A thousand enlightenments in one night, starting from being a menial apprentice.

Chapter 381 Assets
Duan Rong jumped off his horse at the gate of the county government office. The clerk immediately came over, took the reins, and led the horse to the side.

As soon as Duan Rong entered the county government office, a man came to greet him and immediately bowed, saying, "Your Excellency, the Imperial Envoy!"

Duan Rong was slightly stunned. He didn't expect that Guo Xiangbao would be at the gate to greet him. He immediately clasped his fists in return and said, "Master Guo!"

Guo Xiangbao smiled and said, "I should have come to visit you. However, I have some documents to sign, so I had to bother you and go to the county government office."

Duan Rong's heart moved slightly. He was wondering what Guo Xiangbao meant by the document he needed to sign, but it was obviously inappropriate to ask directly here, so Duan Rong just replied lightly. "Mr. Guo, you're welcome!"

The two of them walked slowly into the flower hall in the backyard.

A servant brought two cups of fragrant tea.

Duan Rong took only a small sip, then put down his teacup and waited for Guo Xiangbao to speak. He knew Guo Xiangbao would not have called him here for no reason.

Guo Xiangbao said, "Your Excellency, I know that you are a wise man from ancient times and you have a deep understanding of the local customs and practices. I have something I would like to ask you."

Duan Rong said, "I am not worthy of your advice. Lord Guo, please speak."

Guo Xiangbao asked, "How do you think the assets of the major commercial banks should be handled?"

Duan Rong smiled, picked up the teacup, took a sip, and said, "This matter is the government's business. Lord Guo can handle it on his own. I don't have any suggestions for reference."

Guo Xiangbao's words were originally meant to test Duan Rong's attitude and to do him a favor.

Guo Xiangbao said, "I plan to return the assets of the major businesses seized from the Filthy Blood Cult to their original owners. This will benefit the stability of Xiangu County and allow all businesses and markets to recover as quickly as possible."

"Sir, such a broad mind, the people of Xian Gu are blessed!" Duan Rong said indifferently. He really didn't understand. Did Guo Xiangbao call him over here just to talk nonsense with him?
At this moment, Guo Xiangbao paused and said, "It's just that... the assets of the Yuanshun Escort Agency... Ruan Fengshan himself is a member of the Filthy Blood Cult, and has been exterminated..."

Duan Rong's eyebrows twitched, and he immediately realized what Guo Xiangbao meant. He turned his head and looked at him deeply.

Guo Xiangbao said: "The original chief instructor of Yuanshun Escort Agency, Mr. Xiao, was loyal and righteous, and he was also a sworn brother of the old owner of the escort agency. It can be said that he spent his entire life for the escort agency."

"Besides, I heard..." Guo Xiangbao said, looking at Duan Rong, and said, "The Imperial Envoy and Mr. Xiao's daughter are going to get married. What I mean is that one of you is Mr. Xiao's favorite disciple, and the other is his only daughter. It is legitimate for this escort agency to be handed over to Mr. Xiao's descendants."

Although Duan Rong had already guessed what Guo Xiangbao meant, he was still slightly shaken when he heard him say it.

As for the fact that he and Xiao Yu were going to get married, Guo Xiangbao knew about it, and he didn't find it strange at all. The matchmaker had come to his house to read the horoscope, and these old ladies were always not careful about what they said.

Duan Rong asked, "Master Guo, are you going to give the escort agency to me?"

Guo Xiangbao said, "Your Excellency, Imperial Envoy! How can this be called a gift? This escort agency originally belonged to you, Your Excellency. I am simply returning the property to its original owner. The assets of all other major trading companies must be returned, and the escort agency is no exception."

Duan Rong smiled silently in his heart, what does it mean to be able to give gifts?

Giving gifts in a way that is gentle and effortless, without leaving any trace, is what we call a gift-giving skill.

Guo Xiangbao was clearly a gift-giver. The way he looked at you, the sincerity in his words, made it seem as if the escort agency truly belonged to Duan Rong.

However, Duan Rong originally planned to find a house. If Yuanshun Escort Agency gave it to him, not only would he and Xiao Yu have a house to marry in, but he would also have an industry and power in Xiangu County.

The remoteness of this place is both a disadvantage and an advantage.

Duan Rong sat there without comment and took two sips of tea.

As soon as Guo Xiangbao saw Duan Rong's expression, he knew that he agreed.

He immediately took out a few rolls of documents from under the paperweight on the table next to him and said, "Sir, this is the property deed and business registration of Yuanshun Escort Agency. Please sign and hand it over. I will register it for the record. This Yuanshun Escort Agency will be transferred to your name!"

Duan Rong glanced at the documents and finally understood what Guo Xiangbao meant when he said there were documents to be signed at the gate of the county government office.

Duan Rong picked up several volumes of documents, read them through, confirmed that they were correct, and then signed and fingerprinted them one by one.

Two documents were left by Guo Xiangbao, and the remaining three documents were given to Duan Rong, all of which had the seal of the county office.

After completing the formalities, Guo Xiangbao personally escorted Duan Rong out of the county government office, remaining extremely courteous along the way.

At the gate of the county government office, Duan Rong clasped his fists and said, "Sir Guo, you will surely rise to a high position in the officialdom in the future."

Duan Rong's words were not entirely polite.

Guo Xiangbao smiled and said, "I would like to borrow your auspicious words!"

After the two said goodbye at the door, Duan Rong left the county government office.

Guo Xiangbao stood at the door and watched Duan Rong walk away. Then he put his hands behind his back and walked inside with a proud look on his face.

Duan Rong played a great role in the first case of dirty blood, and it was almost certain that he would be promoted to an inner disciple. Such a person could not be flattered by chance. Guo Xiangbao thought about this matter several times, making sure it was watertight and without leaving any trace. He was very satisfied with today's result.

Although Duan Rong only praised him lightly at the end, with this friendship, he could talk to him if anything really happened in the future.

Duan Rong was thinking about this all the way. He knew that Guo Xiangbao was trying to curry favor with him. He really didn't want to accept ordinary gifts. But since the gift touched his heart, he accepted it. "This Guo Xiangbao is really good at Taoism!"

Duan Rong returned to Ximen Mansion and told Xiao Yu about this.

Xiao Yu was naturally very happy, as she had grown up in the escort agency. She had been thinking for the past few days that after this great change, Yuanshun Escort Agency might just disappear.

Her father had devoted his entire life to the escort agency, and she herself had once been an escort master there. She really couldn't bear to see Yuanshun Escort Agency end up like this.

Now that the escort agency was in Duan Rong's hands, it was a good arrangement. She believed that Duan Rong would have his own way to make the escort agency develop again. Even better than before!
That afternoon, Duan Rong, Xiao Yu, and Zhu Xiaoqi left Ximen Mansion and returned to Yuanshun Escort Agency.

Duan Rong locked the gate of Ximen Mansion again with a big lock, kept the key, and planned to return it to Ximen Kankan when he had the chance.

When Duan Rong and his companions entered the Yuanshun Escort Agency, only a few people were practicing in the martial arts arena. Seeing Duan Rong and his companions enter, the few people wearing escort uniforms were slightly stunned.

The backyard of Yuanshun Escort Agency has been sealed off and stamped with government seals.

Duan Rong walked straight over and tore off the seal on the backyard door.

The backyard of Yuanshun Escort Agency had neatly arranged houses with all kinds of furniture and things. They simply cleaned up, replaced the bedding and teacups, and then moved in.

The news that Duan Rong and his companions had returned to the escort agency spread among the escort masters and porters within the agency that very day.

In the past few days, people in the escort agency have been in a state of panic.

Especially after Ruan Fengshan's family was exterminated, the people in the escort agency were afraid of being implicated and wanted to leave the escort agency and seek other opportunities. But at this time, all the major business houses were still ownerless, and even if they wanted to move to another place, no one would take them in. So they could only waste time in the escort agency, waiting and trying to find out the news.

Later, it was rumored that Duan Rong had returned to take over the escort agency. Upon hearing this news, the escorts and porters, not knowing whether it was true or not, were thrilled.

If Duan Rong really took over the escort agency, then they would not leave. After all, many people have been escorts for half their lives. Who can be sure of their future prospects if they change jobs?

If Yuanshun Escort Agency could be stabilized, they would still be willing to work in the agency. Duan Rong seemed to have seen through the minds of the escort masters. That night, in the Juyi Hall in the backyard of the escort agency, he called the escort leader Ye Feng of the first escort team, the escort leader Wang Zhuoyong of the fourth escort team, the escort leader Zhao Meng of the sixth escort team, and the chief accountant Xu Fuxian of the escort agency.

Yuanshun Escort Agency originally had six escort teams, but half of them have died out in the past few years, leaving only three escort team leaders.

The four people sitting below all had solemn expressions, not knowing what would happen next.

Duan Rong sat on the tall, wide chair that Ruan Fengshan used to sit on.

Duan Rong said, "I haven't called you here for any other reason. The escort agency's business still depends on you. This escort agency is the hard work of the older generation, and we can't let it fall into our hands. What do you think?"

After hearing Duan Rong's words, they all looked delighted as if they had taken a reassurance pill.

Then they exchanged some pleasantries and began to discuss the specific business distribution.

About an hour later, the four of them stood up, bowed to Duan Rong, and left the gathering hall.

Xu Fuxian, Wang Zhuoyong and others had just walked out of the backyard when they suddenly discovered that in the dark night, there were quite a few people gathered near the backyard entrance.

When the escorts and porters saw them taking action, they all started asking questions with expectant eyes.

"Mr. Xu, Mr. Wang, Mr. Zhao, what's going on? What did you discuss?"

"Show some information to the brothers."

Wang Zhuoyong looked at everyone with a look of expectation and worry, and said, "Everything is normal at the escort agency. From now on, Lord Duan will be our boss!"

There was a sudden cheer from the crowd!

With Duan Rong in charge, the escort agency is stable. They don't have to find another way to make a living!

In the gathering hall, Duan Rong watched the four people leave and rubbed his temples tiredly.

At this moment, a faint fragrance rushed into his nose. Duan Rong raised his eyes and saw Zhu Xiaoqi holding a tray not far away. On the tray was a bowl of white fungus and lotus seed soup.

"Are you tired?" Xiao Yu stood behind Zhu Xiaoqi, looked at Duan Rong with concern and asked.

Xiao Yu was also very concerned about the affairs of the escort agency, so when they were discussing the matter just now, Xiao Yu listened for a while behind the big screen.

Duan Rong had just made many suggestions for running the escort agency. Xiao Yu, who was listening from behind, found them both novel and admirable.

Xiao Yu was originally a bodyguard, but she was about to get married, so she would not be able to show up to handle the affairs of the escort agency in the future. Moreover, she and Duan Rong were both outer disciples of the sect, and after the three-month family leave, they would have to tour the world for the sect, so it was impossible for them to focus on the operation of the escort agency.

As Xiao Yu spoke, he had already picked up the bowl of Tremella and lotus seed soup from the tray and handed it to Duan Rong personally.

Duan Rong looked at the tempting-looking soup, but his face was stunned.

He really wanted to ask, who did this? Was it Zhu Xiaoqi or Xiao Yu?
During this period of time, he has tasted Xiao Yu's cooking more than once, and it's really hard to describe!
However, looking at Xiao Yu's gentle and sincere eyes, Duan Rong really couldn't ask.

He took the bowl of Tremella and lotus seed soup, scooped a spoonful and put it into his mouth.

Duan Rong's mouth twitched, he swallowed and smiled awkwardly at Xiao Yu.

Xiao Yu looked a little nervous and asked, "Why? Is it not tasty?"

"No, it's delicious." Duan Rong said.

Xiao Yu smiled and said, "Then you should eat more. Tremella is good for your health!"

Duan Rong just sat there holding the bowl.

I want to eat more, but you made it so sweet, how can I eat it? Rock sugar is free, right?

Zhu Xiaoqi stood behind Xiao Yu, covering his mouth, and looked at Duan Rong with a smile.

Duan Rong looked at Xiao Yu expectantly and suddenly asked, "Is this just one bowl of soup?"

Xiao Yu looked at Duan Rong with bright eyes and said, "Yes! I stewed it specially for you in a small porcelain pot. It contains the best white fungus and fresh lotus seeds."

Duan Rong's eyes dimmed instantly.

Zhu Xiaoqi was laughing even harder behind Xiao Yu. If she hadn't held it back, she would have laughed out loud.

Duan Rong had no choice but to scoop another spoonful and swallow it reluctantly.

Duan Rong felt that the sweetness was really annoying, so he said, "Xiao Qi, do you have any tea? Bring me a cup."

Zhu Xiaoqi finally couldn't hold it back any longer, and burst out laughing, saying, "Yes, I'll get it."

Zhu Xiaoqi brought a cup of tea. Duan Rong rinsed his mouth with the tea before he mustered up the courage to continue eating.

With the help of two cups of tea, Duan Rong finally finished the bowl of sweet soup.

Xiao Yu looked at the clean porcelain bowl and felt very satisfied. He put away the bowl, knelt down and bowed before leaving with Zhu Xiaoqi.

After turning around the screen, Xiao Yu looked at Zhu Xiaoqi and said, "I think he likes it very much. Xiaoqi, soak some white fungus tonight, and I will stew another bowl for him tomorrow."

Duan Rong was sitting there, and when he heard these words coming from behind the screen, he almost vomited blood.

No, I have to confront Xiao Yu tomorrow about this. She can't cook anymore. This is going to cost someone their life!
The next evening, Duan Rong walked out of the backyard of the escort agency. As soon as he reached the martial arts arena, several escorts who were practicing martial arts there stood up straight when they saw Duan Rong and shouted, "Boss!"

Duan Rong was slightly stunned, then walked over with a smile.

But as he passed through the martial arts arena, he was called over by the shopkeeper one after another along the way.

He could see that those people were genuinely happy for him, but even when they called him along, he still kept picking his toes in embarrassment!
Duan Rong finally left the escort agency and wiped the cold sweat from his forehead. It seems that he can no longer leave this martial arts arena. There is a side door in the backyard, so he will go in and out from there.

After Duan Rong left the escort agency, he walked along West Street and went straight to the teahouse.

He found an empty seat by the window on the second floor of the teahouse and sat down. He simply ordered two plates of dried fruits and a pot of tea.

Duan Rong was sipping tea and looking out the window. He was waiting for someone.

This morning, he asked the servant from the escort agency to go to the yamen and help him make an appointment with Yang Zhen.

He had something he wanted to discuss with Yang Zhen.

(End of this chapter)