Chapter 64 Handing over financial power
Dongfang Yuning temporarily put aside the hustle and bustle of Fengyi Palace and the blueprint of Wanjin Auction House. At this moment, her whole mind was immersed in the magical world that belonged to her alone - Lingquan Space.
With a slight movement of his mind, he was already within the space. As soon as he entered, a refreshing herbal fragrance, ten times richer than before, washed over him, mingled with an indescribable medicinal aroma. Rich yet unmixed, it was refreshing, as if a single breath could cleanse the world's foul air.
“Oh…Oh my god!”
Dongfang Yuning opened her eyes wide, her mouth slightly open, and was completely shocked by the scene before her!
The spiritual field that was originally a little empty has now been replaced by a strange scene full of vitality and colorful lights!
The medicinal herb seeds that were planted earlier and were considered rare treasures had not only all broken through the soil at this moment, but were also showing an astonishing posture of being close to maturity!
Nine-Leaf Purple Salvia miltiorrhiza: The thick rhizome is half exposed on the black jade-like spiritual soil, the surface has a warm purple-gold luster, nine heart-shaped leaves are stretched out, and each leaf vein is like a flowing purple galaxy, exuding a quiet and majestic breath of life.
Thousand-year-old chalcedony Ganoderma: The cap, as big as a bowl, is as white as jade, warm and translucent, and the layers are like they are carved from the finest mutton-fat jade. The edge emits a soft halo, and wisps of milky white spiritual energy rise continuously from the cap.
The seven petals of the seven-colored glass flower, as thin as cicada wings and in different colors, sway gently in the breeze. Red, orange, yellow, green, cyan, blue and purple, the seven-colored light flows on it endlessly, like a dream, so beautiful that it is breathtaking, and the rich floral fragrance has a strange purifying power.
The Fire Lotus at the Earth's Core: Rooted in a small crimson area specially opened up in the spiritual field, the lotus leaves are as red as fire, and in the center is a fist-sized lotus burning with illusory golden-red flames. The scorching breath forms a wonderful balance with the overall coolness of the space.
Ice Crystal Snow Soul Grass: The whole body is crystal clear like an ice crystal sculpture, with narrow and long leaves covered with a thin layer of frost. Wisps of white cold air linger on it, making the surrounding air seem particularly clear.
There were also ambergris, star grass, golden bodhi vines... Each one was a rare treasure, hard to come by in the outside world, capable of causing bloodshed! Yet, now, they flourished like ordinary crops in this magical spiritual field, sprinting towards maturity at a speed that defied common sense!
The entire spiritual field was ablaze with color, the aroma of medicinal herbs thickened, and the myriad colors of spiritual light intertwined into a dreamlike scene. The precious plants seemed to have life, gently stretching under the nourishment of the spiritual energy, and one could even feel the joy and satisfaction they conveyed.
[It’s released! It’s released! 118! We released it!]
Dongfang Yuning was so excited that he jumped and danced beside the spiritual field, like a child who got his favorite candy. The ecstasy in his heart was like a volcano erupting.
Look at them! They're growing so fast! It's only been a few days?! Ahhhhh! This isn't farming, this is printing money! No! This is printing elixirs!
System 118: [Beep—Host's emotional fluctuations detected: Extreme excitement (99%). Analysis of spiritual farm crop growth rate: Due to the combined effects of the spatial and temporal flow rate (1:10), top-grade spiritual soil, and the host's first irrigation of pure spiritual spring water (embodying the essence of life), growth rate has increased to 3000% of the theoretical limit. All rare medicinal herbs are expected to fully mature within 24-48 hours. Congratulations, host, you're one step closer to 'Elixir Freedom'!] The electronic sound also carried a hint of human excitement.
Dongfang Yuning looked at the swaying and glittering magical herbs and medicinal herbs, and felt his heart blossom with joy and great enthusiasm:
[Hurry, hurry, hurry! 118, give them some more spiritual spring water! Add nutrients! Let them grow faster, better, and more vibrant!]
She couldn't wait to run to the spiritual spring, picked up the small white jade ladle, scooped up the crystal clear spiritual spring water with milky white mist, and walked towards the spiritual field carefully.
System 118: [Drip—Friendly Reminder: Host, while spiritual spring water is beneficial, overwatering may lead to energy stagnation, which is detrimental to the perfect precipitation of the final medicinal effect. The current crop state is close to saturation. It is recommended to maintain the status quo and wait for natural maturity.]
[Huh? It's saturated? Can't water it anymore?]
Dongfang Yuning was holding the small ladle, feeling a little disappointed, but when he saw the herbs that were full of vitality and in the best condition, he immediately became happy again.
[Okay, okay, I'll listen to you! Let them be naturally beautiful!]
She put down the small ladle, but still couldn't help squatting on the edge of the field, holding her cheeks, admiring her "gold mine", oh no, "elixir mine" with sparkling eyes.
As she watched, a bold idea flashed through her mind like lightning!
【118! 】
She stood up suddenly and pointed at the spiritual field that was dreamy but not very large.
[This land... isn't it a little small? Look how well these babies are growing. I'll definitely need to plant more in the future! Also, I want to grow some fruit! Watermelons, strawberries, and cherries watered by the spiritual spring! They'll be incredibly delicious! And they'll sell for a fortune!]
The familiar golden light of "profiteer" flashed in her eyes again.
How can I upgrade and expand my land? Quick! Tell me! How many points do I need? Even paying with gold is fine! I have money now!
System 118: [Ding—Retrieving space upgrade conditions... Unfortunately, host, this space is not upgradeable by paying points. Core conditions for land expansion: Deeply tied to the host's great deeds and major events that benefit the country and the people.]
[Benefits the country and the people?]
Dongfang Yuning was stunned for a moment, and frowned.
[Just like the promotion of new crop varieties and infrastructure construction in the past?]
System 118: [Ding—Correct.] However, the breadth, depth, and impact of the associated events required for this upgrade to benefit the nation and the people must far exceed previous efforts. Theoretical correlation: The greater the impact of the event, the wider the scope of benefits, the greater the benefits to the people, and the more significant the spatial feedback (land expansion, unlocked functions).
Specific quantitative standards: This is the first time this system has bound you, a host with such... well, incredible luck and a 'bursting ambition'. There is currently no precise historical data to refer to. Please explore on your own.]
The electronic sound rarely reveals a hint of "confusion in life".
[Wow! So... the bigger the project I undertake, the better it is for the country and its people, the bigger the space I'll be given? The more functions I'll have?]
Dongfang Yuning's eyes instantly became brighter than the seven-colored glass flowers in the spiritual field!
[This setting... I like it! It's like forcing me to be a savior (crossed out) and a national hero!]
Her inner sense of responsibility (and desire for a larger spiritual field) instantly exploded!
What are you waiting for?
She turned around and waved her fist.
[Re-plan! Do something big! Something that benefits the country and the people!]
She immediately sat down cross-legged (her mind body was in the space), and with a wave of her little hand, paper and pen appeared out of thin air (the basic function of space), and she began to write furiously!
[Plan! Topic: How to benefit the country and the people and (emphasize) expand my spiritual field!]
As she wrote, she engaged in a heated discussion with the system, her thoughts running like a barrage of bullets:
"First of all! Medical care! Medical care is the foundation!"
She quickly wrote down the title.
"I have spiritual springs! I have space herbs! And I also have those incredible prescriptions in your database! It would be unjust if I didn't open a hospital!"
System 118:
Ding - Support! The database has unlocked a vast amount of medical texts and formulas, including "Treatise on Febrile Diseases (System Optimized Edition)", "Qianjin Prescriptions (Essence Extract Edition)", and "Essentials of Surgery (Sterile Edition)". We can provide comprehensive technical support.
【Very good! 】
Dongfang Yuning's writing is full of vigor.
"The hospital is divided into two parts! One is a private, luxurious, and supreme VIP inpatient department! It's designed to serve those royal relatives, aristocratic families, and foreign tycoons who have too much money to burn! The environment must be top-notch! The service must be top-notch! As for the medicine... hehe, it's spiritual spring water and space medicinal herbs as a base, and the effect must be immediate! How much is it?"
She paused with her pen, revealing her signature "nuclear-kind" smile. "No upper limit! Make them willingly empty their family fortunes to buy their lives and health! I've even thought of a name—'Tianshu Pavilion'! It sounds high-end, classy, and a bit mysterious!"
System 118:
[Ding—'Tianshu Pavilion' name approved. Marketing plan suggestion: Introduce a membership system with 'Ziwei', 'Tianxuan', and 'Tianji' tiers, each with different priority and confidentiality benefits. Deposit 100,000 taels of gold to receive a 'Ziwei' card, granting you a one-time personal consultation with a top expert (you, the host) (depending on the situation).]
[118! You really understand me more and more! Let's do it!]
Dongfang Yuning gave the system a thumbs up and continued writing.
"Another area! The key point! A welfare hospital that benefits both the country and the people! The name should be down-to-earth—'Renjitang'! Serving the common people exclusively! Maintaining affordable prices. We use ordinary, high-quality medicinal materials, but in critical moments, we can use a little diluted spiritual spring water to keep people alive or enhance the efficacy of the medicine! Ordinary doctors will be on duty, and 118 will provide diagnostic assistance and prescription optimization!"
"besides!"
She became more and more excited as she spoke.
"Establish a charity fund! Accept donations from Tianshu Pavilion's profits and kind-hearted individuals in society! Use it exclusively to subsidize the operation of Renjitang and help those truly destitute and poor who can't afford medical treatment! It will be free or a nominal fee! But!"
Her tone became serious.
"We must set a threshold! Detailed audits must be conducted! We must prevent those wicked individuals who only seek to take advantage! If anyone is found feigning poverty to gain free medical care, they will be put on a blacklist and publicly exposed! Let public opinion condemn them!"
System 118:
[Ding - The structure of Renjitang and Jishi Foundation is logically clear and in line with the core goal of "benefiting the country and the people." Suggested review mechanism: Introduce local government guarantees, neighborhood guarantees, and the system's micro-expression and basic lie detection analysis (close contact required).]
【Perfect! 】
Dongfang Yuning looked at the preliminary plan with great emotion.
[First, make a lot of money from the rich, use their money to subsidize civilian medical care, and then expand the spiritual fields to produce more good medicine... This is simply a perfect virtuous cycle!]
She seemed to have seen the huge medical empire supported by mountains of gold and silver, and the vast and boundless spiritual fields that came with it!
【but……】
She stroked her chin, her eyes flashing with shrewd calculation.
[Startup capital is a huge issue! Tianshu Pavilion needs to be built luxuriously, and the site, renovations, equipment, and labor all need to be top-notch. The initial investment is astronomical! Opening Renjitang will also require a significant amount of money! Relying solely on hot pot, milk tea, and the future auction house to recover is going to take a while...]
Thinking of that huge number, her face fell.
We need to find a way to make money quickly! Make a lot of money! Ideally... we can exploit foreigners! We need to take their money and invest it in our medical career in Dayan!
The villain in her heart waved the sickle and looked towards the surrounding countries on the map.
System 118: [Ding—Detecting the host's strong need for primitive capital accumulation (cutting leeks). Suggestion: Prioritize utilizing rare medicinal herbs that are about to mature to create a batch of effective (but not supernatural) health supplements or beauty products specifically for the nobility. Sell them at high prices to neighboring wealthy countries through the Fengming Jiuxiao Chamber of Commerce.
At the same time, the auction house will invite wealthy merchants from other countries to participate in its first auction, using products like "Rare Edition Rejuvenating Cream" and "Dragon and Tiger Bone Strengthening Pill" to expand into the international market. Profit estimate: After deducting costs, the profit could reach over a hundred times.
[A hundred times?!]
Dongfang Yuning's eyes instantly turned into the shape of gold ingots.
[Let’s do it! Just do it! Make a killing first!]
She seemed to see foreign gold, silver and treasures pouring in like a tide.
However, ideals are full of hope, but reality... is still a bit bleak for the time being. Thinking of the huge gap in start-up funds, she couldn't help but sigh, her shoulders drooping, and she unconsciously drew circles around the spiritual field:
[Alas… Silver, silver… The landlords don’t have any surplus food… I really want to run to the Ministry of Revenue and rob them right now… No, I want to borrow money…]
At this moment, outside the Lingquan space, in her bedroom in Fengyi Palace.
Nangong Ye, who had been guarding the outer room, seemingly resting with his eyes closed but actually keeping an eye on the movements inside, suddenly opened his eyes. In his deep, cold eyes, he clearly saw Dongfang Yuning's true self: a slightly furrowed brow, a slightly pouty mouth, and a face full of worry about money.
At the same time, her sigh full of "the smell of money" also reached his ears without missing a word.
Money? His Ning'er was worried about money?
Nangong Ye's heart felt like it was being pricked by a needle, and a sharp pain appeared. His little sun should always be bright and shining. What was the point of worrying about those trivial things?
Without any hesitation, Nangong Ye stood up, his dark robes stirring up a gust of cold wind. He strode into the inner room, his target clearly in mind – the little man sighing at the void (actually looking at the spiritual field).
Dongfang Yuning was so absorbed in his worries about his startup capital and his fond dreams of attracting foreign investors that he paid no attention to the outside world. That is, until a familiar, oppressive feeling, accompanied by the chill of cold pine trees, suddenly approached.
"Um?"
As soon as she came to her senses, her wrist was held by a warm and strong hand.
"Brother Aye?"
She looked up in a daze and met Nangong Ye's eyes, which were deep and deep, but at this moment, they were filled with emotions that she could not understand.
Nangong Ye said nothing, pursed his thin lips, and pulled her out. His steps were big, with irresistible force, and Dongfang Yuning almost had to jog to keep up.
"Brother Aye? What's wrong? Where are you taking me?"
She asked in a low voice, muttering in her heart:
What's wrong with this guy? Why is he so gloomy? Who offended him?
System 118: [Beep—Nangong Ye's emotions detected: Strong protectiveness (95%), distress (90%), maximum motivation. Destination prediction: A secluded corner. Behavior prediction: 90% probability of 'handing over financial power'. Host, you are about to receive an 'angel (resentful husband) investment'.]
Hand over financial power?
Dongfang Yuning was even more confused.
Nangong Ye took her along, walked through several corridors as he was used to, and came to a secluded small compartment in Fengyi Palace where some old things were piled up. It was a little dim here, and there was no one around.
Before Dongfang Yuning could stand firm, Nangong Ye stretched out his arm and gently pulled her along. Dongfang Yuning felt dizzy and her back rested against the cool wall.
Nangong Ye's tall body approached, with one hand resting on the wall beside her ear, completely covering her with his figure!
Wall dong!
Dongfang Yuning: “!!!”
Her eyes widened instantly, looking at the handsome face so close to her, feeling the strong masculine scent and oppression, her heart skipped a beat uncontrollably!
[What...what's going on?! What...is Brother Aye going to do?]
System 118:
[Ding—classic wall-dong scene achieved! Environmental Concealment Index: Four Stars. Nangong Ye's Heart Rate: 120 beats/minute (continuously rising). Host's Heart Rate: 105 beats/minute (accelerating). Atmosphere Analysis: Tension, ambiguity, and full of unknown anticipation. Suggestion: Hold your breath and wait and see.]
Nangong Ye lowered his eyes, gazing deeply at her. The girl's eyes, slightly widened in surprise, were like a frightened deer, crystal clear, reflecting his reflection. Her slightly pursed lips, as if silently complaining of a lack of money, softened his heart. The bitterness he'd felt from being ignored by her (focused solely on discussing making money with the system) was instantly replaced by a surge of heartache.
His Adam's apple rolled, and his other hand slowly raised. Under Dongfang Yuning's puzzled gaze, the large hand with distinct joints and light calluses stretched out to his waist.
Then he took off a jade pendant.
The jade pendant was a brilliant white, smooth, and translucent, with intricate and exquisite carvings, featuring coiled dragon patterns and a simple, elegant character for "Ye" at its center. This wasn't just a symbol of status; it held the key to Prince Yong's vast private vault! It contained rewards accumulated from years of battle, profits from his fiefdoms, and a variety of priceless treasures.
Nangong Ye did not hesitate or explain anything, but carefully placed the jade pendant, which represented immense wealth, into Dongfang Yuning's cool little hand. His fingertips brushed across her palm, bringing with them a scorching warmth.
"Here."
His voice was low and hoarse, with unquestionable firmness, and his eyes were fixed on her.
"Mine, all Ning'er's."
Dongfang Yuning was completely stunned! She looked down at the heavy, warm jade pendant in her palm, feeling the lingering warmth of his body, and her mind went blank!
[This... this is... his private vault key?!]
There was a storm in her heart.
[He...he's going to give me all his belongings?]
System 118:
[Ding—accurate prediction! Angel (grudge) investment secured! Asset valuation scan in progress… Preliminary estimate: approximately one million taels of gold, eight hundred thousand taels of silver, and an inestimable value of various jewelry, jade, antiques, calligraphy, and paintings (conservative estimate doubles). Congratulations to the host, over 70% of the startup capital gap has been filled! Nangong Ye's favorability/loyalty: off the charts!]
A huge shock and an indescribable warmth instantly enveloped Dongfang Yuning. She raised her head and looked into Nangong Ye's deep eyes, which were filled with the words "I'll give it all to you, don't worry about the money." Her nose inexplicably felt a little sour. This man... How could he be so good! So good that it made her heart ache!
However! The pride (and profiteer instinct) of the little princess from the East would not allow her to accept it so comfortably!
She pouted, and instead of accepting it ecstatically, she stuffed the priceless jade pendant back into Nangong Ye's hand! Her movements were a bit girlish and coquettish.
"don't want!"
Her voice was clear and crisp, with a hint of anger.
"Your gold and silver are yours! Keep them safe! I...I don't want to use your private money!"
Nangong Ye looked at the jade pendant that was stuffed back into his chest, his brows knitted tight instantly, and the low pressure around him returned:
"Why?"
His voice was filled with a subtle sense of grievance and confusion. What was his was hers, what was wrong with that?
Dongfang Yuning puffed out her chest, trying to put on an "I'm awesome" look, but her eyes were a little evasive:
"Because... because I want to earn it myself! I want to go and reap the profits! I want to earn it back with my own skills! That's the only way to feel a sense of accomplishment! Spending your money... I... it hurts!"
She actually felt bad for him, bad for him for giving away everything he had without hesitation. His money was also hard-earned (although it was mainly war spoils and rewards from the emperor, as well as his business investments), but she just couldn't bear to part with it.
System 118: [Drip—Host's duplicity index: 99%. Real reason analysis: Heartache over Nangong Ye's shrinking assets (80%), declaration of independence (15%), obsession with "cutting leeks" (5%). Nangong Ye's confusion level is rising.]
Nangong Ye looked at the girl in front of him, who was obviously moved to death but was trying hard to be stubborn. The grievance he felt instantly turned into a deeper helplessness and doting. He once again forcefully stuffed the jade pendant into her hand, his big hand wrapped around her small hand, not allowing her to break free.
"Here."
His tone was unquestionable, and his deep eyes stared at her with an almost pious seriousness.
"What's mine is yours. Your wish is my wish. Do whatever you want. If the money is not enough,"
He paused, his tone calm but earth-shattering.
"I'm going to ask my brother the Emperor to 'borrow' from the national treasury."
Dongfang Yuning: “!!!”
[Borrowing from the national treasury?! Brother Aye, are you so domineering?!]
She was completely shocked!
Seeing his ass-kicking expression, "I'll pick the stars for you if you want them, let alone these yellow and white things," Dongfang Yuning's heart softened. She knew that further refusal would be hypocritical, and besides... this key could indeed solve her urgent problem.
She clenched the warm jade pendant in her hand, her face slightly red, and finally stopped resisting, muttering softly:
"Well... well, I'll keep it for you first! Just consider it... just consider it as part of the betrothal gift! Later... later, when my business makes money, I'll... I'll give you a share of the profits!"
She tried hard to find a reason that would not seem like a gigolo.
Nangong Ye watched her accept it, his frown finally relaxed, a faint but genuine smile spreading across his eyes. He didn't care about the bonus, as long as she no longer had to worry about money.
"Um."
He responded softly, looking at her slightly red cheeks in his arms, his mind moved slightly, and he slowly raised his hand that was supporting himself on the wall, as if trying to brush away a strand of hair from her cheek...
“Cough cough cough!”
A deliberately heavy cough came from the entrance of the cubicle at a very inopportune time!
The two of them (mainly Dongfang Yuning) separated in an instant like frightened rabbits!
The Empress Dowager leaned against the door frame and leaned half of her body in, with an extremely "kind" smile on her face. Her eyes moved between the two of them, especially when she saw the jade pendant in Dongfang Yuning's hand that he had not had time to hide, and Nangong Ye's gentle (and a little unsatisfied?) eyes that he had not had time to retract, the smile on her face deepened.
"Oh my! How come he disappeared in the blink of an eye? So he was hiding here to have a private conversation?"
The Queen Mother smiled,
"Ning'er, what good stuff are you holding? Let me see it."
She asked even though she knew the answer.
Dongfang Yuning felt guilty and subconsciously wanted to hide the jade pendant behind her back. Her face flushed red.
"Nothing...nothing! Queen Mother!"
Nangong Ye instantly regained his icy expression, though his ears seemed to be slightly red. He stepped aside and calmly placed Dongfang Yuning behind him, shielding her from the Queen Mother's overly enthusiastic gaze. His voice was calm and composed.
"What are your instructions, Mother?"
"Orders? How dare I give orders to you two?"
The Queen Mother smiled like an old fox who had stolen a chicken.
"I'm just here to tell you, Ning'er, that your third brother, Dongfang Linyuan, wants to see you. He says he has an extremely urgent 'business secret' to discuss with you, regarding the location of the auction house. Ning'er, go quickly and don't delay your great cause!"
Her eyes were meaningful.
[Ahhh! Third Brother is here! Plan!]
When Dongfang Yuning heard the serious business, he immediately threw the previous charming things behind his mind and ignored the Queen Mother's teasing.
"Empress Dowager, Brother Aye, I'm going first!"
She was like a nimble little rabbit, she came out from behind Nangong Ye and ran away without even saying goodbye, leaving behind only the jade pendant that symbolized his entire fortune, which she held tightly in her hand.
Nangong Ye looked at her back and sighed helplessly.
The Queen Mother walked in, patted her icy son on the shoulder, with an "I understand" expression on her face, lowered her voice, and said with a suppressed smile:
"Okay, stop looking, they've already disappeared! Look at what you've accomplished! But... well done!"
She glanced at the empty belt around Nangong Ye's waist.
"You've handed over all the keys to your private vault? Tsk, what courage! Just like my son! Ning'er, that girl, can't get away! Hahahaha!"
The Queen Mother smiled contentedly and left, leaving Nangong Ye standing there alone. The blush on his ears had not yet completely faded. Looking at his empty hand (the hand that had just held hers), and thinking about the fact that she had accepted the jade pendant, the corners of his lips couldn't help but curve upwards in a shallow but extremely gentle arc.
On the other side, Dongfang Yuning rushed out of the cubicle, screaming to the system in his mind as he ran:
[118! Quick, quick, quick! Bring me the auction house's site requirements, architectural blueprints, equipment list, and preliminary budget. You can now add Brother Aye's private vault! Get them all out! Third Brother is so efficient! I love my work! Work makes me happy!]
There was no trace of sadness on her little face. All that was left was her boundless passion for the grand blueprint and her eager anticipation for the "leek-cutting" business!
A bountiful harvest from the spiritual fields is in sight, the blueprint for the medical empire is beginning to emerge, and the overbearing prince is lending his all... Fengming Jiuxiao's path to wealth and merit is moving at full speed towards a more magnificent direction!
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