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Chapter 563 The Young Master (8,000)

Champa Prefecture had eight counties under its jurisdiction.

Shanhe County is just one of them.

The area around Jiaozhi was divided into only two provinces: North Jiaozhi and South Jiaozhi.

The capital of northern Jiaozhi province was Hue, while southern Jiaozhi was Luocheng.

The number of counties under each prefecture is also greater than that under Zhengzhou.

In fact, when the imperial court conquered Jiaozhi, it only planned to establish one province.

However, conquering Jiaozhi was a great achievement in expanding territory, and many people made contributions. If only one province was established, there wouldn't be enough official positions to go around.

This is also the reason why many prefectures and counties were established.

Fortunately, Jiaozhi was rich in resources and its population grew rapidly. Moreover, in the newly conquered lands, the situation of large families hiding their members was not yet serious.

Therefore, in terms of population, it is able to support these government offices of all sizes.

Take Lord Xu's Champa office as an example. In the past year alone, there have been more than two hundred banquets and gift-giving occasions for the birth of a new member in his family!

Almost every day...

Everyone was naturally exhausted from dealing with it, so a custom was formed: a unified banquet was held every ten days.

If ten people have a new baby, then all ten people will host a banquet together; if twenty people have a new baby, then all twenty people will host a banquet together.

The monetary gifts received were naturally much less.

Otherwise, even Lord Xu's salary wouldn't be enough to support him, let alone others.

And that's just for those who gave birth to boys; they don't even mention those who gave birth to girls.

Actually, it's similar in Zhengzhou. After evil spirits spread everywhere, the birth rate inexplicably went up.

The victim's men were divided into five groups and seven ranks, each responsible for a county town, while the rest followed the victim into Champa.

Yu Dahua closed her stall today and returned to the inn with her men. Not long after entering, she heard the waiter catching mice downstairs, shouting loudly and indirectly warning them to watch their hands.

These shady gangs are prone to petty theft.

Yu Dahua's men chuckled coldly.

"This time, I won't steal your things, but I'll take your life!"

Yu Dahua asked a woman next to her, "How many people are there?"

This woman studies "algorithms," a sixth-rate profession.

He's so young yet already at the same level as Master Yan.

It wasn't that Master Yan didn't work hard, nor that women were more talented; rather, it was that the methods of the Chan sect were extreme.

High risk and low yield.

But they have a large number of followers, so some will eventually be able to break through.

The woman's name was "Yu Ya". For two days, she secretly counted the number of audience members and eliminated duplicates: "974 people".

"The total population of this county is 43,000."

Yu Dahua frowned: "According to the old master's plan, at least 30% of the believers in the county town need to be buried alive before the entire town can be sacrificed. It's still far from enough..."

The old master gave us a fairly ample time: twenty days.

But at this pace, they won't have enough time.

Moreover, Yu Dahua is ambitious and wants to stand out in front of the old master, so she has to compete for a top-three position in the "Five Classes and Seven Trades".

"Tomorrow..." Yu Dahua made arrangements: "We'll split into two shifts, everyone bring out their best skills, and we must finish within ten days!"

There was no response. The reason why a skill is considered a skill is that it cannot be easily revealed, as using it once will injure the body.

"I won't treat everyone unfairly," Yu Dahua promised. "If it's completed within ten days, each person will receive three taels of silver!"

Everyone then laughed.

Yu Dahua gritted her teeth again: "For every day earlier, add one tael of silver!"

"Good!" the crowd roared.

……

A little imp lurked in the shadows outside the window, overhearing their conversation clearly, before quietly slipping away from the shadows.

Before long, they returned to Hegong Lane, and with a series of ghostly chirps, they truthfully reported everything to the three great ghosts.

The three great demons reported this to the master.

Lin Wanmo was still making preparations in the ancestral hall when Xu Yuan, Uncle Shen, Aunt Wang, and Uncle Mao returned.

So Xu Yuan is the only one in the family now.

Xu Yuan released the "Ten Thousand Souls Cloak," and the entire courtyard was shrouded in yin energy.

Dafu didn't like it and wandered out.

It doesn't dislike yin energy; it dislikes the little ghosts under the "Ten Thousand Souls Cloak," which it can clearly see but cannot eat.

After receiving the report from the three great demons, Xu Yuan thought for a moment and then called out again, "Where is General Bao?"

With a shake of the Soul-Sealing Cloth, Bao Ge fell out and knelt on the ground, saying, "Master."

"Analyze this: what exactly is the purpose of this team coming to Shanhe County?"

Bao Ge knelt on the ground with his head down, secretly glancing sideways at the fierce-looking three-headed ghost beside him.

Without Xu Yuan's prompting, it knew that these three great demons were always ready to devour it and recruit its subordinates.

It had just refined its own corpse, but it could barely stand a foothold in the Ten Thousand Souls Cloak.

They were still no match for the three-headed demon who possessed the Bridge to the Underworld.

Therefore, even a not-so-bright brain starts working at lightning speed.

Xu Yuan was getting impatient. The three-headed demon keenly sensed the master's emotions, roared arrogantly, and cast a shadow over its massive body, which had already enveloped Bao Ge.

Its three heads grinned together, as if saying, "Just give the word, sir, and we'll smash this thing under the bridge, then drag it back and eat it."

Bao Ge shuddered, his mind suddenly becoming exceptionally sharp, and said, "Reporting to the master, it seems the aggrieved party is already preparing to build a temple!"

"Hmm?" Xu Yuan frowned. "Tell me in detail."

Bao Ge then explained his analysis point by point.

Xu Yuan then learned about the saying "five classes and seven lines".

The acrobatic troupe is in Shanhe County, where are the others?

Xu Yuan's expression immediately turned serious.

"This matter...should not be acted upon lightly."

Xu Yuan stayed at home for one night, and then secretly returned to Champa early the next morning.

He summoned his subordinates and invited Master Banlan to explain the situation regarding the possibility of the aggrieved party wanting to build a temple.

The expressions on everyone's faces were rather unpleasant.

Di Youzhi said, "It seems that... the victims are going to be everywhere, and we don't have enough manpower."

There were enough people, of course, but the "Five Classes and Seven Trades" were powerful. Apart from Lord Xu and the old man, no one else present was capable of leading a team to hold down a county against a class or a trade.

This is precisely what's giving Xu Yuan a headache.

Xu Yuan secretly calculated that even if he staked all the power of the Jiaozhi Exorcism Bureau on it... it still wouldn't be enough.

Xu Yuan said, "Everyone, go and prepare first. I will discuss this with the commander."

After everyone dispersed, Xu Yuan rushed to Luocheng without stopping.

When Ma Tianshou saw Xu Yuan, he laughed and said, "You've come at the right time. Quickly come with me to welcome the young master."

He grabbed Xu Yuan's arm and walked out. When they reached the yamen gate, he mounted his horse and headed straight for the canal wharf outside the city.

Xu Yuan was completely confused, and only found an opportunity to ask on the way: "My lord, which young master is it?"

Ma Tianshou looked around, then moved his horse closer to Xu Yuan and whispered, "The young master of the Duke of Cheng's mansion."

The Duke of Cheng's mansion was very famous in the Ming Dynasty, and Xu Yuan certainly knew that it was a descendant of the Prince of Zhongshan.

But Xu Yuan couldn't understand: "Why is he not enjoying his life in Zhengzhou, but instead traveling all the way to Jiaozhi?"

Ma Tianshou said, "Young Master has asked His Majesty for a post: Transport Commissioner of Jiaozhi for the Demon Extermination Army."

Xu Yuan frowned. What kind of job was this? There had never been such an official position before.

As expected of the heir to the Duke of Cheng, His Majesty can create a special official position for him with just a word.

"Why did you, sir, go all the way to the dock to greet the Demon Extermination Army's transport envoy... Never mind that, I have something important to report to you." Xu Yuan told him about the aggrieved party's situation in a low voice.

This is a matter of utmost urgency.

A son of an official came to Jiaozhi and caused trouble—the higher-ups will handle it.

Ma Tianshou also frowned as he listened.

The two men rode their horses without stopping, and had already reached the dock.

After thinking for a while, Ma Tianshou said, "When you get back, first send people to investigate and verify whether the 'Five Classes and Seven Trades' under the victim's command are really active in various counties."

I'm secretly gathering men here.

Once you confirm the situation on your end, I will immediately lead men to support you.

But we mustn't fall for their trick of luring us away from our base, so you absolutely must make sure you understand."

Xu Yuan nodded, impressed by the old man's thoughtful consideration: "I understand."

With the old man's assurance, Xu Yuan felt a little relieved.

At the canal dock, all irrelevant people had been driven away.

The entire dock was open, and officials from all over the country, including those from Jiaozhi and Luocheng, had arrived to welcome the young master.

That person has such a high status!

Ma Tianshou found his place and even brought Xu Yuan with him. He explained to him, "Siam has been largely pacified, and the court is preparing to advance on India."

Siam has experienced several ups and downs in its turmoil, but this time it seems that the situation has truly been resolved.

"The spies of the Mountain and River Bureau have long been sent into India and have sent back news that there are temples and shrines everywhere there and many local gods."

Therefore, the imperial court plans to use the demon-slaying army as the vanguard, followed by the main army.

The demon-slaying army was responsible for eliminating the local deities throughout India, while the main army was responsible for defeating the main force of India.

The old man corrected him again: "To be precise, it should be the main force of Anelia and India."

India has already been conquered by Anelia.

Xu Yuan understood: "So, as the young master, the transport commissioner of the demon-slaying army is in charge of all logistics for the demon-slaying army's expedition to India?"

"Indeed," the old man said. "His Majesty has issued a special decree, ordering all government offices in the northern and southern provinces of Jiaozhi to cooperate with the young master to ensure the smooth progress of the front lines."

Xu Yuan smiled and said, "There are indeed official reasons, but His Majesty issued this decree mainly out of respect for the Duke's Mansion, right?"

"Is that even a question?" The old man glanced around discreetly before saying, "The spies from the Mountain and River Bureau have reported that there is gold everywhere in India! Even the local gods enshrined in any temple are golden statues!"

The canal administration originally intended to use its own canal soldiers as the vanguard.

But somehow the Emperor found out about it.

His Majesty is also short of money—it is said that Bian Lü made a special trip to the capital, kowtowed before His Majesty, and guaranteed with his own head that he would bring back at least two million taels of gold for His Majesty!
He had already been disliked by His Majesty, but this time he risked his life to snatch the job! His Majesty's impression of him has improved somewhat.

But His Majesty is worried. Such enormous profits can't be controlled by Bian Lü alone. Not to mention anything else, just the journey from India back to the Northern Capital alone will likely involve officials along the way who will try to embezzle funds…”

Xu Yuan: "So you specifically sent the young master to oversee things?"

The old man nodded: "Lord Ji Chuan wrote to me specifically to inform me of all this." He then said to Xu Yuan: "Lord Ji also specifically mentioned you. Your trip to Beidu is of great importance, so his attitude towards you has been a bit cold. Lord Ji asks you to understand."

Xu Yuan nodded: "Of course I understand. Lord Ji even asked you to explain on my behalf. I am truly flattered."

"In addition, Lord Ji also specifically mentioned another matter: the young master is the cousin of the Prince of Xing, and now the court is speculating whether His Majesty secretly favors the Prince of Xing."

However, Prince Xing was always low-key, and he declined all visits from court officials who went to his residence to pay their respects.

Xu Yuan asked, "What does this have to do with me?"

"Yes, Xingwang Mansion is the backer of Fengdeng Company, one of the four major grain merchants in Zhengzhou."

"Uh..." Xu Yuan touched his chin. This was not good. His business with His Highness had touched the interests of the Xingwang Mansion.

Ma Tianshou nodded: "Anyway, be careful."

Xu Yuan nodded naturally.

Just then, someone shouted "They're here!" and the officials who had been waiting on the dock for a while, who were getting a little bored, immediately perked up.

Xu Yuan also looked up and saw a naval warship cutting through the waves at great speed on the canal.

A large flag fluttered in the wind at the bow of the ship, bearing the huge character "Xu".

After the warships docked, the officials, led by the Provincial Governor of Southern Jiaozhi, immediately rushed forward.

Young Master Xu Yunliang, dressed in the uniform of a demon-slaying officer, descended from the ship with great pomp and circumstance, surrounded by his subordinates and attendants.

He has a handsome appearance, and it's hard to say what he's like in private, but on the surface, he handles the situation with composure and without any flaws.

Throughout the officialdom of southern Jiaozhi, everyone praised the young master, saying, "He has the bearing of a dragon and the demeanor of a phoenix."

Xu Yuan, who was standing beside Ma Tianshou, was actually quite impatient with dealing with this situation, and his mind was still on the matter of the aggrieved party.

But the old man wouldn't let him leave.

The old man even introduced Xu Yuan to the young master. The young master had clear eyes and seemed to have no prejudice against Xu Yuan. He held Xu Yuan's hand and said with a smile, "I remember Lord Xu. People in Beidu say that Lord Xu is a master at handling cases and has a strong sense of pride."

Xu Yuan repeatedly said he dared not.

"Lord Xu must attend the welcoming banquet tonight. I would very much like to have a drink with you," the young master warmly invited.

Xu Yuan was about to refuse when Ma Tianshou tugged at him from behind, so he could only smile and say, "I dare not disobey."

The young master laughed heartily, patted Xu Yuan's arm, and then went to deal with the others.

But for someone of Xu Yuan's caliber to receive encouragement from the young master and be specially invited by him was already something that others envied.

After being greeted at the dock, Ma Tianshou and his group had nothing more to do but attend the grand welcoming banquet that evening.

Xu Yuan then said to the old man, "Why don't you tell the young master tonight that I have official business to attend to..."

The old man glared at him, silencing his next words.

“You rascal,” Ma Tianshou said earnestly, “do you really want to spend your whole life holed up in this godforsaken place called Nanjiaozhi?”

"There's nothing wrong with this place..." Xu Yuan whispered.

The old man was furious: "You want Princess Ruicheng to marry into Jiaozhi?"

Xu Yuan then fell silent.

“The young master will inherit the title sooner or later. It will be good for you to get along with him. Don’t always be stubborn. You also said that it will take at least half a month for the aggrieved party to make arrangements. There is still time.” “Yes.” Xu Yuan had no choice but to agree.

……

The welcome dinner that evening looked very formal.

The banquet was held at the "Jixianlou" in the city. When Xu Yuan and the old man arrived, the streets outside the building were already so congested that carriages could not move.

Ma Tianshou then lectured Xu Yuan: "Look at these people, they are all from some of the most prominent families in Luo City, and also the wealthiest group of merchants."

These people would spend tens of thousands of taels of silver just to get an invitation to enter the building tonight and meet the young master!

"And you, with the young master personally inviting you, don't you want to go? Humph!"

Xu Yuan remained silent; at this point, he should just listen to whatever the elder said.

Jixianlou has five floors, and it's completely full today.

The young master, the provincial governor, the provincial judge, Ma Tianshou, and other officials sat with the young master on the top floor.

There's only this one table on this floor.

Xu Yuan's location was not bad; he was on the fourth floor. Xu Yuan had thought that he would be on the third floor at most.

When the master of ceremonies led Xu Yuan to his seat, he specifically said, "Lord Xu's seat was specially arranged by the young master."

Naturally, this drew envious glances from those around them.

Since he was already there, Xu Yuan simply sat down and ate and drank as he pleased.

When the time was almost up, the officials from the lower floors took turns going upstairs to toast the young master and the other officials.

Xu Yuan followed the crowd and went up. The young master said a few more words to him, and finally patted Xu Yuan on the shoulder and said, "The spoils of this expedition will all be transported from India to the Northern Capital. The location of Champa is very important, so I would like to ask Lord Xu to lend me a hand."

Xu Yuan: "This is my duty."

The young master then smiled and said, "Alright, we'll discuss this matter in detail later."

Xu Yuan came downstairs and frowned slightly. Did the young master mean he wanted to "discuss" things with him specifically?
Is it really just about discussing shipping?
But Xu Yuan didn't have time to think it over, as the surrounding officials had already raised their glasses to toast him.

From the dock to this welcoming banquet, everyone noticed that Xu Yuan had won the favor of the young master, and thus they all wanted to befriend him.

Before tonight, which of the officials sitting on this fourth floor would care about his lowly position as a law enforcement officer?

Xu Yuan rose to prominence in the Purification Department, but the Purification Department had little connection with these officials.

Although these officials had ulterior motives, Xu Yuan responded politely and never refused to give them face.

But no one actually tried to get Xu Yuan drunk; these seasoned officials were all incredibly shrewd.

Everyone knows that Xu Yuan is a pill refiner—a pill refiner can secretly use the fire in his abdomen to refine the wine he has drunk.

There was a consensus among the officials of Huangming: they would never compete with martial arts practitioners or alchemists in drinking.

Finally, the situation was dealt with and the banquet ended. Xu Yuan stayed at the Jiaozhi Southern Office for one night. The next morning, the anxious Lord Xu did not even say goodbye to Ma Tianshou before immediately leaving the city to rush back to Champa.

Then he sent all his men out.

Fu Jingyu, Di Youzhi, Lang Xiaoba and other trusted subordinates were each in charge of a county.

Xu Yuan himself, while in Champa, meticulously searched for the whereabouts of the victim.

Xu Yuan suspected that the victim had already entered the city.

However, everything in Champa was peaceful, and nothing unusual happened.

Xu Yuan was still not at ease, so he personally reviewed all the cases from the past few days. They were all ordinary strange cases, with no conspiracy or setup behind them.

In the afternoon, Xu Yuan went to Baiyue Pavilion and said to Baihu, "Send a message to those people in Zhuojian. If the evil spirits make any unusual moves recently, they must report it to me immediately. If they know about it but fail to report it, I will definitely storm into Zhuojian and punish them severely!"

That night, Xu Yuan still felt uneasy lying in bed, so he simply got dressed and went out, grabbed Dafu, and the two of them, man and goose, patrolled the city.

Dafu looked listless.

It would occasionally let out a "caw caw" to express its dissatisfaction with the rice.

Although... I myself often stay up late and go out for a late-night snack, I just want to complain a bit about the food.

Within Champa, the evil spirits active at night have decreased significantly.

Lord Xu's governance has been indispensable.

These little evil spirits didn't make any unusual moves.

Xu Yuan didn't return until dawn.

Xu Yuan took a short nap and then got up, worried that his subordinates might not dare to wake him if something really happened.

I ate breakfast with Banlan Gong and Xiaoxian Niang.

Banlan Gong has a huge appetite, and recently he has been living in Champa, where he is living a surprisingly comfortable life.

The most important reason was, of course, that they had found a successor they were extremely satisfied with.

In addition, the exceptionally delicious food served at the Champa headquarters was another reason.

The resentment that Banlan Gong had felt when he was summoned from the far north to Champa had long since dissipated.

While eating, Banlan Gong said to Xu Yuan, "Your cook is a talent. Since he practices the 'Ghost Banquet Technique,' from now on, have him add a strange dish to my disciple's meal every day."

Xu Yuan replied, "No problem at all."

Given Xu Yuan's skill level, Liu Hu's "tricky cooking" was naturally ineffective.

But it is of great benefit to Xiaoxianniang.

But Xu Yuan's mind changed; why not use free labor?

“Senior, Liu Hu can make strange dishes, but this ingredient…”

Banlan Gong rolled his eyes: "Alright, I'll prepare it."

Xu Yuan then said with a grin, "There are many good materials in Xiaoyu Mountain outside the city. Senior, you might as well take a look around."

With a second-rate helper sweeping away Xiaoyu Mountain, things will be much more peaceful inside and outside the city.

"Hmph!" Banlan Gong snorted in dissatisfaction.

The little shrew immediately got up and served her master another bowl of porridge.

Banlan Gong smiled kindly and said, "My disciple is the best."

Xu Yuan wiped his mouth after finishing his meal when Old Qin rushed in, his face full of excitement: "M-Sir, a group of people have arrived outside, wearing the official uniforms of the Demon Extermination Army, claiming to be the young master of the Duke of Cheng's mansion!"

Xu Yuan immediately frowned.

Banlan Gong, lacking any seniority, crossed his arms and gloated, "Xu Yunliang? How did you offend this little devil?"

Xu Yuan did not answer, but got up and went out to greet him.

Regardless of Xu Yunliang's motives, at least when he was in Luocheng, the young master treated him with great respect and deference.

Even if they eventually fall out, he can't be lacking in manners before that happens.

Lacking manners is giving others a handle to use against you.

Banlan Gong followed along with his unhurried, pigeon-toed gait, saying, "This is quite a lively event, I can't miss it."

As he walked, he kept saying, "The Duke of Cheng is the most prestigious nobleman in our Ming Dynasty. He has shared weal and woe with the dynasty for hundreds of years, and his favor has never ceased throughout the ages!"

The young master was notorious for his arrogance in Beidu, and we older folks would avoid him whenever we encountered him.

When he arrived in Jiaozhi, he was invincible!
You're quite the stubborn one, aren't you? I'd really like to see how the young master deals with you when you two clash, hehehe..."

Little Thread Girl's face tightened from his fright, and she became deeply worried about her brother. So she stretched out her hands and grabbed the old man's sleeves, her face full of pleading.

Banlan Gong sighed and stamped his foot, "Why did I do this to myself..."

"Master~" Little Thread Girl pleaded pitifully.

"But...but..." Banlan Gong couldn't bear to see his obedient disciple looking like this, but he also felt guilty. He leaned down and whispered in his disciple's ear, "I'm afraid your master isn't up to the task. When that young master comes out, he at least has a second-rate protector by his side. You don't know the power of the Xu family..."

Banlan Gong originally wanted to say that if all else failed, he would find a sworn brother for him once they arrived in Beidu, but when he saw Xiaoxianniang's tears welling up in her eyes, he changed his words to: "Never mind, I will do my best."

"Well, thank you, Master."

Xu Yuan greeted him at the main gate, where he saw the dashing and handsome young master standing at the bottom of the steps.

He was playing with a broken ivory fan in his hand, looking relaxed and at ease as he surveyed the Champa government office.

Surrounded by more than twenty attendants, he appeared relaxed on the outside but was actually very vigilant, ensuring his safety.

"Greetings, Young Master." Xu Yuan clasped his hands in greeting.

But then, Xu Yuan sensed something and suddenly turned his head, glaring fiercely at a middle-aged man next to Xu Yunliang like a tiger pouncing on its prey.

The middle-aged man, dressed in a royal blue robe, was squinting as he sized up Xu Yuan.

Suddenly glared at like that, his body trembled, then shook uncontrollably, sweating profusely, and he weakly collapsed backward!

"Mr. Tian!"

The others quickly reached out to help the middle-aged man up, and then glared at Xu Yuan.

Xu Yuan's face also turned cold, and he sighed inwardly. The moment of turning against him came sooner than he had expected.

But when trouble comes knocking, how could Lord Xu be afraid of it?

Xu Yuan lowered his hand and said calmly, "Why did you send someone to secretly watch my fate, young master?"

The young master's attendants were injured, but instead of being angry, he was delighted. He snapped his folding fan shut and used it as a stick to bang on the heads of the attendants who were glaring at Xu Yuan: "What are you glaring at? What are you glaring at?"

Those men were all beaten and hung their heads in humiliation.

Xu Yuan was somewhat confused, and Banlan Gong, who followed behind, was also surprised.

As expected, young Master Xu was still as humble and dignified as ever, but why wasn't this young master as arrogant and domineering as before?

Xu Yunliang stood at the bottom of the steps, holding a folding fan in his hand, and bowed slightly to Xu Yuan: "Hehe, let's go inside and talk."

Then, regardless of whether Xu Yuanhuan welcomed him or not, he just walked into the yamen in a very casual manner.

The attendants quickly followed.

Finally, two people remained, helped Mr. Tian in, and they came in as well.

Xu Yuan was about to lead the young master to the front hall of the yamen, but the young master waved his fan and said, "Let's go to your place. I want to have some private words with you."

"Uh..." Xu Yuan said with difficulty, "Isn't it inconvenient?"

"What's inconvenient about it?" The young master pulled him along, "Let's go, let's go."

Xu Yuan was helpless, vaguely feeling that things were not quite as he had imagined.

Upon reaching the backyard, the young master swept his arm across, blocking the officers from the yamen from entering: "All of you, leave. I have important matters to discuss with Lord Xu."

His entourage immediately guarded the courtyard gate.

Unexpectedly, the little thread-maker nimbly slipped through and followed her into the courtyard.

Little Thread Maiden came in, and Banlan Gong had no choice but to grit his teeth and follow her in.

"Eh?" The young master was immediately displeased.

A woman around forty years old stepped forward from behind the young master, her eyes as deep as a still lake, and stared at the young master.

Both of their expressions became serious.

Xu Yuan quickly introduced: "This is my sworn sister, Xian Niang, and this old gentleman is her teacher, Ban Lan Gong."

The young master thought for a moment: "That Banlan Gong under Eunuch Wang?"

"Exactly."

The young master then said, "Alright then, your sister's master is one of us."

He waved his hand, and the woman left.

Banlan Gong secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

Then I felt my face getting hot.

I'm just a second-rate expert, yet people still give me some face wherever I go.

Today, however, she is only able to stay because she holds the title of "Master of the Thread Girl".

If they weren't one of our own, they were kicked out.

Unfortunately, he couldn't do it. Even disregarding the young master's status, the person beside him was more powerful than him.

Just now, the two of them were locked in a fierce battle of wits, but the other person withdrew as soon as he said he would. The difference in strength is revealed in the details, and it was I who was at a disadvantage.

This spectacle is anything but enjoyable.

I will never join in the fun again.

The young master, quite familiar with the situation, sat down and pointed at the still somewhat listless Mr. Tian, ​​saying, "I asked Mr. Tian to take a look at you. This is your first test, and you've passed."

Mr. Tian is also a cultivator of destiny, at the same level as Xu Yuan.

But Xu Yuan's fierce glare just now was the direct release of the life technique condensed by "Ruling the World"!
Mr. Tian had not yet discerned Xu Yuan's key destiny points and was puzzled when he was suddenly struck by this kind of destiny technique, and was immediately suppressed and injured!

Looking at Xu Yuan now, his eyes were filled with fear and envy. He murmured, "Good luck, good luck..."

But when the young master mentioned "assessment," Xu Yuan's face turned cold.

"Don't be so defiant," the young master sneered. "If you want to marry my sister, you won't get past me. No way!"

"Your sister?" Xu Yuan suddenly realized, "Your Highness Ruicheng?"

"Yes!" The young master nodded: "In the entire Northern Capital, I don't recognize anyone else, only my sister!"

Xu Yuan asked in confusion, "Then the Fengdeng..."

"They're nothing," the young master said nonchalantly. "If they serve well, they'll earn money; if they don't, I can dismiss them with a single word!"

There are plenty of people in this world who want to make money for me!

He suddenly glanced at Xu Yuan, then laughed heartily: "You don't actually think that my courteous treatment of you is a sign of ulterior motives, that I'm trying to stand up for the Fengdeng, do you?"

"Uh...I'm ashamed!" Xu Yuan said, feeling embarrassed.

The young master said nonchalantly, "You overestimate me. I don't have that kind of cunning."

He added, "However, my sister gave 20% of the grain you transported back from here to the Fengdeng ship at a lower price than the grain the Fengdeng ship would have collected itself. This allowed me to earn more. Hehe, my sister is so good to me."

"I see," Xu Yuan thought to himself.

However, the young master wasn't there to cause trouble. Xu Yuan thought about it and realized it was normal. After all, he had two astrological signs that greatly increased his fortune: "Benefiting from Misfortune and Turning to Good Fortune" and "Life Lake Fire Tide." His luck wouldn't be that bad; it would be difficult for any powerful or influential person to cause him trouble.

The young master pointed to the crowd around him: "The lowest level is fifth-rate, the highest level is second-rate, there are twenty-four people in total. I'm here to support you!"

Ma Tianshou told me you were being targeted by the Repentance Cult—Pah! What is the Repentance Cult? A bunch of rats that can't stand the light of day, daring to bully the person my sister has her eye on?
"Tell me how to kill those bastards from the Repentance Cult, they'll all listen to you!"

He added a special note: "But you have to be polite to my Aunt Jiang, since I have to call her 'Auntie'."

Xu Yuan was overjoyed: "The problem now is that we are in the open, while the Chan Sect is in the dark. Everyone else is easy to find, but the aggrieved party is hidden..."

The young master, too lazy to listen to his rambling, pointed to an old man beside him and said, "Old Master Luo, your third-rate algorithm skills are terrible—why bother looking for clues when you can calculate everything accurately!"

(End of this chapter)