Chapter Nine: The Fox Spirit Who Takes the Initiative to Visit

Yan Shu nodded noncommittally and said, "As long as Kuo Er comes back, you can entertain Mr. Gu here!" Dealing with people like Gu Zong was not Yan Shu's forte; after just a short while of hosting, she already felt dizzy. She had been eagerly waiting for Zhao Kuo to return, but it was not appropriate to mention the outcome of today's visit in front of Gu Zong

Zhao Kuo bowed to Yan Shu and said, "Kuo has failed to fulfill his mother's request, and I am deeply ashamed." Yan Shu asked him to deliver a gift, but the outcome was vastly different from Yan Shu's instructions, which made him feel he had let down Yan Shu's expectations

Guo Zong's judgment is both right and wrong; at this moment, Zhao Kuo indeed longs for the pursuit and enjoyment of material life as he anticipated. However, Zhao Kuo subtly harbors a higher ambition, which is to become a person of prominence, to be an arrogant individual, and to be the one who sets the rules of the game.

"Since you have nothing to do, could you accompany Zhao Kuo back to see? Zhao Kuo is also very curious about what kind of guests have arrived at home." Zhao Kuo set aside his thoughts and turned to ask Mao Sui beside him, wanting to seize the opportunity to recruit Mao Sui to his side.

Zhao Kuo believed that the only resource he could currently utilize was Guo Zong. Guo Zong was a renowned wealthy man during the late Warring States period. After Qin Shi Huang unified the realm, he relocated all prominent households to reside in Xianyang, and Guo Zong's family was specifically named by Qin Shi Huang as one not to be overlooked, which illustrates the extent of their wealth

No matter how much Guo Zong calculated, he would never have anticipated that the Zhao Kuo he knew was no longer the original Zhao Kuo. The changes that this variable would bring forth are beyond human prediction

Zhao Kuo heard that Li Mu was no longer worried, which finally put his mind at ease. At the same time, he was filled with suspicion, wondering what kind of guest could prompt Yan Shu to search all over Handan City to bring him back. Given Yan Shu's steady character, such behavior was quite unusual.

"When one person rises to power, even chickens and dogs ascend to the heavens." Zhao Kuo laughed and said, "If I were not the son of Lord Ma Fu, I fear no one would freely give me five hundred gold pieces!"

Although Mao Sui is a free-spirited and unconventional person, it does not mean that he is willing to be slovenly. A single coin can thwart even a hero; he is forced to be untidy due to lack of money. His clothes not only have patches but also exude a musty odor, which even he finds quite suffocating. Upon hearing Zhao Kuo's instructions, he could not help but feel a surge of warmth in his heart, secretly pondering that he had indeed made the right choice; this must be the opportunity for his fortunes to change.

Zhao Kuo was immensely pleased to see Mao Sui express his stance. In this era, once a person gains the favor of someone, they are likely to consider themselves as that person's vassal, rarely showing any signs of wavering. If Mao Sui had already earned Zhao Sheng's recognition at this moment, there would be no way for him to attempt to poach.

When Yan Shu saw Zhao Kuo enter, she felt a sense of relief in her heart. She was not adept at dealing with businessmen like Guo Zong; the moment she met Guo Zong's gaze, she felt as if she were being schemed against, which made her extremely uncomfortable. However, since the other party came bearing significant gifts, she had no choice but to respond with a smile, which truly left her at a loss for how to handle the situation

It is said that Guo Zong personally delivered the weapons, and Zhao Kuo could not wait to see the true appearance of the "treasure"

The Warring States period was an era of cold weapons, and a good weapon was undoubtedly one of the barriers to survival. The titanium alloy weapons crafted by Zhao Kuo can be likened to the AK47 of this era; while it may not be invincible, it is certainly a treasure among weapons

Zhao Kuo understood that if it were in the past, Guo Zong would absolutely not have come to visit with heavy gifts. All of this was due to the influence of Zhao She. Without the grand title of Marquess Fu Jun, who would even know the surname of Zhao Kuo? It seems that the benefits of power and influence are indeed irresistible, which further solidified Zhao Kuo's determination to live a life of superiority.

Guo Zong made his fortune through iron smelting and was a leading figure in the study of metals during this era. However, he could not determine how the metal sent by Zhao Kuo was refined. He had considered secretly obtaining a small piece for detailed study, but unfortunately, Yu Zhang was like a parasite, his eyes fixed unwaveringly on the forging process. Guo Zong found it impossible to obtain even a piece of titanium alloy the size of a fingernail, which was quite regrettable. He had considered secretly obtaining a small piece for detailed study, but unfortunately, Yu Zhang was like a parasite, his eyes fixed unwaveringly on the forging process. Guo Zong found it impossible to obtain even a piece of titanium alloy the size of a fingernail, which was quite regrettable

Guo Zong is a shrewd businessman; otherwise, he would not have amassed considerable wealth at such a young age. However, deep down, Guo Zong harbors a sense of insecurity. Although the Zhao state does not suppress the development of industry and commerce, and the status of merchants is not low, they still cannot attain significant prominence. To expand a business, one must have support and backing, which is precisely what Guo Zong lacks.

The weapons were housed in a wooden box. Upon opening the box, a short dagger and a short gun were arranged side by side inside. At the bottom of the box lay fifteen arrows, all with arrowheads made of titanium alloy. The silvery titanium alloy emitted a cool-toned luster, capturing the attention of everyone in the hall.

The house servant of the Zhao residence first nodded, then shook his head, and after catching his breath for a moment, said: "Second Young Master... guests have arrived at the residence... the Madam has asked us to look for you everywhere to return..."

Zhao She’s rapid rise made Guo Zong see the prospects of speculation. Although Zhao She did not cherish gold and silver treasures, he greatly valued his wife and children. Guo Zong considered Zhao Kuo a friend and knew that Zhao Kuo's desire for material enjoyment was beyond the reach of others. Unfortunately, due to his family's poor circumstances, Zhao Kuo had to restrain himself. Guo Zong was well aware of how beneficial it would be for his future business to connect with Zhao Kuo. As long as he could win over Yan Shu and Zhao Kuo, he could undoubtedly leverage Zhao She’s power and influence to safeguard Guo Ji Ironworks. Guo Ji Ironworks would surely rise to a new level, becoming the largest iron workshop in the State of Zhao; it was merely a matter of time.

What surprised Zhao Kuo was that Yu Zhang, who was supposed to be outside the city, had been waiting at the gate for him. He said, "Second Young Master, the weapons and arrows you wanted to forge are all ready. They were personally delivered by Guo Zong from Guo's Iron Workshop. The lady is currently in the living room chatting with Guo Zong..."

It has been a long time since we last met, and the second young master has become even more charming and dashing. Seeing the second young master makes one believe that the idiom "learning to walk like Han Dan" is not a fabrication. Every time I see the second young master, I cannot help but feel ashamed of my own appearance!" Guo Zong greeted Zhao Kuo with a smile; he truly envied Zhao Kuo's looks and was somewhat puzzled as to why the members of the Zhao family were all handsome men and beautiful women.

Guo Zong is twenty-five years old this year, and his appearance is quite ordinary, belonging to the type that one would not be able to find again if thrown into a crowd. However, his pair of eyes is very special, resembling those of a fox, exuding a cunning and sly essence. Zhao Kuo, upon seeing Guo Zong with his own eyes, held such an evaluation in his heart

Is something wrong at home? Zhao Kuo's greatest fear was that Li Mu would encounter misfortune, and he could feel his lips trembling slightly when he asked the servant.

Ancient people said that power and money are inseparable. Zhao Kuo, benefiting from Zhao She, had some power, but to rise further, he could not do without money. Sometimes Zhao Kuo felt quite frustrated, often thinking how wonderful it would be if he could take over Zhao Wang's position, or that Zhao Xiaocheng Wang in the future would also be a good candidate. That way, he would not have to struggle; whatever he wanted would be at his disposal, how delightful! Unlike now, where one has to toil hard to stand out. However, on the other hand, the process of striving upward is also quite enticing.

Guo Zong remarked, "The road to Puyang has been destroyed by the flood, so I had no choice but to return. To my surprise, upon my return, I saw the weapons that the second young master is forging. Even I, an outsider with no martial skills, cannot take my eyes off them! To prevent any accidents with the weapons, I personally brought them to the second young master."

Guo Zong felt a sense of relief as he watched Yan Shu leave. The conversation he had just had with her had made him feel restless. It seemed the rumors were true; this Yan Shu was indeed the Yan Ji of years past. Her innate noble demeanor made him, a person from the streets, feel particularly oppressed.

Mao Sui remarked: "The young master speaks astutely; Guo Zong is indeed quick to seize opportunities, truly a shrewd businessman. His offering of one hundred gold may very well yield ten thousand in return." Mao Sui understood that Guo Zong was in the ironware business, and Zhao She would certainly hold military positions frequently in the future. As long as Guo Zong could secure a share in the procurement of weapons, it would be sufficient for him to become quite prosperous.

Guo Zong had also considered finding a support, but Pingyuan Jun Zhao Sheng was the first to be excluded, as Zhao Sheng was a typical insatiable wolf; if the tribute was insufficient, he would look down upon it, and if it was too much, it would be unaffordable. Next, he approached Lian Po, but Lian Po was unyielding, and after several attempts, Guo Zong found himself in an awkward position. As for Lin Xiangru, there was no need to mention him; he was agreeable in general, but once it came to specific matters, he was so slippery that Guo Zong felt utterly powerless. Therefore, Guo Zong had no choice but to directly shower money upon King Zhao He, occasionally contributing a few fine swords and sharp blades, but unfortunately, the results were minimal. He then approached Lian Po again, but Lian Po remained unyielding, leading to further awkwardness for Guo Zong. As for Lin Xiangru, there was no need to mention him; he was agreeable in general, but once it came to specific matters, he was so slippery that Guo Zong felt utterly powerless. Therefore, Guo Zong had no choice but to directly shower money upon King Zhao He, occasionally contributing a few fine swords and sharp blades, but unfortunately, the results were minimal.

Zhao Kuo understood from Yu Zhang's words why Yan Shu was searching for him throughout Handan and the library. Guo Zong not only brought weapons but also delivered a significant gift, a full one hundred gold. It is said that officials do not strike those who send gifts; Guo Zong was using Zhao Kuo's name as an excuse to pay a visit. How could Yan Shu not hasten to bring him back!

Zhao Kuo cautiously took out the spear and halberd. First, he examined the base of the weapon and found that everything met his design specifications. Then he looked at the spear tip and the halberd blade, which were sharp enough to cut a hair blown by the wind. It seemed that the craftsmanship of Guo's Iron Workshop was indeed impressive. After assembling the spear and halberd, the total length was nearly two meters. Holding the weapon he had designed, Zhao Kuo encountered an unavoidable problem.

When Zhao Kuo and Mao Sui arrived in front of the residence of Lord Ma Fu, the sky had already darkened. Three horse-drawn carriages were parked in front of the residence, and four or five servants were waiting beside them. Zhao Kuo surveyed the scene and couldn't help but exclaim, "How did you come back?"

"Yuzhang, take Mr. Maosui to change his clothes. Remember, he is a friend of this young master. Whatever Mr. Maosui requests is equivalent to the requests of this young master, so do not be negligent in any way." Zhao Kuo understood that in order to win the unwavering loyalty of someone like Maosui, it was essential to pay attention to the details and move him emotionally.

"Iron Lump, didn't you go to Puyang? How come you're back so soon?" Zhao Kuo called out to Guo Zong by his nickname, hoping to bridge the gap between them.

Mao Sui carefully weighed his options just now. If he stayed at the residence of Lord Pingyuan Zhao Sheng, it would take at least three to four years to make a name for himself. However, by following Zhao Kuo, he would immediately join the ranks of strategists at the residence of Lord Mafu. Although Lord Mafu is not as high-ranking or influential as Lord Pingyuan at this moment, after Zhao She’s great victory over Yan, he will surely gain increasing favor from King Zhao. In the future, his power may rival that of Zhao Sheng. He is a wise man and naturally knows how to make the right choice when presented with such an opportunity. Although Lord Mafu is not as high-ranking or influential as Lord Pingyuan at this moment, after Zhao She’s great victory over Yan, he will surely gain increasing favor from King Zhao. In the future, his power may rival that of Zhao Sheng. He is a wise man and naturally knows how to make the right choice when presented with such an opportunity.