Mi Fang was incredibly excited. Even if he couldn’t become a powerful clan, maintaining wealth and status would be enough.

In chaotic times, the first to die are merchants without connections.

This is why the Mi family actively sought out Lu Ming. Lu Ming’s geographical location was extremely advantageous, and upon careful analysis, his chances of seizing power were high.

Furthermore, rumors circulated that he had an affair with the Empress Dowager.

Although unconfirmed, the rumors were quite detailed. Even if he wanted to become a Han official, the current emperor would likely not allow it.

"Mi Fang is willing to serve the Prince of Qin, even unto death!"

Mi Fang immediately knelt on one knee, clasped his hands in a fist salute, his expression a mixture of excitement and trepidation.

"Very well, since that’s the case, I appoint you as Vice Minister of Commerce. You will continue to lead the Mi family’s merchant caravan, and I will not take a single penny from the Mi family. Tomorrow, go to the Ministry of Commerce. I will instruct Zhang Chun to guide you and tell you the specifics of the Ministry’s affairs. I will not interfere; you will have greater power and decision-making authority. As long as it’s profitable and doesn’t cause losses to the local people, you can do it."

Lu Ming wouldn’t concern himself with the specifics...

Zhang Chun would write down his plans and submit them for his review. He hadn’t interfered at all, only saying that certain things shouldn’t be touched.

"Thank you, my lord. Your great kindness is beyond repayment."

Mi Fang was somewhat excited. Zhang Chun was a ruthless figure in business; whether or not goods could be purchased, and how much, was entirely up to him.

Xiliang was rich in minerals...

Especially honeycomb briquettes, which were almost sold out!

There were also custom-made fireplaces, carriages, and so on.

Even some special handicrafts, jade, and the like.

"Get up. Doing your job well is the greatest reward you can give me."

Lu Ming helped Mi Fang up, then turned to look at Mi Zhu.

"Mi Zhu, if you don’t want to work for me, I won’t force you. But remember, from the moment you left the palace, you became the enemy of the entire Guanzhong region. I have nothing to say to that old man Tao Qian. If you continue to aid and abet evil, the next time we meet will be with swords and axes at your side."

Mi Zhu hadn’t expected Lu Ming to be so ruthless, abandoning even the respect due to a scholar.

"Your Highness, I..."

"Guards, see him out. Zifang, next time you’ll be the one to send Mi Zhu on his way. This time, out of consideration for you and the Princess, I’ll let it go. See him out."

Lu Ming had nothing to say; he wouldn’t say much to Mi Zhu.

If he was destined to go and join Liu Bei, so be it. He already had Mi Zhen; Mi Zhu’s life or death didn’t matter. It would be best if he died out there!

"What’s the point of this clueless brat? One more Mi Zhu won’t make a difference, one less won’t either."

Mi Zhu left the palace, somewhat dejected. He had no idea how all this had happened.

What on earth was going on?

Back at their residence, Mi Fang couldn’t help but complain, "Brother, since we’re already here, why did you speak like that?"

They had agreed that they were here to pledge allegiance to Lu Ming.

They would relocate the Mi family’s assets to Chang’an.

Although everything would have to start anew, Mi Fang had considerable connections here, so it wasn’t entirely unfamiliar; she wouldn’t be completely clueless.

While it would be a significant blow, it wouldn’t be crippling.

Besides, if Lu Ming unified the Central Plains in the future, they could still return to Xuzhou; there was nothing wrong with that.

Staying in Xuzhou would allow them to maintain the status quo, but the suppression of the Mi family by other powerful clans would never cease; they were the local bullies in Xuzhou.

If it weren’t for Mi Zhu’s difficult situation, he would never have come to Chang’an. Mi Zhu shook his head with some regret, slowly revealing his thoughts, "I originally intended to retreat strategically, at least that way I wouldn’t bear the stigma of betraying my lord. Who would have thought the King of Qin wouldn’t even try to retain me? Alas, a miscalculation, a miscalculation."

At this point, Mi Fang’s expression became particularly strange, "That’s just how our lord is, one is one, two is two. He doesn’t tolerate any excuses. Our lord is now establishing an academy in Guanzhong, lecturing for free, cultivating talent. Even if no talent comes to him, he can train them himself. And most of these are children from poor families, or orphans. In this way, loyalty is guaranteed, truly brilliant!"

Mi Fang was full of praise for his lord and brother-in-law.

Other places, even if one sponsored, what then? Wouldn’t one still be considered inferior? Wanting to obtain even a minor official position?

A sinecure might be the answer...

And who knows when one might be dismissed.

"It’s better this way. With my sister marrying into the royal family, I have a safety net. If I work hard, I’m sure I’ll achieve great things."

As the two brothers spoke, Mi Zhen pushed open the door and entered.

She had already changed into her bridal attire...

Moreover, Tan Chun had sent someone to fetch her. She would first enter the royal household, and then hold a banquet in half a month to announce her arrival to the world.

Lu Ming was already the Prince of Qin; the next step would be to become emperor.

Being granted the title of prince allowed him to establish his own government, recruit talent, and be granted official positions—essentially a small kingdom.

His wife would also be a queen, like Wang Yi, who was the queen.

Cai Wenji was the queen of the Western Palace, and Princess Wannian was the queen of the Eastern Palace. If he were to become emperor, she could only be an imperial concubine.

As for empress, only Wang Yi could be empress.

"Second Brother, stop talking. Eldest Brother is so stubborn; he’s still thinking about his reputation. The Prince of Qin is a practical man; as long as he’s useful, he won’t care about anything. Zhang Chun wasn’t a match for the Prince before, but now he’s a trusted subordinate. What’s there to worry about? If you can’t understand, don’t think about it anymore, and don’t let him go back, lest you be gossiped about to your death."

Mi Zhen, though a woman, saw things very clearly.

Over the years, she had been in Xiliang and Chang’an, managing the Mi family’s business and offering advice.

She wouldn’t say she knew Lu Ming intimately, but she understood him quite well.

A man like that, his lewdness and lust were minor matters.

The key was that he was truly capable...

And she had never heard of any woman being abandoned by him. Even if they weren’t doing well, they had brought it on themselves; they had no one to blame but themselves.

For modern women, such a husband would be the perfect partner.

Mi Zhu was also caught in a dilemma, unsure of what to say.

If he left, it would inevitably affect his younger brother and sister.

He didn’t have the capital to bet on two separate entities. The Zhuge family could do so because they held significant influence in both Shu and Wu.

The Mi family, on the other hand, had nothing and simply couldn’t afford to bet on two separate entities.