Zhen Jiang's Scented Pouch

He had no idea what the exact situation was.

Ding Ling did not know.

However, he had come to suppress the bandits in order to complete the mission. Now that the mission was complete, he did not wish to linger.

Still, he had not forgotten Zhen Jiang's plea for help.

He ordered his men into the city and had them conduct a thorough search.

Sure enough, they found Zhen Jiang's father, Zhen Yi.

Zhen Yi had clearly learned the reason for everything from others and was immensely grateful to Ding Ling!

Achievement Medals obtained: You have received Zhen Yi's profound gratitude.

Note: As the wealthiest man in Ji Province, Zhen Yi saw that you were handsome and upright, imposing and extraordinary, and that you had saved his life. He has begun to entertain other thoughts.

Barring any accidents, there is a high chance that you will become his son-in-law in the future!

Hearing the notification, Ding Ling's expression froze. He shot Zhen Yi a strange look.

Yet Zhen Yi remained utterly unaware and continued speaking words of thanks to Ding Ling, while inviting him to visit his hometown in Zhongshan Wuji.

Ding Ling responded with courtesy and propriety.

He said that he was still on official business and could only discuss it when he had time in the future.

Zhen Yi expressed his regret, but said he would still eagerly await Ding Ling's visit.

Some time later.

Zhen Jiang was found by the guards Zhen Yi had sent out.

Father and daughter were reunited, and the scene was naturally heartwarming.

Ding Ling watched with mixed feelings. He did not stay long in the main hall, instead heading to the treasury.

This treasury was where the White Wave Bandits stored their valuables.

It had to be said.

The money, grain, and bolts of cloth were piled up like mountains.

"How much is all this worth?"

Ding Ling took the account book and began reading it. When he discovered that most of the goods belonged to the Zhen Family, he understood.

After giving it some thought.

He took a small bag and filled it with gold.

He had his men inventory the rest according to the account book, returning the Zhen Family's belongings and repaying the common people's losses in full.

As for the County Government Office treasury's losses?

That had nothing to do with Ding Ling!

He had come to suppress bandits!

He had no obligation to recover the County Government Office treasury's valuables.

An hour later.

Zhen Yi brought Zhen Jiang over to thank Ding Ling again.

"Thank you, Young Master Ding! If not for you, we would not only have lost our lives this time, but would never have recovered our possessions either."

Zhen Jiang's beautiful eyes shimmered like celestial lakes, rippling with glistening light. She was deeply grateful to Ding Ling.

A shy blush adorned her face as she stepped forward gracefully. With her delicate hand, she offered him a scented pouch and said in a clear, sweet voice:

"I personally embroidered this scented pouch last year. It is my favorite, and I usually keep it with me. Today, I am giving it to you. I hope it brings you good fortune."

"..."

Ding Ling had wanted to refuse, but seeing Zhen Jiang's nervous, expectant, bashful expression, he swallowed the words at his lips and silently accepted it.

Zhen Jiang was also a well-bred young lady, an exceptionally beautiful woman with quiet grace.

If this Three Kingdoms World had not been a Game World, Ding Ling might truly have considered marrying such a Wife and bringing her home.

Comparing her with the girlfriends from both his past and present lives.

Whether in looks, temperament, or anything else, Zhen Jiang was top-tier. She was practically on another level from his former girlfriends!

At that moment, Ding Ling even found himself thinking:

Having met such a beauty and earned her affection, once he returned to reality, would he still be interested in women who demanded hundreds of thousands in bride price at the drop of a hat, treated millions as nothing, and even required men to know how to do laundry and cook, becoming all-purpose husbands?

For a moment, Ding Ling doubted whether he would still be able to find a Wife in the future.

But he quickly came to his senses.

He was a man with cheats now!

Why would he fear being unable to find a Wife?

As long as he was outstanding enough, what woman could he not find?

Spending time with Zhen Jiang was extremely pleasant.

She was a gentle, kind, and talented young woman.

The longer Ding Ling spent with Zhen Jiang, the more he found himself liking her. If he had not constantly reminded himself that he had to keep moving forward, he might have already sunk into the beautiful dream she offered.

In the end, Ding Ling still chose to leave Zhongqiu Ancient City.

During that time.

Zhen Yi had repeatedly hinted, both openly and subtly, that Zhen Jiang was very happy Ding Ling had accepted her scented pouch. It meant that he had accepted her feelings. She was eagerly awaiting the day he would go to Zhongshan Wuji to marry her.

Of course, they were only hints. He did not state it too plainly.

But everyone involved was intelligent.

Ding Ling understood.

So Zhen Yi left it at that.

Now that the two sides were parting, they were naturally reluctant to say goodbye.

They exchanged many heartfelt words of farewell. Then, amid the neighing of the horses, their gazes finally parted.

"Giddyup!"

Ding Ling spurred his horse onward.

Leading over a hundred cavalrymen toward Yecheng.

The other three hundred cavalrymen had already departed ahead of them, escorting several thousand White Wave Bandit prisoners.

To keep those prisoners under control.

Every cavalryman had prepared a bow and arrows. They had also stripped the prisoners of their clothes and weapons, leaving them only a pair of trousers to preserve their modesty.

"He's gone."

Seeing Zhen Jiang staring blankly into the distance without moving, Zhen Yi could not help but sigh inwardly.

"Dad."

Zhen Jiang was the eldest daughter. She often managed household affairs and business matters at home. On the surface, she seemed like a delicate Jiangnan lady, but deep down, she was resilient and strong-willed.

She bit her lip and asked uneasily:

"Do you think Brother Ding will come looking for us?"

"That..."

Zhen Yi hesitated.

"Dad, don't lie to me."

"All right."

After thinking for a moment, Zhen Yi said:

"From what I have observed during this time, Ding Ling is truly extraordinary. He knows almost everything about astronomy, Geography, calligraphy, culture, and more. That alone would have been remarkable enough.

But he is also exceptionally brave and formidable. With only four hundred men, he defeated several thousand White Wave Bandits. He even stabbed to death and beheaded several of their fiercest leaders.

Such a man is surely a hero of these troubled times!

He will not be bound by a single woman.

And I dare say that so long as he does not die, he will surely become renowned throughout Shifang!

His name is destined to be carved into the history books and praised for generations to come!"

"Then... then is there still a chance for us?"

"I don't know either. It can only depend on fate. But I think he seems to have feelings for you. If he starts a family in the future, perhaps you will be the first person he thinks of."

Hearing this, Zhen Jiang could not help but brighten. She smiled, showing her teeth.

"As long as he comes looking for me."

Do not think Zhen Jiang was merely lovestruck.

Where flowers bloomed, butterflies naturally came.

Ding Ling was already exceptionally outstanding. After several changes to his build and appearance, his temperament, looks, and everything else had become even more exceptional.

His appearance, bearing, martial prowess, and learning were all first-rate.

Moreover, he had saved her life and had not coveted her family's wealth.

How could Zhen Yi not be moved by someone with both such character and ability? He wanted to take him in as his son-in-law.

How could Zhen Jiang possibly remain unmoved?

It was like a man encountering an exceptionally outstanding woman. How could he not turn to look?

Halfway along the road.

Ding Ling caught up to the main force.

Seeing that night had fallen, he ordered them to set up camp.

He also called over two soldiers to guard the entrance to his tent and instructed them not to enter without his orders.

Once everything was in order.

Ding Ling entered the tent, lay down, and chose to return to reality.