Nāgata: Infernal Night, Qinghan and I are True Love

Chapter 144 Shen Miao's Engagement

Shen Haisheng said urgently, "Master Xu, please speak frankly!"

Xu Tianyi smiled and looked around.

He then continued speaking.

"An empire will never lack high-ranking members from powerful families."

Even if one group of powerful families is wiped out, a new group will still emerge.

The struggle between powerful families and imperial power will never cease.

Now, if the Shen family wants to continue its legacy for another thousand years and achieve even greater glory, there is only one thing they need to do!

Shen Haisheng and Shen Lang asked anxiously, "What is it?!"

Yue Shan and Ji Canghai also pricked up their ears.

Xu Tianyi immediately shouted: "That is, to provide benefits to the country and the people in a sustained and long-term manner!"

Shen Haisheng and the others were shocked: "What!!"

Xu Tianyi continued to explain: "Nowadays, all aristocratic families are selfish and self-serving, including the Shen family."

The Shen family's indulgence of the Valley God Sect and the resulting chaos in Leizhou are, in fact, a manifestation of their disregard for the lives of ordinary people.

Even the fact that the Shen family monopolized the city, bullied and dominated the market, monopolized the industry, swallowed up the mineral resources of the land, and enslaved the workers and peasants is a bloody truth.

However, ever since the Shen family and I started our partnership, all eleven counties in the Northwest have been grateful to the Shen family. Do you understand?

Shen Haisheng's lips twitched. He still didn't understand what the use was in having a bunch of lowly people speak well of him. As for reputation, couldn't he just do a little good deed himself?

Shen Miao felt a little sad; she hadn't expected her family to have done so many evil things.

Yue Shan frowned even more. His family hadn't done any of these trivial things, and in fact, the Yue family wasn't particularly wealthy.

This is also because the Yue family originated from the ranks of soldiers and came from the common people.

Ji Canghai harbored a sense of chivalry, but was also dissatisfied with his family.

Xu Tianyi continued, "If I were the representative of imperial power, the representative of the Shen family, a prominent clan..."

The Shen family helped me with disaster relief, and even provided me with a large amount of gold, silver, grain, and talent. Do you think I would destroy the Shen family just because I have stabilized Leizhou?

Shen Haisheng's eyes lit up. He and Shen Lang exchanged a glance, seemingly understanding something, yet still somewhat confused.

Xu Tianyi laughed and said, "That's right. You've helped me and the people. Of course I'm satisfied."

Subsequently, the Shen family could vigorously establish schools and factories in the eleven counties of Northwest China.

This can improve the cultural level of the people, add talent, and increase the employment rate, allowing many idle and unemployed people to earn money.

If the people have more money, my tax revenue will increase; if their education level is higher, there will be more talented people.

Old man, think about it. If your Shen family can provide employment opportunities for two million people in Leizhou, would I dare to punish you?

If the Shen family falls, a large number of people will lose their jobs, society will be in chaos, and my tax revenue will definitely decrease.

Even if the Shen family's involvement in more industries allows them to make greater contributions to Leizhou, then the Shen family will reap both fame and fortune.

Shen Haisheng suddenly straightened up. He wasn't stupid; he had already considered the feasibility of what Xu Tianyi had said.

This is definitely better than him ruling over a separate region.

What is this? This is the life and death of the people of an entire state!

If we do that, whether Leizhou is in chaos or not will be up to my Shen family.

The millions of people in Leizhou remember the good deeds of my Shen family. My Shen family controls the jobs of the people of Leizhou, and at the same time, it can provide a lot of tax revenue. It even controls the academy and can provide a lot of talents. The monarch will definitely not be able to do without the help of the Shen family.

He quickly stood up: "Master Xu is indeed a man of great talent! I, Shen, thank you!"

Xu Tianyi smiled; he actually believed these lies.

As expected, people who haven't experienced many dynastic changes have little insight.

Monopolizing education? Dream on!

A monopolistic industry? Even less likely!

But that's what they say, anyway, you stockpile food and I stockpile guns, that's what everyone agreed on...

He then said cheerfully, "I will submit a memorial to His Highness the Crown Prince about this matter. His Highness is always benevolent and capable, and I'm sure he won't refuse such a request that benefits the country and its people..."

Upon hearing this, Shen Haisheng's beaming face froze.

What is that?

You haven't received the Crown Prince's permission yet?

"Master Xu, what if... what if the Crown Prince doesn't agree to this?"

Xu Tianyi laughed heartily: "Then I, Xu, have done my best..."

Upon hearing this, Shen Haisheng and the others felt as if a bucket of cold water had been poured over them.

Shen Miao was speechless and said, "Then what you said was pointless, a waste of my time..."

Yue Shan and the others also frowned.

Xu Tianyi then said meaningfully, "Of course, if you all support me, I will certainly not forget your kindness..."

Upon hearing this, Shen Haisheng immediately realized the truth.

This kid actually has such ambitions!

Perhaps, he really could push a princess to the throne and then seize control of the government!

Thinking of this, he quickly smiled and said, "Not at all, by the way, Master Xu is young and promising and will soon be in charge of Leizhou. I congratulate you, Master, but there is something that has been worrying me..."

Xu Tianyi was delighted. What did it mean that he was about to take charge of Leizhou? Did that mean he was going to help me completely?

"What worries Patriarch Shen?"

The people around also started listening.

Shen Haisheng chuckled: "As the saying goes, of the three unfilial acts, the greatest is having no offspring. Although Master Xu has the Princess as his wife, he has no children yet. My Shen family's eldest daughter, Shen Miao, is destined to be with you, Master. I wonder if you would be interested in forming a marriage alliance with my Shen family?"

Upon hearing this, Shen Miao panicked: "No...no way! This lady won't marry him! Xu Tianyi, say something!"

Xu Tianyi turned to look at her, then laughed heartily, "I like Miaomiao quite a bit, but we can set the engagement first. The wedding may have to wait a while, since Qinghan and I haven't had our wedding yet."

Shen Miao stared at Xu Tianyi in disbelief: "No way! I was just trying to help you out of kindness, and I considered you a good friend. How could you have such malicious intentions towards me?! You're despicable!!"

"Shen Miao!! This is rude! Go back here!"

Shen Haisheng glared at her, as did Shen Lang.

Xu Tianyi waved his hand and said, "It's alright, it's alright, that's just Miaomiao's temper."

"It's just an engagement, not a real marriage. You can spend some time with me first. If you really don't like me, we can call off the engagement, okay?"

Shen Miao's eyes lit up: "Is that really true?!"

Xu Tianyi nodded: "Of course I believe it..."

After thinking for a moment, Shen Miao could only sigh and say, "Alright then, let's make it clear first, don't go back on your word later!"

She thought that with this marriage contract, she wouldn't be pressured to get married, nor would she be used for arranged marriages with others, and at least she wouldn't be required to marry that rigid and boring General Yue.

She disliked Yue Shan; seeing him was like seeing her boss or elder.

Just like Yue Shan disliked her for being childish, restless, talkative, and mischievous.

The Shen family members were naturally overjoyed to see that Shen Miao had agreed.

Only Yue Shan and Ji Canghai looked a little off.

Yue Shan snorted coldly: "Master Xu, it seems that Qing'er and you are not engaged yet!"

Ji Canghai was also unhappy: "Yingying, what do you plan to do? Give me a straight answer!"