Chapter 1090 - 911: Offsetting Debts

Lan Qiaoyan thought she had misheard and said incredulously, "Make Shi Chun our son-in-law?"

Miao Dingyi countered, "Haven't you always thought he was quite good?"

Lan Qiaoyan: "Good is good, but as a son-in-law..." She hesitated, suddenly realizing that there seemed to be no significant issues to pick on.

In the past, the first reaction would definitely be about his Life Prison background, then about his identity and status.

Upon reflection, she realized these issues didn't seem to matter anymore. With Shi Chun's current status, he is undoubtedly a young elite.

At just a few decades old, he had become a Commander in the direct jurisdiction of the Heavenly Court, a rank above ordinary Commanders. When looking across the Cultivation World, there truly aren't many at this age who could achieve such a position.

Importantly, he didn't rely on any particular connections or background; most of the time, he won through his own abilities.

She had to admit that his capabilities were far beyond her expectations, stronger than the Master of East Nine Plain she was familiar with, maybe even more mature.

His deeds of preserving the Commander position in Heavenly Domain Dingnan Prefecture were already stirring quite a discussion among their circle of noblewomen. Rumors about the events in Yanfu Continent had spread, whispering that the group sent by the Nanshan Royal Court to ambush Shi Chun couldn't stop him and even got counter-killed. He managed to squeeze several trillion Sandalwood Gold out from a group of experts, forcefully securing his position.

The lively debates among the people began, and some families with daughters were already looking to Lan Qiaoyan for information on Shi Chun, hearing she was familiar with him, revealing hints of choosing a son-in-law.

At the time, she felt comforted for Shi Chun, but didn't expect her husband to also entertain this idea.

Regaining her composure, she asked again, "You truly want Shi Chun as a son-in-law?"

Seeing her calm down, Miao Dingyi released her shoulders and walked to the window, where he fell silent.

Lan Qiaoyan followed to the window, and seeing no response, couldn't help but ask again, "Just tell me what you're thinking, give me a definitive answer, or I'll be anxious."

Miao Dingyi pondered, "I do have that thought, but the situation in the Heavenly Domain hasn't settled yet. If Manxi secures his position and stabilizes power, there will certainly be an account with Shi Chun, inevitably leading to contention, and the forces behind Manxi are not to be underestimated. I'm in charge of the business association and responsible for Nanshan, offering significant support isn't feasible, and the parties involved will not easily let go of that piece of territory in the Heavenly Domain. So, though I have the thought, the timing isn't ripe; not just anyone can marry my daughter, Miao Dingyi. If he reaches the position of Domain Master in the Heavenly Domain, he will be the best choice for my daughter's husband, and I wouldn't mind putting aside my dignity to propose to him personally."

"Domain Master? The Heavenly Domain's Domain Master?" Lan Qiaoyan laughed, jokingly scolding, "You really dare to dream. It would be good if he could sit on that position in three hundred years; my daughter can't wait hundreds of years."

Miao Dingyi: "I'm simply using it as a measuring metaphor. If he becomes the Domain Master of the Heavenly Domain, it indicates that all ties are sorted out, at least superficially, reducing the risk of violent conflict. I could entrust my daughter to him with peace of mind. However, last time he revealed certain thoughts to me; Dingxi and Dingbei Prefectures seem unwilling to concede. I disagree, although he closed the discussion, I suspect that he's a spirited horse, unwilling to swallow grievances or spit out the tempting fat. The current situation requires more observation before certainty."

Since he stated it clearly, Lan Qiaoyan sighed, "Ah, the Gong family's situation happened too suddenly. Xiao Lan always thought she would marry into the Gong family. Now with this sudden change, I'm afraid Xiao Lan might be upset."

Miao Dingyi: "These are minor matters, she will move past it. Find time to visit her."

At a teahouse near a lakeside pier, the disguised Shi Chun sat with the transformed Xiao Sheng at the same table, watching an exquisite large ship dock.

Soon, a group of people in obviously wealthy or noble attire emerged from a nearby luxurious pavilion, walked toward the grand ship.

Xiao Sheng scanned the people, eyeing one of the men, and whispered to Shi Chun, "He's here, the one in white embroidered with gold trim, it's the Manor Master of 'Green Rong Manor', Mu Anchang."

He was able to identify him because Shi Chun had dispatched him to gather relevant details about the target.

This Mu Anchang was no other than Lei Ying's testimony revealing the fake-death escapee Gong Yuanzhi, Gong Shaoci's father.

The reason Shi Chun was personally drawn in disguise to observe was due to recalling an incident when Gong Yuanzhi died on Li Huo Island, just as Gong Shaoci was seeking the 'Desolate Broken Blade'. As for its later role, he knew well; the Demon Path was eager to acquire it.

Thinking of this, Gong Yuanzhi's feigned death drew a link to the Demon Path in his mind, filling him with a chilling notion.

For this, he deployed Xiao Sheng to probe and confirm the target accurately; strangers approaching such inquiries might invite suspicion, while Xiao Sheng's Cultivation Technique specialty could best manage such risk.

With the general understanding of 'Green Rong Manor' and related target in place, Shi Chun directly aimed for the target, wishing to see this Manor Master for himself.

With Xiao Sheng's identification, Shi Chun activated his Right Eye Superpower and focused on the so-called Mu Anchang Mu Manor Master.

A group of people passed by the teahouse roadside, quite close, and Shi Chun's brow twitched, vividly seeing the Demon Essence within the target, confirming him as a Demon Cultivator!

This scene validated his guess and brought a significant shock to his heart; the son of the Minister Nanshan is someone from the Demon Path!

Following that, his gaze swiftly examined others within that group, continuing to search but found nothing else.

Once the group boarded the ship and it drifted away, Shi Chun got up and beckoned, "Let's go."

Xiao Sheng dropped the money and turned to leave.

The two returned to the Heavenly Domain, and Shi Chun directly sent a summons to Wu Jinliang and Tong Mingshan.

That evening, Wu and Tong arrived one after the other, and Young Master Nan was also invited.

It's quite convenient for Young Master Nan to come over; new opportunities for wealth abound everywhere in this treasured place, and he spends most of his time stationed here now.

Once the three were gathered, Feng Chi went to invite Shi Chun out.

"Master," Wu and Tong both stood up with a polite greeting, and Young Master Nan also happily stood and cupped his hands as a gesture.

It didn't use to be this way, but since taking the position of Commander here, everyone seems to be gradually adhering to regulations.

Shi Chun did not exchange pleasantries with them but directly walked up to them and announced, "Jinliang, Old Tong, upon returning, immediately make public the message: the two prefectures will emulate Dingnan Prefecture's method of population introduction, continuing with the offer of a free house. The incentive of 500 gold coins per person will be canceled, as those arriving now need no longer worry about finding work; the reputation from the initial commitment has been established here."

Wu Jinliang, Tong Mingshan, Young Master Nan, and the nearby Feng Chi were all shocked upon hearing this; for the two prefectures to emulate this introduction method requires financial support in the trillions.

Having knowledge of the Master's financial capabilities, Wu Jinliang's eyes flickered with hesitation. He would rather not serve as a Commander than empty his own wallet to fill this enormous void.

If he could stabilize this place for himself eternally, he would have no objections; he could fully invest from his own pocket for development.

But with steadfast land comes transient officials; should unforeseen circumstances arise, being reassigned or dismissed is entirely possible. He would rather enjoy endless wealth as a Carefree Marquis than risk it.

Shi Chun then addressed Young Master Nan, "Brother Nan, the method for introducing populations in the two prefectures remains unchanged, but we still need your shop's local branches to assist in posting notices and organizing once more. The construction of housing for the two prefectures is still up to your people to execute: it should commence quickly. With front-end credibility secured, the upfront investment for construction together in the two prefectures should pose no issue, right?"

Young Master Nan smiled bitterly, "With established credibility, naturally it's feasible to maneuver, but having both prefectures start together, are you sure you can truly gather such vast funds when the time comes? This breach is far greater than the previous Dingnan Prefecture; the larger the breach, the faster the death if unfilled."

Speaking this, he couldn't help but cover his face with his hands, shaking his head—the consequences he dared not envision further.

Shi Chun simply and decisively stated, "Do not worry about the money; I'll find a way."

Young Master Nan lowered his hands, his face still with a bitter smile, "What way—do you have certainty? Please don't tell me you'll mine in Yanfu Continent; that's absolutely impossible."

Wu Jinliang also advised, "Chun Tian, let's not rush—why not try one prefecture at a time first?"

"Yes, yes, that way it can be less pressured," Young Master Nan nodded repeatedly.

Wu Jinliang and Tong Mingshan also nodded along.

Only Feng Chi had confidence in Shi Chun, exhibiting no anxiety or opposition, looking curiously at Shi Chun; she believed that the Master's meticulously considered strategy would not have been presented without reason.

But Shi Chun shook his head, saying, "There's no time; over three years, more than one year has already passed. With the remaining time split into two batches, if issues arise, there's little room. We must proceed together; the two prefectures must resolve this in one effort, aiming to complete before Manxi and Dongguo Shou!"

Though he proceeded boldly, Young Master Nan found it hard to be inspired by the call; the numbers are simply too large, prompting Young Master Nan to press his hands together in plea, "Brother Chun, give us a hint—it's really too large a number; I need the base to responsibly explain to partners, or such a large figure can't simply be fabricated."

Seeing everyone so worried, Shi Chun thought for a moment, then asked, "Brother Nan, why don't we open up a bit, not stick to just one repayment method, is it necessary to repay debts only with money?"

Young Master Nan was taken aback, then quickly nodded repeatedly, "Yes, yes, goods can also be used to offset debt, what do you plan to use for offsetting?"

Shi Chun shook his head, "Offsetting doesn't necessarily require goods."

The group erupted in unanimous confusion in their gaze, Young Master Nan questioned, "Then what do we use to offset?"

Shi Chun countered, "Can we use business to offset?"

"..." The group was utterly puzzled.

Young Master Nan queried again, "What business?"

Shi Chun explained, "If debt can't be paid with money, we can introduce equivalent profit-generating business to offset the debt: countless profit-generating ventures exist globally, numerous large or small—that way of offsetting should work, right?"

Estimating tens of trillions in cash is impractical, even for a prominent family like the Gong family. Yet, lacking money, wielding 'influence' serves equally well, and discreetly distributed avoids attracting attention, quietly assimilated beneath surface level.