"Yes." The middle-aged man nodded and immediately passed over the information he had gathered.
"Born an orphan, adopted only to be mistreated by a jealous woman? It seems that his daily needs are not well met. Our sect should rescue such individuals from their suffering. If he is cultivated by our sect, he will surely perform better!"
"Add him to the list!"
"Understood."
After the man spoke, the woman beside him took out another list: "Guardian, there are also two newly promoted First Rank members from the Weaving Workshop and the Heavenly Craft Workshop, namely 'Lin Baiwei' and 'Han Bi.'"
The Falcon Guardian glanced at it but did not agree this time. "Let’s observe for now; the East Lake Army and the county's martial class are currently under strict scrutiny."
"However, we can afford to wait. They cannot maintain such strict checks forever; there will come a day when they relax, and that will be our time to reap the rewards!"
"I have made some gains in the Autumn Assessment and will become a tribute member next month, receiving five taels of resources each month."
"Minister Chen has a high regard for me and has decided to sponsor my cultivation resources monthly."
"Therefore, adoptive father need not give me any more silver."
Zhao Xing returned home, only to hear Zhao Ruide calling him over, intending to secretly slip Zhao Xing some silver for cultivation.
At this moment, Zhao Ruide was still unaware that Zhao Xing had achieved First Rank, until Zhao Xing explained it to him.
"You've become a tribute member? And you're receiving sponsorship from Chen Shijie?" Zhao Ruide was momentarily stunned, then his face lit up with joy.
However, upon hearing Zhao Xing refuse his money, he felt a pang of emptiness in his heart.
"The court and Minister Chen's sponsorship is specifically for your cultivation."
"You should socialize with your colleagues, build relationships, treat them to meals; they cannot sponsor you for everything, can they?"
"I don't have that many friends who require spending," Zhao Xing replied.
"You may not have many now, but once you gain fame, it will be unavoidable. Using your own money to enjoy yourself, others will have nothing to say; otherwise, how will Minister Chen and the others view you?" Zhao Ruide stuffed the silver note into Zhao Xing's hand. "I’ve exchanged it all; take it... Is it that adoptive father's money is too hot to handle?"
At this point, Zhao Xing had no choice but to accept it, though the amount was quite large—one hundred taels!
"Adoptive father, this is too much. If Madam Cai finds out..."
Zhao Ruide snorted, "Do you really think she is the one in charge of the household?"
Zhao Xing quickly shook his head, indicating that adoptive father was the one in charge.
But Zhao Ruide then whispered, "Just don’t mention it. I have a secret share from the escort agency; she doesn’t know about it..."
So, it turns out you still haven’t dared to tell Madam Cai; this is your private stash.
However, this private stash is quite substantial, and Zhao Xing was surprised at how tightly Zhao Ruide had kept it hidden.
No wonder Madam Cai never seemed to worry when she complained; daily meat dishes wouldn’t be enough to drain it all!
Thinking about it, it was only natural.
Madam Cai was born a songstress, and at not yet thirty, she still retained her beauty even after giving birth to Zhao Zheng, while Zhao Ruide was nearing sixty.
With an older husband and a younger wife, if everything were laid bare, Zhao Ruide feared Madam Cai might abscond with the funds.
If it weren’t for the hope that his adopted son would have a bright future, Zhao Ruide had planned to keep this matter to himself until his death.
"Keep it safe, and don’t let Madam Cai find out. If discovered, I won’t acknowledge it, and you won’t be able to get any more money in the future," Zhao Ruide instructed.
"Thank you, adoptive father."
"A loving mother often spoils her child. Zheng'er, you can manage, but as the elder brother, you should pay more attention in the future. After I’m gone..."
"Adoptive father is still strong and capable; it’s too early for such talk. Zheng'er is my brother; there’s no need for extra reminders from adoptive father."
Zhao Ruide also felt it was too early to say such things. For some reason today, he had become a bit sentimental. Could it be that he was truly getting old?
"Go on with your business. Madam Cai will be back from the market soon. Remember to hide the silver note."
"Understood."
Zhao Xing turned to take his leave.
"Wait!" Unexpectedly, Zhao Ruide called him back.
Zhao Xing turned around, puzzled.
Zhao Ruide said, "Next year you will have your coming-of-age ceremony, and it’s time to choose your courtesy name."
Boys have their coming-of-age ceremony at twenty, and girls at fifteen. After this, it is inappropriate to call them by their names directly, so a name related to their original name’s meaning is chosen as a courtesy name to reflect their virtues.
This is a significant part of the coming-of-age ceremony; lacking one would lead to ridicule.
Zhao Xing would turn twenty after the Spring Festival, so Zhao Ruide thought it was not too early to consider.
"I asked around and found that 'Lichun' suits you quite well, especially since you wish to become an Agricultural Affairs Officer. It is the first of the twenty-four solar terms. What do you think?" Zhao Ruide asked.
"Lichun? Well... wait, Zhao Lichun?" Zhao Xing's expression suddenly became strange.
"What's wrong? Don’t like it?" Zhao Ruide was puzzled by Zhao Xing's strong reaction.
"Uh... adoptive father, while the name Lichun is indeed good, it is a bit too common. Among our Agricultural Affairs Bureau, there are at least eighty individuals with the courtesy names Lichun or Lidong. I think you should consider again," Zhao Xing refused.
"Alright, there’s still half a year left; I’ll ask around some more." Zhao Ruide, being a martial artist, knew he lacked education and needed to consult more people for this matter.
"What would be a good name? I think Lichun is quite nice..." Zhao Ruide mumbled as he walked away.
Zhao Xing couldn't help but feel amused; adoptive father, this name cannot be taken lightly.
The day after the Autumn Assessment, Chen Shijie sent a box.
Inside the box were two dawn-colored fruits. As soon as it was opened, a fragrant aroma wafted out.
The vital Qi in the room intensified by threefold.
[Tian Yuan Pear (Third Rank Superior)]
[Category: Edible Treasure]
[Effect: Contains rich vital Qi, protects the heart and builds muscle, calms and clears heat, reduces physical wear from Qi and blood circulation.]
"Tian Yuan Pear, Third Rank Superior; its effects will greatly benefit me now."
Zhao Xing took a bite, and the rich fragrance filled his mouth.
The Tian Yuan Pear has a thin skin, fine flesh, is crispy and refreshing, with plenty of juice and little residue. After consuming it, the heat of the weather felt less intense.
Many martial artists fond of the Tian Yuan Pear, as cultivating martial techniques causes Qi and blood to surge, leading to hidden injuries over the years. Regular consumption of Tian Yuan Pear can significantly reduce organ damage.
However, the Agricultural Affairs Bureau does not require this effect much; they value its vital Qi enhancement.
"Chen Shijie sends me fifteen each month; my speed of gathering vital Qi will at least double compared to when I don’t eat them." Currently at Gathered Essence Second Level, the improvement is quite significant.
Just as Zhao Xing took another bite, the interface immediately reacted.
A record refreshed.
[You consumed a Third Rank Superior Tian Yuan Pear, vital Qi increased by 25 points.]
[Gathered Essence Second Level: 785/1000]
An increase of 25 points!
The effect was simply immediate!
Logically, such a significant increase shouldn’t be possible; it was simply that Zhao Xing's body had not consumed any vital Qi enhancing treasures before, and after being transformed by the Dao Embryo Pill, his body’s absorption efficiency for such treasures had greatly increased.
"There’s a risk of vital Qi dissipating; I can’t waste it. I need to eat quickly!" Zhao Xing immediately began to eat voraciously.
(End of Chapter)