Chapter 209: Massive Character Design Collapse

In this world, there isn't that much of a black-or-white dichotomy for all things.

Most things wander in the gray zone, as the saying goes, "blend with the light and dust."

Zhang Gui sighed, turned his head and glanced at the black-and-white pointed felt hat on Chu Tuantuan's desk.

This is the "Wuchang Cap" that, more than two hundred years ago, made the Ming and Song courts hear the wind change, the Inner Court Eastern Depot Chief of Siyang Commandery, the "Chief".

Its status is as low as it gets, its power as high as it can be.

Issue edicts, imprison, wield the court staff, can punish the departmental celestial officials and regional high officers!

In fact, it is simply a manifestation of power out of control.

But it also makes your status, Brother Tuan Tuan, as the Eastern Depot Siyang Commandery Chief of Siyang Commandery, instantly hot and in demand once revealed.

Except for not knowing when you'll die an untimely death, there's simply no choice.

"There was never any choice to begin with."

Hearing Zhang Gui's teasing, Chu Tuantuan sighed and said:

"Let me tell you another big matter: the Current Emperor has already intended to move the capital to Jinling, and is about to…"

"Wait a moment!"

The Hezheng Emperor wants to move the capital; his temperament would never allow such a thing!

Not even reincarnating to live again would make him do it!

A dynasty's relocation of the capital is a matter that shakes the foundation of the state and must not be undertaken lightly.

Especially when done to evade enemy troops, it is an omen of national ruin.

In his previous life, Zhang Gui had an emperor who, despite the empire's north being utterly decadent, stubbornly held the capital for the sake of pride, refusing to retreat to the relatively peaceful south.

In the end, he literally hanged himself on the crooked‑neck tree.

Thus, even in the Supernatural World where "great power returns to oneself" is spoken of, a completely mortal emperor would at least be a bit more resolute.

They would all rather die than be left behind, earning the eternal scorn of being "cowardly and incompetent."

Let alone after ascending the throne, constantly displaying the talents and strategies of a great sage‑king.

Back then, his arrogance over a mere one million bolts of fine cotton led him to abruptly fall out with Yuanshan Emperor Chang Sheng Tie Mu, becoming the Hezheng Emperor.

It's a complete character design collapse!

"I also thought such rumors wouldn't spread within the Inner Court, but since even someone of my rank can see it, the matter is almost certain."

In fact, human hearts are not only separated by the belly, but change nine times a day.

Perhaps the Current Emperor has finally understood, and may no longer be so stubborn.

"That's true, hehe.

In fact, the Hezheng Emperor was Crown Prince for a full twenty‑nine years before his enthronement.

During that time, it was said he paid morning and evening homage to his father without a single day's delay.

If he truly were that "stubborn," he couldn't endure it.

Fine, stop bringing up these unappetizing matters.

I'll tell you properly about the events on Fresh Mushroom Island during this period.

If the Current Emperor truly intends to move the capital to Nanguo, the intelligence value of those few sons he sent out on the "Acting for Heaven on Inspection Tour" in the Nanfang Xingsheng will skyrocket.

Especially Zhen Wang, the most flamboyant big son…

In the study, Zhang Gui and Chu Tuantuan exchanged information useful to each other.

They chatted from afternoon until evening before finally finishing.

"The world changes.

We two tiny chess pieces may only go with the flow, yet we still must strive ourselves for better outcomes.

Also, Tuan Tuan, I have a grand move off the board, but I can't tell you now.

But if one day you reach a desperate situation, whether alone or with some confidants, as long as you can escape to Zhihai Town, you will surely turn danger into safety and change the world.

"Change the world, change the world…"

Hearing Zhang Gui's final admonition, Chu Tuantuan couldn't help murmuring thoughtfully,

"Brother Zhang, brother Zhang, you truly have endless follow‑up moves."

"As the saying goes, 'One who has no long‑term concerns will have near worries; even a sly rabbit needs three burrows, let alone a clever person.'"

"Fine, the conversation is over; I must go attend to some proper matters."

"Not eating any meals?"

"Not eating."

I plan to keep my stomach for a roast whole lamb at the Yuan Mountain Grasslands.

Zhang Gui seemed to joke, but Chu Tuantuan caught a hint of sincerity.

"Where are you going to do what, all of a sudden?"

"You, the Eastern Depot Siyang Commandery Chief of Siyang Commandery, even my dignified Stone Corpse King heir's best companion;

the paternal cousin of Censor Daifu Zhang Jiuqing of Dongyue Province;

the former Green Dipper Academy student Zhang Jiugui, along with a group of classmates, went to Yuanshan to retrieve the remains of their great sage mountain chief—did you not know?

He went to fetch the non‑existent 'remains' of Mr. Huaihe, so naturally I can only go fetch them.

"As long as it concerns you, I won't scrutinize it.

But, Brother Zhang, why are you dealing with a fool?"

Chu Tuantuan, as if she held little regard for Zhang Jiujiang, curled her lip and said.

Obviously she also knew the name.

"He isn't a fool; he just has his own ideals, that's all."

And having ideals is never a bad thing.

Zhang Gui smiled, bowed his hand to Chu Tuantuan to say farewell, and leapt away, disappearing into the night.

The next morning, on the west side of Giant Snake Head Island, Civilization Civilization Vanguard City, Silver Fish Street.

A standalone commercial building with a sign reading "Black Lion and Fierce Tiger United Commercial and Trade Company", its second‑floor manager's office.

Zhang Gui sat on the soft, fluffy, beige calf‑skin sofa, comfortably shifting his posture.

He gave his Western trade partner Salisa a thumbs‑up,

"I have to say, Salisa, this soft rubber chair is truly a clever invention.

You spent only a single Little Golden Eagle and secured its exclusive sales rights in Civilization Civilization Vanguard City—simply brilliant."

Mid‑sentence, the office door opened, and Salisa's sister Halifa walked in.

She placed a cup of coffee in front of Zhang Gui,

"Please, Your Highness Shogun from the East."

"Miss Halifa, has the style of our meeting this time returned to gentle elegance?

Thank you for the coffee."

"The nine specifications of the Eastern Ironwood Turtle Mechanism Ship you supplied have now made our company extremely profitable.

What is the most lucrative business in overseas port cities? Obviously shipbuilding, and raising chickens that lay golden eggs…"

"Alright, Halifa, don't be so excited.

In Civilization Civilization Vanguard City, every major trade has its own proprietor.

If it weren't for the hundred skilled men sent by Caiyang, it truly wouldn't be 'good' enough.

Our Black Lion and Fierce Tiger United Commercial and Trade Company has long been smashed countless times by the city's gang thugs.

Even so, being able to sell armed oceanic merchant ships under one hundred metric tons is already the limit now."

"Indeed, that is so.

General Caiyang, who is so powerful, could you send more skilled men to support our joint company and uphold the justice of free trade?"

Halifa asked half‑seriously, half‑jokingly.

"Of course, Miss Halifa.

At present I can mobilize ten thousand skilled men, but by early next year that number will expand to thirty‑to‑fifty thousand."

Zhang Gui replied with a grin.

Since the trip to Yuanshan has already been decided, leveraging Western contacts, he doesn't mind revealing a bit more of the 'truth' at the right moment.

(End of Chapter)