Chapter 35: The World Society, The Crownless King

After court was dismissed, Long Chen returned to the side wing of the Western Palace, where Qingyue immediately summoned him to Princess Di Luoxi’s bedchamber.

“Princess.”

Long Chen saw Di Luoxi sitting upright and solemn, clearly intending to discuss serious matters.

“The Ministry of Revenue has been in Jing Tianlie’s hands for many years. Corruption and deficits are to be expected, but now that you’re conducting a thorough investigation, you’re essentially making enemies with the Grand General’s household. Be careful.”

“Zhang Qian, you must protect Little Long.”

Jing Heng had managed the Ministry of Revenue for over three years, and before him, it had been under Jing Tianlie’s trusted generals, hence it was said to have been in Jing Tianlie’s hands for many years. Investigating the Ministry’s accounts wasn’t just scrutinizing Jing Heng; it implicated Jing Tianlie as well.

“I have a question I don’t understand.”

“Speak.”

“The Ministry of Revenue has been controlled by the Jing family for so many years. The Emperor must know something about it. Why choose now to thoroughly investigate their accounts?”

Long Chen didn’t believe the Empress was completely unaware of the deficits. She had tolerated the Jing family’s corruption before—why investigate now?

Di Luoxi shook her head lightly and said, “I don’t know. Maybe… sigh… maybe there’s no other way. The Sifang Pavilion notified the Ministry of Revenue, saying business will be difficult this year, and we’ll face hardship.”

Mentioning the Sifang Pavilion, the usually domineering Di Luoxi revealed a rare trace of helplessness.

“What is the Sifang Pavilion?”

Long Chen had inherited the host’s memories, but not completely, and knew little about many things in this world.

Di Luoxi leaned to the side, indicating Long Chen should sit. He obliged, and Di Luoxi rested her legs on him, speaking slowly: “Have you heard of the Uncrowned King?”

Long Chen shook his head slightly—not a name he recognized.

“There’s a guild called the World Guild. Its leader is the Uncrowned King.”

“The World Guild has caravans in the Four Nations and even among the overseas barbarians. They do business everywhere, holding vast amounts of gold and silver, controlling the world’s resources.”

“Their influence spreads across the realm. Many officials have accepted their favors and are members of the World Guild.”

“The Uncrowned King has no territory, yet manipulates the world’s affairs. The Sifang Pavilion is the World Guild’s branch in Eastern Zhou.”

“When the Sifang Pavilion says business will be hard in Eastern Zhou this year, it means the World Guild won’t support us. Our tax revenue and commerce will suffer.”

Long Chen was deeply shaken by what he heard.

Wasn't this the politics of money and capital seen in later generations? A massive commercial conglomerate, wielding immense wealth, manipulating global affairs through capital.

Long Chen asked, “Why won’t the World Guild support Eastern Zhou this year?”

Di Luoxi replied, “Because we took Linjiang City. Now, Eastern Zhou’s power threatens to eclipse Nanliang.”

Long Chen immediately understood: “The World Guild wants to maintain balance among nations, to keep all countries’ powers roughly equal. That way, everyone seeks their help, and the World Guild can control the affairs of the world.”

Di Luoxi nodded in satisfaction. “You’re very clever, picking it up at once.”

“Our power has grown, so the World Guild will temporarily withdraw support.”

Xuan Yi asked, “Will they support Nanliang then?”

Long Chen replied, “Probably not. Among the three kingdoms, Xixia is the weakest. They’ll likely support Xixia.”

Di Luoxi nodded. “I think so too.”

“So, Nanliang and the barbarians are watching us hungrily, and Xixia may attack at any time. If the treasury can’t keep up with expenditures, we’ll be in trouble. It’s no surprise the Empress is investigating the Ministry of Revenue.”

“Little Long, this time your eldest sister is responsible. Go help her, and do your best.”

Di Luoxi’s fingers traced Long Chen’s body, her gaze meaningful.

Long Chen quickly said, “Princess, rest assured. This is the Emperor’s command. Once the task is done, I’ll return immediately. I will always remember—I belong to the Fourth Princess.”

Di Luoxi nodded in satisfaction and laughed. “You’re teachable. If you dare side with your eldest sister, I’ll deal with you first, then kill you.”

Long Chen chuckled. “I’m a eunuch, Princess—don’t scare me.”

Suddenly, Di Luoxi’s expression turned cold and she smiled wickedly. “You think I’m just scaring you? I have plenty of ways!”

Damn!

This princess is a real pervert!

“I’ll remember, Princess. Don’t worry!”

Long Chen felt a chill run down his spine and quickly left the bedchamber, Zhang Qian following him back to the side hall.

Back in the side hall, Long Chen grumbled to himself: Damn it, when I rise to power, I’ll repay this twice over!

Xiang Ning saw Long Chen was out of sorts and asked, “Sir, what’s wrong?”

Long Chen smiled. “Nothing. Prepare some hot water for me. I’ll practice my spear technique and then take a bath.”

Martial prowess rules—he had to train his cultivation.

Picking up his spear, Long Chen practiced in the courtyard.

Zhang Qian watched as Long Chen thrust the spear again and again, his blood and energy surging.

She was surprised by his rapid progress—in just a few months, Long Chen had advanced from the early stage of Grandmaster to the late stage. At this rate, he’d reach the King level by the end of the year, matching Zhang Qian’s cultivation.

Who would protect whom then?

Feeling a sense of crisis, Zhang Qian joined in the training.

After an hour, both were drenched in sweat.

Zhang Qian wore a tight-fitting white outfit, soaked through and revealing the blue corset beneath. Each punch caused her body to tremble violently.

Long Chen felt his whole body heat up, wishing he could drag Zhang Qian inside and ravish her.

“What are you staring at?”

Zhang Qian noticed Long Chen watching.

“You’re soaked. Go take a bath.”

Long Chen turned and entered the bathhouse, Zhang Qian following him.

Inside the bath tub together, Long Chen picked up a towel to rub Zhang Qian’s back. She didn’t refuse; the princess had ordered it, and she was used to it.

“Last time you helped the princess shape her figure—does that technique work?” Zhang Qian suddenly asked.

“Of course it works. Haven’t you noticed how great the princess’s figure is?”

Long Chen was confident in his technique.

“Then help me a bit. I’m worried… it might sag.” Zhang Qian glanced down at herself.

Long Chen accepted without hesitation. “Absolutely. You protect me all day long—helping you maintain your figure is only right.”

With that, Long Chen began massaging, drawing circles with his left and right hands, round and round…

…

After leaving the bathhouse, Zhang Qian felt overheated; she wasn’t sure if it was the water or Long Chen’s technique.

Long Chen entered the study, where Xiang Ning used a towel to dry his hair.

Just then, He Ningxin, a female official from the Eastern Palace, entered wearing a violet dress.

It was clear she had applied light makeup and carefully chosen her attire before coming.

“Minister Long, the eldest princess requests your presence.”

He Ningxin entered and, seeing Long Chen, maintained a serious expression, but a trace of delight was still visible.

“Minister He, please lead the way.”

Long Chen stood and followed He Ningxin toward the Eastern Palace, Zhang Qian trailing behind.

Upon entering the Eastern Palace, he saw rocks, flowers, rare birds, and exotic beasts everywhere. The palace maids here were evidently more solemn.

Each princess had her own distinct style and temperament.