Lying Low (Part One)

In the Backyard.

Zhang Rongfang's expression was indifferent.

Looking at the once beautiful and delicate Sun Chaoyue, now so shockingly beautiful and pitiful, it evokes a sense of pity.

He had to admit that this former Prefect, Sun Qinghong, truly understood men's minds quite well.

This caused the once high and mighty young lady to fall from grace, to the point where she was easily obtained and even forced to do the most despicable things for herself.

The mere thought of it is extremely stimulating.

Most importantly.

Such methods would be perfectly acceptable if they were based on the premise that he and Sun Chaoyue did not know each other.

He can accept it calmly.

It was precisely because they knew each other and shared a common social circle that they were able to connect.

This means that if he still Zhang Ying and a sense of shame, he would never actually agree to such a thing.

This is the strategy of retreating to advance.

Sun Qinghong had already decided that he would not accept the request.

The Sun Family's humble posture was precisely what aroused men's pity and lust.

It conveys, in an extremely humble manner, how dire the Sun Family's current situation is.

He also used his beautiful daughter's pitiful appearance to arouse men's desire and pity.

If someone who can't see through this were to come along, they would probably be completely outmaneuvered.

They would most likely choose to take Sun Chaoyue into their household and make her their concubine. Then the Sun Family would use this to rise in status. Zhang Rongfang shook his head inwardly at this scheme.

Actually, if Sun Qinghong weren't so calculating and cunning, I might have helped her out of kindness.

"But for now, I will investigate the Sun Family's matter later," he said slowly.

"As for you..." His gaze fell on Sun Chaoyue at this moment.

It's clear they came very well prepared and dressed very nicely.

Sun Chaoyue wore a red off-shoulder dress, the long red skirt embroidered with peony and coral Citong flower patterns. Underneath, she wore a white strapless top that barely covered most of her chest.

Her face was flushed red with fiery lips, her skin was like solidified cream, her eyes were almond-shaped and her eyebrows were sharp, exuding both heroic spirit and a fatally soft and charming allure.

In addition, there was her long-standing habitual air of nobility and pride.

At this moment, this pride was completely shattered, leaving behind a sense of disorientation, bewilderment, despair, and helplessness.

It is enough to arouse anyone's compassion.

"Unfortunately, sir, we all came from the bottom of our hearts!" Sun Qinghong said sincerely.

However, Zhang Rongfang remained unfazed. If he were to truly accept Sun Chaoyue, no one would allow her father to continue doing those lowly jobs.

So all he said was just rhetoric and a show of resolve.

"For the sake of our past relationship, if you are willing, both of you can work in the properties under my Guardian."

As for the rest, there's no need to mention it.

He raised his hand, signaling Sun Qinghong to be quiet. Then his gaze fell on Sun Chaoyue.

"Whether the Sun Family colluded with the Secret Teaching is a matter for investigation, and I will make my own judgment. However, I believe that Sun Chaoyue is unaware of this. Therefore, if she wishes, she may stay now."

The responsibilities of the older generation should not be borne by the younger generation. If you truly love your daughter, you should know how to make the right choice. He smiled.

Good heavens. They've handed the choice back to me!? Sun Qinghong's mind raced.

All previous analyses and judgments about Zhang Ying were overturned at this moment.

The meaning of what I just said was clearly to tell him.

"I can protect Sun Chaoyue alone. As for you, you are worthless. Go back to where you came from. I will uphold justice and pin all the Sun Family's crimes on you, and resolve the matter together. It will not affect any future generations."

So, are you willing?

This is the underlying meaning in Zhang Rongfang's words.

Sun Qinghong knew that she was facing two choices at this moment.

One: He agreed, took all the blame himself, and then told his daughter to wait for an opportunity to make a comeback.

Second: If they don't agree, continue to plead. Or take them back and think of another way.

But at this moment, he was driven to a dead end. His daughter, Sun Chaoyue, was his biggest bargaining chip. If he lost her, he would have no chance of recovery.

Such a choice undoubtedly means that the daughter is giving up this readily available path to survival.

That's why Zhang Rongfang put him on a pedestal and roasted him over a fire.

'If I agree, it means I'll die alone, and my daughter will live. She might try to save me, but the chances of success are extremely slim.'

'If I don't agree, my daughter might develop negative feelings towards me, and our relationship could be strained.'

Sun Qinghong was conflicted. He had always maintained the role of a good father, always thinking of his daughter.

But now, one of them is kneeling and the other is standing, their thoughts racing.

Meanwhile, Sun Chaoyue, still feeling ashamed, embarrassed, and extremely embarrassed, was unable to recover.

She felt like a commodity for sale, standing aside, quietly waiting for both sides to offer a price.

"I, a sinner, am willing to let Chaoyue stay." Sun Qinghong finally sighed and uttered this heartfelt sentence.

He really wanted to take everyone away. But then he thought back to Chaoyue's life, from her innocent and adorable childhood to her blossoming maturity and now her resolute and beautiful appearance.

Transformation after transformation.

He couldn't bear it in the end. Zhang Rongfang had thought he would leave with his men, but he hadn't expected him to be willing to confess to everything. "Since it's your own choice," he said, waving his hand.

Two soldiers came forward and helped Sun Qinghong to her feet, then left the Backyard.

"Chaoyue!" Just before leaving.

Sun Qinghong suddenly shouted loudly.

"Live well!"

These words struck Sun Chaoyue's heart like lightning.

She suddenly looked up and gazed in her father's direction.

But the person was no longer visible; they had reached the end of the Daoist Temple's corridor.

She rushed forward, wanting to give chase.

But a figure suddenly blocked their way.

Chen Han shielded her with one hand.

"You should understand what your father means. The Sun Family's crimes must be brought to a close." There was a hint of regret in his voice, as if he were recalling past events.

Zhang Rongfang was slightly surprised that Chen Han Society Master to make a move.

This was the first time he had seen Chen Han exhibit such obvious self-directed emotional fluctuations.

Sun Chaoyue's body stiffened, but she understood what Chen Han said.

She stood there, then suddenly turned to look at Zhang Rongfang, her beautiful eyes filled with pleading.

Zhang Rongfang shook his head slightly.

The Sun Family is of little value to him.

The laws governing Secret Teaching Great Ling very strict. Although he has the ability to help people clear their names, it is not as easy as ordinary people imagine.

If it's discovered, it will be a handle against him.

Therefore, one could use lust for beauty as an excuse to seduce Sun Chaoyue.

Trying to take down the entire Sun Family would be a losing proposition.

Ultimately, the Sun Family only has one woman of considerable value: Sun Chaoyue, a beautiful woman with good aptitude and Spirit Person background.

The rest were not worth the price he paid to save.

"Take her downstairs to rest," Zhang Rongfang casually instructed, then turned and strolled away.

Public matters were handled publicly, and private matters were handled privately. At this point, Sun Chaoyue had detached herself from private relationships and mixed in public elements.

Therefore, he will no longer treat it with the same attitude as before.

Watching Zhang Rongfang's departing figure.

Sun Chaoyue's eyes were red, and a tear welled up in them.

'Sigh,' Chen Han sighed inwardly.

"Don't you understand? The master actually has the ability to save your father, but you are not of such great value that he would be willing to help you. Saving you is already more than enough."

"Value!?" Sun Chaoyue's hands gradually clenched.

She stood still, like a taut willow leaf.

"Yes, the charge of collusion with Secret Teaching is very difficult to handle. Even adults have to pay the price."

"He wouldn't do much for your Sun Family for no reason," Chen Han explained.

Having followed Zhang Rongfang for so long, he somewhat understood Zhang Rongfang's rough thoughts.

"Yes. He really doesn't need to do so much for us for no reason," Sun Chaoyue understood. "Actually, he has already done a lot for you." Chen Han said last, then instructed another maid to step forward and lead Sun Chaoyue away to wash up.

As long as Sun Chaoyue stays here, the others will at least consider the reputation of the Guardian Teaching Office) and won't make things too difficult for Sun Qinghong.

Value. Sun Chaoyue was in a daze, with only this last sentence flashing through her mind.

On the other hand, after accepting the man, Zhang Rongfang immediately forgot about the matter.

Back in his study, he personally ground the ink and laid out paper and brushes.

Write carefully on it about your recent situation.

This letter is addressed to my older sister.

The gist of it is that he was transferred to a position in Citong, and everything is going well with a good salary and benefits. His Elder Sister and Brother-in-law shouldn't worry.

In addition, I inquired about the situation of the other people in Wushan Prefecture.

To reiterate, I will be staying in Citong for a long time.

Finally, I included some small gifts, which I sent via the postal messenger to reassure them.

After finishing the letter, he took another sheet of paper and began writing to his subordinates in Wushan Prefecture.

Skilled fighters like Sweeping Mountain Tiger Ding Yu, and Qing Su naturally need to be appeased.

Now in Wushan Prefecture, the Golden Wing Tower has changed its name and taken over the banner of the Great Dao Sect, still under the tutelage of Zhang Ying.

In the future, this will ultimately be a private force that belongs entirely to him.

After writing the letter again, Zhang Rongfang sealed both letters and had them sent to the post station.

Then there was Sun Chaoyue he had just taken in.

Sun Chaoyue had a good foundation, coupled with her status as Spirit Person and her relationship with the Sun Family in Great Capital.

It might be useful in the future.

As for whether or not to take her into his room, he wouldn't force her.

Unless Sun Chaoyue is completely willing, he would never want a woman who shares his bed to harbor too many thoughts in her heart.

"With everything arranged in this way, the next step is to focus on practicing Hard Skill and improving one's life."

Standing up, Zhang Rongfang looked out the window. The shadows of the trees on the mountain swayed, and the room was filled with the fragrance of spring. For a moment, his heart was filled with hope.

Time flies, and years pass quickly.

In the blink of an eye, more than half a year has passed.

Great Ling Huo Province, Dingyuan Road, Cheng'an Prefecture.

Bang! Inside a narrow Gray Stone Alley.

The cracked stone floor tiles were covered with moss and weeds, and the walls were covered with Charcoal Pencil marks.

In front of a window in the alley, directly below it, there was a black wooden bucket filled with a viscous, unidentified liquid crawling with flies and emitting a foul stench.

Suddenly, the flies were startled and flew away.

Several burly figures dressed in black and wearing Jet Black Mask arrived quickly and blocked the alley from all sides.

One of the masks had a figure with a golden vertical line drawn on its forehead. It walked quickly to the middle of the alley and stopped in front of a closed wooden door.

He glanced around.

There were still tiny water stains on the floor tiles to the right of the entrance, which hadn't completely dried.

From this perspective, it must be the person inside the door pouring out their household water from a basin.

"There are people inside, search!" the Gold Line Figure said coldly.