novelraw Chapter 928: So Much Bootlicking, I’m Sick of It
Chapter 928: So Much Bootlicking, I’m Sick of It
"This doesn’t seem right, if word reaches my imperial brothers and cousins, they’ll say I’m using my Royal Family status to bully and force deals, which would harm my reputation." Qu Fengting’s words aligned with the Fifth Prince’s intentions, but he still spoke with feigned righteousness."Your Highness worries too much. Such a treasured land is not something ordinary people have the right to possess, nor do they have the fortune to enjoy. As the saying goes, ’A commoner with a prized possession incurs his own ruin.’ With the Fang Family’s resources, occupying a Treasure Bowl like Flying Peak surely attracts disaster for their entire clan.
Your intervention to buy it truly resolves a catastrophe for them, saving them from fire and water. Such an act exemplifies a benevolent and wise ruler. Even if people don’t understand now, once they see your intentions, they will sing praises of your virtue and be won over by your magnanimity," Qu Fengting said with a solemn, righteous demeanor.
"Indeed, that makes sense, very sensible. But refrain from talking about being a benevolent ruler, or others might suspect I have treacherous ambitions. However, as a Prince, it is my duty to alleviate the suffering and resolve crises for my subjects. Even if I incur some infamy, I do so without hesitation.
If Family Head Fang remains obstinate, you need not hold back, just announce my identity directly," the Fifth Prince said approvingly to Qu Fengting, his expression full of integrity, as if he could engrave the words ’Concerned for State and People’ on his forehead.
"Uh..." Behind them, Rong Tianhai retched a bit.
They’ve seen shamelessness, but never to this degree; clearly aiming for others’ property, yet speaking as if doing them a grand favor.
Other young masters of the Sword Guard Mansion felt sickened too. Sure, they indulged in some bullying, but never as despicably as the Fifth Prince and Qu Fengting.
No wonder the Fifth Prince considers Qu Fengting a confidant, inseparable; both are equally brazen and hypocritically righteous, birds of a feather, good-for-nothing scum.
"His Highness worries for the people before himself, truly the blessing of the Capital and Anyun. Should he ascend to the throne one day, our Anyun Country will surely prosper, ushering a golden era of peace!" Though disgusted, they hoped for a share from Flying Peak, so naturally, they wouldn’t dampen the Fifth Prince’s mood, instead laying on the flattery.
"I told you, don’t bring it up again, don’t bring it up," the Fifth Prince felt utterly comforted by the flattery, saying don’t mention it while being unable to hide his wide grin.
Soon, the group once again arrived at Fang Village.
At the entrance of Fang Family’s Workshop, they saw a bustling crowd inside, with the Fang Family Patriarch personally hosting guests coming from all directions.
No choice, the Fang Family was short on personnel. Although Mu Nan sent help days ago, who could have anticipated so many strange flowers, herbs, and Heavenly Materials would suddenly emerge under Flying Peak? Therefore, Mu Nan’s sent help was limited. Now, not only did they need to station people at several routes leading to Flying Peak but also maintain regular business at the workshop, making the patriarch’s presence necessary.
"Family Head Fang, it’s been a few days, but you seem even more energetic." The Fifth Prince was in good spirits, greeting Family Head Fang amiably upon seeing him.
Truth be told, the Fifth Prince’s royal manners were quite commendable. Despite his inherently deceitful nature, he interacted with people possessing true prince-like poise, showing neither arrogance nor brashness, though ensuring nobody underestimated him.
For this reason, despite being annoyed, the Fang Family dared not easily offend them.
"Fifth Young Master, why have you returned? Haven’t I already said? The workshop and surrounding properties were sold to someone else; there’s nothing I can do." Family Head Fang’s expression stiffened slightly, speaking in distress upon seeing the Fifth Young Master.
"Old Man Fang, stop acting ignorant, do you know who the Fifth Young Master really is? Giving you three days already grants you immense face, yet you remain ungrateful." Clearly, Rong Tianhai lacked the Fifth Prince’s decorum, arrogantly shouted, borrowing strength.
"I’ll inform you; this is none other than the beloved son of His Majesty, our Anyun Country’s Fifth Prince!" Another young man behind spoke loudly as well.
Mentioning the Fifth Prince, their chests puffed up, faces full of pride and vanity.
The Fifth Prince himself made a "majestic tremor," keeping a friendly, affable smile, yet exuding a distinctively regal arrogance.
It must be said, mastering patience and humility isn’t something everyone can do. As a Prince, he often feigned low-keyness and amiability, suppressing the biggest grievances day after day, almost making him sick. Now revealing his identity made him feel a surge of ardor, spontaneous a sense of superiority and pride.
"Fifth Prince!" Though Family Head Fang suspected Fifth Young Master’s unusual background, discovering him a Royal Family member shocked him into forgetting decorum.
The people inside the workshop were equally startled by the Fifth Prince’s background, turning their attention this way, causing an instant hush over the bustling crowd.
"Old Man Fang, now you understand don’t you? His Highness bothers talking to you as a favor. For anyone else, they’d have given the land deed to His Highness ages ago, yet you rudely resist," said Rong Dahai, his chicken chest puffed, now feeling quite vindicated by the crowd’s reaction.
"Tianhai, that’s not right. Even as a Prince, I shouldn’t take someone’s property without reason. How about this, for however much Fang Family paid for these properties, I’ll buy them at face value," the Fifth Prince, pleased with the outcome, posed as compassionate and spoke gently.
Hearing this, the surrounding crowd almost burst out in curses.
When the Fang Family bought these properties, it was during a diplomatic break between Anyun and Shangyue, with trade routes deserted. These properties had negligible value, just wilderness practically worthless.
Now, with strange flowers and herbs flourishing, transforming land into a Treasure Bowl, yet he wishes to buy it at old prices, gallantly as if rightfully done—why not just rob it outright?
Though he is a Prince, to be this shameless?
Originally, they admired the Fifth Prince’s prior demeanor as neither haughty nor humble, but now realize he is just a hypocritical pretender.