"Understood."
Jiang Che nodded. He had indeed been thinking along those lines.
In the battle just now, he knew he still had shortcomings.
"I can't help you with the Body Refining Method, but I know a thing or two about blade and sword martial techniques. I have martial arts manuals I compiled myself, as well as some incomplete fragments I happened to acquire.
If you want to learn, come to my residence tonight."
Liu Zhi abruptly changed the subject.
"Thank you, my lord."
Jiang Che immediately cupped his fists.
"Hehe, go get busy first."
Liu Zhi waved a hand, signaling Jiang Che to leave. Jiang Che then took his leave. Watching his retreating back, Liu Zhi's lips curved into an imperceptible smile.
Jiang Che's performance and talent were the greatest Liu Zhi had ever encountered in his life.
It could be said that so long as Jiang Che did not fall midway, his future accomplishments would certainly surpass Liu Zhi's own.
The Great Roc was about to spread its wings. All Liu Zhi could do was bestow as much favor and goodwill as possible before Jiang Che took flight. That way, the rest of Liu Zhi's life would be secure, and so would the descendants beneath his knees.
That was why he had first brought up Zhu Sheng and subtly informed Jiang Che that Zhu Sheng's help came with the condition that he become his son-in-law. Not only would he be restrained, but he would also have to repay the favor.
But Liu Zhi was different. He simply believed that Jiang Che had potential.
Placed side by side, the difference between them was immediately clear!
West City Training Ground.
After Jiang Che had subdued all the thorns, everyone went about their business according to his arrangements. Geng Dabiao led a team to patrol West City, while Hu An and Jin Dayya went to guard the West City gate.
The rest either continued their leave of absence or remained on duty.
The ones who were truly free were only two people.
Xu San'er and his second son, Xu Chenghu.
"What did you think of Commander Jiang when you met him for the first time?"
Xu San'er smoked Dried Tobacco as he stared at his son and asked.
Xu Chenghu scratched his head and answered honestly,
"I think Deputy Commander Jiang is a real good person. He talks all gentle and friendly, like an elder brother. He's easy to get along with."
"You really think so?"
"Yeah."
Bang!
The next moment, Xu San'er brought his pipe down on Xu Chenghu's head.
"Dad, why'd you hit me?"
Xu Chenghu bared his teeth, utterly confused.
Yet Xu San'er was not smiling. Instead, he sternly lectured him.
"Do you know what you did wrong?"
"No."
"First, when Commander Liu was around, I didn't blame you for calling Deputy Commander Jiang 'Dad.' That was only natural. But now that Commander Liu isn't here, you need to call him Commander Jiang. Understand?"
"I got it."
Xu Chenghu lowered his head.
"Second, Commander Jiang calls me Brother Xu because he thinks I'm older, not because he truly takes me for his elder brother. You need to understand that Commander Jiang is an official, while we're nothing. From now on, you need to know your place.
You must understand Hierarchy and Respect!"
"Oh."
"Third, I don't care what you were like back in the village, but from now on, while you're at Commander Jiang's side, you must remember one thing. Commander Jiang gave your father a chance to live again.
Commander Jiang gave our family a chance to rise to power. He is our family's benefactor. As a guard, you must put Commander Jiang's orders first. Even if he tells you to jump into a sea of fire, you cannot hesitate. Understand?"
Xu Chenghu pursed his lips.
"I understand, Dad."
"Your dad's teaching you how to conduct yourself and handle things. I'm old now and not much use. Sooner or later, I won't be able to keep up with Commander Jiang. But you're still young. If you want to feast on fine food and drink fiery liquor someday, you need to understand how things ought to be done."
Xu San'er took a puff of Dried Tobacco. He was using his own life experience to teach his son how to grow.
"I get it. Whatever Commander Jiang tells me to do, I'll do."
"What are you muttering about?"
Jiang Che walked over just in time to hear the last exchange between Xu San'er and Xu Chenghu.
"Commander Jiang."
Xu Chenghu immediately put what he had just learned into practice and hurriedly stood up.
Xu San'er also rose at once, his face piled with smiles.
"Nothing much. I was just teaching Huzi the rules for following you in the future."
Jiang Che nodded, not particularly bothered, and continued,
"As it happens, I have something for you to do."
"Give your orders."
Xu San'er bowed slightly.
"Find me a courtyard in West City, somewhere closer to the training ground."
Jiang Che could not keep living at Zhu Manor forever. It was far too inconvenient.
Previously, his mind had not been on such matters, and he had no manpower to spare. But now Xu San'er could serve as a steward. At his age, after all, learning martial arts was no longer very realistic.
"How large a courtyard do you want?"
"A two-courtyard residence will do."
"I'll handle it right away."
Xu San'er acted with thunderous decisiveness. He also knew that if he wanted to remain at Jiang Che's side longer, he had to make himself useful to him.
"Huzi, come back to Zhu Manor with me."
"Yes."
"J-Jiang... Brother Jiang."
Zhu Qingqing had been idly plucking at the strings of her zither when she suddenly caught sight of Jiang Che. She hurriedly called out and followed after him.
"Does Miss Zhu need something?"
Jiang Che turned to look at her.
"Uh, nothing. Well, what were you busy with this morning? I was looking for you." Zhu Qingqing paused in the middle of speaking, not quite daring to meet Jiang Che's eyes.
"I had some personal matters to attend to."
"Oh."
"If Miss Zhu has no business, I'll head to the study to see the County Commandant first." Jiang Che had no intention of getting too entangled with Zhu Qingqing.
"I do have business. Didn't you say before that Qinglin River has some nice scenery? I've been so bored in the manor these past few days. Can you take me out to look around? After all, this is your hometown."
Zhu Qingqing puffed out her chest.
"I've been too busy lately to spare the time. If Miss Zhu wishes to go sightseeing, simply find a few guards."
"You..."
Zhu Qingqing's expression changed. She understood what Jiang Che meant.
He clearly did not want to get too close to her.
"I'll take my leave first."
Jiang Che smiled, turned, and departed with Xu Chenghu.
Watching Jiang Che's figure recede into the distance, Zhu Qingqing could not help stamping her foot.
Previously, she had looked down on Jiang Che for his ordinary appearance and humble origins. But when Jiang Che had faced the bandit attack without servility or arrogance last time, he had even saved her life.
That had changed her mind.
She felt that Jiang Che was rather manly after all, and some of his flaws were not entirely unacceptable.
Besides, given her family background, if she married Jiang Che, he would absolutely not dare mistreat her. He would have to indulge her in everything. That was why she had begun to entertain such thoughts.
Yet...
It seemed she had been flattering herself.
Jiang Che appeared to have no interest in her at all. He had even deliberately kept his distance.
While that left Zhu Qingqing feeling frustrated, it also made her unwilling to accept it.
She was the esteemed eldest daughter of the Zhu family, the County Commandant's daughter. Could she really be unworthy of a mere fisherman?
"How did it feel, taking office for the first time today?"
Zhu Sheng sat in the study, looking at Jiang Che with a faint smile.
"There were some surprises, but this subordinate was able to handle them."
"Hm." Zhu Sheng pondered for a moment, then casually asked, "I heard that after I left the banquet last night, that Kou Yuansheng from the Cao Gang hit it off with you at first sight, and the two of you spoke most pleasantly?"
"This subordinate was just about to report this matter to you, my lord."
Jiang Che hurriedly said.
Zhu Sheng waved his hand and smiled.
"No need to rush. I have no intention of blaming you. I merely asked in passing."