Chapter 281: Starting Out

The "Lion Spider Grove" has been passed down through an unknown number of generations within the Zhen Zhu Maya clan, and has never been lost.

This is both a miracle and the result of the clan's generations of early "honor" education.

Yet a sudden plague finally exhausted the long‑standing good fortune of the Zhen Zhu Maya family.

Only a single girl survived to inherit the exceedingly noble name "Zhen Zhu Maya",

and originally Zhen Zhu Maya would certainly have guarded the "Lion Spider Grove" heritage with her own life.

But by chance she was rescued by Zhang Gui and taken to the Zhenlong Kingdom.

Through several years of personal experience she gradually learned that for an individual to ascend to high rank, and for a clan to prosper,

it is not necessary to rely on the most ethereal vengeance or restoration.

A social order endorsed by all citizens from top to bottom, and defended unto death, protects wealth and status.

In fact, it sustains wealth and status far more securely than relying on killing, tyranny, intimidation, and other brutal means.

This shift in perception led her to voluntarily offer the "Lion Spider Grove" in exchange for her own prosperity and her clan's resurgence.

In fact, had the ancestors of Zhen Zhu Maya faced the same opportunity, they would likely have made the same choice.

Only that they knew offering the "Lion Spider Grove" to any ruler of the Southern Red Continent would only earn them being slain as fools.

No favor would be granted.

Because for an Emperor, a "fair trade between the strong and the weak" is merely a joke.

And now the Zhenlong Emperor is gradually proving that exceptions do exist.

Thus Zhen Zhu Maya bowed deeply and said with a double‑meaning,

"So I said earlier that I once deeply regretted my distrust of your 'fairness, justice, benevolence, and generosity.'

But this time it will not happen."

"Then start with the rank of Seven Star Guard, becoming the chief administrator of the newly created Dragon Tail County."

Do not embezzle.

I will immediately establish a National Merit Fund and incorporate the entire Zhenlong gambling industry as its financing source.

Your clan will receive perpetual dividend shares of the "Jia Shang" class.

Also, do not rush; proceed gradually.

You will surely obtain everything you desire, even tenfold richer.

Zhen Zhu Maya's voice trembled slightly as she said, "I have no doubt about this."

Zhang Gui smiled,

"It seems your trust in my 'fairness, justice, benevolence, generosity' isn't as vocal as your mouth."

Go ahead, my Seven Star Guard, Dragon Tail County chief administrator.

You've won the gamble.

Return to your current post and continue fulfilling your duties.

After all, this may be the last time in your life you can physically serve the people.

You should see it through to the end and leave a good impression."

"I understand, Your Majesty."

Zhen Zhu Maya nodded heavily,

"Also, my earlier trembling wasn't because deep inside I doubted that you truly possess many virtues.

It was simply because I was hungry.

I ate a greasy lunch and had nothing for dinner.

Yet after starting work, so many surprises exhilarated my mind, and my body could barely keep up."

"Understood, then have a Food Pill."

Zhang Gui fished a Pure Pu Pill from his coat and placed it into Zhen Zhu Maya's hand.

"You know the Pure Pu Pill—bite it piece by piece, don't overdo the nutrition.

You'll recover quickly."

Zhen Zhu Maya lightly nibbled a tiny bit of the Food Pill, swallowed it, and bowed deeply to the Emperor.

She rode her "Flying Wheel" away at a gallop.

Zhang Gui, staying behind, squatted again and continued observing the changes in his created "Secret Realm."

Satisfied, he teleported at dawn to the "Civilization Civilization Vanguard City" on the west side of Zhenlong Island.

Across a span of one hundred thousand li, he walked, muttering while performing the "Earth Vein Acupoint Grand Secret Realm Creation Method" ritual, searching for caverns for months.

Apart from resurfacing before "Civilization" every ten days or so to handle assorted matters, it was nonstop day and night.

Now it is finally successful, and "easy" aptly describes it.

First, he went to the newly opened "Zhenlong Spring Public Bathhouse" at the pier, comfortably soaking and scrubbing.

Then to the "Zhenlong Food City" for a hearty feast of food and drink.

Finally, he changed into a brand‑new set of Zhenlong‑style shorts and tank top at a ready‑made clothing shop.

Wearing sandals and holding a slender "Dragon Beard" brand Yellow cigar, he paid and left.

Zhang Gui, feeling refreshed, flagged down a steam taxi by the roadside.

The cab rocked as it took him to "Silver Fish Street," in front of the Black Lion and Fierce Tiger Joint Commerce Company.

He pushed the door open, entered the shop, and nodded at the salesgirls and young men before a word was spoken,

"Hello everyone, is Salisa upstairs?"

The floor manager stared for a while before recognizing that the Eastern man with hair down to his hips was, in fact, the other legendary boss she had heard about.

She hurriedly lifted her skirt and stammered,

"Good afternoon, Caiyang, Lord Jue."

"Ms. Salisa is in the office upstairs, working."

"That's really great," Zhang Gui nodded in thanks.

He strode upstairs, knocked on Salisa's manager's office door, "Salisa, I'm here."

"Come in yourself, Caiyang."

"You are on your own territory, while, as the Easterners say, 'handling myriad affairs daily.'"

"Finally appearing again at this little company we cooperate in, it truly honors me."

From the office came Salisa's slightly excited voice.

Zhang Gui pushed the door and entered the office, about to tease as well,

when he suddenly saw a stranger in the office; the man knelt on one knee toward him, placed a hand on his chest and saluted,

"Salutations to you, mighty and noble 'Winter King.'"

"Oh, hello sir."

Zhang Gui, startled, replied with a sentence, then turned his head toward Salisa and gave a look meaning "that's the idea."

But before Salisa could answer, the saluting stranger had already stood up, turned his head,

and said to Salisa, "I'll be leaving now, Ms. Salisa."

Then again to Zhang Gui he placed a hand on his chest and saluted, "Please allow me to take my leave, Lord Jue."

Only then did he leave the office.

"Oh, Salisa, within the overseas Slave traders of Civilization Civilization Vanguard City, there are still so many courteous and handsome men—truly rare."

"Or perhaps he's courting you, which is why his behavior is a bit 'over.'"

Zhang Gui grinned, sat opposite Salisa, and lit another Yellow cigar.

"His behavior is more like he's pursuing you, or rather pursuing the great power and status you possess."

Zhenlong Emperor.

Salisa, hearing that, smiled, prepared a cup of rich milky coffee with heavy sugar for her business partner, looked into his eyes and replied.

(End of chapter)