Lu Ming didn’t pay much attention to Liu Bei’s affairs, focusing instead on developing the Guanzhong region. Once he conquered Yizhou, with proper management, the wealth of Yizhou and Guanzhong would allow him to dominate within a few years.

The warlords in Guandong were too busy fighting to develop their own power and were no match for him.

During this time, he needed to recuperate and recruit soldiers.

With Xu Shu’s rise to a high position, many people from Yingchuan came to join him, but most were mediocre, lacking any real ability, destined at best to be mere clerks.

Chang’an City, Qin Prince’s Mansion.

Lu Ming had just returned from the Jiaosifang (a type of entertainment district). Lacking women to satisfy his lust, he went back to the Jiaosifang and randomly selected one.

He would then have his way with her.

After satisfying his lust and feeling refreshed, he would then attend to official business.

"Husband, the Mi family from Xuzhou has come, supposedly to discuss marriage."

Tan Chun walked slowly in. With Wang Yi in the palace, she would be outside; someone needed to look after the residence.

"Oh? Then let’s go see them."

Lu Ming pulled Tan Chun close, looking at her charming face, which could be both angry and happy. He kissed her luscious red lips. "Tan Chun, you’re so beautiful."

"Yes, thank you, husband."

Tan Chun smiled broadly. She enjoyed every intimate moment, but now that she was pregnant, she feared her husband might fall for someone else—a situation she couldn’t change.

Fortunately, Lu Ming was different; he treated all women equally.

Upon arriving at the living room, Lu Ming not only saw Mi Fang but also another middle-aged man.

"Greetings, Prince Qin!"

The two rose and bowed deeply to Lu Ming, showing their respect.

Lu Ming took the main seat and gestured an invitation to them. A maidservant served tea and then excused herself.

"Please have some tea, gentlemen. Zifang, who is this talented man?"

Lu Ming picked up his teacup and took a sip. He already knew, but he was just looking for an excuse.

Mi Fang immediately stood up and introduced him to Lu Ming: "Prince Qin, this is my elder brother, Mi Zhu, courtesy name Zizhong, Prefect of Xuzhou."

"So it’s Zizhong. The Mi family is a wealthy family in Xuzhou, and now he holds the position of Prefect. This is truly a remarkable achievement! I’ve heard so much about you. Please, have a seat!"

Lu Ming smiled and gestured for them to sit.

Lu Ming was still very young, one could say he was precociously accomplished.

Among all the princes who had been granted titles, he was the only one not even twenty yet.

The rest were already in their forties or fifties, some even sixty.

Therefore, with the world in chaos, the Yuan clan’s suppression is no longer very effective. Even Yuan Shao is turning against his own clan members, let alone other matters.

Many people are thinking of seeking a better future there...

Lu Ming is clearly also considering this.

After all, although Guanzhong was devastated, it has now become prosperous.

During the Central Plains war, Guanzhong recuperated and thrived, becoming a paradise, and the wealth of the world gradually accumulated there.

Finally, following the example of Qin, after marching east through Hangu Pass, unifying the world is not impossible.

"Your Majesty, I have been sent by Tao Qian, the King of Xu, to request Your Majesty’s aid to Xuzhou. Cao Cao, angered by the execution of his father within Xuzhou’s borders, has taken his wrath upon Xuzhou, launching repeated campaigns, leaving nothing but scorched earth in his wake, sparing neither chickens nor dogs. Such actions are outrageous! I beg Your Majesty to lead your troops to relieve the safety of Xuzhou."

Mi Zhu spoke with great emotion, seemingly trying to persuade Lu Ming.

"Haha! What do I care about the lives of the people of Xuzhou? Zizhong, it seems you still don’t understand. Guanzhong and Xuzhou are more than a thousand miles apart, and in between lie Luoyang, Cao Cao, Chenliu, and Puyang. Not long ago, Tao Qian even participated in the attack on Hangu Pass, only to suffer a crushing defeat. What, has the former alliance dissolved so quickly? You can go to Yuan Shao for mediation; isn’t he the leader of the alliance?"

Lu Ming let out a disdainful chuckle, as if looking at a fool.

If he’s considered a fool, then don’t blame him for being impolite.

Mi Fang seemed somewhat exasperated by her brother. What did he say before coming? Why did he have to bring up such a sore subject?

"Your Majesty, my brother misspoke. Please forgive him. We came to present a gift. Thanks to Your Majesty’s patronage, our Mi family’s merchant caravan has had unimpeded passage through Guanzhong. My younger sister is fourteen, graceful and beautiful, well-versed in poetry and literature, and knowledgeable in etiquette. I wish to offer her to Your Majesty to serve you."

"Very well, then let her become my queen."

Lu Ming didn’t refuse. He had too many women lately; he couldn’t handle them all.

Of the five Zhen sisters, Zhen Mi was still untouched.

Sun Jian’s two wives, Lady Wu and Lady Wu, were still untouched.

They were still being nurtured, so he wasn’t particularly eager for women. He could wait until he had his fill before considering it further.

However, since someone had offered herself up,

he wouldn’t refuse.

Women, the more the merrier.

Besides, someone offering a girl was a good thing; how could he refuse?

"Many thanks to Your Majesty, Prince Qin. It is a great blessing for the Mi family to marry our daughter to you. This is the dowry list; please review it, Your Majesty."

Mi Fang produced a long list, clearly indicating a significant investment.

Lu Ming took it but didn’t look at it. Instead, he handed the list to a maid, saying, "Send this to Princess Tan Chun."

"I appreciate your good intentions. The world is in turmoil, and the court is powerless. This is the time to establish merit. Would Zizhong and Zifang be interested in serving under me?"

Lu Ming went straight to the point, directly recruiting. Since they had sent their daughters, they must have a need.

Mi Fang was somewhat excited, but Mi Zhu bowed and said, "Thank you for your kindness, Prince Qin. However, I am already the Prefect of Xuzhou. Xuzhou has suffered this calamity; how can I simply leave? Such an unfaithful and unjust act is beyond my capabilities."

Mi Fang became anxious. Was her brother foolish? How could he refuse!

"Your Majesty, my brother is a little confused from the long journey. Please forgive him."

Lu Ming chuckled and waved his hand. "It’s alright. Zifang, what about you? Would you like to work under me? I think you’re quite clever. How about continuing as a merchant? I’ve established a new Ministry of Commerce, specifically for the royal family. Earning gold and silver will give back to the world. We can build water conservancy projects, cultivate farmland, provide disaster relief, support officials, and manufacture tools. Commerce is a means to an end; it can also lead to success."

With commerce flourishing, capital easily breeds.

And Lu Ming was confident he could crush those emerging capitalists. He himself was the biggest capitalist.

The rise of any capitalist was essentially taking food from his mouth.

Others were being used as his tools; achieving equality was absolutely impossible.