coobybook Chapter 103: Presenting Treasures to the Emperor and Sharing Them, Playing the Game and Secretly Win
Chapter 103: Presenting Treasures to the Emperor and Sharing Them, Playing the Game and Secretly Win
The following day, in the inner courtyard of the city lord's mansion, in the Water Garden, at the council pavilion.
The central leadership of the Sword Tower gathered to discuss important matters concerning the Sword Tower.
Zhou Qingfeng continued to take notes, but no one present dared to underestimate him anymore, because Zhou Qingfeng had become one of the four young masters of the Sword Tower. Just this one status alone made the big shots present show him respect.
After the meeting concluded, Zhou Qingfeng calmly organized and filed the records. Once everyone had left, Zhou Qingfeng stood up and walked ten steps in front of the First Lady, clasped his hands in a salute, and said, "Mother, I have something to report."
The First Lady held the book, engrossed in reading it. Hearing Zhou Qingfeng's words, she didn't even look up: "Si Lang has just come out of seclusion. What important matter could it be?"
Zhou Qingfeng slowly spoke: "I have unexpectedly obtained a treasure map of Xiyi City and a key to open the treasure. I have come to report to you, Mother, and hope that you can make a decision on whether to excavate the treasure of Xiyi City."
The First Lady's hand, which was holding the book, suddenly tightened, and she finally turned her gaze to Zhou Qingfeng: "Are you sure about the treasure trove in Xiyi City?"
Zhou Qingfeng met the First Lady's gaze and nodded firmly.
The First Lady seemed to be deep in thought. She closed the book, put her hands behind her back, and walked towards Zhou Qingfeng: "The treasure map and key are both in Si Lang's hands. Why don't you explore it yourself in private instead of telling your mother?"
Zhou Qingfeng carefully considered his words: "Replying to Mother, I have been deeply nurtured by you. Without you, I would not be where I am today. Moreover, we are a family, and we should share our blessings with you."
After speaking, Zhou Qingfeng took out the Golden Key and the Moon Worship Diagram and presented them with both hands.
The First Lady reached out her slender hand, but didn't take the key or the treasure map, or even glance at them. Instead, she touched Zhou Qingfeng's cheek with satisfaction: "Good child, loyal and filial. Your mother was right about you."
“You said something very well: we are family, and that’s how family should be. I’m very happy that you were able to bring out the treasure map and key for me today, because you treat me as a real family member.”
For the First Lady, family always comes first. Zhou Qingfeng is her child, so he is also her first priority. All treasures will take a backseat. No matter how important treasures are, they are not as important as praising her own child.
Zhou Qingfeng's body stiffened slightly, and he couldn't quite accept such intimate contact, but he quickly accepted it. It was his mother's way of showing affection, and she meant no harm, so why should he resist?
The First Lady's warm hand gently stroked Zhou Qingfeng's cheek, as if she were looking at her own child. In a daze, Zhou Qingfeng's face overlapped with that of First Red Leaf.
Thinking of Hongye's self-degradation.
Thinking of the entrustment that Taibai made before his death.
The First Lady's heart clenched painfully, and she coughed violently: "Cough cough cough..."
"Mother, are you alright?" Zhou Qingfeng quickly helped her up.
The First Lady waved her hand, indicating: "It's nothing, just a mental illness, an old problem; Chengde, go and summon them to discuss the excavation of the Xiyi City treasure."
Every disease can be cured with medicine, but only mental illness is beyond the reach of medicine.
Qiu Chengde glanced at his wife, sighed silently, and then left to carry out his orders.
Zhou Qingfeng helped his wife to sit on the throne: "Mother, take care of yourself."
The First Lady coughed twice and patted Zhou Qingfeng's hand to signal him to step back. Zhou Qingfeng glanced at the many assistant commanders rushing towards him outside the council chamber, then silently stepped back down the steps and stood ten paces away to await orders.
The many assistant commanders quickly entered, bowed and greeted each other, then exchanged glances, wondering why the First Lady had summoned them back. They had questions in their hearts, but did not ask directly.
The First Lady leaned back on her throne, tapped the armrest, and calmly opened her eyes: "Si Lang has discovered the treasure of Xiyi City. He has presented me with the key and map to open the treasure. What do you all think?"
The assistant coach present was startled upon hearing this.
They were very familiar with the ancient city of Xiyi. It was the home of the ancient Xiyi people. Because the Xiyi people were born with a special bloodline, they were born with ghost eyes and were known as the strongest ghost-controlling family, without exception.
Xiyi City was once glorious, leaving a significant mark on the history of ancient times.
Later, it disappeared into the long river of history. No one knows where Xiyi City is or why the Xiyi people disappeared, but none of that matters.
The important thing is that any person or family that appears in history books is a prominent figure or a top family of their time.
Otherwise, they would not deserve to be recorded in history books and have their names remembered for generations.
If one could find the treasure trove of Xiyi City, one could not imagine how many astonishing treasures it might contain.
Ma Dalang stepped forward first, clasped his hands in a salute, and said, "Mother, this is a joyous occasion! Fourth Brother has made another great contribution. I think he should be richly rewarded. Furthermore, I suggest that Fourth Brother be in charge of excavating the Xiyi Treasure."
Upon hearing this, Mao Erlang glanced at Ma Dalang and thought to himself, "Good heavens, you're even willing to give up the Xiyi Treasure just to win over the fourth brother! Boss, you're ruthless! If you really manage to win over the fourth brother, what chance do I have?"
Mao Erlang immediately followed suit: "Mother, the Xiyi Treasure is of great importance. We should send one of our own people to take charge. Although my fourth brother's cultivation level is a bit low, his wisdom is unparalleled, making him the perfect candidate."
Upon hearing this, Zhou Qingfeng glanced at Ma Dalang and Mao Erlang, who returned his smiles warmly. While Zhou Qingfeng smiled outwardly, he inwardly began to have doubts. He wasn't stupid; there's no such thing as a free lunch.
The fact that these two are speaking so attentively on my behalf today must mean they have something to gain.
After a moment's thought, he realized that it was probably an attempt to win him over.
Good, I can take advantage of this opportunity to win people over and develop rapidly.
The First Lady glanced at the two of them, a slight smile playing on her lips.
A mother can never hide the thoughts of the child she has raised.
To put it bluntly, you can tell what kind of shit he's going to poop just by looking at him: "Well, since both the eldest and second eldest brothers think that the fourth brother is the best candidate, then the fourth brother will be in charge of this excavation of the Xiyi City treasure. Who agrees and who disagrees?"
Both Tang Fushuai and Zhu Fushuai climbed to their positions by currying favor with Ma Dalang, and Ma Dalang has already stated that they will not object.
Since Song Fushuai and Mao Erlang are in cahoots, if Mao Erlang supports him, Song Fushuai will follow suit.
"I object!"
"I object too!"
"Oppose! Oppose! Oppose!" Assistant Commanders Shooting Sun, Starry Sky, and Cool Moon immediately voiced their opposition.
The First Lady glanced at them indifferently: "What are you objecting to?"
The three elders, Sun, Moon, and Star, exchanged a glance. Then, the Assistant Commander of the Sun-Shooting Army stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, Assistant Commander Zhou has rendered meritorious service by presenting the treasure and deserves to be rewarded. He can be rewarded with money or treasure, or even promoted and ennobled. I have no objection to that."
"However, the excavation of the treasure of Xiyi City is of great importance. The treasure site of Xiyi is bound to be extremely dangerous. Commander Zhou is a genius, but his strength is currently weak. If he rashly leads a team to excavate the treasure, he may perish on the way."
"If anything were to happen to Commander Zhou, it would be an unbearable loss for my family."
"In my opinion, it would be better to replace the leader with a master of higher realm and stronger strength, preferably someone from my family. This way, we can gain the respect of the people and prevent certain villains from plotting against us."
Upon hearing this, Zhou Qingfeng glanced at the assistant commander of the Sun-Shooting Army and cursed under his breath, "Old man, you talk a good game, but you just want to kick me out."
If they were to actually do what the Sun-Shooting Assistant Commander said, the veteran faction would probably divide up the treasure completely.
I doubt I'll even get to drink the soup, let alone eat any meat.