Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 859 - 695: Profound Understanding of Greater Good
Qu Huaiyun, truly an old fox, had regained his smile and provided a brief overview of tonight’s events.
"Hmph! I must thank the Qu Clan Leader for his kindness, but the matters of the Yi Mansion are better resolved by ourselves, without troubling the Qu Clan Leader."
Yi Lanshan had long experienced Qu Huaiyun’s shamelessness, so it was best to be clear about sending him off; otherwise, this old fellow was adept at feigning ignorance.
"Moreover, we shouldn’t trouble Lord Liao. I feel quite uneasy about it! Now, I’ve called for reinforcements, and ask the Qu Clan Leader to have your guards return. You wouldn’t want to leave your mansion unguarded and have the Qu Mansion swooped up, especially with the other half of the treasure map right there in the Qu Mansion?"
Yi Lanshan feared these people still had plans for the Yi Mansion, so he wanted to drag the Qu Family down with him.
Originally, he intended to plot for the other half of the treasure map for his master, but after much deliberation, he realized that with the abilities of the Yi Mansion, they could not prevail against the Qu Family.
It was fortunate enough to preserve the treasure map in hand. In a few days, his master would send someone to retrieve it, and he would have fulfilled his mission.
"Ah! Yi Clan Leader, what are you saying? We, the Qu Mansion, don’t have any treasure map. Please don’t speak falsely! However, as the three great families of Hejian Prefecture, we should share common roots and help each other. Yi Clan Leader, don’t be modest; instruct us if you need anything."
Qu Huaiyun glanced around, unsure where the thief who got the treasure map might be hiding.
The Yi Mansion was surrounded, that person surely couldn’t escape.
Qu Huaiyun was a bit anxious; Yi Lanshan being here was quite a disturbance, certainly causing multiple hindrances.
He glanced at Yi Lanshan and realized something was amiss.
Yi Lanshan had been anxious just after losing the treasure map, so why wasn’t he worried now?
Qu Huaiyun squinted his eyes at Yi Lanshan, unsure of what he was contemplating.
"Yi Clan Leader, before you told me the treasure map wasn’t in your mansion, today Qu Clan Leader says it was stolen. What does this mean? Is this how you deceive me? I am the Imperial Envoy sent by the Emperor, coming specifically for the treasure map. What crime is it for you to hoard court treasures?"
Gu Chengyu spoke while glancing at Lu Chen and then shifted his gaze to Qu Huaiyun.
Under the sweeping gaze of those authoritative eyes, Qu Huaiyun couldn’t help but feel guilty.
Lu Chen remained composed, confident that no one would suspect the treasure map was with him.
Although Gu Chengyu’s look made him anxious, Gu Chengyu had no evidence and certainly wouldn’t conduct a search.
Lu Chen was relieved, planning on finding a way to send the treasure map out once he left the Yi Mansion.
"Well? Please forgive me, Mr. Gu. Blinded by greed, I made a mistake. But now the treasure map has been stolen. Even if I want to hand it over, I’m powerless!"
Yi Lanshan sighed deeply, his face wrinkling into a bitter expression.
"In that case, what is Yi Clan Leader still doing here? Isn’t it time you went to retrieve the treasure map? Hmph! If Yi Clan Leader can retrieve the treasure map, it can count as atonement, and I will certainly speak well of you before the Emperor."
"But if you can’t find it, I will report the matter of the treasure map concealment to the Emperor as it is."
Wang Mang’s treasure map was essentially a confiscation of gold from the people and the Imperial Family. It was reasonable for the Emperor to demand its handover.
"Mr. Gu! You are making things difficult!" Yi Lanshan’s face twisted, though he was considering drawing a fake treasure map to cope.
"That is not within my concern; you brought it upon yourself with ill intentions."
Gu Chengyu waved his hand; although he had obtained the treasure map, he still had to maintain appearances.
"Qu Clan Leader, Yi Clan Leader mentioned earlier that the other half is in your Qu Mansion. Qu Clan Leader, please consider the soldiers at the border and hand over the treasure map to provide more grain for them!"
Gu Chengyu’s words were sincere, causing a stiff look on everyone’s face.
In fact, the empty state of the National Treasury was known among these aristocratic families and officials.
The presence of an imperial envoy in Hejian Prefecture indicated the Emperor’s high regard for this treasure.
But what did the court’s lack of silver have to do with them? Without sufficient benefits, they would never readily hand over the treasure map.
They took care of themselves and their families; national interests were for those concerned about it.
"Mr. Gu, I already mentioned it earlier; those are merely rumors. The Qu Mansion doesn’t have a treasure map!"
Qu Huaiyun was not afraid of Gu Chengyu, feeling the Emperor’s trust in Mr. Gu was excessive. 𝐟𝕣𝕖𝐞𝐰𝕖𝚋𝐧𝗼𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝗰𝐨𝐦
Young and coming alone to Hejian Prefecture with hopes of obtaining the treasure map handed over easily? Such a beautiful thing was unheard of!
"Oh? So, the Qu Mansion doesn’t have the treasure map? Qu Clan Leader, don’t stall like the Yi Clan Leader! Otherwise, when I return to the Capital, it won’t be easy to explain to the Emperor."
Qu Huaiyun was well aware that Gu Chengyu was directly threatening them.
It was almost like saying he would report them to the Emperor, and if the Emperor believed his words, he would surely be dissatisfied with them.
If the Emperor blamed them then, they could all end up in trouble.
Qu Huaiyun suddenly had an idea, but he couldn’t promise too quickly lest he arouse Gu Chengyu’s suspicions.
Yi Lanshan hurried, "I will go catch the thief who stole the treasure map right away, and ask Mr. Gu for a few days’ grace."
Gu Chengyu nodded, gesturing for him to proceed.
As Yi Lanshan turned to search the mansion, Qu Huaiyun laughed.
"Mr. Gu, I speak truthfully and dare not conceal anything!"
"Mr. Gu, you’ve been in Hejian Prefecture for quite some time, and I’ve yet to fulfill my duty as host. Chance favors chance, why not let me host today with light wine to welcome you?"
Liao Cheng suddenly interjected, making small talk with Gu Chengyu.
Gu Chengyu chuckled; the offer to warmly welcome him was truly sincere.
He had been in Hejian Prefecture for nearly ten days; presumably, the locals knew of his presence, even if Liao Cheng claimed ignorance.
Proposing a welcome now with such sincerity; the thickness of Liao Cheng’s face was remarkable.
"Lord Liao, I’m not dismissing you, but I’ve been in Hejian Prefecture for quite some time, and the matter of the treasure map remains elusive. Moreover, I narrowly missed it just now, making me anxious and without mood. Perhaps after I have the treasure map, we can share a drink and revel together."
Gu Chengyu refused without hesitation; knowing Liao Cheng was Xia Qing’s man was enough, as he wasn’t helpful to obtaining the treasure map.
This affair hinged largely on the Qu Family; if Qu Huaiyun invited him, he would certainly go.
Visiting the Qu Mansion would aid in probing the treasure map, and he was contemplating what pretext to use for staying at the Qu Mansion.
