Chapter 1450: Give Me a Chance

He Lingchuan rose and thanked him, a realization dawning on him.

He had read the list quickly, and King Jiao, being extremely busy, could not possibly remember the origin of every item.

However, King Jiao was so certain that He Lingchuan's future business activities would not be affected again.

What did this indicate? It suggested that King Jiao was confident that Regent Qingyang would likely not intervene again soon, and the turmoil in the royal court would subside before the birthday celebration, allowing the initially nervous licensed merchants to do business with He Lingchuan with peace of mind.

He Lingchuan then surmised that his previous deduction was reliable: King Jiao and Qingyang had indeed reached some kind of agreement or understanding.

In essence, Qingyang had seized the opportunity of Xue Zongwu's death to launch a major offensive. To make the advantaged Qingyang cease, the King would undoubtedly have to pay a considerable price.

His birthday celebration was imminent, and for the grand ceremony to proceed smoothly, he could only yield to Qingyang.

In short, he took a loss.

This intelligence was crucial for He Lingchuan.

Because it meant the King's mood was probably not very pleasant right now.

Was he planning to continue conceding, or was he eager to regain his footing? He Lingchuan pondered silently, while taking a small, exquisite box from his bosom and opening it. "My men salvaged this precious seal from the Yangshan sea area. I heard it belongs to the royal family of the Jiao Kingdom, and now it should be returned to its rightful owner."

It was a celadon jade seal, with a green bird carved on its top.

King Jiao's eyes lit up, and he sat up straight.

A palace attendant took the box from He Lingchuan and handed it to the King.

He skillfully opened a small mechanism on the seal, extracted the main body of the precious seal, casually stamped it on a piece of paper, and then began writing with a brush.

Just as he completed the first stroke, the seal disappeared.

"It is indeed the Azure Swan Seal!" The King's previously furrowed brow smoothed out, and he exclaimed "Good!" three times in a row. "He Xiao has rendered a great service by presenting this seal; he deserves high commendation! What do you wish for?"

"Oh, this Azure Swan Seal seems quite important to him?"

The Soul-Capturing Mirror was delighted. "Ask for a huge price, quick!"

He Lingchuan had already thought about it before presenting the seal. "I am a merchant, and my business in Yangshan has just begun in your country; it hasn't made a name for itself yet."

"Therefore, I ask Your Majesty to grant me an opportunity to make a name for myself."

He Lingchuan had realized before entering the Jiao Kingdom that he must achieve something here, and the greater his reputation, the better. Even if he couldn't become universally known, he needed to become familiar among the nobility.

Because, sooner or later, he would have to confront Qingyang.

This was also King Jiao's intention in inviting him to the birthday celebration, and summoning He Lingchuan to the palace today indicated that King Jiao had indeed not forgotten him and would soon use him as a pawn, drawing him into the vortex of conflict.

By then, if He Lingchuan was still an unknown foreign merchant, neither Qingyang nor the King would find it difficult to casually dispose of him.

In certain environments, "reputation" was the best talisman.

It was a familiar formula; this scene felt like déjà vu.

In Lingxu City, He Lingchuan had done the same thing.

Coincidentally, his opponent back then was also Qingyang! The King was a little curious. "Oh? Have you already thought about it? Tell me."

This young man was truly audacious, seizing the opportunity once again.

He Lingchuan cleared his throat before speaking. "I heard there's a famous scenic spot called Youhu Lake in the outskirts of Tianshui City, which covers a vast area, boasts beautiful scenery, and is a great place for Tianshui citizens to picnic and enjoy nature?"

The King looked at him for a while before saying, "Indeed, Youhu Lake is beautiful, with scenery that changes with each season; anyone who visits will be captivated and reluctant to leave."

But Youhu Lakeside Villa now had an owner.

Qingyang had made it her residence, and no one else dared to approach.

She was the Regent sent by Beijia, so the King naturally wouldn't object to this small request.

He didn't believe He Lingchuan was unaware that Qingyang resided at Youhu Lakeside Villa.

So, what was the deeper meaning behind this young man specifically mentioning Youhu Lakeside Villa? He Lingchuan asked solemnly, "Your Majesty, to whom does Youhu Lake truly belong?"

"It was originally bestowed by the Great Ancestor upon a meritorious minister. After his descendants were convicted and their property confiscated, that land and water were reclaimed and placed under the jurisdiction of Tianshui City. It is not personal territory and has been open for Tianshui citizens to visit for nearly a hundred years."

"The late King favored its tranquility, and therefore did not permit officials to privately construct villas there."

In short, it was royal territory.

He Lingchuan then smiled. "Then I boldly ask Your Majesty to sell me that plot of land and permit me to build residences there, nestled against the mountains and beside the water."

"By Youhu Lake?" King Jiao was pleased for a moment, then pondered. "It wouldn't be an issue to give you a small plot of land to build a house."

"However, with such a good opportunity, you only plan to build houses?"

A chance to make any request when the King was greatly pleased was priceless, something countless people outside yearned for, yet this young man only planned to buy a plot of land to build houses. The King even felt he was too trivial.

Someone from a small place was just petty.

"Not just one building," He Lingchuan said with a mysterious smile, "but dozens of exquisite villas!"

"Dozens?" That would occupy a vast area. The King frowned. "You are..." He was about to say "asking for too much," but on second thought, the merit of returning the Azure Swan Seal was indeed significant, and he had just given his solemn promise, so immediate rejection would not be good.

"They will be built on the picturesque south bank of Youhu Lake. Each set will be uniquely and meticulously designed, blending harmoniously with the landscape."

"The south bank?" The King's heart stirred. "Bring the sand table!"

At the King's command, palace attendants went to retrieve the sand table.

He Lingchuan stood up and said, "I have brought my own sand table for Your Majesty to review."

This young man had prepared everything beforehand.

The King leaned forward. "Let me see it."

Before leaving the Yangshan Archipelago this time, He Lingchuan had brought a portable sand table, the latest creation from Songyang Manor.

A palace attendant took the sand table from him, respectfully placed it on the desk, and opened it, revealing the full view of Youhu Lake before the two men.

He Lingchuan pointed with his hand. "Your Majesty, please see, I intend to start here and build rows of exquisite villas along the lake, making them grand, magnificent, and beautiful!"

He was pointing at the south bank of Youhu Lake.

The King looked and couldn't help but smile. He took a brush and lightly tapped a spot north of the area He Lingchuan indicated. "Do you know where this is?"

"Huaji Isle." Youhu Lake had four islands, the one closest to the south bank was called Huaji Isle, a small island with beautiful scenery.

Huaji Isle and the south bank were separated by only a shallow strip of water, merely ten meters wide, connected by a flat stone bridge.

"Do you know who currently lives on the island?"

He Lingchuan also smiled. "I know." Who else? Of course, Regent Qingyang!

Huaji Isle had an excellent geographical location; though small, it featured a hill. Youhu Lakeside Villa was built along this hill, and from the pavilion on the hilltop, one could overlook most of Youhu Lake. Walking to the waterfront, one could closely admire the shimmering green waves and waterbirds circling for fish.

Thus, Youhu Lakeside Villa was exceptionally tranquil, with the lake serving as a natural barrier. As long as someone guarded the stone bridge, idlers could not reach the island.

The location He Lingchuan pointed out to King Jiao for the proposed exquisite villas was directly across the water from Huaji Isle, arranged in a semicircle along the shore.

In other words, he planned to build houses directly opposite Qingyang's residence! Lots of houses! The King, whose mood had been gloomy for two days, suddenly brightened. "How long will it take to build?"

"Initially, we'll need to clear roads, lay foundations, then transport timber and stone, process them on site, and only then begin construction."

"I see that Tianshui City prefers stone for building houses. Since it will be constructed by Youhu Lake, the materials and carving of the stone must be exquisite and meticulously crafted to achieve harmony with nature. This process certainly won't be short."

He Lingchuan mused, "The first phase of the project, at least seven or eight months, I'd say?"

"Only seven or eight months?" That was too fast, too short.

"This is just the first phase of twelve villas."

"Only if the initial results are good and well-received can we proceed with the second and third phases, wouldn't you agree?"

King Jiao's smile reached his eyes. "It won't affect the natural landscape and scenery?"

"Of course not," He Lingchuan chuckled. "You can assign me a supervisor to monitor the progress in real-time, from blueprints to construction."

"Hmm—" The King stroked his chin. "Youhu Lake is vast; a mere small villa is indeed a bit modest. Adding some more buildings would not be unacceptable."

"Architecture and beautiful scenery complement each other well."

"Very well, since you have recovered this important treasure for me, I will sell you this plot of land, and you shall oversee this entire project."

He Lingchuan immediately stood up and bowed. "Your Majesty is generous!"

King Jiao was in a good mood. "You're not greedy, it seems."

"Others who received my promise wouldn't just buy a plot of land."

He Lingchuan immediately added, "I'm new here and unfamiliar with the place, so managing such a large project presents some difficulties."

"For materials, labor, site management, transportation, and procurement, I have no established team available, so I must ask for Your Majesty's assistance."

No foundation, yet he dares to break ground in the royal capital? This young man is trying to get something for nothing.

The King chuckled faintly, but considering He Lingchuan's irreplaceable role moving forward, he nodded in agreement. "It's a small matter. I will instruct the Imperial Works Department, the Ministry of General Affairs, and Tianshui City's guilds to cooperate with you fully."

"Whatever your requirements, just tell them."

He Lingchuan was overjoyed and sincerely bowed in thanks.

The King then asked him, "By the way, what will be the purpose of the buildings you construct?"

He Lingchuan whispered his reply.

The King's brow furrowed instantly. "What?!" If He Xiao bought this land to live there himself or open a high-end villa, it would still be within reasonable bounds. But to unilaterally change the land's purpose like this was out of line.

He said displeased, "The late King was benevolent, opening Youhu Lake to the people of Tianshui City, but ultimately, it is still royal territory. How can you be so reckless!"

He Lingchuan had anticipated his reaction and calmly offered an explanation.

After listening for a few sentences, the cloud on King Jiao's face slowly dissipated.

With just a few words from He Lingchuan, the old palace attendant standing nearby noticed that the King's lips even curled slightly upwards.

"Hmm, this method is rather interesting." The King thought for a moment. "Go ahead and try it."

He Lingchuan seized the opportunity. "Once the approval for the Youhu Villa is granted, I will immediately initiate the sale of Red Fortress."

"For better results, would you also... would you also cooperate a little bit?"

This young man actually wanted him to create momentum and publicize for him? The King rarely showed a faint smile. "Just do what you need to do."