Something’s Wrong with This Game — I Became a God by Mining!

"A daily output of over two catties!?"

Zhao Qing's expression shifted slightly as he looked at Yang Ling with shock and uncertainty, then turned to Juewang for confirmation.

Seeing Juewang nod slightly, Zhao Qing couldn't help cursing this bald bastard for being useless.

Why hadn't he reported such important news to him!?

"A daily output of over two catties—this is indeed close to the standard for opening the mine..."

Although the industry big shots present weren't well-versed in mine veins, they knew the value of Blazing Gold and couldn't help being inwardly astounded.

Over two catties of Blazing Gold was enough to cover the cost of opening the mine and even turn a profit.

A single catty of this stuff could sell for the high price of twenty thousand taels, and demand still outstripped supply!

Unfortunately, they had no qualifications to get involved in this business. Even the Mining Guild could only scrape together some petty benefits from it.

The Third Prince suddenly smiled.

Everyone exchanged glances. Wasn't this too direct?

If he got rejected, how would he save face?

The Blazing Gold Mine's importance in their eyes grew even heavier.

They could already guess why the Third Prince was so eager. Whichever of these two princes could control this Blazing Gold Mine would invisibly amass a massive fortune.

This would have tremendous implications in many areas!

Yang Ling wore a confused expression: "This subordinate is already an official of Zhao State, Director of the First Division and concurrently Director of the Third Division, Public Security Department, Changhe Prefectural Capital Ironclad Department, a Sixth-Rank Ironclad agent.

If the Third Prince has orders, as long as they don't violate the law, this subordinate will certainly obey."

The Third Prince's brow furrowed slightly.

Zhao Chonghong had been calmly composed, but upon hearing these words, his gaze sharpened as he swept his eyes over Yang Ling.

Cao Yunlong had somehow already positioned himself beside the Third Prince, his eyes dark and scrutinizing as he examined Yang Ling.

Kong Xinghu's look toward Yang Ling suddenly gained several degrees of gravity.

Some of the industry big shots present weren't fools, and they all fell silent at this moment.

At first glance, what Director Yang said seemed fine.

But upon careful examination, the problems were huge.

His words, between the lines, were declaring himself a subject of Zhao State.

Whose Zhao State was it? Of course, it belonged to His Majesty!

If the Third Prince didn't catch the implication now and continued speaking along these lines, it could very well lead to disaster!

"He's no simple martial artist."

Kong Xinghu felt he should reassess this director of the Ironclad Department.

Just then, laughter rang out. The Fourth Prince entered the courtyard with several attendants:

"Third Brother, I told you this Yang Ling was a reckless fool. Now do you believe me?"

"The Fourth Prince is also here?"

The crowd was somewhat surprised as they exchanged glances, all seeing a hint of oddity in each other's eyes.

The two princes were already competing over the Blazing Gold Mine, and now appearing together here today—could this stir up some trouble?

Zhao Zheng's arrival made Zhao Fu's face regain its smile. He laughed heartily:

"Fourth Brother, you're right. This Yang Ling is indeed a reckless fool. Third Brother was just joking with him, yet he took it so seriously?"

Zhao Zheng also smiled and nodded, looking at Yang Ling:

"Director Yang, the Third Prince was joking with you."

"So that's how it is. This subordinate lacks a sense of humor."

Yang Ling suddenly understood and quickly clasped his fists in apology.

Zhao Fu gave Yang Ling a dark, penetrating glance.

_Lacking a sense of humor? You nearly tripped up this prince._

_Truly audacious beyond measure._

"Elder Uncle Chonghong."

Zhao Zheng cupped his hands toward Zhao Chonghong, his expression gaining several degrees of respect.

"The Third Prince was quite polite to Zhao Chonghong, and the Fourth Prince is the same. This Zhao Chonghong is no simple character. A mere Prefectural Governor of Xiangfeng Prefecture can hardly be called a regional satrap..."

A thought flashed through Yang Ling's mind as he suddenly realized something.

"For both princes to be this polite to him, it means... this Zhao Chonghong must frequently see the Zhao State Emperor."

"In other words, he's one of the Zhao Emperor's trusted confidants!"

Zhao Chonghong smiled: "The Fourth Prince is too courteous. No need to call me Elder Uncle. A prince is not an ordinary royal member; the rules must still be observed.

If Zhao Qing and his ilk call me Elder Uncle today, I can accept it. But if you two princes call me Elder Uncle and I accept, that would break proper decorum."

"Yes!"

Zhao Zheng offered no argument, responding respectfully.

"Director Yang has been in Xiangfeng Prefectural Capital for some time now, and I haven't yet had the chance to meet with you."

Zhao Chonghong looked at Yang Ling, smiling.

Yang Ling nodded: "It's been a while."

Zhao Chonghong: "I heard that not long ago, Lan Wentao, the Prefectural Governor of Changhe Prefecture, fell at your hands?"

The expressions of those present shifted slightly as they all looked at Yang Ling, their eyes full of curiosity.

They had heard about this matter, but it had yet to be officially confirmed, only existing as hearsay.

Yang Ling: "Lan Wentao failed to keep himself pure, colluding with the Rong tribe. Our Ironclad Department caught him red-handed with the evidence."

"What a pity. When I was still serving in the Capital, I once met Lan Wentao. He was young then and full of drive. I never expected him to stray so far from the path and commit such a grave mistake."

Zhao Chonghong sighed, then abruptly changed the subject:

"I also heard that Gu Weizhou from the Star Observation Academy was arrested by your Ironclad Department?"

"That was a long time ago."

Yang Ling: "His conduct is improper."

Kong Xinghu's eyes narrowed slightly, his gaze sharpening by several degrees.

Yang Ling suddenly looked at Kong Xinghu and smiled:

"As I recall, it seems Lord Kong is Junior Brother to Gu Weizhou? Lord Zhao suddenly bringing this up today—surely Lord Kong isn't trying to find someone to plead his case?

If so, you'll need to find Director Lu Yunchen, the Director of the First Division, Public Security Department, Yunwen Provincial Capital Ironclad Department.

This subordinate's words carry little weight; I can't make that decision."

Kong Xinghu's expression shifted as he said coldly:

"You're overthinking things. Since my Senior Brother committed a crime, he deserves punishment.

I am a Fifth-Rank official and understand the proper principles."

"Oh, that's good then."

Yang Ling smiled and nodded: "This subordinate was being petty and misjudging a gentleman's intentions."

Zhao Chonghong seemed to ponder something, then smiled slightly:

"Both princes, the reason you've gathered here today is simply to inquire about the Blazing Gold Mine, isn't it?

Since Director Yang and Master Juewang are here, why don't you two ask your questions, and then... let them go back to continue mining?

After all, His Majesty has given a six-month deadline; we shouldn't waste too much of their time."

Yang Ling silently gave the Zhao Emperor a mental thumbs-up.

After all this, the person actually overseeing the progress of the Blazing Gold Mine's development was this man standing right in front of him.

Kong Xinghu didn't count, and neither the Third Prince nor the Fourth Prince counted.

"We've asked enough about the mining operations."

Zhao Fu smiled, then suddenly looked at Yang Ling with curiosity:

"Director Yang, some time ago, someone purchased five thousand Centenary Refined Vermilion Gold Throwing Daggers and had the Divine Armaments Pavilion deliver them to the Changhe Prefectural Capital Ironclad Department.

The permit letter presented at the time was issued by you, wasn't it?

Who purchased those throwing daggers?"

"Third Brother, you're asking the wrong person about this."

Zhao Zheng laughed: "I had Director Yang help me find someone to purchase that batch of throwing daggers."

Yang Ling kept a straight face, saying nothing, as if he truly had been ordered by Zhao Zheng.

"Fourth Brother, what do you need so many throwing daggers for?"

Zhao Fu frowned.

Zhao Zheng: "To play with and toss around. They're not five thousand hand crossbows anyway, so Third Brother doesn't need to be too concerned."

This perfunctory answer made the expressions of those present grow even stranger.

And yet, they couldn't find any flaw in it.

A prince purchasing five thousand Centenary Refined Vermilion Gold Throwing Daggers to play with—while this reason was absurd, it didn't cross any red lines.

Zhao Fu was silent for a few breaths, then smiled:

"Fourth Brother certainly has refined tastes. Returning to the Blazing Gold Mine—

Since the mining operations are showing results now, I've already instructed Qian Dalong to mobilize a thousand experienced miners from the Mining Guild. They'll arrive at the Blazing Gold Mine tomorrow.

I plan to stay here and oversee things, to share Father's burdens."

Zhao Zheng was silent for a few breaths, then slowly nodded:

"It's only right that we share Father's burdens. I won't leave either. I'll stay here and oversee the Blazing Gold Mine."

The two brothers exchanged glances and suddenly both laughed, though there was an indescribable meaning lurking in their smiles.

A thunderous boom shattered this delicate atmosphere.

Everyone instinctively looked toward the southwest, where thick black smoke billowed into the sky, flames leaping heavenward!

"Immortal God Sect?"

Yang Ling's expression darkened.

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