Chapter 910: Transfer of the Archipelago

According to his clone, he could only erase it if his divine soul was strong enough. This was one of the directions he would continue to work towards in the future. Conversely, the day he could erase this divine mark would prove that the strength of his divine soul could rival that of a Celestial God. It seemed like a distant goal.

Ding Zuodong looked at the maidservant standing nearby. He Lingchuan understood, stood up, and told the maidservant, "You may leave. I'll call for you if I need anything." The maidservant quietly acknowledged him and turned to leave.

He Lingchuan did not stay in the courtyard either. He took Ding Zuodong back to the residence himself, closed the doors and windows, and casually set up a barrier. This was the Lu family's territory, so they had to be wary of eavesdroppers. Having traveled in Beijia for several months, he knew how many small imps a garden could hide.

"Speak," he prompted.

Only then did Ding Zuodong report the Lu family's asking price. He Lingchuan clapped his hands and burst out laughing, "Excellent, excellent!"

Seeing his joyful expression, Ding Zuodong couldn't quite gauge his young master's mood. "Master, the price is still a bit high."

"More than just a bit high, it's outrageously expensive!" He Lingchuan said with a smiling sneer. "They want an exorbitant price of one hundred and fifty thousand taels for a dilapidated island that no one can even use! The Lu family really has the nerve to ask for such an outrageous sum."

He then added, "But the fact that the Lu family is willing to sell the Yangshan Archipelago — that's the most valuable piece of information!" If they genuinely didn't want to sell, he might not be able to acquire it even at a high price. Since the Lu family was inclined to sell, the deal would eventually be made through negotiation, without fear of prolonged haggling.

"Indeed, Master is still as shrewd as ever," Ding Zuodong said admiringly. "Your judgment of Bailie was very accurate; the Lu family is truly desperate for money." For the Lu family, He Lingchuan, a rich and seemingly foolish young master, eagerly offering money was like someone bringing a pillow when you're sleepy. Faced with such an overt scheme, even if they had suspicions, they wouldn't want to let large sums of silver slip through their fingers. Greed had always been the young master's sharpest weapon.

Ding Zuodong chuckled, "The Lu family probably fears that too low an offer would make us suspicious. This means the price is greatly inflated and can be drastically reduced."

"Tell them that my acceptable offer for the six outer islands is thirty thousand taels, or sixty thousand taels if I get the entire Yangshan Archipelago. I won't pay more than that, as I don't have unlimited funds. I'd rather buy estates and properties elsewhere," He Lingchuan yawned. "There are plenty of good places near Blade's Edge Port. If Bailie won't have me, I can always go to Qing Country, can't I?"

Ding Zuodong, also an intelligent man, immediately understood his meaning and took his leave. He Lingchuan casually handed him a basket containing several jars of osmanthus plum juice, a few packs of local specialty walnut cloud-slice cakes, and a bag of crispy broad beans. Condensation still clung to the silver jars.

"For your family to beat the heat," he said.

Ding Zuodong accepted it without hesitation, smiling as he said, "Thank you, Master!"

He Lingchuan returned to the garden and lay down on the rocking chair. Ah, what comfort.

The young maidservant sent by Lingtai Court came over to attend to him again, her dewy eyes constantly glancing at him. Guests at Cloud Cauldron Villa rarely saw someone so handsome and well-built.

He Lingchuan drank half a pot of plum drink in one go before asking the maidservant, "Do you know about the Yangshan Archipelago?"

"Yes, I know," the maidservant replied, pausing slightly with the teapot before continuing to pour the juice. "They are the islands opposite Blade's Edge Port."

"Have you been there?"

"I passed by on a boat a few years ago and stayed on one of the islands for a bit."

"What's the place like?"

"The beaches are fine and white, and the sea is clean," the maidservant considered. "Just a bit too many bugs."

"I heard the buildings there are scarce. Why is that?" He Lingchuan deliberately asked her, "Are the people of Bailie not utilizing such good islands?"

"This maidservant is not sure, perhaps because the islands are isolated overseas and difficult to manage?" the maidservant smiled. "After all, Blade's Edge Port is currently leased to Qing Country."

"I see."

He Lingchuan stopped asking questions and lazily closed his eyes. The Lu family had acted quickly; in just half a day, they had coordinated the statements of all the servants in Lingtai Court at Cloud Cauldron Villa. Not a single word about malevolent qi, the Yin Kui monster, or pirates was to be revealed to the buyer of the islands. Malevolent qi was a highly specialized term that neither the Lu family nor Qing Country had ever publicly explained. Most commoners in Bailie and Blade's Edge Port had no idea what it actually was. They only knew that malevolent qi existed deep within the archipelago, and people who ventured there easily fell ill, especially if they slept on the islands at night. They might mysteriously fall into a permanent slumber and never wake up again. Furthermore, the waters near the islands harbored a monster known as the Yin Kui, which attacked passing ships.

As for Cloud Cauldron Villa, where He Lingchuan was staying, it was a large and beautiful place, offering all-inclusive dining, entertainment, and leisure. If he didn't leave, the truth about the archipelago might remain hidden for a few more days.

"Heh," he thought, "the Lu family is quite meticulous." But the Lu family didn't know that the Rongshan people were currently strolling all over Qucheng.

That afternoon, Ding Zuodong continued negotiations with the Lu family on behalf of He Lingchuan. He had plenty of patience. After several rounds of back-and-forth, he set the price at forty thousand for the six outer islands, or eighty thousand for the entire archipelago package, stating, "This is our highest offer. If we can't agree, our young master truly won't want it." This was essentially testing both parties' bottom lines—both the financial and emotional limits.

Then, there was a two-day lull. He Lingchuan had ample patience. Furthermore, Rongshan disciples were returning from outside, bringing various bits of information about Bailie, most notably the skyrocketing grain prices in Bailie and Qing Country. This essentially corroborated He Lingchuan's deductions and helped him understand the Lu family's mindset. The Lu family would certainly be unwilling to turn down this money.

Indeed, two days later, the Lu family approached them and agreed to Ding Zuodong's offer. They were anxious; every day they delayed, He Lingchuan's chances of discovering the truth increased significantly. If this deal fell through again, tens of thousands of taels of silver would be gone. It would be one thing if no one had ever bought the islands, but if He Lingchuan were to renege at the last minute, such a gain and loss would likely cause the Lu family immense regret.

The agreement was to be signed at the Qucheng administrative office. He Lingchuan had to make a personal appearance, and the Lu family sent Lu Qing'an. This marked He Lingchuan's first meeting with a member of the Lu family.

Lu Qing'an was slender with a pale face and long eyebrows, dressed in a dark-patterned grey brocade robe, truly possessing the demeanor of a noble scion. He Lingchuan observed him, and Lu Qing'an observed He Lingchuan in return. This distant guest from overseas was also quite a talent, and although there was a hint of frivolity and cynicism in his eyes and brows, when he clasped his hands behind his back, he still carried a certain presence.

He nodded to He Lingchuan in greeting. "Young Master He." He Lingchuan's current identity was that of a wealthy young master, but without official rank or title, he was ultimately just a rich idler. There was no problem with Lu Qing'an adopting the attitude of a superior.

He Lingchuan also cupped his hands and smiled, "It's so hot, yet Lord Lu bothered to come!" He didn't care about showing a bit more courtesy at this moment. After all, Lu Qing'an would certainly remember him vividly later.

After a few pleasantries, the Qucheng County Magistrate lightly coughed. "My lord, the contract is ready."

There were two identical copies, with every word on the agreement being the same. He Lingchuan and Lu Qing'an picked up the agreement. Although both were already familiar with the terms, they still read it through word for word. The terms negotiated by Ding Zuodong and the other party were very detailed. Besides specifying that the transfer of the Yangshan Archipelago included forty-two subsidiary islands, the agreement also covered three hundred and eighty-seven independent reefs and an eight-li radius of the surrounding sea extending outwards from the archipelago.

Specifically, regarding the islands, the transfer included all land, public buildings, fortifications, military camps, and the ownership of all structures not classified as private property. This last point was because there were still scattered Bailie residents, not pirates, living on the islands, who held legitimate land deeds. This clause seemed very humane, and the Lu family father and son had worried the buyer might not be pleased, preparing some countermeasures. Unexpectedly, He Lingchuan merely smiled and agreed after seeing it, but requested that the island residents abide by the new lord's laws. This was reasonable, so this point was also added.

Additionally, two outer island supply docks that were already leased out would now be vacated by the Lu family within half a month after the change of ownership. Furthermore, due to He Lingchuan's substantial spending, he was now a major client in Bailie territory and would enjoy a series of tax, transportation, and customs preferences within Bailie. Adhering to the principle of focusing on major issues while overlooking minor ones, the Lu family granted all his requests. After all, it was good for business to have this person operating in their territory; paying taxes was honorable, and there was no need to obstruct him.

The two checked the agreement, confirmed it was error-free, and then signed, affixed their fingerprints, and stamped it. The transfer of the Yangshan Archipelago was thus finalized.

Lu Qing'an put away his seal, looked at the large red imprint on the agreement, and finally felt his tightly strung heart relax. He had been worried that the other party would realize the truth. Now that the seal was affixed, no one could go back on their word. The money was coming.

He Lingchuan pursed his lips towards Ding Zuodong, who immediately took out the silver notes and handed them over. "Here is the first installment of forty thousand taels in silver notes. Please count them." A designated person from the Lu family stepped forward, took them, and counted them carefully. Indeed, it was exactly forty thousand taels. The remaining forty thousand taels would be paid as agreed when the tenants on the two outer islands were completely vacated and the islands handed over to He Lingchuan.

Lu Qing'an burst into hearty laughter. "Young Master He is truly straightforward. With this propitious land, Young Master will certainly see a vast flow of wealth in the future." A useless asset exchanged for a massive sum; for now, he wouldn't have to worry about handing over military funds to Mou Country.

He Lingchuan was equally delighted. "You're too kind, too kind. Such a wonderful occasion calls for a big celebration!" Buying a good fifteen-hectare estate in Bailie, including the purchase price and various surtaxes, would cost over fifteen thousand taels of silver. Now, for only eighty thousand taels, he had bought forty-two islands and seized an immense expanse of water! How many large estates could be built on this archipelago? He Lingchuan couldn't even calculate it. It was an absolute bargain, wasn't it?

The two flattered each other, while secretly thinking the other was foolish. Both believed they had secured an enormous advantage.

Lu Qing'an, in high spirits, casually said, "How about I host you, Young Master He, for a casual meal at the Exquisite Pavilion?"

He Lingchuan accepted readily, "That would be excellent."

The two walked out, smiling, almost arm-in-arm. Just as they reached outside the administrative office, they suddenly heard a rapid succession of crackling explosions! Lu Qing'an was startled. He looked closer and saw dozens of large, crude red firecrackers set up along the street. The moment they stepped out, someone lit them, and the firecrackers reverberated through several streets.