Chapter 839: Chapter 839
Gold Star Taibai reached out to take the cloth bag and asked in confusion, "Emperor, what is this?"
Ksitigarbha said lightly, "A million Merit Coins."
Gold Star Taibai quickly said, "That’s too precious, I dare not accept it." He hurriedly tried to return the bag.
Ksitigarbha casually brushed it off with a smile, "It’s just a mere million Merit Coins, nothing worth mentioning, just a small token of mine. If you don’t accept it, it means you look down on me, the Emperor Ziwei from Yin Mountain."
"Well then, I will accept it reluctantly." Gold Star Taibai put the bag away.
Ksitigarbha laughed heartily, "That’s the right attitude!"
Gold Star Taibai also revealed a friendly smile and asked, "If there are any issues with the divine duties in the future, Emperor, feel free to seek me out.
To tell you the truth, those Star Gods are quite arrogant. The previous Emperor Ziwei was only in name, but I still have some respect among them and can bridge connections for you, Emperor."
Ksitigarbha laughed heartily, "Thank you, Golden Immortal, but it’s not necessary. Previously, I had my subordinate give each Zhou Tian Star Lord a big red envelope, worth a hundred thousand Merit Coins each.
But Gold Star, your envelope was one I planned to deliver personally, and it contains more than theirs.
All those Star Lords assured me that they would follow my orders in the future and are quite enthusiastic toward me."
Gold Star Taibai was a bit stunned, then secretly clicked his tongue. This Emperor Ziwei is truly wealthy and extravagant. But it’s not surprising; I heard he plundered more than half of Buddhism’s accumulated merit over billions of years. Now Spiritual Mountain is wailing everywhere! Truly worthy of being Emperor Gouchen’s student, his skills in leveraging monetary power are highly refined.
Ksitigarbha suddenly hesitated and said, "However, there is indeed something I want to ask Fellow Daoist Taibai."
"Please speak, Emperor. I will do my utmost if there’s anything I can help with."
"I heard that Fellow Daoist has been following Your Majesty since the establishment of the Heavenly Court, and is one of the most trusted divine beings by His Majesty."
Gold Star Taibai humbly smiled and said, "I am unworthy of being considered the most trusted, just merely running errands for His Majesty."
"You are too humble, Gold Star. As a close confidant of His Majesty, you must be very familiar with him. This time His Majesty saved my life, and I wish to give him a gift but don’t know what he likes. I hope you can give me some guidance."
"The Great Emperor can directly send Merit Gold Coins."
Emperor Ksitigarbha sighed and said, "I tried, but His Majesty would not accept it! I’ve seen many sacred beings in the Three Realms, from great powers like the Buddha and Ming He to ordinary folk, none can escape the two words of benefit.
The Western Buddha prides himself on being clean yet can’t dodge the lure of money, and mortal people toil their whole lives for it. The more wealth, the greater the temptation. But His Majesty is different. Even if I offered a billion Merit Coins, His Majesty would remain unmoved, rejecting it outright, treating money like it’s nothing.
Previously, my teacher was the one I admired most. Now, among those I admire, Hao Tian has been added, truly a model for us all!"
Gold Star Taibai’s hand shook, almost dropping the horsetail whisk, his eyes widened in disbelief as he looked at Ksitigarbha. A... A billion Merit Coins? You were going to give away a billion Merit Coins? And Hao Tian refused it?!
Emperor Ksitigarbha immediately asked, "Gold Star, you know His Majesty the best, give me an idea of what to gift His Majesty? Is it that I’ve sent too little? Should I send two billion to His Majesty?"
Gold Star Taibai abruptly came to his senses, feeling a twitch in his heart. This wealthy figure from the Underworld is indeed not to be provoked, casually mentioning a billion, two billion, truly overwhelming.
Gold Star Taibai suppressed his inner shock and said with a smile, "What His Majesty likes is the Three Realms to be orderly, all beings prosperous, and Heaven and Earth stable. If the Emperor can fulfill his duties and benefit the Three Realms, that would be the best repayment to His Majesty."
Ksitigarbha sighed and said, "Truly worthy of being the Supreme Heavenly Emperor! Such a level of cultivation is far beyond ours; benefiting the Three Realms is my duty. The appropriate reward must be given to His Majesty, how can it be confused?!"
"What did His Majesty say to you?"
"His Majesty asked me to take the money bag back and said if it gets out, His Majesty could be accused of extorting his subordinates."
"Then does His Majesty know how much you want to send?"
"He should know. I didn’t set any prohibitions; as soon as His Majesty has a thought, he can know the amount."
Gold Star Taibai had a hunch, perhaps His Majesty truly does not know the amount Ksitigarbha intended to send. No one knows Hao Tian’s situation better than me; this billion would be a timely help for him. I must help His Majesty keep the money, otherwise, how would we clean up the mess left by the Jade Emperor?
Gold Star Taibai immediately sighed and said, "Emperor! It’s not my place to say, His Majesty is not lacking in money. If you openly give gifts in this way, how could His Majesty accept it? If it gets out, how will His Majesty govern the Three Realms? This is not how gifts are given."
"Please guide me, Gold Star!" Ksitigarbha immediately looked at Gold Star Taibai eagerly.
"Openly giving money is definitely not right. However, His Majesty enjoys a bit of wine now and then. If you give some wine to His Majesty, it’s a gesture of goodwill, and outsiders can’t say anything."
"I have some good wine brewed by the Witch Clan in storage; I’ll fetch it for His Majesty. But it’s just a little wine; how could it repay His Majesty’s grace of knowledge and life-saving kindness!" Ksitigarbha felt a bit distressed.
Gold Star Taibai, full of smiles, whispered, "The Emperor can have this Merit Coin melted down and turned into a few wine jars to hold the wine. As a Heavenly Court Emperor, it’s understandable to use more precious wine jars."
Emperor Ziwei’s eyes lit up, excitedly saying, "Haha~ That’s right, I am wealthy. Forget wine jars, even my tables are made from refined Merit Coins." The source of thɪs content is novel⦿fire.net
"It’s best to coat them with a layer of film to keep it low-key."
"I understand! Thank you, Gold Star. I’ll invite you for a drink another day." Ksitigarbha eagerly left.
Gold Star Taibai tossed the money bag in his hand, very satisfied as he tucked it into his bosom. For the sake of His Majesty, I have indeed been worrying myself to pieces!
On the other side, Gu Liang carried a large cloth bag, approaching the front of the Zining Palace.
General Juanlian quickly came out to greet and asked, "God of Wealth, what are you doing here?"
Gu Liang hoisted the burlap sack and shouted, "I demand to see His Majesty."
"I will convey your message immediately." General Juanlian hurriedly ran inside.
Gu Liang stood at the door waiting.
A moment later, General Juanlian ran out from the main hall, folded his fists in salute, and said, "His Majesty is waiting in the back garden. God of Wealth, please proceed."
Gu Liang immediately carried the burlap sack and walked quickly inside.
In the back garden, after the leftovers were cleared, Hao Tian sat by the table, sipping tea and enjoying the flowers, at ease.
Gu Liang carried the burlap sack into the garden and thumped it down, making a bow and saying, "Greetings to Your Majesty!"
Hao Tian laughed merrily and said, "No need for formalities! Have a seat~"
"Your Majesty, I won’t sit long, I’ll leave shortly."
"While I was away, you did very well, especially that the bank is now widespread across the Three Realms, overseeing money transactions and strengthening the foundation of the Heavenly Court, extending the Qi Fortune."
Gu Liang giggled and said, "Actually, I didn’t do much; it was all arranged by senior brother."
"Don’t be modest; I remember all your contributions.
Emperor Gouchen set the grand scheme, and you all need to execute it. Previously, when Emperor Gouchen appointed you as the God of Wealth, I was unclear, but now it seems he truly has keen insight!"