CHAPTER 1177: CHAPTER 1174: ARE YOU CRAZY ABOUT MONEY?

Xu Wendong suddenly looked up at Fan Qi.

He never expected that this high-ranking Prince.

Would take an interest in such an unremarkable fishing ground.

It’s well known that Fan Qi is highly favored by Fan Liang.

Many people predict he’s very likely to become the next Crown Prince.

Even if he’s not the Crown Prince.

With Fan Liang’s fondness for him, he would at least be given a territory and title.

For such a prominent figure to value his fishing grounds, how could it not seem absurd?

It’s like on Earth, the richest billionaire deciding to buy a breakfast stand.

Just because the food tastes good, and anyone hearing it would find it incredible.

And at this moment.

Xu Wendong sharply perceived.

That Fan Qi’s visit to Carefree City.

Was not for leisure, but his real purpose was the Western Sea Fishing Grounds!

As for why he set his sights on this fishing ground.

The reason is obvious.

It definitely has something to do with the King of Nanhuang.

After regaining his composure, Xu Wendong smiled and said, "Fifth Prince, saying so puts me in a difficult position!"

"Although this fishing ground was developed by me."

"It belongs to Blackwater Kingdom, it’s the property of Carefree City’s citizens."

"Moreover, as the magistrate of Carefree City, I cannot take matters into my own hands. How could I just hand over Carefree City’s property to someone else?"

Fan Qi nodded slightly: "Lord Xu’s words are not without reason, it was rude of me."

"How about this, you name a price, and I, as the contractor, will take over, so you won’t have to be troubled!"

Xu Wendong contemplated for a moment and said, "If the Fifth Prince indeed fancies this place, contracting it to you is feasible. Let’s say, one hundred thousand Superior Spirit Stones annually."

Spit!

Fan Qi spat out the piece of fish he hadn’t yet swallowed, his previously handsome face showing a look of shock: "How much?"

Xu Wendong replied: "One hundred thousand Superior Spirit Stones annually!"

Fan Qi’s face showed a hint of anger: "Are you money-crazed?"

Xu Wendong sighed: "I don’t want to be like this either, but Carefree City is really too poor."

"Everywhere needs money, this is done out of necessity, I hope the Fifth Prince understands."

Fan Qi suppressed his anger and said: "Ten thousand Superior Spirit Stones a year."

Xu Wendong was resolute: "One hundred thousand, not even one less."

"Are you sure?" Fan Qi’s face turned grim.

Xu Wendong nodded.

"Alright, alright!" Fan Qi’s face turned pale with anger, he never expected Xu Wendong to be so intractable, but after all, he is the Fifth Prince of Blackwater Kingdom.

Moreover, Xu Wendong’s intention is also for the benefit of Carefree City’s citizens, he simply couldn’t utter any harsh words.

"This Prince has already finished eating, I’ll return to the Capital City now, goodbye!" After leaving a sentence, Fan Qi angrily led his people away towards the seaside.

After Fan Qi left, Xu Wendong acted as though nothing had happened and looked towards Chu Ye, Liu Zhengtong, and those yamen runners, smiling as he said: "None of you have ever tasted sashimi, have you?"

"Come, try it, this sashimi with wasabi sauce is definitely a delicacy in the mortal world!" With that, he busied himself, slicing fish, shrimp, and shellfish to distribute to everyone for tasting.

Zhang Yunxiao sighed: "Lord Xu, you seem to fear nothing!"

Xu Wendong shook his head: "How is that possible, I too have fears."

Zhang Yunxiao couldn’t help but ask: "What do you fear then?"

Xu Wendong looked towards those busy figures in the distance and murmured: "I fear they’ll go hungry, I fear they’ll have no home, I fear they’ll be left without support in old age!"

On the other side.

Fan Qi returned to the Blackwater Country Capital through the Teleportation Array.

The first thing he did upon returning was head to the Imperial Palace.

The reason for visiting the Imperial Palace was simple.

He desired the Western Sea Fishing Grounds.

Although Xu Wendong asked for one hundred thousand Superior Spirit Stones.

But he knew.

Once the Monarch spoke, Xu Wendong would certainly hand over the Western Sea Fishing Grounds to him obediently.

Seeing his beloved son arriving, Fan Liang also displayed a doting smile: "What brings you to the palace today, my boy?"

Fan Qi said earnestly: "As a son and a subject, coming to visit my father isn’t the most natural thing to do?"

Fan Liang burst into hearty laughter.

Even though he knew his son said this to please him.

He couldn’t help but feel pleased.

Fan Qi also showed a hint of a flattering smile, he walked behind Fan Liang, gently massaging his shoulders, and softly said: "Father, do you know where I went earlier?"

Fan Liang, with his eyes closed, enjoying his son’s massage: "The world is vast, how would I know where you went?"

He has many sons.

But he only referred to himself as ’father’ in front of Fan Qi.

Because there is a certain innocence in him.

And that innocence was something he himself lacked.

Fan Qi said: "I went to Carefree City earlier."

Fan Liang murmured: "What’s that place like?"

Fan Qi replied: "I hadn’t been to Carefree City before, so I didn’t know how it was before, but now, it indeed presents a vibrant picture!"

"Although the people’s lives are still very poor, there is a light in their eyes."

Although Fan Liang had his eyes closed, a faint smile appeared on his face.

For a Monarch.

There’s nothing more comforting than hearing the words ’there is a light in their eyes.’

Fan Qi continued: "Father, I also visited the fishing grounds Lord Xu built. The scale of that fishing ground is truly immense, and it has many brightly colored fish."

"The taste is also extremely fresh, especially when paired with wasabi, it’s truly astonishing!"

Hearing his son say this made Fan Liang somewhat tempted: "Perhaps sometime later, I should go visit that immense fishing ground, and sample the seafood of the Western Sea."

Fan Qi continued: "Father, you know I love eating fish, and I was thinking of contracting the Western Sea Fishing Grounds."

"But..."

"Lord Xu is being too unreasonable, asking for one hundred thousand Superior Spirit Stones right off the bat."

"And, that’s just for one year’s lease."

"I had no choice but to come to you, hoping you could help me think of a way!"

"After all, I truly love eating fish!"

Fan Liang slowly opened his eyes.

But at this moment.

His eyes were no longer filled with affection and fondness, instead cold as knives, which made Fan Qi involuntarily shiver, a sense of unease rising in his heart.

Even Eunuch Liu by the side, who had remained silent, shivered, knowing Fan Liang’s temperament, and realizing he was already angry.

Fan Liang said coldly: "Just because you like eating fish, Xu Wendong should hand over the Western Sea Fishing Grounds and let a million people in Carefree City go hungry?"

Fan Qi didn’t understand why his father was so furious and hurriedly said: "Father, that wasn’t my intention, I just thought maybe the lease could be made cheaper."

Fan Liang shouted angrily: "Begone!"

"Now, immediately, at once!"

"I sentence you to not leave the palace for ten years, if you dare violate it, I will not spare you!"

Fan Qi’s scalp tingled.

He never imagined his usually doting father would suddenly fly into a rage.

Had he made a mistake?