Connections

The magnificence of the Xinling Gong's mansion needs no further description. Moreover, the residence of a first-class duke is naturally a first-class Immortal Palace, basically a paradise on earth, a floating fairy island. In addition to gardens and pavilions, there are lakes for boating. It is probably the kind of luxurious place like the Duke's mansion or the Grand View Garden described by Hong Bi Meng.

Li Fan didn't understand this either, so he just copied a couple of sentences and left it to everyone to figure out for themselves.

It is said that,

Deep within the palace, high towers rise into the purple aura, golden dragons coil around embroidered pillars.

A beautiful woman plays with the sun by the window, her fingers moving like hand gestures as she plucks the strings of her zither.

As we sailed from Tianchi to Penglai, the towering boats were jostled by the surging waves.

Three thousand pairs of moths offer songs and laughter, while the palace is overturned by the sound of bells and drums.

Xuan Tian said, "... I didn't realize you were so cultured..."

Shame on me, shame on me. If you're thick-skinned, you don't feel the shame of plagiarism; in fact, you might even feel a little good about it... Of course, there are a few more lines at the end, like "All people gather to dance and sing of peace," and "Your Majesty's sagacious name will be remembered for ages," but I won't mention them. They're inappropriate for this situation.

"Wuji Gongzi you been? I, Qingyue, happen to be passing by your residence and would like to ask for a cup of wine."

"Oh my, Brother Qingyue has come to visit! I am overjoyed! Come, come, let me do my best to be a good host. Let's drink until we drop!"

With eunuchs and maids rushing over, carrying his boots, Bei Gong Bei Gong Wuji quickly changed into a set of splendid clothes. Then, he pulled Li Fan into the Immortal Palace, boarded the dragon boat, and floated on the celestial pool, drinking together.

He ostensibly asked for a drink, but no sooner had he sat down than the eunuchs directed a throng of servants and maids to serve him delicacies—hundreds of dishes in total—to set out the feast. And you know what? These servants were truly professional, efficient, and graceful, raising the bar for the average attractive person Li Fan had ever seen. No wonder it's the Three Palaces; their tertiary industry is really developed...

"Wuji Gongzi Qingyue. I am truly unworthy of such hospitality."

Bei Gong Wuji interrupted Li Fan with a smile, saying, "Brother Qingyue, please don't say that. These useless fellows are always in a panic, and all they can offer is this. I'm truly ashamed. Please forgive my poor performance."

The eunuch knelt on the ground, smiling obsequiously, "My lord, please forgive me. It's not mealtime yet, and I can't prepare a palace banquet to entertain our distinguished guests. I can only offer some snacks and cold dishes. The kitchen will be ready in a little while. Please don't take offense, Your Majesty. The main dishes have already been prepared and will be here shortly. Please have some cold dishes to tide you over."

Holy crap, is this supposed to be steamed phoenix? How can this even be considered a cold dish?

Li Fan quickly picked up the plum wine brought by the maid to calm his nerves. Oh! This plum wine is really good! Sweet and sour, refreshing and invigorating, so sweet...

Xuan Tian said, "He rinsed his mouth and then spat it out."

Li Fan, "... Pfft."

After rinsing his mouth, washing his hands, and wiping his face, in the short time it took, a serving fairy maid presented Li Fan with the Phoenix Eyes, Qilin Hoof, Black Tortoise, Golden Carp Tail, and a ginseng fruit, and then served him a portion of each, brewed into a soup with fairy wine.

Xuan Tian said, "Heh, Five Saints Tea, they actually gave you the honor of being a duke or marquis. Swallow it all, otherwise people will think you're being disrespectful and laugh at you for not knowing how to be virtuous."

Xuan Tian, why are you so skilled at this...?

Although the phoenix's eyeballs were quite frightening, Li Fan had eaten all sorts of things before, so he drank it all in one gulp.

Bei Gong Wuji indeed all smiles, and the eunuch, wiping away cold sweat, shamelessly served him wine.

"Qingyue is True Cultivator who has attained enlightenment. She didn't come to my residence just for a drink, did she? Is there something she wants to ask Wuji? Please speak freely. Wuji is a man who likes to travel, and I'm afraid no one knows more about the affairs of the Three Realms than I do!"

"Wuji Gongzi is straightforward. Qingyue is a wild woman from the mountains, so he spoke frankly about his request. Actually..."

Li Fan was about to ask for silk directly, but when he noticed the eunuch next to him listening intently, he suddenly remembered what Xuan Tian had said earlier, "If others guess what you're thinking, you're doomed." So he kept a watchful eye on him, and before he could finish speaking, he changed his words to something else entirely.

"... Actually, the reason I came to visit the Grand Tutor is because I killed the Blood God Child in the north and was awarded the title of Guan Nei Hou within the Pass for my meritorious service."

Bei Gong Wuji, as expected, was well-informed and not at all surprised. He smiled and offered a toast, saying, "Congratulations on becoming the Guan Nei Hou! Are you looking for a manor to reside in?"

Li Fan shook his head and sighed, "I also live in a few mountains in the south, so this is unnecessary. In fact, the Grand Tutor originally wanted to grant me the title of Marquis Che, but I was young and ignorant and thought that three characters were better than two characters, so I changed it to the nineteenth-rank Guan Nei Hou of Marquis Guannei. Later, I heard from others that this difference of one rank is a world of difference!"

"The Guan Nei Hou is not only the lowest rank of marquis, but also without any fiefdom or territory. I regret it! But I am to be enfeoffed tomorrow, and the Grand Tutor is very busy. So I would like to ask Wuji Gongzi if there is any room for negotiation, to add another first or second rank to my title?"

Even though Bei Gong Wuji experience, he was momentarily speechless upon hearing such a strange request. He turned to his trusted aide and asked, "I was born into the imperial family and was immediately granted the title of Duke. I am unaware of the concept of hereditary titles and marquises. Who is in charge of this matter? Can it be promoted a rank?"

The surrounding eunuchs and maids were completely dumbfounded. The chief eunuch serving Xinling Gong also looked embarrassed, probably cursing inwardly where this country bumpkin had come from, suddenly appearing out of nowhere and causing all this trouble. After thinking for a moment, he reluctantly answered.

"In reply to your question, my Guan Nei Hou, there is indeed a significant discrepancy. The title of Marquis within the Passes is a nominal one, and with the Taiwei Yuan Tutor's instructions, the Imperial Palace simply handles it. The matters concerning the court visits of the various princes and marquises are managed by the Dahonglu, but the title of Marquis of the Palace requires a petition to the Ziwei Yuan for its conferment. If you were to interfere, I'm afraid..."

Bei Gong Wuji frowned now. It seemed he really hadn't expected that Li Fan would throw one of the few things he couldn't handle in the Three Realms right away. If he said he was powerless to help now, he would lose face.

Li Fan also put on a pleading expression and said, "I know this matter is a bit tricky, but I think Wuji Gongzi must have connections in the palace, so perhaps I can ask him for advice."

Of course, Brother Wuji, there's no need for you to get involved in this matter. I just need you to introduce me, or simply tell me a few names and where they live, and I'll handle the negotiations myself."

Bei Gong Wuji, then smiled and offered a toast, saying, "This matter is actually not difficult. I still hold the honorary title of Imperial Guard at the Guanglu Temple of Yulin Lang. I will personally accompany Brother Qingyue to the Taiwei Yuan Palace to inquire about the regulations from the Dahonglu."

"Oh dear, look at this mess! How can we possibly leave? When are we going to go?"

Li Fan was eagerly anticipating the trip, and Bei Gong Wuji was happy to act as his guide, taking him on a day trip to Taiwei Yuan.

Since the decision had been made, the eunuchs had no choice but to get to work again, directing the servants and maids to take away the dozens of dishes of palace banquet that had just been served, and hurriedly preparing the carriages for Xinling Gong's journey.

This trip was a spur-of-the-moment decision; I just wanted to take Taiwei Yuan and keep everything simple.

Leading the way was a Nascent Soul General, carrying the banner of a First-Class Duke, riding a tall horse in the lead, followed by twenty-four heavily armored golden cavalrymen, each carrying a banner of a mythical beast such as the Bixie, Jade Horse, Yellow Dragon, Qilin, Dragon Horse, Triangular Beast, Black Tortoise, and Golden Ox, clearing the way for the enemy.

In the center, eight five-colored divine oxen pulled the fragrant carriage, accompanied by two Nascent Soul Stage Captains who stood close by. Twelve female attendants served on the carriage, and forty-eight strongmen lined up in two rows below to protect the emperor.

Behind them was a captain from the Duke's mansion, leading a hundred Armored Soldier dressed in infantry armor, arranged in four rows, each carrying a halberd, sword and shield, bow and arrow, and crossbow, following behind a five-colored oxcart as a rearguard.

In fact, it wouldn't take long to get from the Xinling Gong to Taiwei Yuan; the journey would be over in the time it takes for a procession to arrive. However, Li Fan now understood the way the Immortal Palace operated, so he wasn't in a hurry. There was no point in rushing. He simply followed the carriage, drinking with Bei Gong Wuji while inquiring about the details of Taiwei Yuan.

Taiwei Yuan can be considered the government of the Immortal Palace. Li Fan continued to pretend to be a wild man from the mountains, unsophisticated and interested in the various new terms such as the Three Dukes and Nine Ministers. He asked the eunuchs who followed him what the official positions of those such as Dahonglu, Guanglu Temple, and Yulin Lang were and what their duties were. At the same time, he subtly and carefully steered the conversation toward his real purpose.

"So the Taipu Temple is responsible for tending horses for the Immortal Venerable? The Bima Wen Heavenly Horses?"

The attending eunuch respectfully replied, "Yes, Your Majesty, such a position does exist, but it belongs to the Imperial Stables of the Inner Court within the Ziwei Yuan. The Taipu Temple not only manages the carriages and horses of the Immortal Palace, but also the dragons, phoenixes, luan birds, unicorns, golden oxen, and all sorts of mythical birds and beasts are cared for and raised by the Taipu Temple Stables."

Bei Gong Wuji chimed in, "It's a pity we can't raise dragons anymore. Alas, the Immortal Palace's most powerful dragon-taming technique has been lost. We can only ride in oxcarts now. What a shame..."

Oh, what's wrong? An oxcart isn't enough for you, you want to ride in a dragon carriage? Are you still resentful about being relegated to the rank of a first-class duke?

Li Fan glanced at Bei Gong, and the eunuch immediately noticed and quickly tried to salvage the situation, saying, "The Dragon Repository got involved in some old matters and is gone. The remaining dragons are now being used in the Ziwei Yuan. Only the imperial heir can travel in the Nine Dragon Carriage. How can we, as his subjects, overstep our bounds?"

However, dragon meat is truly a rare delicacy, and it is of great benefit to the Immortal Venerable's body-refining method. With the Lord's talent, if he had a true dragon to assist him, breaking through to the Immortal King realm would be just around the corner. It's such a pity."

Bei Gong Wuji nodded, "Yes, I've been craving it for so long."

Yes, it did taste pretty good; no wonder it went extinct...

Li Fan glanced at the eunuch, but didn't delve into it. He simply asked, "Speaking of the strongest beast-taming techniques, I've heard that the Wanyu of the Immortal Palace is the most unparalleled in the world, and it's also under the jurisdiction of the Taipu Temple, right?"

Unexpectedly, these people from the Immortal Palace were quite sensitive. Upon hearing the word "Celestial Silkworm," the eunuch immediately fell silent, and the carriage went quiet for a moment.

Bei Gong Wuji shook his head indifferently, "Immortal Silkworm? Oh, the Weaving Bureau. The Weaving Bureau is a bit complicated. Silkworms are profitable, after all. The Court of Imperial Taipu Temple, the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, the Guanglu Temple, the Grand Minister of Agriculture, Imperial Household Department Minister of the Imperial Household Department, Inner Court Heavenly Clothes Supervisor all fought over it back then. Everyone wanted to bring the Weaving Bureau under their control. Where did the Grand Tutor assign it now?"

Only after his young master asked the question did the eunuch cautiously reply, "It was Lord Sikong who personally took on the role."

"Oh, the Grand Commandant, the Minister of Education, and the Minister of Agriculture are the three highest officials under the Grand Tutor, in charge of military, political, and financial affairs respectively. It is quite appropriate to assign the Weaving Bureau to the Minister of Agriculture for direct management."

Bei Gong Wuji, worried that Li Fan might not understand, explained a few words and then casually asked, "But I remember that Kun Country suffered a great defeat, and the Three Dukes resigned to take responsibility, right? Who is the new Minister of Works?"

"It is Yangxiang Marquis, Minister Wang..." The eunuch, seeing that his master had not yet reacted, added somewhat awkwardly, "It is Grand Master for Palace Entertainments, Right Deputy of the Department of State Affairs."

"Ah? It's him?" Bei Gong Wuji's face stiffened instantly. He smiled bitterly and said to Li Fan, "That old Wang is indeed the Grand Tutor's trusted confidant, his right-hand man. In a way, he's my superior. Oh well!"

Li Fan was secretly delighted. "Doesn't that mean the Weaving Bureau has now fallen into the hands of the Guanglu Temple? With such a huge profit margin in silk, doesn't Wuji Gongzi have any interest? What's the point?"

Bei Gong Wuji smile, "Brother Qingyue, you don't know this, but this old Wang is an upright and impartial official. He's too stubborn, and he's determined to reduce the stipends for my clan. He's always pointing fingers and criticizing the extravagance of the dukes and marquises. I haven't shown my face at the Court of Guanglu Temple Sacrifices for a long time because I'm too lazy to deal with him. I never expected that he would be promoted to Minister of Works. It seems he'll be looking for trouble to reduce the power of the princes every few days. What bad luck!"

Upon hearing this, Li Fan frowned. "This Minister Wang is actually an incorruptible person. He doesn't even give face to relatives and nobles, so he probably won't make exceptions or pull strings for others... It's really quite suitable for someone like him to manage such a national treasure as Immortal Silk..."

Bei Gong Wuji laughed and said, "What, Brother Qingyue, do you also want to buy silk?"

Li Fan sighed, "We cultivators who refine Qi Refinement Stage are most lacking in such Heavenly Treasure. Of course, we are tempted by them for making talismans and crafting weapons. I just heard that the Weaving Bureau has fallen under the Guanglu Temple's control, and I was hoping to Wuji Gongzi to take me for a visit. But after hearing how strict and unreasonable you say that Minister Wang, I'd better not. I don't want to cause you any trouble."

Bei Gong Wuji also sighed, "Alas, Brother Qingyue, in fact, we princes and nobles can all have priority to select silk from the Weaving Bureau to make clothes. If you had come to me a few months earlier, I would have taken you to select a batch of the finest immortal silk. What harm would that have done?"

But that old man is really... tsk, he's completely impervious to reason, neither soft nor hard, you can't scold or beat him, he's so annoying, and he's always looking for trouble with our clansmen. Now that he's interfered, Wuji really can't help him."

Li Fan frowned as well, surprised that Lord Xinling was so unconventional, able to choose any fairy silk he wanted. But his regret over missing the opportunity was less than the sudden bow of the eunuch beside him.

"Master, my lord, perhaps there is still a chance now."

"Huh?" "You mean buy silk?" Li Fan and Bei Gong Wuji n't help but look over.

The eunuch explained, "Master, please forgive me. I have known the officials on duty at the Weaving Bureau for a long time and have also made several sworn brothers with them. I heard that the court has changed the Yangxiang Marquis to concurrently manage the Weaving Bureau. They all feel that they will not be able to stay in the government office in the future. They want to find an opportunity to make a fortune one last time and then retire to their hometown."

"If Your Majesty desires the celestial silk, I can arrange it, but unfortunately, the raw silk from the Weaving Bureau is to be transported to the Tianshi Yuan for bidding tonight..."

Bei Gong Wuji was taken aback. "Oh dear, what a coincidence! The matter of Marquis Che is about to end... Brother Qingyue, what's your choice?"

Li Fan quickly suppressed a laugh and said with a 'helpless' expression, "Since that's the case, I think the title of Guan Nei Hou is not bad either. It sounds nice. Let's not make a fuss over a first-class title. Thank you for your trouble, young master. Let's go pick out some raw silk instead."

Bei Gong Wuji didn't care. "Alright, Zhang Rang, you take Brother Qingyue to choose. Since we're already here, I'll go to the Guanglu Temple and have a fight with that old man to kill time and prevent him from ruining things."

"Thank you for your help, Brother Wuji!"

So Bei Gong Wuji's carriage went straight into Taiwei Yuan, while Li Fan followed the eunuch Zhang Rang and got off halfway, shuttling between the Immortal Palace and pavilions.

You know what, this eunuch Zhang Rang, although he was just a piece of trash with a Fake Nascent Soul cultivation, actually managed to bring Li Fan, a complete stranger, straight into the palace, through dangerous passes and secret realms. He could chat and laugh with the immortal generals, imperial guards, eunuchs, and palace maids guarding the passes, calling them brothers. Sometimes others would give him gifts, and sometimes he would give gifts to others, but everyone always greeted him with smiles, treating him like a friend or brother.

Who knows, this guy might actually be the one with the real 'connections' in the Xinling County Duke...