In the Eighth Year of Chengping, New Year's Eve

In fact, Jiang Liu intentionally used his powerful mental pressure to put immense pressure on Qin Bailian, so that Qin Bailian would put away her inappropriate thoughts.

Because Qin Bailian is currently the best candidate to replace Jiang Liu in managing Yunzhou, he doesn't want to make a move against Qin Bailian now and needs to keep Qin Bailian safe for the time being.

Jiang Liu took the report from Qin Bailian and casually put it aside.

"What is the current situation in Yu County and Lu County?" Jiang Liu asked calmly.

"The influence of the Deity Summoning Society has been completely wiped out. Now we just need to wait for next year to recuperate and restore people's livelihoods."

Jiang Liu nodded and said, "I don't want anything like what happened with the Sun Moon Sect and the Deity Summoning Society before to happen again. I won't interfere with the benefits that are rightfully yours."

But don't let me find out that the oppression of the innocent has happened again. I'm sure you don't want to ruin the legacy of your Exotic Weapon Valley after so many years!

Qin Bailian quickly bowed and said, "I will definitely discipline the disciples of this valley and will not let them make mistakes."

Jiang Liu nodded and continued, "From now on, your Exotic Weapon Valley will be divided into two parts! One part will mainly be responsible for managing the affairs of Yunzhou, and the other part will mainly inherit the unique skills of your Exotic Weapon Valley."

Upon hearing this, Qin Bailian's face lit up with joy, as this was one of the main reasons why he had previously intervened in the struggle to seize control of Yunzhou.

It's because he's unwilling to remain confined to a small corner of the world that Jiang Liu has now proposed that his Exotic Weapon Valley take the lead in the entire Yunzhou region.

This was exactly what he wanted, and it also allowed him to give the elders of Exotic Weapon Valley the best possible explanation.

"And all the taxes, revenues, and resources collected in the future will be divided into three parts. One part will be handed over to the Three Bureaus, one part will be kept by your Exotic Weapon Valley, and the third part will be given to Murong Yin to handle."

"Yes, sir! I will definitely do it well." Qin Bailian was truly determined to follow Jiang Liu this time, because Jiang Liu had given him so much.

Moreover, this way, he wouldn't have to worry about the Exotic Weapon Valley developing too fast and running out of resources. Most importantly, he could also use these resources to continue his advancement.

The thought of advancing in rank filled Qin Bailian with excitement.

Qin Bailian raised her eyes and glanced at Jiang Liu, who remained expressionless. A sudden chill ran through her, and she dared not think any further.

Jiang Liu had no idea what Qin Bailian was thinking, but he was always generous to those who could get things done. Of course, if anyone dared to outwardly comply but inwardly defy him, Jiang Liu would show no mercy.

"Alright, that's enough for this year! You've been running around for almost two months, go back and rest! We'll send someone to take over Xia County and Kan County after the New Year!" Jiang Liu instructed.

Qin Bailian bowed in agreement and quickly withdrew from Jiang Liu's courtyard.

After leaving Jiang Liu's courtyard, Qin Bailian wiped the cold sweat from his forehead. When he retreated, he felt that suffocating energy fluctuation again.

Qin Bailian immediately turned and left without looking back, afraid that if he was too slow, he would be frightened again.

"You!" Jiang Liu looked at the mischievous Fire-Winged Monkey that had suddenly appeared, his face full of helplessness. He knew, of course, that Qin Bailian had been frightened by the Fire-Winged Monkey.

I don't know if it's because the Fire-Winged Monkey has been exposed to more people since it was released, but it's become more and more mischievous and plays pranks from time to time.

Just like when he scared Qin Bailian this time, he had tried to scare Murong Yin and Feng Yue before, but Jiang Liu scolded him for it, so he restrained himself a bit.

However, after scaring Qin Bailian this time, Jiang Liu didn't want to train the Fire-Winged Monkey anymore. After all, the Fire-Winged Monkey still needed to nudge Qin Bailian from time to time so that Qin Bailian could stay alert at all times.

Don't be fooled by Qin Bailian's current seemingly obedient demeanor; he's only temporarily intimidated. Over time, this intimidation will diminish, so it's crucial to ensure he constantly understands that Jiang Liu possesses the power to eliminate him at any moment.

Only then will he behave himself, manage Yunzhou according to Jiang Liu's wishes, and prevent Yunzhou from becoming a mess.

Although Listening Wind and Gentle Rain Pavilion was monitoring the situation, if Exotic Weapon Valley acted recklessly, it would be a major problem for Jiang Liu.

Jiang Liu only wants to improve his strength now. Moreover, the reason why Jiang Liu pacified Yunzhou was only for cultivation resources and to cultivate the Saintly Sky Art. As for everything else, it was just incidental. Jiang Liu didn't want to get into a lot of trouble.

"Husband, what's wrong? What did Qin Bailian say just now?" Murong Yin walked over and asked.

Jiang Liu looked at Murong Yin's slightly plump face and couldn't help but touch it. Murong Yin then leaned closer to him following Jiang Liu's hand.

"It's nothing, he just sent over the resource and financial reports for those two counties. Send someone to receive them!" Jiang Liu said, putting his arm around Murong Yin.

"My Husband, I've made something delicious, would you like to try some?" Feng Yue walked into the courtyard carrying a bowl of food.

Jiang Liu felt a headache coming on when he saw Feng Yue like this. Lately, Feng Yue seemed to be very interested in researching new foods, and after each cultivation session, she would prepare something new for Jiang Liu to eat.

Jiang Liu was caught in a dilemma, unsure whether to eat or not. In the end Jiang Liu had no choice but to reluctantly accept it all, since it was a rare treat to witness such Feng Yue, Jiang Liu was quite enjoying it.

Murong Yin looked at Jiang Liu with amusement, even though Jiang Liu always seemed unwilling. However, he never went against Feng Yue's wishes, and always seemed to enjoy himself.

"Hmm! This time you did a good job. Yin'er, you should try it too." Jiang Liu wasn't satisfied with just eating it himself, so he pulled Murong Yin over as well.

"Really? I knew it. I did a good job this time." Upon hearing this, Feng Yue quickly moved closer to Jiang Liu and started eating together.

The moment she took a bite, Fengyue exclaimed with disgust, "Pah! What is this?! It tastes awful. I definitely didn't make this. Feng Yue must have misjudged the Xiao He."

"Haha!" Jiang Liu laughed as he looked at Feng Yue's scrunched-up little face.

Murong Yin glared at Jiang Liu with annoyance. She knew it would be like this, so she didn't fall for Jiang Liu's trick at all.

"Young master, it's time to eat." At this moment, Cuier skipped in.

Jiang Liu, Murong Yin, and Feng Yue looked around, then burst into laughter and got up to head towards the side hall.

Cuier watched the three of them from behind, then looked at the food on the table with a puzzled expression. She thought to herself, "Miss Feng Yue must have made something awful."

Cuier felt a chill run down her spine when she thought of the gruesome food Feng Yue had prepared. She silently mourned for her little companion Xiao He for a moment, then followed the three of them toward the side hall.

After having dinner together, Jiang Liu, Murong Yin, Feng Yue, Cuier, Xiao He sat down together to drink tea and chat. After all, it was New Year's Eve, and they wanted to have a lively time.

Of course, such a large manor must have housed more than five people, but the others didn't dine with Jiang Liu and his group.

Although Jiang Liu was easygoing and didn't care much about such things, they weren't used to dining with Jiang Liu and his group. Over time, Jiang Liu stopped insisting.

The five chatted and played together for more than an hour before Cuier and Xiao He took their leave.

Jiang Liu waved his hands and carried Murong Yin and Feng Yue into the bedroom to continue playing cards.