Jiang Che's Goal

"I understand, sir."

Jiang Che nodded. He did indeed have that thought.

He knew he still had shortcomings after the battle just now.

"I can't help you with Body Refining Methods, but I do know a thing or two about Blade and Sword Martial Skills. I have compiled Martial Skills and also have some Fragmentary Texts I've stumbled upon.

If you wish to learn, come to my manor tonight."

Liu Zhi's tone shifted, and he suddenly said.

"Thank you, sir."

Jiang Che immediately cupped his fists.

"Heh heh, go on and attend to your duties."

Liu Zhi waved his hand, signaling Jiang Che to leave. Jiang Che then withdrew. Liu Zhi watched his receding back, a subtle smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

Jiang Che's performance, Jiang Che's talent... he was the strongest he had ever encountered in his life.

It could be said that as long as Jiang Che didn't fall, his future achievements would definitely surpass his own.

The Great Roc was about to spread its wings. What he could do was to bestow as much kindness and favor as possible before Jiang Che took flight. This way, his later years could be secured, and so could the offspring under his care.

Therefore, he first mentioned Zhu Sheng and subtly told Jiang Che that the prerequisite for Zhu Sheng helping him was to become his son-in-law, which would not only lead to Imprisonment but also require repayment.

But he was different. He simply felt that Jiang Che had potential.

When comparing the two, the difference was clear!

West City Training Ground.

After Jiang Che had subdued all the troublemakers, everyone was busy with their assigned tasks under his arrangement. Geng Dabiao led a team to patrol the west city, while Hu An and Jin Dayya went to guard the west city gate.

The remaining people were either still on Leave of Absence or continuing On Duty.

The only two people who were truly free were Xu San'er and his second son, Xu Chenghu.

"First time meeting Commander Jiang, how did you find him?"

Xu San'er asked his son, puffing on his Dried Tobacco.

Xu Chenghu scratched his head and answered frankly:

"I think Deputy Commander Jiang is a good person. He speaks kindly and gently, like an elder brother. He's easy to get along with."

"Do you really think so?"

"Mhm."

"Bang!"

The next moment, Xu San'er hit Xu Chenghu on the head with his pipe.

"Dad, why'd you hit me?"

Xu Chenghu bared his teeth, completely bewildered.

Xu San'er, however, was not smiling. He sternly lectured, "Do you know what mistake you made?"

"No."

"First, when Commander Liu was present, you called Deputy Commander Jiang 'Dad'. I won't blame you for that, it was natural. But now that Commander Liu isn't around, you must call him Commander Jiang, understand?"

"I understand."

Xu Chenghu lowered his head.

"Second, Commander Jiang calls me 'Brother Xu' because he thinks I'm older, not because he truly considers me a brother. You need to understand that Commander Jiang is an official, and we are nothing. You must know your place from now on.

Do you understand Hierarchy and Respect!"

"Oh."

"Third, I don't care what you were like in the village, but from now on, by Commander Jiang's side, you must remember one thing: Commander Jiang gave your father a chance to live again.

It was Commander Jiang who gave our family a chance to Rise to Power. He is our Benefactor. As his Guard, you must prioritize Commander Jiang's orders. Even if he told you to jump into a Sea of Fire, you cannot hesitate, understand?"

Xu Chenghu pursed his lips: "I understand, Dad."

"I'm teaching you how to be a person and how to do things. I'm old and not very useful. Sooner or later, I won't be able to keep up with Commander Jiang, but you are still young. If you want to have a good life in the future, you need to understand how things should be done."

Xu San'er took a puff of his Dried Tobacco. He was using his life experience to teach his son how to grow.

"I get it, Dad. From now on, I'll do whatever Commander Jiang asks."

"What are you muttering about?"

Jiang Che walked over, having just overheard the last sentence between Xu San'er and Xu Chenghu.

"Commander Jiang."

Xu Chenghu, learning and acting on the spot, quickly stood up.

Xu San'er also immediately stood up, a smile on his face:

"Nothing much, I was just teaching Hu Zi the rules for following you around from now on."

Jiang Che nodded, not particularly concerned, and continued:

"It just so happens I have something to assign you."

"Please, give your orders."

Xu San'er bowed slightly.

"Find me a courtyard in the west city, close to the training grounds."

Jiang Che couldn't stay at the Zhu Manor indefinitely; it was too inconvenient.

Previously, his mind wasn't on this, and he didn't have the manpower. Now, Xu San'er could serve as a steward. After all, at his age, learning martial arts was no longer realistic.

"How big a courtyard do you want?"

"A two-courtyard house will do."

"I'll go handle it right away."

Xu San'er was decisive. He knew himself that if he wanted to stay by Jiang Che's side for longer, he had to be useful to him.

"Hu Zi, you come back to the Zhu Manor with me."

"Yes."

"Brother Jiang."

Zhu Qingqing, who had been idly plucking at her zither, suddenly caught sight of Jiang Che and quickly called out, following him.

"Miss Zhu, is something the matter?"

Jiang Che turned to look at her.

"Uh, no, it's nothing. What were you busy with this morning? I wanted to find you." Zhu Qingqing paused, not quite daring to meet Jiang Che's eyes.

"Just some personal matters to attend to."

"Oh."

"Miss Zhu, if you have nothing else, I'll be going to the study to find the County Lieutenant now." Jiang Che had no intention of getting too entangled with Zhu Qingqing.

"I do have something! Didn't you say the scenery by the Qinglin River was nice before? I've been so bored in the manor these past few days. Can you take me to see it? After all, this is your hometown."

Zhu Qingqing puffed out her chest.

"Jiang is too busy recently and cannot spare the time. If Miss Zhu wishes to go sightseeing, you can just find some guards."

"You..."

Zhu Qingqing's expression changed. She understood Jiang Che's meaning.

He clearly didn't want to get too close to her.

"Jiang will take his leave now."

Jiang Che smiled and turned, taking Xu Chenghu with him.

Watching Jiang Che's receding figure, Zhu Qingqing couldn't help but stomp her foot.

She had previously looked down on Jiang Che for his ordinary appearance and humble background. But the last time Jiang Che faced the mountain bandits without fear and even saved her life, it made her change her mind.

She felt Jiang Che had quite a bit of manliness, and some flaws were not entirely unacceptable.

Moreover, with her family's status, if she married Jiang Che, he would absolutely not dare to bully her and would have to indulge her in everything. This led her to develop some romantic interest.

But it turned out...

It seemed she had been wishful thinking.

Jiang Che apparently had no interest in her and was even intentionally keeping his distance.

This made Zhu Qingqing feel a sense of defeat, along with some unwillingness.

She, the dignified eldest daughter of the Zhu family and daughter of the County Lieutenant, was she not good enough for a fisherman?

"How does it feel on your first day taking office?"

Zhu Sheng sat in his study, looking at Jiang Che with a faint smile.

"A bit surprising, but your subordinate was able to handle it."

"Mmm..." Zhu Sheng pondered for a moment, then casually asked:

"I heard that after this official left the banquet last night, Kou Yuansheng from the Cao Gang took a liking to you and you had a very pleasant conversation..."

"Your subordinate was just about to report this matter to you, sir."

Jiang Che said quickly.

Zhu Sheng waved his hand and chuckled:

"No need to rush. I'm not blaming you; I'm just asking casually."