Chapter 302 Greed Rises

Ling Mo Han’s eyes lowered, his gaze shifting over the gift list. "Your Xiliang people are truly numerous. The palace maids and eunuchs alone number three thousand..."

"His Majesty wishes to alleviate the princess's homesickness."

"Dong Chu cannot compare to Xiliang in terms of territory and resources. I doubt it can accommodate so many people. Everything should be handled according to the rules."

"General Ling, this was stipulated by my Emperor. How can you change it just because you say so?"

"Dong Chu currently lacks the resources to house your Xiliang people. This general's actions are for your own good. It would be best to take them back."

With so many Xiliang people arriving in Dong Chu today, there were bound to be spies among them. Once they integrated into Dong Chu, the consequences would be unimaginable.

"Are you trying to provoke a war between the two nations!"

Bai Li Xuan's attitude was resolute, showing no intention of backing down.

"If that is the case, then there is no room for negotiation. Take everything back and let your Emperor reconsider the terms."

"You... Ling Mo Han, do you truly believe you can represent your Dong Liang Emperor? If this matter leads to war between the two nations, you will be the greatest sinner!"

Ling Mo Han smirked coldly, unfazed. "This general has said all that needs to be said. Whether you stay or leave is up to you!"

Bai Li Xuan's expression grew even more grim, a chill settling over his face as he clenched his fists.

His Emperor had instructed him upon departure to ensure the dowry was delivered to Dong Chu. In any other circumstance, he would not have tolerated this.

But today was different. For the sake of Xiliang's grand plan, he had no choice but to take a step back.

"According to custom, a princess marrying abroad requires one hundred dowry maids, fifty eunuchs, thirty musicians, and… such personnel combined total six hundred."

Ling Mo Han's brows furrowed slightly. So many people?

"General Ling, the total number of people has been counted." Bai Li Xuan had also expended considerable effort to retain these eight hundred people. They had undergone over a month of training and preparation specifically to be integrated into Dong Chu.

Ling Mo Han glanced at them. These palace maids were indeed quite beautiful. Their appearances alone gave him a sense of unease.

He would have to deal with these people completely on the journey back to the capital.

"Lu Shi, conduct the count and thorough inspection before escorting them into the city."

"Yes, Young General."

Lu Shi meticulously checked every corner, leaving no stone unturned. The hundreds of dowry chests were thoroughly examined. Even the palace maids were subjected to body searches by the matrons.

Only after confirming there was no danger were they allowed in. By nightfall, half of the dowry had yet to be accounted for.

Ling Mo Han stood up leisurely. "It is dark now. I must trouble you, Lord Bai Li, to take the goods back. We will resume the accounting tomorrow morning."

Under normal circumstances, the dowry could have been settled today. However, Ling Mo Han was deliberately delaying.

He intended to wait for Chu Chen Yi's forces to arrive before dealing with these matters.

"Tomorrow morning, General Ling, do not break your promise."

Bai Li Xuan suppressed his anger, his voice a low growl.

During the dowry inspection, they had been deliberately creating trouble, all to delay the process. Yet, Bai Li Xuan couldn't quite fathom Ling Mo Han's intentions.

"Naturally, Lord Bai Li. Safe travels. Each nation has its laws. This general will not escort you further."

After Bai Li Xuan departed, Ling Mo Han finally entered Yun City.

"General Ling, where should these dowries and the palace maids and eunuchs be settled?"

The sheer number of palace maids and eunuchs already filled his mansion to capacity, leaving no room to spare. And the hundreds of dowry chests – where should they be stored?

"The post station is rudimentary and lacks space. I noticed Lord Fan's mansion is quite spacious. Why not temporarily settle them there? As for the dowries, they concern matters of state. Only Lord Fan's mansion in Yun City has the strictest security. It would be an imposition on Lord Fan."

"This... General Ling, this is absolutely not possible. My mansion... my mansion truly cannot accommodate..."

"Lord Fan, the Young General is placing his trust in you by entrusting you with such an important matter. Does Lord Fan perhaps not wish to undertake this task?"

Lu Shi interrupted Fan Shun, cutting him off with a few words that placed Fan Shun on the spot. Refusing now would be inappropriate.

"Since Lord Fan has no objections, why are you all not hurrying to move the items to Lord Fan's mansion? These are the dowries of the Xiliang princess. You must handle them with extreme care. If even the slightest mistake occurs, ten of your heads wouldn't be enough to pay for it!"

Lu Shi busily instructed the others to carry the dowry chests to Fan Shun's residence, subtly reminding Fan Shun with his words.

"Slow down, everyone. The ones at the back, keep up..."

Lu Shi expertly directed the crowd. Hundreds of chests instantly filled the entire courtyard, making even exiting problematic.

Fan Shun, though seething with anger, was helpless. He could only watch as they carried the dowry chests into his residence.

These dowries were a hot potato. Keeping them in his mansion was like a ticking time bomb. Any slight mishap, and no amount of explanation would suffice.

This was a deliberate ploy to shift the burden onto him, to find a handle to grasp.

"Lord Fan, all the dowries are here. We shall trouble Lord Fan to take good care of them."

"I dare not speak of trouble. This is what your subordinate should do. I hope Lord Lu can put in a good word for your subordinate with the Young General."

Lu Shi offered a disingenuous smile. "Of course. The Young General has been observing Lord Fan's actions these past few days and will naturally recognize your hard work."

These words sent a shiver down Fan Shun's spine. The statement sounded strange, as if it carried hidden meaning.

Fan Shun forced an awkward smile, trying his best to maintain a pleasant demeanor.

"Lord Fan, I shall take my leave now."

Lu Shi led his men away, leaving Fan Shun alone to face the mountain of chests. His chest felt as though it were filled with fire, but he had nowhere to release it.

Especially Lu Shi's meaningful words earlier, which made him tremble inwardly.

The people Zhang Kun had sent out the day before yesterday were all dealt with, none surviving. He had long prepared how to respond when Ling Mo Han made his move.

But Ling Mo Han's placid demeanor these past two days made him even more worried. This man's cunning ran deep, and he truly couldn't fathom his intentions.

"Sir... Sir..."

Zhang Kun's voice came from outside. After a while, the man squeezed through a gap between the dowry chests.

"Sir... are you planning to move?"