Moon Empress, at the Commerce Affairs Office.
Study.
Zhang Rongfang and her brother-in -Suda Heqi sat facing each other.
A chess table was placed between the two.
The black and white pieces on the table were locked in a fierce and evenly matched battle.
Zhang Rongfang plays white, while his brother-in-law Suda Heqi plays black.
At this point, the black pieces had already captured most of the white pieces. The outcome was clear.
After a moment's thought, Zhang Rongfang had no choice but to resign.
"My brother-in-law is an excellent chess player, I concede defeat."
He showed a hint of annoyance.
"You're still young, it's normal that you haven't seen some of these ideas before and can't think of them," Suda Heqi said with a gentle smile.
He has not had a relapse for a year, and his condition is becoming increasingly stable. Everything at home is also going well.
This made him feel even better.
"The chessboard, in fact, encapsulates most of one's life."
He sighed.
"Often, if you don't fight, you will gradually lose the power to fight. In the end, no matter how big the territory is, it will become a dead land."
"Brother-in-law's words are too broad; Rong Fang doesn't quite understand," Zhang Rongfang, bowing his head.
"It's nothing, just something I felt compelled to say."
Now that Sweeping Mountain Tiger is no longer an obstacle, things are going more smoothly for Suda Heqi.
It was precisely because of this that, after accomplishing several merits, he was qualified to take the next step forward.
He was moved to speak at that moment, but suddenly realized, what was the point of talking to an eighteen-year-old? Zhang Rongfang was young after all, and had spent a lot of time practicing martial arts, so it was normal that he didn't understand many things.
When I was his age, I was still vying for the affections of a beautiful girl with my cousin.
So many years have passed in the blink of an eye.
Looking at his brother-in-law, who looked rather inexperienced, he thought of his wife, Zhang Rongyu, who was a capable and supportive wife.
"Actually, I often tell your sister that you have a good personality. Although you are a bit impulsive, you are young and spirited. As long as you are doing the right thing, you will not go wrong."
Young people need to have vigor to forge ahead.
But your sister is always worried, thinking you're prone to getting into trouble.
"That's just how she is, always worrying about this and that," Zhang Rongfang said nonchalantly. "Actually, I'm already eighteen. I walked a long way by myself First Day of the Month, and nothing bad happened, didn't I?"
"That's true, but your sister is just concerned about you."
Why would someone else say these unpleasant things to you all the time?
"Alright, let's not talk about that. Just treat her well in your daily life," Suda Heqi advised.
"I know, I know."
"Good to know. Let's get down to business. I have a recommendation spot here that can fill the vacancy of Water Transport Manager in Wushan Prefecture. If you're willing, you can take up your post the day after tomorrow."
Although the Water Transport Manager is only a minor official, he is the highest-ranking one. "If you accomplish even a little something, I can promote you to Head Water Transport Manager. That would be considered Ninth Grade position," Suda Heqi said solemnly.
Regardless of the circumstances, rising from a clerk to an official is an opportunity that many people dream of their entire lives.
Once one becomes an official, the position can be passed down from generation to generation in Great Ling.
As long as no major mistakes are made, everything will be fine, and you will enjoy wealth and prosperity forever.
If the family prospers, they can expand their influence and become a powerful and influential Lineage in the region.
"Oh brother-in-law, you know my skills. That Water Transport Manager is in charge of business all day, it's all talk and no action. How could I possibly do that? You should find someone else."
Zhang Rongfang immediately refused.
If he were to pursue a career in business, it would completely disrupt his previous plans.
Moreover, he did not intend to stay in Wu Mountain forever.
Zhang Ying's status has now reached the equivalent of a sixth or seventh rank. Within the Mingjing Palace of Tanyang City, she is considered a high-ranking member of the Daoist Registry.
With this foundation already in place, why would he go to such lengths and start from a minor official position? As for whether the official rank based on the Daoist Registry route would have any impact?
Nowadays, Great Ling emphasizes the integration of temples and schools, and both Daoism and Buddhism can rise to high positions.
In addition, compared to Zhang Ying, Zhang Rongfang's identity has an extra layer of constraints.
That is why he is Barbarian Confucian.
Zhang Ying is a genuine Bei People, so her rise in rank is much faster than here.
"Alright then, since you're unwilling, I won't force you. But you must understand that if you miss this opportunity, it won't be so easy to get a lucrative position in the future."
"This time, it was also because of the incident with the Sweeping Mountain Tiger that the previous officials were dismissed," Suda Heqi reminded him.
"It's nothing, it's nothing." Zhang Rongfang said nonchalantly, "Brother-in-law, you don't know me. I, Zhang Rongfang, like to do whatever I want every day. My Daoist Registry registration is just a formality at the Dao Palace. Anyway, with you and my sister ahead of me, what's there to be afraid of?"
"But you two should hurry up and have a few big, healthy sons, wouldn't that be better? It'd save you from constantly watching me."
Suda Heqi was both amused and exasperated.
He had heard his wife say before that his brother-in-law had a bad temper and was stubborn. He hadn't really thought so before.
But this is the first time I've experienced it.
He disregarded the path to officialdom that others desperately sought but could not attain, discarding it like worn-out shoes.
However, the more Zhang Rongfang this way, the more he felt that the other party was generous, sincere, and indifferent to power and wealth.
The more someone acts this way, the more genuine and sincere they seem.
Being impulsive isn't necessarily a bad thing; at least you won't be like some of your relatives who smile on the surface but plot against others in secret. Recalling his various experiences in Great Capital, a hint of sadness flashed in Suda Heqi's eyes.
"Alright, go back and think it over. You have a week. If you change your mind, come and tell me. If you don't, then there's no need to mention it."
"Understood, brother-in-law," Zhang Rongfang replied.
He saw the sincerity in Suda Heqi's eyes.
Just as my sister said, this person is indeed a very sincere person.
He is good to his family, gentle in nature, and upright in character, although he is not very smart and is also ugly.
But in this world, aren't there plenty of people who are good-looking but have hearts of snakes? Apart from the occasional episode of illness, Suda Heqi is truly a perfect match for his sister.
"Also, I heard you've been associating with Jin Xiu'er from the Jin Family?" Suda Heqi suddenly asked.
"Yes." Zhang Rongfang was using Jin Xiu'er as a shield, so he naturally nodded in agreement.
Without Jin Xiu's protection, he would probably be going on blind dates every three days, which would be incredibly annoying.
"The Jin Family is just a small Shang Family. For Jin Xiu to marry you is actually a step up for her." Suda Heqi said calmly.
"If you like it, just play around with it. Most people who are so materialistic are not sincere, so don't take them seriously."
"Uh..." Zhang Rongfang didn't know how to answer for a moment.
"Remember, don't be misled by outsiders. If you really like Jin Xiu, you can take her away from the Jin Family and keep her outside. When you get tired of her, you can sell her to a brothel."
"After receiving a dowry, we can make a profit by selling the person," Suda Heqi said calmly.
"."
Zhang Rongfang was speechless.
Okay, he took back what he said earlier. This brother-in-law was actually not honest at all. He really was just talking business. Seeing his brother-in-law's stunned expression, Suda Heqi thought he was worried about the Jin Family.
"It's alright. I own many businesses, and the Jin Family relies on us for most of their business. Even if we kill their eldest son's bloodline, let alone mess with one of them, they'll have no choice but to endure it."
He said with a smile.
"If you're still worried, I can send someone over right now. It'll be a piece of cake to cripple half of their businesses."
"No, no need, brother-in-law," Zhang Rongfang quickly said. "It's not that serious. Jin Xiu is actually quite nice."
"You're just too kind," Suda Heqi pointed at him. "You have to remember, there are only four of us in this world who are family. As for the others, hehe, don't believe a single one!"
Zhang Rongfang understood which four he was referring to.
Besides the three of them, there should also be Lu Mei Sha.
Listening to his brother-in-law's lecture, Zhang Rongfang couldn't help but sigh inwardly.
In this world, there are so few kind-hearted people like herself. *** Jin Xiu got off the carriage and looked up at the sky.
That day was as gloomy as lead, seemingly both overcast and yet not overcast.
She reached out and knocked on the gate of Zhang Rongfang's residence.
Knock knock.
"Please come in."
A sound came from inside.
With a slight effort, Jin Xiu pushed open the courtyard gate.
In the courtyard, Zhang Rongfang was dressed in a light blue Daoist Robe with a white openwork overlay.
A draped garment is a type of clothing similar to a woman's shawl, generally used to decorate or embellish overly monotonous monochrome robes.
From this angle, Jin Xiu felt that this person was indeed tall and robust.
Recalling Lu Mei Sha's unhappy expression and her sarcastic remarks.
She made up her mind that, from any perspective, her choice was correct.
What does a pampered young lady like Lu Mei Sha know? Regret?
Given her current situation, if she doesn't make a decisive move soon, she'll regret it even more when she runs out of money.
"Where shall we go for a stroll today?" She approached, waving a Willow Branch in her hand.
She has an innocent and adorable appearance, as if she has no guile whatsoever.
In fact, spending these days together has made her increasingly anxious.
Because Zhang Rongfang was willing to go out with her to pass the time.
But I don't seem to have any feelings for her.
If a man spends so much time with a beautiful woman without feeling shy, embarrassed, or making any inappropriate moves or words, it's a sign of a lack of understanding.
Such a gentleman is too much. It's highly likely that he has no interest in her, which is why Jin Xiu put a lot of effort into dressing up and grooming herself today.
Her black hair reached her vest, with two thin braids interspersed among the long hair, along with long sideburns hanging down on both sides and straight bangs on her forehead.
In addition, she has a small, cherry-pink mouth on her oval face and big, bright almond-shaped eyes.
It gives people a sense of pure cuteness mixed with a touch of naive maturity.
Besides her hairstyle, she also carefully selected her clothes.
A pale yellow sleeveless top revealed a glimpse of her fair skin at the chest. A white halter-neck skirt, tied with a light blue ribbon, accentuated her slender waist.
When she gets up and turns around, you can occasionally see the tight-fitting hunting trousers she's wearing under her skirt.
The trousers were light gray all over, made of cotton with excellent elasticity, and tightly wrapped around the legs, perfectly highlighting the curves from the legs to the waist.
If it weren't for the skirt covering her, Jin Xiu wouldn't dare wear such long trousers out.
This attire is actually a legacy passed down from ancient Dense Forest Tribe.
In dense forests, most people choose to wear tighter-fitting clothes to avoid their clothes getting caught on bushes and thorns.
This kind of outfit is usually paired with leather boots and a leather skirt.
Because if you don't cover up, wearing clothes is the same as not wearing anything. Everything can be seen.
After realizing that Zhang Rongfang didn't seem very interested in her, Jin Xiu began to think of ways to highlight her strengths as much as possible.
She is very confident about this.
Although she is materialistic, loves money, and is spoiled, her mother still needs a lot of money for medical treatment.
But she's beautiful.
"We've explored the surrounding area these past few days, so let's go somewhere a bit further away today," Zhang Rongfang said with a smile. "I heard that many pear blossoms are in bloom in the Yin Huai Forest, so we can go and enjoy the flowers."
"Great! The pear blossoms are pure white, and you can smell their fragrance from afar. We can also buy some food and have a picnic under the trees." Jin Xiu also became interested.
These days, going on a trip to the countryside is a luxury for most people.
Because the forest is extremely dangerous, it is easy for someone without sufficient strength to go there and get into trouble.
In other words, Zhang Rongfang was a martial artist who had reached the highest rank, which is why he dared to say that he wanted to eat in the wild.
"Alright," Zhang Rongfang nodded with a smile.
He certainly didn't pick the spot on a whim.
The Yin Huai Forest. That's where the Shadow in the Forest case once took place.
Although no new cases have occurred, not many people still go there.
The reason is that the Yin Huai Forest is not only full of pear trees, but even more locust trees. The dense canopy of trees provides ample shade, creating a gloomy and eerie atmosphere.
Ordinary people wouldn't dare to approach rashly.
During this time, he took advantage of recuperating from his injuries to gather information about the Yin Huai Forest.
Now that his injuries had mostly healed, he immediately decided to take a walk around the area to see the real situation.
Once the injuries have fully healed and all preparations are complete, then lead the group inside.