A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace Chapter 1114: Liu Shouwei

Old Master Liu scoffed dismissively.

"That's solely due to their lack of wealth!"

If they were so frugal as to neglect even necessities for women, what else could explain it but destitution?

The concubine let out a delighted laugh.

"Master, in my humble opinion, you are the Emperor!"

Old Master Liu found this sentiment to be entirely accurate.

"Here, in these remote mountains, far removed from the Emperor's gaze, who else possesses the authority to govern me?!"

"I am the sovereign ruler of this domain!"

Upon hearing this, the concubine was overjoyed, her heart filled with the anticipation of a prosperous future.

She immediately began showering him with effusive praise.

Old Master Liu, basking in the flattery, felt a profound sense of ease.

Unbeknownst to him, however... his actions had already attracted unwanted attention, and impending misfortune loomed!

...

On a particular day.

Old Master Liu was observed perambulating through the bustling streets of Yinshan City, accompanied by a handful of subservient associates.

Their objective:

To scout for attractive women suitable for taking as concubines.

Yet, after an extended perusal, their search yielded no suitable candidates.

It was understandable; in this desolate northwestern frontier, discovering an individual of notable beauty would indeed be a formidable task.

As he was about to make his dejected return home,

A messenger boy suddenly appeared with news.

"Master, a trading caravan has entered the city limits, apparently originating from the south!"

"There are over a hundred individuals in their company, and their destination is the prominent Longxing Inn within the city!"

Old Master Liu's eyes immediately sparkled with keen interest.

"A caravan, you say?"

Hah, a caravan from the southern regions?

Verily, you choose the precipice of ruin over the path to salvation!

With a cunning glint in his eyes, he issued an order:

"Proceed! Observe them discreetly and gather information as you see fit!"

"Understood!"

The messenger boys departed with haste.

Upon returning to his residence,

Old Master Liu dismissed thoughts of finding companions and made his way to his private study under a veil of secrecy.

Shortly thereafter, a carrier pigeon was dispatched from the study, soaring towards the northwestern horizon.

Beyond the northwestern reaches lies the territory of Western Xia.

...

Several months prior.

Representatives from Western Xia had unexpectedly approached him, proposing a collaborative venture!

Should this endeavor prove successful, he stood to gain riches beyond measure!

Liu Shouwei had dedicated the majority of his life to service as a Captain, and the emoluments of a Fifth Rank Official were merely adequate for sustaining his household, leaving little room for extraneous expenditures.

The northwestern region was characterized by its extreme poverty, with scarce resources available to distribute.

Having endured a lifetime of financial hardship, his heart was immediately swayed by the prospect of wealth.

He accepted the proposal almost instantaneously.

He later ascertained.

His sole responsibility was to ensure the unhindered transit of goods via waterways, for which he would receive a commission of five thousand taels of silver per shipment.

Five thousand taels of silver!

His entire annual remuneration amounted to a mere two to three hundred taels.

Now, the successful transport of a single shipment would yield him five thousand taels.

The more Liu Shouwei contemplated this arrangement, the more convinced he became that he had stumbled upon an incredible fortune.

Over the subsequent months.

The initial application of his newfound wealth was to acquire concubines.

He enticed women from familiar brothels, flirted with widows encountered on the thoroughfares, deceived the comely daughter of an impoverished elder residing in the southern quarter of the city, and wooed the wife of the tofu vendor from the western district.

Disregarding cleanliness and propriety, employing enticements and deceptions, he brought them all into the confines of his private estate.

He meticulously organized them based on their arrival, familial background, and physical appearance.

In a span of mere months, he succeeded in amassing eighteen concubines.

Concurrently, within the same brief period.

Liu Shouwei's aspirations soared, and he embraced a life of opulence previously unimaginable.

What sheer delight!

Following the dispatch of the carrier pigeon, Old Master Liu leisurely ambled towards his rear courtyard.

Intent on indulging in revelry and intimacy with his newly acquired consorts.

...

The subsequent day, Old Master Liu received a missive in reply.

The letter contained but two terse directives.

"Appropriate the merchandise, and ensure no witnesses remain alive!"

"Upon successful conveyance of the goods beyond the border, you shall be awarded ten thousand taels of silver. Payment and goods to be exchanged simultaneously!"

Liu Shouwei incinerated the letter in the flickering candlelight.

He uttered a muffled curse, cradling his ample midsection.

"Those scoundrels from Western Xia, their hearts are truly devoid of compassion and mercy!"

However...

He patted his corpulent belly.

"As long as the silver is secured, what concern is their ruthlessness?"

After murmuring to himself, he began to hum a jaunty tune, lamenting aloud.

"Consider your fates sealed!"

"I was lamenting the absence of opportunities, and lo and behold, you arrive, presenting yourselves on a silver platter!"

"Ten thousand taels of silver! Sufficient to secure an official position for a lifetime!"

Such a golden opportunity should not be squandered!

But...

A significant obstacle presented itself! The opposing party comprised over a hundred individuals.

If they were seasoned travelers, apprehending them might prove exceptionally challenging.

Although he commanded a contingent of soldiers,

Committing acts of violence and robbery in broad daylight would undoubtedly generate excessive notoriety.

Even a cornered creature will fight back!

What if something went awry or a significant event transpired? Would not his carefree days then come to an abrupt end?

After considerable deliberation.

Old Master Liu finally conceived an impeccable strategy.

’Let us construct a publicly visible stratagem while covertly orchestrating a coup!’

’Maintain a facade of amity, harboring ulterior motives, subtle as a needle concealed within cotton.’

Initially, he would feign cordiality.

Upon earning their confidence, he would seize a opportune moment.

Launching a surprise attack, plotting against them in secret!

After all, these individuals were not native to this region.

Should they vanish without explanation, who would even take notice!

By then, he could inter them in some forgotten wasteland.

Once the coveted goods were secured, a clandestine waterway would facilitate the illicit transport of the amassed wealth.

Successfully acquiring ten thousand taels of silver!

The more Liu Shouwei contemplated this scheme, the more pleased he became.

The ample flesh on his face and belly quivered with mirth!

The few sycophantic advisors nearby shared in his exhilaration, practically dancing with glee.

They harbored the thought that if their master were to amass riches, perhaps they too might receive a silver reward.

Thus, they eagerly surged forward, eager to proffer their meager suggestions.

"Master, I have a brilliant notion for approaching the traders, one that is guaranteed to succeed!"

"Master, my suggestion is undeniably the finest!"

"Let us employ my strategy, Master, for it is the most straightforward!"

They pressed forward, jostling one another, intent on ensuring their master would heed only their counsel!

Liu Shouwei’s substantial belly jiggled precariously, fueling his irritation and causing his mustache to quiver.

He bellowed impatiently.

"Silence, all of you!"

An immediate hush fell, and no one dared to even breathe audibly.

"Why all this clamor? Once I achieve prominence, how could any of you be excluded from benefiting?"

"What a disreputable assembly you are!"

Turning, he settled onto the plush couch within his study.

Summoning Xiao Hong, a singer from the brothel, to attend to his aching shoulders and legs while he leisurely savored a pot of fine tea.

"Come forth, one by one!"

Seizing the opportunity, the dog-headed advisors approached in succession.

The first, with eyes darting about suspiciously, stepped forth.

"Master, is it not quite simple?!"

"What is it that traveling merchants most often lack? Companionship!"

"We shall await their arrival at Cuifang Tower, and when they appear, you, Master, can 'coincidentally' cross paths with them!"

"Once the silver has been generously distributed and pleasantries exchanged, it will not be long before we are the best of friends!"

Once a rapport is established, we will have a valid pretext to engage with them further.

Then, we shall await the opportune moment, discreetly administer a potent concoction, and dispatch them all to meet the King of Hell.

"No need for blades or brute force, all accomplished without leaving a trace!"

Liu Shouwei nodded, expressing his approval.

"Adequate, a not unimpressive proposition!"

However...

He delivered a sharp rap to the head of the dog-headed advisor.

"Are you utter fool?!"

"I, a magistrate of esteemed position, how could I possibly frequent a place such as a brothel?!"