Zhu Sheng Teaches His Daughter

Jiang Che cared deeply about this, whether Zhu Sheng truly cared or was just pretending, because no matter what he did now, he couldn't do it without Zhu Sheng's support.

Afterward, Jiang Che recounted everything that had happened that day to Zhu Sheng, even confessing directly that Kou Yuansheng had tried to bribe him.

The matter of Kou Yuansheng delivering the sacrificial offerings to the entrance of Zhu Manor couldn't be kept secret.

"Knock, knock."

Zhu Sheng tapped his fingers on the table, slowly and powerfully, betraying no emotion.

"Do you think I should see him?"

"Your subordinate believes... you should not see him."

"State your reasons."

Zhu Sheng leaned back in his chair and asked, staring at Jiang Che.

"Firstly, as one of the foremost powers in Yanggu County, the Cao Gang must have a close relationship with Magistrate Zhao. So, why would he specifically approach you? You've just announced your intention to eliminate the villains who harm the common people, and the Cao Gang is the biggest villain among them. Secondly, the situation in Yanggu County is deeply complex. The previous ambush by the Crouching Tiger Mountain bandits clearly had someone pulling the strings from behind the scenes. The Cao Gang is the leading overt martial arts force. Could there be a connection between them?"

"Crouching Tiger Mountain and the Cao Gang..."

As the former Captain of the Wind Camp, stationed between Yanggu County and the prefectural city, Zhu Sheng had certainly heard of Crouching Tiger Mountain. They were entrenched in the deep mountains, their roots running deep. They had existed for over ten years and couldn't be easily eradicated. However, he couldn't just let this matter slide, or his authority would be undermined. But the question was, how should he proceed?

"You think Kou Yuansheng is connected to Crouching Tiger Mountain?"

"Crouching Tiger Mountain is nestled deep in the mountains and is wanted by the authorities. How do they survive and recruit bandits? Your subordinate believes there must be someone supporting them from behind the scenes, and the Cao Gang, controlling the canal transport, has the convenience for this."

"You accepted benefits from Kou Yuansheng, yet you're not speaking up for him?" Zhu Sheng asked after a moment of thought.

Jiang Che bowed slightly and continued, "Because your subordinate can distinguish between what's important and what's not, and knows who to be loyal to. Accepting benefits is one thing, but no one said that accepting something means you have to act on it."

"You rascal..."

Zhu Sheng was amused and exasperated by Jiang Che's statement. Accepting benefits and not acting on them, yet doing so with such conviction. It was probably only Jiang Che.

"Your subordinate also believes that not only should you not meet Kou Yuansheng, but you should also take immediate action against the Cao Gang, letting the people of Yanggu County know that you are never just talking." Jiang Che looked up, his eyes sharp.

"Do you have any grievances with the Cao Gang?"

"Yes. When I was young, I made a living by fishing and selling fish, but the Cao Gang repeatedly bullied us. No matter how good the catch, we could only sell it to the Cao Gang at a low price. Anyone who dared to sell fish privately would be severely beaten. Your subordinate was beaten quite badly back then."

"Since you brought this up, I'll leave it to you to handle it. However, remember one thing: it's fine to make a big fuss, but absolutely do not make any mistakes that would cause me to lose face."

"Your subordinate... obeys."

Jiang Che immediately cupped his fists.

Creak.

The study door was pushed open a crack, and a pair of round eyes peeked inside. Zhu Sheng, holding a dossier on the situation in Yanggu County that he had ordered investigated, spoke casually without looking up, "Qing'er, come in."

"Dad, how did you know it was me?"

Zhu Qingqing pushed the door open, her face beaming with a smile.

"Besides you, no one else in our family has such audacity."

Zhu Sheng shook his head helplessly and casually put down the dossier.

"I knew Dad was the best to me."

Zhu Qingqing blinked her eyes.

"What do you need from Dad?"

"Can't I come just because I have nothing to do?" Zhu Qingqing pouted.

"Your mother told me you're not satisfied with Jiang Che's family background and are unwilling to interact with him?" Zhu Sheng sighed lightly, then changed the subject.

"I..."

Zhu Qingqing was immediately speechless. It was Jiang Che who was unwilling to interact with her now, even avoiding her like the plague.

"Qing'er, you're not young anymore, it's time you got married. You can't stay with your parents forever. I've introduced you to many fine young men over the past two years.

But you've rejected them all. Is there anything in this world that's perfect?

You complain about the appearance of those with good family backgrounds, and you find those with handsome features lacking in masculinity. Tell me, what kind of husband are you actually looking for?"

Zhu Sheng's tone gradually deepened.

"I... I..."

"This world isn't as simple as you think. It's true, there are men with good family backgrounds, great strength, and exceptional talent. But if I may be frank, Can you even match up to such a man?"

"Father..."

Zhu Qingqing felt extremely embarrassed by his words.

"I'm just trying to get you to face reality. Your looks are decent, but you're just an ordinary young lady. You know nothing of the zither, chess, calligraphy, or painting, only how to wield a spear and practice martial arts. Yet, you lack the perseverance to truly train.

After all these years, you haven't even reached the Inner Breath Realm."

"Father, please stop talking."

Zhu Qingqing regretted coming to the study.

"Since we're being open, I won't hold back anymore. In this world, marriage is most importantly about matching social status. Your father here is only a seventh-rank County Lieutenant.

I'm considered one of the best in Yanggu County, but if you look at Tai'an Prefecture, what am I?

It's not that you can't marry into those noble families, but with your spoiled and willful nature, can you truly endure their rigid rules?

It's precisely because I've considered this that I've found you a husband with potential, though from an ordinary family. Jiang Che's appearance isn't handsome, but he's above average.

But do you know how high his martial arts talent is?

Within seven days, he cultivated Savage Bull Strength and withstood two moves from Song Ji of Crouching Tiger Mountain. Such potential far surpasses mine from back then. With this potential, and my full support, His future won't be confined to just one county or region."

Zhu Sheng lectured Zhu Qingqing with a solemn expression.

"Father, I was wrong."

Zhu Qingqing lowered her head, too intimidated to look up after being reprimanded. It was the first time her father had ever scolded her so severely since she could remember.

"If you marry Jiang Che, at least while I'm in power, he won't dare to mistreat you. He'll dote on you alone. Such an excellent prospect, why don't you cherish it?"

"I... I wasn't resisting him. I was just joking with Mother earlier. I was even thinking of asking him to go out with me just now, but he refused instead.

Father... why don't you pressure him a bit?"

"Pressure him how?"

Zhu Sheng's expression grew even more displeased.

"Just make him accompany me when I want to go out."

Zhu Sheng took a deep breath:

"Ordering him to accompany you is a small matter, but will I have to force him to marry you later?"

"Uh... I..."

"I can pressure him for a while, but can I pressure him for a lifetime?"

"When I lose power, and he rises, do you know how he will act then?"

"How will he act?"

"He will repay today's humiliation a hundred, a thousand times over!"

"Qing'er, your immaturity is truly disappointing, Father."