Chapter 990: The first official alliance (1/2)

“The Tang Clan is one of East Qin’s factions.”

More silence answered Ning Nuo’s statement. Many of them, especially members of the military and trade consortium, looked as if they were on the verge of falling apart.

Then Ning Nuo said, “Kangan Private Bank...is one of Long Feiye’s private enterprises.”

Cloud Realm Trade Consortium’s head elder suddenly clutched at his clothes and pounded his chest. Fortunately, the people around him helped him in time before he suffocated to death and lost his life. Everyone else was left utterly dumbstruck and too stunned to react. They only felt that everyone was a horrific dream!

Ning Nuo’s heart was stifled as well, but he still held on.

“My big brother’s terms with Long Feiye was that once Jun Yixie set his troops against the Northern Li emperor, the south central commander-in-chief’s estate will relax merchant restrictions and lower taxes against us. Long Feiye agreed with a personal written statement currently in Master Ning’s hands.”

Ning Nuo knew that if he hadn’t said those words, many other would be nearly stifled to death like the head elder. As expected, his statement brought a round of relieved sighs, including one from the ever faithful Fifth Elder.

“Long Feiye had no other conditions? He really agreed?” Myriad Merchant Hall’s Head Elder couldn’t help asking. He was curious to know how Master Ning had gotten these terms down with Long Feiye in the first place. Truthfully speaking, the Di Clan’s circumstances, along with Master Ning’s own plight, wasn’t enough make demands! Moreover, someone as astute as Long Feiye would definitely know that once the restrictions were lifted, Cloud Realm Trade Consortium would have a big chance to recover its prowess.

Ning Nuo shook his head and handed the letter to Head Elder. He was curious to know as well.

Once Head Elder finished reading, he gave the letter to the rest of the table. It clarified all the points mentioned in the silver drafts and gave the Di Clan clear orders. No one present at the table dared to object.

The head elder of Cloud Realm Trade Consortium said, “In short, I’ll leave everything here to the rest of you. I need to hurry back to the consortium and make arrangements. There are many things to do regarding the business in the south central regions, so I won’t tarry here.”

Not only did they have to re-organize task responsibilities, but also prepare for the lift on trade restrictions. Head Elder was truly afraid that Ning Nuo would make him stay to meet with the princess at East Origin Hall too.

As soon as he finished speaking, Deputy General Xue rose to his feet as well. “Young Master Nuo, there’s a lot of details I need to settle regarding the incoming battle horses. This soldier will take his leave as well.”

But Ning Nuo only said, “The consortium members can all leave, but the military members need to stay. Deputy General Xue, make preparations. Tonight we meet with the princess at East Origin Hall. We’ll need your ideas for how to work together with East Qin’s military!”

When Deputy General Xue thought of Long Feiye and Han Yunxi, his scalp turned numb. But Ning Nuo had already issued orders, so he didn’t dare refuse. “Yes, this soldier understands.”

That night, Ning Nuo had Myriad Merchant Hall’s Head Elder and Deputy General Xue of the military camp join him to head for East Origin Hall. Fifth Elder quietly watched them leave with a disappointed face. After all these experiences, he was more and more dissatisfied with the Di Clan’s internal affairs. If Master Ning’s letter hadn’t come in time, those two would have led the Di Clan and the princess to irreconcilable ends. He had originally planned to tag along and find a chance to remind the princess of this issue in private, but Ning Nuo had forbidden it.

—

As soon as Ning Nuo’s group announced themselves, Xu Donglin came out to personally lead them to the back courtyard. Fortunately, Long Feiye and Han Yunxi hadn’t started their nightly dual cultivation yet, or else they would have had to wait until the next day.

Han Yunxi had begun cultivating her poison storage space after leaving the Poison Sect as well. When she did, she sensed Lil Thing doing the same. Since it was trying so hard, she had to work more, too. Only when her poison storage space surpassed Bai Yanqing’s would Lil Thing be safe. Then it could help them deal with the man too. Simultaneously, it would help Lil Thing’s poison teeth heal faster, too.

Every night since their departure from the Poison Sect’s forbidden grounds, she and Long Feiye had been dual cultivating an extra two hours before they went to sleep. Then they’d crawl out of bed first thing next morning. A few things she’d been preparing in secret had to be delayed as a result. Sometimes, Long Feiye even felt distressed enough to simply do Han Yunxi after their cultivation sessions until she fell senseless. Every time that happened, it was impossible for her to get up early the next day without sleeping until noon. Although Han Yunxi said she disapproved of Long Feiye’s methods to make her sleep, her body was all to willing to submit.

Ning Nuo’s group of three was led to a tea pavilion in the rear. Both Long Feiye and Han Yunxi were drinking tea there, the former steeping the leaves while the latter noticed them from a distance. Gu Beiyue was sitting behind Han Yunxi and looking at them with a faint smile; Gu Qishao sat next to him while leaning lazily against the railings and crossing his legs. Behind Long Feiye sat Tang Li with an absolutely stormy expression.

Leaving aside the consortium head elder and Deputy General Xue, even Ning Nuo was quailed by the sight. He privately rejoiced that Long Feiye wasn’t looking their way, or else he would have collapsed. Still, as soon as he entered the pavilion, Long Feiye looked up. In a flash, Ning Nuo missed his brother desperately. He knew that Ning Cheng would have no qualms here. He had interacted with Long Feiye once on Fishery Island, but it was no comparison to the present. Still, he managed to keep calm despite his tension.

With a small smile on his face, he paid respects to Han Yunxi first. “Subordinate Ning Nuo greets the princess.”

Seeing this, the extremely nervous consortium head elder and Deputy General Xue recovered their bearings and quickly followed suit.

“No need for formalities, have a seat,” Han Yunxi said.