Return Home in Glory
Upon emerging from solitary confinement, many people awaited Zhao Xing, Chen Shijie, Long Xiao, and Liao Rulong.
Among them were Agriculture Official who had trained together, such as Zhuang Ziqing, Han Bing, Che Shihai... Zhao Xing even saw Shi Yong and Feng Qi.
Among the martial artists are Xia Jing, Chen Fang, Priest Zhang Yi, Military Physician Yuan Yang, Mechanism Master Wang Ji ...
They should have been on the battlefield, but they all took the time to rush back to Yang City.
Others were people I met later, such as Ji Ziyun, Liu Cheng'an, the heir apparent of Prince Xin, Pei Yuanchang, the grandson of Prince Ling Shuang, and Wu Zhengting, the heir apparent of Prince Yue Gang...
"Brother Zhao, we've all heard about what happened to you. That Liang King is a complete scoundrel!" Zhuang Ziqing was the first to rush over, grabbing Zhao Xing's hand, indignant. "Brother, you are a peerless talent, yet you were forced to withdraw from the battlefield by Liang King Faction. It's utterly outrageous!"
"Brother Zhuang." Zhao Xing patted Zhuang Ziqing's hand, looking touched.
"Boss, you've suffered this humiliation!" Wang Ji clenched his fists and gritted his teeth. "I'd rather die than serve a single thorn in the side of the Liang King Faction!"
"I actually had a pretty good time inside..." Zhao Xing thought to himself, "Am I going a bit too far with this sob story?"
"Boss, you don't need to comfort us. How can you say anything good when you're like this?" Che Shihai through gritted teeth and tears welling up in his eyes.
At this moment, Zhao Xing's hair was somewhat disheveled and his clothes were tattered.
However, this was entirely caused by Old Master Zhao himself before his release from prison.
"I'm really fine," Zhao Xing reassured him.
He reflected on his experience of being detained.
It closed in early April and is now at the end of May.
On the first day of solitary confinement in Yang City, as is customary, all equipment should be taken away, and prison clothes should be changed to lock up one's energy.
But this is Yang City Solitary Confinement Prison!
The guards were all their own people, either sent by Rahu King or by Liu Tianning.
Who would dare to do that?
Not to mention interrogation and torture.
Abusing Old Master Zhao? Absolutely not!
Zhao Xing wasn't lying; he was actually doing quite well.
On his first day there, Zhao Xing's lock was unlocked, but his equipment wasn't returned to him.
In terms of food and drink, they were provided with meals according to the standards for Fifth Grade official when he was in office. Even their lodgings were in a large villa!
Originally, Yang City Prison did not have a suitable place to live for Zhao Xing, given his status. After all, he was usually imprisoned in Nine Heavens Responding Origin Prefecture.
However, the warden of Yang City prison, in order to imprison Zhao Xing, rushed the process and managed to build a set of facilities within a single day.
The next day he moved into a 500-square-meter villa.
If Old Master Zhao hadn't refused, the warden might have sent a few Dancer Master and musicians to offer his condolences.
Because Zhao Xing wasn't actually imprisoned; he was only detained.
To be honest, this past month or so has been the period when Old Master Zhao has slept the best.
Just before his release, he realized he couldn't act like he was there to enjoy a life of luxury.
So he put the locks back on, put on his prison uniform, and messed up his hair.
"Warden of Yang City Prison, have you been mistreated?!" Xia Jing, who had walked over, raised his voice and stared at the prison guards behind Zhao Xing with hostility.
The jailers were also aggrieved. "How dare we? It was Zhao Xing who insisted on dressing like this."
"No, no," Zhao Xing waved his hand and said, "Don't overthink it, they've been very good to me."
He then used water magic to restore his attire and appearance. In that short time, his miserable state was enough to spread the word.
Among discerning people, it is obvious that Zhao Xing could not have been mistreated, but for those who are unaware, this impression will spread and deepen others' disgust for the Liang King Faction.
"Let's go, let's talk somewhere else."
Surrounded by the crowd, Zhao Xing left Yang City Prison.
Afterwards, Xia Jing held a small gathering in Yang City to welcome Zhao Xing, Chen Shijie, Long Xiao, and Liao Rulong. The number of attendees was over a thousand.
This time, Zhao Xing drank freely and got completely drunk with everyone until the evening of the next day.
Once most of the people had left, Zhao Xing circulated his vital energy to dispel the smell of alcohol, and his eyes became clear.
"Phew~" Zhao Xing let out a long breath and pulled Xia Jing over. "Brother, how have you been these days?"
Xia Jing was still a little drunk, but seeing that Zhao Xing had returned to normal, he knew that Zhao Xing was going to talk about serious matters, so he immediately circulated his blood and energy to regain his senses.
"I was also attacked by the Liang King Faction, but my father and uncle intervened and mediated, and in the end I was not punished."
Zhao Xing nodded.
Xia Jing was not a member of the Divine Might Army, and his background and influence were related to the royal family. He was not the mastermind, so it was not a big deal. With the mediation of the Pingyang King and Xia Hou, there was naturally no problem.
Xia Jing said, "You were stripped of your honorary title and withdrew from the battlefield. You didn't get promoted to a higher rank either. You've barely managed to save face for the Liang King Faction."
"It's just that Ji Chen, for some reason, lost favor in the Liang King's Residence and was sent to the battlefield."
"In the past two months, Rahu King, Xin King, and Anning King have repeatedly rejected the handling results of Yingyuan Prefecture."
"Your teacher hasn't made any moves; he's still working in the Inspection Department and the Transportation Department of the two governments."
Xia Jing recounted what had happened during this period.
Zhao Xing closed his eyes and reviewed the situation for a moment, then nodded.
"This matter is now concluded. Brother Xia, since you haven't withdrawn from the battlefield, please take good care of yourself."
Xia Jing said solemnly, "Brother Zhao, do you have something to say?"
Zhao Xing pondered for a moment, then drew a flag on the table. "If you see this flag on the battlefield in the future, do not hesitate, retreat immediately. This flag belongs to the ' Nine Hells Army ' in the Southern Wilderness Sacred Mountain. They are supported by the Nine Hells Divine Sect and their methods are extremely strange."
"Nine Hells Army? Why have I never heard of it?" Xia Jing asked.
"The Nine Hells Army has only appeared twice in history. They never fought against the Great Zhou. I found the record in ancient books."
Zhao Xing said, "In addition, the Insect Witch and Blood Witch in the Southern Wilderness are much stronger than before, so we must be wary of them. Also, the Seven Nights Holy Sons Group of the Southern Wilderness should ideally be targeted with a decapitation strike..."
Xia Jing listened quietly. He had vaguely heard what Zhao Xing was saying before, perhaps from battle reports or from strategists.
The Pacifying Barbarians Battlefield yielded a vast amount of information, numbering in the hundreds of millions. Extracting useful information from this was no easy task.
Zhao Xing is now picking out some events that have already shown promise but haven't yet truly demonstrated their impact and telling them to Xia Jing about them.
Perhaps they will meet, perhaps they won't, but if Xia Jing can remember this and be more mindful, there might be fewer twists and turns.
"Did you remember it?" Zhao Xing asked.
"I've got it." Xia Jing nodded solemnly. Having gone through so much, he had no doubt about Zhao Xing's ability to analyze military intelligence and battle reports.
"I'll be leaving in a few days, and I won't be receiving any guests after that. I need to pay my respects to my mentor," Zhao Xing said. "Take care, brother."
"Take care of yourself."
Early the next morning, Zhao Xing, Chen Shijie, Long Xiao, Liao Rulong each went to pay their respects to their superiors or teachers who had previously helped them.
Zhao Xing's first stop was Fuchun Garden, where he paid his respects to Tian Yan.
"Teacher, I'm leaving now. Thank you so much for all you've done these past few days. Please take care of yourself."
Zhao Xing performed a deep bow to Tian Yan because during his imprisonment, Tian Yan had been working tirelessly, even utilizing the resources that had previously given him three letters.
"Get up," Tian Yan said with a smile, helping Zhao Xing to his feet. "Actually, I didn't accomplish much."
At first, Tian Yan didn't know the extent to which Rahu King and Liu Tianning could do for Zhao Xing. When he found out, he realized that he had been busy for nothing.
But with Zhao Xing, regardless of whether it was useful or not, he did it anyway, and that was a favor he would remember.
"Where are you going next?" Tian Yan asked.
"My rank hasn't been decided yet, but I should be going to the East Sea," Zhao Xing replied. "However, I'll go home and rest for six months first to visit my family."
"East Sea..." Tian Yan murmured, "Alright, if you encounter any problems in the future, you can write to me."
"Although my old bones are not as strong as Liu Tianning's, they are coated with a layer of gold."
"Liu Tianning is the Inspector General. He must be fair and honest. Even if he has money, he probably won't be able to help you much financially."
Tian Yan said proudly, "I'm different. In terms of wealth, many kings aren't as rich as me."
Zhao Xing was taken aback for a moment, then cupped his hands and smiled, "Teacher, you seem to be modest in saying that."
"Hahaha, that's right, it's my ancestor, Grandpa Tian Taigong," Tian Yan said proudly. "Your teacher only has a little money left."
Tian Yan wasn't exaggerating; it hadn't been long since Zhao Xing left Fuchun Garden.
He received a message through his Earth Mirror.
Tian Yan has transferred 10 million points to you.
Your points account has changed; balance: 10,021,522
There was also a note following the points bonus:
[Zhao Xing, you're going to the East Sea. There must be many places where you can make money there. You'll also be breaking through to the Pure Yuan Realm in the future. The Fifth Grade is a crucial point for becoming the Agricultural Official. You must not rush into this breakthrough. If you're not ready, you can always ask your teacher for help.]
"They gave him ten million right away, that's really something..." Zhao Xing couldn't help but marvel at Tian Yan's wealth.
What does ten million points mean?
Zhao Xing's original rank was sixth, and his annual salary plus rank bonus was approximately 350,000 points.
Although Rahu King did not receive a promotion in his official position during this power struggle with the Liang King Faction, his rank of merit was raised again, reaching the tenth rank.
Even so, he only gets about 800,000 points a year.
Tian Yan casually gave him ten million.
If Zhao Xing hadn't been greedy, he would have received a salary and rank, which would have taken him more than ten years, provided he didn't eat or drink and saved it all.
"This is a huge favor." Zhao Xing said helplessly. He had only come to Tian Yan's place to say goodbye and had not expected that Tian Hou would give him anything.
Even if there are parting gifts, it should be within the normal range.
Unexpectedly, he underestimated Tian Yan's financial resources.
In their eyes, ten million is indeed a normal gift, nothing wrong with it.
"My master Liu Tianning has tens of millions of clones, and now there's another one. My master Tian Yan has hundreds of millions in wealth."
Thinking of this, Zhao Xing sighed with a touch of regret, "If I had known this would happen, why would I have bothered to be greedy in my past life? I could have just maxed out Tian Yan's favorability rating, and I would have had everything..."
After paying his respects to Tian Yan, Zhao Xing went to Great Granary Institute to see Lu Bang.
When the Grotto Heaven Spiritual Wonder erupted, Lu Bang sent two disciples, Cai Jin and Feng Qi, to the Eternal Night Sea to eat fish.
At that time, our relationship was considered quite close.
Lu Bang, Liu Tianning, Tian Yan were originally good friends.
However, when Zhao Xing came to pay his respects to Lu Bang, he simply bowed and did not perform any grand ceremony. He also did not address Lu Bang as "teacher" but rather as "Master Lu."
"Kid, you've withdrawn from the battlefield and lost your promising future of promotion and wealth. How do you feel?" Lu Bang, with his free-spirited and unrestrained nature, teased Zhao Xing as soon as they met.
"I don't have any particular thoughts," Zhao Xing said with a smile. "Once a move is made, it's done."
"Hahaha, I like your personality." Lu Bang laughed. "I liked your character back when you incited Agricultural Official to fight the martial artists during training."
"Your return home this time, how can you not have some presentable gifts? I am skilled at brewing wine, so I will send you a boatload of fine wine."
"Feng Qi." Lu Bang waved his hand, and a young man immediately stepped out from behind the screen.
"Teacher."
"Go to my Earth-grade wine cellar and fill a boat with wine for Marquis Yuan Rang."
"Yes."
Upon hearing this, Zhao Xing deliberately said, "Master Lu is so stingy. If you're going to give something away, why not give some top-tier treasures?"
"Hahaha, you're dreaming!" Lu Bang laughed and scolded. "You're not even Fifth Grade, yet you want to taste my top-grade wine? Wait until you reach the Fifth Grade and condense Pure Origin Soil, then come and see for yourself. Then you'll know the wonders of my wine."
"Master Lu is so generous! I'll definitely come back for a good drink sometime!"
The third stop was Liu Tianning's Ten Thousand Laws Palace.
At this time, the Ten Thousand Laws Palace had 90% fewer clones than usual, making it seem somewhat deserted.
The main reason is that Liu Tianning became the Transportation Envoy of the two prefectures and also the "Ten Suns Inspector".
With his workload increasing, he won't have as many clones idle in the Ten Thousand Laws Palace.
"Teacher, I plan to set off for my hometown tomorrow." When he reached Liu Tianning, Zhao Xing did not perform a grand ceremony.
His relationship with Old Liu was different from that with Tian Yan. Old Liu didn't like to play the master-disciple etiquette game. Apart from the grand ceremony when he first became a disciple, he never bowed to Lao Liu when they met or chatted afterward. At most, he would just give a slight nod.
Zhao Xing vaguely sensed that Liu Tianning somewhat disliked etiquette and rules.
"Understood." Liu Tianning pointed to a Wen Bamboo Box next to him. "My true self isn't here. You can take this."
What's inside?
"Floating Vine seedlings," Liu Tianning said. "They were cut from the main vine, and I have been cultivating them for two and a half years."
"Duckweed?" Zhao Xing's heart skipped a beat.
Liu Tianning said he had been training for two and a half years, which means he was already doing this in November of the 17th year of the Jingxin Calendar.
That was also the first time Liu Tianning came to the Soul Offering Pass.
Once the Duckweed seedlings grow, they become Seventh Order plant life forms!
Moreover, the Floating Vine seedling that Liu Tianning gave us has a very high potential because it also incorporates the characteristics of Parasitic Seeds.
In other words, Zhao Xing may also be able to cultivate a tenth-level Floating Vine, just like Liu Tianning in his previous life!
It's a rare parasitic vine Parasitic Seeds. If Old Master Zhao were to search for it himself, who knows when he would find it.
How precious is it? Assuming Liu Tianning's gift of the treasure is considered a stroke of luck, it is so precious that Zhao Xing feels his own destiny Evolution Five- generation being is not worthy of this opportunity.
"Ordinary Duckweed can only be grown in Pure Origin Soil, but Parasitic Seeds are different," Liu Tianning said. "Open the box, cut your wrist, and let the Duckweed seedlings grow parasitically in your body."
"Yes." Zhao Xing suppressed his excitement and stepped forward to open the Wen Bamboo Box.
At this moment, Golden Light emanated from the Wen Bamboo Box.
Wen Bamboo Box, there was no soil, only an extremely dense Golden Light light.
A pale golden vine, two feet long and as thick as a little finger, floated in the box.
Zhao Xing quickly slashed his wrist.
As a result, the force was too light, and it didn't even break the skin.
He forgot that his Greater Mastery of Gold Bone, and he no longer had the same physique as before.
"I'll help you."
Liu Tianning's right hand suddenly transformed, like a liquid metal doll, into a sharp knife.
With a "whoosh," a blade flashed, and a deep, bone-revealing wound appeared on Zhao Xing's wrist, from which blood gushed out.
Zhao Xing: "..."
This approach is very much like Liu Tianning's.
The blood dripped onto the Floating Vine and immediately reacted.
The Duckweed slowly swam towards the source of the blood.
Zhao Xing reached in, and immediately the Duckweed burrowed in through the wound.
"Hiss~"
Zhao Xing felt his vital energy begin to drop rapidly.
100%, 90%, 80%...
After the Floating Vine had completely absorbed the energy, Zhao Xing's vital energy was reduced to only one-tenth!
"Hiss~ It almost drained me dry."
Zhao Xing pulled his hand back, feeling a sense of weakness in his body.
Liu Tianning handed over a fruit platter from the side. "Eating this will quickly replenish your energy."
"Okay." Zhao Xing took the fruit plate, intending to focus on healing his wounds first.
When I looked down, I was surprised to find that the wound had already healed!
A cool sensation emanated from the original wound, which was the Duckweed emanating from it.
"The Duckweed Symbiosis is interdependent with you; if you are injured, it is the same as it being injured," Liu Tianning said. "It will also slow down its growth. If you continue to stay on the battlefield, it's really not a good idea to give it to you to raise."
"Since you are currently below the Fifth Grade, its growth rate is relatively slow."
"How slow?" Zhao Xing asked.
"Even Sixth Rank Duckweed cannot escape the seedling stage in fifty years," Liu Tianning said. "At most, it can only reach a level close to the growth stage."
"Fifth Grade realm, possessing a pure primordial body, can enter the growth stage of Duckweed."
"Cultivating Pure Origin Soil takes thirty to fifty years to mature, but even then it is not yet of great use."
"Only by cultivating your inner world to the point where you can unleash Pure Yuan Projection can you Duckweed and fight alongside others."
Zhao Xing nodded.
In other words, it can only stay in the Sixth Rank realm for a maximum of fifty years. After that, the Floating Vine seedling will die.
Because it was not something that Sixth Rank cultivator could raise, Liu Tianning has lowered the bar and is allowing him to raise it ahead of time.
Duckweed grow rapidly when grown in Pure Origin Soil.
Liu Tianning gave it to Zhao Xing ahead of time because he didn't have many battles to fight and was relatively strong.
Otherwise, this gift would only be sent out when the recipient reaches the Fifth Grade.
"Thank you, teacher."
Zhao Xing was very satisfied with this generous gift.
"Go." After Liu Tianning finished speaking, the clone lost its divine presence and sat down in the chair with its head down.
Clearly, this clone has gone offline.
Zhao Xing cupped his hands in greeting and then quickly left the Ten Thousand Laws Palace.
At his final stop, Zhao Xing arrived at the Divine Might Army's garrison and met with Yang An and Jia Pu.
At this time, Yang An still had a missing arm, while Jia Pu was still nominally the Divine Might General.
Zhao Xing clasped his hands and said, "I am deeply grateful to General Meng for taking me in and allowing me to participate in the Ten Yang Grotto-Heaven training. This time, I have dragged down the Divine Might Army. Please punish me, General and Marquis."
The spot was originally requested by Chen Shijie from Yang An Yang An, so there was still a personal favor involved between them.
Although Zhao Xing was transferred directly by the Military Realm orders, he still had to come and see her, both for official and personal reasons.
Yang An gave Jia Pu a wink, stopping Zhao Xing before he could finish kneeling on one knee.
"Zhao Xing, what wrong have you done?" Jia Pu said.
"If I have to say I'm wrong, it's my fault. I failed to protect you, Chen Shijie, and Long Xiao."
Yang An waved his left hand. "Alright, Military Advisor, none of you are wrong. The one who is wrong is Liang King."
"Zhao Xing, you have made many meritorious contributions in the Divine Might Army. If it weren't for you, the generals of the Divine Might Army would never have been able to push to the north of the Ocean River by now."
"Although I gave you a spot, the credit is your own doing."
"Now that we've met, and you're leaving, I'll give you a gift," Yang An said. "Is your Ten Thousand Laws Clone on the ship?"
Zhao Xing nodded. "Yes, Your Marquis."
Yang An asked, "Has it incorporated the principles of Guardian Art?"
Zhao Xing vaguely guessed what Yang An was going to give him. "This method has been integrated."
The Dharma Protector Straw Figure can store all kinds of Dharma.
It is also the foundation of Ten Thousand Laws Clone. To fully realize the function of all manifestations, it is necessary to integrate with the Dharma Protector Straw Figure.
Zhao Xing's nine main clones now all possess this ability.
Yang An extended his remaining left hand and suddenly shouted, "Army Protector Commandant Zhao Xing, heed my command!"
"Your humble servant is here!" Zhao Xing bowed.
"Catch the sword!"
"Yes!"
Zhao Xing's brow twitched, and nine clones immediately leaped down from the warship above the plaza.
"I will unleash the full power of the Azure Dragon Sword Qi. Zhao Xing, how much of its power you can retain depends on your skill."
After speaking, a beam of azure light flashed from Yang An's fingertip, and then quickly burst forth from the Military Hall, rushing towards the warship like a swimming azure Azure Dragon.
Swish swish swish swish swish swish swish swish~
Nine clones instantly appeared in the path of the sword energy.
"Ugh~"
Within the sword energy, the sound of Dragon's Cry's roar could be heard.
The first straw doll collided with the sword energy, and then a great light shone forth.
The dragon-shaped sword energy passed through the first straw figure without diminishing in the slightest.
Zhao Xing launched his second Ten Thousand Laws Clone, actively absorbing the sword energy.
But the second Ten Thousand Laws Clone was also instantly filled.
Sword energy soars like a dragon, roaming proudly across heaven and earth.
Nine clones took turns appearing.
Even after the ninth clone had absorbed all the Azure Dragon Sword Qi, there was still some left!
"Divine Might Marquis is indeed extraordinary. Even though the Liang King suppressed him once, he was reinstated a second time and his name still resounds throughout the world."
Zhao Xing felt the power of the sword energy within his clone and admired it in his heart.
Swish swish swish swish swish swish swish~
The main deity, along with Ten Thousand Laws Clone, descended outside the Military Hall.
Zhao Xing knelt on one knee and shouted, "Thank you, Marquis, for bestowing upon me the sword!"
This was the first and last time Yang An gave him an order; afterwards, Yang An changed his mind.
After Zhao Xing received the sword, Yang An's voice drifted from the Military Hall: "Take good care of your passionate blood, for even if it is spilled, it can still transform into a blue wave."
"Marquis Yuan Rang, until we meet again."
Datong Prefecture, Ten Thousand Peaks Mountain Range.
The calm, mirror-like lake surface suddenly rippled with concentric circles of waves, the patterns growing denser until, at a certain moment, the central area suddenly arched up.
"Splash!"
Four auspicious Qilin beasts, shimmering with Golden Light, leaped out of the water. When the Golden Light faded, they revealed four Qilin Flying Boat.
Three of the flying boats were lined up side by side, while the fourth was positioned opposite them.
Zhao Xing, Long Xiao, and Chen Shijie stood together, while Liao Rulong stood on his own flying boat.
"Zhao Xing, Chen Shijie, Long Xiao," Liao Rulong said, cupping his hands in greeting. "You must come visit my hometown Bo Ping County, when you have time."
"Definitely." Zhao Xing clasped his hands in a fist and said, "Brother Liao, take care."
"Let's go!" Liao Rulong waved and entered the cabin. The Qilin Flying Boat transformed into a streak of light and disappeared into the horizon in no time.
Watching Liao Rulong leave, Zhao Xing couldn't help but feel a pang of emotion.
Liao Rulong was not originally planned to participate in the impeachment, but at the time, he took on the responsibility as well.
When Zhao Xing's attempts to persuade him failed, Liao Rulong was also detained.
The outcome was the same for all of them: they failed to reach the Fifth Grade, were transferred to local government positions, and were stripped of their honorary titles. Their military achievements were then converted into several ranks of merit.
Liao Rulong's hometown is Bo Ping County, Bin River Prefecture, Glory Splendor Prefecture. He and Yang An are from the same hometown.
Back then, he joined the army with Yang An, but their achievements differed. Yang An had already become Fourth Grade military officer, while Liao Rulong was still only Sixth Rank.
Liao Rulong left the battlefield, and Zhao Xing didn't know whether it was a blessing or a curse, but since things had come to this, he stopped thinking about it.
"Old Chen, Long Xiao, we should go too," Zhao Xing said.
"Um."
Long Xiao's hometown was flooded. During his six-month vacation, he had nowhere to go, so he planned to hang out with Zhao Xing and Chen Shijie.
Chen Shijie also planned to return to Gucheng. His hometown was in West Mountain County, but none of his relatives were there. He had an uncle and aunt who were relatively close to him by blood, but they treated him very badly when he was young and had long since severed ties with him.
Chen Shijie had no intention of going back to humiliate them, so he also planned to go to Gucheng, Gucheng Gui Niang was still waiting for him.
"Let's go," Long Xiao said. "Last time we went to Gucheng, I was always fighting for you guys and didn't get to have any fun. This time, we should take a good look around."
"Zhao Xing, as the host, you have to treat us!"
"If you're looking for fun, you've picked the wrong person," Chen Shijie laughed. "Does Zhao Xing seem like the type to enjoy life?"
"Hehe, you wouldn't believe it," Long Xiao said with a wink, "Back then, I was his protector, helping him deal with the Shao Wanjie case. Guess what?"
"What's wrong?"
"Hey, this kid is impersonating Shao Wanjie, he got two cat-eared girls to serve him in the hot spring, and he even brought in a bunch of striped dancers..."
"What?! Is that so?!" Chen Shijie laughed and scolded, "You, Zhao Xing, I didn't expect you to be such a rascal."
"How dare you slander someone's innocence!" Zhao Xing retorted. "That was a mission, you know what a mission is?"
"However, although I am not good at enjoying life, I have a friend who is very good at it."
"Long Xiao, once we reach Nanyang County, I'll make sure you don't even have the strength to draw your sword!"
"Hahaha, I've been waiting for that!"
Nanyang County is located in Dayuan Prefecture, and the Ten Thousand Peaks Mountain Range of Datong Prefecture are more than 40,000 li apart as the crow flies.
When we came, we used the Fire Pond of the [Li Fire Dao Academy] to pass through, but we can't do that when we go back.
Because they now have a lot of things, such as the Qilin Flying Boat, bronze chariots, and Azure-Eyed Dragon Lion, it would be too costly to pass them through the Fire Pond.
If a single person were to travel, it would mean a journey of 80,000 li (Returning the Dao 40,000 kilometers). If so many things were to be transported, the transportation capacity would increase, but the cost would also increase, and all of that would have to be borne by the owner.
For the next six months after I go back, I won't do anything else Returning the Dao run to return to the track.
Zhao Xing also bought a lot of goods in the Military Realm, and Lu Bang alone gave him a boatload of fine wine.
In addition to gifts from Xia Jing, Ji Heir Apparent, Wu Zhengting, and various friends and teachers, Zhao Xing's own belongings alone filled fourteen cargo airships.
Including some items purchased by Long Xiao and Chen Shijie, a total of twenty ships were loaded.
In addition, there are three Qilin Flying Boat.
Together, the three of them created twenty-three flying boats.
Zhao Xing's Qilin Flying Boat was a later addition; he wanted to Return Home in Glory, so how could he not have the proper attire?
This time they plan to fly back, and they've already chosen their route.
First, he piloted twenty-three flying boats to Datong Prefecture.
Then they boarded a government-owned cross-prefecture Tower Ship and Dayuan Prefecture.
Once you arrive at Dayuan Prefecture, you can fly directly to Nanyang County.
"The straight-line distance of 40,000 li, if we want to avoid the no-fly zone, is more than 100,000 li. We will be traveling on a Seventh Order Tower Ship, which will take about 30 hours."
"However, we also have to factor in the time it takes for the Tower Ship to take off and for the airship to be registered, so it will take a total of five or six days," Chen Shijie said.
"That's slow," Long Xiao said. "We should build our own warship."
"Can you afford to support them?" Chen Shijie squinted and said, "You know how many Mechanism Master and operators a warship needs. With your Ninth Order medal, you'd go bankrupt in six months."
"Zhao Xing can afford it," Long Xiao said.
"Even if I could afford it, I wouldn't buy it," Zhao Xing rolled his eyes. "Forget about the cost of maintaining the people and the boat, the paperwork is too complicated."
"Warships are for military use only. Unless you are a king, you can have a private warship as your personal vessel."
"Inland areas can only operate commercial Tower Ship, and the procedures for commercial Tower Ship are very complicated. It takes at least one or two years to get approval. If you have a large business and frequently travel across states, then you can consider it. Otherwise, it's more convenient to take a government-owned Tower Ship."
The Great Zhou maintained very strict control over the airspace within its territory, especially its warships, which were extremely powerful.
Tier 6 or 7 warships can truly slaughter a city in a very short time!
There is precedent for this.
During the reign of Grand Ancestor, warships were still a common sight in the sky. At that time, two Martial Marquis whose fiefdoms bordered each other were at odds and, in a fit of anger, even sent their warships to bombard each other.
Ultimately, this resulted in countless deaths and injuries, and destroyed more than a dozen counties. Such actions shocked the world, forcing Grand Ancestor to execute the two Martial Marquis to quell public resentment.
Furthermore, the "Great Zhou Airspace Management Regulations" were formulated, which stipulated that only princes and dukes were allowed to travel by warship.
When Wen Emperor came to power, he took the lead in practicing frugality, and the luxurious mode of travel, such as warships, was greatly reduced.
During the reign of Emperor Jing, he simply amended this law and strengthened its control.
Even warships of the rank of king or duke had to have 90% of their weaponry removed.
From then on, most kings and nobles switched to using Tower Ship that were not equipped with weapons.
Various types of Tower Ship were widely used for commercial and public purposes.
Like Yi Zhiwen of the Leiyang Merchant Guild, when they brought back warships, they didn't use them directly, but dismantled them. Warships were made of ample materials, and after dismantling, one ship could be turned into two or even four commercial Tower Ship. Whether they were resold or used for business, they made a fortune.
After Zhao Xing, Chen Shijie, and Long Xiao arrived in Datong Prefecture, they were supposed to wait for the government-sponsored Tower Ship to take off.
But not long after he arrived, Li Yancheng, a Fourth Grade official of the Prefectural City Tower Ship Office, immediately ordered that a Seventh Order Tower Ship be specially arranged for Zhao Xing.
"My lord, why?" Zhang Zheng, Fifth Grade official who received the order, was very puzzled. "They are just three minor Sixth Rank officials, idle marquises. Do you really need to personally assign them to these positions?"
"Why?" Li Yancheng said, "Because his teacher, Liu Tianning, is the Transportation Envoy of the two prefectures. At this time, it is wartime, and the Tower Ship Office of this prefecture is under the management of the Transportation Department."
"If Liu Tianning wants to make things difficult for us, he can easily find a small mistake on our part and magnify it to crush us."
"I may appear to be on the same level as Liu Tianning, but in reality, I am under Liu Tianning's control."
There's another point Li Yancheng didn't mention: Liu Tianning will be promoted to the Fourth Grade this summer.
A higher rank can have a crushing effect, especially when it comes to the difference between Fourth Grade official and a lower-ranking one.
He, Fourth Grade official, is already over four hundred years old, and it's unlikely he'll ever rise to the Third Grade in his lifetime. But Liu Tianning is different; he has a very promising future.
Isn't Li Yancheng afraid that such flattery might backfire?
No, it won't.
Because Li Yancheng was well-informed.
The three kings of Ten Yang Grotto-Heaven set the tone for Zhao Xing and his companions as "Return Home in Glory."
In other words, Zhao Xing must return to his hometown in style and make a grand entrance.
If he can't even grasp this basic principle, then Li Yancheng might as well give up his job.
"How long have they been waiting?" Li Yancheng asked.
"They are the Tower Ship Office of the Prefecture who arrived at 7:45 Yin Hour, and it is now 1:15 AM," Zhang Zheng said.
"When was the last Seventh Order Tower Ship to take off and head towards Dayuan Prefecture?"
"The 773rd ship is expected to arrive around 7:00 AM," Zhang Zheng said. His ship management office was essentially an airborne relay station, providing convenience for officials, but it also had to make full use of the ships' value.
Especially for Seventh Order Tower Ship, a certain number of people and goods must be gathered before they can take off, otherwise wouldn't that be a waste of transport capacity?
"Quickly inform the remaining officials and merchants who need to board Tower Ship 773 to board before 3:45 AM," Li Yancheng said. "If they don't arrive by 3:45 AM, then tell them to wait for the next ship."
"Yes." Zhang Zheng quickly went to do it.
Zhao Xing and his two companions, who were waiting in the bamboo building at the Fu Tower Ship Office, were suddenly transferred to the more upscale 'VIP area'— Cloudsea Tower.
This place was originally for entertaining officials of the Fifth Grade, because the everyday clothes and court clothes of officials of the Fifth Grade were embroidered with cloud and sea patterns.
"Lord Zhao, please make your preparations. Ship number 773 will be taking off at 3:45 AM." Zhang Zheng led his men to Zhao Xing.
"The third quarter of the hour of Mao (5:45 AM)?" Zhao Xing was taken aback. "Wasn't it supposed to be the hour of Chen (7:00 AM)?"
"Due to changes in the Heavenly Timing," Zhang Zheng said with a smile, "The departure time of the Tower Ship has been brought forward, which is common practice."
The Heavenly Timing was unpredictable; it was purely Zhang Zheng who received instructions from Li Yancheng to arrange things this way in order to curry favor with Zhao Xing.
With Seventh Order Tower Ship, what's there to worry about Heavenly Timing Heavenly Timing?
Even flying in Astral Wind, it is completely unafraid.
In addition, the Heavenly Timing in the prefectural city will not change much.
However, whether the Heavenly Timing changes or not is ultimately up to the Tower Ship Office.
Upon seeing Zhang Zheng's Fifth Grade robes, Zhao Xing immediately guessed the reason.
Well, my master Liu Tianning didn't even need to say it himself; he took the initiative to arrange it.
It's perfectly normal for the Tower Ship Office to be under Old Liu's control and to try to please him.
"May I ask your honorable name, sir?" Zhao Xing asked.
"My surname is Zhang, my given name is Zheng, Yuan Chun," Zhang Zheng said with a smile. "My superior is Lord Li Yancheng."
Zhao Xing cupped his hands and said, "Thank you, Lord Li, thank you, Lord Zhang."
"You're too kind, Guest Qi Marquis Yuan Rang."
At 1:15 AM, the flight will take off.
All twenty-three airships were crammed onto the 773rd building.
As night fell and Tower Ship took off, heading towards Dayuan Prefecture.
Whether he had been instructed beforehand, fearing that Old Master Zhao might be homesick, he actually flew for only fifteen hours instead of the thirty required flight to reach the Tower Ship Office in Dayuan Prefecture.
Only when they were about to disembark did they learn that the flight route had been changed to the shortest one, and the Seventh Order Tower Ship was running at full speed, thus shortening the time by half.
"Having a teacher is really great," Long Xiao couldn't help but sigh. "You didn't tell them anything, but you got all the benefits."
"You can become Zhao Xing's disciple," Chen Shijie said. "That way, you will be Liu Tianning's grand-disciple. When you build Tower Ship in the future, you can say 'My master is Liu Tianning.'"
"Hahaha, absolutely right, absolutely right." Zhao Xing laughed. "Come, come, good disciple, quickly become my disciple. No need for gifts, just kowtow three times."
"Go to hell!" Long Xiao shoved the two of them.
Arriving at Dayuan Prefecture is like returning to one's hometown.
However, the capital of Dayuan Prefecture is in the east, while Nanyang County is in the south.
The area is vast, and if I were to control the Qilin Flying Boat at full speed, I could reach Gucheng in just over two hours.
However, Zhao Xing still has twenty fully loaded cargo airships, so things can't go very fast.
The Straw Man Clone was controlled to fly together, which took about four or five hours.
Shi Dezheng, a Fourth Grade official in the Tower Ship Office of Dayuan Prefecture, did the same thing as Li Yancheng.
He planned to dispatch a six-tiered Tower Ship to take Zhao Xing to Nanyang County.
Zhao Xing couldn't refuse, because the other party was too enthusiastic, and Shi Dezheng had even come in person.
"Marquis Yuan Rang, your triumphant return has rendered great service to your hometown, and your hometown should reciprocate in kind."
"How could I possibly See No Evil?"
"Otherwise, if outsiders heard this, wouldn't they say that our Dayuan Prefecture has mistreated our meritorious soldiers?"
"This Tower Ship has been idle for a long time, so we can take this opportunity to test its functionality."
"Marquis Yuan Rang is not troubling us, but helping the Tower Ship Office. Please do not refuse."
"In that case, I thank you for your kindness, Lord Shi."
"Of course," Shi Dezheng said with a smile. "Marquis Yuan Rang, please."
Long Xiao was dumbfounded by Shi Dezheng's words.
Well, it was clearly Shi Dezheng trying to curry favor and solve Zhao Xing's problem of getting on his way.
But when he said it, it sounded as if Zhao Xing had helped their Tower Ship Office.
You actually came up with the excuse of testing the effectiveness of the Tower Ship? No wonder you're Fourth Grade official!
Long Xiao was unaware that Shi Dezheng was still being cautious.
Since this is just transportation within the manor, and the journey isn't long, it's not appropriate to make a big show of it. Otherwise, we would have definitely arranged a Seventh Order ship for Old Master Zhao to ride in.
Even if it's one level lower, it's still a top-tier sixth-grade item.
In addition, this Rosy Cloud Ship," has another very impressive effect: when it breaks through the clouds, it paints the surrounding clouds with a rainbow of colors.
Whether it's fast or not is another matter, but it's definitely super cool and colorful.
Shi Dezheng also deeply understood the tone set by the three kings.
Return Home in Glory is not enough.
Even the clouds on Marquis Yuan Rang's way home must be beautiful!
Zhao Xing and his group boarded the sixth-tier top-grade Tower Ship.
Looking at the impressive scene around him, Long Xiao couldn't help but swallow hard.
"Why are you staring at me?" Zhao Xing was also admiring the clouds, but Long Xiao kept staring at him. "Hey, you don't actually want to become my apprentice, do you?"
Judging from Long Xiao's appearance, it seems he really wants to kowtow to Zhao Xing.
"If things are like this in the prefectural city, I'm afraid even more officials will come to curry favor with you when you get to Nanyang County," Chen Shijie said.
It is conceivable that Shi Dezheng would pass the message down to his subordinates, instructing them to treat Marquis Yuan Rang.
"Not necessarily," Long Xiao said. "Shi Dezheng and Li Yancheng know about their teacher's abilities, but the officials of Nanyang County may not."
"What do you, a Martial Man, know about Civil Official?" Chen Shijie said disdainfully. "If the governor of Nanyang County doesn't bring people to the Tower Ship Office to personally welcome him, I'll twist my head off and use it as a chamber pot."
"Marquis Yuan Zhen, what a show of power! Anyone who didn't know better would think you were Marquis Yuan Rang, humph." Long Xiao cursed as he entered the cabin.
Chatting with these guys is pointless, so he went to pet the cat.
Nanyang County, the prefectural government office.
"Is Marquis Yuan Rang, Zhao Xing, returning to his hometown?"
Wang Shiyang, the prefect of Nanyang County, looked up at the clerk who came to report.
"Yes, Lord Shi, Lord Liu, and Lord Li from the prefectural city personally sent the letter." The historian presented the letter.
Letters are informal official documents, which are private correspondence between officials. They do not become official documents and do not need to be archived.
However, the contents of letters often contain important information.
Wang Shiyang opened the letters from several officials in the prefectural city and read them.
They were all talking about the same thing: Marquis Yuan Rang, Zhao Xing, was the disciple of a powerful military figure, and even had the background of being granted a title of king. His Return Home in Glory could not be taken lightly.
The governor of Nanyang County was a Fifth Grade official, though occasionally a Fourth Grade official could also hold the position, depending on the size and prosperity of the commandery.
Wang Shiyang, the prefect, was only a Fifth Grade official, so he naturally wanted to advance. In his position as prefect, he had every opportunity to be promoted to the Fourth Grade.
However, after a thousand years of development, Nanyang County has not had much room for improvement in any aspect.
Getting promoted isn't easy; you need connections to move up in rank.
Wang Shiyang has always sought to advance further, and now he certainly won't let any opportunity slip by.
"When did he depart from the prefectural city?"
"At 2:45 AM, we are on the Rosy Cloud Ship, departing from the Tower Ship Office of the Prefecture. We are expected to arrive in about an hour at the earliest, and no later than the end of noon," the clerk replied.
"Quickly! Immediately notify all officials at all levels of the prefecture. All officials of the Sixth Rank must arrive at the Tower Ship Office within one hour!"
"All officials of the Eighth Grade and above from the Rites Hall must be present."
"Dancer Master, musicians, and the honor guard should be prepared according to the appropriate standards. As long as they don't overstep the bounds, the higher the standard, the better!"
"In addition, quickly inform the magistrate of Gucheng County to prepare for the welcome, especially the family of Marquis Yuan Rang. Be sure to notify them in advance and order several sets of magnificent robes for them."
"The Zhao Family's ancestral land has also been cleaned up. When Marquis Yuan Rang returns to his hometown in glory, he will surely go to pay homage to his ancestors."
"Yes, I'll go right away." The clerk was also startled; he had never seen Wang Shiyang so serious before. He immediately got up and left.
"Come back!" Wang Shiyang thought for a moment and then called the person back.
"Sir, is there anything else you require?" the clerk asked.
"Go and investigate who Marquis Yuan Rang's closest relatives and friends are, and whether they've had any recent conflicts with anyone," Wang Shiyang said in a low voice. "If there's anything unpleasant, report it as soon as possible. If it's related to the government, then it must be dealt with even more quickly, understand?"
"Understood, Your Excellency." The clerk immediately ran out.
When Zhao Xing arrived at the Tower Ship Office in the Eastern Suburbs of Nanyang County, Auspicious Cloud of seven colors and rosy clouds filled the sky.
Fortunately, the Eastern Suburbs suburbs are sparsely populated, and the East Lake Army has already cleared the area, so now only officials are waiting underground.
"Phew~"
As a gust of wind blew by, the sixth-class Tower Ship, slowly landed on the open ground.
"Beat the drums, play the music!" Wang Shiyang transmitted his voice.
"Knock knock knock knock~"
The drums sounded, and the strings and pipes played together.
Wang Shiyang went to great lengths, fearing that Zhao Xing would not like to listen to decadent music, so he specially selected several rousing military songs.
The Dancer Master were all trained in sword dancing, each one displaying heroic bearing and moving in perfect unison.
Amidst the music and dance, officials called out names and recited Zhao Xing's military achievements:
"Marquis Yuan Rang, Zhao Xing, led an expedition to the Southern Wilderness, fighting valiantly for four years. In the summer of the sixteenth year of the Jingxin Calendar, he broke through the Fire Dragon Pass; in the winter of the seventeenth year of the Jingxin Calendar, he killed ten thousand enemies and broke through the formidable pass of the Southern Barbarians barbarians..."
At this moment, Zhao Xing first launched the Qilin Flying Boat from the Tower Ship.
The Qilin Flying Boat circled once, followed by the roar of Dragon's Cry and the howl of lions.
Two Azure-Eyed Dragon Lion pulled a bronze chariot, carrying Zhao Xing onto the stage.
With a sword at his waist, a tricolor crown on his head, a jade bamboo marquis's robe, a silver ribbon and a bronze seal, and holding Guard Command Scepter, Zhao Xing stood on a chariot, his imposing figure accentuated by the rosy glow of the sunset.
As for Long Xiao and Chen Shijie, they did not appear in this scene and remained on the upper part of the Tower Ship.
When the soldiers of the Great Zhou returned to their hometowns in glory, high-ranking officials received the proper etiquette, and low-ranking officials received the proper etiquette as well. This was to promote martial virtue.
At this moment, Zhao Xing is the only one who can enjoy this procedure, because both of them are outsiders.
"It makes me want to go back to my hometown and show off." Long Xiao's eyes were filled with envy. He loved this kind of liveliness, but unfortunately, the liveliness at this moment did not belong to him.
"Why go back to your hometown for such vanity?" Chen Shijie said. "It's too much trouble."
"That's true. Look at Zhao Xing, he has to show off everything His Majesty has given him—clothes, things he uses, even the planes he flies. It must be quite tiring," Long Xiao said sourly.
Zhao Xing wasn't tired at all at this moment. Although the Great Zhou had a lot of formalities, normally, there were only a few moments like this in a lifetime when one could show off.
After fighting for four years, of course we have to show off!
Until the official finished reading, "... Congratulations to the Imperial Court, congratulations to Marquis Yuan Rang!"
Wang Shiyang immediately led the officials in shouting, "Congratulations to the court! Congratulations to Marquis Yuan Rang!"
At this moment, Zhao Xing descended from the chariot step by step, his feet floating on the clouds.
"Thank you for welcoming me from my hometown. I am honored, but I am unworthy of such a gift."
"Marquis Yuan Rang a young and talented man who has made outstanding military achievements. He is the pride of Nanyang County and deserves this honor!"
"Gentlemen, let us join together in congratulating Marquis Yuan Rang!" Wang Shiyang once again took the lead, cupping his hands in congratulations.
"Congratulations to Marquis Yuan Rang!" all the officials shouted in unison.
It took almost half an hour, but this set of etiquette was just a temporary break; it had only just begun.
Afterwards, for the ancestral worship and return to his hometown, a ceremonial guard had to be sent to more than a hundred counties in Nanyang County, carrying the war merit plaque of Marquis Yuan Rang, to parade through the streets and sing praises.
Don't underestimate him just because he's only a third-class marquis; his official rank is only the Official Sixth Rank, Upper.
But Zhao Xing has made nearly five million merits!
Based on the calculation of 10 battle merits for a Ninth Grade barbarian, he was equivalent to annihilating nearly 500,000 barbarians. If Unranked, that would be 5 million!
Nanyang County was considered a border prefecture, and historically it had been threatened and invaded by barbarian tribes.
Therefore, this level of praise is not excessive at all.
That is to say, he is not dead yet. If he were to die, a temple would have to be built for him, and Old Master Zhao statue would be paraded through the streets and sung.
Moreover, during the first ten years, he had to swim once every month to stabilize his Yin God Body.
Of course, since he is still alive, there is no reason to build a shrine for him while he is alive. Those who build shrines for him are all evil and heretical, like the Blood Spirit Venerable.
The procession to welcome Zhao Xing back to the Nanyang County government office was filled with music and singing.
Inside the prefectural government, Wang Shiyang hosted a banquet, inviting key officials at all levels to attend, which was yet another round of congratulations.
"Marquis Yuan Rang, congratulations! Here, let's toast Marquis Yuan Rang!" Wang Shiyang offered the wine.
"Respectfully addressed to Marquis Yuan Rang!"
Zhao Xing stood up and raised his glass.
"I have only achieved minor merits in battle, and I am deeply grateful for the kindness of Lord Wang and all the other officials."
"This humble official will drink first as a sign of respect!"
He then drank it all in one gulp.
After several rounds of this, Zhao Xing returned to his seat. Wang Shiyang ordered the curtains to be drawn, isolating the area from the banquet hall outside, and the surroundings became quieter.
"Zhao Xing, how long is your leave this time you're back home?" Wang Shiyang was trying to get closer to Zhao Xing, so he was speaking more casually now.
"Half a year," Zhao Xing said. "The same applies to me, Cloud Soaring Marquis, and Marquis Yuan Zhen."
"That's wonderful. You've been away from home for four years. Now that you're back, you can have a good get-together with your Peace Marriage and appreciate the changes in your hometown," Wang Shiyang said.
When the topic turned to relatives and friends, Zhao Xing chimed in, "Lord Wang, I have a good friend who is an official in Nanyang County, but I didn't seem to see him at the banquet just now."
Wang Shiyang's heart skipped a beat. Zhao Xing's good friend? How could he have missed it?
The clerk standing nearby immediately answered on his behalf, "To welcome Marquis Yuan Rang, Lord Wang has made the welcoming and banquet arrangements a bit more formal. In addition, some officials are too busy with official duties to attend, so please forgive them, Marquis Yuan Rang."
Zhao Xing nodded.
Wang Shiyang breathed a sigh of relief and asked with a smile, "Zhao Xing, who are you referring to?"
Zhao Xing said, "Zong Shichang should now be the Eighth Grade Tranquil Flood Magistrate of Nanyang County."
Zhao Xing hadn't received Zong Shichang's letters in a long time, mainly because he had been busy on the battlefield and in the Grotto-Heaven, and had no time to reply.
The most recent letter was six months ago, at the end of the nineteenth year. At that time, Zhao Xing was impeaching the Liang King. I only remember Zong Shichang saying that he had already reached the Eighth Grade.
"Zong Shichang? I have some impression of him." Wang Shiyang pondered for a moment; he only had a vague recollection of him.
In fact, this impression was deepened today, because in Wang Shiyang's eyes, the Zong Family was nothing more than a prominent family from a county, and he would never associate with such a merchant family. As for Zong Shichang personally, an Eighth Grade was not even worth his attention.
Before Zhao Xing returned, he didn't even know that Zhao Xing existed, let alone know about his relationship with Zong Shichang.
Wang Shiyang turned to the clerk beside him, who immediately got up to look for the person.
He continued to stay with Zhao Xing.
Nanyang County is neither too big nor too small; it has more than a hundred counties and several Spirit Mountain.
Worried that Zhao Xing might encounter something unpleasant at home, Wang Shiyang immediately sent someone to investigate.
He thought it through thoroughly enough, but not thoroughly enough.
At this time, Zong Shichang, who had a close relationship with Zhao Xing, was fast asleep in the Patrol Office of Nanyang County.
"Bang bang bang!" He had just fallen asleep when someone knocked on the gate.
"Damn it!" Zong Shichang sat up abruptly and cursed outside, "Can't a person get any sleep?!"
"Young Master Zong, please don't blame us," a guard whispered outside the detention room. "We're just following orders. Inspector Song said we can't let you sleep."
"That bastard Song Ji! Go tell Song Ji he can only lock me up for two more days at most!" Zong Shichang cursed. "When I get out, I'll definitely defecate and piss on his ancestral graves, day and night, in a storm!"
There was silence outside the door, as if they were no longer paying attention to Zong Shichang's shouts and curses.
After cursing for a while, Zong Shichang felt tired and lay back down on the bed.
But just as he was about to go to sleep, someone knocked on the door.
This annoyed Young Master Zong to no end.
"Damn it, that old bastard Song Ji!" Zong Shichang gritted his teeth in hatred.
Why is he locked up here?
This matter stems from the previous flood discharge incident in South Willow County.
Summer is a season prone to flooding, and Nanyang County has many tributaries of Jiang He.
Although the water conservancy projects were well done, the war between the imperial court and the Southern Barbarians caused the Lan River and Cang River to flood, affecting the counties downstream of the Great Zhou.
Even after being attenuated through the layers above, it still had some minor impact by the time it reached Nanyang County.
Although Zong Shichang wasn't very capable, he was well-informed.
He corresponded with Zhao Xing and immediately realized that being Tranquil Flood Magistrate to manage the floods was a good job.
So three years ago, he was transferred to the Directorate of Waterways.
As he had predicted, Rain Water and Jiang He levels in Nanyang County were much higher than in previous years.
Zong Shichang had diligently practiced water management skills beforehand, and with the support of his family's resources, he rose from the Sub-Ninth Rank to the Official Eighth Rank in just three years while working at the Directorate of Waterways.
However, the higher Zong Shichang climbed, the more he felt the difficulty of promotion. To do things properly, he had to touch the interests of others.
The reason he was imprisoned here was because a year ago, while he was managing the flood control efforts in South Willow County, he had repeatedly offended the Song Clan, another powerful clan in Nanyang County.
During the recent summer flood discharge, Young Master Zong two options: one was to discharge the floodwaters towards the Song Family's farmland, and the other was to discharge the floodwaters towards the common people of South Willow County.
There was no other way; some losses were inevitable. So, as before, Zong Shichang chose to stand on the side of the common people.
This has thoroughly enraged the Song Family.
Zong Shichang, you also come from a prominent family. Why should a prominent family make things difficult for another prominent family?
Why do we repeatedly pity those poor, destitute people and shift the losses onto our Song Family?
The head of the Song Family sent people to warn Zong Shichang multiple times.
But what kind of person was Zong Shichang? He was like a mule that wouldn't listen to reason; he wouldn't listen to a word of advice.
He also cursed at the head of the Song Family, "You son of a bitch, Song Chengde, where is your virtue? Your Song Family is so big and powerful, losing a little land won't affect your life of luxury at all. But if the common people lose their land, they might be ruined and die. South Willow County is also your territory, why are you so concerned about these petty gains?"
Young Master Zong made a lot of sense, and the head of the Song Family listened attentively.
He carefully analyzed Zong Shichang's work hours, locations, and movements.
A month later, he found a small mistake Zong Shichang had made—drinking alcohol during public hours.
Then he directly ordered Song Ji, Sixth Rank official in the Patrol Office, to arrest Zong Shichang and bring him to the Patrol Office, intending to detain him for seven days.
Make sure Zong Shichang understands the principles of the Song Family.
So, on the day Zhao Xing returned, Zong Shichang sang "Tears Behind Bars" at the Patrol Office.
"Sigh, three years of flood control, and I've become so thin." Zong Shichang rubbed his stomach, his palms moving over it. "It's been really tough."
Zong Shichang recalled the days he used to live, a life of extravagance and decadence.
The reason he made such a big change was initially because he wanted to do something to show Liu Muqin that Zong Shichang could change for her.
But as he continued, Zong Shichang also experienced the hardships of life, and for the next two years, his actions were no longer solely driven by his beloved's opinion.
"Once I get out of here, I'm going to make a huge mess at the Song Family grave," Zong Shichang said angrily.
"Bang Bang Bang!"
There was another knock on the door.
"Get lost! I'm not asleep!"
Zong Shichang, with his back to the prison door, cursed angrily, "Liu Silang, are you blind?"
But this time, the knocking was accompanied by the activation of a Magic Array and the sound of the door being turned.
"Huh? My family came to bail me out?" Zong Shichang turned around immediately upon hearing the noise.
Moonlight streamed through the window, and Zong Shichang saw a figure that was both strange and familiar.
There were more than one of these figures; the area outside seemed to be packed with people.
The man at the head of the group was handsome and appeared to be wearing the robes of a marquis. Hmm? When did Nanyang County get Marquis again?
The person to his left looks like Prefect Wang Shiyang.
On the right is Prefect He Xian, right? Why is that old dog here too?
Wait a minute, why does this guy in the marquis's robes look so familiar?
Zong Shichang's gaze returned to the face of the young man at the head of the group.
The next moment, Zong Shichang's gaze became blank.
"Zhao, Zhao Xing?"
Zhao Xing Xing's face was ashen, but when he saw Zong Shichang, his expression softened. He bowed and entered the narrow detention room.
He personally helped Zong Shichang get up from the straw bed.
"You... you really are Zhao Xing?" Zong Shichang was overjoyed. "Why are you back? When did you get back?"
"Brother Zong, it's me," Zhao Xing said with a smile. "I'm back."
"Haha, not bad, you've become Marquis now?" Zong Shichang tugged at Zhao Xing's marquis's robes. "Let me see, is it really true... Oh, gold thread around the waist, silk and satin, the real deal!"
Zong Shichang didn't seem to feel wronged; he was only happy.
Zhao Xing stared at Zong Shichang, somewhat lost in thought.
Four years later, Zong Shichang, who was a little chubby back then, has become more angular and has lost a lot of weight.
But he also seemed much more energetic and had a more solid foundation.
It seems he has really been working hard on flood control these past few years.
"Brother Zong, let's go out first."
Zhao Xing helped Zong Shichang to the prison gate.
"Lord Zhao, this matter..." The prefectural magistrate beside him was about to say something.
"Whoosh~" The iron fence suddenly burst into flames.
The crowd was so startled that they stepped back.
"Pat-pat-pat~"
The steel burned into molten iron, melting even the surrounding walls.
He Xian Wang Shiyang, who had taken a few steps back, felt a twitch in their eyelids.
This is a magic prison of the county city Patrol Office!
Marquis Yuan Rang waved his hand, and it melted?
Is he Sixth Rank?
Even Fifth Grade Agricultural Official like the Minister of Agriculture wouldn't possess such profound magic!
"Brother Zong," Zhao Xing said, pulling Zong Shichang out by the hand, "Go wash up."
"Alright, alright." Zong Shichang sniffed his sleeve. "It does smell a bit. We've been locked up for days and haven't even had a shower."
Zong Shichang's unintentional remark made Zhao Xing's brows furrow even more.
He immediately summoned four avatars of Ten Thousand Laws Clone and broke through the Patrol Office.
"Huh? How can your Straw Man Art turn into itself?" Zong Shichang asked, quite curious. "Oh, by the way, gentlemen, may I leave now?"
"Of course, of course." He Xian smiled ingratiatingly. He felt a little uneasy because he was Song Ji's recommender and they had a good relationship.
"Why aren't you sending someone to fetch Lord Zong so he can wash up?!"
"No need to trouble yourself," the four Ten Thousand Laws Clone said in unison. "Go wash on my Qilin Flying Boat."
The officials present felt a chill run down their spines, because they couldn't tell which one was the real Zhao Xing.
Especially Song Ji, the Patrol Office Director, felt as if his heart was being squeezed.
After Zong Shichang left, Long Xiao, who had been watching the show from the sidelines, grinned and said, "Good, good, someone's going to be in trouble. I've never seen Zhao Xing so angry. This trip to Nanyang County was definitely worthwhile."
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