Liang Xiao’s thoughts began to stir.
According to the explanation of the treasure map’s text by Kristy, the location marked in the Western Regions was labeled "onefold," south of Yanzhou was "twofold," and the depths of the desert were "fourfold"...
Perhaps this portion of the treasure south of Yanzhou was worth twenty million taels of gold. There was no reason why the gold plundered by the Xiongnu King on the lands of the Great Gan Dynasty should be less than that of the barren Western Regions!
The treasure in the barbaric lands, forty million taels of gold, and perhaps countless jewels and jades?
Liang Xiao looked at the treasure map before him, his heart filled with emotion.
This sheepskin scroll was dry and brittle, clearly ancient and specially treated for preservation!
The fact that such an astonishing secret could be revealed to him showed that the siblings trusted him from the bottom of their hearts!
Ding Wuyi’s voice was also filled with excitement: "Second Young Master Liang, looking across the Great Gan Dynasty and its surrounding countries, there is no precedent for anyone suddenly becoming fabulously wealthy within a few decades! This means these treasures should still be undiscovered!"
Liang Xiao exclaimed, "If we can truly find so much gold, the peaceful and prosperous era your imperial brother dreams of might arrive even sooner!"
Hearing this, Xiao Qing's eyes welled up with tears.
Facing such world-shattering wealth, his first thoughts were of me, of his little Shuangzi, and of the Great Gan's prosperity!
I did not misjudge him!
Xiao Qing suppressed the urge to rush into Liang Xiao's arms and sob uncontrollably, nodding, "Imperial Brother is recuperating in the palace and sent me to speak with Brother Xiao..."
Liang Xiao nodded solemnly, "I understand. This period will likely require Eunuch Ding to personally lead the shadow guards in searching. If they haven't found it by then, I will assist in handling the matter when I return from the East Sea!"
According to Kristy, the ancient Xiongnu King Heluofu would not easily allow his treasures to be found; even with a treasure map, it would be difficult, requiring a loyal person of great wisdom and courage to lead the team and adapt to circumstances.
Although Liang Xiao had never engaged in tomb raiding, his abilities in collection and searching were beyond doubt!
The imperial edict had been issued, and the emperor's word was law. Liang Xiao naturally had to go to the East Sea first.
Xiao Qing said softly, "When the time comes, Brother Xiao must be careful. Under no circumstances should you lead the way, lest you fall into traps or poisonous gas..."
"I will be careful. Perhaps, before I return from the East Sea, Eunuch Ding will have already found it!" Liang Xiao nodded.
Ding Wuyi chuckled, "This humble servant is merely a military man. I can still send people to clear the surroundings, but finding the treasure is only something I can try my best at. It seems only Second Young Master Liang can truly do it!"
Xiao Qing said sweetly, "If Brother Xiao assists in finding the treasure, you may have as much gold as you desire!"
Liang Xiao shook his head, "No!"
The master and servants were stunned.
Xiao Qing suddenly understood, lowering her head with shame, "I understand. Brother Xiao is certainly unwilling to take it. Later, my imperial brother and I will discuss it and privately bestow rewards upon you!"
Liang Xiao sighed and shook his head again.
"I am not like Duguo Qun, who likes to flaunt his wealth. You and Xiao Shuangzi should not think of taking this gold for yourselves. If you want to take it, use it to buy back land from those wealthy families and then promote education nationwide! The peaceful and prosperous era that you and your imperial brother yearn for might have originally taken decades to achieve. If we can find this gold, perhaps it can be realized in a few years, and then I can retire with you in comfort after our success!"
"If the gold is found, you must also admonish your imperial brother not to become extravagant and decadent because of it. If this money is used to buy back land, it can greatly alleviate the problem of land annexation. In the future, when the state controls enough land, it can be distributed to hardworking peasants to cultivate, and with the implementation of the 'Tan Ding Ru Mu' (a tax reform), only a certain amount of tax will be collected annually, which can ensure a steady income and also appease the populace."
"Who would dare to overthrow your imperial brother then? Perhaps the angry common people will rise up and destroy him before your imperial brother even has to lift a finger! If truly things like potatoes and sweet potatoes are found and promoted, the value of the land your imperial brother has purchased will increase severalfold, and the common people will no longer worry about starvation. How can a true era of prosperity not be created!"
Liang Xiao, having read extensively through history books, naturally understood the principles of rise and fall.
Since ancient times, the common people have only cared about whether they can live a good life. They will support whoever treats them well.
Hearing this, Xiao Qing could no longer hold back and rushed into Liang Xiao's arms, crying like a pear blossom in the rain, pitiable and moving.
Little Shuangzi! It's always Little Shuangzi!
I wish to share this great empire with you, yet you always think only of me!
I want to reward you! I truly want to!
Xiao Qing's inner cry was, for the first time, a feeling of jealousy towards her own identity as "Little Shuangzi."
Alas, if Imperial Brother were still alive, it would be so wonderful if I were your "Little Shuangzi," and you were my "Shuang'er"...
The more Xiao Qing thought about it, the more she couldn't stop her tears. It wasn't until Liang Xiao kissed her forehead that she snapped back to reality.
Realizing her loss of composure, Xiao Qing blushed and stammered, "We'll talk about it later~"
Liang Xiao couldn't help but chuckle.
The current situation between him and Princess Ning Shuang was like a newly married couple who had just bought a lottery ticket and were already fantasizing about how they would buy a house and car before the draw.
"Right! Lottery..." Liang Xiao was suddenly startled.
This kind of thing, if slightly modified and operated properly, could be used in the future to earn money from the wealthy here, and then a portion of the proceeds could be used for "public welfare." Perhaps it was feasible?
That night, Xiao Qing nestled in Liang Xiao's arms, hugging his waist, whispering sweet nothings as they discussed matters.
Ding Wuyi softly reminded, "Princess, you've been hugging for too long. Will Second Young Master Liang be unable to breathe..."
Soon, Ding Wuyi was glared at by Xiao Qing, her wronged little eyes seeming to say: This scoundrel is leaving for the East Sea tomorrow morning and won't be back for several days. What's wrong with me wanting to cling to him for a night?
Liang Xiao pouted, "It's fine, I feel great, I could even fly!"
Ding Wuyi and Ning Xuejun stifled their laughter and made an excuse to wait outside the door.
In the room, the young girl took the initiative to kiss him, wishing she could melt into Liang Xiao's embrace...
The next morning, Liang Xiao and Luo Qingxue packed their bags, preparing to set off. Before leaving, he instructed Yue Lian not to run around.
Just then, the door to Zhen Mi's room opened.
Jian Qinwan, holding her sword and wearing a veil, walked out quickly from inside and stood before Liang Xiao.
"Female Bodhisattva, what is this?" Liang Xiao asked, looking confused.
Yue Lian covered her mouth and chuckled, "Young Master, Miss Qinwan also plans to go with you to the East Sea. Her luggage is all packed and with the ten great heroes of Mount Tian!"
Liang Xiao and Luo Qingxue were stunned.
Jian Qinwan snorted, "It was my Senior Brothers who couldn't bear to part with me and begged me tearfully to go with them! I've also come to realize that as a personal bodyguard, no matter how much I dislike this philanderer, I cannot neglect my duty... Yue Lian and Mi'er are very well-behaved, and with Sister and Captain Liang protecting them, there's no need to worry!"
"Then this philanderer thanks the great kindness of the female Bodhisattva..." Liang Xiao pretended to cup his fists and bow towards Jian Qinwan, causing Yue Lian and Luo Qingxue to cover their mouths and giggle.
Jian Qinwan glared at Liang Xiao, embarrassed and angry, then turned her head away, and quietly followed Liang Xiao, her eyes flickering.
No matter what, he didn't object!
She had thought about it all night and finally realized that compared to not daring to face this philanderer, she would rather see him.
"To dare to steal my little sprout, how can I let you roam free for these few days!" Jian Qinwan finally found an excuse for herself.
"Marquis An Guo, that General Yang is already waiting outside..." As the three walked out of the courtyard, the ten Tian Shan chivalrous men led by Chen Shaoling, carrying their luggage, winked at Liang Xiao as if claiming credit, making Jian Qinwan wish she could give each of them a sword.