Chapter 473: The Prince might also be narrowing his own path

Early the next morning, Daoist Yang Ci put on his official robes and arrived at the Imperial Horse Office in high spirits to report for duty.

He not only seriously studied the classics on horse raising but also personally groomed the mane of every imperial horse and observed their habits.

Gradually, he actually realized quite a few cultivation principles from these steeds.

Yang Ci said to Luo Hui, who came to inspect: "Look at this black horse; it runs like flying, yet its breathing is steady—this is the realm of 'seeking stillness in movement.' I have cultivated for many years, and only today do I truly understand this principle!"

Luo Hui had only come to see if this Daoist Yang Ci could handle this responsibility.

If necessary, he could personally tell Daoist Yang Ci some rules.

No matter what, it was arranged by Li Chen, and the position he recommended couldn't have any mishaps.

One had to know that Luo Hui had just become the Minister of Personnel; he had offended many people just after taking office and reviewing the hundred officials, so he couldn't afford to drop the chain at this time.

Even a small detail wouldn't do; this was the way of being an official.

Listening to Daoist Yang Ci say a bunch of things, Luo Hui was left dumbfounded; he wasn't a cultivator, so how would he know these cultivation matters?

After returning, he reported to Zhao Wenyuan: "That old Daoist is probably crazy, talking about mysterious things to horses all day."

Zhao Wenyuan, however, was thoughtful: "Perhaps, this is the brilliance of His Majesty's use of people."

Luo Hui: "Then what should I do? Arrange someone to assist him?"

Zhao Wenyuan: "No need. According to what you said, this person has a good heart and shouldn't cause any trouble."

After solving some matters, Li Chen changed into casual clothes and left the Imperial Palace.

He specifically chose a simple and elegant cyan long robe, with only a warm jade pendant at his waist, looking like an ordinary wealthy young master.

At the Drunken Immortal Tower near the Wanbao Chamber of Commerce, Zhao Jing had indeed arrived early.

What level of restaurant was the Drunken Immortal Tower? It was a landmark building in the Imperial Capital.

Being able to open a chamber of commerce near the Drunken Immortal Tower meant the Wanbao Chamber of Commerce's level was already very high.

That wasn't something that could be solved with money; it also required status and power.

Zhao Jing had booked the private room by the window on the second floor and was looking at the bustling street outside with two trusted subordinates.

"Master, look, the streets of the May Tian Ce Imperial Capital are more than three times wider than the royal city in the South." A steward pointed outside the window and exclaimed.

Zhao Jing nodded while twisting his beard: "Just this Vermilion Bird Street is worth three of our main streets; look at those orbital carriages—I heard they can travel a thousand miles a day; it's truly a divine skill."

Just as he was speaking, footsteps came from the stairs.

Zhao Jing looked up and saw Li Chen walking over leisurely, and hurriedly stood up to welcome him: "Young Master Li!"

Li Chen smiled and bowed: "Boss Zhao, you've arrived so early."

His gaze swept over the bottomed-out teapot and the half-peeled plate of melon seeds on the table.

A hint of embarrassment flashed across Zhao Jing's face, and he hurriedly waved his hand: "No, no, I just arrived too; waiter, quickly change to a new pot of tea!"

After sitting down again, Zhao Jing poured tea for Li Chen attentively.

He secretly sized up this mysterious young man; although he was dressed simply, the composed bearing in his every move was definitely not something an ordinary wealthy young master could have.

"Young Master Li, I wonder..." Zhao Jing rubbed his hands, stopping mid-sentence.

The meaning was already very obvious; last time he said he wanted to see President Jiang of the Wanbao Chamber of Commerce and troubled Li Chen to pass a word—he couldn't say it clearly now, but saying it like this, the other party would definitely know.

Li Chen understood and took a sip of tea: "President Jiang has private matters to attend to these few days, so I'm afraid she doesn't have time to see guests."

Because Jiang Rong was taking Li Meng to visit the Imperial Palace and choose a palace, she definitely didn't have time.

Zhao Jing's disappointment was hard to hide. He had come to the Imperial Capital this time with the expectations of the entire clan.

Although the Zhao family in the South was wealthy, in front of a behemoth like May Tian Ce, they were ultimately just small merchants.

"Thank you for informing me, Young Master Li." Zhao Jing tried to cheer up: "I wonder when President Jiang will be free? Our Zhao Trading Firm is willing to wait."

Li Chen waved his hand: "Instead of waiting for President Jiang, why not tell me your intention? I can still make decisions for the Wanbao Chamber of Commerce."

This sentence was Li Chen being humble; he didn't just make decisions—it was all a matter of his word.

It was just that he felt Zhao Jing was a truly good person; even if Jiang Rong didn't have time to see him, he was only a bit frustrated and didn't have any complaining emotions, showing he was someone who did big things and could hold his breath.

Li Chen decided to give him a chance; after all, this was also a talent.

Being an Emperor, one cherished talents more.

Zhao Jing's eyes lit up, but he quickly suppressed his excitement.

He organized his language cautiously: "Young Master Li, it's like this: our Zhao family owns twenty-seven mines in the Southern countries, including three large iron mines and five copper mines..."

He took an exquisite silk scroll from his pouch and carefully spread it on the table.

It was a detailed map of mineral distribution, marked with the output and quality of each location.

Zhao Jing sighed, "However, most of these mines are idle; the Southern countries can't use so much, and transporting them to May Tian Ce is a long way. I heard May Tian Ce is vigorously building orbital lines and needs a large amount of refined iron..."

Li Chen's gaze swept across that map and suddenly paused at a certain spot.

He pointed as if inadvertently: "This location—is it within the Star Fall Kingdom?"

Zhao Jing nodded hurriedly: "Exactly. It's a rich iron mine, with excellent quality, but it's located in a remote area, and the mining cost is too high."

A flash of light crossed Li Chen's eyes; this was truly a coincidence.

He had recently planned to build a strategic railway within the Star Fall Kingdom and needed a large amount of high-quality iron ore.

Not just the Star Fall Kingdom; as long as the Southern countries agreed, Li Chen planned to build railways.

This wouldn't just be convenient; even transporting troops and supplies would be very fast.

If the Eternal Day Empire dared to fight, they truly couldn't afford it.

When Li Chen was calculating Charles, he had thought of this point.

Inviting the Kings of the Southern countries to enjoy the Myriad Flower Assembly together was just an excuse.

Li Chen suddenly lowered his voice: "Boss Zhao, if you trust me, give me an address; someone will come to find you in a few days, and you just need to do as he says."

Zhao Jing's heart jumped; he carefully sized up Li Chen's expression, trying to read something from it.

But this young man was just sipping tea leisurely, as if that sentence just now was just casual talk.

Zhao Jing bowed solemnly: "Young Master Li, although I, Zhao Jing, am a merchant, I also understand the words 'faith and righteousness.' Since you have spoken, I naturally trust you."

He took a gold-stamped name card from his bosom and offered it with both hands: "This is our lodging in the Imperial Capital; to tell you the truth, we have booked the entire Qingfeng Villa in the south of the city, and we await you anytime."

Li Chen took the name card, stuffed it into his sleeve, and laughed: "Boss Zhao is indeed straightforward. By the way, the Imperial Capital is lively these few days; you might as well walk around more, especially the Myriad Flower Assembly—I heard there are many novel things."

Zhao Jing nodded repeatedly, but his heart was already churning. He vaguely felt that this time he might be coming into contact with the true core of May Tian Ce's power.

The two chatted for a while longer, and Li Chen took his leave.

Zhao Jing saw him off to the door of the restaurant and watched that cyan-robed back disappear into the crowd before letting out a long breath.

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 474 =====