Once I enter the pass, great Confucian scholars will surely debate the classics for me.

Chapter 133 Taking Bold Actions to Reveal the Truth, Handling Crisis and Resolving Controversy

Jin Wei accepted the order and left. Not long after, he entered the tent with the Dragon Cavalry Guard Captain.

The head guard wore a Yaksha mask, so his face was not visible, only his voice could be heard: "This humble servant greets the Fourth Young Master."

Zhou Qingfeng, dressed in a white bathrobe, poked at the coals in the brazier with fire tongs, his every move exuding the air of a refined nobleman. He calmly asked, "What brings the head of the guards here so late at night?"

Although the head of the guards was under Zhou Qingfeng's command and never expressed any opinions, no one dared to ignore his presence, because he was the First Lady's representative of interests in the treasure-hunting delegation.

The head guard said, "Young master, I have come to apologize."

Zhou Qingfeng raised an eyebrow: "What crime has the head guard committed?"

The head guard clasped his hands and bowed, saying, "I was responsible for protecting the safety of the delegation, but I allowed the young master to be surrounded, almost causing the Xi Yi treasure to be stolen. I am guilty, please punish me, young master."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Qingfeng's expression softened considerably. He put down the fire tongs in his hand, slowly stepped forward, and took the arm of the head guard, comforting him, "Head guard, there's no need to blame yourself. This excavation of the Xi Yi treasure was fraught with danger from the start."

"If you hadn't drawn the enemy away, I probably wouldn't have been able to get through Jianmen Pass."

The head guard said, "Thank you for your forgiveness, young master. I am unworthy of such a title."

Zhou Qingfeng smiled faintly: "The head guard didn't come to me so late at night just to apologize, did he?"

The head guard nodded and said, "Young Master is wise. I have heard that today Young Master allocated 15% of the Xi Yi Treasure to the Wei family, the Gu family, and the Yuanmeng Organization. This has damaged the core interests of all the major families."

“The first collateral branch, along with representatives from the Ma, Mao, Tang, Song, and Zhu families, will inevitably cause trouble for the young master because of this matter.”

"However, please rest assured, young master, and do not worry that the lady will blame you."

"Because I am visiting you so late at night, I am here to tell you something. Madam has already secretly instructed me that no matter what happens on the way, I must obey your decision. So please do as you please."

When Zhou Qingfeng heard the head guard relay his mother's message, he felt a little relieved. He understood that this was his mother's trust and support for his ability to make independent decisions, but it also meant that a greater responsibility was on his shoulders.

He hesitated for a moment, then nodded solemnly: "I understand, Captain. Please take a seat. You're not the only guest visiting tonight. Since you're here, why don't you accompany me to meet the other guests?"

"Yes, young master." The head guard clasped his hands in response, then walked to a chair and sat down.

Zhou Qingfeng called out, "Jin Wei."

Jin Wei strode inside, clasped his hands in greeting, and said, "Young Master, what are your orders?"

Zhou Qingfeng said, "Please invite our guests in."

Upon hearing this, Jin Wei immediately clasped his hands in response and strode out of the military tent.

A moment later, Jin Wei led a group of second-generation scions of powerful families into the military tent.

Zhou Qingfeng used fire tongs to stir the embers in the brazier. He glanced at the left and right deputy envoys and many councilors who had arrived together. He remained calm and composed, and slowly gestured with his hand: "Please, envoys, have a seat."

"Greetings, Special Envoy Zhou." The envoys first bowed and clasped their hands in greeting according to custom, their eyes all turning to the head guard wearing a Yaksha mask. Each had their own thoughts, but they all took their seats without making a sound.

A brief silence fell over the military tent, as Zhou Qingfeng showed no intention of speaking, standing in front of the brazier warming himself by the charcoal fire, without even having a cup of hot tea brought to him.

This left the visiting envoys in an awkward and silent atmosphere.

They stared at each other, exchanging knowing glances.

Someone had to start a conversation; the silence couldn't continue. Finally, the Left Deputy Envoy, Duanmu, spoke up, calmly saying, "Special Envoy Zhou, I have a question and would appreciate your guidance."

Zhou Qingfeng said calmly, "What is it?"

First Duanmu said, "Special Envoy Zhou, the Xi Yi Treasure was originally to be excavated jointly by our seven major families. However, now three more forces have joined in to divide the treasure. So, who will pay for their share?"

These words got everyone talking.

One after another, they started to follow the conversation, speaking with great conviction, all unwilling to give up any more of their share of the pie.

In short, it all revolves around the word 'money'.

No one bothered to question why three more forces were involved in dividing the spoils.

Because they had all heard what had happened, any one of them would probably have been stranded in Winter City, and the treasure map and key would have been stolen long ago.

All three factions in the alliance felt that, given the circumstances, this was the best option available to them, bar none.

Besides, what's done is done, and there's no point in dwelling on it. What these young talents care about most and need to solve is how to ensure that their own family's interests are not harmed by this incident.

They argued more and more fiercely, fighting until their faces turned red and their necks were thick with anger in order to protect the interests of the family.

After a quarter of an hour of bickering, their throats were practically hoarse from shouting, they realized that the person in question hadn't said a word from beginning to end. What were they arguing about? So they all turned to look at Zhou Qingfeng.

Seeing that they had stopped arguing, Zhou Qingfeng casually tossed the fire tongs aside, slowly walked to the head seat and sat down, looking around at both sides: "Vice Envoy Duanmu, the treasure has not yet been unearthed, isn't it a bit premature to talk about the distribution of benefits?"

First, Duanmu said expressionlessly, "In the past, we didn't have to rush to talk about it because our seven families are all of the same origin and belong to Sword Tower City. We can discuss how to allocate resources internally."

"But now that there are three more external forces, the situation is a bit different. We need to discuss this matter with Special Envoy Zhou. Otherwise, if a dispute arises when the treasure is distributed, it will damage our harmony."

Everyone present nodded in agreement: "That's right, Vice Envoy Duanmu is right. We would like to ask Special Envoy Zhou to discuss this with us and come up with a plan tonight."

"There's no need for further discussion. Since I've brought together the Wei family head, the Gu family head, and Manager An, their share should naturally come from my Zhou family." Zhou Qingfeng smiled faintly, displaying great composure and magnanimity.

However, the truth is that Zhou Qingfeng holds the dominant power and the right to distribute the treasure, and has no intention of sharing the treasure fairly, justly and openly with them, so he doesn't care about any gains or losses.

When excavating rare treasures, one must first inventory and register the treasures.

There aren't too many places here where you can tamper with things.

Jin Wei could have easily brought his own people to do it.

In short, there's no need to waste too much energy dealing with them. Once you've eaten your fill, just leave the leftovers to them and let them fight over them as they please. Why bother competing with them for a share?

Upon hearing this, Duanmu's eyes narrowed: "Special Envoy Zhou, is this really true?"

Zhou Qingfeng smiled slightly: "Really?"

The head guard slowly spoke: "The Fourth Young Master's word is law, and he will not go back on his word. All envoys can rest assured."

The three representatives of the first collateral branches of the family, namely First Duanmu, First Jinse, and First Yujing, exchanged glances.

Since the head of the bodyguard representing the lady has already expressed his opinion.

The three of them then fell silent.

Tang Yijun, Ma Ruyi, Mao Yuling, Zhu Jianxin, and Song Ye, the five representatives of powerful clans, seeing that the three collateral branches of the first family were no longer pursuing the matter, all backed down and were no longer in a hurry to discuss the distribution of benefits.

So everyone stood up one after another, clasped their hands in a salute and said: "Special Envoy Zhou is wise and considerate of the overall situation. We are completely convinced and admire him to the point of prostration."

Zhou Qingfeng hummed in agreement and waved his hand, "Let's disperse and prepare to climb Despair Slope tomorrow."