CHAPTER 1176: CHAPTER 1173: PILLAR OF THE STATE

"Interesting!"

"It truly is interesting!"

"Extremely interesting indeed!"

Upon hearing Xu Wendong’s actions, the King of Nanhuang revealed a sly smile: "Isn’t he unwilling to hand over the fishing project to me? Since that’s the case, I must certainly acquire it for myself."

"I would love to see the fascinating expression on Xu Wendong’s face when that time comes!"

The elderly eunuch beside the King of Nanhuang spoke with a chilling gaze, whispering: "Your Highness, in my humble opinion, we should directly eliminate Xu Wendong."

Though Xu Wendong had refined the County Seal and possessed considerable strength.

For them, removing him isn’t a difficult task.

The King of Nanhuang shook his head: "It’s been a long time since I’ve encountered someone interesting. Now that I have, I must cherish him."

"If we were to kill him directly, I would be quite heartbroken."

There was a pause.

The King of Nanhuang turned to Yin Zhongsuo and said, "You should go to Jingdu and ask the Fifth Prince, on a personal note, to help me acquire the usage rights for the Carefree City fishing grounds!"

"Yes!" Yin Zhongsuo agreed respectfully.

He knew.

If the Fifth Prince wanted to take over the project of the Western Sea Fishing Grounds in his personal capacity, Xu Wendong certainly wouldn’t dare refuse.

After all.

He is the Monarch’s favorite son.

------

Xu Wendong was completely unaware of the King of Nanhuang’s plan.

At this moment, he was tirelessly handling the affairs of Carefree City.

Because Liu Zhengtong was killed, the position of county assistant was vacant, leaving this work on his shoulders.

It was quite a challenge for him.

Yet, with his heart dedicated to the people, he didn’t feel tired.

Additionally.

Due to some popular policies he implemented upon arriving at Carefree City.

The Virtue Power within him continuously increased.

That noon.

A yamen runner rushed frantically into Xu Wendong’s backyard, panting: "Lord, the Fifth Prince Fan Qi is here, requesting to see you by name!"

Xu Wendong frowned, seemingly surprised that the Fifth Prince Fan Qi would come to Carefree City.

Without much thought, he immediately went to the government office’s living room to meet Fan Qi, dressed in a yellow Python Robe and exuding an extraordinary aura.

Behind him stood a row of followers.

These individuals were quite powerful, mostly at the Transcendance Tribulation Stage.

He once glimpsed them at Fan Liang’s birthday banquet, but only briefly.

"My humble greetings to the Fifth Prince!" He bowed in courtesy, respectful yet not servile: "I apologize for not welcoming the Fifth Prince earlier, and I hope His Highness forgives the oversight!"

"No need for formalities, Lord Xu!" Fan Qi, despite being a prince, was very approachable, without the slightest hint of arrogance.

"I heard from my father about the changes in Carefree City, which is why I came to investigate."

"True enough, Carefree City under Lord Xu’s governance has blossomed beautifully!"

"Indeed, Lord Xu is a pillar of our Blackwater Kingdom!"

Xu Wendong shivered slightly and quickly replied: "The Fifth Prince over-praises; I’m just doing my duty."

Fan Qi sighed lightly: "Among the court officials, how many can truly fulfill their duties like Lord Xu?"

Xu Wendong said no more.

He sensed that Fan Qi wasn’t here just for leisure.

Fan Qi shifted the topic: "I heard Lord Xu has opened a fishing ground in Western Sea and even set up two teleportation arrays? Coincidentally, I love fish. Why not take me to Western Sea for a look?"

Xu Wendong hesitated for a moment and said: "The western pier is under construction, and it’s quite chaotic. If the Fifth Prince likes fish, I could have some brought over. No need to go there."

"It’s no problem!" Fan Qi said: "I’ve never been to the seaside. This time I can see the boundless ocean!"

Xu Wendong eventually compromised.

He couldn’t find a reason to refuse Fan Qi.

Immediately, he called upon Chu Ye and Zhang Yunxiao, instructing them to take the yamen runners of the government office to ensure Fan Qi’s safety.

Subsequently, the group arrived at the western coastline via the teleportation array.

At that time.

Thousands of civilians were busily working, and the once-empty seaside was now sprouting the beginnings of dozens of piers.

"Lord Xu, when can these piers be completed?" Fan Qi casually asked.

Xu Wendong replied: "According to the plan, they could be completed and operational within a month."

Fan Qi nodded slightly: "I really anticipate the scene of bringing delicacies from the sea to the tables of the common folks!"

"If common people could enjoy these delicious seafood, they should feel very happy!"

"Let’s go, let’s catch some seafood from the sea and feast today." Saying this, he took off and flew forward.

Xu Wendong followed closely.

Ultimately, some individuals arrived at the middle area of the outer sea, where Fan Qi ordered people into the sea to catch some fish, shrimp, crabs, and various shellfish.

Then they came to the shore to start cooking.

The so-called cooking was actually grilling with fire.

This gave Xu Wendong a sense of wastefulness, he couldn’t help but say: "Fifth Prince, seafood isn’t suitable for grilling."

"Especially seafood freshly caught, is best for sashimi, which preserves the freshness and original taste of the ingredients."

Fan Qi furrowed his brows: "What’s sashimi?"

Xu Wendong smiled and said: "It means eating raw."

Fan Qi immediately showed a disdainful expression: "Can raw food be eaten?"

Xu Wendong didn’t say much more but quickly filleted a lively fish into thin, translucent slices.

"You can try it." Xu Wendong placed the fish on a plate and handed it to Fan Qi.

Fan Qi hesitated, then picked up a piece and began chewing.

At that moment.

A glimmer of surprise appeared in his eyes: "It’s actually sweet?"

He always thought fish was fishy, but didn’t expect the sea fish to be free of any fishy taste and even had a hint of sweetness.

"Try dipping it in this!" Xu Wendong handed over freshly grated wasabi to Fan Qi. While this world lacked horseradish, it did have wasabi.

Moreover, the taste of wasabi was far more complex than that of horseradish.

Fan Qi immediately dipped some wasabi, yet as he tasted, his expression noticeably changed: "Wow, it’s spicy but gives an inexplicable freshness and aroma!"

"Not only..."

"Why does the fish I’m eating now taste even sweeter than before?" He was full of astonishment, clearly consuming the same fish, yet the taste was worlds apart.

Xu Wendong patiently explained: "Wasabi is a natural seasoning. Its pairing with sashimi is a match made in heaven, enhancing the texture of fish, ensuring it never gets dull."

Fan Qi repeatedly praised: "Interesting, truly interesting!"

Xu Wendong didn’t say much else, placing the sliced fish on the plate before Fan Qi.

At this time.

Fan Qi suddenly asked: "Lord Xu, I have always loved eating fish. Could you let me have the usage rights of this Western Sea Fishing Grounds?"