When Zong Shou arrived here, escorted by tens of thousands of knights, he himself was slightly awestruck.

Compared to the Hanyan Palace, this was truly heaven and earth. The former, despite numerous refurbishments, was built during the arduous beginnings of Zong Weiran, inherently possessing a common, parochial air.

But this current temporary palace, built by an unknown hand, nestled against the mountains and beside the water. It didn't blindly pursue dazzling splendor but rather achieved a subtle integration with the local terrain and primal woodlands. The pavilions and terraces were all exquisitely unique. While grand in presence, it also possessed an inherent beauty and a fresh, natural feel, appearing almost like a celestial realm when viewed. The entire structure flowed seamlessly into the surrounding landscape without the slightest clash. Not only was the scenery exceptional, but it was also a veritable sanctuary for cultivation. Even the Jun Tian Immortal Palace, which Zong Shou had always held in the highest regard, paled in comparison. To reside here daily, gazing upon the naturally formed scenic gardens, strange mountains, odd stones, and crystal-clear springs and lakes, would surely bring boundless peace of mind.

Zong Shou’s unusually sour mood lifted slightly.

“I wonder what the construction cost of this temporary palace was? Was it truly funded by military expenditures?”

He thought that if it had genuinely come from the military budget, then he had truly struck gold this time.

Hu Zhongyuan, who had accompanied him on horseback, cast him a look reserved for an absolute simpleton.

“How could it possibly be entirely from military funds? It’s only a temporary loan. The Grand Inspector has already memorialized the Grand Secretariat, stating that funds will be allocated from the Inner Treasury, and Prime Minister Yi has already approved it!”

Zong Shou’s face twitched. So, that was how it was—he would ultimately have to foot the bill for this magnificent temporary palace. The current annual revenue of the Great Qian of the Cloud Realm saw two-tenths flow into the Inner Treasury. Coupled with investments in the Qingyun Stone Roads and various mineral/herb gardens, it brought in several thousand Immortal Stones annually. However, expenditures were also immense; following this war, they would certainly need to recruit more Royal Consecrated personnel, in addition to supporting more Spirit Ethereal Demon Slayers and Origin Sea Demon Slayers. His own Zhou Book was an insatiable black hole. This very temporary palace felt like having flesh carved from his own body!

Previously, even if only Ren Bo agreed, it would have been useless. But Kong Yao was his own consort! “Enough of the idle chatter, what was the final cost?”

“This involved commissioning renowned garden masters from Zhongyuan, along with over a dozen Immortal Realm cultivators to arrange the palace’s protective spirit array. The materials used were all top-grade. The total cost amounted to four hundred Low-Grade Immortal Stones. The Grand Inspector stated that anything less opulent would not suffice to captivate the masses.”

Four hundred Low-Grade Immortal Stones? Zong Shou thought, Is that all? Well, it wasn't catastrophic! He was wealthy enough; he could afford it. A single Taiyi Divine Thunder Vessel alone cost two thousand Low-Grade Immortal Stones.

Hu Zhongyuan, however, was not finished: “And those three hundred thousand able-bodied men the Grand Inspector called 'conscripted labor' were actually to control and win over the Southern Border tribes. Their strength is at the peak of the Third Tier, with over twenty thousand Martial Masters and Spirit Cultivators at the Fourth Tier. The Grand Inspector insisted that the Sovereign must exempt everyone from corvée labor, and this rule couldn't be broken even in the Southern Border. Therefore, their wages couldn't be ignored—this added another one hundred and twenty Low-Grade Immortal Stones to the expense. Without so many men capable of lifting ten thousand pounds, how could such a palace have been built within a month?”

Zong Shou nearly spat blood, his vision blurring. This Kong Yao truly didn't treat money as anything! She was practically inviting outsiders to take advantage of him! His entire fortune would eventually be squandered by this woman. His previous good mood vanished without a trace. The scenery before him was still exquisitely beautiful and pleasing to the eye, but in Zong Shou’s perception, every blade of grass and every tree here held his own blood and tears!

With a sigh of melancholy, a flicker of admiration crossed Zong Shou’s eyes. Presumably, Kong Yao now commanded another three hundred thousand seasoned veterans. The Southern Border land was fertile but plagued by endless conflict, further complicated by the constant threat of ferocious beasts. Though a wilderness, martial arts and spirit techniques were surprisingly advanced there. The population was sparse, yet the number of powerful individuals generated annually far surpassed other regions. Having endured countless battles, they could be assembled into an army immediately, requiring almost no training. The barbarian tribes were simple and valued righteousness, fearless of death; they needed only to be swayed by benefit and summoned by honor to fight to the death for her. Kong Yao truly possessed formidable means.

Looking dejected, Zong Shou proceeded into the palace under escort, only to find it indeed teeming with beauties. Each one was naturally graceful. Perhaps due to their Southern Border barbarian origins, their complexions were healthy and vibrant, unlike the frail, slightly sickly look of court maidens in royal palaces.

Hu Zhongyuan was momentarily dazzled, utterly captivated, his eyes darting everywhere, almost drooling. Zong Shou was also momentarily stunned. He thought, Kong Yao actually dares to place so many beauties before me. He snorted inwardly, wondering if this was a sign of contempt. If he were truly provoked, he might go wild and marry ten or eight new consorts in one go, leaving her and Yi Ren to regret it.

Irritated, he took out his displeasure on Hu Zhongyuan, giving his shoulder a heavy slap. A surge of true energy shot in, causing Hu Zhongyuan’s entire body to creak loudly, his bones feeling as though they had scattered.

“What are you looking at? Everything within this temporary palace is my private property! How dare you look? Stare again, and I’ll gouge out your eyes!” Hu Zhongyuan felt weak, as if ten thousand ants were biting him internally, and collapsed onto the ground.

Knowing he had been unfairly implicated again, he paid it no mind and grinned shamelessly, “Your Majesty, that is improper! Should you not reward one or two beauties at a time like this, to court loyal ministers and capable generals?”

“You count as a capable general? What kind of loyal minister are you?” Zong Shou scoffed with utter disdain. Knowing Hu Zhongyuan’s skin was thicker than a city wall, he merely flicked his sleeve dismissively. “Fine, I can’t be bothered with you! These women are to be sent back eventually; I have no authority over them. If you fancy any of them, you can try to request her yourself. As long as you don’t use force or coercion, you can use any means necessary. If you can take her away, it’s your own capability!”

He then turned back: “The rest of you, the same applies!”

This statement was directed at the Qian Tian generals following behind him. They were all overjoyed, their eyes gleaming, looking at the passing attendants like wolves. Hu Zhongyuan was ecstatic, already rubbing his hands together, preparing to unleash the suave tactics of Young Master Hu from Qian Tian City.

However, Zong Shou seemed to recall something and gave a meaningful smile. “Oh, yes! I remember when Consort Yao selected you to accompany her mount a few days ago, you, Hu Zhongyuan, were quite reluctant? You claimed accompanying me was dreadfully boring and you preferred to stay under Consort Yao’s command, to fight thrillingly against the Da Shang forces to truly enjoy yourself. After careful consideration, I’ve decided to grant your wish. You may return tomorrow and serve under Consort Yao’s banner as you desire.”

Hu Zhongyuan’s face turned pale then green, letting out a groan. He thought his Sovereign was perhaps a touch too malicious.

Chu Xue, carrying the Blood Moon Saber, walked beside Zong Shou on the other side. She was now covering her mouth, giggling softly. Zong Shou paid the other man no more heed and, upon entering the palace, his mood shifted again. The temporary palace was built; even if torn down, the Immortal Stones could not be recovered. Rather than agonizing over it, it was better to open his mind to enjoy it, so as not to suffer a loss.

He inherently enjoyed extravagance; it was only due to the frequent use of the Zhou Book recently that he had become impoverished and restrained himself somewhat. In truth, he was quite pleased with this temporary palace. Now that he knew it was built using his Inner Treasury funds, he felt completely at ease. As he walked through, indeed, not a single spot was not magnificent and beautiful.

The steps made of white jade were spotless. The cobbled paths, which seemed ordinary, were paved with pigeon-blood stones, each worth the equivalent of a Seventh-Grade Spirit Stone—offering not just a subtle form of luxury but also a unique aesthetic, serving as part of the formation base.

Upon reaching the deeper recesses of the palace, Zong Shou was truly taken aback.

“Is this perhaps the Pool of Wine and Forest of Meat?”

Countless bottles of the finest immortal wines had all been poured into a vast white jade pool. They shimmered with an amber glow, and the mere fragrance was intoxicating. It wasn't as exaggerated as a literal forest of meat, but the surrounding tables were laden with delicacies and rare dishes, their colors and aromas mingling, making one’s mouth water uncontrollably. The combined scent of the dishes and the wine was utterly irresistible.

This was even more excessive than the legendary Jie and Zhou! He recalled that ancient histories stated Jie and Zhou only hung cooked meat beside the wine pool. How could that compare to this, where everything was meticulously prepared by master chefs? The 'forest of meat' concept was passé.

“I never expected little Yao’er to have fallen so far into decadence!”

Zong Shou lamented piously, recalling how Kong Yao had once looked upon his hall full of gold bricks with disdain. He casually picked up a jade cup and scooped a sample from the pool. Upon tasting it closely, he found the flavor sweet and mellow, like the Jade Nectar of the Yaochi, flowing smoothly down his throat. Zong Shou’s mind momentarily drifted into a daze. “Is the Nine Fragrance Spirit Dew the work of Shangguan Zhenru?”

He had long heard of this woman who had captured the hearts of both Shi Lei and Dong Ruo. He had sampled much of her brewed wine over the years but had never had the fortune to meet her. His martial generals behind him looked completely bewildered, not understanding the context. However, a female official nearby bowed and replied, “It is indeed the Nine Fragrance Spirit Dew. Consort Yao purchased fifty jars in one go half a month ago.”

Zong Shou chuckled. Little Yao’er—was she concerned that he might be lonely in this temporary palace? Having fine wine accompanying him wasn't bad.

“Since there is a Pool of Wine and Forest of Meat, this temporary palace shall be named the Pool of Wine Palace!” He had long noted that the palace remained unnamed.

“Pool of Wine Palace?” Hu Zhongyuan stroked his chin, pondering seriously. “Not bad! But I think it should be named the Golden Palace, the White Jade Palace, or the Meat Forest Palace—something that emphasizes the luxury, fitting Your Majesty’s dissipated ruler persona—” His words died in his throat as Zong Shou sharply tapped his forehead with a finger, silencing him.

Just then, Zong Shou saw a spiritual light descend from the sky, landing before him. It was a letter talisman. Zong Shou casually grasped it, then let out a light laugh. “Our army has achieved a great victory, beheading thirty-two thousand!”

Half a day earlier, the army under Kong Yao’s command began withdrawing from the Emerald Gorge. But as the Da Shang forces pursued and their main army passed through the sword-scarred pass, Kong Yao struck them mid-retreat with superior force. They nearly killed the Da Shang Grand General of Conquest on the battlefield, forcing him to retreat disastrously to the north bank, watching helplessly as the Great Qian army withdrew in good order... (To be continued)