The money Xiao Xun gave his parents was more than enough for a lifetime of living expenses, but it was only a small sum for business investment.
Liu Shijia said, "Hero applied for a national loan in the town's name. If you can really invite Yu Shiwen to do publicity for us, this project will definitely not lose money."
Xiao Xun nodded. No wonder the Gu family could grow so large; their way of thinking and problem-solving was different. The first time Xiao Xun saw Gu Yingxiong, he thought he was just a spoiled brat. It seemed true that one could not judge a book by its cover. With time, Gu Yingxiong's achievements might even surpass those of his ancestors.
He felt a bit awkward facing his future brother-in-law, especially since they had once been at loggerheads, and Gu Yingxiong had pursued Mu Jiahe.
Mu Jiahe, however, didn't take it to heart. Her conversations with Gu Yingxiong were like those with any ordinary friend, but when it came to Xiao Xun, she seemed a bit reserved.
It was unclear if it was because Xiao Xun had dealt with his uncle or for some other reason.
Gu Yingxiong, being a shrewd person, had already noticed the subtle signs. He ended their meeting early, and they all went to rest.
The first night, New Year's Eve, passed like this. By the second day of the Lunar New Year, it would be considered impolite not to return home.
Driving the car home, Xiao Xun began moving the New Year's goods from the car into the house. One trip filled it completely.
Gifts were being delivered everywhere to the Lu family; the rooms meant for sleeping were already overflowing. Relatives kept arriving, speaking in their local dialects, praising Xiao Xun for his capabilities and his beautiful daughter-in-law.
His parents' laughter was incessant.
Although Xiao Xun's parents had built a large villa, their house was still the old one.
Xiao Xun felt a bit guilty, but Mu Jiahe didn't mind. Despite being an empress, she wasn't particularly picky about food, clothing, or living conditions.
Otherwise, it would be impossible to build a commercial empire in such a short time.
Mu Jiahe said to Xiao Xun, "When I first arrived in this world, the place I lived was much worse than your home. The house had drafts from all sides and leaked rain. It was in the area where our villa complex is now."
She looked out the window, her thoughts racing. "That was the most beautiful memory of my life. Although the food and living conditions weren't good then, there weren't as many troubles as now. I could confide in my brother when I felt wronged, and I did whatever I wanted without considering the consequences. I lived a free and happy life."
Xiao Xun understood the immense pressure Mu Jiahe was under, and he felt it too. But without pressure, where would motivation come from? He couldn't just lie down and let the two worlds do as they pleased; he could only do his best. This was his responsibility, to Mu Jiahe, to his family, and as a human being.
The fifth day of the Lunar New Year quickly arrived. Xiao Xun's mother kept urging them about the wedding, saying they were both getting old and that she and his father could help them look after children while they were still able to.
Xiao Xun said he would do so after he finished his current tasks. His mother then proceeded to lecture him for three hours straight. If Mu Jiahe hadn't mentioned she was hungry, there would have been no stopping her.
After the New Year, back at the villa, Mu Jiahe returned the spatial ring to Xiao Xun, stating it was very useful.
Xiao Xun, who had been missing in the other world for a week, reappeared to find that the entire other world had undergone earth-shattering changes.
The three Star Envoys dispatched to track down the artifact of the King of Arrogance had also returned. Scorpio said to Xiao Xun, "My Lord, in the Papol region to the northwest of the Burning Moon Kingdom, that is the King of Arrogance's stronghold. Not only is the artifact there, but the King of Arrogance himself is also there."
Xiao Xun muttered, "No wonder. It makes sense. Who would let something that threatens them float around outside..."
He immediately informed Saila Phis of his plan: he intended to take half of the Phoenix Army's forces to eliminate the King of Arrogance.
She refused, "For now, we can barely defend ourselves, and you want to take the initiative to attack? Do you know how difficult it is to even get to the Burning Moon Kingdom?"
Xiao Xun reassured her, "Don't worry, with Duke Al, the prince of the Burning Moon Kingdom, as our guide, there will be no problem. Besides, I have the spatial ring."
Knowing she couldn't dissuade him, Saila Phis said, "How about this! The Phoenix Army will remain on the coastline. The situation there is quite complex."
Xiao Xun wanted to mention that the Deep Sea Legion hadn't landed in a long time, but he was afraid of revealing too much and kept quiet.
The Empress continued, "Since you want to break through to the Burning Moon Kingdom, it will be slow to transfer people from the sea. Take the Fearless Vanguard directly. I will have someone notify Vincent in advance. When you go this time, bring his dragon over."
Vincent's dragon was a unicorn dragon with yellowish-brown skin, considerably shorter than Polgard, and appeared somewhat malnourished.
Xiao Xun found four Zeppelin airships, loaded them with ammunition, and had Aries find Duke Al to accompany him to the border.
Zeppelin airships did not fly fast, and their large carrying capacity further affected their speed. It took a full three days to reach their destination.
The current border line included not only Vincent's Fearless Vanguard but also the earliest arms factory of Sainti Roman and a large legion left by the Phoenix Army.
After landing, Xiao Xun did not let the Zeppelin airships descend. Instead, starting from the border line, escorted by Polgard, the airships dropped ammunition to clear a path, blasting out a straight road.
Although Duke Al strongly objected, as a prince whose country had been destroyed, he was living under someone else's roof and could only bow his head.
Xiao Xun mustered his troops and made preparations for battle, leaving behind a force of less than three thousand men. The rest of the contingent set off in a grand procession.
Although spring had just begun, it was still very cold. The wind at sea was strong, and the Zeppelin airships could not fly through it. Xiao Xun's twin-headed dragon also could not withstand such severe cold. Xiao Xun ordered them to turn back and support the border line, as they had only blasted a straight path and not bombed the entire region.
Upon reaching the coastline of the Burning Moon Kingdom, Xiao Xun immediately ordered the dockyards to begin shipbuilding and arranged for many magic helicopters. They were powered by magic, so they were less affected by the seasons.
One of the Zeppelin airships dropped a supply box before departing. Nearly ten thousand tons of meat were piled up into small mountains.
The ships, propelled by the strong winds, slowly sailed into a bay named Yanfeng.
Sainti Roman now had plenty of money. Due to the increase in grain production, the textile and animal husbandry industries had developed rapidly. Meat had long become a regular food for the citizens of Sainti Roman, let alone the army. Furthermore, Sainti Roman's steel production had surpassed that of Winter Country. While Xiao Xun had no prejudice against the Winter Tribe, it was better to keep technology in one's own hands.
However, mutton was now only enjoyed by the royal family, as sheep were limited.
Bringing so much meat was actually out of necessity. The temperature in Papol was so low that people's breathing and heat consumption were faster. Without ensuring a supply of meat, they would lack the strength to fight.
Alighting from the ship, Xiao Xun stepped onto the land of Papol, the icy polar wind blowing in his face. The cold wind here felt like a knife cutting at their faces. If it snowed any further, it would be a nightmare.
"The King of Arrogance really knows how to pick a place."
"Your Highness, you should put on another layer of clothing," Star Envoy Aries followed, wrapped up tightly, and said to Xiao Xun, "Don't you feel cold?"
"No need. Let the soldiers wear them," Xiao Xun shook his head. "This little wind can't freeze me."
"Your Highness..."