Chapter 180: 167 Exploration Part 1

Half a month later…

Shang Affairs Mansion.

Study room.

Zhang Rongfang and his brother-in-law Suda Heqi sat opposite each other.

A chessboard was placed between them.

The black and white pieces on the board were engaged in a fierce battle.

Zhang Rongfang held the white pieces, while his brother-in-law Suda Heqi held the black.

At this point, the black pieces had already swallowed up most of the white pieces. The outcome was clear.

After pondering for a moment, Zhang Rongfang had no choice but to concede.

“Brother-in-law, your chess skills are excellent, I admit defeat.”

He showed a hint of annoyance.

“You’re still young and haven’t seen some strategies before, it’s normal that you can’t expect them,” Suda Heqi said with a smile, his expression gentle.

He hadn’t had a relapse for a year, and his situation was becoming increasingly stable, with everything at home harmonious.

This greatly improved his mood.

“In a chess game, it’s not unlike gathering half a lifetime’s experience.”

He sighed.

“Many times, if you don’t fight, you gradually lose the power to compete. Ultimately, no matter how large the territory, it becomes a dead land.”

“Brother-in-law, what you said is too broad, Rongfang doesn’t quite understand,” Zhang Rongfang said, lowering his head.

“It’s nothing, just a spontaneous feeling.”

Now that Suda Heqi no longer had the obstruction of the Dangshan Tiger, his affairs were increasingly smooth.

Precisely because of this, after achieving some accomplishments, he also gained the qualification to move up a step.

But suddenly realizing that he was saying these things to an eighteen-year-old kid, he became aware.

Zhang Rongfang was ultimately young, having spent a lot of time practicing martial arts, not understanding many things was quite normal.

When he was his age, he was still competing for a beautiful girl with a clan brother for affection.

So many years have passed in a blink of an eye.

Looking at his naive little brother-in-law opposite him, he thought of his wise and supportive wife, Zhang Rongyu.

“Actually, I often tell your sister that your character is good, although impulsive, youth’s drive, as long as it’s for the right cause, can’t be wrong.

Young people need to have vigor to push forward courageously.

But your sister often worries, thinking you’re prone to getting into trouble.”

“That’s her way, always worrying about this and that,” Zhang Rongfang said nonchalantly. “I’m already eighteen. Didn’t I go far away all by myself back then without any trouble?”

“True, but your sister also cares for you.

If it were someone else, why would they often say these unpleasant things to you?

Alright, don’t talk about that, just treat her well day-to-day,” Suda Heqi advised.

“Got it, got it.”

“As long as you know. Let’s talk about business, I have a recommendation slot on my side, which can allow you to fill the vacancy of the Water Transport Manager at Wushan Prefecture. If you are willing, you can take office the day after tomorrow.

Although the Water Transport Manager is just a clerk, it’s the highest level among them. As long as you achieve something, I can promote you to Water Transport Director. That’s considered ninth grade,” Suda Heqi said earnestly.

No matter what, advancing from clerk to official is a lifelong dream opportunity for many people.

Once an official, in Great Spirit, it can almost be passed down for generations.

As long as there is no major mistake, everything will be fine, enjoying prosperity forever.

If the family flourishes again, it can lead to establishing a strong influential family in the area.

“Oh brother-in-law, you know my skills. Managing a business like that Water Transport Manager, it’s all about negotiating and talking, I’m not suitable for this. You should find someone else,”

Zhang Rongfang immediately refused.

If he pursued a commercial path, it would completely disrupt his previous plans.

Besides, he didn’t intend to stay in Wushan forever.

He already reached sixth or seventh grade level in terms of status. In Tan Yang City at Mingjing Palace, it’s considered a middle or upper position within the Daoist system.

Having this foundation, why should he seek distant things and start as a low clerk?

As for whether following the Daoist route affects official positions?

Nowadays, Great Spirit advocates integration of temple and academia, Daoists can similarly reach high positions.

Moreover, compared to Zhang Ying, Zhang Rongfang’s identity has an additional constraint.

That is, he is a Barbarian scholar.

Zhang Ying has a formally Northern identity, rising up much faster than here.

“Alright, since you’re not willing, I won’t force you, but you should understand, missing this opportunity, it won’t be easy to get a lucrative post in the future.

This time is also due to the Dangshan Tiger matter, where the previous clerk was removed,” Suda Heqi reminded.

“No problem, no problem,” Zhang Rongfang said indifferently. “Brother-in-law, you don’t know me, I just like doing whatever I want every day, and I just have my name up at the Dao Palace for the Daoist system. Anyway, with you and sister ahead, what should I fear?

As for you two, hurry up and have a few chubby boys, isn’t it better? So you don’t always keep an eye on me.”

Suda Heqi was amused and helpless.

Previously, he had heard from his wife that this little brother-in-law was stubborn and had a bad temper. He hadn’t felt that way before.

But now, he experienced it for the first time.

The path to becoming an official that others long for, he didn’t care about at all, disregarding it like worn shoes.

However, the more Zhang Rongfang acted this way, the more he felt the other was bold, sincere, and uninterested in power and wealth.

The more sincere the other was, the more he felt his genuine character.

Being impulsive is actually not bad, at least he won’t be like some relatives, with smiles on the surface but secretly plotting harm…

Recalling various experiences in Great Capital, a trace of gloom flickered in Suda Heqi’s eyes.

“Alright, go home and think it over, there’s still a week. If you change your mind, come and let me know. If not, then let’s leave it,”

“Got it, brother-in-law,” Zhang Rongfang replied.

He saw the sincerity in Suda Heqi’s eyes.

As his sister said, this man is indeed a very sincere person.

He’s good to his family, gentle in nature, with upright character, though not very smart and quite ugly.

But in this world, are there few good-looking people with hearts like snakes?

Except for occasionally having an illness, Suda Heqi is truly a good match for the sister.

“Besides, I heard you’re mingling with Jin family’s Jin Xiu?” Suda Heqi suddenly asked.

“Yes,” Zhang Rongfang used Jin Xiu as a shield, naturally nodding firmly.

Without Jin Xiu as cover, he would be experiencing matchmaking every three days, quite irritating.

“The Jin family is just a small commerce family, Jin Xiu and you, in fact, are something of a reach,” Suda Heqi said calmly.

“If you like, just have fun. These kinds of opportunistic people mostly don’t offer genuine feelings, don’t take it seriously.”

“Uh…” Zhang Rongfang was momentarily at a loss for how to respond.

“Remember, don’t be swayed by outsiders. If you really like Jin Xiu, you can take her away from the Jin family and keep her outside. When you tire of her, just sell her to the music hall.

This way, after getting some dowry, you can still make a profit from selling her.” Suda Heqi said calmly.

“….”

Zhang Rongfang had no words to reply.

Alright, he retracted his previous statement. This brother-in-law is not upright at all….

Sure enough, business is just business….

Seeing his brother-in-law’s dazed expression, Suda Heqi assumed he was worried about the Jin family.

“Don’t worry, I have many businesses, and the Jin family relies heavily on us. Not to mention playing with one person, even if I killed their direct relatives, they would have to endure it.”

He said with a smile.

“If you’re still worried, why don’t I send someone over right now and cripple half their business, it’s just a matter of a word…”

“No… no need, brother-in-law,” Zhang Rongfang quickly said. “It’s not that serious. Jin Xiu is actually quite nice.”

“You. You’re just too kind.” Suda Heqi pointed at him. “Remember, in this world, only the four of us are family. As for the others… hehe, don’t trust them at all!”

Zhang Rongfang understood who the four were that he referred to.

Besides the three of them, there was another, presumably Lu Meisha.

Listening to his brother-in-law’s lecturing, Zhang Rongfang involuntarily sighed in his heart.

In this world, there are really too few kind-hearted people like himself….

*

*

*

Jin Xiu got off the carriage and looked up at the sky.

The sky was as gloomy as lead, seemingly about to disperse but not quite.

She reached out and knocked on the gate of Zhang Rongfang’s residence.

Knock knock.

“Come in.”

A voice came from inside.

Jin Xiu pushed the gate open with some effort.

In the courtyard, Zhang Rongfang was dressed in a light blue Taoist robe, with a white openwork cloak over it.

The cloak was a garment similar to a woman’s shawl, usually used to decorate or embellish an otherwise plain-colored robe.

From this angle, Jin Xiu saw that his stature was truly tall and robust.

Recalling Lu Meisha’s displeased expression and those sarcastic remarks.

She steadied her heart; no matter how you looked at it, her choice was not wrong.

What would a lady like Lu Meisha understand?

Regret?

In her current situation, if she doesn’t make decisive choices, she’ll only regret it more when she runs out of money.

“Where are we going to visit today?” She approached, holding a willow twig in her hand, swaying it back and forth.

She looked innocent and cute, with no ulterior motives.

In fact, her interactions with him these days had made her increasingly anxious.

Because although Zhang Rongfang was willing to go out with her and pass the time.

He seemed to have no feelings for her.

If a man shows no signs of shyness, no embarrassment, and makes no overtures or comments towards a beautiful woman for such a long time.

He’s too gentlemanly…

That most likely means he’s not interested in her….

So today, Jin Xiu specially dressed up and groomed herself.

Her black hair reached her vest, with two small braids mixed in with her long hair, accompanied by long sideburns hanging down and neat bangs on her forehead.

Add to that the cherry pink lips on her oval face and her big twinkling apricot eyes.

She gave off a sense of pure cuteness, mixed with a hint of naive maturity.

Apart from the hairstyle, her attire was also carefully selected.

The sleeveless top was light yellow, revealing a hint of fair skin at the chest. The white strap skirt was tied with a light blue ribbon, wrapping her waist tight enough to fit in one hand.

When she turned, one could occasionally see her legs clad in tight-fitting hunting trousers beneath the skirt.

The trousers were light gray, made of cotton, with excellent elasticity, snugly fitting her legs, highlighting the curves from her legs to her waist.

If not for the skirt, Jin Xiu wouldn’t dare to wear such trousers in public.

This attire actually originated from the thick forest tribes.

In the forest, to avoid getting clothes caught by shrubs and thorns, most people choose more form-fitting attire.

This kind of outfit is usually accompanied by leather boots and skirts.

Because without coverage, wearing it is like wearing nothing… everything could be seen.

Upon realizing that Zhang Rongfang seemed disinterested in her, Jin Xiu began thinking of ways to maximize her advantages.

She was confident in this.

Despite being materialistic, loving money, and delicate, with a mother needing expensive medical treatment at home.

She was beautiful.

“We’ve been everywhere around here these days, let’s go a bit further today.” Zhang Rongfang said with a smile, “I heard there are a lot of pear blossoms blooming over in Yinhuai Forest, we could go for a stroll and enjoy the flowers.”

“Sounds good, pear blossoms are so white, you can smell their fragrance from afar, and we could buy some food and have a picnic under the trees.” Jin Xiu said with interest.

During these times, going on a picnic was a luxury for most people.

The forest posed many dangers, and without capable individuals, accidents could easily happen.

Only because Zhang Rongfang was a martial artist of recognized standing that he dared to claim to go picnicking out in the wild.

“Alright then.” Zhang Rongfang nodded with a smile.

Of course, he didn’t choose the location on a whim.

Yinhuai Forest… that was where the Shadow Case had taken place.

Although the case had not occurred again, still not many dared to venture there.

This was because Yinhuai Forest not only had many pear trees, but even more locust trees. A dense canopy cast a gloomy shadow everywhere.

Ordinary people would not dare to approach recklessly.

During this time, he’d been taking advantage of his recovery to gather intelligence about Yinhuai Forest.

Now that his injuries were mostly healed, he planned to first scout the area himself.

Once fully recovered and fully prepared, he’d lead a team there.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep