Chapter 773: How Valuable Is Young Master He’s Face?

The permanent elimination of the cicada plague by these individuals was an immense help to the Rongshan Sect. Had the monstrous cicadas returned in the spring, the sect would have risked losing both its people and its land, facing an unimaginable predicament.

The sect owed such a significant debt of gratitude and hadn't known how to repay it. He Lingchuan's willingness to name his terms was thus ideal.

"How much money does the Kingdom of Yuan intend to borrow from your sect this time?"

Elder Dao paused. "Well, I'll have to ask the Sect Leader for the exact figure." He wasn't responsible for financial matters.

He Lingchuan stated earnestly, "I wish to facilitate this loan. As for the collateral provided by the Kingdom of Yuan, I will personally handle its inspection and acquisition for your esteemed sect."

Elder Dao was visibly moved. "Young Master He truly cares for his country," he remarked, recalling that He Lingchuan was from the Kingdom of Yuan.

"After all, it is my motherland. I'll do my part if I can."

The Soul-Snatching Mirror in He Lingchuan's arms burst into laughter, "It's so convincing, truly! I almost believed it myself!"

With a smack, He Lingchuan slapped his chest.

"I cannot make this decision; I must seek guidance from the Sect Leader."

Despite his words, Elder Dao's expression betrayed no difficulty, leading He Lingchuan to believe the matter would likely succeed.

Subsequently, Elder Dao departed in a hurry.

Two hours later, Elder Dao returned, accompanied by another elder.

"This is my junior martial brother, Elder Qian."

True to his name (Qian, meaning 'money'), this elder was responsible for the Rongshan Sect's finances and accounting.

Elder Dao continued with a smile, "The Kingdom of Yuan requested a loan of seven million taels of silver all at once, sending three envoys, all of whom our sect declined. This was because they had accumulated numerous creditors, and we feared they would struggle with repayment. However, our Sect Leader stated that since Young Master He has spoken, the Rongshan Sect has no reason to refuse!"

"Seven million taels?" He Lingchuan gave a wry smile. "Sect Leader Xue is truly extending a great deal of favor."

Sect Leader Xue had, in fact, told him that this favor was valued at far more than seven million taels. If the Kingdom of Yuan failed to repay the debt or if the collateral proved insufficient, the Rongshan Sect's total potential loss could be as high as twenty-seven million taels!

"You have bestowed great kindness upon our sect," Elder Dao continued, "so a minor financial outlay is inconsequential, especially since this transaction with the Kingdom of Yuan involves collateral." He then produced a token and documents, handing them to He Lingchuan. "Furthermore, Sect Leader Xue wishes to appoint Young Master He as a special envoy to Yuan. On one hand, you will be responsible for safeguarding our interests by reviewing Yuan's collateral and authorizing the disbursement of funds; on the other hand—"

He paused before adding, "This status will also facilitate Young Master He's activities within the Kingdom of Yuan."

He Lingchuan had requested personnel from the Rongshan Sect specifically because he needed to return to his homeland for certain affairs. Sect Leader Xue and Elder Dao, remembering this, had thus provided him with a convenient arrangement.

He Lingchuan was moved and solemnly accepted the token. "Sect Leader Xue's foresight is truly comprehensive!" he declared. "I will certainly live up to your trust!"

After a few polite exchanges, Elder Dao cleared his throat. "Ahem, about the method for eliminating the cicadas—"

He Lingchuan patted Dong Rui's shoulder. "He doesn't need to go; the Mother Cicada will suffice," he explained. "After all, the Mother Cicada is the one that can serve as bait, not him personally."

Elder Dao's eyes lit up. "Is this feasible?"

Dong Rui replied without hesitation, "Why not? The Mother Cicadas I've bred are becoming increasingly stable in their characteristics, and their lifespan is extending. You only need to continue breeding from the existing specimens, and you'll have an endless supply of bait."

Elder Dao was overjoyed. "Sir Wei's benevolence is immeasurable!" he exclaimed. "Our sect and the Kingdom of Ju will forever remember it!"

Dong Rui clasped his hands behind his back, assuming the air of an otherworldly master. "Just tell the Kingdom of Ju that this method was developed through your own research," he instructed, "and don't involve me."

"Well..." Taking credit for someone else's achievement so brazenly was something the Rongshan Sect wouldn't openly do.

He Lingchuan chuckled. "He is indifferent to fame and fortune, Elder Dao; there's no need to fret about it."

Elder Dao said magnanimously, "Rongshan thanks Sir Wei."

Dong Rui remained unyielding. "No need to thank me," he stated. "Just make sure you fulfill your promise to us promptly."

He Lingchuan secretly gave him a thumbs-up, acknowledging his excellent 'tough guy' performance.

Next, Elder Qian began discussions with He Lingchuan.

Since He Lingchuan had been honorably appointed as the sect's special envoy, Elder Qian proceeded to explain the Kingdom of Yuan's debts and terms in detail.

As for the funds loaned to the Kingdom of Yuan, there was no need to transport silver over long distances; He Lingchuan only needed to carry a few exchange vouchers. The Yuan court could then withdraw the large sum from the Fenglong Bank in the capital using these vouchers.

Both the Kingdom of Yuan and the Rongshan Sect had branches of Fenglong Bank, making this arrangement both convenient and secure.

Of course, withdrawing the funds would require not only Sect Leader Xue's personal written authorization but also He Lingchuan's presence with the token.

He Lingchuan cleared his throat. "I must also brazenly ask Sect Leader Xue for an additional authority," he said.

Elder Qian replied, "Please state it."

After some discussion, both parties agreed to add another clause to the agreement with the Kingdom of Yuan:

The Rongshan Sect, as the Kingdom of Yuan's major creditor, would have the right to send a special envoy to directly supervise and guide the use of every single coin loaned.

This was only natural; otherwise, what if the borrowed money was simply squandered aimlessly?

The Rongshan Sect was certainly aware of how previous loans had simply vanished.

If you lack the ability to use money properly, then I must teach you how.

With this clause drafted, He Lingchuan felt half his worries lift. "Thank you, Sect Leader Xue and both elders!" he said.

He knew very well that this was a generous gift and a token of gratitude from the Rongshan Sect.

Full of sincerity, truly.

After discussing the relevant details, He Lingchuan took the opportunity to inquire about the current situation in the Kingdom of Yuan.

Although he had gathered many rumors from common folk and Rongshan disciples over the past month, these were, after all, secondhand accounts and likely varied significantly from the truth.

Some information, however, would be most credible coming directly from high-ranking Rongshan figures like Elder Dao and Elder Qian.

As he was about to return home, he needed to do his preparatory research.

Firstly, the internal situation in the Kingdom of Yuan remained grim. Since the death of General Wu Di in battle, the decline on the northwestern front had become increasingly evident. Grand Marshal Dong Haoming, leading the Wuzhou army, found himself gaining an increasing advantage with each battle, forcing Ke Jihai, who could not hold out alone, to retreat two hundred li.

The Yuan royal court was forced to transfer Zhao Pan from the northern front to the northwest for emergency support.

Zhao Pan, skilled in defense, cooperated well with Ke Jihai, barely managing to stabilize the situation on the northwestern front.

However, while the Yuan royal court heavily supported the northwest, leaving other regions vulnerable, rebellions erupted again in the southern and southeastern parts of the Kingdom of Yuan. Although the two rebel armies fought independently, they implicitly coordinated well, plundering granaries, occupying government offices, and distributing official silver, which rapidly expanded their forces. The southern rebels, in particular, were said to number fifty thousand.

The origin of this rebel army was, coincidentally, only two towns away from where "Saint Master" Hong Xiangqian had previously led an uprising.

The previous uprising led by Hong Xiangqian had eventually advanced northwards, even occupying Woling Pass, and nearly sailing east to attack the secondary capital, Shihuan City.

This time, another southern uprising saw the rebel army once again heading north, a development that greatly distressed the Yuan royal court.

The only good news was that a ceasefire had been declared on the northern front in Xiazhou, and it would remain relatively safe for the foreseeable future.

At least in this direction, the Kingdom of Yuan could breathe a sigh of relief.

This was because the traitor loathed by the people of Yuan, the former Governor of Xunzhou, Nian Zanli, had been convicted and imprisoned in Lingxu City!