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Li Chen patiently "instructed" him: "Think carefully. If you pay an enormous ransom far beyond expectations, won't Heavenly Strategy see how sincere you are and release the prisoners more readily?

"And when those ransomed soldiers and their families learn that you spared no expense to save them, won't they be profoundly grateful and feel they owe their very lives to you?

"When that happens, how unbreakable will their loyalty be? Isn't that investment worthwhile?"

Sergei suddenly saw the light and slapped his thigh. "Brilliant! Master, you're truly brilliant! Your disciple was a fool! But doubling the ransom would require an enormous sum. I simply can't come up with that much." Embarrassment returned to his face.

Li Chen's tone grew colder, carrying a hint of temptation. "Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures. Mobilize every resource at your disposal. Borrow, divert funds, even secretly 'borrow for a while' some valuables from the treasury in your father's domain.

"Don't fear your father finding out. Once you successfully take the grand duke's seat, the entire domain will be yours. What will you need to explain to him then? All of this is a necessary investment in your future!"

A ruthless glint flashed through Sergei's eyes, and he nodded firmly. "You're right, Master! Those who achieve great things don't fuss over trifles! I'll go find a way to raise the funds immediately! As for ransoming the prisoners, I'll leave it entirely to you, Master, to speak with the Emperor of Heavenly Strategy on my behalf!"

"Mm. Leave this matter to your master." Li Chen agreed calmly.

Sergei knelt and kowtowed again, moved to tears of gratitude. His gratitude and admiration for his master had reached an unsurpassable height.

He felt incredibly fortunate to have met a master whose power reached the heavens, yet who also