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墨書 Inktalez
Under my coercion, the Ten Monsters underwent a complete makeover, allowing them to venture out without frightening normal people. First, I helped Uncle One clean up his terrifying beard and hair, which were tangled and filthy, even harboring lice and fleas. I could no longer tolerate his mess. Next was the Second Monster, who had grown a thick, sharp beard after mistakenly taking the wrong medication during an experiment. He had tried to shave it off at first, but the more he shaved, the faster it grew back, becoming so coarse that even he couldn't stand it. Eventually, he gave up on shaving altogether, letting it grow until it completely obscured his face. His brothers had long forgotten what he looked like. With the help of some potions and scissors, after several hours, I finally revealed the true face of the Second Monster.
As for the Third Monster, I won't even mention his natural stench; it was simply nauseating. I found a bottle of long-lasting perfume for him to wear 24/7 to prevent anyone from suffocating from his foul odor. The Fourth Monster was a classic case of an autistic creature. I used every joke, skit, and humorous anecdote I knew from decades of experience, even throwing in a bit of risqué humor. Finally, after a few days of effort, he began to smile and converse with me as if the clouds had cleared.
Ah, what a monumental task! The Fifth Oddity—well, I don't even want to talk about him. That effeminate narcissist... I just can't continue. The Sixth Monster was somewhat better; on the surface, he appeared normal but was prone to bouts of excessive sadness. Medically speaking, he suffered from severe depression and often lamented alone over fallen flowers or the rising and setting sun. He could sigh all day over nothingness and shed tears that belonged to a man. While a melancholic beauty might be somewhat charming in principle, dealing with someone who frequently weeps and expresses flowery sentiments would be unbearable for anyone.
But that's enough about them; it would waste too much of my breath.
However, I have plenty of patience. After their unpleasant experiences with me, they had no choice but to obey; they certainly didn't want to experience my various methods again firsthand. I've learned many tortures from the infamous Ten Tortures of the Imperial Palace. Since they are all old friends of Old Buddy and can be considered my uncles, I wouldn't be so cruel as to try them all on them. Just hearing me describe how sweetly I cared for them during their time with me scared them enough that they didn't dare think about rebelling.
The Ten Monsters enjoyed tormenting others and playing tricks but did not relish being the ones tortured or tricked themselves.
Among the Ten Monsters, Nine Uncle hated me the most—he loathed me so intensely that he nearly wanted to tear me apart and swallow me piece by piece. After being poisoned by me intentionally without receiving an antidote, his handsome face became marred with ugly scars on his fair skin. In truth, I wasn't truly heartless; I merely hoped they would understand through their suffering that what they inflicted upon others could also bring them pain—perhaps even greater pain.
However, I suspected my efforts were in vain because on our way to Sword Sage Villa to visit Old Buddy, they were filled with curiosity after years of staying indoors for the first time. They complained incessantly about everything along the way while tormenting countless people—I lost count of how many! Dealing with these big children was indeed a headache; however, I knew they were holding back considerably and weren't eager to harm anyone. Except for one incident at a tavern where a wealthy young master insulted me and got physical—poor fellow! He ended up facing quite a grim fate.
He was poisoned in such a way that within hours he would swell uncontrollably, layers upon layers of fat piling on until he resembled a pig. By the time he left in agony, I could hardly bear to look at him; his face was covered in uneven layers of fat with deep crevices—it must have been quite a sight! It was said that this condition would last for a month before he slowly returned to normal.
Watching the Ten Monsters beside me angrily cursing that arrogant fool made me smile slightly. Although they claimed to hate me and vowed revenge in the future, I knew this group—cold on the outside but warm-hearted within—actually cared about me.
Regardless of everything else, our noisy journey eventually brought us smoothly to our destination.
Referred to as the number one villa in the martial world: Sword Sage Villa.
Nighttime. Inside one of Sword Sage Villa's rooms.
"How is it? Did you find anything?"
The round-faced boy smiled slightly: "I found something out. Just as you expected, Young Master. Suaru City is located on the border and is surrounded by desolation. The entire city relies on Feng Fei He for its existence; all its water supply and rice cultivation depend on this river. Although Suaru City is a small trading town, due to surrounding countries' food shortages, they have always been self-sufficient in grain and sometimes even import from other cities. While Jun Jin has little involvement here in business matters, since you instructed me years ago to pay attention to Jin State's border trade routes, this place serves as a window connecting other cities and countries as well as being a Relay Station owned by Jun Jin."
"Alright," I said with a cheerful smile, "I told you, a small town that relies on trade must have its fatal weaknesses. Little Seven, you've worked hard." I had originally sent him to Suaru City to gather information about the situation there, specifically to identify any critical vulnerabilities. Of course, the more important reason was that he was very familiar with that place.
"Little Seven, come here." As he leaned closer, I whispered a few words in his ear. Little Seven's expression gradually darkened, shifting from initial shock to admiration, then understanding, calmness, and finally tranquility.
"Do you understand now?"
Little Seven looked at me deeply and replied solemnly, "Little Seven understands."
I smirked wickedly. "I refuse to believe that this year they haven't harvested a single grain in the entire city. And with Jun Jin sealing off all ports, how long do you think they can struggle? At that time, do you think it would be interesting if Jun Jin's investment to help the entire city came at the cost of replacing the city lord?"
Seeing him silent made my heart soften. "Little Seven, do you think I'm too cruel?"
Little Seven steadied himself and suddenly declared with determination, "Those who have harmed the young master should be punished."
I smiled with emotion. "As long as Little Seven doesn't blame me, I promise that not a single person in Suaru City will be harmed."
Little Seven smiled back but then suddenly said, "Young master, actually Little Seven's hometown is Suaru City."
A shadow crossed my eyes as I softly replied, "I know." Had he finally shared this with me today? Did it mean he completely trusted me now?
"You know?" He looked at me in surprise, his eyes wide.
"Go on," I encouraged him.
"Well," he hesitated, "that lord is actually the uncle of Little Seven. My real name is not Mai Qi, but Ji Yu. After my father passed away unexpectedly, I was sheltered under his protection and only knew how to study poetry and literature, lost in the sea of books. My uncle, seeing me young and ignorant, took advantage of my lack of power in the court and seized my right to inherit Suaru City. He expelled me from Suaru City, ensuring that I could never return. He also imprisoned my mother. When I found myself at a dead end in the capital, it was the young master who took me in and rescued my mother. I owe everything to the young master's kindness; Little Seven has no way to repay him." As he spoke, he suddenly knelt heavily on the ground and bowed his head to me.
I hurriedly got up to help him. When I had instructed Uncle Fu to bring Little Seven's mother to the villa back then, I learned that his mother was imprisoned in Suaru City, which was quite troublesome. So I knew a little about it, but since he hadn't spoken up, I didn't ask further. I always thought that one day when he fully trusted me or wanted someone to confide in, he would tell me everything. Although I waited a long time for this moment, it finally arrived.
"Little Seven, what I've done is actually not much. It is you who have become strong."
He choked up a bit and said, "Young master, you don't know. Back when my uncle expelled me, I didn't actually hate him because I was spoiled under my father's affection and indulged in my own preferences without caring for the people of Suaru City at all. As I wandered along the way begging for food, I arrived in the capital without really caring where I was going. At that time, I had long lost any goal or purpose in life. I thought that someone like me, who was utterly useless, could die by the roadside without anyone caring. I carried this mindset as I roamed around. But everything changed after meeting you; ever since you saved me, I suddenly found motivation and courage. I wanted to repay your kindness, so I began to take my responsibilities seriously—managing Jun Jin for you, expanding your business, earning you the reputation of being the best merchant in the world. This is what you deserve and what Little Seven hopes to see. It is a willing heart. Meeting you marked the disappearance of Ji Yu and the rebirth of Mai Qi."
I felt a surge of emotion and walked over to embrace him gently, saying with concern, "Little Seven, Little Seven, you are no longer alone."
I coldly gazed at the candlelight on the table and softly said, "Little Seven has grown up; you are no longer useless. The current Little Seven has enough strength to reclaim and manage what belongs to him." My tone carried deep meaning.
In truth, what I aimed to do was not just to reclaim Suaru City as a gift for Little Seven but also to allow him to realize that he could regain everything with his own hands. I didn't want him to lose confidence under the shadow of his youth. More importantly, I needed to fulfill the purpose of this journey.
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