Chapter 265: The Brainless Empress in the Arrogant Stallion Novel (15)

Chapter 265: The Foolhardy Empress in the Arrogant Harem Novel (15)

When it came to matters of love, Wei Shang had always been a natural, but this kind of kiss...

Though it was merely a brief kiss, it inexplicably made his face burn.

Dizzy, Wei Shang felt his entire body grow hot...

Amidst the heated struggle, he wasn’t even sure how he had managed to leave the Empress’s study...

System Announcement: "Detected rise in Wei Shang’s Love Points. Current: 16."

The next day.

Tang Qing slipped out of the palace incognito, dressed as an ordinary person, following Mu Zimo to the front of Tianji Tower.

"So this is Tianji Tower?" The Empress blinked in surprise, never expecting that the most mysterious organization in the martial world would be so openly displayed before everyone.

"Yes, this is the place."

After last night’s ruckus in the study, Mu Zimo had recomposed himself, appearing once again as the refined gentleman.

"In the past, the exact location of Tianji Tower was indeed a well-kept secret."

"In the last ten years, it’s said that Tianji Tower has a new leader, and branches have been established across every corner of the Five Countries."

"This is the Tianji Tower branch in Lin State." Pointing at the words on the signboard, Mu Zimo continued, "Now, Tianji Tower primarily deals in information brokerage."

The Shadows and Scouts of Tianji Tower are unparalleled, claiming there is no information they cannot uncover—if you can pay their price.

"Esteemed guests, welcome!" As soon as they entered, a servant hurried forward, exclaiming joyfully, "Master Mu, we’ve awaited your arrival!"

"Expecting me?"

Pointing at himself, Mu Zimo looked puzzled. "You knew I was coming?"

The servant smiled and explained, "Word arrived this morning that we heard Master Mu was visiting today, so we prepared accordingly."

"Hmph! Spooky theatrics."

Having interacted with Tianji Tower a few times, Mu Zimo held no fondness for it. He muttered, "If you knew I was coming, is the room ready?"

The servant bowed respectfully. "Of course."

"We’ve reserved the finest room for you."

Following the servant leading the way, Tang Qing immediately spotted Wei Shang.

Though clad in a black robe that obscured his figure, Tang Qing recognized those distinctive peach-blossom eyes peeking out from the hood...

The previous night, Mu Zimo had brought numerous rare treasures, heaping them onto the desk in the study—Wei Shang would’ve had to be blind to miss them.

Most likely guessing Mu Zimo’s intentions, Wei Shang had planted himself there, anticipating Mu Zimo’s move.

"Your Majesty honors us."

"To think Your Majesty would grace Tianji Tower today—this humble tower is illuminated by your presence."

The moment he spoke, that familiar cadence made Mu Zimo instantly realize the person before him was the same black-robed figure from last time in the room.

"It's you again." Mu Zimo's tone was unfriendly. "Is Tianji Tower that short-staffed? Why do I keep running into you?"

Wei Shang, hidden within his black robes, swept his gaze over Tang Qing behind him before suddenly asking, "What is your relationship with Her Majesty?"

My relationship with Her Majesty?

What else could it be but an ironclad partnership!

Noticing Wei Shang's scrutiny, Mu Zimo stepped forward, deliberately blocking his line of sight, and snapped, "What’s it to you?"

"What, is Tianji Tower so capable that you can’t even investigate our relationship yourselves?"

Mu Zimo's sarcastic jab made Wei Shang frown slightly beneath his hood... Truly, he should have put more force behind that slap last night...

At least then this bastard wouldn’t be here today, running his mouth.

"Are the two of you here today for those ill-gotten goods from the Mu family?"

The word "ill-gotten" instantly struck a nerve. Mu Zimo immediately flared up, "What ill-gotten goods?!"

"That’s the Mu family’s legacy built over centuries!"

Watching Mu Zimo’s outburst, Wei Shang’s lips curled faintly under his hood as he deliberately taunted, "Who in the martial world doesn’t know that the Mu family is exceptionally gifted—generation after generation of thieves."

"Eighteen generations of ancestors, each a *grandmaster* of their craft."

"Mu Zimo, how do you think your family’s century-old inheritance came to be?"

Having his ancestors dragged again, Mu Zimo’s anger surged, the Dark Iron Wire coiled taut in his grip as he ground his teeth. "Shut your mouth!"

"One more word, and I’ll cut out your tongue!"

Nothing infuriated him more than people mocking his family’s 'profession'!

Gritting his teeth, breath ragged, he glared furiously at Wei Shang—until a faint warmth touched his arm.

It was Tang Qing.

Her Imperial Majesty had grabbed hold of him. Mu Zimo turned to meet her cold, indifferent gaze as she ordered coolly, "Step back."

Wei Shang was clearly provoking Mu Zimo by bringing up the Mu family’s thievery...

Recalling last night’s argument in the imperial study, Tang Qing instinctively felt a headache coming on.

Pulling Mu Zimo back, she spoke plainly, "Fencing the goods."

"I take seventy percent of the profits, the rest to Tianji Tower."

"How about it?"

Of course, it was a sweet deal—the only thorn in his side...

Wei Shang lowered his gaze, his attention fixed on Tang Qing’s wrist. Her Imperial Majesty currently had her hand wrapped around Mu Zimo’s arm.

Somehow, that single gesture felt infuriating.

Just how close were they?

"Hey, I'm talking to you here." Seeing Wei Shang unresponsive, Mu Zimo spoke bluntly, "I'll give you 30% - take it or leave it?"

"I provide the goods, and you handle the discreet channels through Tianji Tower. Will Tianji Tower take this deal or not?"

Wei Shang replied, "Of course we can."

"However, I'm curious—why do you suddenly need so much money?" The Mu family's treasure vault held countless valuables, untouched for years. This sudden sell-off left Wei Shang puzzled about their intentions.

"Is it for the iron mine lease?"

According to the Empress's decree, the iron mines would be leased, with all Four Countries eligible to participate.

Was Tang Qing trying to get Mu Zimo to buy back the mining rights with this money?

Faced with Wei Shang's question, Tang Qing simply said four words: "Drive up prices."

With the Four Countries competing, Chu, being the poorest, would inevitably be first to fold.

If Mu Zimo's funds were funneled to Chu, an unexpected wild card would enter the anticipated bidding pool, guaranteeing fireworks at the auction in ten days.

In the current situation, the more chaos, the more advantageous it was for Lin State.

Understanding the Empress's intent, Wei Shang smiled without another word.

Amid their silence, only Mu Zimo remained clueless, cluelessly piped up, "What's with the riddles?"

"One moment you're talking, the next you're silent—what's up with you two?"