Can I Become Emperor by Being This Lazy? - Chapter 52

Chapter 52

Xu Mao resigned herself to the situation, consoling herself that at least she had managed to send away a portion of the troops. There would be future opportunities to eliminate more through competitions, so she could gradually reduce the numbers over time without rushing.

Alright, I understand. Have these people report to me.

Xu Mao lowered her head to review the list of departing personnel, calculating the expenses before accessing her System to open her private treasury.

After resolving part of the issue, Xu Mao retrieved Wang Xingzhu’s letter and reread it. The fake jade didn’t sound particularly important, but Chou Niang’s diary had caught her attention.

What decent person keeps a diary?

Xu Mao scrutinized the matter from all angles – this Chou Niang exhibited all the typical characteristics of an NPC who delivers resources and equipment. However, since the person was already deceased, the focus shifted to the diary Chou Niang had left behind.

As a precaution, Xu Mao picked up her brush to write another letter, expressing curiosity about Chou Niang’s diary. She instructed Wang Xingzhu to excerpt portions of it and provide her with a general introduction to the strange phenomena mentioned within.

After sealing the letter, Xu Mao immediately dispatched it.

*

After Xu Mao entered Jin Province, all the local residents grew tense, closely monitoring her every move. No sooner had Xu Mao begun reducing her troops than rumors started spreading. The news quickly circulated throughout Jin Province and Jiang Province, with various interpretations emerging, including whispers that Xu Mao was short on funds.

When Hua Xiangui, proprietor of the Fugui Restaurant in Huaining, heard that Xu Mao was currently strapped for cash – so much so that she had to reduce her troops out of necessity – he didn’t doubt the reports for a moment. He immediately jumped for joy, leaping three feet in the air in excitement, pacing back and forth enthusiastically.

If Marshal Xu needs money, she only needs to ask me! I may not have much else, but I’ve got plenty of money. This is perfect timing, heaven is helping me! Hua Xiangui clapped his hands, grinning from ear to ear.

Ever since Xu Mao left Huaining, she had advanced unstoppably, easily capturing Yanlin and Fengcheng, and eventually the entire Jin Province. She had become like a brilliant, shining star in the sky, entering more people’s fields of vision and gaining increasing attention. Those who recognized her potential and were willing to support her grew in number accordingly. He had been worrying about lacking the right opportunity to contact her.

Xu Mao was busy with important matters – he needed to make himself more visible to her, to leave an impression so she wouldn’t forget him.

If he didn’t seize this current opportunity to establish close ties with Xu Mao and build a good relationship with her, he believed it wouldn’t be long before she occupied a region and became a warlord.

If someone wealthier than him appeared before Xu Mao at the right moment, he would lose his advantage and completely miss this chance to elevate himself from his lowly merchant status.

Hearing about Xu Mao’s financial difficulties made Hua Xiangui happier than anyone else. He danced with joy, circling twice under the eaves before specially hiring someone to draft a letter to Xu Mao. He also dispatched several carts of treasures to accompany the message, ensuring timely assistance to resolve Xu Mao’s urgent needs.

Hua Xiangui was thrilled, looking forward to making an appearance before Xu Mao and winning her favor. With his proactive approach and full support, he believed that when good opportunities arose in the future, Xu Mao would remember him.

The cart wheels rolled along, crushing the earth and leaving deep tracks behind. Copper coins locked in boxes jingled crisply with each bump in the road as they made their way into Jin Province.

Xu Heng, unable to rest easy about Xu Mao, had remained in Jin Province with her. He joined the soldiers in reading and studying. One evening on his way to class, he suddenly saw carriages and horses lined up like a dragon at the gate, completely blocking the passage. Several men were arguing vehemently about their positions.

I arrived first, so naturally we should be at the front!

The plump man, who had been furiously arguing with someone else until his face was red and neck thick with anger, turned his head to reveal his features. It was none other than Hua Xiangui.

Xu Heng had met Hua Xiangui last time when he came to deliver money. Moreover, this man had a rounded physique with small eyes narrowed into slits—anyone who had seen him would not easily forget him.

Xu Heng stepped forward and asked in surprise, Shopkeeper Hua?

Hua Xiangui was rolling up his sleeves, ready to charge forward and brawl, when he heard a woman’s voice. He immediately turned his head and recognized her as Xu Mao’s sister. His anger vanished instantly, his expression changing faster than flipping a page. Beaming with a smile, he approached shamelessly, cupping his hands toward Xu Heng. Miss Heng, what a pleasure to see you again.

Xu Heng asked curiously, What are you doing here, Shopkeeper?

Hua Xiangui straightened his collar slightly and half-turned to show off his grandeur to Xu Heng. The carriages were fully loaded, one after another, forming a long procession—more elaborate than when he married off his daughter.

Miss Heng, I heard the Marshal has been exhaustively managing the troops lately, toiling without complaint. To celebrate the acquisition of Jin Province and Jiang Province, she’s rewarding everyone. Upon hearing the news, I set out immediately to congratulate the Marshal. Such a joyous occasion cannot be missed! Look, these are all carefully prepared congratulatory gifts. Hua Xiangui beamed with joy, slightly straightening his posture as he pointed at the boxes on the carts, full of confidence.

Xu Heng smiled, understanding the implication behind his words. It seemed he had heard that her sister was currently short on funds and in a financial predicament, so he rushed here to offer money to please her sister. If things succeeded in the future, they would surely reap benefits.

Not bad—he had good foresight.

Xu Heng proudly puffed out her chest and looked at Hua Xiangui with slightly softened eyes.

Immediately after, Hua Xiangui explained, You’ve come just in time, Miss! Please judge for us. Clearly, I arrived first, but Shopkeeper Zhao cut in from a side alley and insisted on pushing me to the back!

Beside them, Shopkeeper Zhao grew furious, his beard bristling like a cat whose tail had been stepped on. He instantly flared up, jumping in front of Xu Heng and pointing at Hua Xiangui. Utterly shameless! Miss, don’t listen to him twisting right and wrong. When I was about to arrive, I encountered Shopkeeper Hua’s broken-down cart on the road. I kindly waited for him to repair it, but who would have thought this man would be so brazen as to intentionally stop halfway to block us? All the other shopkeepers and passersby behind can testify for me. I had no choice but to take a detour.

Hua Xiangui flushed red and retorted dryly, I did no such thing! You’re slandering me! You’re the shameless one!

Xu Heng tilted her head in thought for a moment and said, It’s unsightly for you to block the way here. Go on inside first, clear the path, and don’t obstruct the pedestrians. Come with me to see the Marshal, and you can settle your dispute before her.

What mattered was not who came first or last, but getting the wealth through the door.

Xu Heng led Hua Xiangui and the others to find Xu Mao. Hua Xiangui couldn’t be bothered to continue arguing with Shopkeeper Zhao. He snorted lightly and strode proudly across the threshold.

In the study.

Xu Mao stared blankly at the map, planning routes based on experiences from previous campaigns. Now that she held Jin Province and Jiang Province and was beginning to make a name for herself, she would inevitably attract attention from other regions. The imperial court should take her seriously now, right?

Xu Mao rubbed her smooth chin, wavering between staying put and venturing out to test the dangerous boundaries.

For safety’s sake, Xu Mao decided it was best to lay low and wait for the imperial court to send troops. Roaming around recklessly might lead to unexpected encounters or trigger hidden tasks. This was a phase for seeking stability—no need to stir up trouble unnecessarily.

Sister, the wealthy merchants of Jin Province have heard about your decision to reduce the troops. They’ve come with carts full of treasures to visit, especially those from Huaining—the most numerous among them. Manager Hua from Fugui Restaurant is also here. They’re currently waiting in the reception hall. Would you like to meet them?

Xu Heng leaped over the threshold in high spirits, beaming as she delivered the news to Xu Mao. She scurried to Xu Mao’s side, eyes glinting, and whispered, Manager Hua brought the most goods. We can really squeeze… I believe Manager Hua is utterly sincere, his goodwill overflowing.

Xu Mao’s heart fluttered. She lifted her head, eyes wide, staring blankly at Xu Heng, her voice faint. What did you say?

Trouble had arrived.

Xu Mao felt as if struck by lightning—she had forgotten to consider these merchants. They lacked not wealth but power, their desire to leap social strata was most urgent, and they excelled at seizing opportunities. Seeing any possibility, they were willing to bet their money—winning meant a great reversal; losing meant fleeing with all their assets amidst chaos, beyond the government’s grasp.

Moreover, they could argue they acted out of fear, forced to seek connections, ultimately spending to avert disaster. The authorities would turn a blind eye, and the matter would pass.

How to resolve this thorny issue of the merchants made Xu Mao’s scalp tingle, her head nearly exploding.

Xu Mao said gravely, I’ll go see them.

Avoidance was impossible. Xu Mao hurriedly stood and walked out, organizing her thoughts as she asked Xu Heng, How were those goods handled? Are they currently left outside the gate?

Xu Heng waved confidently, leaning closer to Xu Mao. Of course not. I had them all unloaded and carried inside.

Xu Mao felt a surge of frustration choke her throat. She halted, reached out to tousle Xu Heng’s hair, sighed, and spoke earnestly, Hurry along to your lessons. Leave such matters to others from now on.

Not receiving any praise, Xu Heng let out a soft oh, bid a reluctant farewell, and rushed off to class.

Xu Mao strode quickly to the reception hall. Upon entering, those inside seemed to sense her arrival, rising in unison to stand not far from the doorway in welcome. They uniformly revealed smiles, bowing with cupped hands toward Xu Mao.

No need for such formalities.

After brief pleasantries and exchanging courtesies with the merchants, Xu Mao spoke before they could begin. Your intentions have already been relayed to me by my sister Heng. I won’t beat around the bush or waste anyone’s time.

Hua Xiangui observed Xu Mao’s expression, finding no trace of joy or anger, and for a moment couldn’t discern her intent, quietly awaiting her next words.

Xu Mao said, I thank all you managers for traveling here to congratulate my Loyal Army. I appreciate your goodwill. However, with disasters rampant and the situation volatile, business is difficult, and times are hard for everyone. I understand this well. Please take back your gifts for now. We can discuss this when circumstances improve and burdens lessen. To ignore your hardships would make me no different from looters who take advantage of chaos!

The hearts of everyone in the hall stirred. They looked at Xu Mao with complex gazes. Those merchants who had come merely following the trend now felt a shift in their attitudes.

Who would refuse freely offered wealth?

Moreover, given Xu Mao’s current strained circumstances—supporting so many under her command—her need for funds was certain. Yet even in such a state, she still considered their difficulties and refused the wealth delivered to her doorstep.

Such a marshal of sentiment and righteousness, leading an army of benevolence and justice, made it seem only natural for the garrisons of Jin Province and Jiang Province to voluntarily open their city gates and submit. There would be even more such occurrences in the future—conquering the realm was within reach.

At this thought, everyone’s confidence surged, and they resolved to pledge their allegiance to Xu Mao.

Hua Xiangui advised, “Marshal, you need not worry on my account. With you here, our Jin Province is bound to prosper steadily. When the time is right, what concern is there about earning silver? To be able to use such vulgar yellow and white metals to ease your urgent needs is a blessing I’ve cultivated over three lifetimes!