The Ethereal Domains

Chapter 335: About Zuo Wuji

About Zuo Wuji . . .

The flames of war had engulfed every corner of the Kingdom of Chen, leaving no city capable of paying taxes to the royal court for the years to come. Instead, they found themselves in the unenviable position of having to request financial aid from the central government.

In a land where every facet of existence demanded funds, the Kingdom of Chen required a substantial and unceasing flow of money. The question lingered: from where would this vast wealth be sourced? Did it appear out of thin air? Was such a notion even conceivable?

At an unexpected juncture, Ling-Bao Hall, an organization with branches extending across the entire Land of Han-Yang, which had previously remained unaffiliated with any worldly factions or nations, astounded all by pledging its support to the Kingdom of Chen. They declared that half of the proceeds from the auction would be contributed to the kingdom's coffers, helping to replenish the royal treasury.

While the exact extent of Ling-Bao Hall's combat prowess remained veiled in secrecy, its unparalleled wealth was common knowledge. Even in a routine auction, the concession of half the earnings would be an extraordinary sum. This, however, was not a regular event—it was an auction of supreme dan beads.

The proceeds amassed by Ling-Bao Hall were truly staggering. The sum donated to the Kingdom of Chen amounted to a breathtaking 70 billion!

It was an amount beyond belief—a figure that defied the boundaries of the plausible. None of the world's kingdoms possessed the capacity to amass such wealth independently. Even if all the kingdoms were to unite their financial resources, they might still fall short of the colossal sum.

Furthermore, this was entirely liquid capital. The magnitude of such an accumulation was a testament to the immense efforts exerted in its collection. If Ling-Bao Hall did not possess the supreme dan beads, it would have been an insurmountable challenge to amass this exorbitant sum so expeditiously.

Not to be overlooked was the significant role played by the House of the Chaotic Storms in this endeavor. These elements, when combined, resulted in the crafting of a legendary auction in the annals of history.

With a fortune of this magnitude laid before them, it was an inconceivable proposition for the Kingdom of Chen to turn it away.

Under no circumstances would they abandon the prospect. The perils were clear to them, yet they remained undeterred. Even if the road ahead led to certain doom, they would proceed with unwavering determination.

The wealth garnered from the auction was too substantial for Ling-Bao Hall to relinquish easily. They had labored arduously, forging connections with diverse factions, culminating in this hard-earned accumulation. The knowledge of potential danger did not dissuade them; surrender was not an option.

Whether it was the Kingdom of Chen or Ling-Bao Hall, the awareness of impending consequences did not sway their resolve. No reasonable motive compelled them to relinquish their efforts. The course of events unfolded according to its own logic, yielding the inevitable outcomes.

The orchestrator behind these events wielded a masterful strategy, one that compelled participants to embrace peril despite their awareness. It was a remarkable and awe-inspiring plan. However, regardless of its brilliance, it remained lawless.

The Kingdom of Chen existed in a precarious era, and as its citizens, their duty was to exhaust every conceivable effort in support of their homeland. The resolution to tackle such a crisis was indispensable, yet finding an adequate solution proved to be an immense challenge.

Gazing through the window, Zuo Wuji sighed deeply. [The mastermind behind these schemes possesses profound insight, a keen understanding of his adversaries, and the ability to act swiftly. He must be an individual of formidable power. While I may possess strategies to rescue the kingdom from its dire situation, where might I discover the strength to implement them? My abilities fall short of my aspirations.]

As he pondered, a report arrived, announcing, "Lord Cha has come for a visit."

[Cha Xiao? What brings him here?]

Zuo Wuji contemplated the matter briefly before his eyes lit up. "Hasten to the study room," he ordered, "and to my study room, at that."

Having demonstrated his competence within the family, he had risen to a prominent position. As a result, he now possessed his own study room within the residence.

This meeting marked their first encounter within the confines of Zuo Wuji's study. Neither was aware that this moment would signify a turning point and hold tremendous significance for the history that would later unfold.

Their legend commenced at this juncture.

Upon entering the room, Cha Xiao's eyes widened in apparent shock. "Is this... a study room?" he exclaimed.

The room spanned an impressive 33 meters in width, extended 52 meters in depth, and rose to a ceiling height of 13 meters.

[This cannot possibly be a study room; it bears more resemblance to a warehouse!]

Despite its immense size, the room exuded a distinct scholarly aura. Rows of bookshelves lined the expanse, each one crammed with books. Upon entering, Cha Eun Xiao felt engulfed in a sea of tomes, causing a momentary dizziness.

Every book occupied its designated place on the shelves, ordered neatly and categorically. The lower shelves held stacks of papers containing Zuo Wuji's notes, summarizing the content of the volumes.

"It used to serve as the storage warehouse for this residence... My grandfather granted me the privilege of having my own study room someday, so I requested this room," Zuo Wuji explained with a smile. "Now, I find it to be somewhat confining. Learning knows no bounds... I intend to expand it in the near future."

[Small, he calls it small?]

Cha Eun Xiao was left momentarily speechless. Seating himself on a chair, he surveyed the surroundings. Apart from the bookshelves, the room contained five sets of tables and chairs arranged in the configuration of a plum blossom. Puzzled, he inquired, "Zuo Zuo, your study room is indeed unique. The abundance of bookshelves and volumes is remarkable. However, the numerous tables and chairs are rather intriguing. How do you manage to use them all? I presume that when you ascend to the position of prime minister in the court, the entire city might not provide adequate space for your study. Incredible."

Zuo Wuji responded with a smile as he prepared tea for his guest. "A comfortable environment greatly enhances the studying experience. The room's expansiveness can prove beneficial. Sometimes, I find myself walking a distance to retrieve a particular book. The chairs and tables are conveniently placed throughout the room, allowing me easy access. When the day arrives for me to assume the role of prime minister, my writings will comprise the only literature needed. Therefore, my study room may actually end up smaller than that of others."

Cha Eun Xiao was initially taken aback, but then comprehension dawned.

[My perspective is rather limited. When that day arrives for Zuo Wuji, he will not rely on others' works. He will contribute his own original theories. The massive study room would indeed be superfluous for such an accomplished scholar.]