Fengxi County, City Gate
A long queue had already formed here early on. Ever since it was announced that several prominent families in Fengxi County were hiring people to work in exchange for relief to repair the river embankment and roads, more and more able-bodied young men had come to inquire.
Even the local farmers, busy with their agricultural work, couldn't help but take some time out of their hectic schedules to find out more.
"Master, this Fengxi County has many people of good faith. These few prominent families are willing to spend money and effort at this time, truly a great merit!"
Amidst the crowd, several figures wearing straw hats were watching this scene from a distance.
"Indeed, if it weren't for the benevolent hearts of those leading families like the Zhang Family, who knows how many of these refugees would starve to death? They even hired several physicians outside the city to offer free clinics, right?"
A well-dressed youth clad in cool silk clothes chimed in, his eyes full of pride.
The figures wearing straw hats turned slightly at these words.
"Master, should we go to the doors of those prominent families for a look?"
One young figure seemed eager, a gleam in his eyes.
"If they are willing to donate, we could secure the taels of silver needed to establish the Golden Body for the Ancestor!"
All the figures turned their gaze to the middle-aged man in the lead. He wore a straw hat and was clad in a Daoist robe with a Pure Yang Scarf on his head, a Treasure Sword slung on his back.
"Where there is good faith, there will naturally be good deeds. Let us give it a try!"
The leader slightly nodded, though there was a peculiar smile in his eyes.
"Very well, Master, I shall go first to scout the situation!"
A chubby figure smiled while saying this.
...
Zhang Family
It was evening, the lanterns just lit.
Zhang Yi was negotiating with an envoy from the Gu Family.
Shortly after Gu Xiu'Er sent a letter, someone from the Gu Family paid a personal visit. This time it was Gu Zhen, the patriarch of the Gu Family's younger brother, a shrewd and capable middle-aged man with a fine beard and a longsword in his hand, exuding a formidable presence.
As Zhang Yi and Gu Zhen haggled, Zhang Jian sat nearby, ready to prevent any unexpected incidents, but he maintained a faint smile throughout, all the while observing Gu Zhen.
Zhang Jian estimated that the Gu Family had come for a peace talk, seemingly not intending to continue clashing with the Zhang Family.
The Gu Family had suffered a setback at the hands of the Zhang Family last time and couldn't gauge the strength of the Zhang Family, so seeking peace was indeed in their best interest.
Noble Families like these are extremely cautious; they would never rashly make a mortal enemy if they couldn't see through the opponent.
Especially after learning that the Zhang Family had at least two Outsider Mages.
The Gu Family offered concessions, agreeing not to interfere with the major affairs of Fengxi County, but negotiations over other compensation terms reached an impasse.
The Zhang Family clearly wasn't satisfied with just that. The Gu Family had broken the rules by sending someone to damage the Zhang Family's treasured imperial plaque, which Zhang Yi was very distressed to find out had the power to ward off evil and intimidate Outsider Mages.
On the other side, the Gu Family felt the Zhang Family had already taken a huge advantage. Fengxi County was originally within the sphere of the Gu Family's influence, and Yang Qing was their representative there. The Gu Family had paid a considerable price when moving Yang Qing to Fengxi County, and now it seemed the Zhang Family had gained the upper hand, representing a huge concession.
Zhang Jian sat calmly on his chair. The Zhang Family's influence extended to every corner of Fengxi County, and his influence would also rise accordingly. The next ancestor worship ceremony should yield significant rewards.
However, as the Zhang Family controlled Fengxi County, further progress wouldn't be easy.
Other parts of Fengyang had long been under other influences, but with the current chaos among refugees and bandits, it was an opportunity.
"Especially at this time, those Noble Families in the Commandery City are under pressure from that Governor..."
A glint appeared in Zhang Jian's eyes.
The Governor Yu Tongguang, though Zhang Jian had never met him, was known to be a formidable figure. As the Court's favored Governor, he was sent to Fengyang County to retake control from local powerful clans and restore the Court's prestige.
He had only been in Fengyang for a short time but had already taken down several local clans, confiscating their estates and opening the granaries to win the people's favor.
This Governor exerted immense pressure on the Noble Families in the Commandery City; otherwise, the Gu Family would not have yielded so easily.
Ultimately, the Gu Family had to part with a significant sum, offering several chests of gold and silver, and agreeing to open a few trade routes for the Zhang Family's people.
They were willing to help the Zhang Family set up waterwheel workshops, blacksmith shops, and more in other counties of Fengyang County.
After finalizing the agreement, Zhang Yi summoned Gu Xiu'Er and Duanmu Yan, handing them back to Gu Zhen.
Before leaving, Gu Xiu'Er gave Zhang Jian a sidelong glare, still contemplating the marriage alliance mentioned by Zhang Jian, which had its own blessings too.
Seeing this, Zhang Jian smiled slightly, "Miss Gu, we've spent half a month together, must you be so heartless?"
"Young Master Zhang is so frivolous, ruining my reputation; such is not the manner of a gentleman!"
Gu Xiu'Er snorted softly, while Gu Zhen gave Zhang Jian and Gu Xiu'Er a thoughtful look.
After Gu Zhen led Gu Xiu'Er and Duanmu Yan away, Zhang Yi shook his head and said.
"Ah Yu, any regrets?!"
"Father, why do you ask?"
Zhang Jian looked surprised.
Although Gu Xiu'Er was indeed beautiful, he wasn't one to lose his way for a pretty face. With his current status, finding a good marriage isn't difficult.
Even though he had stepped into the Gate of the Great Dao, Zhang Jian didn't believe he had to become an outsider, free from the worldly dust.
The mundane world is a great furnace, perfect for forging the Dao Foundation. Without experiencing a normal human life or going through various worldly affairs, Zhang Jian would feel regret.
Cultivation isn't about cutting off emotions but rather grasping the true principles of the Great Dao between heaven and earth, forging a Heart of Sincerity.
If one does not enter this world, how can they transcend it?
Zhang Jian didn't want to become a simple-minded fool but instead be insightful, aware of all changes in the world.
True sincerity and truth.
This is what the "Nine Chapters of Pure Tongshan" advocated.
It also requires seizing the secrets of heaven to achieve Enlightenment.
Zhang Yi, unaware of what Zhang Jian was thinking, could only lament.
"Have you ever heard such a legend?
It's said that our Fengyang, blessed by nature, contains an ancient feng shui arrangement, the 'Two Phoenixes Honor.' The Shuangfeng Mountain Range boasts two Phoenix Nests, male and female, which every so often give rise to a Phoenix Maiden, an extraordinary woman imbued with the essence of mountains and rivers. If she marries into a lower class, she can elevate it into a noble family with ease!"
"If she marries into a local noble family, she can further elevate her husband's family, creating a Duke or King's clan!"
"And if she enters the palace, she could even become an Empress!"
"Indeed, our Fengyang has produced several Empresses throughout its history!"
Hearing this, Zhang Jian was rendered speechless. He smiled at Zhang Yi, "I see, Father, you were not deterred by Mother's objections because you believed Gu Xiu'Er might be the legendary Phoenix Maiden?"
Zhang Yi nodded, "That's indeed a strong possibility!"
Zhang Jian shook his head with a smile, "The women of Fengyang have always been renowned for their beauty and elegance, wise and graceful ladies are not uncommon. Not to mention, Mother always speaks of my two cousins, praised as stunning beauties, clever and exceptional, true gems!"
Zhang Jian's mother, Madam Qi, was the legitimate wife of the Zhang Family and hailed from another prominent family, the Qi Family, in the Commandery City.
The Qi Family's influence wasn't weak, particularly within the military.
Madam Qi often whispered in Zhang Jian's ear, and the motives were clear to both Zhang Jian and his father.
Previously, Zhang Jian was politely unresponsive to these suggestions, wary of potential mishaps, but now, having stepped into the Gate of the Great Dao, his attitude has somewhat shifted...
"A daughter of a military family, skilled with weapons..."
Zhang Yi shook his head.