Family Management Game In Immortal Continent Chapter 772: The Longleaf Mountain

At this particular time.

Longleaf Mountain, situated within the Imperial Capital.

This was a magnificent and towering peak, entirely blanketed by maidenhair trees.

With the arrival of autumn, the yellowed foliage drifted upon the mountain winds, swirling through the air in a wild dance before carpeting the earth—a scene of truly breathtaking beauty.

Having stepped away from his authority in the Imperial Capital, Imperial Preceptor Min Youguo walked across the thick layer of ginkgo leaves, dressed in nothing but simple cloth robes.

He was a man capable of wielding power that could tremble both the court and the populace, yet he remained equally capable of finding peaceful solace within the wilderness and mountains.

Min Youguo continued his leisurely stroll.

"This Longleaf Mountain was a gift bestowed upon this old man by His Majesty.

His Majesty once remarked that this Longleaf Mountain is a reflection of myself; the maidenhair trees here possess immense longevity, standing proud and unyielding against the harshest winds and rains.

He only needs to gaze toward Longleaf Mountain to be certain that peace reigns beyond its borders.

Even as autumn arrives and the leaves wither, this place will once again be overflowing with vibrant life when the new year comes."

Following respectfully behind Min Youguo were Li Chang'an, who had traveled from Azure Cloud, and Li Yuanshang, the Head of the Merchant Branch Family.

"Chang'an, what do you believe His Majesty intended by those words?" Min Youguo questioned, never once turning his head.

Without a moment's pause, Li Chang'an answered, "Chang'an does not know what His Majesty meant.

However, I would dare to guess that the Lord Imperial Preceptor intends to reassure my Li clan: the Lord Imperial Preceptor cannot fall, and as long as the Lord Imperial Preceptor exists, the Azure Dynasty will not fall either.

But Lord Imperial Preceptor, please also be at ease—if anyone truly believes they can make an enemy of you, they are merely seeking their own death."

Upon hearing this, Min Youguo’s pace halted.

He directed a profound gaze toward Li Chang'an—a look heavy with meaning, as if he were observing someone who understood his private thoughts perfectly.

Then, shaking his head, he resumed his walk.

Min Youguo’s tone remained tranquil.

"Your Li clan possesses quite the appetite, seeking a marriage alliance with my Min family.

Li Yuanshang, Head of the Merchant Li Branch Family—your Li Clan Chamber of Commerce has only existed for a little over a decade. Aren't you afraid that by borrowing my Min family's power, you'll gorge yourselves to death?"

The moment these words were uttered, the portly Li Yuanshang, who walked beside Li Chang'an, was instantly drenched in a cold sweat.

He wiped his forehead frantically, crying out as if he had been deeply wronged:

"Lord Imperial Preceptor, I am wrongly accused! It's... isn't it just that my brat Jianguo passed by your family's Grotto-Heaven and Blessed Land while on a business trip and got to know a woman from your clan? But... your clan's patriarch didn't agree and looked down on my kid."

The corner of Min Youguo's mouth gave a slight twitch.

Li Yuanshang continued to sweat profusely.

Though he had encountered many influential nobles, this was his first encounter with someone of the Imperial Preceptor's stature; he couldn't help but panic, his words tumbling out in a mess.

"What could I do? That stinky brat really isn't anything good; he cried, made a scene, and threatened to hang himself, giving me no peace.

I truly had no choice, so I went to find the Min Clan Head myself, but before I even reached the Grotto-Heaven, he had people throw me out."

"Hmph! Who doesn't have an elder of their own?"

As he spoke, the fat on Li Yuanshang's face quivered. Abandoning all caution, he rushed directly up to the Imperial Preceptor.

"I beg you, Lord Imperial Preceptor! That brat is making such a fuss that my wife is about to divorce me over it.

I went home and knelt for a month, begging everyone under the sun, before the clan elders finally agreed to help me out.

Please help me, otherwise... otherwise I'll come and kneel here on your Longleaf Mountain!"

"..."

Min Youguo stepped aside with a look of pure exasperation, while Li Chang'an could be seen pressing his palm to his forehead.

After a long silence, Li Chang'an finally spoke up.

"Lord Imperial Preceptor said just now that Longleaf Mountain is like Your Lordship: as long as Longleaf Mountain stands, the Imperial Dynasty stands.

But there are always those who are complacent and arrogant, wanting to test that.

The Lord Imperial Preceptor is busy, and the fallen leaves of Longleaf Mountain need someone to sweep them up.

What does the Lord Imperial Preceptor say?"

"Go."

Min Youguo let out a soft chuckle and gestured toward Li Chang'an. However, his expression soured as he caught sight of Li Yuanshang still obstructing his path.

"Take your family's junior away at once."

"Lord Imperial Preceptor? Lord Imperial Preceptor? Don't! I've only just met you; I've finally seen a living Imperial Preceptor... Eh?

Don't pull me, the Lord Imperial Preceptor hasn't agreed yet!"

Li Chang'an proceeded to drag Li Yuanshang away.

It was only after they arrived back at the Imperial Capital Chamber of Commerce that Li Yuanshang adjusted his disheveled attire.

With a wide grin, he bowed toward Li Chang'an, showing none of the frantic behavior he had displayed on Longleaf Mountain moments ago.

"Thank you, Great-Great-Grandfather. It seems Jianguo's marriage is settled."

"Mm." Li Chang'an shared a smile. "You didn't learn a shred of refined elegance from Zhiheng or Xinnian, but this Imperial Capital has certainly turned you into a slick fellow."

"Hehe." Li Yuanshang scratched the back of his head.

Li Chang'an gave a wave of his hand. "Now that the Imperial Preceptor has seen your nature as a shameless scoundrel who pesters relentlessly, in the future, even if you borrow the influence of the Min family, he won't find it abnormal.

He will simply think that this is exactly the sort of thing you would do, and he won't bother with it."

"A gentleman is most unwilling to entangle himself with street ruffians." Li Yuanshang shrugged.

"The Lord Imperial Preceptor is a true gentleman.

I am a businessman; since Jianguo is going to marry a daughter of the Min family, we have to get some extra benefits out of it. Otherwise, wouldn't we be losing out big time?"

After speaking, Li Yuanshang looked puzzled.

"By the way, Great-Great-Grandfather, you and the Lord Imperial Preceptor spoke about the matter of Longleaf Mountain... why couldn't this child understand it?"

"This is a game of chess between the Lord Imperial Preceptor and Crown Prince Sheng, and it is also an exchange of moves between our Li clan and the Zhao clan."

Li Chang'an shook his head and smiled. "However, it seems that they have all chosen the wrong opponents."