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Chapter 527 Guidance on the Maze
After getting up in the morning, Xu Yuan immediately had Lang Xiaoba and Ji Shuangqiu bring over all the documents from the yamen.

The piles of food were stacked like a mountain on the table in front of him.

Sure enough, Ge Bei'er arrived shortly afterward, and His Highness ordered him to come over.

Xu Yuan pointed to the document: "I really don't have the time..."

Ge Bei'er smiled, turned around and left.

His Highness is his benefactor, and Lord Xu is his benefactor; caught in the middle, he doesn't want to offend either of them.

Fortunately, these two are a pair of bickering lovers.

Ge Bei'er then went back and reported the truth to His Highness.

Before long, the sound of tinkling jade pendants came from outside Lord Xu's office.

His Highness entered, accompanied by a fragrant breeze.

Xu Yuan stood up, stepped out from inside the table, clasped his hands in apology, and said, "Your Highness..."

His Highness, however, rolled his eyes, covered his mouth, lowered his head and smiled, "No need to say anything. Since you have official business to attend to, I will wait for you here."

"This……"

"What, are you trying to kick me out?"

"No, Your Highness, please make yourself at home."

Xu Yuan went back to his desk to review official documents.

This was the kind of thing that Xu Yuan used to find most unbearable.

But today, I can only patiently read through them one by one.

His Highness then beckoned, and one of his palace servants stepped forward.

His Highness whispered, "Go, bring a small table and a soft chair." He pointed to the ground and said, "Put them here."

The palace maid bowed and left.

His Highness added, "Keep it down, don't disturb Master Xu."

"As ordered."

From this spot, you can see Xu Yuan's profile perfectly.

Xu Yuan initially did this simply to refuse Her Highness's request and didn't want to go out with her.

But as I looked at it, I gradually became immersed in the tasks.

Before he knew it, Xu Yuan felt his neck was stiff, so he stretched and moved his shoulders.

Then she suddenly noticed that His Highness was sitting to the side, his right hand supporting his cheek, a section of his fair wrist peeking out from above his sleeve, and a pair of bright eyes gazing at her intently.

I've been holding this position for who knows how long...

Xu Yuan's heart softened.

This reminds me of the phrase: "The kindness of a beautiful woman is profound."

No wonder our ancestors said that it is hardest to bear the kindness of a beautiful woman.

Xu Yuan also found it somewhat difficult to resist.

Xu Yuan pretended not to notice and continued to review the papers with his head down, but this time his mind was in turmoil and he couldn't concentrate on reading them at all.

Fortunately, Yu Yunhang knocked lightly on the door shortly afterward and said, "My lord, it's almost time. Lord Luo Gonglian has invited you to lunch."

"Oh." Xu Yuan stood up.

His Highness, snapping out of his daze, asked with great interest, "May I go?"

Xu Yuan wanted to refuse, but when he turned his head and met those eyes, he couldn't bring himself to say no: "Okay, alright."

His Highness immediately perked up, his smile bright and radiant.

……

The Luo family's "apology banquet" was not held in a somber restaurant.

In a private garden.

It can be considered a private chef's family banquet.

In Zhengzhou, it's very popular for prominent families to build gardens.

Especially in the vicinity of Songjiang Prefecture.

In the region of Jiaozhi, such elegant gardens are still rare.

Xu Yuan, along with His Highness who had changed into casual clothes and was accompanied by Mr. Wen Qi, arrived at the address.

Servants were already waiting at the entrance of the courtyard. After verifying their identities, they led Xu Yuan and the other two inside.

Luo Gonglian and the other three had been waiting for a while. Upon seeing Xu Yuan, they immediately smiled and stood up to greet him: "Lord Xu..."

Then he saw the prince behind Xu Yuan and was immediately stunned.

They still remembered when they first arrived in Champa, His Highness seemed to be merely "acting as a guarantor," and his relationship with Xu Yuan didn't appear to be close.

But now... Her Highness looked like a blissful little girl, following behind Lord Xu—her adoring expression made it seem as if she couldn't wait to get close and deeply inhale Xu Yuan's scent.

Something's not right with this prince.

The four of them felt a chill run down their spines.

Fortunately, today's banquet was specially prepared to apologize to Lord Xu.

The Luo family wants to work hard to repair their relationship with Xu Yuan.

Otherwise, we would offend His Highness as well!

The Luo family is indeed powerful; even Wei Shiqi has to be wary of them.

Princess Ruicheng couldn't do anything to the Luo family.

But the Luo family has always sought to enter Beidu.

Your Highness is the kind of person who can't accomplish anything but is sure to cause trouble.

If you offend her, the Luo family will likely never be able to set foot in Beidu during her lifetime.

Xu Yuan explained to them, "Her Highness was bored staying in the yamen and wanted to go out for a walk, so I brought her along."

"Welcome, Your Highness."

"Your Highness's presence is an honor for the Luo family."

Princess Ruicheng waved her hand: "No need for formalities. Today is a private banquet, so please relax."

"As ordered."

The head seat at this banquet was originally prepared for Xu Yuan.

But now Luo Gonglian had no choice but to invite His Highness to sit down.

His Highness waved his hand again: "Today you are inviting Lord Xu... I am just here to freeload, so of course Lord Xu should sit in the seat of honor."

Despite repeated invitations from the crowd, His Highness refused to sit, and finally, he personally pressed Xu Yuan into the main seat.

"Hehe." His Highness gave Xu Yuan a playful smile, and then sat down to Xu Yuan's right.

Xu Yuan looked helpless, while the four members of the Luo family standing to the side watched with their hearts pounding.

These two...

Fortunately, we are here today to apologize.

Luo Gonglian also had a gift list in his arms—an apology couldn't just be a simple "sorry."

The Luo family prepared a gift.

But now, Luo Gonglian felt that the gift was not substantial enough, and his mind raced as he thought about what else he could add.

"Serve!"

Luo Gongyao sat at the door and gave an order to the outside.

Luo Gonglian had already organized his thoughts and first asked Xu Yuan, "Lord Xu, do you know who owns this garden?"

Xu Yuan had been in Champa for quite some time, but he really didn't know there was such an elegant garden there.

Xu Yuan shook his head: "I don't know."

Luo Gonglian smiled and said, "It originally belonged to the prefect."

Xu Yuan frowned.

Luo Gonglian continued, "Yesterday I paid a visit to the Prefect and told him that I would like to host a banquet for him today. I need a quiet place and a chef with superb skills."

So they borrowed the garden from the prefect, and also the prefect's head chef.

Xu Yuan understood.

This wasn't Luo Gonglian demonstrating his strength; rather, the Luo family had subdued the prefect on his behalf!
Xu Yuan and the prefect of Champa had some disagreements.

Xu Yuan no longer cared, since he had benefited from the deal.

Xu Yuan did receive the Luo family's goodwill.

Luo Gonglian concluded by saying, "Now, this garden belongs to you, Lord Xu."

"Huh?" Xu Yuan was surprised.

When he came in, he walked through the garden and could tell that a lot of money had been spent on this place.

Yuan Muping, who was standing to the side, said, "I heard that this garden was built by a master craftsman specially invited by the prefect from Suzhou. The Taihu stones used and the various flowers and trees planted were all transported from Zhengzhou."

Xu Yuan shook his head and said, "I am unworthy of such an honor."

His Highness smiled slightly and said, "This place is quite nice; it's rare to find such a place in southern Jiaozhi."

Xu Yuan looked at His Highness and shook his head again: "It's too precious, I dare not accept it."

His Highness covered his mouth and chuckled, saying, "If you don't want it, how can the Luo family be at ease?"

Luo Gonglian was somewhat embarrassed, but soon the old man readily admitted, "Indeed, it was thanks to Lord Xu that the reputation of our Luo family was preserved this time."

But we have offended you greatly before. If you refuse to accept this, it means you don't forgive us.

Xu Yuan smiled wryly. How could Xu Yuan refuse a third-rate old man who spoke to him like that?

"Alright, I'll accept it."

Luo Gonglian breathed a sigh of relief and picked up his chopsticks with a smile: "Your Highness, Lord Xu, please have a taste..."

This house was added by Luo Gonglian on a temporary basis.

In the afternoon, he would go to the prefect to buy the land, and then send the deed and the previously prepared gift list to Lord Xu.

As for whether the prefect is willing to sell, since the Luo family can force the prefect to submit to Lord Xu,

That would naturally make him obediently sell the house.

The meal was a pleasure for both the host and guests.

As the meeting was drawing to a close, Luo Gonglian finally spoke up, saying, "There is one more thing I would like to ask Lord Xu for help with."

"Senior, please tell me."

Luo Gonglian said with shame, "Please keep the matter of Luobei a secret for the time being, Lord Xu."

Luo Gonglian sighed deeply: "Alas, with such a thing happening, we don't know how to handle things at home. Please, Lord Xu, give us some time."

While they were in Ghost Mountain, Luo Gongjie and Luo Gongyao wanted their second brother to talk to Lord Xu about this matter.

Xu Yuan frowned, looking somewhat troubled.

"I understand..."

Xu Yuan truly understood the Luo family's predicament.

Luobei was originally their pride.

The Luo family poured all their resources into nurturing him, and he made a great name for himself in the Imperial Ming Dynasty.

It turns out that this key figure was replaced a long time ago!

The Luo family has really embarrassed themselves.

"But this is, after all, a mysterious case. I am the head of the Exorcism Division, and once the case is closed, the case files and documents must be prepared and reported to the General Headquarters..."

Luo Gonglian hurriedly said, "We'll handle this. Sir, please report it according to procedure. Our Luo family still has some influence, and we can ensure that the General Administration won't leak it."

When Xu Yuan's case file was submitted, only a limited number of people actually handled it.

On the southern Jiaozhi side, all that could be seen were Ma Tianshou and the Southern Office staff responsible for receiving, sending, and organizing these files.

On the General Administration's side, it was just a few clerks in the "Review and Handling Department".

Because it's a closed case, it might not even be opened or looked at by the "Review Office," and it's simply stored away in a sealed-off archive according to its category.

Xu Yuan nodded and said, "The case files from Champa are sent to Luocheng every month. There are still half a month until the next batch of files are sent."

Luo Gonglian was overjoyed: "Thank you, sir!" In other words, they had half a month to make arrangements.

The prince, who was standing to the side, suddenly spoke up after a glance: "I heard that the Luo family has its own embroidery workshop? It can produce 30,000 pieces of Hunan embroidery every year?"

Luo Gonglian understood His Highness's meaning, and a troubled expression appeared on his face.

But if we don't agree, His Highness is also in the know... If she spreads it around, no one can stop her.

The Luo family's reputation has truly been shattered.

After hesitating for a moment, Luo Gonglian gritted his teeth and said, "Lord Xu has helped us so much, but a garden is not enough to repay him."

How about this, we'll set aside 5,000 taels of Hunan embroidery each year and hand it over to Master Xu for sale.

I guarantee that the price I'm offering Lord Xu is the lowest I can find on the market!

His Highness then smiled with satisfaction.

Hunan embroidery is famous throughout the world.

The price is high in both the north and south.

Most importantly, this stuff was transported to places like Tibet or Japan, making it a truly highly profitable business!
However, Hunan embroidery requires extremely high skill levels from the embroiderers, and the annual output is limited.

The Luo family's embroidery workshop is the largest supplier of Hunan embroidery.

The annual production is only 30,000 units, but Luo Gonglian gave 5,000 units at once, which is indeed very generous.

So everything was settled, and the meal was enjoyed by both the host and guests.

The four members of the Luo family saw Xu Yuan and His Highness off. Luo Gongjie felt a pang of regret: "Second brother, you're really generous. You offered five thousand coins right off the bat, and that was the lowest price..."

The family's businesses all generate profits that are shared among all family members.

The higher the standard, the more points you get.

Hunan embroidery was an important source of income for the family.

Luo Gonglian gave away 5,000 yuan at a low price, so this year's dividends will definitely be reduced.

And the number will decrease every year thereafter.

Luo Gonglian glared at him and cursed, "Short-sighted!"

Luo Gonglian had already figured it out: "You think that's only for Xu Yuan? It's also for His Highness! This is an opportunity for our family to step into Beidu!"

The Luo family wields immense influence in the region and has been seeking entry into Beidu for years.

We originally pinned our hopes on Luobei, but Your Highness has also managed to get them into Beidu!
Luo Gongjie and Luo Gongyao's eyes lit up, and their complaints disappeared: "Second Brother has the foresight!"

"Of course!" Luo Gonglian said proudly. If he didn't have this ability, why would the family let him manage things?

He waved his hand: "Let's go find the prefect and buy this garden."

The four headed towards the government office when they suddenly heard a joyful shout: "Second Uncle Luo?"

Luo Gonglian turned his head and saw Wu Tianfang rushing over as if he had grasped a lifeline.

Luo Gonglian found it strange, as he had indeed met Wu Tianfang several times.

But they were just nodding acquaintances.

Why was he so happy to see me in Champa?

“It’s Tianfang! What a coincidence, we actually met in southern Jiaozhi.” Luo Gonglian smiled.

Wu Tianfang, no longer bothering with pleasantries, hurriedly asked, "Second Uncle, where's Luo Bei? I've been looking for him for days!"

The four members of the Luo family changed their expressions.

Luo Gonglian, his face grim, tentatively asked, "What do you want with him?"

Wu Tianfang produced the loan agreement: "Brother Luo Bei borrowed a full 300,000 taels of silver from our family!"

The Luo family's expressions changed once again.

He cursed inwardly, "That monster is really going to ruin our family!"
What do you need so much money for?
However, Luo Gonglian had already probed and realized that Wu Tianfang was unaware of Luo Bei's affairs, so he said indifferently, "Oh, this matter? We are unaware of it. Since it was borrowed by Luo Bei, you can ask him to return it."

Wu Tianfang said anxiously, "But I can't find Luo Bei. He's a member of your Luo family. You can't just deny this debt, can you?"

Luo Gonglian snorted coldly: "My Luo family has several hundred members. Luo Bei is Luo Bei. He is the one who should repay the money he borrowed."

"Second Uncle, you can't..."

Luo Gonglian waved his hand to interrupt him: "Luo Bei didn't say he wouldn't return it, so you can go find him."

Then Luo Gonglian left with his men.

Wu Tianfang sensed something was wrong and called out from behind, "Second Uncle, do you know where Luo Bei went?"

"He's not my son, how would I know?"

Wu Tianfang stood there, stunned.

A voice inside him screamed: Something's not right!

Something's really wrong here!
Luo Bei is the pride of the Luo family. Luo Gonglian didn't treat Luo Bei like this before!

That's a whopping 300,000 taels! He can afford to pay it, but it will be a huge financial blow.

Wu Tianfang stood on the street, his eyes darting around, when he suddenly remembered what he had said: "He is Luo Bei! Even if your second master dies, he will be fine."

Could it be...

Wu Tianfang panicked. If something really happened to Luo Bei, then his words would have a hint of being a "prophecy"!
Wu Tianfang immediately dared not stay in Zhancheng any longer. He headed straight for the south gate, went out of the city to the canal wharf, randomly found a boat to return to Zhengzhou, boarded the boat, and left.

As for the money shop's bad debt, it's not like I, Wu Tianfang, made the loan.

What does it have to do with me if the shopkeeper was cheated?
If he testifies against me, I will definitely deny it.

You say I told you to lend money? Prove me!
Without evidence, I'll sue you for defamation, young master.

As for the Dragon Guards... I investigated that thoroughly, and Murong Zunlong's death has nothing to do with Xu Yuan.

If you don't believe me, send someone to investigate yourselves.

……

After lunch, Xu Yuan accompanied His Highness on a tour of Champa.

It wasn't until late afternoon that I returned to the yamen.

Old Qin at the door immediately reported, "Sir, a woman has been waiting for you for a long time."

His Highness's eyes immediately sharpened!
Xu Yuan glared fiercely at Lao Qin.

This guy really doesn't know how to handle things.

"where is it?"

Old Qin sensed the fierceness in the adult's eyes and was somewhat bewildered: Had I said something wrong again?

What went wrong?

"I'll take you there."

Old Qin led the way, Xu Yuan followed behind, and His Highness followed closely, determined to see if I had another enemy!
Upon entering, Xu Yuan discovered that Yuan Muping was the one waiting for him.

His Highness, who had been full of fighting spirit, immediately lost interest.

"I'm going to rest now."

After walking around all afternoon, His Highness was indeed a little tired.

After His Highness left, Xu Yuan also sent Old Qin away, and then smiled at Yuan Muping and said, "Please sit down, Miss. I apologize for the neglect."

Yuan Muping shook her head: "It's nothing."

She produced a property deed: "This is the property deed for that garden."

Xu Yuan accepted it, saying, "This is a small matter; you can just send someone to deliver it. There's no need for you to make a special trip."

Yuan Muping shook her head, looking somewhat hesitant, and finally gritted her teeth and said, "I have some things I want to ask Lord Xu."

Xu Yuan understood; it must be related to destiny cultivation.

"Girl, please tell me."

Yuan Muping took a deep breath and said, "I am largely to blame for what happened in Luobei. I will certainly be punished when I return."

Xu Yuan asked doubtfully, "It's not easy for the Luo family to support a cultivator, would they really punish the girl severely?"

Yuan Muping smiled wryly and waved his hand: "That's not what I'm worried about. It's just... I've been in the Luo family since I entered the sect. I thought all cultivators in the world were like this, but this time when I came to Jiaozhi, I met you, sir."

Xu Yuan was a little confused about what she meant.

“I envy your precious destiny, and I yearn for your freedom,” Yuan Muping finally said. “I just find it hard to decide whether to take this opportunity to leave the Luo family.”

Yuan Muping had this idea during the great battle with Luo Bei in Ghost Mountain.

But she lacked courage.

Given her destiny, she would likely find it difficult to survive independently if she left the Luo family.

Xu Yuan was unfamiliar with the rules governing how large families supported cultivators, so he asked, "You can leave the Luo family? The Luo family must have spent a huge amount of resources to support you, would they really let you go?"

Yuan Muping said quietly, "If there is another major surname that is willing to compensate the Luo family for their losses, that would be fine."

Or I can use my own money to make up for the Luo family's losses.

Xu Yuan frowned. What do you mean by compensating for losses? Isn't this just like buying and selling slaves?

It's just that the price is extremely high.

"The wealthy provide for their families" is just a nice-sounding way of saying it.

They provide for everything you need in exchange for your blessing on your family's destiny.

But in reality, you are still someone else's servant.

Yuan Muping continued, "When we were in Luobei, I had to take some responsibility."

I suspect the Luo family will also lose faith in me.

They will surely seek new destiny cultivators.

I'll offer some compensation, and they should let me go.

Seeing her certainty, Xu Yuan asked curiously, "You've been living and eating at the Luo family's place, what kind of compensation can you offer them?"

Yuan Muping looked at Xu Yuan, smiled bitterly, and said, "What else can we cultivators offer?"
My destiny is one of "harmony in the family brings prosperity in all things!"

Xu Yuan's pupils dilated suddenly.

"Once the Luo family finds a new destiny cultivator, they will ask me to hand over this destiny to the new destiny cultivator."

In the Northern Capital, there is a highly skilled cultivator who often performs such tasks for prominent families; it is not difficult for him.

Xu Yuan took a deep breath and asked, "So, what exactly does the young lady want to ask me?"

Yuan Muping said, "I'd like to hear your opinion. Should I leave the Luo family?"

"My opinion?" Xu Yuan was taken aback. We're not related and have no connection whatsoever. Does my opinion matter to you?
But Yuan Muping's eyes were full of seriousness and her expression was solemn, clearly indicating that Xu Yuan's opinion was very important to her at this moment.

Yuan Muping envies Xu Yuan and wants to live a life like Xu Yuan.

She had long since lost her family and had few friends.

In her mind, Xu Yuan is now like a mentor.

She really needs Xu Yuan's advice.

After careful consideration, Xu Yuan said, "If it were me, in this situation, I would go back to the Luo family first and talk things over with them."

I can accept the condition of giving up the "Harmony in the Family Brings Prosperity" destiny, but I will remain in the Luo family until a new destiny cultivator is found.

They weren't being supported, but rather being employed, with the Luo family paying them monthly commissions.

As for the commission… whatever you need in the future, just ask the Luo family for it.”

After a pause, Xu Yuan offered her a solution: "When the Luo family invites that cultivator from Beidu to seize your 'Harmony Brings Prosperity', you can talk to him and make a deal with him:"
Use the destiny of "Willow Planter" or "Medical Master" to exchange for a new destiny suitable for battle.

Yuan Muping's eyes lit up!
Xu Yuan was indeed different from me, a cultivator who grew up under the protection of the Luo family; the method he came up with was highly feasible.

Yuan Muping had already made up her mind. She stood up and bowed deeply to Xu Yuan: "Thank you for your guidance, Lord Xu!"

"I cannot express my gratitude. If you ever need my help in the future, just send someone to let me know, and I will go through fire and water for you!"

When Yuan Muping went out, her steps were lighter.

The moment she stepped out of the room, Xu Yuan felt as if an eggshell had shattered inside him, making a "crack" sound.

His cultivation level has risen to the fifth rank!

Yesterday, those horoscopes were integrated, and the ascension should have been a natural progression, but it seems that it is still lacking a little bit of finesse.

My words today have affected the fate of a sixth-rate cultivator.

The sixth-rate has finally risen to the fifth-rate!

(End of this chapter)