My Wife Is The Leader Of A Demonic Cult

Chapter 109: Chapter 109: Witnessing the Bitter Tears of the Human World (10,000-Word Update, Subscription Requested!)

An Jing listened to An Jing’s words and looked toward the massive black iron sphere.

An Jing, fearing that the stunned An Jing wasn’t up to the task, quickly said, “If brute force is used, this iron sphere might remain intact, but the surrounding mountains might collapse, and we could be buried by the mountains.”

An Jing’s cultivation should have been at the Grandmaster Realm. With brute force, this cave simply couldn’t withstand a single punch from him.

If they were to be buried alive here, it would be a terrible loss, especially since a beautiful wife was waiting for him at home.

“Jing’an, don’t worry.”

After saying this, An Jing took slow steps forward.

An Jing also looked over, feeling somewhat nervous.

Seeing An Jing’s hand release force qi, he then delivered an ordinary palm strike toward the black iron sphere in front of him.

“Boom!”

A sound resounded, and an astonishing scene unfolded. The black iron sphere blocking the cave began to melt, just like ice meeting warm sunlight.

The black iron sphere that An Jing couldn’t handle, however, was transformed into iron liquid by An Jing’s single palm.

“Such profound inner strength, is this the method of a Grandmaster?”

An Jing was somewhat shaken by what he saw.

Apart from at Three Temple Mountain, he had never truly seen a Grandmaster in action. To reach the Grandmaster Realm, one must gather the Three Flowers of Heaven, Earth, and Man.

If reaching Second Grade or First Grade was a significant hurdle that stopped over ninety percent of geniuses, then the Grandmaster Realm blocked ninety-nine percent of them.

Even for a prodigy like Fuzhou, without some rare opportunities, there was only a chance to reach the Grandmaster Realm.

Throughout history, those in the Grandmaster Realm were the true peaks of the Jianghu. None were not famed across the Jianghu for fifty years, standing at the very crest of the waves.

The distinction between Grandmaster Realm and First Grade is vast because after gathering the Three Flowers, inner strength and qi force evolve into True Qi. Additionally, Grandmasters could refine nature’s spiritual energy for cultivation.

Although the Grandmaster Realm does not increase lifespan, its strength is on another level.

Some Grandmasters in the Jianghu had little interest in competing for power or profit; their focus was on how to become a Great Grandmaster and attain the three hundred years of lifespan.

“We can go now.”

An Jing turned his head to look at An Jing, his expression a bit stiff.

“Okay.”

An Jing exhaled deeply and then, manipulating two wooden figures, started to walk out of the cave.

Soon, the two of them reached the mouth of the cave.

A ray of sunlight spilled in.

“Jing’an, I feel… it feels like many years since I’ve seen the sunlight.”

An Jing stood at the mouth of the cave, breathing in fresh air deeply, yet his feet hesitated to step outside.

An Jing looked at An Jing curiously and asked, “Do you really not remember anything at all?”

He always felt there was some secret hidden within An Jing.

A supposed Qin Dynasty Grandmaster, trapped in a coffin for a millennium and yet not dead?

It all seemed incredibly unbelievable.

Could there really be a technique for longevity in this world?

An Jing seemed to think of something, his heart beginning to throb rapidly, but then it quickly cooled down.

Even a Great Grandmaster only adds three hundred years of lifespan and yet, no Great Grandmaster has appeared in the entire Jianghu to date.

Not to mention the elusive concept of longevity.

“I don’t remember anything.”

An Jing’s hand extended slightly, basking in the gentle sunlight. His pale face showed no emotion, “My mind is blank, I just remember I need to go to An Jing Mountain. Something important seems to be there.”

He couldn’t remember anything else, but this one thing remained in his mind.

“Perhaps you might find your answers at An Jing Mountain.”

An Jing nodded, then took out a skin scroll from the medicine chest, “I have a map of Great Yan here; it might be useful to you.”

Keeping the map was useless; he might as well do a favor.

An Jing carefully took the map, “Jing’an, great favors do not need thanks.”

An Jing thought of something and again took out some silver from his purse, “Right, you’d better go to a clothing store and buy a set of clothes, here is some silver.”

King Xu did not say much but slowly accepted the silver.

“Since that’s the case, then let us part ways here.”

An Jing clasped his hands together and said.

“Jing’an, then I’ll be going.”

King Xu gazed intently at An Jing and said, “I will never forget today’s kindness in my lifetime.”

“Good, until we meet again.”

An Jing heard this and smiled.

“Until we meet again.”

King Xu’s mouth curved slightly upwards, seemingly forcing a smile, and then he strode forward.

The fragmented golden sunlight fell on him.

Then, with a stomp of his foot, his body turned into a residual image, and he disappeared from An Jing’s sight in an instant.

Watching King Xu leave, An Jing then turned to look at the wooden figures standing on either side of him.

“Although these two wooden figures are somewhat damaged, their strength is enough to deal with masters of the Third and Fourth Grade Cultivation, but they will inevitably arouse the suspicion of others…”

After pondering over it a few more times, An Jing still decided not to take the two wooden figures with him but to have them guard the cave instead.

However, he placed all the bamboo scrolls from the Mo Family into the medicine box, the already tight medicine box became even more crowded.

“These bamboo scrolls are good stuff, I’ll first put them in the miscellaneous room when I get back.”

……

Yu State City, the Su Family.

As one of the four major families of Jiangnan Dao, the financial power of the Su Family was not something ordinary merchants could compare with.

The courtyard was lush with fine trees and brilliant flowers; rock gardens and ponds were interspersed in a stunning and majestic layout that complemented the courtyards, and the buildings with flying eaves and intricately carved railings were both exquisite and magnificent.

At the moment, at the entrance of the main hall, two beautiful maids stood waiting on either side, and from time to time, laughter could be heard coming from inside.

Su Ze sat at the head while below him was a middle-aged man in his forties.

The man was dressed in white with a horse-like face and broad forehead, looking somewhat ugly; his fingers were withered as if they were mere skin and bones.

Behind him stood several masters dressed in hemp clothes.

This person was He Ao, the “Hawk of Cang Mountain” from the Cao Gang.

In the past ten years, the Cao Gang had expanded rapidly, not only in terms of territory but also by absorbing many martial artists from Jianghu, among whom the most famous were the Hawk of Cang Mountain and the Three Eccentrics of West Mountain.

Although these individuals had not made it onto the Tiger List, they were indeed well-known masters in Jianghu.

“He Ao, you must be joking,”

Su Ze sighed deeply and said, “In recent years, my Su Family has indeed been reduced to the edge of an abyss, a dead-end, and we no longer have the splendor of the past.”

Compared to the other three major families, the development of the Su Family was indeed extremely slow, and if not for the remnants left by their ancestors, they might have already been squeezed out of the ranking of the four major families.

Since time immemorial, this has always been the case in Jianghu, whether for masters or noble families, all have their rise and decline.

He Ao smiled lightly, picked up his teacup, and took a sip before saying, “Compared to the Cao Family and the Mu Family, the Su Family has indeed been slow. There might be an opportunity right now that could possibly provide a clear path for Brother Su. We straightforward people don’t beat around the bush, are you interested in the Jiangnan Chamber of Commerce?”

The Jiangnan Chamber of Commerce?

People knew that it was currently controlled by Liu Qingshan, and joining the Jiangnan Chamber of Commerce meant siding with the Cao Gang, gaining the protection of this enormous force within the intricate network of rivers and waterways, hence being tied to the war chariot of the Cao Gang.

For ordinary merchants, this was indeed a golden opportunity.

Su Ze’s expression was calm and collected as he said, “My Su Family’s business is not extensive, dealing only in fabrics, tobacco, and the like; joining this Jiangnan Chamber of Commerce might be difficult…”

Allying with the Cao Gang was something he was deeply resistant to.

The head of the Su Family had been killed by someone from Tieyun Mountain, and just when the Su Family was preparing to retaliate and kill the perpetrator, Liu Qingshan suddenly intervened to save Tieyun Mountain. The Su Family had to drop the matter for the greater good.

After all, the Cao Gang was already showing signs of its rising influence, and it was simply not something the Su Family could contend with.

As a result, the relationship between the Su Family and the Cao Gang was like fire and water, and they had not interacted for many years.

The visit of He Ao, the Hawk of Cang Mountain, clearly indicated that the Cao Gang intended to break the ice.

Before joining the Cao Gang, He Ao and Su Ze had a slight acquaintance during the Tianlan Grand Meeting, which is why the Cao Gang sent him today.

However, deep in his heart, Su Ze harbored some resistance. Liu Qingshan was an ambitious man, and the pros and cons of boarding this large ship were still unclear.

He Ao offered a faint smile, “As long as Brother Su gives the word, the Jiangnan Chamber of Commerce will surely reserve a place for the Su family.”

“This matter, I still need to consider,”

Su Ze said after a long silence.

Seeing Su Ze speak so, He Ao set down his teacup, his fingers gently tapping on the tabletop, “My Cao Gang not only has the backing of the Jiangnan Chamber of Commerce, but in the future, the Su family might also cooperate with other chambers from different regions to enhance its own strength. This is truly a rare opportunity.”

Su Ze let out a bitter laugh, “Brother He, I appreciate your kindness, but the Su family has major operations to manage, and I need to think this over.”

Upon hearing Su Ze’s words, He Ao sighed softly inside, but he stood up without changing his expression, “In that case, Brother Su, take your time to think about it. I have urgent matters to attend to and must take my leave now.”

Su Ze also stood up and said, “Are you leaving already? I have prepared a feast, why don’t we have a few drinks together?”

“No, there are complicated matters within the gang I need to handle.”

He Ao clasped his fist, then turned and walked towards the hall.

After finishing speaking, Su Ze watched He Ao’s retreating figure, his brow furrowed deeply.

Su Rui huffed softly from the side and said, “Father, what He Ao just mentioned, we should outright reject it. What good is there to cooperate with the Cao Gang?”

Due to existing enmity between Iron Cloud Mountain’s Cao Gang and the Su family, and with the Cao Family aligning with the Cao Gang and being in direct competition with the Su family, the grievances between both parties deepened even more.

Su Rui’s heart harbored hatred towards the Cao Gang, how could he possibly want to cooperate with them.

Su Ze did not reply to Su Rui’s comment but instead asked, “This morning you mentioned that someone from the Mu family arrived in Yu State City and later went to the Cao family?”

The four great families of Jiangnan Dao, with the Su family and the Cao family in Yu State City, while the other two major families were in Lijiang City and Ping City.

Though puzzled, Su Rui honestly replied, “Yes, Mu Liangyin from the Mu family came with several large boxes of assets, reportedly for a betrothal.”

“The Mu family and the Cao family want to form a marital alliance… this is bad!”

Su Ze’s brow furrowed sharply, “Quick, write a letter to your second uncle.”

“Father, what’s wrong?”

Seeing Su Ze’s expression, Su Rui immediately showed a trace of confusion.

Su Ze’s eyes flashed with doubt, “The Cao Gang is about to make a move on our Su family. The message delivered by the flying falcon from Cangshan earlier was just courtesy before action. If my Su family were willing to lean toward the Cao Gang, perhaps there would still be a chance, but since I just rejected He Ao, once he returns and reports…”

Su Rui appeared disbelieving, “The Cao Gang has such audacity? They dare to defy the imperial law and attack us?”

“What do you know!?”

Su Ze said coldly, “Liu Qingshan and Chu Nanying are in cahoots behind the scenes, they are intertwined. A mere accusation, and my Su family would be doomed.”

The gentry families that have emerged in this world, every pore drips with blood and filth. Wealth is a process of accumulation, and this process requires cunning and ruthless exploitation, selfishness, stinginess, attraction, seduction, and greed… It can be unequivocally stated that every prominent family, every individual in power, has ascended by stepping over countless corpses.

Not a single family is untainted; their feet are soaked in blood and corpses.

The Su family is no exception.

As long as one wants to investigate, filthy secrets can certainly be found.

“I understand.”

Su Rui also felt a chill in his heart and hurriedly rushed out of the hall.

…….

Jishi Hall, the back courtyard.

The white walls, the black tiles, the subtle sunlight scattered down, casting a soft glow.

“Arf! Oooh!”

The little black pup twisted its head then bounced around the utility room, as if searching for some treasure.

It then stretched out its hind legs, preparing to urinate against the wooden post.

Tan Yun saw this and quickly kicked over.

“Arf… oooh.”

The little black pup tumbled two or three times, then lay on the ground staring up at Tan Yun with big eyes while its tail wagged, trying to appease.

Zhao Qingmei’s expression was as calm as water, slowly opened the book called ‘Diary.’

Upon seeing this, Tan Yun felt as if a cat had scratched her heart, it was ticklish.

She was also curious about what the diary contained.

“Was it written by your husband?”

Zhao Qingmei glanced at the writing on the page, it was undoubtedly written by An Jing.

Gently lifting the pages of the diary was like unfolding a tale of bygone days, opening a segment of warm old times.

“Xingping Year Five, April 7th, clear.

My heart is troubled, burdened with many worries, with no one to confide in, I can only write in this diary for some solace… and incidentally record my own struggle to amass wealth, hoping that in the future, when I review these words, they may encourage me!

Today was another day spent gathering herbs in the mountains. After a day’s work, I sold them all to Yearman Zhang, who gave me just fifty copper coins. I know he is taking advantage of my youth.

I’ve toiled for half a year, from sunrise to sunset, and have only saved a couple of taels of silver, yet Yearman Zhang has married two concubines and fathered four plump sons.

I know that everything I’m currently doing is simply working for Yearman Zhang.

In the lonely nights, I can’t help but question myself, ‘Is working exhausting?’ Yes, because comfort is reserved for those noblemen who frequent brothels and listen to songs.

Sorry, I have let the masses… (this part is scratched out) down, after all, I’m just an ordinary herb-gathering boy.

Lying in my bed, I pondered for a long time. I, An Jing, cannot work for others anymore. Never in my life will I work for someone else again. With such prime years ahead, I must strive to better myself… Well, dinner first.”

“Xingping Year Five, April 9th, clear turning to overcast.

Finally, I made up my mind. I decided to say no to Yearman Zhang and stop selling him the herbs I gathered. By cutting out the middleman, I can save on the markup and hopefully improve my life somewhat, save some money, and perhaps marry a wife sooner to spread my good seeds.

When I mentioned this to Yearman Zhang, he seemed furious and even threatened me with a whip he held in his hand. At that moment I was… (this part is crossed out) extremely scared. His terrifying demeanor caused great trauma to my young soul. If it weren’t for the presence of Sanmazi and Ergouzi… I am sure I would have been whipped by Yearman Zhang. In the end, Yearman Zhang mercifully gave me a day to reconsider or face dire consequences.”

Truth be told, Yearman Zhang is very stingy. Not to mention good fruit, I haven’t even eaten rotten fruit.

After returning to my dilapidated tile-roofed hut, I thought it over multiple times and finally resolved not to work for him anymore.

To my surprise, a twist occurred the next day; Yearman Zhang was murdered… When I heard this news, I was immensely shocked. Fearful about who might have killed Yearman Zhang and elated that I no longer had to endure exploitation.”

Upon reading this, Zhao Qingmei felt a sudden jolt in her heart, followed by gently biting her red lips.

So, this was the hardship he endured after we parted.

Fortunately, Zhang is dead, or else who knows what sufferings An Jing would have continued to endure.

Tan Yun, watching the varied expressions of Zhao Qingmei — furrowing and then relaxing her brows — grew extremely curious, feeling almost driven mad by it.

What could it be that was causing such distinct changes in the Sect Hierarch’s demeanor?

Zhao Qingmei was completely absorbed, utterly unaware of Tan Yun’s expressions by her side.

“Xingping Year Five, April 13th, heavy rain.

The weather today was utterly terrible, clearly unsuitable for gathering herbs, yet I did not want to spend the day idle at home.

I think, diligent and hardworking people like me are indeed rare.

By a strange twist of fate, while I was gathering herbs, I saw an old man barely alive under the torrential downpour. He was covered in mud, seemingly having fallen down the mountainside, severely injured.

I didn’t hesitate and immediately helped the old man up.

Having only fifty copper coins in my purse, without money, others just… (this part is crossed out).

The only reason I saved the old man was that kindness and simplicity are virtues deeply ingrained in my blood. When encountering an elderly person fallen on the ground, one must lend a helping hand, so I had to save him.

Under my care, the old man gradually regained consciousness. He seemed inclined to repay me, which I initially refused, because acting courageously upon seeing injustice is what all… ordinary people should do.”

In the end, the old man insisted on repaying me, and I reluctantly accepted.

At that moment, I thought to myself that even if he hadn’t offered repayment, I, An Jing, would still have saved him.

After all, an old saying goes: ‘A calm heart can breed wisdom, and good deeds bring blessings.'”

“Xingping Year Five, April 28th, clear.

Since eliminating the middleman and keeping all profits for myself, I noticed my purse growing fuller, to the extent it seems I can’t spend it all. My biggest trouble each day is not knowing how to spend my money.”

“Xingping Year Five, May 13th, light rain. Today, it rained again. Ergouzi wanted to take me to the gong, but I decisively refused him, and even scolded him fiercely. After all, I want to save all my savings for my future wife.”

“Xingping Year Five, May 27th, cloudy. Nothing to do today… read and practice writing.”

“Xingping Year Five, May 28th. Nothing to do today, read and practice writing.”

“Xingping Year Five, May 30th. Nothing to do today, read and practice writing.”

“Xingping Year Five, June 1st. It’s only now I’ve realized how quickly money can be spent, I was too naive before.”

“Xingping Year Five, June 11th. I know I can’t continue this listless life any longer, so I plan to open a medical clinic. I’ve already established some connections, just lacking some silver. Luckily, I have many friends from whom I can borrow some to start, and they are not rushing me to repay them. With friends like these, what more could one ask for?””

“Xingping Year Five, June 27th. My friends indeed are generous; one of them lent me hundreds of taels of silver right off the bat. This is a considerable sum, and with Yu State City in need of rebuilding, I can now find a prime location for my medical clinic.”

“Xingping Year Five, July 3rd. Nothing to do today, read and practice writing.”

“Xingping Year Five, July 5th. Nothing to do today, read and practice writing.”

“In the fifth year of Xingping, on the ninth day of the seventh month, a new storyteller arrived at the neighboring teahouse. His tales of Jianghu were truly captivating; they made my blood boil. How wonderful it would be if I were a swordsman, but alas, I am just a plain, ordinary doctor.”

“In the fifth year of Xingping, on the thirteenth of July, today, as I read and practiced my writing, I was so moved that I couldn’t help but compose a poem on the fly, ‘Stopping by the woods on a snowy evening, with nobody around to teach me how to play the flute.’ What a good poem this is!”

“In the fifth year of Xingping, on the twenty-fourth of July, today, after San Mazi returned from the brothel, he asked me a question. Why, despite his hard efforts, does he still feel life has battered him to no end? After some thought, I seriously said, ‘You probably haven’t met your landlord’s wife yet.'”

“In the fifth year of Xingping, on the third day of August, today I went to gather herbs by ox cart. I was reading a book at the time when the ox cart rolled right over, instantly killing a chicken in the neighboring yard. I asked the child next door, ‘Is this your chicken?’ He glanced at it and said, ‘No, our chickens aren’t that flat.’ Helplessly, I ended up eating it with tears in my eyes.”

“In the fifth year of Xingping, on the ninth of August, today, as I listened to the storytelling, I realized how dark and unpredictable Jianghu is. It’s truly dangerous. Being an ordinary person is indeed a blessed life.”

“In the fifth year of Xingping, on the third day of September, as time swiftly passes, I treated seven or eight patients today. Seeing their satisfied expressions filled my heart with a sense of achievement. Little did I expect that they would repay me tonight and brought me much comfort.”

“In the fifth year of Xingping, on the fifteenth of September, from today onward, I must be serious, so I have decided to stop keeping a diary, starting from today.”

“In the sixth year of Xingping, on the third day of January, today was as mundane as usual, with many thoughts in my mind that I wish to express but cannot find the words. Though I am still young, I believe that someday a needle will evolve into a pestle.”

“In the sixth year of Xingping, on the third day of February, others came to cause trouble again. I know they were from Baohuan Hall. A month ago they caused trouble, and I endured it. The day before yesterday, they came again, and I also endured. Today, they came to make trouble once more, and even brought two Eighth Grade experts. This time, I still managed to keep my silence, allowing their insults and destruction of my clinic, as after all, I have never learned martial arts and am weak. They seem intent on ruining my livelihood completely, but I feel there’s no need for them to be that harsh.”

“In the sixth year of Xingping, on the fourteenth of March, it has been ten days since the last disturbance by Security Hall. They haven’t caused any trouble during this period, which is rather strange as they usually disrupt us every few days. Out of curiosity, I inquired about it, and it turned out that the manager of Security Hall accidentally consumed arsenic and died. Today is the day of his funeral, a very suitable day indeed.”

“In the sixth year of Xingping, on the fourth of April, during today’s consultation, I saw a young child with rosy lips and white teeth, so lovely and adorable. I really wanted to hug his young aunt.”

“In the sixth year of Xingping, on the seventh of April, Er Gouzi and San Mazi, one went to seek gold at Dongluo Pass, and the other went to study at Wangjing Sea. Since they left, no one has supervised my reading and writing. This has motivated me even more to excel.”

“In the sixth year of Xingping, on the first of May, from today onwards, I am ceasing to write. I intend to lead a proper life, seeing as everyone’s heart… (crossed out).”

…….

Before I realized it, I had turned to the last page, and as I looked further, it was entirely blank.

Zhao Qingmei closed the diary, gradually understanding the meaning behind it.

So it turned out that this diary was a recording of the daily bits and pieces of life.

Little did I expect that my brother had experienced so many hardships. Being able to open this clinic was also a result of encountering numerous obstacles, fortunately, he had a group of loyal friends who helped him eventually establish Jishi Hall.

Not only that, but he was also so diligent, striving day and night to study and practice his writing.

Had it not been for this diary, I would not have known all this.

Thinking this, Zhao Qingmei couldn’t help but think to herself, “This diary is really something great; how come I never thought about doing it? I should also write one to record every little detail of my time with my brother, and if many years later I look back on it…”

Then she recalled the words in the diary and felt somewhat guilty, “My brother is just a doctor; am I being too harsh on him, not leaving him any savings?”

Although flipping through the diary only took the time it takes an incense stick to burn, Tan Yun felt as if centuries had passed by.

“Tan Yun!”

Suddenly, Zhao Qingmei called out.

“Miss! I’m here!”

Tan Yun straightened up and quickly stepped forward.

“Do you think the master usually looks listless and lethargic?”

“The master?”

Hearing this, Tan Yun thought carefully and said, “I don’t think so. The master usually seems quite spirited, especially when eating rabbit meat…”

Saying this, Tan Yun suddenly puffed her cheeks, angry that she only got to eat one of her favorite rabbit heads.

Yes… my husband is also very spirited at night, lively like a dragon and tiger, and doesn’t seem like someone without savings.

Thinking this, Zhao Qingmei became a bit puzzled, “Do you think if you were given these martial arts heart methods, would you practice them?”

“Of course, I would definitely practice them. Only a fool wouldn’t…” Tan Yun blurted out without thinking, then suddenly realized what she said and immediately closed her mouth.

The master seemed to have never practiced, could it be that she just called him a fool? But he doesn’t seem like such a smart fool.

“Aow… woof!”

Little Blackie tugged at the night clothes, joyfully barking.

Tan Yun’s mind started to whirl, and said, “Miss, do you think it’s possible that the master doesn’t like martial arts or Jianghu strife, and just prefers to live this ordinary life?”

She often heard An Jing say this, loving such a plain and simple life, and most despising the trickery of Jianghu, as if performing in a theater.

Zhao Qingmei didn’t speak; such an ordinary, simple life is not something anyone can have just by wanting it. In this cruel, real world, one would have become a wandering ghost without strength long ago.

Just like that rogue Song Lin before, if it weren’t for the fear of Han Wenxin, he might have taken the Overlord Medicine.”

“Do you think, could there be a master behind the master?” Zhao Qingmei suddenly wondered aloud.

“A master!?”

Tan Yun blinked her big eyes, “Could it be?”

She felt as if her brain wasn’t quite keeping up, “Miss, hasn’t Shui Zhongyue always been with Young Master? If there was anything unusual, he should have reported it a long time ago.”

The Demon Sect members are highly skilled, especially people like Shui Zhongyue and Huo Zhongyun, who grew up in the Demon Sect from a young age. Their loyalty to the sect is extremely high, so it is impossible for them not to report any abnormalities.

Zhao Qingmei nodded slightly, “You’re right, it must be just my overthinking, but these night clothes and these martial arts books are still somewhat odd…..”

Tan Yun whispered, “Why not just ask Young Master directly?”

In her view, isn’t it much better to ask directly rather than guessing around?

“Let’s just leave these things here.”

Zhao Qingmei’s lips slightly parted as she said, “Please tidy up and restore everything to how it was originally.”

After speaking, Zhao Qingmei put down the diary she was holding and, filled with thoughts, walked towards the door.

Her thoughts were not the same as Tan Yun’s; An Jing had these secrets he had not shared, and asking him herself was different from him choosing to tell her spontaneously.

Should she find an opportunity to test her brother?

But right now, what was most important was writing her diary. She also wanted to write a diary, documenting every little detail of the life she shared with her brother. Thinking this, Zhao Qingmei quickened her pace.

“Yes.”

Only after Zhao Qingmei had moved away did Tan Yun hurriedly pick up the diary that was on the ground.

An Jing’s handwriting was originally sloppy, and since Tan Yun did not know many characters, she could only guess as she read.

“Save… for my wife?”

Seeing this, Tan Yun couldn’t help but mutter to herself, “Young Master is really kind, all his savings over the years have been left for Miss. No wonder he seems to have no money normally.”

“Young Master is really a responsible good man, it seems I have wrongly blamed him before, and he even manages to save some for me….”

Thinking this, Tan Yun couldn’t help but feel a bit regretful.

……

It was around noon, and the sun was high up.

An Jing and Han Wenxin were leisurely riding their horses, heading towards Yu State City.

Han Wenxin yawned and then said excitedly, “An brother, this time you cured the epidemic in Baima Town, I’m sure the Magistrate himself will personally commend you.”

An Jing nonchalantly said, “Thank him for me.”

The previous Magistrate, Cao Anmin, had been killed by him; did he care about the commendations of the new Magistrate?

“An brother, what is that look,”

Han Wenxin raised his eyebrows slightly and said, “When word of this spreads, your clinic will definitely boom like never before. Wouldn’t the silver flow in like the waters of Yu State River?”

“With silver, isn’t it like doing whatever you want?”

As he said this, Han Wenxin began to feel the pain again, “Last night, that old fellow Lang Qi cheated me out of three taels of silver, he must have gone to the music halls.”

An Jing glanced at Han Wenxin, “Brother Han, you don’t have to see it this way. Think about it, if those three taels of silver had still been with you, wouldn’t you also have gone to the music halls?”

Han Wenxin, somewhat puzzled, nodded his head, “Yes, that’s true.”

An Jing chuckled and said, “He goes to the music halls, and you go to the music halls; in the end, the silver is spent on the same thing, promoting the culture of the music halls in Yu State City. Essentially, there isn’t much difference. You both have contributed.”

“Nonsense! Twisted logic!”

Han Wenxin retorted angrily after hearing this, “Spending it on his pleasures and spending it on my own, there is a big difference.”

An Jing looked at an annoyed Han Wenxin and then chuckled, shaking his head, “Then what do you plan to do?”

Han Wenxin seemed to have thought this through already and chuckled, “I’m out of rice at home. Tomorrow, I plan to go eat at Lord Lang’s house for a few days.”

“As for today, well, I can only go to brother An’s house…..”

“Whatever you like.”

An Jing thought of something, “Let’s go back a bit earlier then; I’ll have Tan Yun prepare a couple of dishes to go with the drinks. I heard she has learned quite a few recipes recently.”

Just as the two were about to enter Yu State City, they saw five or six red-robed government officials galloping towards them, two of whom were holding gongs and suonas.

“Make way! Make way!”

The leader rode on, calling out loudly.

“Are these officials here to bring good news?”

“Isn’t the autumn examination just about concluded? It looks like it.”

…….

The surrounding villagers, seeing this, began to discuss.

“Oh!”

Han Wenxin saw this and laughed, “This is a bearer of good news, indicating that this year’s autumn examinations have a top scorer from within Yu State City itself. I wonder which great talent this could be, this is indeed a joyful event. We might even be blessed by some of its fortune.”

Such celebrations were usually reserved for the top scorer in the autumn examinations, and over the past twenty years or more, Yu State City had produced only three top scorers, underscoring the difficulty of achieving such an honor.

“It truly is a happy occasion.”

An Jing couldn’t help but express, “Brother Han, it’s just that I’m not interested in the bureaucratic path; otherwise, the name being announced today might have been mine.”

In the past, An Jing too harbored a deep resentment and had prepared for the examinations to change his life and shine in this world. But after he obtained the Earth Book, he immediately changed his mind.

Why struggle when one could achieve greatness just as well in another way?

Listening to this, Han Wenxin shook his head, “My father had me choose between a book and a sword for my first birthday ritual, and I chose the sword. Therefore, he had me practice martial arts from a young age. Had I chosen the book, I might have been a great scholar.”

An Jing looked at the boastful Han Wenxin, “Brother Han, you must be joking.”

The idea of Han Wenxin studying was almost too beautiful to imagine.

“How so?”

Han Wenxin raised an eyebrow, “Brother An, don’t underestimate me. Whichever path I choose, I will excel. My cultivation has reached the peak of Seventh Grade, and by the end of the year, I’m sure to reach Sixth Grade. Do you know what that means?”

Sixth Grade, a level also considered within the middle third grades, provided a respectable standing in Jianghu. Though not a master, it was far from mediocre, especially given Han Wenxin’s relatively young age, marking his potential.

“I really have no concept of the Sixth Grade.”

An Jing shook his head; it had been too long, and he had forgotten when he had reached the Sixth Grade—probably about seven years ago.

“You, a doctor who can’t even defeat a chicken, what would you know about it?”

Han Wenxin huffed, “Do you think I’m as useless as old Zhou? Over thirty and still so poor that he has to borrow money just to get by?”

An Jing just smiled and didn’t respond further.

The two of them rode their horses and entered Yu State City.

……

Jishi Hall, the breeze was gentle.

“Snap, snap! Snap, snap!”

Zhao Qingmei sat at the counter, clicking away at an abacus, then recording in a ledger.

Normally, An Jing would handle these tasks, but in his absence, Zhao Qingmei had taken over.

“Miss, the sign over the door looks rather old, should we replace it with a new one?”

Tan Yun, while sweeping the fallen leaves at the doorstep, looked up at the sign and commented.

The ‘Jishi Hall’ sign had been hanging for eight to nine years without replacement, and now looked rather old and decrepit.

“Let my husband check it tomorrow. If it needs to be replaced, we’ll get a new one,”

Zhao Qingmei nodded and spoke indifferently.

If the sign was indeed worn out, it indeed needed refurbishing.

“I wonder when son-in-law will return,” Tan Yun said wistfully.

Just then, the sounds of drums and suonas grew louder outside.

“What’s that sound?”

Zhao Qingmei looked up and asked.

Tan Yun paused her sweeping and looked over, then said, “It seems like a few officials, dressed in red and riding horses, are heading this way toward the medical hall.”

“Officials?!”

Upon hearing this, Zhao Qingmei put down her pen and slowly stepped outside.

She saw the originally quiet street become bustling as four or five mounted officials, surrounded by a crowd, made their way toward Jishi Hall.

“A top scorer in the autumn examinations, I wonder which great talent it is.”

“Our Yu State City has produced another Dragon among men.”

“Let’s hurry over; maybe we can catch some good luck and receive some congratulatory money.”

……

The government officer in red led the way to the front of Jishi Hall, carefully verified something, and then took out a piece of congratulatory news.

“Congratulations to Mr. Zhou for winning the first place! Congratulations! Congratulations!”

The red-clad government officer holding the congratulatory news loudly announced.

“Could there be a mistake?”

Zhao Qingmei said curiously, “No one in our family participated in the examination, nor is anyone surnamed Zhou.”

The government officer in red took out the congratulatory news, verified it again, and then said, “Madam, there is no mistake. Wasn’t Mr. Zhou working here at Jishi Hall? The address for this congratulatory message is written right here.” n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

“Zhou Xianming!?”

Upon hearing this, a trace of astonishment appeared in Tan Yun’s eyes.

The top scorer of the examination is Zhou Xianming!?

Zhao Qingmei’s expression did not change significantly; she was very aware of Zhou Xianming’s background.

Moreover, Li Fuzhou had also previously told her that this Zhou Xianming was a laid-back genius, and if he were to enter the service in the future, he would definitely be heavily utilized by the Great Yan Emperor. Therefore, Li Fuzhou harbored a bit of admiration for his talents and wanted to win him over to join the Demon Sect.

“So it was Mr. Zhou!”

“I knew he was no ordinary person.”

“What do you know, you were just saying that a scholar is good for nothing not long ago.”

….

The crowd in the neighboring teahouse, having heard this, also started a buzzing discussion.

Nobody expected that Zhou Xianming, who usually appeared to be a typical scholar with no notable aspects, would be the top scorer in the examination. It was truly surprising.

Just then, An Jing and Han Wenxin came riding up on horses.

“What is happening…..?”

An Jing looked around puzzled.

Why had the officer come to his house to deliver the news? Could there have been a mistake in the location?

“Mr. Zhou Xianming won the first place, and he has listed your house as his address for this congratulatory message,” said an employee from the teahouse nearby.

“What!?”

Before An Jing could speak, Han Wenxin’s body trembled, and he tumbled off his horse, stammering, “You… who did you say won the first place?”

“It’s Mr. Zhou Xianming,” the officer said, slightly stunned, then continued.

Han Wenxin hurriedly said, “Are you sure there’s no mistake? Please check the name carefully; mistakes in such important matters can bring bad luck.”

The lower-level official, upon hearing this, took out the congratulatory news and began to confirm it thoroughly once again.

“This is Jishi Hall, right?”

“Yes.”

“And there is someone named Zhou Xianming working here, right?”

“Kind of.”

After thinking it through, Han Wenxin remembered Zhou Xianming accepted Zhao Qingmei’s silver, claiming he would work to repay his debt… but he said he would focus on studying and had not really done any work here.

“Then there is no mistake, it is indeed Mr. Zhou Xianming,” the official said, clapping his hands together, putting away the congratulatory news, and then nodding.

“Gulp! Gulp!”

Upon hearing this, Han Wenxin’s complexion instantly turned ashen as if he had turned to stone.

How could it be possible that the old man won the first place in the examination!?

Is the sun rising from the west?

“Head Officer Han, don’t forget, you said that if I won the first place, you would have to drink the waters of the Yu State River. Head Officer Han is a man of his word, surely you wouldn’t deceive people, right?”

Just then, a mischievous voice came from outside the crowd.