CHAPTER 1180: CHAPTER 1177: CURSING OUT THE MONARCH

Yin Zhongsuo never expected Patriarch Lu to acknowledge that Lu Nanyan could represent the entire Lu Family.

No doubt about it.

The Lu Family is openly opposing King of Nanhuang!

Watching Yin Zhongsuo’s fierce anger, Patriarch Lu was not panicked; instead, a faint bitter smile appeared on his face: "Master Yin, I don’t know why the Prince is interested in the Western Sea Fishing Grounds."

"I just want to say one thing, the profits generated by this industry are not as substantial as you might imagine."

"After all expenses are deducted, the net profit is only about ten percent."

"This income is far inferior to our Lu Family’s other industries."

Yin Zhongsuo sneered coldly, "If that’s the case, then why do you insist on holding on to the Western Sea Fishing Grounds?"

Patriarch Lu calmly said, "If I say our Lu Family’s actions are merely to help the people, to do what we can for them, would Master Yin believe it?"

Yin Zhongsuo snorted, "Merchants seek profit, don’t make yourself sound too noble!"

Patriarch Lu shrugged, "That is indeed the truth!"

"No!"

"To be accurate, our Lu Family doesn’t want to be seen as ungrateful traitors."

"You should know that during the Monarch’s birthday banquet, Wendong helped our Lu Family refine a Superior Purity Pojing Pill."

"It was also that Superior Purity Pojing Pill that solidified our Lu Family’s status in Blackwater Kingdom."

"And it saved our Lu Family."

"If it weren’t for him, our Lu Family would have been destroyed long ago."

"Now he entrusts the responsibility of the Western Sea Fishing Grounds to us, which shows he values our Lu Family."

"If our Lu Family fails him out of greed and fear of death, wouldn’t that be ungrateful betrayal?"

As he spoke, he paused, a hint of bitter smile appeared on his aged face: "You might wonder if our Lu Family fears death."

"I can responsibly tell you, yes!"

"No one is unafraid of death."

"But we cannot let fear make us become ungrateful traitors."

Yin Zhongsuo angrily stood up and said, "I will relay the Clan Leader’s words to the Prince. Let’s see where this leads!" Saying this, he stormed out.

Though Yin Zhongsuo left, the Lu Family’s living room was as silent as a grave.

The atmosphere was particularly heavy.

Because everyone knew they had offended a Prince of high authority in Blackwater Kingdom.

"Do you blame me?" Patriarch Lu looked at the crowd.

A middle-aged man smiled and said, "Father, you are our role model; how could we blame you?"

"That’s right, we may fear death, but we definitely cannot become untrustworthy people."

The members of the Lu Family also expressed their views, all supporting Patriarch Lu’s decision.

Patriarch Lu showed a gratified look and continued, "Although refusing King of Nanhuang was satisfying, King of Nanhuang is known to take revenge over the slightest grievance; for the survival of our Lu Family, I suggest the entire clan move to Carefree City."

They already knew Xu Wendong had fully taken control of Carefree City, even if King of Nanhuang indeed wanted to act against the Lu Family, he would lack the ability.

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After the Lu Family entered Carefree City, Xu Wendong learned about their situation, such as the prohibition on selling Western Sea seafood.

This provoked his anger, and he immediately used the Teleportation Array to travel to Blackwater Country Capital, seeking an audience with the Monarch.

Because this matter targets not only the Lu Family but the entire Blackwater Kingdom.

After all, the Lu Family is required to pay forty-five percent of their income annually, which is not a small sum for Blackwater Kingdom.

"Lord Xu, your timing is unfortunate; His Majesty has just entered seclusion!" Eunuch Liu received Xu Wendong with full politeness, his face showing difficulty.

Xu Wendong couldn’t help but ask, "Eunuch Liu, when will His Majesty be able to come out of seclusion?"

Eunuch Liu shook his head, "His Majesty is in seclusion to breakthrough to the Mahayana Realm, who knows when he will emerge."

Pausing, he said, "If you have urgent matters, I can take you to see the State Preceptor."

Xu Wendong courteously replied, "Thank you, Eunuch Liu!"

"You’re too kind, Lord Xu. It’s within my duties." Eunuch Liu smiled, then led Xu Wendong to a majestic palace.

This is where Xuanjizi lives and works.

"Please wait a moment, Lord Xu, I will inform him first." Eunuch Liu entered the palace and returned after approximately three minutes, inviting Xu Wendong to also enter the hall.

He followed Eunuch Liu and met Xuanjizi.

At this time, Xuanjizi was in a dark room, like an independent space where one could see a sky full of stars.

It was as if he were standing in a sparkling galaxy, with those stars seeming almost within reach.

Without much thought, Xu Wendong bowed and saluted, "Humble servant, Xu Wendong, Carefree City Magistrate, pays respects to the State Preceptor!"

"There’s no need for such formalities, Lord Xu!" Xuanjizi’s attitude towards Xu Wendong was exceedingly friendly; just calling him Lord Xu showed his regard.

After all, he was the State Preceptor of Blackwater Kingdom and the Monarch’s mentor, responsible for overseeing national affairs.

In terms of status, he was in no way inferior to King of Nanhuang.

"State Preceptor, I came this time to request your judgment on a matter." Without beating around the bush, Xu Wendong spoke about the prohibition on selling seafood.

Xuanjizi suddenly realized and quickly said, "Previously, ministers in the court amended and proposed a food safety system."

"Any food must undergo government inspection and be confirmed free of risks before entering the market."

"This matter has also received His Majesty’s acknowledgment and support."

"At first, I didn’t understand the situation, but now I know the answer."

"The sudden appearance of this food safety system is very likely targeted at you."

"Unfortunately, His Majesty is now in seclusion."

Xu Wendong said, "The Western Sea Fishing Grounds is a treasure trove for the Blackwater Kingdom; if properly utilized, it can bring great benefits, it shouldn’t be delayed."

Xuanjizi smiled slightly, "Doesn’t Lord Xu have other ways to earn money?"

He knew Xu Wendong was a smart person.

Surely, he won’t be easily manipulated by that person.

"I do." Xu Wendong stated honestly, "But until there’s no other way, I won’t use that method."

Xuanjizi said, "Here’s the deal: return and wait for my news. I will convene the ministers from various departments to re-discuss the food safety system, aiming to make it more perfect!"

"But you better not hold too much hope."

"After all, some forces are deeply entrenched, even as the contemporary State Preceptor, I may not easily move them."

Xu Wendong felt a strong surge of anger, "His Majesty is truly foolish and inept, ignoring the existence of these parasites. Without eradicating them, how can Blackwater Kingdom become strong?"

"Lord Xu, be cautious in your words; such remarks mustn’t be spoken carelessly!" Eunuch Liu stood by, trembling with fear.

Xu Wendong, "Even in front of His Majesty, I would dare to criticize him."

He paused, a subtle smile flashed on his face, "However, this can also be seen as a positive."

Eunuch Liu couldn’t help but ask, "What’s good about it?"