Chapter Six: Wan Sanqian

"Bang!"
Fireworks burst in the sky with dazzling brilliance, but the people on the shore showed no intention of rising to admire them. Zhu Yu was just about to call out for everyone to stand, when suddenly, chaos erupted.

The boat of guards following behind the King of Qi began slaughtering each other, and several men, reckless and desperate, charged toward the vessel where Zhu Yu was standing. The scene descended into pandemonium, and Eunuch Wu cried out for help.

The guards who rushed over were intercepted. Zhu Yu, his heart pounding, watched the unfolding carnage, when his sharp eyes caught sight of a guard on that boat, lighting a fuse—clutching an old-fashioned bomb.

In that instant, a thought flashed through Zhu Yu's mind: What kind of world had he traversed into? How had the technological tree evolved here?

There was no time for further speculation. His modern instincts screamed doom, yet his will to survive compelled him to grab Eunuch Wu and leap into the river.

Ignoring the sting in his eyes, Zhu Yu looked up from within the water and saw a uniformed man, knife in hand, stepping across the water from the riverbank.

"Bang!"

A thunderous explosion erupted above him.

Feeling the devastation wrought by the bomb, Zhu Yu’s modern understanding was challenged once again. Such a large bomb—why was its power so limited?

Before he could make sense of it, debris from the blasted boat crashed down directly onto the back of his head.

A searing pain shot through his skull, and darkness engulfed him as he lost consciousness.

As his awareness faded, Zhu Yu felt a chill in his heart. This was not how the plot was supposed to go! The emperor never fainted during this scene in the original story!

He had no time to think further; darkness swallowed his vision.

In the river, Eunuch Wu saw Zhu Yu knocked out cold. Without hesitation, he dragged Zhu Yu toward the shore, carefully choosing a deserted spot.

Gripping Zhu Yu’s arm, Eunuch Wu moved his legs lightly—they shot forward like arrows released from the string and reached the bank in the blink of an eye.

The eunuch, known throughout the land for his complete lack of martial skill, was in fact a master!

Of course, Zhu Yu remained unconscious, so this secret stayed hidden.

Who knew how long he was out? Gradually, Zhu Yu’s senses returned, and he found himself in a strange room.

Eunuch Wu watched him closely, and seeing Zhu Yu awake, hurriedly poured tea and asked, "Your Majesty, how are you feeling now? Are you better?"

Feeling the lingering ache at the back of his head, Zhu Yu frowned, "I’m fine."

He then asked, "Where are we? Is it safe?"

Before Eunuch Wu could reply, another voice spoke.

"Rest assured, Your Majesty. This place is absolutely safe. No one will disturb you."

A slightly plump man, clad in a splendid robe, knelt on the ground. The fabric appeared, even at a glance, to rival the quality of Zhu Yu's imperial garments.

Zhu Yu signaled to Eunuch Wu with his eyes.

Understanding, Eunuch Wu quickly spoke, "Your Majesty, this is Wan Sanqian, Master Wan. He is generous and charitable, often donating to the court. Under his patronage, the famed Dragon Guard Manor—the number one manor under Heaven—was established, aiding the court greatly. He is a loyal subject indeed."

As he spoke, Eunuch Wu felt it was not enough and raised his thumb high for Zhu Yu to see.

Zhu Yu looked at Eunuch Wu strangely, thinking, Did he betray me, letting Wan Sanqian buy loyalty with money?

But upon reflection, these deeds were the very definition of loyalty; if this wasn’t loyal, then nothing in the world could be.

To Zhu Yu, however, Wan Sanqian was simply buying his own safety—a merchant whose wealth rivaled nations, and that was no exaggeration.

Such was the outlook forged by modern society, shaped by novels, dramas, and history lessons.

It was as if Iron Courage Marquis Zhu Wushi was the same: ask anyone, and all would declare him a loyal subject. If Zhu Yu hadn’t watched the drama himself, he would have poured his heart out to Zhu Wushi too, never suspecting that this greatest hero harbored dreams of becoming emperor!

His thoughts returned. Looking at Wan Sanqian still kneeling, Zhu Yu said, "Rise. Given the current circumstances, there’s no need for such formalities."

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Wan Sanqian rose and bowed again.

"Could your guards escort me back to the palace?" Zhu Yu still hoped to steer the plot back, but when danger struck, the first instinct was to return home. For a novice emperor to survive an assassination and not want to return to the palace—that would be odd indeed.

With no other options, Zhu Yu followed protocol and asked.

"Protecting Your Majesty is my duty, but Eunuch Wu has already described today’s events. Escorting you back to the palace is only right, but I fear you may face even greater peril once you return!" Wan Sanqian advised.

"Alas, in this vast capital, is there truly no safe haven, only this place to hide?" Zhu Yu struck the bed forcefully, secretly amused.

"Your Majesty, be patient. You could seek aid from the Marquis of Divine Courage. His four great constables are all masterful in martial arts and could lend you their strength!" Wan Sanqian proposed.

Hearing this, Zhu Yu felt a surge of joy—the plot was returning to its course! But he feigned reluctance.

"Dragon Guard Manor may be in the capital, but it’s far on the outskirts. I fear there will be trouble on the way."

As mentioned before, factions abound in the court, but at this time, Zhu Wushi was still highly reliable.

"Your Majesty misunderstands. This Marquis is not that Marquis. I refer to Zhuge Zhengwo, who has always been loyal to the court," Wan Sanqian hurriedly explained, adding, "And I’ve already sent riders to inform Iron Courage Marquis as well."

Zhu Yu felt his performance was teetering on the edge, so he said reluctantly, "Very well. Let us seek out Zhuge Zhengwo."

"Yes, Your Majesty. I’ll make arrangements at once," Wan Sanqian bowed, preparing to leave.

"Wait. You saved me—what reward do you desire?" Zhu Yu decided to grant Wan Sanqian a generous gift.

"Your Majesty, I am humbled. As a subject of Jingguo, it is my duty to serve you," Wan Sanqian declined.

Zhu Yu could tell immediately he was accumulating favor, thinking to himself: If I could stomach it, would I leave it for you?

Though this was his thought, his words were different.

"I have always rewarded merit and punished wrongdoing. You are a merchant, correct?" Zhu Yu asked.

"Yes, Your Majesty, I am a merchant."

"In our dynasty, there is a wealthy merchant whose fortune rivals nations. His surname is An—do you know him?" Zhu Yu inquired.

"I have heard of him—An Yunshan. He is generous and charitable, often donating to the court. His wealth rivals nations. But I heard his son, An Shigeng, caused some trouble in the capital a few years ago and has already been executed."

Wan Sanqian grew more uneasy; his own introduction was exactly how Eunuch Wu had described him! After speaking, cold sweat broke out on Wan Sanqian, wondering what the emperor meant—was he about to set a template for him?