Chapter 466 - 403: Profound Embryo

Chapter 466: Chapter 403: Profound Embryo

Doubts swarmed in Gao Changhe’s mind.

He absolutely refused to believe the Governor would be so generous.

’Could it be... he thinks the embankment project is too risky?’

’If, as Duan Ruhui said, improper construction led to a breach, the Court would investigate, and no one could escape the blame.’

’So he wants to push a Chief Merchant to the forefront, then rake in profits by controlling the supply of key materials like stone and timber?’

With this speculation in mind, Gao Changhe immediately said, "Lord Governor, this humble official is grateful for your consideration. Liyang indeed has many scholars, gentry, and merchants, but... rebuilding the embankment will require a colossal amount of stone.

Liyang itself lacks stone and must import it from places like Xiangzhou and Wuzhou. The procurement and transport of this stone... is not something local merchants can easily accomplish. I wonder if the Governor could recommend a reliable stone merchant or two for Liyang? That way, this humble official would have a better grasp of the situation and could choose the best option."

His words were tactful, but he was actually testing Xu Yuanzhi’s intentions.

However, Xu Yuanzhi’s reaction once again defied his expectations.

The Lord Governor simply waved his hand, his tone casual. "Unnecessary. I have already said that the construction will be left entirely in the hands of the scholars, gentry, and merchants. Where the stone comes from, how it’s transported, how much it costs—those are all matters for the contractor to consider. The Duke and I will not interfere."

’Not interfere at all?’

Gao Changhe found it even more unbelievable.

He hesitated for a moment, a difficult expression on his face. "Lord Governor, you see things clearly. While Liyang has many merchants, scholars, and gentry, those with the actual resources and experience to single-handedly undertake such a massive project are few and far between.

This humble official has not been in Liyang for long and may not have a thorough understanding of the local situation. This matter is of great importance. I must discuss it in detail with County Captain Zhao and Governor Xiao and investigate the capabilities of each family before I can make a recommendation. I ask the Governor to grant me some more time."

Xu Yuanzhi remained noncommittal. He neither hurried him nor objected, simply picking up his teacup and taking a slow, leisurely sip.

After a moment, as if remembering something, Xu Yuanzhi looked up at Gao Changhe, his tone shifting to one of casual conversation. "By the way, my party and I are staying in this private residence of the Chen Mansion. The Chen Family... they don’t have any objections, do they?"

Gao Changhe froze, a flicker of understanding in his eyes.

’Could it be that the ones Xu Yuanzhi and the Duke of England truly favor are the Chen Family?’

He immediately replied, "For the Duke and the Governor to grace the Chen Mansion with their presence is the Chen Family’s greatest honor. It makes our humble home shine with splendor. The entire family is nothing but grateful and overjoyed; how could they possibly have the slightest objection?"

Xu Yuanzhi said, "Oh," as if it were just a passing question, then continued, "Since we are imposing on them, we should thank them in person. Who is the one in charge of the Chen Family in Liyang right now? We can express our gratitude to them face-to-face at the banquet tonight."

Gao Changhe replied, "To the Duke and the Governor, the Patriarch of the Chen Family, Chen Li, happens to be in Liyang City right now."

Hearing this, Xu Yuanzhi turned to the Duke of England, a questioning look on his face.

The Duke of England had been sitting to the side the entire time, his eyes closed as if in meditation. He opened them now, clearly impatient with Xu Yuanzhi’s roundabout way of speaking.

His personality was forthright and his actions decisive. He spoke directly, "Governor Xu, since we’ve already decided, just say it plainly."

He looked at Gao Changhe, his voice booming like a great bell. "Governor Xu and I have already discussed it. The matter of rebuilding the Lishui River embankment will be entrusted to the Chen Family. Since the Patriarch of the Chen Family is in Liyang, you will send someone to invite him here. We will assign this task to him personally."

’Entrusted to the Chen Family? It’s just as I thought!’

A sharp glint flashed in Gao Changhe’s eyes. He bowed and replied, "Yes, this humble official understands. I will go and make the arrangements at once."

"Wait."

He had just turned to leave when the Duke of England stopped him again. He quickly turned back. "Does the Duke have any other commands?"

The Duke of England’s brow furrowed slightly, his sharp gaze fixed on Gao Changhe. "Where is the Water-Participating Ape? This Duke has arrived in Liyang. Why has he not come to report?"

Gao Changhe’s heart first tightened with tension, then leaped with joy.

He was tense because the Duke of England had, as expected, asked about this matter.

He was joyful because this was the matter Chen Li had instructed him on. He had been planning to find an opportunity to report it, but the discussion about the embankment had interrupted him, and he hadn’t found the right moment.

He immediately bowed and answered, "Your Grace, the Water-Participating Ape Star Monarch... is not in Liyang at the moment."

The Duke of England’s eyes narrowed. "Where did he go?"

Gao Changhe immediately relayed the explanation Chen Li had given him beforehand, and also took the opportunity to report the rumors about the Kao Mountain Cliff Little World.

Upon hearing this, the Duke of England’s expression changed dramatically. His fingers tightened unconsciously, and with a CRACK, he crushed the teacup in his hand.

Tea splashed out, but he seemed completely unaware.

He shot to his feet, his gaze like lightning, staring fixedly at Gao Changhe. His voice was filled with suppressed urgency. "Are you saying that this... this Kao Mountain Ancestor is Bi Shuiyu? And the Profound Embryo Leveling Celestial Wasteland Realm is in Nanjiang?"

Beside him, Xu Yuanzhi’s expression had also turned grave, his brow deeply furrowed. He was clearly shaken by this news as well.

Gao Changhe was inwardly alarmed.

Although he was only repeating what Chen Li had told him, he had never heard of this "Profound Embryo Heaven" and had no idea what it actually was.

Seeing the Duke of England and Governor Xu lose their composure like this, he realized the implications of this matter were probably far beyond his imagination.

He quickly replied, "This humble official only heard it mentioned by the Water-Participating Ape Star Monarch. I am not aware of the specific details."

The Duke of England’s expression flickered uncertainly. He whipped his head around to look at Xu Yuanzhi.

Xu Yuanzhi met his gaze and gave a slow, almost imperceptible shake of his head.

The Duke of England suppressed his turbulent emotions and sat back down in his chair. He waved his hand. "Alright, I am aware of this matter now. Go quickly and bring that Chen Li here."

"Yes. This humble official will take his leave."

Gao Changhe did not dare to linger. He bowed, then retreated from the main hall.

He collected himself and, not daring to delay, immediately found County Captain Zhao Yuanhong. He informed him of the invitation for Chen Li to attend the banquet and briefly mentioned in a low voice that the embankment project was to be given to the Chen Family.