the situation thoroughly.

After listening to the report and reviewing the Jade Scroll, Right Minister Gong inquired, "No issues found on the accounts?"

Gong Yuanhao replied, "Father, if there were account loopholes, we wouldn't realize only now. Precisely because everything appeared normal, I fear there's internal assistance in fraud, given some subordinates' character. With such vast sums involved, trusting all those handling money are honest seems unlikely. I'm aware of the borrowers' nature—generous in dealings, and sometimes we overlook certain issues. Concerning Shi Chun, I'm a bit worried."

Right Minister Gong chuckled, "Do you think a mere Shi Chun dares to unsettle my Gong family?"

Gong Yuanhao countered, "Father, Feng Xi, Bi Dao, Luo Xian'er—those Demon Kings are all spinning around Shi Chun's domain. Amidst turmoil, Shi Chun remains unperturbed. Do you still consider him mere 'insignificance'?"

Right Minister Gong placed the Jade Scroll on the desk and paced back and forth, hands behind the back, "If your suspicions hold true, why specifically target my Gong family for loans? Do you suspect it's due to his knowledge of Shaoci's actions against him?"

Gong Yuanhao pondered, "Quite possible. Father, consider Shaoci's actions—it severed his financial avenue in Yanfu Continent. Originally, he could've effortlessly secured funds ample for the three prefectures without difficulty. Cutting off such a significant financial stream, nearly costing him his life, retaliation isn't improbable."

Slightly amused, Right Minister Gong remarked, "Retaliation against my Gong family? How? If he's involved, these borrowers dare defaulting? Defaulting means relinquishing more assets in Nanshan Realm than owed; do they not want them?"

Defaulting others' loans, he believed. Defaulting his loans, he didn't believe. Did they think his immense power was merely ornamental?

Gong Yuanhao advised, "First, confirm equivalent collateral exists; otherwise, even with repayment, widespread violations within your personnel group would be detrimental."

Right Minister Gong reassured, "Investigate but prepare; foreseeing possibilities and readying contingencies. Shi Chun's recent activity, locked away in Life Prison for most of his days—likely assisted by Jiahuan's recommended Young Master Nan. Secretly detain Young Master Nan; upon confirmation, he knows the inner workings and must confess. If overtly cautious, merely a misunderstanding, then release him afterward."

Gong Yuanhao nodded, "Alright, I'll arrange it."

In the East Victory Royal City, at the Wuyu Inn, a lavishly dressed man arrived as a guest.

The visitor, named Mo Yao, was an esteemed guest with a remarkable background, and one of the partners of the Wuyu Trading House. Naturally, he was very familiar with the Wuyu Inn.

The greeter at the entrance immediately smiled, nodded, and bowed to welcome him, "Mr. Mo is here."

Mo Yao casually pulled out a money pouch and tossed it over as a tip. Judging by the fullness of the pouch, there were at least a hundred Sandalwood Gold coins.

The welcomer who received the tip became even more enthusiastic, personally leading him inside and bringing him to a pavilion.

Inside was Young Master Nan, who was drinking tea with a guest, another esteemed guest and partner of the Wuyu Trading House, named Ye Shang.

Seeing Mo Yao entering, Young Master Nan who was holding the teacup, didn't stand up to greet him. Instead, he chuckled and said, "Oh, what kind of wind has blown you all here one after another today?"

Mo Yao nodded in greeting to Ye Shang, then sat down at the table, patting the arm of the chair. Without any detours, he spoke straight to the point, "There was a bit of an accident regarding the loan. The loan collateral deal I made with our Wuyuan Trading Company was all set, but when it came to formal signing, we were suddenly called to halt. Wuyuan Trading Company said there was an order from above to suspend all external loans. What bad luck, all our efforts were for nothing..."

Before he could finish speaking, Ye Shang chuckled, straightened up, and said with a smile, "It seems like I'm not the only one down on luck; meeting someone who shares the same plight makes me feel much better."

Mo Yao was taken aback, and asked, "Your loan was also halted?"

Ye Shang slumped back, sighed, and said, "Who isn't? With no food to eat, look, I've come to Brother Nan to find another way." He gestured towards Young Master Nan with his lips.

The two men looked over to see Young Master Nan, teacup by his lips, lost in thought.

"Hey," Mo Yao tapped the table and asked, "what are you daydreaming about?"

"Oh, nothing," Young Master Nan snapped out of it, took a sip of tea, put down the cup, and asked, staring at the others, "So what does your visit mean? You can't just be here to play with me out of boredom, right?"

Mo Yao lifted his chin towards Ye Shang and said, "I've also come to find another way. Let me ask, Brother Nan, can't you borrow from other places? Must you insist on borrowing from your designated source?"

Ye Shang clapped and said, "Exactly, I was just telling him the same thing just now. When it comes to repaying, it doesn't matter whose debt it is. Why insist on a specific lender?"

Young Master Nan hurriedly waved his hand and said, "You must not act recklessly, and don't blame me if you can't repay the reckless loans later."

Ye Shang pointed at his nose and said, "Then why not show us another way? Just as we got a sip of soup, the bowl disappeared, and we haven't even seen what the meat looks like. It feels all wrong."

Mo Yao said, "Exactly, I heard from Brother Wen that he gave you a hefty account. You shouldn't be biased."

Young Master Nan realized these guys were insatiably greedy. In just a short time, they had already pocketed billions, yet found it insufficient. He raised his hand to stop them, "Don't panic, money can't be borrowed carelessly; you don't want trouble either. Let me think it through, and once I find a way, I'll definitely inform you first."

With a promise made, Ye Shang relented and said, "Brother Nan, your word must count."

Mo Yao also responded, "Then we'll await your good news."

Young Master Nan personally poured them tea, and with that, the matter was left at rest.

After seeing the two off amidst food and drink, Young Master Nan, standing under the eaves, watched them go with a suddenly tense expression. He turned and swiftly went to find the steward of the trading house, quickly giving some instructions regarding the business, and then hurriedly left.

The steward, after sending him off, was somewhat puzzled, feeling as though Young Master Nan's instructions implied he was going on a long trip.

In the carriage, Young Master Nan occasionally peeked through the carriage curtain to observe his surroundings. Soon, after leaving the Wuyu Inn, he did indeed notice a carriage appear behind him.

Initially, he was unsure if the carriage was following him and considered having his accompanying guards stop and check, but he held back, choosing instead to quietly and repeatedly observe by himself.

Until they turned a few corners, and he noted there was always a carriage maintaining a fixed distance; even though it wasn't always the same carriage, it was enough to arouse his high vigilance. He immediately instructed the driver, "Go to the Left Minister's Mansion."

However, soon after the driver acknowledged, he gave it a thought and then suddenly changed his mind, saying, "Forget it, go straight to the Xun Gate instead."

"Yes." The driver acknowledged once more.

Meanwhile, Young Master Nan pulled out a Mother-child Talisman, quickly contacted trusted personnel, and sent a message to have them urgently and secretly get in touch with Wu Jinliang.

He then quickly disguised himself inside the carriage. For something to make him so cautious and fearful was truly rare.

With two teams escorting the carriage, they arrived grandly at the Xun Gate for a shift to the Heavenly Capital, bringing both people and carriage inside as usual, since they had the money.

Once inside the Xun Gate passage, after checking the surroundings and finding a gap where there were no people, his disguised self slipped out of the carriage quietly, separating his actions from his convoy.

Only after the convoy had been out of the Xun Gate for a while did he emerge, not following the convoy, but quietly leaving on his own.