Visiting Ling-Bao Hall . . .
It was an undeniable truth that Cha Nantian, the Great General, was a formidable figure in terms of power and influence. Moreover, the House of Cha had demonstrated its might by swiftly erasing Second Prince's family from existence in a single day. Cha's mysterious expert had not only tossed Second Prince from a tower but also defeated two formidable martial artists. This display of strength had shown that the Royal House was in no position to contend with them.
If the king ever contemplated confronting the House of Cha, it would undoubtedly lead to his downfall and widespread ridicule.
...
Inside Ling-Bao Hall:
Cha Eun Xiao was reclining on a bed, attending to some minor affairs and thoughts of the day when Xiu of the Heavens would deliver additional supplies. Nine thousand more pieces of meteoric iron occupied his mind, and his heart swelled with contentment.
Suddenly, an urgent announcement rang through the entire Ling-Bao Hall.
"The king is on his way!"
Wan Zhenghao bellowed at the top of his lungs, his voice resonating with excitement.
"Sweep the floors! Hurry up!"
"This way! Over here..."
"Quick, there..."
"You, come here! Take care of that..."
"You three, follow me..."
"Guards, marshals!"
"Hurry up! For heaven's sake! Assassins, retreat to your rooms and keep a low profile. You're in deep trouble if the royal guards catch you..."
"Oh, come on! We know you're assassins. Can't you pretend otherwise?"
"Hurry! Roll out the red carpets..."
"Clean them, you dolt! For heaven's sake! The front hall is still conducting business. We're all doomed..."
Wan Zhenghao dashed about frantically, issuing orders left and right.
Wan was a wealthy man, the wealthiest in the world. Yet, it was evident that he had never come into close contact with a king. Although he had encountered a king at an auction before, the royal visit had not involved any direct interaction with Wan Zhenghao.
This time was different. The king's visit was intentional, giving Wan Zhenghao a unique experience. This was a record-breaking moment.
It seemed as if there were springs in his heels, causing him to bounce up and down in excitement. His ruddy face reddened even further, and he appeared to be on the brink of bursting with joy.
Wan Zhenghao might indeed be wealthier than any king in the Land of Han-Yang, but he was in awe of the idea of a king paying him a personal visit. He couldn't contain his exuberance.
As he approached the king's arrival, he let out a lengthy breath and muttered to himself, "That rascal deserves severe punishment."
Unbeknownst to Master Sun, the king chose to set aside the matter for an even more significant reason.
Even if the king had opted to bring charges against the perpetrator, could he?
...
As the king's impending arrival filled the air with tension, Feng Monarch's response was unlike Wan Zhenghao's. Feng Monarch appeared at the top of the stairs, frowning with a stern expression, and glanced disapprovingly at the bustling individuals.
Wan Zhenghao rushed forward in his fervor, his words tumbling out incoherently. "Monarch, His Majesty is... on his way..."
"So what?" Feng Monarch questioned, his voice laden with skepticism. "Is he a long-lost friend you haven't seen in bed for a while?"
Wan Zhenghao stammered, "No, it's not like that..."
Feng Monarch responded, "If not, why are you behaving as though you're getting excited for something that doesn't excite you? As the head of Ling-Bao Hall, you should exude sobriety and gravitas. Do you understand?"
Wan Zhenghao stared in disbelief at Feng Monarch's reaction. "Monarch, this is the king we're talking about..." He thought perhaps Feng Monarch had misunderstood. He emphasized, "The king! He's the ruler of the Chen Kingdom... Ahhh..."
Feng Monarch sighed and, with various emotions reflected in his eyes, including disdain for being dragged into this, shame at having Wan Zhenghao as a subordinate, and disappointment, he looked at Wan Zhenghao and said, "I know he's the king. He's the land's sovereign. So what? Are you anticipating his coronation?"
Wan Zhenghao was shocked. "No."
"Perhaps you want him to appoint you as an official?"
"Urh... Maybe that's what he wants, but I'm not interested."
"Or maybe he plans to give you some money?"
"Urh... It's usually the other way around, with me giving him money. The kingdom doesn't offer financial assistance."
"Is he seeking to forge a brotherhood with you?"
"Hmm... Perhaps he's interested, but I'm not."
Feng Monarch, perplexed by Wan Zhenghao's excitement, took a deep breath and commented, "I know he's the king. Nevertheless, what's the fuss about? What's the big deal? Is he going to crown you?"
In response, Wan Zhenghao stammered and faltered. "No."
"Or do you wish for him to provide you with an opportunity to become a government official?"
"Urh... Perhaps that's his intention, but I don't care for it."
"Maybe he'll offer you money?"
"Urh... He hasn't, and the kingdom won't."
"Is he planning to establish a brotherhood with you?"
"Hmm... It's possible, but it doesn't interest me."
"Can he provide you with a wife?"
"Perhaps he can and intends to, but I still have no interest. I don't require a wife. I don't want one!"
"Would he attempt to harm you if he were to take offense?"
"Not really. While he may contemplate it, he wouldn't dare."
"Is he offering you everything you desire? The things he can provide might not be to your liking. So why are you so enthusiastic?" Cha Eun Xiao scrutinized him and expressed his disappointment. "Look at your lackluster demeanor! What have you learned during all these years you've lived?"
Wan Zhenghao experienced a moment of enlightenment and felt a deep sense of shame.
Gradually, he grasped the truth. "You're right. The king's visit is unrelated to me and doesn't bring any benefit. Why am I so excited? For what purpose?"
"Wan Zhenghao, you are the proprietor of Ling-Bao Hall. You have lived for over three thousand years! You're the wealthiest person in the world, commanding a group of assassins, including the three top assassins in the league. Ling-Bao Hall has recently issued a reward warrant with the largest bounty in history! You should stand higher than any king in this world! You must maintain sobriety, firmness, and stability. Stay composed! You are a remarkable figure. Do you understand?" Feng Monarch imparted a valuable lesson.
Wan Zhenghao acknowledged his words, deeply affected by them.
"However, it is still necessary to extend a courteous welcome to our guest," Cha Eun Xiao stated solemnly. "Maintain your sense of self-worth."
"Thank you for your guidance, Monarch," Wan Zhenghao expressed his gratitude and acceptance of the advice.
...
The king and his entourage finally arrived at Ling-Bao Hall.
His initial impression was one of awe. "Ling-Bao Hall is indeed exceptional!"
"So unique!"
"Undoubtedly, this is the legendary establishment!"
Ling-Bao Hall exuded a sense of tranquility and tidiness. Red carpets adorned the floors, and business activities were momentarily halted for the royal visit.
Yet, the people within remained composed and calm.
Their demeanor was polite, but devoid of excessive excitement, even in the presence of the king.
Respect was evident, but it remained within the boundaries of formality.
The king couldn't help but admire their conduct. "This might be the only group of people in my kingdom who exhibit politeness without resorting to flattery..."
As he surveyed the scene, he suddenly found himself astounded.
A colossal, rotund figure emerged from the hall. This individual seemed worthy of a poetic tribute.
"The unique and only fatty in history;
The fattest being under the heavens!
One step triggers an earthquake;
A single shake of the body stirs up a tempest!"
"This is legendary obesity, an astonishing corpulence," the king mused. "It's the kind of miracle that only being overweight can bestow!"