Chapter 128: Aftermath 2

The next morning, at dawn.

Just as Zhu Yu had finished waking up, Murong Fu appeared before him, sporting a pair of dark circles under his eyes.

"I have agreed to your demands. In two months, you will see my cousin in your imperial palace. When will the resources you promised arrive?"

Murong Fu was no longer bothering with pleasantries; his face was as cold as frost. Zhu Yu had anticipated this attitude, but he was curious about the dark circles under Murong Fu's eyes. He strongly suspected that Murong Fu had drawn them on himself. He did not believe that someone as self-serving as Murong Fu would have spent the entire night agonizing over a deal that was so clearly to his benefit.

"Those who adapt to circumstances are wise, and I believe you are destined for great things. As for the resources? You seem to have misunderstood. What I said last night was that once you launch your campaign against the Wu Dynasty or the Khitan, I will exert military pressure or provide support as your auxiliary force to help you achieve your strategic goals. If you require my help even to approach the Ming Cult, then I really should reconsider the words I spoke last night.

"Start by making contact with the Ming Cult yourself. As for the specifics, have Wang Yuyan convey them when she enters the palace; I will make my judgment then. Furthermore, I must say this in advance: although I have taken a fancy to your cousin, I have not used coercion, and I hope you will not either. If I were truly going to use force, I would have no need for you."

Although Murong Fu was furious at Zhu Yu’s words, he could accept them. What he found truly intolerable was the final remark. *What is this? Wanting to be a whore while demanding a memorial arch for chastity? You want to play the saint? I want to be a saint too! If I don't use some underhanded methods, how am I supposed to make Wang Yuyan willing to participate in the selection and enter the palace as a concubine? Keep dreaming.*

"I cannot fulfill this last request. How like someone of your high station—truly believing that every problem can be solved with a single word? Or do you think my cousin is some loose woman? You would have been better off just taking her by force when you left."

After Murong Fu finished his sarcastic retort, he felt a bit better.

"What is this tone? Ridiculous! You are the first person who has dared to speak to me like that. Do you think that because a task is difficult, it should be abandoned? Do you fancy yourself a martyr doing a good deed? Think clearly: you are only sacrificing one Wang Yuyan, but do I need to spell out what you will gain in return?

"You complain to me that it is difficult? If you cannot even handle this small matter, what use are you? Still want to restore your nation? You’d be better off trying to father a good son and passing down your ancestral teachings; perhaps then there might be a chance of success."

Zhu Yu was not adept at comforting people, but he was a master at disparaging them. If it weren't for the fact that Murong Fu couldn't understand modern slang or vulgarities, Zhu Yu could have driven him to suicide with his verbal assault. Seeing Murong Fu’s complexion turn a sickly shade of green, Zhu Yu felt quite satisfied.

"Do not think I am begging you to do this; these are the conditions of our trade. You may also view it as an order. Regardless of your thoughts, Wang Yuyan is the prerequisite for this deal. In two months, if I do not see her in the palace, this transaction is voided, and you shall never again set foot in the Jing Dynasty, provided you value your life. Even if she enters the palace in two months, if I discover she is not there of her own volition, then when you eventually ask for my military assistance to build your power, the pay for my troops will be calculated separately."

"That is not what you said yesterday."

Hearing that the situation had changed, Murong Fu, who had finally steeled his resolve, felt his composure crumble.

"Tsk, your Gusu Murong clan has quite a few hidden family assets. How do you usually handle your business?" Zhu Yu ignored his question, instead asking something entirely unrelated.

Although Murong Fu was puzzled, he answered. "Hmph, the ways of merchants are not for a gentleman. The Murong family's industries are mostly managed by my retainers, Deng Baichuan and Gongye Qian."

*Beautiful.* Murong Fu’s words were so ridiculous that Zhu Yu almost wanted to applaud him. Throughout the story of *Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils*, Murong Fu’s life was a tragedy, yet in his previous life, many—Zhu Yu included—felt that the fault did not lie entirely with him. His tragedy began at birth, fueled by various factors.

But looking at it from the perspective of this world, the Murong Fu before him was a complete blockhead. He shouted slogans about restoring the nation to the heavens, yet in reality, he lacked any true understanding of management. Later, he would kill his own loyal retainer, Bao Tong, causing the foundation left by his father, Murong Bo, to vanish into thin air.

In terms of worldly wisdom, Murong Fu was over twenty, yet he hadn't made a single genuine friend. He was not even remotely comparable to his father. Without mentioning the controversial Kumārajīva, consider how Murong Bo, before his faked death, used nothing but a single letter to lead over twenty martial arts masters—including the Abbot of Shaolin—around by the nose, driving them to their deaths at Yanmen Pass.

And Murong Fu? The title "Southern Murong" was something accumulated by generations of his family. Yet he acted as if he had earned it himself, looking down on everyone in the martial arts world. He even dared to compare himself to Qiao Feng? Qiao Feng toyed with ordinary master-level fighters, so where did Murong Fu get the gall to compare himself? He was like a fool; Zhu Yu suspected that without the four retainers left by his father, Murong Fu wouldn't have survived this long.

Though Zhu Yu had spent a long time mocking him in his mind, in reality, only a few seconds had passed.

"I have no responsibility to teach you. I have said all that needs to be said; whether you act is up to you. I will wait for your choice in two months. By the way, I am leaving tomorrow. I’m telling you now so you don't have to worry. Also, if you truly intend to follow my instructions, make contact with the Ming Cult as soon as possible. Don't fear the expense. Ideally, you should aim to enter the upper echelons of the cult—the kind with real power."

Zhu Yu saw Murong Fu standing before him, silent and vacant-eyed, lost in thought. Not wanting to waste any more time, Zhu Yu said, "If there is nothing else, you may go. If you are confused about anything, seek out those four—Deng Baichuan and Gongye Qian. Consult them; they are at least somewhat intelligent."

"Young Master Murong, please leave."

Seeing that Zhu Yu was dismissing him, yet Murong Fu remained motionless, Jiang Yuyan stepped out from the inner room to physically usher him out. Her actions startled the dazed Murong Fu. He looked at Zhu Yu twice, opened his mouth as if to speak, but ultimately said nothing, turned around, and walked away.