Du Cheng looked at Balgna with utmost sincerity.
He had heard rumors about King Lan Ning—people said he was a mediocre monarch with no great achievements to his name, yet somehow managed to hold onto his ancestral realm. But Du Cheng disagreed: anyone who could sit firmly on a throne could not be dismissed lightly, and to underestimate such a ruler was to insult one’s own intelligence.
Balgna smiled. “Carry on.”
Du Cheng said, “As everyone knows, under Your Majesty’s rule the Empire has flourished—but Your Majesty’s influence cannot reach every citizen, and there are still countless poor who need aid.”
That flattering introduction made a few shallow officials frown: they no longer saw Du Cheng as a mere child to be toyed with, but as a shrewd adversary.
Du Cheng pressed on, “Take the Imperial Capital, St. John’s City. In the South District alone tens of thousands go hungry and shiver in ragged cloth. Your Majesty, St. John’s is the heart of the three continents, especially Aynes—our Empire’s very face. Imagine foreign envoys arriving, standing near Your Majesty, yet glimpsing beggars clutching breadcrumbs and dressed in coarse linen. How would they judge our realm?”
A minister barked, “Bold words—imperial affairs are hardly the concern of a fifteen‑year‑old!”
Balgna did not intervene; he simply observed the kerfuffle. Princess Yuna, however, spoke up for Du Cheng: “Sirs, isn’t Francis correct?”
Du Cheng gave Yuna a reluctant bow of thanks. “Therefore, I wish to devote these gold coins to feeding and clothing the poor of the South District. That way, any envoy arriving in the capital will see a thriving, prosperous Lan Ning Empire—and praise Your Majesty’s reign.”
He smiled confidently around the council chamber, convinced that no king would spurn free glory—and only a fool would decline. Against a seasoned ruler who had reigned for over twenty years, Du Cheng knew his cunning alone would not suffice; the surest course was to offer shared benefit.
Sure enough, Balgna nodded. “You make a fair point. Are you truly prepared to dedicate these coins to the South District’s poor?”
“Indeed—but gold by itself will not last. I propose a more sustainable charity fund.” Du Cheng watched Balgna’s interest spark and continued, “In Your Majesty’s name, we can establish an enterprise in the South District: able-bodied poor gain employment, and the elderly, infirm, and disabled receive free support.”
Balgna raised an eyebrow. “There are sixty-seven thousand needy souls in the South District. Your mere three thousand gold won’t build workshops for tens of thousands.”
“We’ll start small and grow. As the enterprise expands, so will its reach. Meanwhile, nobles and wealthy citizens may donate goods and coin. I will record each donor’s name publicly, ensuring their generosity is known.”
Du Cheng’s plan was simple: convert cash into fixed assets and a self‑perpetuating fund—Balgna would grant the naming rights, while Du Cheng would oversee operations and returns. A straightforward earthly economic strategy.
After a thoughtful pause, Balgna asked the ministers, “What say you? I believe it merits a trial.” He patted his cheek. “Why does none of you guard the Empire’s dignity so zealously?”
With that remark, his support for Du Cheng was unmistakable.
Seizing the moment, Du Cheng said, “If it pleases Your Majesty, may the enterprise bear your name?”
Balgna laughed heartily at the audacity of the request—but recognized the value: it would burnish his reputation among the people and stabilize the capital.
“Very well. Let it be as you suggest. From the late Chancellor’s estate, three thousand gold shall go to Francis—‘in my name’—to aid the South District’s poor and adorn the Empire and my crown.”
A purple‑gowned elder in the front row cleared his throat and loudly proclaimed, “As Prime Minister, I endorse Your Majesty’s proposal!”
With both king and prime minister quoted, over half the council quickly agreed. The matter was settled.
(The Handbook of Fortune did not alert Du Cheng to this charitable act—such self‑initiated deeds must be discovered and enacted by him. The Handbook only offers the faintest guidance; only once the deed is done does the lotus truly bloom.)
Prime Minister Antoine then added, “Francis is truly the ‘Virtue of St. John’s City.’ Such foresight in one so young! In my private capacity, I donate five hundred gold to his enterprise—another boon to the South District’s poor!”
Du Cheng watched Antoine with curiosity: why such generosity? Then Antoine continued, “Moreover, a commoner may not manage an imperial‑scale venture. I propose granting him the rank of lord!”
Even Balgna and his closest advisors were surprised—Antoine was famed as a wily statesman who profited wherever he could. Why champion Du Cheng so fervently? The other ministers exchanged glances, then smiled in understanding.
Du Cheng did not believe in free gifts; he eyed Antoine warily, and Antoine returned that gaze with knowing amusement, as if toying with the young lord.
At Balgna’s signal, “So it is decided—Francis Du Cheng is made Lord Du Cheng! Francis, you may withdraw and submit your full plan in three days. Gentlemen, let us now debate the remaining seven thousand gold.”
The hall erupted once more in debate over the inheritance. Only Ferdinand caught Du Cheng’s eye and offered him a discreet nod of approval as he departed.
Outside, Steve bounded up with a grin. “Oh, dear brother, now a lord with thousands of gold—how much will you lend your big brother?”
“Enough for you to court a few ladies,” Du Cheng replied absently.
“Brother, are Prime Minister Antoine and Father of the same faction?”
“Hardly—they offend no one.”
“Then why help me so?” Du Cheng asked. “I wield no battle qi and hold no high office—what’s in it for him?”
Steve’s eyes widened. “Good heavens, you don’t know? Antoine is Avril’s grandfather—he dotes on his granddaughter!”
Du Cheng frowned. “Avril?”
“Why, the girl you saved on Divine Day!” Steve exclaimed, only silencing when a palace guard shushed him. Then, with a mischievous chuckle, he added, “Avril…”
“Steve, let me,” came a firm voice. Antoine himself emerged from the hall.
“Avril is my granddaughter,” he said quietly. “The very girl you rescued on the Day of Divine Radiance.”25Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeNIcpZbtdS
