The Demon Suppression Office.
In a secluded courtyard.
Bright sunlight poured down, illuminating Yuhe's beautiful face, highlighting the delicate texture of her skin and even the fine, glistening hairs.
Her collar was open, and Su Yuqing stood beside her, bending down to apply medicine.
Yuhe stared blankly, her eyes reddening involuntarily, "Miss, I'm really fine, it was just a brand from a hot iron. It's nothing!"
Su Yuqing glared at her, and Yuhe obediently stopped moving.
"As a girl, you should care more about your appearance. If it's not treated well and leaves a scar, it won't be very pretty. How else will I find you a good husband in the future?"
Yuhe's face flushed red, "Miss is just teasing me."
Yuhe said, "No need, I'm really fine. I can leave right away."
Su Yuqing chuckled, "Are you rushing to celebrate the New Year?"
Yuhe didn't say anything.
Su Yuqing said, "I also need to leave in two days. Although the matter of the Great Yin Mountain in Qingwu County is important, most of the remnants of the Eternal Life Sect fled to the Nanyang Prefecture area. There are some things I need to arrange properly, to prevent the demonic people from taking advantage of my absence and exploiting loopholes."
Yuhe finally breathed a sigh of relief, saying: "Nanyang Prefecture has been safe and sound for the past twenty years because Miss has been stationed here. If people were to find out that Miss has gone to Qingwu County, I'm afraid the remnants of the Eternal Life Sect outside the prefectural city would become restless. However, I do have a way."
"Oh?"
Yuhe said, "Does Miss remember Wen Zaiqing, the magistrate of Qingwu County?"
"I remember, a dual-qualified scholar in both civil and military affairs in the ninety-sixth year of Jingtai. A student of the prefect, sent down to Qingwu County for gilding and experience."
"Miss has a good memory. Wen Zaiqing governs the county well and has just expanded the Martial Arts Academy, providing an opportunity for further study for the civil and military students of the entire Qingwu County. Miss can just go there as a teacher. Firstly, Nanyang Prefecture won't know that Miss has left, and the demonic people of the Corpse Refining Hall in Qingwu County won't know that Miss has gone. Wouldn't that be a win-win situation?"
Su Yuqing weighed it for a while, "Acceptable."
… …
Meanwhile, after Yuhe left, Xie An always felt like something was missing, and he was somewhat unaccustomed to it.
For example, there was no one to massage his feet, no one to pat his back, no one to serve tea and water, and no one to make his bed… With a chattering girl gone from his side, he felt a lot lonelier all of a sudden.
He really wasn't used to it!
Fortunately, Xie An had suffered hardships and was open-minded. He didn't think he was born with a life of luxury.
He returned to his previous solitary life.
Not long after Yuhe left, Xie An sat alone in the central courtyard for a long time, feeling a little down, and had no mind to sweep up how many treasures Fang Baiyu had left behind, so he decided to go out for a walk.
As soon as he went out, he saw Chen Qing waiting outside the door.
Upon seeing Xie An, Chen Qing was polite and didn't have the arrogance of a young man.
"Congratulations, Hall Master Xie!"
Although Xie An wasn't in high spirits, he still cupped his fist: "Thank you, Incense Master Chen, for your reminder back then!"
This was the truth.
Although Xie An's strength had reached the astonishing Five Viscera Realm, and he naturally wouldn't fear Fang Baiyu in a direct confrontation… But if Fang Baiyu led people to assassinate him in secret, relying on the heavy bow and other insidious tricks.
Xie An might really encounter danger.
Although he wouldn't be killed, he might be injured.
Xie An was old, and he sought stability, cherishing his body very much, and didn't want to be injured.
Chen Qing chuckled softly: "I also couldn't stand Fang Baiyu's actions. He had repeatedly and intentionally extended olive branches to me in secret before, and I suspected that he might have ulterior motives. I just didn't expect… that he would dare to collude with the demonic people of the Corpse Refining Hall. If Hall Master Xie hadn't stopped him in time, I'm afraid the consequences would have been unimaginable, and our hall might have faced a great crisis. If it had triggered the anger of those above, they might have even abolished the entire hall in a fit of rage."
Xie An understood.
Chen Qing's actions, although a kind reminder, also contained his own considerations.
For example… Chen Qing had just come to gain experience, and if the hall had a major incident and was abolished, or the Incense Master was removed… there would be a stain on his resume. It would be difficult to achieve anything in the future.
It was clear that this young man really cherished this opportunity and wanted to prove himself in front of his father, Chen Qinglang.
Xie An couldn't help but think highly of this young man.
He could put down his airs, knew how to maneuver, and knew how to assess the situation, coupled with diligence and hard work.
In the future, he might achieve something.
"Incense Master Chen's considerations are extremely accurate. Now that I have just taken office, I still need Incense Master Chen's help."
"That's natural." Chen Qing readily agreed.
Compared to serving Fang Baiyu as the Hall Master, Xie An was much easier to get along with, and… how could Chen Qing not see that Xie An's future was far greater than Fang Baiyu's. If he had to choose someone to be the Hall Master in White Feather Hall, Chen Qing's first choice would be himself.
However, he knew that he didn't have that strength.
Apart from himself, his first choice would be Xie An.
"In addition, with the deaths of Wang Liuhe and Xu Bin, these two businesses need to be taken care of immediately, otherwise the daily operations of the hall will have problems." Chen Qing mentioned it subtly, and finally changed the subject, "I think, to avoid accidents, it's better for Hall Master Xie to use his own people."
Hmm?
Xie An's heart skipped a beat.
Could it be that Chen Qing had come to show his goodwill?
With Tang Qingyun's relationship, Xie An, now as the Hall Master, could naturally arrange for his own people to take over the positions of Wang Liuhe and Xu Bin, and Tang Qingyun had also expressed this intention last time. However, Xie An also had to take into account the opinions of other Incense Masters, and it was best to discuss it first.
If this caused discord among his subordinates and lost the support of the major Incense Masters, leading to internal disunity, this Hall Master would not be easy to be. Wouldn't it be no different from Fang Baiyu?
Thinking of this, Xie An felt that today might not be an opportunity to finalize the vacant positions of the Incense Masters, so he asked: "Incense Master Chen, if you have any suggestions, feel free to speak your mind."
Chen Qing seemed to have already made a decision, and without thinking, he said directly: "Wang Liuhe was in charge of the gambling den business, and I think Zhang Lin under your command is very suitable. He is old and has served the Tiger Wolf Gate for many years, and it's time for him to have a leisurely job."
Xie An also thought it was reasonable.
Now that there were two vacant positions for Incense Masters, one to manage the gambling den business; and one to take over Xu Bin's training of cavalry to defend the Great Yin Mountain, this was a dirty and tiring job, and also very dangerous. Although this job was very good for training people…
Lin Yun and Zhang Lin, who would go to the gambling den, and who would go to train the troops… Xie An was worried.
At that moment, Chen Qing suddenly cupped his fist and said: "Hall Master Xie, I have a request…"
Xie An said: "Incense Master Chen has helped me greatly, feel free to speak."
He thought that Chen Qing was going to ask for some benefits, but what he said next really surprised Xie An.
"I request to resign from managing the affairs of the Water Lantern Wharf, and ask Hall Master Xie to allow me to take over Xu Bin's affairs, training the cavalry and defending against the bandits and demonic people of the Great Yin Mountain."
Xie An's pupils shrank slightly, and he carefully looked at the young man in front of him.
In order to gain Chen Qinglang's approval, Chen Qing was willing to give up the safe and wealthy Water Lantern Wharf, and instead go to train the cavalry, do dirty and tiring work, and face the bandits and demonic people of the Great Yin Mountain.
He had the bloodiness of a young man.
"Incense Master Chen wants to gain his father's approval, which is commendable. But this job is not only hard and tiring, but also very dangerous. Have you really thought it through?"
Sensing the meaning of persuasion in Xie An's voice, Chen Qing said, "Over the past year, I have seen too many flower boats and red lights at the Water Lantern Wharf, singing and dancing every night. Although it is comfortable and women are readily available, this is not the life Qing wants. Qing is afraid that if he continues to stay, he will lose his mind and will never be able to turn back.
Gaining my father's approval is what Qing desires.
Please, Hall Master Xie, grant my wish."
"Incense Master Chen has such aspirations, Xie is in admiration. Then so be it. If you discover any movements of bandits, report them at any time. Xie will definitely help with all his strength."
"Thank you, Hall Master."
"It is Xie who should thank you on behalf of the hall."
After some pleasantries, Chen Qing took office, and Xie An even took the initiative to leave the hall to see him off, giving him extremely high treatment.
"This is what a passionate young man should be like."
Xie An couldn't help but sigh.
If he were thirty years younger, he would probably have such passion.
Now that he was old…?
Why was he not very interested in many things?
Or was the ambition of the elderly just so ordinary?
Xie An was too lazy to make comparisons, and asked the groom to lead a horse over, then stepped on the stirrup, jumped on the horse, and headed straight for the Blood Ridge Black Market.
When he arrived at the Blood Ridge Black Market, it was already Shen time in the afternoon.
As soon as he entered the canyon entrance, he saw more than thirty disciples standing neatly at the entrance, and a red carpet was laid on the ground.
Wang Xiang was waving his hands vigorously from afar, shouting, "Sect Leader Xie is here! Everyone, stand at attention! Greet the Sect Leader!"
"Greetings, Sect Leader Xie!"
They had received the news long ago. The reason they hadn't rushed to the branch was simply because they felt Xie An must be busy with handover matters there, and they didn't want to add to his troubles.
Seeing this group of old acquaintances whom he had spent nearly two years with again, Xie An didn't act high and mighty just because he had become the Sect Leader. Instead, he dismounted early, taking the initiative to greet everyone warmly, without missing a single person.
"Our leader is amazing! He became a Sub-Chief in one year, and a Sect Leader in another! No one can compare to that!"
"I knew long ago that our leader was no ordinary person. As expected..."
"Oh, shut up..."
Xie An treated his subordinates well, so they naturally reciprocated. The atmosphere was exceptionally harmonious, with everyone calling him 'leader' with great enthusiasm.
Perhaps infected by this atmosphere, Xie An looked at the familiar smiling faces and felt a warmth in his heart. The slight sense of loss brought about by Yu He's departure was also diluted a lot in the process.
Lin Yun suggested holding a grand celebration feast, and everyone echoed the idea.
Xie An couldn't bear to dampen everyone's enthusiasm and readily agreed, "Then let's do it!"
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......
A lively celebration feast came to an end.
The gift money received amounted to two thousand taels.
Nearly double that of the Sub-Chief's celebration feast.
Xie An wasn't very interested in the grand scenes at the celebration feast, but receiving money was still very pleasing.
He pondered that in the future, he could just hold a banquet in the name of the Sect Leader at the end of each year without doing anything else, and that would be enough...
This money comes so easily...
However, Xie An also understood that while it seemed like a lot, it wouldn't last long.
One dose of Five Viscera Yuan Soup costs four hundred taels.
That's just the cost of five doses of medicinal supplements...
Hiss!
Thinking of this, Xie An felt a tingling in his scalp.
The expenses for martial arts training become more and more exaggerated as one progresses. No wonder many experts in the Five Viscera Realm and Blood Charging Realm still need to take on tasks to seek rewards. They are all overwhelmed by the expenses of martial arts training.
Fortunately, Xie An had the great tree of the Tiger Wolf Sect to rely on, making it easier to enjoy the benefits.
According to the rules, the Sect Leader could receive a free dose of Five Viscera Yuan Soup every three months. Moreover, he could buy it at cost price, which saved a lot of money.
If it were lone wandering swordsmen and martial artists outside, they would need to ask people for favors just to buy Five Viscera Yuan Soup.
It can be seen that staying in the Tiger Wolf Sect still has many benefits, and it also saves a lot of trouble.
After nightfall, Xie An called Lin Yun and Zhang Lin to talk about taking over the gambling den and the Water Lantern Wharf.
After learning about Chen Qing's actions, both of them were very impressed.
"Chen Qing actually took the initiative to give up the lucrative Water Lantern Wharf to train soldiers..."
"It seems he is determined to push himself this time. It's good to be young. If I were a few decades younger, I would also work hard like that."
Xie An said softly, "Brother Zhang, please don't be impulsive. Young people have the drive of young people, and old people have the stability of old people. One can't force the issue of age."
Zhang Lin's old face flushed red, "What Sect Leader says is true. Even if I really returned to my twenties, I might not have Chen Qing's ruthlessness."
Lin Yun said, "Chen Qing is willing to fight and work hard, which is also a good thing for the branch. The current branch is in need of revitalization and urgently needs a fierce general like Chen Qing who dares to fight."
Xie An deeply agreed, "Brother Lin is right. To maintain the stability of a branch, both the older and younger generations must exert their strength, each with their own strengths. Since Chen Qing has taken Xu Bin's job, then... Brother Zhang, you will take over Wang Liuhe's gambling den business. In a few days, I will go to Tang Family Fort to finalize your position as Sub-Chief."
Zhang Lin was greatly shocked, "Brother Xie, this..."
After speaking, Zhang Lin stood up and was about to bow to express his gratitude. Becoming a Sub-Chief... This was something he had never dared to dream of in his life. Now, because of Xie An's words, he had been given an unexpected piece of good fortune.
Xie An quickly helped Zhang Lin up, "Brother Zhang, there's no need to be like this. The gambling den business is easy, and there are many conflicts in the gambling den, so coordination is the key. It's suitable for older people to take on the role. Brother Zhang is cautious, meticulous, and responsible. It's the most suitable."
Zhang Lin's eyes were red, and he immediately stated, "Brother Xie, don't worry, I will definitely manage the gambling den properly. If there are any mistakes, I, Zhang Lin, will offer my head."
"Brother Zhang, you are being too serious. You only need to act in accordance with the rules and regulations."
"Old brother, you are my great benefactor! In this life... Zhang Lin doesn't know how to repay you."
Xie An helped Zhang Lin to sit down, then said to Lin Yun, "Brother Lin, you will also take care of the work at Water Lantern Town. The people in Water Lantern Town are complex, with many outsiders involved in the canal transportation, and many Jianghu travelers. The person who sits in charge of the wharf must have strong strength. Brother Lin is already at the Minor Success stage of the Refined Flesh Realm, and will soon reach Great Success. It's most suitable for Brother Lin to take on the role.
Of course, with Brother Lin's current strength, it is also possible to be the Sub-Chief of the Blood Ridge Black Market. Everything is up to Brother Lin's decision."
Lin Yun stared at Xie An, his eyes a little moist.
He knew that the choice Xie An had given him was already a great kindness, still remembering Wei Dian's favor.
After weighing it again and again, Lin Yun was still a little hesitant, "I..."
Xie An understood, "Then I will trouble Brother Lin to sit in charge of the Blood Ridge Sub-Chief. I will take care of the work at Water Lantern Wharf."
Chen Qing said that the place is full of red powder boats, with singing and dancing every night, which can easily make people lose themselves... This old man, I just don't believe in this evil...
But before that, let Wang Xiang, this tough guy, go to the front line to test the waters...
......
After settling the matter of the new Sub-Chief, Xie An's time became free again.
In order to make it easier for Lin Yun to work, Xie An simply did a good deed to the end, moved out of the Blood Ridge Black Market, and temporarily lived in the courtyard of the Water Lantern Town branch.
During this period, he went to inspect the place where Chen Qing was training cavalry several times, and everything was going smoothly.
Lin Yun was already a senior deacon of the Blood Ridge Black Market, so naturally, he could easily take charge of the Blood Ridge Black Market now.
Zhang Lin was suitable for leisurely work, managing a gambling den happily.
And Wang Xiang, this tough guy, also adhered to his original intention when he arrived at the Water Lantern Town Wharf as a senior deacon, working diligently and without any mistakes.
Xie An, the Sect Leader, was also a little idle, so he simply burned the midnight oil to practice his skills at the branch.
It's just that without Yu He by his side, he would always inadvertently and habitually call out Yu He's name.
For example, every time he woke up, he would call Yu He to fetch water, and only when he turned over would he realize that Yu He was not there.
Every time he finished practicing his skills, he would ask Yu He if the meal was ready...
Or, after preparing a meal himself, he would instinctively call Yu He to come and eat...
Habit is sometimes a very terrible thing.
If you are used to staying at home all year round, you will miss home after going out. If you travel outside all year round, you will also be uncomfortable when you suddenly return home...
Time quickly came to the eighth day of the twelfth lunar month. Early in the morning, Xie An went to the town to buy a few candied haws and sugar figurines, and then packed a portion of Wufangzhai pastries, and galloped to Tang Family Fort in the county town.
Today is Xiao Hongtang's birthday, and Xie An has always remembered it.
In the past year, every time there was a festival, Xie An would bring some gifts to Tang Family Fort to visit his big brother, one for etiquette, and two for exchanging martial arts skills and sharing some insights on health cultivation techniques.
Xie An's martial arts skills have progressed rapidly, inseparable from the guidance of Big Brother Tang.
And the doorman of Tang Family Fort was also familiar with Xie An, so naturally, he would not stop him.
Xie An came to the Rose Garden with gifts, but did not see Xiao Hongtang, but saw Tang Linshi.
"Master Xie, why did you bother to bring gifts?" Tang Linshi was flattered and hurriedly made a curtsy.
Xie An stretched out his hand to lift her up, "Madam, there's no need to be so polite. I remember that today is Xiao Hongtang's birthday, where is she?"
Tang Linshi expressed her gratitude again before saying, "Xiao Hongtang is five years old today and is beginning her education. She went to the Martial Arts Hall in the county town. The old master sent her there early in the morning... At that time, she was making a fuss about wanting Little Grandfather to send her before she would go. The old master bought her a handful of peanut brittle, and she reluctantly agreed..."
Speaking of the latter, Tang Linshi herself was embarrassed, and there were faint blue veins bulging on her forehead.
Xie An hurriedly helped Xiao Hongtang to extinguish the fire, "Children are normal to make a fuss. Then I will go to visit Big Brother first, and then take the gifts to the Martial Arts Hall to see Xiao Hongtang."
"The old master went to the Martial Arts Hall early in the morning and has not returned, saying that he hired a teacher from out of town, and even the county magistrate went to the Martial Arts Hall to listen to the lecture, and the old master also went to listen to the lecture... I don't know the specifics."
"Thank you, Madam, for telling me."
Xie An bid farewell to Tang Linshi and went straight to the Martial Arts Hall with the gifts.
But he was muttering in his heart:
What kind of teacher is so exaggerated?
Even the sky of Qingwu County, and the county magistrate... have to go to listen to the lecture?
It's a bit outrageous...
