806: Chapter 60: Pure Thoughts (Extra for Alliance Hierarch Riding South on an Ox) 806: Chapter 60: Pure Thoughts (Extra for Alliance Hierarch Riding South on an Ox) In the heart of Warm Jade Pavilion, Jiang Wang sat upright in solemn contemplation.
Opposite him were only Jiang Wuji and two beautiful maids; Qin Li, the renowned owner of the building, was not present.
“Jiang Wang has co here to ask Your Highness for a favor.”
Jiang Wang looked at the Ninth Prince of Daqi before him, his expression serious, “It concerns the Diao Hai Building.”
“Oh?” Jiang Wuji’s face showed great interest.
Seeing that he indeed allowed the two maids to listen in, instead of routinely winning people over, Jiang Wang then said, “I want to save soone during the sea ritual at Diao Hai Building on April 4th.”
Jiang Wuji paused, seemingly doubting whether he had heard it correctly.
But the expression and deanor of Jiang Wang bore no hint of jest.
After a mont, he shook his head and chuckled, “I knew, if Jiang Qingyang sought , it wouldn’t be sothing simple; but I never expected sothing this far from simple.”
Jiang Wang did not reply, quietly waiting for what he would say next.
“Do you know?
After learning that you specifically ca to visit, I was delighted.
I was ready, willing to fulfill any request you might have, as long as it was within my power, because I believe in you, I really do!”
Jiang Wuji’s gaze was earnest, “When you beco famous, the whole world is your admirer.
But when you are obscure and naless, who values you?
I’m not like those who co because of your reputation; I knew back in Seven Stars Valley that you would one day shake the world.”
Jiang Wang felt compelled to speak, “I am humbled by Your Highness’s deep affection.”
“No no no, I am very cautious, very strict.” Jiang Wuji’s face, gentle and handso, bore a compelling sincerity when he was serious.
He said, “I have crossed hands with Wang Yiwu and Lei Zhanqian, so I know how remarkable it is for you to have defeated them with your equal cultivation.”
Saying this, he paused, then asked, “What is the person’s na?
What is their status?
How important is this person to you?”
Jiang Wuji might be frivolous and not sweat the small stuff, but without doubt, he possessed enough political talent, or else he would not have secured his current position amidst the fierce competition of the Qi Royal Family.
He might appear as soone who acts on personal whims, but a person guided solely by whims could never approach the Dragon Throne of Daqi.
So even though he deeply cared for Jiang Wang, and his sentints were genuine, he needed to know clearly what he would have to give and what he would gain.
This weighing of gains versus losses was the final reason for his decision.
Only such a man was fit to vie for the throne.
“Zhu Bijing,” Jiang Wang said.
“She is a disciple of the Diao Hai Building, an apprentice to Granny Bizhu, an elder there, and is now dismissed.
As for her importance…
she is my good friend, and the reason she’s in her current predicant is because she tried to save .”
“Hai Zongming?” Jiang Wuji raised an eyebrow.
Without needing to say more, just this na indicated that he understood the incident of Jiang Wang counter-killing Hai Zongming, and had already thought through the events.
Jiang Wang nodded slightly, affirming Jiang Wuji’s thoughts.
“Within the entire Diao Hai Building, amongst the twenty-four elders with real power, people co and go, but positions do not change.
Despite Hai Zongming being the least powerful, he is nonetheless the face of Diao Hai Building.
Zhu Bijing’s insubordination and ‘eating out from inside’ is a capital cri in any power, especially since even her own master has abandoned her.”
Jiang Wuji analyzed unemotionally, “Zhen Xuan Sheng must have told you about the importance of the sea ritual.”
“I am very aware of how difficult this matter is, and there aren’t many in Linzi capable of participating,” Jiang Wang added modestly, “Otherwise I would not have needed to seek Your Highness.”
“I really want to help you, Jiang Qingyang, I truly want to be friends with you,” Jiang Wuji said earnestly.
“But there are too many people in Yangxin Palace relying on for their livelihoods, their very lives hanging upon .
With such a heavy burden, every step is difficult.
I can’t make any decision lightly.”
“I completely understand,” Jiang Wang sighed inwardly, realizing again the difficulty of rescuing soone from Diao Hai Building.
He honestly stated, “If Your Highness could help with this matter, I will faithfully deliver whatever paynt is due, and I will be eternally grateful.
If Your Highness cannot assist , I will also understand, with neither resentnt nor complaints.”
Jiang Wuji seed to think it over, finally making up his mind; he looked straight into Jiang Wang’s eyes, “I can help you, but I also need you to help , to wholeheartedly assist .”
“There are no free lunches in the world.
Since I’ve shalessly asked Your Highness for help, I am naturally prepared to reciprocate,” Jiang Wang said earnestly.
“As long as Your Highness helps save Zhu Bijing, I promise here to forever stand by Your Highness in the succession struggle of Daqi, to support Your Highness unto the Dragon Throne!”
He rembered Chongxuan Sheng’s advice and straightaway touched on the topic most likely to sway Jiang Wuji’s heart.
However, Jiang Wuji shook his head.
“I hold you in high regard; therefore, I do not hesitate to wager all my overseas operations.
What I want is not the outco of a particular incident at a particular ti.”
He earnestly stated, “Jiang Qing, I want your loyalty.”
“Loyalty?” Jiang Wang asked.
“The loyalty I speak of ans that even if Zhongxuan Sheng stands before us, you must still stand by my side.
Of course, I respect you imnsely and would not let such a situation arise.
Your talent and character exceed the ordinary, and you are the arm I have always sought.
Therefore, I need your loyalty, Jiang Qing.”
Jiang Wuji passionately said, “In return, in the future under my rule, the vast lands of Daqi will have a place for you, whether as a duke or marquis, perhaps even hereditarily!”
His expression so fervent, it made one completely believe in his vision.
The scene of him ascending to supre power, dominating the world, seed just within reach.
His promise was also very tangible, his gaze incredibly serious, which made it very difficult to doubt his sincerity.
But Jiang Wang simply stood up, slightly nodded his head as a gesture of respect: “Excuse my intrusion.”
He turned around and left.
In seeking out Jiang Wuji, he was not unprepared to make sacrifices.
This was, after all, a transaction.
He had his terms, and he had his limits.
If they could negotiate, he would even try his utmost to negotiate, but if lines were crossed, there was no reason to hesitate.
Jiang Wuji’s attitude was very clear, as was his.
He needed Jiang Wuji’s help and was willing to help Jiang Wuji fight for the dragon.
But binding his entire life under Jiang Wuji’s command was impossible.
“Brother Qingyang!” Jiang Wuji called from behind: “Though the deal is not struck…
our friendship remains!
You can always rember that Yangxin Palace is forever willing to offer you terms.”
Jiang Wang turned back, clasped his hands in a salute: “Your Highness, rest assured.
Although we have no bonds of grace, we bear no grudges either.
The scenery here is uniquely beautiful; my visit today has been very satisfying.
I take my leave.”
His back straight and wide, he departed decisively, soon disappearing at the end of the water corridor.
His countenance was calm throughout, truly bearing no trace of bitterness or favor.
And that pie in the sky of ancestral dukedoms failed to stir him in the least.
“It seems you don’t understand him,”
a pleasant voice ca from another water corridor.
A woman dressed in a snow-colored Daoist robe appeared in the line of sight.
Or rather, she had been there all along, simply eluding the vision.
The robe was expansive but still couldn’t completely hide her impressive figure.
She spoke nonchalantly but still faced away from the pavilion by the water, just watching the undisturbed calm water surface.
“Xiaosi~”
Jiang Wuji got up from his couch, walked a few steps behind the woman, and gently encircled her soft waist, his face breaking into a smile: “Today was quite the day; we finally t Jiang Qingyang.
How about it?
How’s my judgent?”
The master of the Warm Jade Pavilion, Qin Li, was indeed nicknad Xiaosi.
Not many knew this nickna, but Jiang Wuji was one of the few who could use it.
…
…
(I’ve added five princes and princesses of the Qi Royal Family to the character cards at once.
After I finish, I’ll see who is more popular, as a kind of character developnt experint.)
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