The Tolling Lands
The Emperor chuckled lowly in amusement, "Well at least he knows that."
"Liu Tián Qǔ said he sees no point in him unnecessarily putting his neck on the chopping block." The Emperor's laugh grew louder. There was a faint smile on the Grand Prince's faces as well. However, The First Lady of Wang Royal Manor looked lost in deep thought.
Wang Fèn Yǒng continued to say, "Liu Tián Qǔ also wished to convey that he believed that this mountain would bring unlimited benefits to the country of The Tolling Lands if it's in the right hands. And because of that, he would like to sell this mountain to the Emperor. He wants to complete the transaction immediately and take his hands off it.
"I understand, First Lady of Wang Royal Manor, it seems you understand as well." The Emperor said while looking over at Wǔ Gāng Huā. Tell me your interpretation of the conditions of this transaction."
Wǔ Gāng Huā released a long sigh as she shook her head, "With this transaction, Liu Tián Qǔ is asking for Your Majesty to grant him the approval to hire guards to secure his manor and maintain a small army. He is also informing Your Majesty that he knows his boundaries and will not surpass them. The small army he will raise will also stand in reservation if Your Majesty or Wang Royal Manor has need of them." Wǔ Gāng Huā paused to gather her thoughts.
She continued on to say, "With his close relationship with the two Young Masters of the Wang Royal Manor he is willing to be under close observation. The condition for allowing him to raise a small army is if he does anything in any way fashion or form that displeases or makes Your Majesty feel uncomfortable with him having a small army. He will immediately surrender the army to Your Majesty. No longer will he be attached to anything that has to do with it. No matter what it may be. He will also be willing to accept punishment even up to decapitation. He is also aware that Your Majesty may want to summon him to the palace to reward him. He is asking that you don't." Wǔ Gāng Huā summarized her thoughts on the conditions on the sale of Veiled mountain.
"Um," the emperor agreed with a nod."That is what I understood, as well." Looking towards Wang Fèn Yǒng, the emperor said "Fèn Yǒng I think you have the clearest understanding of Liu Tián Qǔ of the four of us here. Do you think this should be allowed?"
The cold faced 17 years old young man stood there for a moment deep in thought. After gathering his thoughts, he said, "For the past few days I had Shadow Warriors follow Liu Tián Qǔ. My Shadow Guard's reports corroborate with everything that Liu Tián Qǔ has told us thus far. There was something that my shadow guard witnessed today following Liu Tián Qǔ." Wang Fèn Yǒng said.
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"What did he witness?" The emperor asked with slight surprise at Wang Fèn Yǒng forethought to have Liu Tián Qǔ shadowed.
"Today when Liu Tián Qǔ first bumped into those three smugglers on Veiled mountain. He knew those men were up to no good. After seeing them, he quietly retreated. However, when he saw they were in peril, even knowing that they were criminals. The only thing that was on his mind was how to save them. Although he was too late to save them, he didn't consider his life." Wang Fèn Yǒng reported on what the Shadow Guard he sent to follow Liu Tián Qǔ reported to him
"All he thought about was saving them. I must even say he behaved quite foolishly. Liu Tián Qǔ is a little tall for his age, but he is not strong enough to save a grown man from falling off a cliff. Had he grabbed one of those men to save them. He would have been dragged to his death along with them. However, according to Liu Tián Qǔ's reaction after the fact. It was clear as soon as he came to his senses he knew he acted foolishly. However, his instinctive reaction was to save those men. Disregarding whether or not they were criminals. What is your opinion on a person like this, Your Majesty?"
"Um," the emperor said, nodding his head. "He may be very calculating. However, he does not disregard human life."
"I still do not have a full grasp on his character just yet. However, with this event, I was able to see just a bit into his personality." Wang Fèn Yong said.
"First Lady of Wang Royal Manor, Grand Prince. Give me your thoughts on this matter."
The First Lady of Wang Royal Manor said, "I am not clear on Liu Tián Qǔ's motives yet Your Majesty. However, with the account of Fèn Yǒng shadow guard of the events that took place on Veil mountain. I was able to put some of my concerns down."
"Um," The Emperor nodded in agreement. Before looking over to the Grand Prince, "Grand Prince, what are your thoughts?"
With a light smile on his face, the Grand Prince said, "I already said it before, and I will say it again I like him."
"Oh?" The emperor looked at him in surprise, waiting for him to continue.
"As I said before he's cheeky, cunning and he has a sly tongue. However, he is not malicious. Ever since he informed us that he was not going to leave Jǐng Jiè all alone in confinement, I was expecting so see a performance from him. However, this is beyond what I was expecting." He said with a slight chuckle.
With a raised eyebrow, the emperor asked, "He said he wasn't leaving Jǐng Jiè alone in confinement?"
With a slight grin, the Grand Prince said with a peek at his wife, "Yes. He's daring isn't he." Sending the emperor into a laugh. The Grand Prince's wife was well known for being extraordinarily cunning and crafty when necessary.
"Okay, so it's decided I will send a decree allowing it. However, I will remind him to be moderate and stay within the limitations. If he gains my displeasure, he will have to bear the consequences as agreed upon." Turning back to Wang Fèn Yǒng the Emperor said, "Wang Fèn Yǒng I assume you sent shadow guards to Veiled mountains to keep watch on the smugglers. Am I correct?
"Yes, after the advice of Liu Tián Qǔ, I immediately sent out additional Shadow Warriors to keep watch on every smuggler. Earlier this afternoon the Commander of my Shadow guards begin carrying out investigations after the Shadow Warriors I sent to watch Liu Tián Qǔ reported something alarming. I am still waiting for a report from him," Wang Fèn Yǒng answered.