Behind hall, Qingxi County Yamen.
On the desk, stacks upon stacks of silver notes formed a small hill, while rolls of land deeds were spread out, nearly covering the entire tabletop.
All of this had been scraped off that fat pig, the Chen family—enough wealth to buy half of Qingxi County.
Jiang Yunfeng’s eyes were locked tightly on this overwhelming fortune, his hands trembling along with his heart.
He had been an honest official his entire life, and never once imagined he would be dazzled blind by so much money.
“Absolutely not! Immortal Master, this is absolutely unacceptable!”
Jiang Yunfeng waved his hands repeatedly. The money felt scorching—burning his hands, burning his heart.
“County Magistrate Jiang, just take it,”
Feng Zexuan said calmly, pushing the silver notes forward another inch without the slightest concern.
“These are all black-hearted money squeezed out of the Chen family’s fat sheep. I don’t want to dirty my hands.”
“You can take the trouble to launder it clean.”
“I figure money changes hands a few times and it becomes clean enough. We take from the wicked people and use it for the good citizens.”
She tossed over a thick booklet as well.
It was something she had compiled over the past few days: Qingxi County Five-Year Development Plan Simulation Book.
“This is something my brother and I casually drafted for the development of Qingxi County.”
“There are ideas for building bridges, paving roads, establishing free schools, supporting widows and orphans, and more.”
Feng Zexuan lightly tapped the pages with her finger, her posture relaxed.
“As for the specifics, you can decide. If the money isn’t enough, just use the silver notes on the table.”
【During these days living off the Chen family, I wasn’t idle at all. Besides organizing data and writing this booklet, I was mostly thinking about how to spend money!】
【Host, I thought you were really going to draw talismans to earn money and pocket it yourself!】
【Like they deserve it?】
【The wool I’ve sheared must naturally be used where it matters most!】
Jiang Yunfeng felt these inner thoughts echoing in his mind. Then, looking at the booklet, he felt its weight like a thousand pounds.
He carefully opened it. After only a few pages, he was completely drawn in.
The water conservancy diagrams were accurate down to the inch. Free school locations avoided all landslide-prone areas.
Even the support standards for the elderly were detailed down to daily meat rations.
This… was not some casual plan.
This was a governing treatise that could benefit the nation and the people!
A grand strategy for ruling and stabilizing a region!
His throat moved, warmth surged into his eyes, and his vision blurred.
He had always believed he had done much for the people as an official—but compared to this booklet, he realized how narrow his vision had been, how small his perspective truly was!
What kind of wandering Taoist was this?
She was clearly a once-in-a-generation talent with the world in her heart!
Jiang Yunfeng set down the booklet, walked around the desk, straightened his official robes, and solemnly bowed deeply to Feng Zexuan and her brother.
“Your kindness to Qingxi County will be remembered by all its people. This humble official thanks you on behalf of all citizens!”
“County Magistrate Jiang, please rise. No need for such ceremony.”
Feng Zexuan stepped aside and reached out to support him.
“We just happened to pass by and did what we could.”
She turned and left with her brother, their steps light and without the slightest hesitation.
“We’re heading off now!”
Watching their carefree departing figures, Jiang Yunfeng stood still for a long time, emotions surging within him.
He knew.
Qingxi County’s future would be completely changed because of these two siblings.
……
Outside the city, in a dense forest.
Feng Zexuan waved her hand, releasing all the beasts she had kept in her space.
Those tigers, bears, and wolves that had once been on the brink of death were now, after being nourished by spiritual spring water, fully healed. Their fur was glossy, their bodies stronger than before.
Their eyes carried both ferocity and intelligence.
They lay prostrate at her feet, massive heads lowered.
From their throats came deep, respectful rumbling sounds.
It was submission born from absolute suppression of power.
Their eyes toward her were complex—gratitude for rebirth mixed with instinctive caution toward humans.
Feng Zexuan pointed toward the distant mist-shrouded mountains, her voice gentle.
“Go. That is your home.”
She patted the head of the black wolf king.
“From now on, stay away from humans. The mountains are vast enough for you to roam freely.”
“Awooo——”
The wolf king howled toward the sky. The sound echoed far and wide, as if bidding farewell, or making a promise.
It looked deeply at Feng Zexuan one last time, then turned and led the pack into the vast mountains, quickly disappearing into the sea of forest.
Only Big Orange and Little Jiao, the two tigers, remained in the woods, lazily grooming each other.
Feng Zexuan walked over and gently pushed Big Orange’s massive head.
“You two… aren’t leaving?”
The two tigers looked at the siblings, then at the distant mountains, and simultaneously shook their heads.
They rubbed their huge heads against her palm like oversized house cats begging for affection.
【Host, they’ve gotten used to you—they see you as their master now and refuse to leave!】
Warmth filled Feng Zexuan’s heart, and a bright smile spread across her face.
“Alright then. From now on, you’ll follow me and my brother!”
With a graceful flip, she mounted Big Orange’s broad back.
Feng Zekai also smiled faintly and mounted Little Jiao.
Moon-white robes fluttered in the wind, ethereal and unrestrained.
Under the sunset, two streaks of orange light raced toward the capital.
Only a cheerful voice lingered in the wind:
“Big Orange, Little Jiao—we’re going home!”
……
Big Orange and Little Jiao were extraordinarily fast, far beyond ordinary horses.
After two days of rushing, they finally reached the capital deep into the night before the holiday ended.
To avoid being late for court, Feng Zekai stayed at the Prince’s residence.
It had a separate courtyard just for him.
An hour later, the siblings walked out with identical sleepy expressions, still half-asleep.
“Morning, Brother.”
“Morning, Zexuan.”
They grabbed a few buns and stuffed them into their mouths, then hurried into a carriage straight to the imperial palace.
When they finally arrived at the Golden Throne Hall, panting as they took their places in the court lineup, Eunuch Wang Dehai’s sharp, elongated voice rang out just in time:
“The hour is reached—court begins!”
【Phew… just barely made it!】
【Host, your ability to arrive right on time is truly unmatched. One step later and those old-fashioned censors would’ve already submitted memorials against you!】
【Cough, what do you mean “just on time”?】
【This is optimal sleep management. Every extra second of sleep is a gain!】
Feng Zexuan retorted in her mind while trying to steady her breathing.
The familiar inner voice instantly lifted the dull atmosphere of the court.
The Prince of the North—everyone’s mental snack and source of joy—was finally back!
On the dragon throne, Emperor Xiao Juechen couldn’t help but curl his lips slightly.
Only then did he remember that today was the siblings’ return from leave.
Looking at the two faces below—dark circles under their eyes yet still absurdly good-looking—the gloom that had hung over court for half a month finally cleared.
However, at that moment, the system suddenly announced:
【Host, ding-dong! There’s fresh trending gossip about you. Want a taste?】
Feng Zexuan’s half-closed peach blossom eyes instantly lit up.
【My own gossip?】
【There’s such a good thing? Hurry, tell me!】
Discussion
Comments
0 comments so far.
Sign in to join the conversation and keep your activity tied to this account.
No comments yet. Start the conversation.