Chapter 1034: Various Schemes

As he showed a distressed expression, Wang Xingyi comforted him, saying, "Upon my return, I will instruct the major merchants and trade associations of Songyuan and Muguang to give special consideration to the Yangshan Archipelago over the next few months."

With the Imperial Advisor's word, what would normally be commercial transactions instantly became a political directive, leaving the prominent merchants no choice but to comply.

Only then did He Lingchuan rise to his full height and bow to Wang Xingyi, saying, "My thanks, Imperial Advisor!"

Wang Xingyi stroked his beard and smiled, musing that the young man truly wouldn't show his hand until absolutely necessary.

However, individuals like He Lingchuan, capable of handling situations independently and navigating peril with ease, possess an inherent shrewdness. Deceiving or withholding information from him would prove ineffective. Wang Xingyi understood that interacting with him required an unconventional approach, and one certainly couldn't consistently rely on wielding authority.

Such individuals seek respect and the freedom to fully utilize their abilities.

With the secret discussion concluded, He Lingchuan dispelled the barrier and welcomed Fang Canran back.

After exchanging a few more words, He Lingchuan took his leave for the time being.

As He Lingchuan's figure disappeared into the garden, Wang Xingyi's smile also faded.

"This young man has his sights set on Bailei. Why didn't you tell me sooner?"

In Fang Canran's presence, his primary identity was that of a senior fellow disciple, and only secondarily the Imperial Advisor of Muguang, which made his communication much more direct.

Fang Canran feigned surprise. "He has an interest in Bailei?"

"Would someone like He Xiao truly be content to remain confined to a remote corner of the sea? The Yangshan Archipelago is surrounded by water on all sides; his only direction for continued development is land. Opposite the islands are Qingguo and Bailei, and between the two, Bailei is weaker." Wang Xingyi settled back into his chair. "He just told me that Bailei secretly plotted against him and requested our protection for the archipelago during his absence."

Fang Canran couldn't help but interject, "Uncle-master, isn't that also the truth?"

"Consider his actions over the past few days. How could Bailei possibly be his match or pose a threat to him?" Wang Xingyi snorted. "Yet, he deliberately brought up Bailei, indicating an ulterior motive. Ah, young people still lack patience."

At that moment, his intentions were laid bare.

Fang Canran remained silent.

He had, of course, suspected that He Lingchuan harbored other ambitions. This individual had suddenly gone to sea to establish his own territory, and Fang Canran, having witnessed his character and methods, could hardly believe he would be content merely as a minor island master.

Indeed, it was highly probable that He Lingchuan coveted Bailei.

"I've warned him, so he should not dare to make any rash moves in the short term." Wang Xingyi cast a glance at him. "Young people are often impulsive and hot-blooded, which is understandable. He is a talent worth nurturing, and I do not wish to see him make a grave error resulting in irreparable loss. Songyuan, you must also frequently advise him and ensure that Muguang's and my intentions are clearly understood."

This was a stern remark. Fang Canran immediately lowered his head and responded, "Yes."

"Moreover, I've observed his rather cunning approach to handling the Beijia people; he clearly has no intention of truly offending Beijia."

Two days had passed since the night of the Bailong rebellion. Wang Xingyi had by then largely pieced together the events of that evening.

He Lingchuan and Yu Zecheng had been playing chess in Nuanxiang Hall, and numerous onlookers overheard their conversation. While others were perplexed, Wang Xingyi instantly recognized that the two were speaking in veiled terms. Naturally, Wang Xingyi was also aware that Yu Zecheng had not died afterward and was safely residing in the Hot Spring Villa.

Fang Canran also saw this, asking, "Can he truly manage that?"

He Lingchuan had killed Beijia's demons and imprisoned and extorted their commandant. Could Lingxu City truly tolerate such audacious actions?

Having spent twenty years in Lingxu City, Fang Canran knew its policies were far from lenient towards outsiders.

"'Yu Zecheng is merely a commandant; how can he possibly represent Beijia's honor? His humiliation is his own affair; can it truly be considered Beijia's humiliation?' Wang Xingyi chuckled. 'He was inferior in skill and strategy, and he paid the ransom himself. What does that have to do with Beijia? However, I am very curious. He Xiao must have a strong basis for daring to act this way. Does he have a powerful backer in Beijia?'"

Otherwise, how could He Xiao have accurately predicted Beijia's reaction?

As the Imperial Advisor of Muguang, Wang Xingyi was well aware of the myriad conflicting voices within a great nation's court, and he knew that sometimes even those in power found it difficult to control the course of events. How could He Xiao have been so certain that Beijia wouldn't genuinely retaliate against him?

Unless...

Fang Canran considered this for a moment, then shook his head. "Even if he does, he wouldn't let me know."

"'Given his current predicament, this cunning approach is understandable.' After all, few individuals or regions dared to offend Beijia, so Wang Xingyi could comprehend He Xiao's careful efforts. 'However, it also indicates he has other intentions and is unwilling to rely on Lingshan.'"

Otherwise, with him, a Lingshan decision-maker, observing, He Lingchuan should have presented his 'pledge of allegiance' through concrete actions, such as offering Yu Zecheng's head.

A true 'pledge of allegiance' typically leaves no room for retreat.

If He Lingchuan could have overheard this conversation, he would likely have broken out in a cold sweat, secretly acknowledging the wisdom of the elder.

In just a few words, Imperial Advisor Wang had clearly dissected He Lingchuan's intentions and methods.

Wang Xingyi glanced at Fang Canran, then abruptly changed the subject. "Songyuan, both you and He Xiao face pursuit from the Heavenly Palace. You chose to alter your appearance to mitigate disaster and evade misfortune, while he opted to stand his ground and negotiate. In this respect, you fall short of him."

This was clearly an elder's instructive remark to a junior.

Fang Canran and He Lingchuan were the two primary instigators of the chaos in Lingxu City. Confronted with the anticipated pursuit, Fang Canran chose evasion, whereas He Lingchuan resolved to face the challenge head-on.

In terms of mindset and courage, the superiority of one was immediately apparent.

Fang Canran was speechless and, after a long pause, quietly conceded, "That is true. He Xiao is indeed a formidable individual."

"'But someone like him is both shrewd and restless, likely unwilling to be subordinate to anyone. It was correct not to invite him into government service.' Wang Xingyi patted his shoulder, speaking earnestly. 'You must ensure he understands that if he develops well here and avoids causing trouble, and if he renders significant service to Muguang and Lingshan in the future, he can aspire to be granted territory and become a powerful regional lord.'"

If he does not wish to be subordinate, then let him earn his position as a regional lord through his merits, and live in freedom.

As long as such an individual can be utilized by their side, Wang Xingyi would be content.

Effective utilization of talent requires flexibility.

"Yes!"

That same day, Imperial Advisor Wang, accompanied by his entourage and seen off by He Lingchuan, boarded a ship and departed, returning to Muguang.

As for Fang Canran, he would remain on the Yangshan Archipelago for seven days to assist He Lingchuan with island planning before departing by ship to attend to his own matters.

However, with Wang Xingyi's specific instructions, he and He Lingchuan were to maintain closer ties and frequent communication moving forward.

Once He Lingchuan finally cleared his pressing matters and found time for a tea break by Ding Lake, the Soul-Capturing Mirror remarked with a sigh:

"'That Silver Pearl Island sounds incredibly dangerous no matter how you look at it. Did you truly accept the task? This is a life-or-death gamble.'"

"Lingshan's own people have all met their demise there; are they using you as a mere guinea pig to search for treasure?"

He Lingchuan, utterly exhausted, closed his eyes to rest as soon as he sat down:

"'Do you think I had a choice in declining?'"

"'The terms offered by Imperial Advisor Wang sound generous, and those few magical artifacts are certainly good, but they're not proportionate to the task's difficulty,' the mirror grumbled. 'Why do I feel as though we've gotten the raw end of the deal?'"

"'Why would an easy task ever fall to me?' He Lingchuan's thoughts were perfectly clear. 'From the moment Imperial Advisor Wang set foot on Suoding Island, we had no choice.'"

"Oh?"

"'My establishment of a base in the Yangshan Archipelago was essentially to seek refuge behind Muguang. Even if Muguang did nothing, its mere presence acts as a shield against the elements for us. Could Imperial Advisor Wang be unaware of this?' He Lingchuan said slowly. 'Furthermore, Lingshan holds leverage over me; it knows what I've done.'"

If Lingshan were displeased with him, it wouldn't even need to act directly; it could simply 'accidentally' divulge his secrets to Beijia.

To He Lingchuan, both Beijia and Lingshan were formidable powers.

When you face a formidable entity and are also reliant on its favor, you simply cannot refuse its overbearing demands.

Yet, He Lingchuan felt no frustration at being coerced.

Such is the way of the world. Rather than lamenting injustice, it is better to diligently play the cards one has been dealt.

Moreover, when seeking assistance, one must adopt the appropriate attitude. If he wished to establish himself with Muguang's backing, some concessions were inevitable.

As long as he could resolve issues for Lingshan, he would possess value and remain safe.

What people fear most is becoming expendable.

Just as subordinates like Leini and Ding Zuodong would be dismissed by He Lingchuan if they lost their value, so too would He Lingchuan be discarded as a pawn if he became expendable.

However, these past few days had been grueling for He Lingchuan, moving from man-made crises to natural disasters, all while secretly engaging with a powerful figure like Imperial Advisor Wang.

He asked the mirror, "What, are you afraid?"

"'Afraid?' The Soul-Capturing Mirror let out a snort. 'After countless life-or-death situations, could I possibly be afraid? But tell me, why didn't you ask Lingshan for a commitment?'"

He Lingchuan looked up, feeling the cool breeze. "What kind of commitment?"

Ding Lake, renowned for its '丁'-shaped form, featured shimmering emerald waters ideal for boating and possessed a gentle, tranquil ambiance, except during hurricanes. Exquisite dwellings were also under construction along its shores, promising future guests direct water access, perfect for both boating and fishing.

He Lingchuan sat on the colorful pebble beach, reclining in a bamboo lounge chair with a footstool, a small bamboo table beside him, and a pot of warm wine.

As he settled into the chair, his eyelids immediately drooped.

Not far away stood a half-constructed building, destined to be the future administrative office of the Yangshan Archipelago and his own workspace.

From the nearby woods, small deer cautiously peered out. Seeing that he remained motionless for a considerable time, they gradually grew bold enough to emerge and graze.

Ignorant and fearless.

There were no native deer on the archipelago; these were ornamental creatures that had been artificially introduced to the island.

The mirror clearly understood his purpose for crossing the ocean to reach this place. "In the future, we will have continuous entanglement with Bailei, and they will certainly seek assistance from Muguang."

What He Lingchuan truly feared was never Bailei, but Muguang, its powerful neighbor. A great nation that dared to contend with Beijia was certainly not an entity that the current He Lingchuan could withstand.

The mirror continued, "If Lingshan can keep Muguang stable for us, wouldn't Bailei then be within your grasp?"

"'Requesting that commitment would expose my intentions,' He Lingchuan sighed. 'In truth, I already regret having mentioned Bailei so much to Imperial Advisor Wang, even though I included Qingguo.'"

He had been utterly exhausted these past few days, constantly grappling with a myriad of issues, and occasionally, incomplete consideration was unavoidable.