Chapter 52 The Fourth Believer

Chapter 52 The Fourth Believer

Chu Jiubian exited the hall, reaching for an umbrella, but another hand was swifter.

He paused, turning his head to the person who had caught up beside him.

“?” Chu Jiubian frowned slightly.

Qin Xiao had already opened the umbrella, saying casually, “I’ll walk you.”

After a long study, Chu Jiubian’s brow finally relaxed, and he let out a soft laugh.

He stepped onto the covered walkway, and Qin Xiao immediately kept pace beside him, tilting the umbrella so most of it covered Chu Jiubian.

Their pace was unhurried; though under the same umbrella, their shoulders maintained a full fist’s distance—neither encroaching.

They walked in silence all the way to Yaotai Residence. Chu Jiubian stopped, turned to Qin Xiao, and asked, “Are you going to help me bathe?”

“Do you need me to?” Qin Xiao countered.

“No.”

Qin Xiao smiled faintly and said, “Then I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Chu Jiubian nodded, then turned and walked back along the corridor to the main room without looking back. Xiao Xiangzi and the others had already spotted him approaching the door and were now bustling about, preparing washing water.

Chu Jiubian returned to his bedroom, where the palace servants had busily prepared a tub of water for him.

He had a habit of bathing daily, something Xiao Xiangzi and the others had known from the beginning.

“Young Master, your hand is injured—would you like this servant to assist you with washing?” Xiao Xiangzi asked worriedly.

“No need. All of you, wait outside.”

“Yes.” Everyone withdrew.

Chu Jiubian walked to the window and pushed it open.

Although this window didn’t face the courtyard gate directly, it still offered a view of the entrance.

There was no one there.

Chu Jiubian closed the window again and turned to walk toward the clothing rack.

He removed his official robe and tossed it onto the rack, leaving only his thin trousers before sitting down in front of the mirror.

He didn’t need to comb his hair or wear any hair crown, so the dressing table held only two combs and some body balm.

However, the balm had an oily texture, and Chu Jiubian had never used it.

He looked at his reflection in the bronze mirror. Though it couldn’t compare to a modern mirror, it still clearly showed his delicate face and flawless, smooth body.

He raised his left hand, his fingertips lightly tracing over his thinly muscled chest.

No scars were visible, but when his fingertips brushed over the skin, he could still feel slight unevenness—places that had once been covered in wounds.

A sharp pain shot through his index finger. Chu Jiubian watched as a trail of crimson slowly trickled down the chest of his reflection.

He blinked slowly, released his fingers, and instead wiped with his palm, smearing the blood everywhere.

“......”

Chu Jiubian frowned at the blood on his palm and fingertips, then stood and walked to the bathtub. He removed his trousers and settled into it.

The blood on his chest was washed away by the water, leaving no trace.

Only the hand resting on the edge of the tub dripped fresh red blood from the index finger.

Chu Jiubian lowered his head, submerging his face in the water, his long silver hair spreading across his slender back.

“System,” he asked in his mind, “do you have any medicine for mental illness?”

On the roof above, the man stood silently under his umbrella for a long time before turning and vanishing in the blink of an eye.

Council Hall.

Qin Zhaoyang had just sent all the memorials requiring replies to the Directorate of Ceremonial. Eunuch Hong’s people would help draft responses to the local officials.

The remaining memorials—those not yet reviewed or not urgent—he had organized and placed on the desk for Qin Xiao to continue working on when he returned.

When Chu Jiubian had been present, memorials were usually processed on the same day.

But now, these memorials had been piling up since the two of them left for disaster relief. With Chu Jiubian’s hand injured, Qin Xiao alone would find it quite difficult to finish—perhaps even requiring an all-nighter.

After tidying up, he walked outside and gazed into the courtyard, calculating the time.

Qin Xiao had been gone for nearly half an hour seeing Chu Jiubian home.

From the Hall of Mental Cultivation to Yaotai Residence, even with some delays, His Lordship should have returned by now.

As he was thinking this, he suddenly looked up toward the roof.

The next moment, he turned back toward the Council Hall and indeed saw a figure standing beside the dim oil lamp.

Qin Zhaoyang entered the hall. “My Lord, shall we continue reviewing the memorials?”

Qin Xiao closed the umbrella and placed it by the desk. Rainwater dripped from the tip, quickly dampening the leg of the table.

“Any news?” Qin Xiao asked.

Qin Zhaoyang understood immediately and lowered his gaze. “No information has been found regarding the Young Master, only that the High Priest of Mobei seems to have some connection to him. But the common people don’t know the details—some aren’t even sure if the High Priest was fabricated by Jiang Shuoye—so it cannot be confirmed.”

“Moreover, Jiang Shuoye himself is tight-lipped. Aside from claiming the High Priest is an immortal who teaches through dreams, he has revealed nothing else.”

Qin Xiao took his seat, picked up the inkstick, and began grinding ink slowly.

His expression was hidden in the shadows, making it impossible to discern.

Qin Zhaoyang looked at him and asked softly, “Why doesn’t My Lord simply ask the Young Master directly?”

They were now in the same boat, and it was clear that His Lordship and the Young Master had established a basic trust—even sharing an embrace in the palace corridor last night.

Since they were already this close, perhaps if Qin Xiao directly asked about the relationship between the High Priest and Chu Jiubian, the other might not conceal it anymore.

Qin Xiao finished grinding the ink, dipped the brush, and began reviewing the memorials.

Qin Zhaoyang said no more, retreating into the shadows to conceal his presence.

Matters of emotion were beyond his understanding—and likely beyond His Lordship’s as well.

Yaotai Residence.

After washing up, Chu Jiubian reminded Xiao Xiangzi and the attendants to sleep early, then went to bed.

Now that the flood disaster had passed and there was nothing else to worry about, it was time to return to his own matters.

"System, summon Situ Zhaoling to the Divine Realm."

"Detected that follower Situ Zhaoling is in a summonable state. Summoning now."

"Summon successful."

Chu Jiubian opened his eyes and was now seated on the divine throne.

A golden phoenix’s cry echoed in the distance as a young woman in Nanjiang attire sat energetically atop the golden phoenix's back.

After landing, Situ Zhaoling immediately bowed respectfully to Chu Jiubian: "Your subordinate pays respects to the High Priest."

"Please, take a seat," Chu Jiubian said.

Noticing six chairs already placed at the long table, Situ Zhaoling asked in surprise, "Why are there so many chairs? Are they all for the High Priest's followers?"

"Yes."

"Wow, does that mean I might get to meet them someday?"

"Indeed."

Chu Jiubian spoke sparingly, but Situ Zhaoling kept the conversation going naturally, making the Divine Realm feel lively despite there being only two of them.

Looking at the six chairs, Situ Zhaoling didn't dare assume she was one of the "chosen ones," so she asked, "High Priest, where should I sit?"

With a thought from Chu Jiubian, the third chair from the right began to subtly transform—shifting from white jade to a light purple hue, with faint, swaying hyacinths visible within.

"Wow, it's so beautiful," Situ Zhaoling hurried forward to touch the faintly floral-scented chair, utterly delighted.

Her favorite color was exactly this light purple, but due to limited dyeing techniques, such fabric didn't exist anywhere in Great Ning. She had to opt for dark purple garments instead.

Otherwise, she would have clothed her entire family in this color—imagine how stunning they would look walking together!

Sitting down, she noticed the chair was softer and more comfortable than ever before.

"Thank you, High Priest," she said, smiling up at the deity's immense silhouette.

Having seen her wear dark purple clothing multiple times, Chu Jiubian had guessed she liked purple—and it seemed he was right.

"Do you like this color?" Chu Jiubian asked, though he already knew the answer.

Situ Zhaoling bobbed her head eagerly: "Your subordinate loves it! Thank you, High Priest."

Chu Jiubian smiled and said, "I have a task for you."

"Please instruct me, High Priest. Your subordinate will give my all."

With a wave of his hand, Chu Jiubian caused a book to appear on the table before Situ Zhaoling.

He had long noticed that the range of clothing colors in the Da Ning Dynasty was limited. Not only commoners but even the nobility and affluent wore limited colors—mostly black, white, red, green, blue, and purple, all in deep, dull shades.

Gold was reserved for the royal family—forbidden to others.

Thus, Chu Jiubian had long wanted to improve dyeing techniques, though this focused on silk, not the hemp fabric commoners wore.

Most of Great Ning's silk depended on the Suzhou-Zhejiang region, and the court had even established an Imperial Weaving Bureau to oversee the silk trade there.

However, Suzhou and Zhejiang were the domain of Prince Zuiliang Baili Yan. While the Weaving Bureau was officially a court enterprise, this vassal prince actually took 40 to 50 percent of the profits from it.

This was unfavorable both for Chu Jiubian and the court.

Nanjiang was also suitable for sericulture and silk production, with most silk in the southwest coming from there.

But due to lack of comprehensive planning and management, it hadn't formed a production chain like Suzhou-Zhejiang, nor did it have advanced techniques. Thus, Nanjiang silk was inferior in quality compared to Suzhou-Zhejiang silk, and its output and price also remained low.

The book Chu Jiubian gave Situ Zhaoling contained methods not only for dyeing silk in more colors but also for improving its quality and yield.

It even detailed how to form a production chain clearly.

By following these instructions, Situ Zhaoling could make Nanjiang silk renowned.

Taking the book, Situ Zhaoling skimmed through the pages quickly.

She read quickly, soon understanding the key points, her heart pounding with excitement.

If everything in the book could be achieved, Nanjiang silk would surely outshine silk from Suzhou and Zhejiang in prominence!

Moreover, the book included a page of color samples. If those bright, vivid colors could be woven into fabric and tailored into clothing, their beauty would be beyond imagination.

Not only women like her but even men would adore them.

Situ Zhaoling knew how lavishly nobles spent on silk and brocade. Looking at this book, she saw vast riches!

Consolidating the management of Nanjiang's silk workshops, dividing them into departments with specific functions—this would greatly improve efficiency.

Then, expanding production while using the book's methods to improve quality.

Establishing separate dyeing workshops dedicated to mixing and applying colors...

An entire industrial chain unfolded in Situ Zhaoling's mind, the jingling of silver coins making her almost dizzy with excitement.

She also understood what the High Priest wanted her to do.

Standing up, she bowed respectfully: "Your subordinate will not fail your trust. I will earn abundant silver for you."

Though usually lively and somewhat immature, she knew how to read situations. She didn’t ask what the High Priest needed the money for—it was enough to obey.

Having such a sensible believer cheered Chu Jiubian up.

After pledging loyalty, Situ Zhaoling raised a worry: "High Priest, Nanjiang does have its own merchant caravans, making it relatively easy to sell goods in the southwest and northwest. But transporting goods from Nanjiang to the northern capital region or Jiangnan areas would take too long—it might hinder your great plans."

"No need to worry. Carry on as instructed," Chu Jiubian said.

Indeed, Situ Zhaoling raised a significant issue.

The Suzhou-Zhejiang region had canals enabling silk transport to the north via canal transport, but Nanjiang was geographically isolated—selling silk to the north was challenging.

For Chu Jiubian, however, this wasn't a problem.

Goods could be traded in the Divine Realm. He could have Situ Zhaoling bring Nanjiang silk into the Divine Realm, then have Wang Qichen—an influential noble from the capital—handle its sale.

This also saves transportation costs, almost all profit.

This money, Chu Jiubian will leave a portion for the Southern Border, and the rest will all go to Jiang Shuoye.

Even when Wang Qichen's paper workshop begins full-scale production, he will keep a portion of the profits for Wang Qichen and give the rest to Jiang Shuoye.

In this dog-eat-dog world, building up military strength is actually the foundation.

Could Qin Xiao have protected Baili Hong's throne without allies at court if not for the soldiers and generals under his command?

Now Chu Jiubian has 80,000 troops of the Northern Desert Army and a formidable general like Jiang Shuoye, but it's not enough.

As far as he knows, even Prince Huguang has a hundred thousand soldiers on the surface, and who knows how many more in secret.

Other vassal princes, as well as the militarily powerful Lu and Qiu families, may only have three thousand troops and retainers on the surface, but the number of private soldiers they secretly maintain is unknown.

For now, Chu Jiubian and Qin Xiao are in the same camp, but as their methods become more radical, these people will become more and more anxious.

They might even collaborate with each other.

When these forces unite, they must not be underestimated.

And after these forces are eventually crushed and scattered by them, Chu Jiubian will inevitably have to face Qin Xiao. By then, he must have sufficient power and military power to protect himself.

In short, Jiang Shuoye's steel workshop must expand quickly, produce sharper and stronger weapons, and as many as possible.

So Chu Jiubian needs money, and both Situ Zhaoling and Wang Qichen must start making profits quickly.

"This item is also for you. Find a way to grow it." Chu Jiubian also gave some cotton seeds and cultivation methods to Situ Zhaoling.

However, cultivating this crop requires trial and error, and the requirements vary from place to place, so it will take a long time to figure out.

Chu Jiubian was patient, taking it one step at a time.

With no other matters, Chu Jiubian told the system to send Situ Zhaoling out.

Just as he was about to leave, the system said, "Host, the system has recorded the conversation between devotees Jiang Shuoye and Wang Qichen. Would you like to review it?"

Chu Jiubian then remembered this matter.

Earlier in Hexi County, because Qin Xiao came to see him, he left the Divine Realm before these two, and the system recorded the subsequent content for him.

"Let's take a look," Chu Jiubian said.

He actually thought the two probably didn't discuss much, likely exchanging a few awkward pleasantries before leaving.

Their identity cards appeared before him, merging together and expanding into a large screen.

Chu Jiubian saw the two sitting in their seats, with an empty seat between them.

Because he had left in a hurry, the "High Priest" had not spoken again or dismissed them, so the two waited quietly and awkwardly for a while.

Jiang Shuoye sat upright, his expression serious, leaning back in his chair without any reaction.

Wang Qichen glanced at him, then looked up at the giant divine projection.

"High Priest? Are you still there?" he asked.

The response was a low, distant, and indistinct dragon's roar.

Jiang Shuoye said, "The High Priest must be busy. Just be patient."

As a cautious person, he had noticed when Chu Jiubian left the Divine Realm but, thinking the High Priest had not given any instructions, he continued waiting.

Wang Qichen looked at him: "Has this happened before?"

"No."

"Then why aren't you showing any reaction?" Wang Qichen raised an eyebrow. "Maybe the High Priest went to meet other deities temporarily. Do we really need to wait here like fools?"

Jiang Shuoye looked up at the divine projection, hesitating.

"Then let's wait another fifteen minutes," he said.

Wang Qichen: "Alright. But how do we leave later?"

"Don't know."

The system detected them saying "leave" and transported them out immediately; otherwise, these two might have really waited fifteen minutes.

It seems next time he meets these two, he should explain that if this happens again, they don't need to wait foolishly—they should just leave.

"By the way, how many card draws do I have now?" Chu Jiubian asked the system.

"Host, your current accumulated points allow you to draw three more cards."

Previously, Chu Jiubian had drawn one duplicate card.

With his points continuously increasing, he would soon have another chance to draw, so he might as well use these three now.

The talent Chu Jiubian needs now is someone who can take the imperial examinations and enter the National Academy, so it would be best to draw some literary or artisan cards.

"Draw the cards," he said.

"Okay, Host. The card library is ready for you. Please draw. (You can only draw one card at a time.)"

Last time, Chu Jiubian drew two at once: one duplicate and the other, which turned out to be Wang Qichen.

The system has learned its lesson.

Chu Jiubian tried to bargain, but the system knew he would draw anyway, so this time it stood firm and didn't cut any corners.

"Fine, draw," Chu Jiubian said, drawing one card first.

"..."

This was already his third wealth card!

The system shuffled the deck, and it became six cards again.

Chu Jiubian was truly afraid of drawing a fourth wealth card. He rubbed his hands together and drew again.

Great, this time it was a "charm card."

Another duplicate card.

Could his luck be this bad?

Chu Jiubian closed his eyes, took a deep breath, calmed himself, and silently chanted, "I want a new card," before drawing the final one.

The card turned over, a golden light flashed, revealing the words inscribed on it—"Network."

It was actually a "Network Card"!

Chu Jiubian was delighted, he thought; this was an ability he hadn't considered before.

And this network, he guessed, wasn't like Wang Qichen's many tribesmen, but rather likely referred to knowing and befriending many different people.

If that was the case, wouldn't it be easier for Chu Jiubian to place his own people in the Divine Realm?

Couldn't he just have the believers from this card help him arrange it?

It was exactly like a pillow arriving just as he was dozing off—the system had indeed cut him slack.

Chu Jiubian said, "Show me who's available."

"Suitable believer cards have been selected for the host. Please choose one to summon."

The keyword card disappeared, replaced by wait, only two character cards.

Why were there so few options this time?

Chu Jiubian had a bad feeling, suspecting he might again have only one card to choose from.

When the cards turned over, his pupils involuntarily constricted.

As he had feared, that ever-present Prince Regent was still among the options.

"Prince Ning Qin Xiao, courtesy name Fengqi, 25 years old. Do you think he's just a high-ranking court minister? No, he possesses the most powerful network of connections. With him, you gain control over nearly half the jianghu! (Not recommended!!!)"

Chu Jiubian finally realized he had never known Qin Xiao's courtesy name.

So, was it Qin Fengqi, he wondered?

And what did "nearly half the jianghu" mean? How would Qin Xiao know people from the jianghu?

Chu Jiubian's doubts lasted only a moment, precisely because they were answered by the other card.

"Martial Arts Alliance Leader Qin Chuan, courtesy name Mingce, 23 years old. As the unacknowledged second legitimate son of the Qin family, he shares the same parents as Prince Ning Qin Xiao. One works in the light, the other in the shadows. One resides in the court, the other hides in the jianghu. With him, you gain control over nearly half the jianghu's forces and his spy network spanning the entire land. (Recommended!)"

Chu Jiubian's scalp prickled.

No wonder Qin Xiao always received news from all sides so quickly—his younger brother was the renowned Martial Arts Alliance Leader!

So that was it!

Chu Jiubian had previously heard Xiao Xiangzi gossip about "Martial Arts Alliance Leader" and other jianghu matters. At the time, he had thought it fortunate these martial artists didn't enter court politics, or they would become targets for various factions to compete over.

But now he realized nearly half the jianghu had long been embroiled in this power struggle, standing behind Qin Xiao.

That Grand Marshal Qin, renowned across the realms, was truly a strategic genius.

He had raised both his grandsons to become exceptional figures.

Qin Xiao possessed extraordinary political acumen and decisive, ruthless methods, so Grand Marshal Qin kept him in the capital, revealed him to the world, and even let him exist as a seemingly dissipated noble to lower everyone's guard, attempting to protect the Qin family this way.

Even if someone truly moved against the Qin family, with Qin Xiao's methods, he could protect the family even after his death.

And if, as a last resort, even Qin Xiao failed to protect the Qin family, there was still the true heir Qin Chuan outside, who could preserve the Qin bloodline.

Grand Marshal Qin might or might not have foreseen the current situation: Qin Xiao installing Baili Hong on the throne, with Qin Chuan becoming their most valuable intelligence network and hidden backup.

Chu Jiubian couldn't help but think of the late Empress Qin Feng.

These three siblings, including Baili Hong, seemed to have inherited Grand Marshal Qin's abilities. Each of them alone was capable of being a "main character."

All of them main characters?

Something suddenly flashed through Chu Jiubian's mind, but he couldn't grasp it in time.

"Host, would you like to summon believer Qin Chuan?"

"No." Chu Jiubian refused decisively.

Qin Chuan and Qin Xiao were definitely connected, and given Qin Xiao and Qin Feng's intelligence, it was safe to assume Qin Chuan was no less capable.

Someone like him, upon meeting the "High Priest," would inevitably link it to "Chu Jiubian."

It was too dangerous.

Chu Jiubian didn't want to expose himself to Qin Chuan just yet.

However, the other's "Network" ability was too important, and with the spy network, even if Qin Xiao kept something from him, he could still find out from Qin Chuan.

But the prerequisite was that Qin Chuan had to have absolute trust and belief in him.

And he couldn't let Qin Chuan think the "High Priest" would harm Qin Xiao; otherwise, even as a divine being, he couldn't overcome blood ties.

So he needed to prepare, to hint that the High Priest and Qin Xiao actually shared the same goals. Only then might Qin Chuan believe in him.

Chu Jiubian's thoughts raced.

"Host, someone is knocking on your door."

Chu Jiubian immediately left the Divine Realm and sat up from the bed.

There was indeed knocking outside, and from the way it was rapped, Chu Jiubian knew it was Qin Xiao.

At this late hour, had something happened again?!

Chu Jiubian quickly got up, put on his shoes, walked to the outer room, and opened the door. A chill, damp air instantly swept in.

Ignoring the cold, he scowled and asked, "What's wrong?"

Qin Xiao looked him over and stepped inside without permission.

Chu Jiubian automatically retreated, just as the man entered and closed the door behind him.

Chu Jiubian: "?"

Qin Xiao took his wrist and looked, indeed seeing the bandages completely gone from his fingers, the wounds fully exposed, with dried blood caked between the nails and flesh.

Qin Xiao was silent for several heartbeats before asking, "Does it not hurt?"