Now it was April 22 in the year 8821 of the Heavenly Dao calendar, and the Empress Dowager’s birthday banquet was set for April 27. Regardless, Pavilion Master was currently not present.
"Who is in charge of Lingyan Pavilion now?" Mu Rufeng asked again.
"Ninth Prince, it is Vice Pavilion Master Zhao Yu Yan. I have already informed her, and she should be arriving very soon. May I suggest that you wait in the top-floor private room?" the manager said ingratiatingly.
"Lead the way," Mu Rufeng said indifferently.
Shortly after, the manager led Mu Rufeng to a lavish private room on the ninth floor.
In no time, a large assortment of cakes, Spiritual Fruits, and Spiritual Tea were served.
Even two beautiful women entered, carrying a guzheng and pipa, to perform a musical rendition.
He was feeling somewhat anxious, but listening to the music, he felt a bit more relaxed.
At that moment, a woman’s voice came from outside the bedroom.
"Ninth Prince, Zhao Yu Yan requests an audience."
Soon, the door was pushed open by two trusted aides, and Zhao Yu Yan, clad in a purple long dress, slowly entered.
Zhao Yu Yan was extremely tall, her face covered by a veil making it hard to see clearly, but one could tell from her eyes that she was definitely a great beauty.
She also possessed a unique aura that was incredibly attractive.
"Ninth Prince, my apologies for not greeting you from afar. I hope you will forgive me," Zhao Yu Yan gave a bow, her tone cool.
"You may all leave," Mu Rufeng said to Xiao Cui and the others.
With a bow, they all promptly left, including the two musical performers.
"I wonder, why has your highness come? Is it to prepare a gift for the Empress Dowager’s birthday banquet?" Zhao Yu Yan sat down in a chair next to Mu Rufeng.
Mu Rufeng was momentarily stunned, then replied, "No, I am here to ask for a favor from Pavilion Master Zhao."
"Oh? A favor? Might I know what favor your highness needs from me?" Zhao Yu Yan did not immediately agree.
She was aware of Mu Rufeng’s current predicament, the annihilation of his fifty thousand soldiers, his severe injuries.
Seeing him now, his spirit seemed restored, his life force concealed, clearly having recovered, yet it was still difficult for him to compete for the Supreme position.
As for the Thousand-year-old Snow Lotus requested by the Seventh Princess, she was unaware of it.
After all, this was a matter within the Imperial Palace, and although she had her own sources of information, the palace was strictly managed.
Even the Eldest Prince couldn’t possibly reveal such a secret.
However, she was also aware of Mu Rufeng’s distribution of relief funds, and that it had been recollected by Lord Xuanping and then stolen.
Because that was simply impossible to conceal.
Thus, Zhao Yu Yan also had a speculation—it might be related to the relief funds, hence, it must be about borrowing silver.
With a sweep of his hand, Mu Rufeng brought out all the items he had brought and piled them on the ground.
"These rare treasures, magic artifacts, numerous businesses within the Imperial City, and the choice properties around the city have a market value of about 1.5 million Silver Coins."
"I wish to pledge these items here for 1.5 million Silver Coins in cash; I wonder if that is possible? I will return it in a month’s time, with twenty percent interest," Mu Rufeng said gravely.
He was not overpricing or underpricing, only offering them at market price while strictly seeking a pledge, not a sale.
Zhao Yu Yan did not speak, but just quietly looked at Mu Rufeng. After a while, she slowly began, "Your Highness, you must be raising funds for those eight million Silver Coins of relief money, right?"
"That’s correct," Mu Rufeng was not surprised that Zhao Yu Yan knew, because it really couldn’t be hidden.
"Your Highness, properties of this nature could swap for 1.5 million, and Lord Xuanping’s residence might worry about raising over two million."
"With Qing Gang, it should be about a million; in total, that’s nearly five million Silver Coins, still a shortfall of over three million."
"Our Lingyan Pavilion can make up those three million Silver Coins for your Highness," Zhao Yu Yan slowly said.
"What are your conditions?" Mu Rufeng asked solemnly.
Zhao Yu Yan didn’t respond, but with a wave of her hand, the room was suddenly enveloped in an Array.
Zhao Yu Yan was not a weakling, but rather a powerful combatant at Level 7 of the Soul Refining Realm, and she was not much older than Mu Rufeng.
"I’ve heard of your exploits on the battlefield, Highness, and have admired you. It was difficult to meet you in the past, but having met today, I am absolutely smitten."
"I am willing to marry you and become your wife; these are my conditions," Zhao Yu Yan said slowly.
"You admire me? You want to marry me?" Mu Rufeng eyed Zhao Yu Yan suspiciously.
He didn’t believe it, not one bit.
Zhao Yu Yan chuckled slightly and reached up to remove her veil.
A face of unmatched beauty appeared before Mu Rufeng. Despite having seen many beautiful women, he was momentarily dazzled.
Beautiful, too beautiful, she could be said to be the most beautiful person Mu Rufeng had ever seen, unmatched by anyone.
"Ninth Prince, your trusted aides and experts perished along with your fifty thousand troops, your household’s funds were depleted by the relief money. You are already unable to contend for the Supreme position."
"Although I’m not talented, my family has certain influence within Lingyan Pavilion. As long as I marry you, my Zhao Family can fully Read the latest chapters on NovelHub - completely free!
It must be said, this was an extremely tempting offer.
Initially, Mu Rufeng was indeed caught in a despairing trough; unless a miracle occurred, turning the situation around was impossible.
He was naturally able to preserve his life, since the Emperor, though abdicated, was not dead, but fully committed to advancing beyond the God Realm.