The System Is Back

Cai Yaozong came here specifically to hear Chen Kang's words.

If he were to propose this, Chen Kang would definitely refuse. Even if he agreed, he would certainly impose harsh conditions.

After all, if he did this, he would have the protection of officials from the Crown Prince's faction and a way out if things were exposed, at most he would be demoted one or two ranks. But Chen Kang's foundation would be lost, since that was all he could rely on, and the underworld couldn't protect him.

Now that Chen Kang has brought it up himself, there's no problem.

"That works too," he nodded indifferently.

Seeing this, Chen Kang cursed the old fox inwardly.

However, he was helpless.

Cai Yaozong can give up on this matter; there will be plenty of opportunities in the future. But once he lets go, it won't be easy for him to bring this project back into his own hands later.

Zhao Ruxi might stay here for who knows how many years. What if she stays and doesn't leave? How will they survive?

After Zhao Ruxi left, she sent someone to inform Zhou Chun that he didn't need to return to the yamen after dinner, but could go directly back to the Zhao Residence.

The workshop manager had to go to the government office, and there wasn't much time for lunch, so Zhou Chun returned shortly afterward.

He asked, "Young lady, what happened?"

Zhao Ruxi told him what had happened, saying, "Have someone spread the word at the yamen that anyone who wants to follow me can come to the Zhao Family to find you. I won't be going to the yamen for the next two days. There's no need to contact Chen Kang anymore. Even if Chen Kang has connections in both the legitimate and underworld circles, he's still a subordinate. He ultimately has to obey his superiors. If there's a legitimate path, there's no need for us to take the underhanded route and cooperate with Chen Kang. We've already given them the opportunity."

"Yes, young lady." Zhou Chun quickly bowed respectfully.

After that, Zhao Ruxi didn't go out again; she just stayed at home practicing calligraphy, painting, and reading.

Lady Zhu called Lady Luo over and asked about the situation. Lady Luo briefly explained how Cai Yaozong had made things difficult for Zhao Ruxi. As for Zhao Ruxi threatening Liu Hongyu and Cai Yaozong, she didn't dare say a word.

Upon hearing this, Lady Zhu was immediately filled with worry.

During the meal, she couldn't help but say to Zhao Ruxi, "What are we going to do? Look how badly they've bullied you! Why don't you have your third senior brother come over and intimidate these scoundrels?"

She refused to believe that these people would dare to disrespect her daughter, knowing that the prefect was Zhao Ruxi's senior apprentice.

Zhao Ruxi smiled and said, "He doesn't need to come in person; using their name will suffice. Mother, don't worry, things will soon take a turn for the better. There are plenty of smart people in the world; they know exactly who to offend and who to curry favor with."

Lady Zhu thought her daughter was just trying to comfort her, and she remained skeptical. But she knew she didn't understand anything and couldn't do anything; doing anything would only cause trouble for her daughter.

She then inquired about Kang Shilin's itinerary, "Didn't your master and the County Princess of Qingyang say they were coming to visit? When are they arriving? I'd like to have the house cleaned and decorated so I can get everything ready."

Kang Shilin is the Emperor's cousin, and the County Princess of Qingyang is also a member of the imperial family. Their presence here should deter any troublemakers, right?

"Yes, they said they would come once I settled down here. It should be in the next few days," Zhao Ruxi said.

Summer will be here soon, and the weather should get hot. So Kang Shilin and his group need to hurry and finish their trip to Nanyang before June.

"That's good, that's good," Lady Zhu said Gao Xing, immediately feeling half relieved.

Given Mister Kumu's protective nature, he certainly wouldn't allow anyone to bully his youngest apprentice. He wouldn't even need to do it himself; a simple letter to his eldest and third apprentices would be enough to support Zhao Ruxi.

Seeing how Gao Xing Lady Zhu was, Zhao Ruxi's eyes flickered slightly.

She didn't want her master to come so soon. She needed to establish a firm foothold in Nanyang before her master and the others could have a good time; otherwise, she'd just end up getting angry.

Hopefully, the authorities can make a decision soon.

"Ding, system upgrade successful." A pleasant voice rang in Zhao Ruxi's mind.

Zhao Ruxi immediately perked up, put down her chopsticks, and said to Lady Zhu, "Mother, I'm full. I suddenly remembered I have something to tell Zhou Chun to do, so I'll go back to the courtyard first."

Without waiting for Lady Zhu to speak, she got up and hurriedly walked out.

Seeing that Zhao Ruxi still had half a bowl of rice left, Lady Zhu frowned and said, "This child, even after becoming an official, is still so impetuous." She turned and ordered, "Take some snacks to the young ladies' courtyard."

Zhao Ruxi returned to her courtyard and, upon entering her bedroom, eagerly called out, "System, are you back?"

"Host, I, Hu Hansan, am back again, hahaha..." The system's familiar voice rang in Zhao Ruxi's mind.

To be honest, the system's voice was the same mechanical voice as the usual score announcements, but Zhao Ruxi could still distinguish between the two.

Because conscious systems lack physical form, they can only convey their emotions through speech, so their speech is full of feeling and emotion. Unconscious point-based reporting systems, on the other hand, have a cold, mechanical voice.

At this moment, the system's voice was full of cheerful tone and overflowing smugness, which made Zhao Ruxi overjoyed.

Zhao Ruxi finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Even after her system was upgraded, she still acted carefree and didn't become an emotionless robot.

In an incredibly good mood, she showered the system with sweet words like they were free. "Ah, System, baby, you're finally back. Do you know how much your sister has missed you these past few days?"

"Really? Really? Hahaha, host, you finally realize how good I am, right?" The system made a somersaulting sound in her mind, clearly still very receptive to this.

"You've leveled up now, is there any difference compared to before?" Zhao Ruxi asked eagerly.

"Host, please turn on the light screen," the system said.

Zhao Ruxi quickly turned on the light screen, and was immediately stunned by the dazzling array of things displayed on it.

The screen was originally empty. Only when she wanted something or something entered the system would a lonely icon appear in a corner of the screen.

But now, all the products that the system had previously read to her are now displayed on the light screen, almost filling the entire screen.

Zhao Ruxi looked closely and saw that the items she had previously bought were at the front of the list, and their colors were different from the other items. Most importantly, the prices were completely different from what she had paid.

If Zhao Ruxi had seen Zhao Ruyu's system, she would know that this price is the same as the price of Zhao Ruyu's system.

"Is this the result of your upgrade? There are no more products, but the prices have gone up a lot. Who are you trying to fool?" Zhao Ruxi said with dissatisfaction.