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墨書 Inktalez
Mu Tingxiu arrived in the county where Xu Mu was located, but instead of rushing to meet him, he decided to check on one of the shops run by Xu Mu.
Seeing that the business was indeed thriving, Mu Tingxiu smiled.
"Have you investigated? Is it really just him who built this up by himself?"
The spy beside him nodded. They had deployed all available manpower for the investigation, and it was confirmed that Xu Mu had indeed started from scratch and managed to grow the shop to this extent in a short period. Although he found it hard to believe, there was no evidence of anyone else assisting him.
Mu Tingxiu was well aware of the spy's capabilities. In such a situation, there were only two possibilities: either Xu Mu truly had remarkable abilities and extraordinary luck, or he was hiding something so deep that even they could not uncover it.
However, with Mu Junze and Su Che busy handling Xu Mu's mother's funeral, it was unlikely they would assist him given their relationship. If someone was so well concealed that even he could not find any trace, then surely even the emperor would struggle to uncover anything.
If such a person truly existed, it would be a terrifying presence. Aside from the fearsome organization known as Fei Ren, it was unlikely that such small fry would attract their attention.
"Move! Get out of the way!"
Just as they were about to leave, a horse-drawn cart loaded with goods came rushing towards them. It seemed the horse had been startled and was out of control. Fortunately, they managed to dodge quickly, but in this dusty little county, the hooves kicked up clouds of yellow sand.
After a long while, the cart finally came to a stop. Mu Tingxiu’s face was covered in dust, and he spat angrily on the ground, nearly losing his temper.
"What a wretched place! How can someone do such good business in this dump? Damn it! Bring that brat to see me!"
Grumbling, Mu Tingxiu returned to the inn. Before long, Xu Mu was brought in. Upon seeing Xu Mu for the first time, he expected some resentment due to their previous encounter. Instead, he found Xu Mu standing respectfully with a humble demeanor and a warm smile.
Xu Mu bowed towards Mu Tingxiu.
"Your Highness has graced us with your presence; I apologize for not welcoming you properly. This remote place is indeed lacking in hospitality, and I regret any inconvenience caused to Your Highness. If there is anything Your Highness seeks from me, I assure you I will do my utmost to fulfill your wishes."
Mu Tingxiu glanced at him lazily, raising an eyebrow.
"You are quite understanding. I don't have anything particularly pressing at the moment, but I see you have some skills, so I would like to invite Young Master Xu to the palace as a strategist. What do you think, Young Master Xu?"
Xu Mu's face lit up with joy, making it hard for others to see it was feigned. However, Mu Tingxiu knew that someone like Xu Mu was actually dangerous—a master of acting.
"I would be honored to serve the prince. To be a strategist is too much praise; if the prince is willing, I shall be his loyal dog, absolutely devoted."
As he spoke, he knelt on the ground and imitated a dog, barking twice, "Woof! Woof!"
Mu Tingxiu narrowed his eyes and began to scrutinize the kneeling Xu Mu.
"You came to me in a time of peril, yet I turned you away at the door. Now that your business is picking up, I seek you out. Do you have no grievances?"
Xu Mu hurriedly replied, "I dare not complain. Previously, I was merely a fallen stray dog; it was my lack of foresight that caused trouble for the prince. Now that the prince does not disdain me, it is my fortune. I am grateful beyond measure and would never dare to resent you."
Mu Tingxiu smirked slightly. It wasn't that he was particularly swayed by such words; he had seen plenty of flattery and sycophancy before. However, someone like Xu Mu was a first for him. It only made him feel that Xu Mu was an ambitious person who could bend and stretch as needed—such individuals were the most terrifying.
Everything revolves around their own interests; even a knife must be handled with care. Though sharp, it can also cut its wielder. A loyal dog raised from a young age might still bite back if given the chance to find a bigger benefactor; he could just as easily devour you whole.
The Su Family was a prime example—just an unripe wolf cub encountering a giant like Mu Junze.
"I hear you and Su Che grew up together; you must know him quite well."
Xu Mu lowered his head, his eyes darting as he replied, "Yes, does the prince wish to..."
"Give you three days to handle everything and return to the palace with me. From now on, you will do as I say, and what you need to know will come to you in due time."
Xu Mu lowered his head even further, promising that a single day would be sufficient.
After Xu Mu left, Zhong Xian emerged from behind the screen and sat on Mu Tingxiu's lap, slowly feeding him peeled grapes while speaking softly.
"He's an ambitious little hedgehog, not only pricking others but also his own kind. Such a person is too dangerous; should we reconsider?"
Mu Tingxiu shook his head. It wasn't just that he had some fantasies about Su Che; more importantly, Su Che was now Mu Junze's Achilles' heel. Previously, no matter what he did, Mu Junze was alone and it was difficult for him to take action. Now that there was a vulnerability, how could he let it slip away?
Though he spoke this way, Zhong Xian caught the fleeting uncertainty in his expression, and his heart tightened involuntarily. He joked lightly.
"Oh really? I thought it was because of Su Che's looks or perhaps something I did that displeased you?"
As he reached out to touch him, Mu Tingxiu caught his hand midway and gently removed it before standing up and leaving without a word.
"Send more people to keep watch. After so many years of waiting, I don't want to wait any longer."
"Your Highness!"
Mu Tingxiu paused but did not turn back as he heard the voice behind him.
"One must never be impatient when planning great matters. No matter what, I will always be by your side."
"I know. I've always had you."
With that, Mu Tingxiu turned and walked away. Zhong Xian sighed bitterly behind him. He had always known this truth better than anyone else; he just had no choice—leaving him was something he could never do.
Soon, Xu Mu followed Mu Tingxiu back to the residence. After a series of evaluations, the Su Family naturally became the Imperial Merchant. After several days of observation, Mu Tingxiu had already formulated a plan. He turned to Xu Mu and asked,
"What do you think we should do now, Young Master Xu?"
Xu Mu stepped forward respectfully and replied,
"I have a plan, but it may involve Su Che."
After saying this, he hesitated for a moment and glanced at Mu Tingxiu, who looked visibly irritated.
"Speak! What does Su Che have to do with me? As long as it leads to Mu Junze's significant defeat, I will reward you handsomely!"
With Mu Tingxiu's attitude clarified, Xu Mu took a step closer and whispered a few words in his ear. Mu Tingxiu raised an eyebrow, intrigued, and looked at Xu Mu several times.
"You are indeed... clever, Young Master Xu. What does everyone think?"
"Excellent! Truly excellent!"
Seeing that others also agreed, Mu Tingxiu nodded in approval. Xu Mu smiled silently beside them, leaving his intentions ambiguous.
"Xu Mu can no longer use that identity; from now on, you shall be called Xu Mu Cong. I will arrange everything for you..."
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