Chapter 1371 - 43: Supporting Shouzhe in Nation-Building

Jiang Zhencang shook his head, not even bothering to pay attention to this rotten old man. Leisurely, he sipped on his "low-grade wine," listening to the chatter from the surrounding dining tables.

Some people were discussing business, while others were talking about education. They mentioned someone’s child getting accepted into the town school, and even someone getting admitted to the Wang Clan Academy.

Longchang said one thing right; the voices from the grassroots are the true voice.

Jiang Zhencang spent his entire life selflessly guarding Daqian, and taking on the responsibility of guarding the Human Race. Wasn’t it simply to make Daqian strong and the Human Race thrive?

Even though this place, Xinping Town, is small, it has achieved economic takeoff. Even ordinary commoners live a life of abundance and etiquette. Just relying on this small piece of land of the Wang Family, it actually stands on par with most areas of the Immortal Dynasty.

The only thing lacking is that the Immortal Dynasty has been around for tens of thousands of years, having practically realized the ideal of universal Qi Refining Realm.

"I heard that Shouzhe also wants to achieve universal Qi Refining Realm?" Jiang Zhencang casually chatted, "Last time at the Saint Land, he consulted with me on whether he could collaborate with the Alchemy Peak there to develop a model for mass-producing Spirit Awakening Pills."

"Universal Qi Refining Realm," Emperor Longchang scoffed, "sounds easy, but advancing the bloodlines universally isn’t something achieved overnight. Even the Immortal Dynasty took tens of thousands of years to accomplish such a feat."

Universal Qi Refining Realm is a massive systemic project, from culture to economy, and a significant increase in comprehensive productivity. The greatest challenge remains time; without ample time accumulation, it’s impossible for everyone’s bloodline to reach Lower Grade.

It’s not just about Spirit Awakening Pills.

"Isn’t Shouzhe crossing the river by feeling the stones?" Jiang Zhencang supported, "He has already achieved universal education within his jurisdiction. Even young outsiders are provided with re-education through literacy classes."

"From what I’ve seen along the way, the ordinary people in Xinping Town have a completely different essence, qi, and spirit. Almost all have completed primary education, with eyes lively and full of intelligence, exuding confidence in their demeanor. Their overall population quality already surpasses that of the common populace in Gui Long City."

"Wang Shouzhe’s efforts in economy and education are indeed commendable." Even Longchang could not find fault with this, regretfully saying, "Yet, with a smaller population, naturally, it’s easier to manage. A vast place like Gui Long City has a mix of various elements."

"Shouzhe is indeed a sincere talent dedicated to development; we should all support him more," Jiang Zhencang marveled, "He has created numerous miracles, and I have a gut feeling that if Shouzhe stays true to his beginnings, our Daqian might become the next Immortal Dynasty."

"Support, of course, I’ve always supported him." Emperor Longchang spoke resolutely, "I’ve constantly been picking out his flaws, which counts as a form of support."

At that moment, Longchang’s eyes suddenly brightened, "An opportunity arises again."

At that time.

A new wave of guests arrived at the restaurant. Their attire radiated the aura of those accustomed to high status, with dragon-like walking posture, their robust blood essence evidently indicating high cultivation.

It’s no wonder, aside from a young girl among the guests who looked delicate and lovely, the rest of the middle-aged men were obviously at Celestial Human Realm cultivation. Among them, the leading old man wore a purple crown and had a stern face, exuding a deeply unfathomable aura — clearly a Purple Mansion Ascendant.

This group of people, with notable cultivation, were evidently from a noble family.

A family with Purple Mansion Realm, given decent achievements, could be conferred as a Fifth-Grade Purple Mansion Family.

Yet their expressions all bore a weight of solemn despair, as if entangled by some unfortunate incident.

They ordered a private room, lavishly indulged in dishes, but seemingly lacked the mood to enjoy them. Among them, one Celestial Human Realm middle-aged man gravely said, "Ancestor, is Mr. Ying Lei perhaps deceiving us? Claiming Patriarch Shouzhe is not at home, clearly deliberately stalling, I’ve heard Wang Shouzhe prefers quiet and dislikes movement, remaining indoors for seven or eight years at a stretch."

"Mingtai, be cautious with your words." Another middle-aged man spoke sternly, "The full title of Patriarch Shouzhe is not for loose mention. Not to mention Mr. Ying Lei having no reason to deceive us, even if stalling, we can only wait!"

"Wait, we can’t afford to wait." The man named Mingtai said anxiously, "That batch of iron pots has been confiscated, and we are carrying the Wangs’ debt based on our family reputation. If this drags on, wouldn’t our Celestial Mansion Zhao Family end up losing both money and goods?"

Meanwhile.

Jiang Zhencang slightly frowned, sending a message, "So, it’s Celestial Mansion Zhao Family, a branch family of Daqian Zhao Family. I heard that Duke Dingguo’s Mansion and Duke Protector of the Nation’s Mansion have been at odds, yet this Celestial Mansion Zhao Family actually has business dealings with Changning Wang Family?"

"Old Jiang, you’re mistaken here." Emperor Longchang chuckled, "That lad Wang Shouzhe is quite cunning, probably laying a trap deliberately. Due to the Daqian Zhao Family’s implication, the Celestial Mansion Zhao Family days are tough now. They’re perhaps so desperate, making reckless moves, and unknowingly stepping into Wang Shouzhe’s snare."

"During the Struggle of the Imperial Sons over the tax issue, too many funds were diverted to support the main family, selling off all sellable assets. Zhao Mingtai sighed, "Times are tough, and Ming Lei is hindered in advancing to Purple Mansion. Originally, we hoped to engage in long-term trade with the Wang Family, but unexpectedly encountered such a mishap~ ah~~"

"Do we really have to send Yuun’Er to the Wang Family, begging for marriage alliance? Our Yuun’Er was born as Celestial Pride, slightly nurtured, her prospects are infinite."

Emperor Longchang slapped his thigh, sending a message, "Old Jiang, I get it now, Wang Shouzhe must’ve set his eyes on this young girl, laying a snare, then forcing them to bring her...uh, I mean, bring her over...

Jiang Zhencang almost spat a mouthful of old blood. Shouzhe, such a graceful gentleman, is depicted by you as so undeserving. What grudge do you two actually hold against each other?

"Longchang, don’t get ahead of yourself."

"I’m not ahead of myself, even if Zhao Family is downfallen, how many dare to confiscate their goods, making them feel aggrieved? Currently, only the rising Daqian Wang Family has such capabilities. As long as current Chief Minister Wang Yinda casually hints, there’re plenty ready to jump out and target Zhao Family secretly."

Thinking he’s caught hold of Wang Shouzhe’s weak spot, Emperor Longchang stood out, striding towards the private room door with a dragon-tiger gait, smacking the door open: "Heard you’re being troubled by the Wang Family? Fear not, fear not, what’s the matter, tell us, someone will uphold justice for you."

"This..."

The group of people from Zhao Family stared agape at Emperor Longchang, wondering where this old man, no, two old men came from...

"Gentlemen..." Zhuge Liangcai, dining with distant relatives, hurriedly came over, "What are you doing? Don’t cause a scene, interrupting their meal."

"Boy, your conduct is commendable, I won’t make it difficult for you." Emperor Longchang patted his shoulder, saying, "This matter is beyond you, best to call over your Patriarch Wang Shouzhe."

In an instant, the restaurant turned chaotic, the diners coming over to crowd around, excitedly discussing.

As soon as his words fell, a dignified voice echoed from the restaurant entrance: "Who is causing trouble here?"

With this voice, silence immediately swept through the surroundings.

A young man in majestic officer attire entered the restaurant, accompanied by his followers, his face sternly scanning the scene before finally setting his gaze on Emperor Longchang and Jiang Zhencang.

"Grand Commander An Song!" Zhuge Liangcai hastened forward to greet, "These two elders probably have a misunderstanding, it’s no concern, no concern."

This young man was Wang Ansong, ranked twelfth in the Wang Clan’s An Generation. At eighty years old, he had long become a Celestial Pride, his cultivation reached the Second-Layer of Celestial Human Realm.

Such age, such cultivation, absolutely counts as a renowned young talent in Gui Long City.

"You old...man? I feel like I’ve seen you somewhere." Wang Ansong scrutinized Emperor Longchang, feeling him familiar, prompting a frown, "Upon seeing I’m the Grand Commander, you’re dodging and evasive, could it be you’re a troublemaking old rogue I’ve caught before?"

...