As an official, what's wrong with raising a few monsters?

Chapter 216 If you try to use your femininity, I'm going to fall for it.
In any case, the matter has been resolved.

This marquis truly lives up to his reputation; he is an unpredictable man.

Facing him, Xu Hui vaguely felt as if he were facing his own leader.

He let out a soft sigh, picked up his teacup, and began exchanging a few pleasantries with the other party. Subtly, he was also trying to gauge the situation of this new dynasty.

Mingchen seemed to have thought of something, and asked Xu Hui meaningfully, "I wonder if Lord Xu is confident about this peace negotiation?"

"what?"

Xu Hui didn't quite understand what Mingchen meant by that.

Why is this Marquis bringing up peace talks again?

Based on his position, this shouldn't be a question he should be asking, right?

Xu Hui really couldn't guess what the young man was thinking: "Um... I'm somewhat confident."

He came with sincerity, and it seems that the virtuous empress, whose reputation is widespread, is also a reasonable person.

Mingchen shook his head at him: "I'm afraid it's not as simple as Lord Xu imagines."

"what?"

"Lord Xu, you may not know this, but our Emperor is not so easy to talk to."

He sighed and said to the other party, "The traitor Dong Zhuo ceded three prefectures to you, which is equivalent to ceding the foundation of our Emperor's ancestors to you. Her attitude towards you... may not be very friendly."

Xiao Xinyue: ?

"what?"

"This……"

He came with sincerity, and the two sides established diplomatic relations on an equal footing. Although the leader of the alliance was thousands of miles away and the king did not meet him, he was certain that the alliance would be a sure thing.

Hearing Mingchen say this, he became anxious and felt somewhat at a loss.

Mingchen, with his status and position, should have some sense of dignity. There's no reason for him to fabricate this lie to deceive him, right?

The envoy's purpose in going out was naturally to complete the leader's mission. If he failed to complete the mission, he might be in trouble when he returned.

If you can't do something that the leader is absolutely certain of succeeding, doesn't that just show your incompetence?

If the alliance leader suspects that he is arrogant and has angered Qian Yuan with his poor attitude, then he will have no way to explain himself.

Seeing the changing emotions on Xu Hui's face, Ming Chen didn't give him any more time to think and continued, "Lord Xu, I am not very talented, but I am considered to have some prestige in this new dynasty. Perhaps His Majesty will listen to a few of my words."

Mingchen stroked the rim of his teacup, coaxing Xu Hui as he said, "How about this... how about I put in a good word for you and help us secure this alliance?"

Is he, the youngest marquis, just a figurehead?

Xu Hui came to him not to bribe him or ask him to speak on his behalf!
What's there to say about a private invitation? He would have gone to Jinglan anyway, even without being invited!

This person is so clueless!

He was somewhat disappointed!

What's the point of sending such a flimsy gift box? How will he save face if word gets out?

The islanders are somewhat lacking in social skills and social etiquette.

If there are no conditions, then we must create them!
His original intention in becoming an official was to take a small bribe; one should not forget one's original aspirations!

If this continues, everyone will think he's a virtuous minister. Today, Mingchen has to find something out of this man.

Corrupt officials are not after gold and silver, but rather a kind of knowledge, an artistic pursuit, and even a way of life!

When he first asked for a bribe, he was as awkward as a greenhorn.

"what?"

Xu Hui was overjoyed upon hearing this, and his voice rose slightly: "Really?! Then I'll have to trouble you..."

But before he could finish speaking, he paused again when he met Mingchen's face, as if he had thought of something.

Mingchen simply smiled and nodded, looking at Xu Hui with a teachable expression: "Hmm."

He wouldn't say anything more, nor could he say anything more.

Xu Hui needs to figure it out and understand it for himself.

The alliance's organizational structure and official titles differed greatly from those of Qian Yuan, but it was essentially a bureaucratic system. Xu Hui was also a member of the officialdom, and he too had to read people's expressions and engage in power struggles.

With just a sip, you can taste the flavor.

Being an official is where the exchange of benefits is most important. If I help you, what should you do?
He looked at the smiling person in front of him and was speechless for a moment. So, after going through all this trouble, this was what he was waiting for!
Wasn't this Marquis Jing'an supposed to be an unparalleled legend? Wasn't he a pillar of the new dynasty?

How could he be so vulgar and mercenary, betraying his leader and country for personal gain?

You are a marquis, second only to the emperor, do you lack this little thing?
What on earth is this man thinking?
Indescribable, elusive.

Xu Hui felt like his brain had been turned into a complete mess by this person.

He never wanted to be with Mingchen again in his life.

He simply responded, "Um...then I humbly request that Your Excellency put in a good word for me."

"I will send someone to deliver the gifts to the Marquis as soon as I return."

"If things go well, there will be an even more generous gift!"

Huh~
That's more like it!

Mingchen waved his hand, and said with a righteous expression, "Oh, what are you saying? What gift is this!"

"The alliance between Jinglan and my Qian Yuan is an inevitable trend, and it's good for both of our countries! Lord Xu, rest assured, I cannot stand by and watch His Majesty suffer a greater loss for a smaller one!"

Could this be considered bribery?

This is making money! Making money off enemy countries!

That's real skill!
Those like Zhao Qian are truly inferior.

Xu Hui: ...

Looking at Mingchen's righteous and awe-inspiring face, he chuckled dryly and echoed, "Yes, what the Marquis says is true."

……

By the time Xu Hui left, it was already late.

Mingchen opened the brocade box and saw the conch shell lying quietly inside.

It looks like a handicraft from the archipelago; it makes a whooshing sound when blown on.

Does giving seashells have any special meaning for the people of the islands?
It's not some kind of love token or something, is it...?

Mingchen picked it up and looked it over.

It seemed to have no special features, nor any of the strange, legendary feminine fragrance.

Could this never-before-seen leader be planning a honey trap?

If you keep doing this, I'm going to fall for it!
"Brother Chen...what brings those people from overseas to you?"

After a while, Ling Yu arrived. She glanced at the conch shell in Ming Chen's hand and asked with some curiosity.

That ethereal beauty is like a venomous snake; her thoughts are impossible to fathom.

But the beauty before him was his, body and soul.

Mingchen didn't reply to her, but instead put his arm around Lingyu's waist.

"Yeah~"

Ling Yu let out a soft cry and then nestled into his arms.

The female general, her face flushed with a striking contrast, gently nudged Mingchen: "We're still outside~"

I've done all sorts of messy things.

She even accepted the idea of ​​three armies fighting, but she still felt shy.

He didn't know if something was wrong, but the more he did the dipping sauce, the more Mingchen would think about other things when he was in close contact with her.

Mingchen chuckled and said matter-of-factly, "What's wrong with me holding my wife?"

"Woo..."

Mingchen never hid his desires. He enjoyed this intimate and affectionate interaction and said, "That person is an envoy from the Jinglan Alliance. He came to me privately to convey their alliance leader's personal request to meet me and get to know me."

Ling Yu was taken aback: "Huh?"

Mingchen shouldn't have any connection with the Jinglan Alliance, right?

Why did the alliance leader want to see him?

Could it be... that this person has connections within the Jinglan Alliance, in addition to the Blood-Clad Army?

The silly older sister's mind was completely elsewhere.

"You agreed?"

"That's right! They've extended such a warm invitation; we can't refuse their leader's request."

Ling Yu lowered her eyes, somewhat reluctantly asking, "Are you leaving again?"

"Don't worry!"

Mingchen pressed his forehead against hers and smiled, "Sister, are you reluctant to part with me?"

Ling Yu never tried to hide anything; she simply looked him in the eyes and said earnestly, "Yes."

Straightforward emotions bring ease and happiness.

Mingchen lowered his eyes, gently tucked a few strands of the woman's hair behind her ear, and smiled, "Then you can come with me, sister!"

Traveling with my sister Dai, enjoying the mountains and rivers during the day and swimming at night, was naturally a lot of fun.

"Fellow travelers..."

Ling Yu's eyes lit up, but unlike Ming Chen, she didn't think of anything strange or unusual.

They were simply reminiscing about the beginning of everything, back when they hadn't yet entered the court as officials, and they had traveled all the way from Wangyang City to the capital.

That's because she wasn't a famous general, and Mingchen wasn't the unparalleled marquis.

One was a naive and inexperienced martial artist just starting out, and the other was a rebellious scholar. They called each other brothers, talked about endless topics, and planted the seeds of their first feelings for each other.

This is her most precious memory.

Whenever she recalls something funny, she can't help but smile.

Her eyes crinkled into a gentle smile: "Okay..."

Despite saying this, she knew it wouldn't work. At least, it wouldn't work before Qian Yuan unified the world.

……

Aside from getting a little confused by the Marquis of Jing'an, Xu Hui's trip to Qian Yuan on behalf of Jinglan went very smoothly.

He met with Emperor Qianyuan and all the civil and military officials in the main hall to discuss peace talks and alliances.

Although Xiao Xinyue disagreed with immediately sending troops to the east, she still intended to form a friendly alliance. The two sides established an alliance, and both the host and guests enjoyed themselves.

Xiao Xinyue was indeed a naturally noble and stunningly beautiful woman. Compared to their alliance leader, this emperor possessed a different kind of aura—regal and dignified, born to rule. Mingchen hadn't lied to him about this. However… he truly hadn't discerned the extent of Xiao Xinyue's hatred for Jinglan.

According to Ming, it was all his doing. If he hadn't spoken well of them behind their backs, the envoy from the Jinglan Alliance wouldn't have made it out of Jiqu.

Xu Hui expressed reservations about this.

In less than a month, the envoys returned to Jinglan from Ji. Xu Hui also returned to his master to report.

In the depths of winter, heavy snow blankets the houses, transforming the city into a pristine white wonderland, yet a lively atmosphere pervades the city.

Another year has passed.

The world is in chaos now, and the people are like small boats adrift on the sea, unable to see the future. However, family reunions and New Year celebrations are still necessary; this is the way of cultural heritage.

Surprisingly, the people in the areas occupied by the Jinglan Alliance were doing quite well and were not being oppressed.

However, the Jinglan Alliance's cultural system, originating from the archipelago, is different from that of the mainland. They don't celebrate the Lunar New Year on this day; they still have to go to work as usual.

Hong Ling Shuang seemed to attach great importance to this mission. Xu Hui had just returned and hadn't even had a chance to settle in before being summoned by her.

The Jinglan Alliance's overseas forces naturally didn't have a proper imperial palace. Their main base was simply a decent city, built to resemble a bandit stronghold.

Hong Ling Shuang sat on the tiger-skin seat at the head of the table, propping her cheek up with her hand. Her beautiful face had a hint of evil about it as she listened to the work report from the person in front of her.

"It's done? Qian Yuan has agreed to the alliance, but he won't send troops right now..."

She nodded slightly, not surprised. It was uncertain whether Xiao Xinyue could see her intentions, but Mingchen certainly could. The hope of instigating Qian Yuan to launch another war was still quite slim, which was not in their interest. Xiao Xinyue was still young, so there was no need to rush.

However, this did not prevent the two countries from establishing diplomatic relations. They are not adjacent to each other and have no direct conflict of interest, but they can support each other and exchange goods.

Qian Yuan's next goal will inevitably be to move eastward and reclaim lost territory. Although their Jinglan Alliance has occupied some land, establishing diplomatic relations and cooperation between the two countries will be entirely beneficial.

This was all within her expectations. She then asked Xu Hui, "Did you meet Marquis Jing'an? What do you think of him? Tell me everything that happened after you met him."

On the surface, Xiao Xinyue is indeed the rightful emperor of the new Qian Yuan dynasty, but in Hong Ling Shuang's view, the organizational structure of the new dynasty is somewhat special. In fact, it should be a two-kingdom system, with Ming Chen also serving as a ruler, and in some ways, even more important than Xiao Xinyue.

"Um... this Mingchen..."

Thinking of that eccentric marquis, Xu Hui couldn't help but smirk. That man had swindled a considerable amount of money from him.

Willful and unpredictable.

He had no idea what the young man was thinking, and simply reported every detail to Hong Ling Shuang.

This includes Mingchen asking about Hong Ling Shuang's appearance and soliciting bribes... things that don't sound very honorable.

The legendary hero is greedy, lustful, and disrespectful to the king; his reputation is undeserved and should be questioned.

However, Hong Ling Shuang narrowed her eyes slightly upon hearing this, her expression amused.

"Is there anything else? Is that all he told you?"

Xu Da respectfully replied, "I have not seen him since, but I have sent people to deliver gold and silver to his residence."

"The dignified Marquis of Jing'an, the highest-ranking official, has everything he could possibly want. Why would he need to embezzle your little bit of gold and silver?"

Mingchen was audacious and reckless, even coveting and teasing her appearance. Hong Ling Shuang, however, didn't care and instead became increasingly interested in him.

"Greedy and lustful?"

This seems completely different from the legendary hero, the strategist she imagined.

She shook her head gently, her tone quite firm: "No, no, no... this isn't him."

It's just necessary self-degradation and concealing one's shortcomings.

Despite holding such a position, he showed none of the arrogance or haughtiness typical of those in power. Instead, he remained cautious and timid, feigning weakness to his enemies.

This person... is truly interesting.

"When did he say he would come?"

She was somewhat curious about what kind of person this was. Although they had never met, she had long felt a connection with him. She genuinely believed that Mingchen was someone who was not bound by this era or its rules, someone she could truly connect with.

How much would she have to offer to win over someone like that?

What did Xiao Xinyue give up to get his help?

"Um... Alliance Leader, he didn't give me a specific time, he only said he would come."

"That's it..."

The person didn't set a time and came quietly, so many things couldn't be prepared.

……

On the other side, there's Kito.

A haven of peace amidst chaos, a city untouched by war, teeming with life and bustling with activity.

Another New Year has arrived, and the whole city is filled with a joyful atmosphere. People wear smiles and greet everyone they meet.

The Marquis of Jing'an's residence was brightly decorated and quite lively.

Mingchen had no idea what misunderstanding the beautiful alliance leader, who was thousands of miles away and whom he had never met, had about him. During this time, he did nothing and had no plans to travel.

I was simply immersed in the New Year's atmosphere.

Qingchi's parents and younger siblings were all brought to Jiqu. They were usually afraid of interfering with their son's (elder brother's) business, but on a day like the New Year when the family is reunited, they always had to see each other. Mingchen was happy for them to come.

So the old tree remained alone in the house.

Mingchen holds the highest position among the officials, which means that many people will come to visit him on such a day, and there will be many social interactions.

Mingchen didn't open the door to those who wanted to curry favor with him; he declined to meet them and only accepted gifts.

As for those with whom he did have some connections, such as Feng Xiaozhong, Yun Zheng, Wang Hanbo, Chen Yutang, and the Zhang family father and daughter, Mingchen would meet them, drink tea and wine, and chat with them, regardless of their rank or status.

He has put down roots in this world and doesn't have any ambition to transcend worldly affairs or avoid making friends. During the Lunar New Year, everything stops, and everyone should meet and chat.

Mingchen still missed his brother Wang Huai, who was thousands of miles away, and wanted to chat with the Northern Emperor, with whom he had become friends through a bet... It had nothing to do with conflicts of interest, just a conversation between friends.

As a soldier, Ling Yu has many social connections and has drunk quite a bit of alcohol these past few days. Dai Jie is free and should have her own friends; Ming Chen won't restrict her as long as she's willing.

The Jing'an Marquis's residence is very large and can accommodate many guests.

The little red bird has moved beyond petty antics; this year, it's no longer dragging the mouse into a snowball fight against the annoying cat. Instead, it stands beside the little peach blossom, whispering amongst itself.

The little green snake was meditating with its eyes closed, but it would occasionally steal glances at the little bird, seemingly out of curiosity.

The little mouse, dressed in its proper little clothes, greeted Mingchen formally.

The diligent Yun Yao continued practicing boxing.

Xiu Die'er went to her shop.

The cat had a bell hanging around its neck and lay there lifeless next to the greedy dog.

With some free time, Mingchen didn't really need to drive his new supercar. At most, he would just take the white wolf in its puppy form for a stroll.

For Bai Lang, these days at the Jing'an Marquis's residence were like living in paradise.

Suddenly, it seemed to sense something, and abruptly raised its head, looking towards the entrance of the Jing'an Marquis's residence. Its eyes gleamed, as if it were recalling something.

"Crack!"

A mischievous child lit the fuse of a firecracker at the door, and the crackling and booming sound carried far and wide.

The whole season seems to have become a bit noisier this year.

This is a byproduct of the research on firearms. It is a gadget invented by the Marquis of Jing'an. Setting it off at the door during the New Year can ward off evil spirits and ensure a prosperous year. However, one must be careful not to get injured by the explosion.

Some people believed it and lit the fire, just for the fun of it. Whether it actually warded off evil spirits is unknown, but the children certainly had a blast.

Even at the gate of the Marquis of Jing'an's residence, children dressed in red brocade robes, of noble status, were playing with firecrackers.

"Ok?"

A figure walked in from outside, watching the two children playing with firecrackers, and kept reminding them: "Mingxuan, Mingjie, be careful, don't burn your hands."

Mingchen's younger siblings looked up at the uncle with a somewhat serious face, their eyes filled with curiosity: "Uncle, do you recognize us?"

"Forehead……"

He recognized the two children after meeting them a few times, but they didn't recognize him, since he wasn't in human form back then...

The newcomer was none other than Lu Ya, the former governor of Qingzhou who was deeply loved by the people of Qingzhou, or rather, Huang Xiao.

After Ji Qu ascended the throne, Xiao Xinyue actually wanted to transfer Huang Xiao to another prefecture as governor.

The new dynasty is short of talent, after all, his abilities are undeniable. If he could govern other provinces as prosperously as Qingzhou, that would be a great success.

However, Huang Xiao was unwilling to leave this prefecture. He only liked it here; after all, the people here had saved him, and he was willing to protect this prefecture, even if he was just a county magistrate. Otherwise, he would rather be a free-roaming monster.

Xiao Xinyue did not force him and allowed him to continue serving as the governor of Qingzhou. However, Jiqu became independent as the capital, so Huang Xiao had to change cities to govern Qingzhou.

The new dynasty was newly established and the administration was busy, so he hadn't seen Mingchen for a long time. Now that the New Year had arrived, he came to visit Mingchen, the person who had changed his destiny.

Huang Xiao twitched the corner of his mouth and said, "I'm your brother's friend, and I've heard him talk about you."

"My brother's friend?"

The words "Mingchen's friend" carry considerable weight. Few officials in the new dynasty dared to say such a thing.

The child immediately took over the guard's duties, saying enthusiastically, "I'll go and call him for you..."

"Hey, I was wondering why I could smell a dog from so far away, you've arrived!"

Just then, the young marquis stood at the door, smiling at him.

We're old friends, so it's naturally easier and more relaxed to get along with each other.

Huang Xiao: ...

He's a governor of a state, after all!

Can't this person be a little more polite?!
Although he is indeed a dog.

Mingchen gave his younger brother and sister a few words of advice, and then the two of them went inside side by side.

"uncle!"

"Is that you, Uncle?"

However, they had only just entered the courtyard and taken a few steps when...

A white streak of light flashed by, and the little white dog ran up to the two of them and stood there, its eyes wide open, staring intently at Huang Xiao, and asked excitedly.

"Ok?"

Huang Xiao paused, carefully examining the puppy in front of him, his eyes gleaming as if he were recalling something.

"White Wolf?"

He finally remembered something, his voice rose a little, and he asked uncertainly, his head turning into a yellow dog's head.

"uncle!!!"

It had assumed that the uncle who had cared for it since it was a child had been killed by some other monster. But unexpectedly, it encountered him here.

Seeing that he had turned into a dog's head, the white wolf had no more doubts.

She shouted loudly and threw herself into his arms.

(End of this chapter)