A luxurious black limousine rolled through the hidden tunnel leading out of Dominion City. Inside sat Su Mu, dressed in a tailored black suit, flanked by Lian'er and Mei'er. Eliza and a small team of elite minion bodyguards followed in armored SUVs behind them.
Destination: Capital City, three provinces away.
Target: Influence the upcoming mayoral election.
"Master," Lian'er said, handing him a tablet, "our intelligence division reports the current frontrunner, Li Zongwen, has deep ties with foreign investors and underground criminal networks. He could prove to be a future threat."
Su Mu glanced at the screen. "We'll buy the entire political party supporting his rival. Quietly. Then bankrupt Li Zongwen through economic pressure."
> [Ding! Spent ¥300 million in targeted influence operations.]
[Cashback: ¥30 billion deposited.]
"Also," Lian'er continued, "your proxy company, Silver Willow Holdings, now owns 42% of the city's top infrastructure contracts."
"Push it to 70%," Su Mu said, eyes gleaming. "Then offer low-interest development loans. Trap them with dependency."
Mei'er leaned close, her lips near his ear, voice teasing. "Master~ I scheduled a secret meeting with the governor's daughter tonight. She's curious about you."
Su Mu chuckled. "Let her be curious."
The convoy stopped at a five-star hotel where the secret meeting would take place. While his minions secured the building, Su Mu entered the private suite. A stunning woman in a red dress greeted him.
"I've heard… whispers," she said with a knowing smile. "Of someone building cities in the mountains. Of a man whose money moves the world. Is that you?"
Su Mu smirked. "Whispers are often louder than truth. But let's say I'm… someone worth betting on."
Her eyes lit up. "Then maybe I'll place all my chips on you."
> [Ding! Host initiated social manipulation. Charm stat increased. Future political success rate boosted by 8%.]
Later that night, back in the convoy, Eliza reported, "Operation complete. Li Zongwen's supporters are defecting. The media we control will run three major scandals against him tomorrow."
Su Mu smiled faintly.
The world didn't know a new emperor was rising—not with war, not with fire.
But with wealth, whispers, and a hidden army in the shadows.
And the first chess piece on the political board… had just fallen.