Lighting Lanterns in the Mountains and Seas

Feng Chi's loud calls were futile; Shi Chun wasn't going to let her stay here to learn the craft of artisanship. Who would handle the plethora of chores over at Dingnan Prefecture? Others weren't as handy as Feng Chi, so within a few days, Shi Chun summoned her back.

No one had any objections to this.

After some time, Young Master Nan hastened over once again, presenting the specific stipulations to Shi Chun for a final review to see if there were any taboos. If not, he'd officially begin here.

After looking over the stipulations, Shi Chun nodded and said, "Alright, I don't understand this; you're the expert. We'll go with your approach. As long as the task is accomplished, I only care about the results."

Young Master Nan smiled bitterly, "I only care about the results as well."

Shi Chun understood what he meant, the outcome for the other party was money. He put away the stipulations in his hand and said, "There's no rush to start this matter, wait for my message before proceeding."

Young Master Nan froze, surprised and doubtful, "Has something unexpected happened? I say, Brother Chun, this matter can't be treated lightly. If it's feasible, then proceed; if not, withdraw early, or once the bowstring has been drawn, it'll be hard to turn back."

Shi Chun: "No unexpected changes, there's something I need to take care of first. If you start now once there's a commotion, it might be hard for my matters to proceed smoothly. Just wait for my message before you act."

Young Master Nan hesitated, "How long do I have to wait?"

Shi Chun: "As soon as ten days to half a month, as late as a month or so."

"Alas, it's already come to this. Alright, I'll wait for your message." Young Master Nan sighed and lamented. The other party wasn't sharing insider information, leaving him uncertain. If it were another person, he'd refuse outright.

Making amends for previous mistakes is certainly one aspect, but there's a similar sentiment to Wei Mo's; Shi Chun has seemed to have a higher win rate thus far.

It's akin to running a gambling establishment, it's also a bet.

After sending Young Master Nan off, Shi Chun summoned Feng Chi again, softly instructing, "Regarding the task of introducing a billion people, whoever completes it first, the Heavenly Court will reward with a three-year sandalwood gold mining right in Yanfu State. Spread the word that there was never any intention of a heavy reward from the Heavenly Court. Even if completed, the Heavenly Court would drag their feet and not give it."

Feng Chi thought for a moment, then said, "Lord, perhaps there's no need to spread the word. Everyone is actually quite aware; the task of introducing a billion people, it's estimated that no one can complete it."

Shi Chun: "I don't want to be so indirect, but the current play style differs from the past. Everything demands 'legitimacy and soundness.' Spread the word and have Wu Jinliang and others stir up momentum, and that's enough."

The implication is that other matters don't require your involvement.

"Yes." Feng Chi had no choice but to follow orders.

Quickly, rumors of the Heavenly Court's promised heavy reward being mere mockery spread rapidly, with a somewhat lively sensation.

As the Domain Master, Manxi wasn't deaf, and after listening to Mo Hei's report, he snorted, "There have been quite a few rumors recently."

The tone held slight dissatisfaction, but there was no desire to intervene. The current situation made intervention inconvenient. Directing anything underlings would lead them to discuss salaries, making discussions impossible.

Plus, everyone knew his position was unstable and it was indeed hard to manage.

Thus, creating more trouble than solving problems was ill-advised.

Of course, he knew well that this might not be mere rumor, with the possibility of various departments introducing a billion people being unlikely.

In short, everything should wait until his position stabilizes. If truly rolling out, why bother with these matters?

Commander Dongguo Shou of Dingdong Mansion was similarly not deaf, he regarded the rumors as mere wind noise, not wanting to intervene, especially given his financial embarrassment and owed salary.

He wanted to turn a blind eye, but others refused to sit idly by. One day, while meditating, suddenly a subordinate knocked on the door and reported, "Lord, Commanders Shi Chun, Wu Jinliang, and Tong Mingshan have arrived together outside, wishing to see you."

Dongguo Shou opened his eyes upon hearing this, puzzled as to why the three of them had come together, but he couldn't refuse to see them, so he invited them, rising to go outside.

In the hall, the hosts and guests met, and formalities were naturally inevitable.

With good tea just served, Shi Chun asked, "Brother Dongguo, have you heard any recent rumors about the Heavenly Court's heavy rewards?"

Dongguo Shou blinked and said, "I've heard bits, seems your Southern, Western, and Northern Regions are spreading them most fiercely."

Shi Chun shook his head, "No way around it, unlike you, Brother Dongguo has connections and backing, your brothers don't need to work. Our families are all doing hard labor; a little discontent is understandable."

Wu Jinliang sighed deeply, "There's heavy resentment!"

Tong Mingshan said, "Indeed, there's discontent."

Listening to Shi Chun, Dongguo Shou had an epiphany. He was a bit puzzled before as to why only those three families stirred things up vigorously. Now, thinking it over, it made sense; possibly being kicked out of the Heavenly Court with hard labor, striving for something perhaps unattainable, discontent was unsurprising.

Seeing the three sighing, Dongguo Shou secretly laughed, thinking, "Even you have headaches at times."

But his mouth expressed empathy, saying, "Gentlemen, loosen up a bit, each family has its difficult scriptures."

Shi Chun replied, "Brother Dongguo, our visit is precisely for this matter. Leaving these rumors unchecked may lead to accumulated resentment and disaster."

Wu Jinliang nodded, "Yes, blocking isn't as good as easing."

Tong Mingshan said, "It's advisable to request the Heavenly Court to issue a decree to clarify."

Dongguo Shou raised his hand, pinching his arm, which was still a little unfamiliar after healing. His gaze swept over the three, thinking, "What does this have to do with me?"

His mouth's response was a bit reserved, "Request the Heavenly Court to issue a decree; what good does it do to involve me?"

Shi Chun earnestly said, "Naturally, it's to invite Brother Dongguo to report to the Domain Master together, requesting the Domain Master to promptly report to the Heavenly Court, enabling the decree to be issued promptly to clarify matters. Things should be mutual advancement and retreat; lest there's discord afterward, Brother Dongguo blames us for not inviting you, which wouldn't sound good if rumored, fearing misunderstandings among Dingdong Mansion's brothers."

"..."

This sounded familiar to Dongguo Shou, but he had no words.

In the end, the four commanders once again set out, heading together to the Domain Master Mansion.

With all four Commanders arriving, looking as if there were urgent matters, Manxi couldn't refuse to see them.

Upon learning that it was a matter of rumors, Manxi immediately felt they were being meddlesome, indifferently saying, "Are you so idle at the Heavenly Court? Reporting every big and small matter to the Heavenly Court, what do you need us for?"

Shi Chun cupped his hands and said solemnly, "Domain Master, this is by no means a trivial matter, there may be ill-intentioned people with ulterior motives."

Wu Jinliang also cupped his hands and said, "That's right, Domain Master, these rumors are quite peculiar!"

Tong Mingshan also raised his hand and said, "It seems like a deliberate provocation."

Hearing the three of them say this, Dongguo Shou also thought of something, his expression slightly heavy, and he cupped his hands too, "Domain Master, it's necessary for the Heavenly Court to issue a decree soon to prevent any unauthorized ambitions."

Manxi's upright body slowly leaned back, with a profound and flickering look in his eyes. Hearing this, he understood the meaning. This matter suddenly came up, and thinking about it now, it indeed seems peculiar, with a real possibility that those eyeing their positions are trying to stir things up.

This won't do!

Although he didn't know what those with ill intentions were planning, it was better to act sooner rather than later to nip any changes in the bud.

Therefore, after dismissing several commanders, Manxi immediately left the Domain Master Mansion and headed straight to the Heavenly Capital.

The Heavenly Court responded very quickly this time. Two days later, its decree reached the Heavenly Domain. In a formal manner, the decree summoned all four commanders and thirty-six city lords along with other key figures, and then clearly announced substantial rewards: whoever completes the task first will be awarded without any delay.

After confirming the decree's content, Shi Chun's face relaxed considerably, his purpose considered achieved.

Upon receiving the decree, Manxi immediately turned and sternly ordered the crowd of key figures, "Everyone must immediately return to their respective departments and clarify the decree to all personnel. Quickly quell the rumors, and anyone who spreads rumors afterward shall be severely punished without mercy!"

"Yes!" All the generals responded in unison, showing considerable momentum.

As they dispersed, the rumors within the departments indeed began to gradually subside.

With the Heavenly Court having issued a clear decree, there's basically no chance of going back on their word, so the rumors naturally lost their traction.

The next day, standing on the high rooftop terrace of Dingnan Prefecture, after listening to Feng Chi's report on the relevant situation, Shi Chun took out the Mother-child Talisman and sent a message to Wu Jinliang: Go to Wuyu Inn and inform Young Master Nan that the matter can officially begin. He knows what to do.

Heading to East Victory Royal City was exactly what Wu Jinliang wanted, so he enthusiastically accepted the task.

As a result, Young Master Nan, who was anxiously waiting for news, didn't bother with any frivolities upon hearing this and didn't organize any fun gatherings for him, leaving him to his own devices.

Young Master Nan himself began to run around like a whirlwind, hosting banquets everywhere, seeking people to share the pressure of that several-billion-dollar business deal.

After bustling for half a month, a group of nobles suddenly arranged a gathering and invited him to attend, so Young Master Nan had no choice but to take time off from his busy schedule.

Fine wines and delicious dishes, beautiful women like paintings, these need no mention, but there's no such thing as a good banquet.

After several toasts, Gong Shaoci signaled to one of those present with a raised eyebrow, prompting that person to immediately speak up and make things difficult, "Young Master Nan, we heard that you're mortgaging our properties extensively to help Shi Chun build houses. Is that true?"

This was a question he already knew the answer to.

Young Master Nan smiled. He knew he couldn't escape this as soon as he came, so he calmly raised his glass and stood up, "There is indeed such a matter. I had intended to find an opportunity to gather everyone to discuss it, but I haven't found the time. Now's a good chance to inform you all. Everyone came to enjoy themselves today, so I won't say more to spoil the fun. I'll be straightforward—it's a multi-billion-dollar deal with a net profit reaching over a billion!"

It's key to just state the numbers, as these people may not understand the details.

The substantial amount of profit to be made quickly drew a reaction from many nobles present, with some even waving away the beautiful companions beside them.

The person who initiated the topic laughed heartily, "Young Master Nan, isn't that an exaggeration? How is Shi Chun going to provide you with over a billion in profits? I think everyone might end up losing their capital."

Young Master Nan raised a glass to salute him from afar, "Reasonable point. As it happens, the profits are big, but if there are too many people sharing it, it gets a bit… since we're all friends, I really don't know who should hold a share and who shouldn't. It's most prudent to lay it all out in the open. Anyone unwilling or wanting to withdraw, say so now in public, to avoid any confusion later, everyone!"

He raised his glass, looked around the crowd repeatedly, waiting for a response.

The nobles' eyes darted around, gauging each other's reactions, yet no one spoke up about withdrawing.

The man sitting at the head suddenly spoke, "How can Shi Chun pay such a large sum afterward?"

Young Master Nan again raised his cup, smiling humbly and mysteriously, "Hard to say, that fellow has offended many; if I say it, this deal might fall through. This isn't a small sum, really can't discuss it. You all know my character, so once again, anyone feeling uneasy can choose to withdraw now."

The leading man smiled slightly, feeling reassured by the personal guarantee. He raised his glass in response, downed his wine in one gulp, and said no more.

The person who brought up the matter looked at Gong Shaoci.

Gong Shaoci, unwilling to let Shi Chun succeed, wanted to take the lead in breaking the deal, thus he spoke, "I happen to have some business transactions to settle recently, so I'll pass on this one."

Young Master Nan immediately responded, "Alright."

He directly took out a Jade Scroll and noted it down publicly.

The actions were clean and swift, without any hesitation.

Among the crowd, many hesitated, but none made any immediate statement to withdraw. Gong Shaoci drank in frustration, finding the situation unexpected.

He couldn't openly tell everyone not to invest, it wouldn't look good in front of the Miao family to have a direct confrontation.

Later, as the singing and dancing resumed, everyone again toasted and exchanged drinks until the banquet ended, with no one mentioning withdrawal again.

After the event, a relieved Young Master Nan laid back as he was whisked away in a carriage, letting out a long exhale.

The outcome did not surprise him because he understood these people too well. With the prospect of billions in profits at hand, how many present could resist such temptation?

Most importantly, these people are used to doing deals where they only gain without loss. When there's profit, it's theirs; when losses exceed beyond, they would expect Young Master Nan to take responsibility. Being gathered, they didn't believe Young Master Nan would dare to cross them.

This was also the reason he dared to agree to Shi Chun's request.

Lately, he was very busy, not resting, and with the smell of alcohol still lingering, he hurriedly rushed back to sit in the Heavenly Capital, urgently summoning leaders responsible for deals across various states within the Heavenly Court territory to discuss matters, officially spreading news of population introduction…