Chapter 236: Assessment of Lihuo Daoyuan (Long Chapter )

One of Zhao Xing's clones sent Zong Shichang onto the boat, and then he glanced at everyone in the Inspection Office.

Before coming, he also read the files and found out that Zong Shichang was arrested for "malfeasance".

But who is Mr. Zhao? He could tell at a glance that there was something wrong.

When he arrived, his divine eye was activated and he saw the clerk outside the cell, knocking on the door with an iron rod, disturbing Zong Shichang's rest.

He immediately became furious.

Wang Shiyang, who came with them, also noticed something was wrong and glared at He Xian fiercely.

According to the law, officials who were found guilty of dereliction of duty could only be arrested with approval from themselves or the county magistrate He Xian.

He has never approved such a provision, so it is obvious that it was done by Ho Yin.

In fact, Wang Shiyang didn’t even need to think about it, because Song Ji was recommended by He Xian.

He Xian already felt something was wrong and immediately wanted to say something.

Unexpectedly, after Zhao Xing sent Zong Shichang away, he had a fit on the spot.

"Lord Wang, may I ask you a few questions?" Zhao Xing looked at Wang Shiyang.

"Marquis Yuan Rang, please feel free to speak." Wang Shiyang said. "The rest of you, please get out."

As soon as Wang Shiyang opened his mouth, the other officials involuntarily withdrew from the Inspection Office, leaving only the officials of the Inspection Office, the county magistrate He Xian and himself.

Zhao Xing was angry, so of course Wang Shiyang had to let him vent.

Otherwise, he can forget about this relationship.

"Where is Song Ji, the chief inspector of the patrol department?!"

Song Ji, who was standing next to him, had an unpleasant expression on his face. Zhao Xing called him by his name and made trouble in front of many officials and clerks in the Inspection Office, which showed that he was not going to give him face.

But Wang Shiyang refused to help him, and seeing He Xian shaking his head slightly, he had no choice but to walk out.

"I wonder what orders Yuan Ranghou has?"

"I am a sixth-rank official, and you are a sixth-rank official. Why don't you bow to your superior?"

Song Ji was a little annoyed and was about to bow symbolically.

Unexpectedly, Zhao Xing's momentum exploded suddenly, and violent pressure swept over him. Song Ji felt as if he was facing a tsunami, as if the sky was falling.

"Plop~" Song Ji couldn't help but kneel down.

What does it mean to bully others by taking advantage of one's power? This is called bullying others by taking advantage of one's power!

Song Ji was of lower rank than Zhao Xing, so he should bow down, but he could kneel or not.

But Master Zhao was angry at this moment, and he directly asked Song Ji to kneel down and answer!

Song Ji struggled for a while, but found that he had no room to resist and could not get up at all. He was shocked.

Seeing that Wang Shiyang did not say anything to stop him, he couldn't help but feel fear in his heart. Zhao Xing's background was far more powerful than what he had heard at the banquet.

Wang Shiyang next to him was also a little surprised.

This Marquis Yuan Rang is really overbearing.

They were so friendly at the banquet earlier, you wouldn't have guessed that there was such murderous intent in them.

However, when he thought of the other party's military achievements, Wang Shiyang felt relieved.

Zhao Xing was indeed very angry. He originally thought that Zong Shichang had made mistakes in flood control, so he was convicted of dereliction of duty and was detained.

Given Young Master Zong's character, Zhao Xing didn't really doubt him at first.

It was only after Wang Shiyang's clerk told him that he realized that this was not the case at all.

The damn Song Ji actually convicted Zong Shichang of dereliction of duty for drinking at work, and even locked him up for seven whole days, giving him food and water but no sleep. It was clearly retaliation!

Who is Zong Shichang? He is a good brother that Zhao Xing entrusted his family to. Zhao Zheng, Zhao Ruide, and Mrs. Cai's family were all well taken care of by Zong Shichang, who even sent Zhao Zheng to the county school.

How could we tolerate Zong Shichang being bullied like this?
Looking at Song Ji kneeling on the ground, Zhao Xing became angrier and angrier.

Originally, he wanted to question him about the regulations, but when he saw that Song Ji did not say anything after kneeling down, Mr. Zhao simply took action.

"your mother!"

Zhao Xing kicked Song Ji in the face.

"Click~"

Song Ji's nose was kicked crooked.

"Bang bang bang bang bang!"

Zhao Xing jumped to Song Ji's side like a gangster and kicked him wildly.

Every kick avoided the vital points and would not really injure Song Ji seriously, but every kick was heart-wrenching!

“Ah, ah! Ah!”

Song Ji is also a sixth-rank martial artist. Normally, he wouldn't cry out in pain even if he lost a piece of flesh or broke a bone.

But now he really couldn't help it.

The clerks and officials of the Inspection Office were so frightened that their scalps tingled.

Especially the patrolman Liu Silang who was ordered to disturb Zong Shichang's sleep was almost scared to death.

Because he couldn't see the trick, he thought Zhao Xing was going to beat him to death.

If the superiors are like this, what about him, a minor official?
After being kicked hundreds of times, Song Ji's face was so swollen that Master Zhao finally looked up and calmed down.

He looked at Song Ji calmly: "If you are dissatisfied, you can go to the city to sue me."

“Well, I dare not…” Song Ji was beaten into a pig’s head, but he still got up and knelt down.

Why sue? With such a small injury, the most you can get is compensation.

Just looking at Wang Shiyang's attitude, you can tell that it's completely useless.

Zhao Xing glanced at the clerk from the Inspection Office, but he did not make things difficult for Liu Silang.

He just straightened his clothes and said to Wang Shiyang, "Xing lost his composure for a moment. Please punish me, sir."

Wang Shiyang was surprised and asked, "What's wrong with your behavior? Did you see what Yuan Ranghou did?"

The officials said: "No, no."

He Xian also said at this time: "Marquis Yuan Rang only came to inspect the Inspection Office and checked the prison cell array."

Wang Shiyang's attitude once again refreshed Long Xiao's understanding of civil servants.

If this happened in the army, and someone dared to beat his brothers, he would have to pick up a knife.

But at this point, Wang Shiyang just watched and even allowed Zhao Xing to do so.

Why? Because Song Ji was not Wang Shiyang's man.

In addition, Wang Shiyang also read the file.

The clerk had already explained the whole story to him.

Why did Song Ji become the most prosperous of all the clans?
The reason was that he drank alcohol while on duty, so they arrested him on the charge of dereliction of duty to vent their anger.

What was he venting his anger for? Zong Shichang was controlling floods in Nanliu County. When releasing the flood water, he did not choose to flood the people downstream, but instead damaged the Song family's fields.

But he was the county magistrate, and Zong Shichang's approach was in line with Wang Shiyang's interests.

A big family like the Song family has a strong ability to resist natural disasters. After the flood, they only lost some money.

But ordinary people were flooded, homeless, starved to death, died of disease... and he was promoted to a lowly official?

Wang Shiyang is very utilitarian, but he may not be a bad official. If he were to choose, he would support Zong Shichang in doing so.

In addition, Wang Shiyang also disliked Song Ji at this time.

A good banquet was ruined by this piece of shit Song Ji, which left a bad impression on Zhao Xing. Not to mention helping to speak up, Wang Shiyang even wanted to kill him.

"Zhao Xing, do you want to go somewhere else?" Wang Shiyang asked.

"Yes, sir." Zhao Xing followed Wang Shiyang and left the Inspection Office.

He Xian, who was following behind him, sighed in his heart. He felt that the matter was not over yet.

I'm just venting my anger now, but I don't know how to make things better later.

…………

The matter was indeed not over yet. Zhao Xing had vented his anger, but he had to ask Zong Shichang's opinion on how to end it.

I accompanied Wang Shiyang on his inspection of various institutions in the county government and listened to Wang Shiyang talk about his ambitions and ideals.

The clone was on the flying boat, accompanying Zong Shichang.

"Shichang, the one who came with me is Yunxiao Hou Longxiao. You have seen him before, but you may not be familiar with him."

"As for Lord Chen, you have known him for a long time, so I will not introduce him to you. Lord Chen is now the Marquis of Yuan Zhen, and is also a sixth-rank official."

"What? The Xishan guy was also given a title of nobility?"

Zong Shichang had just finished washing up and was still a little dazed. He didn't notice that Chen Shijie and Long Xiao had walked in.

"Ahem..." Zhao Xing hurriedly reminded.

"Ah, student, greetings to Master Chen." Zong Shichang hurriedly bowed.

"I am from Xishan." Chen Shijie looked at Zong Shichang with a half-smile, "Don't go against your will, Master Zong."

Zong Shichang just wanted to find a crack in the ground to crawl into.

"Boy, that guy named Song something was beaten into a pig's head by Zhao Xing." Long Xiao said, "Do you feel relieved? If not, I will help you beat him up again tomorrow."

"I'm not satisfied!" Zong Shichang said angrily, "This bastard locked me up for seven days and didn't let me sleep for seven days. How can I beat him up?"

"However, there is no need for Brother Long to do anything. I have someone in my family who can beat him up. It's just a matter of paying for the medical expenses. I can afford it!"

"No." Long Xiao said, "Call me for this kind of good thing. I am a swordsman. I guarantee that I can chop him with a hundred swords and he will only be slightly injured in the end."

"Ah?" Zong Shichang was stunned.

"If you're not satisfied, let Brother Long go." Zhao Xing said, "No one in your family is as good at fighting as him. They might lose their temper."

You can vent your anger, but you can't kill people.

There are many ways to deal with the Song family.

"Oh, okay, okay." Zong Shichang answered, but then found something wrong.

Suddenly he patted his head and said, "Oh my god, I just remembered. How did you become a marquis? And a sixth-rank official! It's only been a few years?"

"Also, you said you beat him into a pig's head? I remember the county governor and the county chancellor were there at the time, right? You beat him in front of them? Didn't they say anything?"

Zong Shichang's mind was full of question marks, and he finally figured out what was wrong.

Zhao Xing and the other three are of the sixth rank, but Song Ji is also of the sixth rank. Is Wang Shiyang just giving him face?
"I'll tell you in detail when we get back. You haven't slept for several days and nights, right? Take a rest for a while, and you'll know when you wake up." Zhao Xing said with a smile.

"Okay." Zong Shichang was indeed tired, so he fell asleep and fell into a deep sleep soon.

…………

Nanyang County, Song Family.

Song Chengde, the head of the Song family, was lying under the grape vines, enjoying the coolness leisurely, while two maids were massaging his legs and shoulders around him.

Song Chengde's ancestors had produced a fourth-rank official, but after two dynasties, the family gradually declined, coupled with constant divisions.

By his generation, there were only two relatives left who were fifth-rank officials, and they were serving as officials in other places.

The local officialdom was supported only by Song Ji, a sixth-rank inspector.

There have been floods in recent years, and the summers are wet and stuffy. They also have to deal with the uneducated Zong Shichang, who always goes against their Song family.

He would come to the Song Mansion to curse whenever he had nothing to do, and even go to the Song family's ancestral land to hang out.

Now that Zong Shichang was locked up, he could finally have a few days of leisure.

"Master, someone else has come to the clan's mansion." At this time, a housekeeper came to report.

"No!" Song Chengde snorted, "I have to teach that brat from the Zong family a lesson. He hasn't even grown all his hair yet, but he dares to lecture me and teach me the truth."

"No, no, no, no matter how much you give me!"

"No, Master, Zong Shichang has been released." The housekeeper said anxiously, "Second Master Song was beaten into a pig's head, and now the Zong Mansion is here to call for punishment."

"Zong Shichang was released, but my brother was beaten? The Zong Mansion came to punish him?" Song Chengde was stunned at first, and then shouted angrily: "Asshole! What are you talking about in broad daylight! You drank a few ounces of horse urine and got drunk like this!"

The housekeeper had no choice but to explain again and again.

After emphasizing it several times, Song Chengde finally believed it.

"Zong Shichang has a classmate who served in the army for four years and was promoted to the sixth rank and was even granted the title of marquis?"

"The ship company in the city even sent the Xiaguang ship to take him back, and Wang Shiyang even tried to curry favor with them. What a powerful background this person must have." Song Chengde couldn't help but gasp.

He immediately came to his senses: "Quick, quick, prepare the car!"

…………

Ordinary people don’t have ground mirrors, and they can’t send ghost gods to deliver messages. They have to rely on carriages and horses to deliver messages.

Song Chengde was in Nanliu County. By the time he learned the news, all parties inquired about Yuan Ranghou's situation, and rushed to the county town to deal with it, it was already seven days after the incident.

Song Ji, the sixth-rank inspector general, was beaten for six whole days.

Long Xiao had nothing to do, so every day when he woke up he would take Shanmao and Zong Shichang to block Song Ji.

And he specifically targeted Song Ji on his way to work.

After the fight, Song Ji, with a bruised face and nose, still had to go to work.

Long Xiao also didn't allow Song Ji to take leave.

If you dare to ask for leave, you will be beaten twice as hard.

On this day, Long Xiao appeared again on the road passing through the Inspection Office.

When they caught Song Ji, they started hacking him up.

An hour later, Song Ji was in tatters and looked horrible.

"Yun, Yun Xiaohou, I'm on my way home from get off work now, why are you calling?" Song Ji asked.

Long Xiao snorted, “You asked for leave yesterday, so you have to fight after get off work.”

Song Ji wanted to cry but had no tears: "I, I took a normal day off yesterday..."

Long Xiao looked at Zong Shichang beside him and asked: "Was yesterday a day off as stipulated by your county government?"

Zong Shichang clapped his hands and said, "Yes, I saw that you were in high spirits, so I didn't say anything just now."

"Forget it, we've already fought." Long Xiao shrugged. "I have nothing to do anyway."

Song Ji: “…”

At this time, Song Ji just wanted his brother to come to the county town as soon as possible to settle the matter. He was in so much pain these days that it was more painful than killing him.

…………

On the eighth day, Song Chengde, the head of the Song family, came to the mansion to pay a visit to Zhao Xing.

"I, Song Chengde, pay my respects to Marquis Yuan Rang, Marquis Yuan Zhen, and Marquis Yun Xiao."

Song Chengde knelt down and kowtowed obediently.

Even though he holds a minor official position, this is not the time to talk about these things.

"Why are you bowing to me?" Zhao Xing pointed at Zong Shichang next to him, "You haven't offended me."

Song Chengde looked at Zong Shichang and kowtowed to him again: "My dear nephew..."

"Old dog! Who is your nephew?" Zong Shichang shouted, "Stop trying to get close to me!"

Song Chengde bowed helplessly again: "Master Zong, I have offended you before. Please tell me how to make amends so that you can calm down."

Zong Shichang clapped his hands and said, "It's simple. You just need to promise me three things and the matter will be settled."

Song Chengde knelt on the ground and said, "Please teach me, Master Zong."

"First, you must write off all the high-interest loans that the villagers of Nanliu County have lent to your family over the years. You old dog, when the flood came, not only did you not sympathize with the people, you also took the opportunity to make money and raise the interest. Now you must pay it all back!"

"Second, you bought someone's land at a low price. Now you should be a good person and give it back for free. Use the Yellow Book from three years ago as the standard and return it to the owner who originally owned it. Don't be more or less. This is to accumulate merit for you."

"Third, I will be working in Nanliu County from now on, repairing dikes and building formations. If I need people, your family will provide them. If I need money, your family will provide the money."

"I am the Pinghuai magistrate. I have to repair whatever I want. Even if the canal passes through your house, you have to dismantle it honestly. Do you understand?"

After Zong Shichang finished speaking, he squinted his eyes and stared at Song Chengde: "Can you agree to these three things?"

Song Chengde is already kneeling on the ground, so what is there that he cannot agree to?

Although it hurt, he immediately agreed: "I can do it, I can do it."

But he felt a little contempt in his heart. Zong Shichang didn't want any money or benefits himself, but actually gave them all to the common people. It really hurt his head.

Zhao Xing originally didn't want to interrupt, but his sharp eyes accurately grasped Song Chengde's psychological trends.

He immediately said, "Let your brother resign from the post of the Inspection Office, and the matter will be settled."

"What?!" Song Chengde's face suddenly changed, "Marquis Yuan Rang, I can't... If you want money or treasures, my family can agree to it..."

Zhao Xing interrupted, "You have been asking around these past few days, so you must know where I come from. I have only one question for you."

"Can your Song family withstand the inspection of the Supervisory Office of the prefectural capital?"

Song Chengde's breath was choked.

The Supervisory Department of the prefectural government came to investigate the Song family? Even the slightest problem could ruin the family.

What's more, the Song family has more than one problem. They dare not commit murder or arson, but they have done many things of bullying and tyranny.

Zhao Xing didn't want to meddle in other people's business, as he didn't want to uproot the Song family because of this trivial matter.

There is no need for that. As long as Song Ji is eliminated from this position, the Song family will naturally decline slowly, and by then there will be plenty of people to swallow them up.

Mr. Zhao is very careful about his reputation, so he doesn't need to do this himself.

Of course, Song Chengde has to be tactful.

If he doesn't understand, then he doesn't mind writing a letter to the Supervisory Office in the capital city and bringing down the Song family now.

"If there is no news tomorrow, it means that you do not accept the dignity that I give to your Song family."

"If you are not decent yourself, I will help you to be decent."

"That's all I have to say. You can go down now."

Zhao Xing waved his hand, and a gust of wind blew Song Chengde out of the mansion.

Song Chengde, standing outside the door, looked pale.

He didn't even dare to feel any resentment, but just left silently and went to find his younger brother Song Ji to tell him the final result.

If they accept it, the Song family will have a few decades to breathe and train more family members to become officials.

If you don't accept it, you will be in danger of immediate destruction.

…………

At the hour of Mao the next day, Song Ji came to the county government to submit his resignation and voluntarily resigned from his official position.

Since he did not retire naturally, his honors and ranks were low, and without his official position, his cultivation level declined all the way to the eighth rank.

But it is better to resign voluntarily than to be dismissed from the position, which means one is guilty.

When the cultivation and lifespan bestowed by the country's fortune are taken away, it will be impossible for him to reach the eighth level.

The Song family chose the dignity given by Mr. Zhao, and later gave up many benefits of the county town and retreated to their hometown, Nanliu County. From a county family, they became a county family.

"Within a hundred years, the Song family has no hope of rising again. People have luck, and so do families."

Zhao Xing stood on the top of the city wall and looked towards the south. There was a beam of light and luck in the south that was shrinking rapidly.

He calculated with his fingers and concluded that the Song family would not be able to achieve anything within a hundred years.

"With just one word from me, the fate of an entire family is determined."

"Who can decide my fate?"

Zhao Xing looked up at the sky, put his thoughts aside, and set off with the ceremonial officers and the guard of honor.

He stayed in the county town for seven days, not only because of Zong Shichang's matter, but also because of the procedure.

From the county town to the valley city, it is much closer.

In less than two hours, Zhao Xing's ceremonial guard, consisting of more than 20 flying boats, flew to Gucheng.

The original magistrate of Gucheng County was Li Wenzhen, but he had been transferred to another place three years ago because of his meritorious service in arresting followers of Xuantian Sect.

The new county magistrate is Xu Donghui, who is of the eighth rank.

Xu Donghui led his men five miles out of the city to welcome them.

When Zhao Xing came down, he took the lead in bowing and saluting.

"Greetings to Lord Yuan Rang, congratulations on his triumphant return!"

"Congratulations to Marquis Yuan Rang on his triumphant return!"

Zhao Xing quickly got off the flying boat and helped Xu Donghui up.

"Master Xu, please stand up quickly. No need to be so polite."

Although he was talking to Xu Dong, Zhao Xing's eyes were scanning the team of officials.

Xu Dong knew what Zhao Xing was looking for, so he immediately stepped aside and said, "Master Xue, please come forward."

"No need." Zhao Xing quickly pushed through the crowd and came in front of Xue Wenzhong.

At this time, Xue Wenzhong was still a ninth-rank official, and he was promoted after he became the chief official of the Ministry of Agriculture.

After not seeing each other for four years, Xue Wenzhong had aged a lot, because the promotion from the ninth rank to the full ninth rank did not add much to his lifespan.

What's more, the old Si Nong has extended his life twice.

The ninth level goes back and forth, and the luck bonus is just that little.

"Congratulations, Marquis Yuan Rang." Xue Wenzhong was about to salute Zhao Xing with a smile. Although his hair had turned white and he had wrinkles and age spots, his speech was clear and could still be heard clearly.

"Teacher." Zhao Xing quickly held Xue Wenzhong's hands, "I am back to see you."

He did not kneel down to Xue Wenzhong. His status was too high now. If he kneeled down to Xue Wenzhong, who was of the ninth rank, it would shorten his lifespan.

"Good, good." Xue Wenzhong patted Zhao Xing's hands and smiled from ear to ear: "It's good that you're back."

"Huh? Lord Chen is here too."

"Yes, he is back too." Zhao Xing smiled and moved aside.

"Old Si Nong." Chen Shijie also hurried over to hold Xue Wenzhong's hand, not letting him salute. "It's been a long time since we last met. Are you doing well?"

"Okay, very good."

"Thanks to you, the position of chief officer was given up after you left. I, an old man, can get a promotion and live a few more years."

Xue Wenzhong joked, "You came back this time, you are not demoted again, are you here to take my position? Huh?"

"Hahaha." Chen Shijie couldn't help laughing, and there was a burst of laughter from the surroundings: "Don't worry, old Si Nong, I didn't come to Gucheng to be the Si Nong official, and I won't come to steal your position, so you can rest assured."

"Okay, okay." Xue Wenzhong was cheerful. It was obvious that he was very happy to meet outstanding students and old acquaintances.

"Marquis Yuan Rang, Marquis Yuan Zhen, Marquis Yun Xiao, old Minister of Agriculture." Xu Donghui bowed and said, "How about we go back to the city and talk? I have prepared a banquet to welcome you all."

"Okay, teacher, let's go into the city." Zhao Xing pulled Xue Wenzhong, and a large group of officials followed behind, walking towards Gucheng.

…………

The rule is that family members are not allowed to be present when welcoming guests outside the city, because strictly speaking, Zhao Xing's return home is also a public business.

There has never been any female relatives or family members who would go out of the city to welcome them.

If there is an elderly person in the family who is too old to walk, would they still go out of the city three miles to welcome their grandson? That doesn't make sense.

But when he entered the city to attend the banquet, he immediately saw Zhao Ruide, Mrs. Cai and Zhao Zheng.

"Foster father." Zhao Xing came to Zhao Ruide and knelt down to kowtow. "My son is back."

Zhao Ruide stood on the steps and asked loudly, "How brave is my son on the battlefield?"

"Five million military merits!" "With a million military merits, you can be called a hero! Good!" The ceremonial officer next to him was holding a red tray with a row of wine on it. Zhao Ruide picked up one of the glasses and drank it all in one gulp.

After drinking, Zhao Ruide asked again.

"My son has made great contributions. What rank do you hold now?"

"Sixth rank!"

"Good!" Zhao Ruide drank another glass.

"My son has returned with honor. Does Your Majesty have any reward?"

"Achieve the title of Marquis, and be given the title 'Yuan Rang'!"

"One hundred and sixty-five thousand mu of land was granted, and one thousand six hundred and fifty households were given food."

"A reward of one 'Guardian' staff, two blue-eyed dragon-lions, one unicorn flying boat, and a pair of jade ruyi... The reward will be the tenth rank!"

It was quiet all around, with only the sound of Zhao Xing reporting to Laozi.

Everyone was envious of this scene.

This is probably the greatest honor of being a father.

After several rounds of drinking, veins popped out on Zhao Ruide's forehead. He picked up the last big bowl and invited the spectators from all directions.

"My son is mighty! Red, please drink this cup with me!"

"Congratulations to Marquis Yuan Rang!" Congratulations were pouring in from all around.

At this point, the journey of returning home in glory has come to an end.

Next comes the banquet.

Xu Donghui not only held a banquet in the county government office, but also set up many buffet tables on several streets outside.

He set up a separate box for Zhao Xing's family and friends.

"Madam Cai, this is the list of property and gifts I brought back home." Zhao Xing handed a thick list of property to Madam Cai.

Mrs. Cai wiped her hands and took it carefully.

"This, this much..."

"We don't need so much at home."

They hadn't seen each other for four years. When they met again, Zhao Xing was so successful that Mrs. Cai felt a little nervous.

She had treated Zhao Xing very badly in the past, who knew if he would remember it?
Now that she received the gift list from Zhao Xing, Mrs. Cai felt more at ease.

With so much wealth, it doesn't matter if Zhao Xing scolds me a few times in the future.

Madam Cai quickly took Zhao Zheng's hand and said, "Zheng'er, why don't you greet your elder brother?"

Among Zhao Xing's family members, the one who changed the most was not Zhao Ruide and Mrs. Cai, but Zhao Zheng.

At this time, Zhao Zheng was already thirteen years old.

Thanks to Zong Shichang's good care, he had good food and drink, and he practiced martial arts for four years. Now he is over 1.75 meters tall.

He also became stronger and was no longer the little kid who couldn't even shovel snow.

Even though they hadn't seen each other for a few years, he seemed a little reserved and felt a little unfamiliar when he met Zhao Xing.

"Meet you, big brother!"

Zhao Xing looked at Zhao Zheng, who was saluting in a serious manner, and couldn't help but sigh that this was no longer the kid who used firecrackers to blow up other people's toilets.

"Hurry up and get up." Zhao Xing supported Zhao Zheng's shoulders and patted them, "You don't have to be so polite to your family."

"You practice martial arts, don't you? How come you become fairer and fairer as you practice?"

Zhao Zheng wiped his face and said, "Mom, look, I told you that my elder brother would talk, right? Why did you insist on putting powder on me?"

"Hey, don't wipe it." Mrs. Cai hit Zhao Zheng's hand and took out a handkerchief. "You kid, you rubbed your face. How are you going to meet guests later?"

But it was too late. Zhao Zheng rubbed it left and right, and the lipstick and foundation on his face mixed together, instantly turning his face into a calico cat's.

"Hahahaha." Zhao Ruide and Zhao Xing, the father and son, immediately laughed at them mercilessly.

"Mom! What do you think we should do now?" The teenage child had a strong sense of self-esteem and immediately became anxious.

"Don't panic, let Big Brother fix it for you."

Zhao Xing turned his fingertips lightly, and a stream of water swept over Zhao Zheng's body.

Just like a brush, wash his neck and face.

Then the wind blew again, and in a breath, the water marks were washed away.

By the way, Zhao Zheng's hairstyle was also styled.

Zhao Xing stretched out his right hand, and a water mirror appeared in his palm, which he placed in front of Zhao Zheng.

"Look, isn't he much more handsome now?"

"It's true." Zhao Zheng touched his face subconsciously.

"Hahahaha." This narcissistic behavior caused another round of laughter.

"I don't want to play with you guys anymore! I want to go out to eat!" Zhao Zheng couldn't hold back his pride and ran to the box next door to pet the cat.

…………

Gucheng, Anpingfang, Zhao Xing’s home.

"There is an island in the North Sea. On the day of the beginning of winter, the water begins to freeze. Five days later, the sea begins to freeze. Five days later, a giant whale breaks through the ice and turns into a black bird. A blue bird enters the water and turns into a purple snake. Five days later, fire erupts from the bottom of the sea."

Zhao Xing was in his study, reading the Geography of Kyushu.

It is now the summer solstice of the twentieth year of the Jingxin calendar, and it has been a month since he returned.

This month, every day is filled with interpersonal interactions and socializing.

It was not until today that Zhao Xing had the chance to relax and read a book.

"My superiors asked me to go to the East China Sea, but I don't know where in the East China Sea it is or what official position it holds." Zhao Xing thought to himself.

His official appointment has not yet come down, and his current status is [officer awaiting transfer].

There are official ranks, but no specific powers and responsibilities.

"The East China Sea is too big, much bigger than Pinghai Prefecture. The best place to go is close to Princess Youruo's territory." Zhao Xing said secretly.

He was still thinking about the thousand-year-old black tortoise shell that the old witch wanted to give him.

After reading for a while, Zhao Xing went to Chen's house.

shuh~
Zhao Xing stayed at Chen's house. Chen Shijie and a woman were harvesting Tianyuan pears in the pear orchard.

At this time, Chen Shijie was dressed simply and picked pears with Gui Niang, just like an ordinary fruit farmer.

"Lord Zhao." When Gui Niang saw Zhao Xing coming to visit, she immediately wiped the sweat off her forehead and prepared to greet him.

"You don't have to be so polite, sister-in-law." Zhao Xing said with a smile, "It's not my first time here. I just want to have a casual chat with Lao Chen."

"Well, I'll go make tea for you." Gui Niang put down the fruit basket and turned to leave.

"What? You can't sit still?" Chen Shijie didn't even turn his head and concentrated on picking pears.

He clearly had magic, but he didn't use it. He just stood on tiptoe with a pair of long-nosed scissors to cut the branches.

"Whoosh~" Zhao Xing created a gust of wind and blew down the pears that were out of his reach.

"What are you worrying about?" Chen Shijie threw a pear over. "I don't know how to use magic?"

"I have obsessive-compulsive disorder." Zhao Xing laughed, "You stand on tiptoe and try to reach it for a long time but still can't. It makes me uncomfortable."

"Your state of mind is not good enough." Chen Shijie said, "I haven't cast a spell for a month."

"Since it's a holiday, why don't you take a good rest?"

"That's true." Zhao Xing also sealed his own energy and followed Chen Shijie to pick pears.

"Where is Long Xiao?"

"He went to fool around with Zong Shichang." Chen Shijie said, "These two people have similar personalities."

"It's probably because Long Xiao has never seen the colorful world before." Zhao Xing said, "Now that he has met Zong Shichang, who likes to play around, it's like he has opened the door to a new world."

"You talk as if you've seen it before." Chen Shijie sneered, "You've never even touched a woman's hand."

"..."

…………

Zhao Xing had never even touched Zong Shichang's hand, but he was about to get married.

In the 20th year of the Jingxin calendar, on the summer solstice, Zong Shichang and Liu Muqing got engaged.

After pursuing it for several years, I finally got my wish.

mid-July.

Zhao Xing went to East Lake and scanned the area with his divine eyes, but he did not find the ghosts that had helped him obtain the fourth-level East Lake Pearl.

In late July, I went to Xue's house and gave the old Minister of Agriculture a longevity treasure.

He was powerless to change Xue Wenzhong's official position, but the old Minister of Agriculture had not taken many longevity treasures.

Zhao Xing gave Xue Wenzhong the longevity treasures in batches.

The old Si Nong's complexion had recovered visibly, and he looked a little younger.

By doing this, Xue Wenzhong can only live for another fifty years at most. There is no other way. A ninth-rank official can only live for a hundred and fifty years at best.

If you really want to prolong your life, you have to cooperate with the promotion of official position.

For this reason, Zhao Xing moved more frequently with officials at all levels, including counties, prefectures and counties.

Let’s see if there is a chance in the future to help Mr. Xue get a promotion.

In early August, Zong Shichang and Liu Muqing got married, and their best friend Lu Qian was also present.

However, Zhao Xing had almost forgotten about her. It was only when they met again that he remembered that this girl had liked him before.

Everyone had their own aspirations, and they just met at the table, chatted briefly, and then parted ways.

At the end of August, Zhao Xing discussed moving with his family.

"The land awarded to me by the imperial court is more than 100,000 acres in the eastern part of Pinghai Prefecture, as well as a fiefdom. I can collect several hundred taels of tax every year. Of course, we don't have to rely on taxes to make a living." It must be said.

Because Zhao Xing still had to go to Lihuo Taoist Temple, and there were only more than two months left in his vacation.

"Moving so far away?" Zhao Ruide hesitated.

It is common for officials to bring their families with them when they take office, but Zhao Ruide was not very willing to do so.

"Yes." Zhao Xing said.

If the King of Liang rebels, the south will be the first to bear the brunt.

Nanyang County seems to be very far away from the battlefield, with a straight-line distance of only about 40,000 to 50,000 miles.

For a high-quality war, this is not far away. It will only take a few hours for the military warships to come over and attack.

Mrs. Cai didn't care, but she was worried about Zhao Zheng's admission to school: "He will be attending Nanyang College next year. What will happen to his place after we go there?"

Zhao Xing said: "Don't worry, when we get there, I can arrange for him to enter the Bishui Daoyuan, which is better than this."

"How good is it?"

"..."

Zhao Xing was puzzled. Didn’t Mrs. Cai understand the word "better"?

Seeing this, Zhao Ruide said: "Why are you asking so specifically? You wouldn't understand even if Xing'er told you."

Mrs. Cai smiled and said, "Then I'll go cook, you two can decide."

"Do I have to go?" Zhao Ruide still didn't want to go.

"It's better to go together." Zhao Xing said. Although the formation of the county city is not so easy to break and Nanyang County is not a strategic location, he still feels more at ease taking him with him.

After all, Zhao Ruide and Mrs. Cai have no ability to protect themselves, and they are not officials.

As for other people such as Xue Wenzhong and Zong Shichang, he will have other arrangements at that time.

"Let me think about it again." Zhao Ruide said.

"it is good."

…………

The beginning of September in the twentieth year of the Jingxin calendar.

Zhao Xing's affairs in Gucheng were basically arranged.

On September 10, Zhao Ruide finally agreed to move.

It was on this day that Zhao Xing found Chen Shijie and brought Long Xiao, who was so tired from playing that he lost his way, to Chen's house.

"The three of us should go to Lihuo Taoist Temple to take an exam for authority." Zhao Xing said.

Chen Shijie and Long Xiao’s new positions are also in Donghai, and the results of the treatment for the three of them are the same.

The East China Sea is too far away, because Nanyang County is located in the southwest of Pinghai Prefecture. The longest straight-line distance to the East China Sea is more than three million miles!

If you fly on a seventh-level warship, it will take a month or so just to get there.

Without obtaining the authority of Lihuo Taoist Temple, it would be difficult for them to make a trip back and forth.

"I have no problem. Anyway, I plan to take Gui Niang with me this time." Chen Shijie said.

"I have no problem at all." Long Xiao said, "I have no ties and can leave at any time."

"Not necessarily." Chen Shijie squinted and said, "The girls in Huixianglou are all your concerns."

"What nonsense are you talking about!" Long Xiao said with a red face, "I just went there to listen to music! I didn't do anything else."

"Yeah."

"..."

Zhao Xing smiled and said, "Okay, let's get down to business. Our transfer order will come in early October or late September. The military will give us a month to travel."

"We have to pass the test before the beginning of October. If we don't, we'll have to go over by boat."

"After passing the exam, I can stay for a while longer."

Chen Shijie asked: "When will it be over?"

Zhao Xing said: "It is already September 10th. Let's set off in five days and come back to pick them up after the exam."

Long Xiao scratched his head and said, "Which authority are we going to test? I have forgotten."

Zhao Xing introduced: "There are five levels of authority in Lihuo Daoyuan: Master of Hundred Arts, Master of Preaching, Doctor of Scripture, Vice-President, and President."

"Master Baiyi, you have three free opportunities to borrow the Dao every year. This is for personal matters. If it is a public mission assigned by the Daoist Academy, you don't have to pay."

"Master Preacher, you can use the Lihuo Altar for free, regardless of official or private matters."

"It corresponds to the level of true disciples and sect guardians in the ancient sect era."

"As for the Doctor of Scriptures, the Vice Dean, and the Dean of the Branch School, they are probably equivalent to the Elders."

“Not only can I use it myself, but I can also allow others to use it for free a few times a year.”

Zhao Xing said: "We can just take the exam to become an honorary preacher. We can bring our family members when we use them. There is no problem with a single-digit number of family members."

Long Xiao asked, "Is it difficult? I am most afraid of exams."

Chen Shijie said: "It's not difficult to be a Hundred Arts Master. This position is to be a teacher at Lihuo Daoyuan."

"It's just teaching by rote. It just requires a broad range of knowledge, but not necessarily mastery."

"However, the Hundred Arts Mage who is taking the honor exam is also required to create his own method, but the difficulty is lower."

"A preacher of the Tao has his own unique understanding of the Tao. He should be able to create at least one spell of his own. Moreover, the level of the spell he created cannot be too low. If others imitate him, they should be able to cultivate to a high level."

"This is more difficult. As the saying goes, those who imitate me will die, and those who learn from me will live. Many people's self-created spells are most powerful only in their own hands. If others follow the process to learn, the power of the spells is only half, or even less than half."

Zhao Xing said: "Yes, the requirements for the honorary preacher are quite strict. We must leave some real things in the Taoist temple."

Examining permissions is equivalent to a resource replacement.

You can either teach there or leave a powerful spell there for future generations to learn.

As for the Doctor of Scriptures and the Vice President, they would have to make significant contributions to the Lihuo Taoist Academy to be awarded such a nominal position of "honor".

Of course, the goal of Zhao Xing and the other three was only to reach the level of "Honorary Preacher".

Long Xiao nodded: "Okay, I'll get ready."

"Then we will gather at noon five days later."

"it is good."

…………

Five days later, at the hour of Chen, Zhao Xing, Chen Shijie and Long Xiao boarded a flying boat and headed for Nanyang County.

The Louchuansi of Nanyang County changed to a Louchuan ship and arrived at Dayuan Prefecture.

There is a branch of Lihuo Taoist Academy in Dayuan Prefecture.

"The dean of this branch of Dayuan Mansion is 'Ji Qingshan', a member of the royal family. He is the great-nephew of the emperor, 201 years old, and of the third rank." After arriving at Dayuan Mansion, the three chatted as they walked.

"What is the relationship between Ji Qingshan and King Liang?" Long Xiao asked, "They won't deliberately make things difficult for us, right?"

Zhao Xing shook his head: "I don't know, probably not."

In the previous life, when King Liang rebelled, he had never heard of a person named Ji Qingshan.

It stands to reason that if one were at the third level and joined the army of King Liang, he would definitely become well-known.

However, Zhao Xing didn't know as much about Ji Qingshan as Chen Shijie did, because Yang An knew a doctor of economics here.

After going back and forth a few times, I began to understand a little bit.

"This is not a matter of favoritism. We will take the test based on our ability. There won't be any problems." Zhao Xing said.

"What magic do you plan to leave in the Taoist temple?" Chen Shijie asked.

"Thunder breaks the false finger." Zhao Xing said.

This thunder magic was created by him, and now it has developed into a high-level spell, but it is not yet perfect and is only at the seventh level.

The subsequent three transfers have not yet been completed.

"What about you?"

Chen Shijie said: "I created a underground palace method on my own and barely reached the threshold of the high-level fourth level."

Long Xiao said proudly: "I can just keep a style of Shenxiao swordsmanship, and that will be enough."

"Who asked you?"

"..."

When they arrived at the gate of Lihuo Taoist Temple, Zhao Xing and the other two began to wait.

At this time, Chen Shijie can only contact the doctor of economics that Yang An knows.

My master Liu Tianning’s advice won’t work here, and it might even have a counterproductive effect.

Because Old Liu had also challenged Lihuo Taoist Temple in the past, and he had conquered nearly half of the 72 Taoist temples.

If Zhao Xing said that he was Liu Tianning's disciple, it would probably cause some trouble for no reason.

After waiting for about two quarters of an hour, a Taoist boy in yellow robes floated out.

"May I ask if it is Master Chen Shijie and Master Long Xiao who are here in person?"

"That's right." Chen Shijie nodded.

"The teacher asked me to pick you up. This is..."

"This is my colleague." Chen Shijie did not mention Zhao Xing's name, "He is also here to take the test."

"Please follow me." The Taoist boy asked casually, and then led the three people into the Taoist temple.

…………

The palace style of Lihuo Taoist Temple is very simple and ancient, and the buildings are very tall, appearing grand and majestic.

The pavilions in the Taoist temple are seven or eight meters high, and the corridors are very wide, so several carriages can run side by side.

"Although it's called Lihuo Daoyuan, there are many spiritual springs and lakes inside."

"Shanshui architecture is in line with the principles of yin and yang, using earth and water to balance the fire pit of the Lihuo altar and prevent the fire from becoming too strong."

"This is just a branch." Zhao Xing looked around. It was very different from the Lihuo Taoist Academy he was familiar with in his previous life.

It is quiet and peaceful, with an otherworldly aura.

Zhao Xing was familiar with the Lihuo Taoist Temple. At that time, Emperor Wu was in power. He requisitioned the Lihuo Taoist Temple and used it as a war machine.

Even inside the Taoist temple, there was a solemn and murderous atmosphere.

The good tradition of the immortal sect was changed into the style of a military camp by Emperor Wu.

"There were a total of forty-nine Fire Spirit Mountains in Lihuo Taoist Temple, but during the reign of Emperor Wu, thirty-two of them were destroyed." Zhao Xing pondered.

The cost of war is not small. Lihuo Taoist Temple has such a useful transportation treasure as the Lihuo Altar, so it will of course be requisitioned.

The Taoist boy led the three people on the flying boat in the courtyard. They flew slowly for two quarters of an hour and stopped in front of a two-hundred-meter tower.

"Dear guest, we are here." The Taoist boy introduced: "The Dharma Transmission Building is in front."

"The Dharma Transmission Building has ninety-nine floors in total."

"It contains thousands of magic spells left by our predecessors."

"The first thirty levels are all low- and medium-level spells."

"After the 30th floor, all spells are high-level."

The Taoist boy explained: "If you three want to obtain the honorary title, you must leave your own self-created spells on the 'Wall of Magic' after the 30th floor."

"Pay attention, it must be a new spell you created yourself."

“If it’s not self-created, there’s no way it can leave a trace.”

"My three distinguished guests, you can follow the instructions in the tower. The many walls of law inside can also guide you to enlightenment. If you watch for a few more days, you may be able to create a new law of your own."

"Thank you for showing me the way," Chen Shijie bowed to the Taoist boy.

"You're welcome." After the Taoist boy returned the greeting, he boarded the flying boat and left.

There were many such guiding Taoist boys around, carrying the guests on the flying boats to the Dharma Teaching Building.

There are many people who want to leave their names in Lihuo Taoist Temple. Even if they cannot obtain an honorary title, being able to leave a name below the 30th floor is something worth bragging about.

Of course, most of them are students from the Taoist academy itself.

One of the graduation requirements for Taoist priests at Lihuo Taoist Temple is that they must master a new method within the thirty levels.

"There are so many people, but their realms are all relatively low." Long Xiao looked around, "Most of them are low-level, there are relatively few medium-level ones, and I haven't seen any high-level ones."

"High-quality strong men are not cabbages. How can we easily run into them?" Zhao Xing said with a smile.

"The more half-baked you are, the more you will waver." Long Xiao pointed at the people coming in and out and said, "They are at a low level, how can they comprehend any powerful Taoism?"

Long Xiao's look of pointing fingers at Jiangshan immediately attracted a lot of attention.

"Can you be more low-key?" Zhao Xing said in a low voice, "Do all of you sword cultivators have this problem? You like to act in a high-profile manner."

"Please speak softly. My identity is a bit troublesome. Please don't cause trouble for me."

"Oh, then I won't say anything." Long Xiao also lowered his voice, "I'll listen to you and keep a low profile."

"Okay, let's go."

After saying that, the three of them walked into the Dharma Teaching Building.

　When I woke up today, my vision was a little blurry and I couldn’t see clearly. It took me a while to get used to it.

　　I can only write 12,000 words today and go to the hospital tomorrow.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)