Chapter 50: The Visit of Kisaragi

Qin Qingxue was stunned on the spot. She never expected that her master, whom she had studied under for several years, would suddenly not recognize her. Could it really be, as he said, that his guidance in her martial arts was all out of consideration for Li Ye? What merit or influence did a sixth prince have to command the Martial Saint of the Dayuan Dynasty to teach her? Qin Qingxue refused to believe it no matter what.

She had always thought that the Martial Saint accepted her as a disciple because he recognized her extraordinary talent. Yet the reality stood before her: the Martial Saint was directly ordering them to leave. “Could Li Ye be secretly scheming against me, using this as a way to take revenge?” Qin Qingxue clenched her teeth in fury. Just when she had softened toward Li Ye a little, she now despised him even more deeply.

Qin Qingxue assumed Li Ye must have used his royal status to pressure the Martial Saint into disowning her as a disciple. It was well known that many military generals at court had received guidance from the Martial Saint, who held immense influence in the army. After all, he represented the peak of the Dayuan Dynasty’s combat power and helped enhance the generals’ strength. If the Martial Saint refused to acknowledge her, commanding troops in the future would be severely hampered. Many officers and soldiers would refuse to obey her, making victory in battle nearly impossible.

Having said this, Long Ruoyun lost interest in them and dismissed them. A servant stepped forward to escort the guests out. “General Qin, Lord Wushuang, please leave. Our master still wishes to rest.” Gritting her teeth, Qin Qingxue left together with Lord Wushuang. Outside the Martial Saint’s residence, Qin Qingxue was overwhelmed with grievance, tears streaming down her face. “Li Ye has gone too far! He even threatened my master to disown me as his disciple. How am I supposed to lead soldiers now?”

Shi Wushuang’s face darkened as he said coldly, “Don’t worry, I will find a way to help you.” “How can you help now? After all this, it’s impossible!” Qin Qingxue was filled with regret. Even if they broke up, she shouldn’t have provoked Li Ye. His retaliation was too fierce to withstand.

“It’s simple,” Shi Wushuang said. “We will align with the Third Prince and the Crown Prince at court against him. Meanwhile, you just need to win more battles to continue receiving rewards. Once you hold enough military power, the Sixth Prince won’t be able to threaten you.”

“I want to lead troops in battle, but I haven’t had the chance at all!” Qin Qingxue was anxious. She had expected to be highly regarded at court after returning victorious and holding the status of a disciple of Yunlu Pavilion. Even the emperor would treat her with deference. Yet she was suppressed at every turn.

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The next few days, the doors of Li Ye’s mansion were nearly worn down by visitors. Many scholars came seeking his calligraphy, while various poetry and tea gatherings invited him repeatedly. Especially the Third Prince and Crown Prince’s invitations, which Li Ye declined with excuses. Even the invitations from Princess Ruoyue were turned away. For a time, Li Ye seemed to have returned to his former life, showing no interest in poetry clients and focusing entirely on his business ventures.

After launching Maotai liquor into the market, the response was overwhelmingly positive, with the stock quickly sold out. Although the price was exorbitant, wealthy patrons were plentiful in every dynasty, and the more expensive it was, the more the nobility liked it—it was a mark of status.

Li Ye was not content with this alone. After securing Bald Eagle Mountain and gaining many skilled escorts, he was determined to dominate foreign trade. Brewing costs were low, and selling to neighboring countries could yield profits hundreds of times the cost. Not just liquor, but porcelain, paper, fabrics, spices, medicines, tea, and more were already being sold widely and warmly received abroad.

Of course, the Dayuan Dynasty strictly controlled certain goods such as medicinal herbs for wounds, copper and ironware, and salt—these were rigorously regulated to prevent strengthening enemy nations. Other goods could be traded normally as long as taxes were paid. Moreover, trade with other countries was highly profitable. Shipments went out in batches, returning with gold, silver, cattle, horses, and even wool and hides, all highly valuable and scarce in Dayuan.

Though the journey spanned thousands of miles fraught with danger, without sufficient strength, safe arrival was impossible. Li Ye had prepared thoroughly, securing the entire trade route with dedicated contacts outside to prevent robbery. Unable to hide his prowess any longer, he worked harder to amass wealth, producing popular perfumes and soaps for export. More money meant greater capacity for action.

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Princess Ruoyue sent two invitations to Li Ye but was rebuffed both times. She was furious and felt deeply embarrassed. “This is infuriating! Li Ye doesn’t keep his word and has no credibility at all. He promised last time that he would come if invited.”

“Don’t pay him any mind, Princess. I’ve heard the Third Prince and Crown Prince also invited him, but he didn’t go. Isn’t he just deliberately offending people?” her maid said.

“No, I must invite him in person and find out why he refuses!” Although repeatedly rejected, Princess Ruoyue grew even more curious about Li Ye. The scene of him composing poetry that day often resurfaced in her mind. With just one poem, he had defeated the renowned Shi Wushuang. Li Ye’s image was deeply imprinted in her thoughts, sparking a strong interest.

Why was such a talented prince completely uninterested in politics? If he didn’t want to engage in state affairs, he could easily have flourished in literary circles, creating works and poems that would be remembered through the ages. How could someone with such talent be so focused on business and making money every day?

Princess Ruoyue was perplexed. “Prepare the carriage—I will see him myself!” she said angrily.

Li Ye was busy tallying his recent earnings on an abacus. Several tens of thousands of taels of silver came in daily, rivaling the state treasury’s tax revenue. Seeing so much money, he felt immensely reassured.

“Your Highness, Princess Ruoyue is here to visit!” a servant announced.

Li Ye was taken aback. “Princess Ruoyue? Why is she here?”

“I don’t know, but she’s been waiting at the door.”

“Very well, I’ll go meet her.” Li Ye rose and headed out.

Princess Ruoyue’s influence was vast, and Li Ye did not wish to offend her lightly. He even considered asking her to help promote his products, such as rouge and powder, to boost sales. Lipsticks were especially convenient and came in many colors, highly appealing to women.