“Yes.” The middle-aged man nodded and immediately handed over the information he had gathered.
“An orphan, mistreated by a jealous woman after being adopted? It seems his daily food, clothing, and other expenses were not good. Our sect should rescue such people from their suffering. If he is cultivated by our sect, he can have even better performance!”
“Add him to the list!”
“Yes.”
After the man finished speaking, the woman next to him took out another list: “Protector, the Weaving Workshop and the Heavenly Crafts Workshop also have two new High Grade Class A members, ‘Lin Baiwei’ and ‘Han Bi’.”
The Falcon Protector looked at it, but this time he did not agree, “Let’s observe them for now. The East Lake Army and the County Martial Arts Office are investigating very strictly right now.”
“However, we are waiting for the opportune moment; there’s no need to rush. They can’t keep up such strict investigations forever; there will be a day when they relax, and that will be our time to reap the harvest!”
“I had some success in the Autumn Assessment and can become a Tribute Scholar next month, receiving five taels of stipend monthly.”
“Lord Chen, the chief official of the Directorate of Agriculture, greatly appreciates me and has decided to provide me with Cultivation resources every month.”
“Therefore, Godfather, you no longer need to give me money.”
When Zhao Xing returned home, he heard Zhao Ruide call him over, intending to secretly give Zhao Xing money for Cultivation.
At this time, Zhao Ruide still didn't know that Zhao Xing had again achieved Class A, and only understood after Zhao Xing explained.
“You became a Tribute Scholar? And you’re sponsored by Chen Shijie?” Zhao Ruide was first stunned, then showed a look of joy.
But upon hearing Zhao Xing refuse his money, he suddenly felt a little empty inside.
“The imperial court and Lord Chen’s sponsorship are designated funds specifically for your Cultivation.”
“For socializing with colleagues, fostering friendships, and treating them to meals, surely they can’t sponsor you for those things as well?”
“I don’t have that many drinking buddies to spend money on,” Zhao Xing said.
“You don’t now, but later, when your reputation grows, it won’t be up to you. Spending your own money freely, no one can say anything, otherwise, what would Lord Chen and others think?” Zhao Ruide stuffed the silver note into Zhao Xing’s hand. “I’ve already exchanged it, take it… Is my adoptive father’s money too hot to handle?”
With things said to this extent, Zhao Xing could only accept it, but the amount was a bit large—a hundred taels!
“Godfather, if Madam Cai finds out about so much…”
Zhao Ruide snorted, “Do you really think she’s the one in charge of this household?”
Zhao Xing quickly shook his head, indicating that his Godfather was the one in charge.
But Zhao Ruide then whispered, “If you don’t say anything, it’ll be fine. I’ve always had a secret share from the main family’s escort agency, settled every few years. She doesn’t know…”
Ah, so you still didn’t dare to tell Madam Cai; this was his private stash.
However, this private stash was quite large, and Zhao Xing didn't realize Zhao Ruide had hidden it so well.
No wonder Zhao Ruide never took Madam Cai’s complaints to heart; even with daily meat, an extra mouth wouldn’t break the bank!
Thinking about it, it was only human nature.
Madam Cai was born a courtesan, and at less than 30 years old, she still possessed considerable beauty even after giving birth to Zhao Zheng, while Zhao Ruide was already nearing 60.
As an old husband and young wife, if he revealed everything, Zhao Ruide was afraid Madam Cai might abscond with the money.
If it weren't for his adopted son showing promise for a future, Zhao Ruide had planned to keep this secret until his death.
“Keep it safe yourself. Do not let Madam Cai know. If it’s discovered, I won’t acknowledge it, and you won’t get any more money in the future,” Zhao Ruide cautioned.
“Thank you, Godfather.”
“A doting mother spoils her child. You can manage Zheng’er. As his elder brother, please pay more attention to him in the future. After I’m gone…”
“Godfather is still in his prime; it’s too early to speak of such things. Zheng’er is my younger brother, so why would Godfather need to give extra instructions?”
Zhao Ruide also felt it was too early to say such things. He didn't know why he was being a bit sentimental today. Could it really be because he was getting old?
“Go about your business. Madam Cai will be back from the market soon. Remember, hide the silver notes well.”
“Understood.”
Zhao Xing turned to leave.
“Wait!” Unexpectedly, Zhao Ruide called out to him again.
Zhao Xing turned back, a little puzzled.
Zhao Ruide said, “Next year you’ll have your coming-of-age ceremony, and it’s time to choose a courtesy name for you.”
After a man’s coming-of-age ceremony at twenty and a woman’s hairpin ceremony at fifteen, it was inappropriate to address them by their given names. Therefore, an alternative name, related in meaning to their birth name, was chosen and called a courtesy name, to signify their virtue.
This was a relatively important part of the coming-of-age ceremony; not having one would invite ridicule.
Zhao Xing would turn twenty after the Spring Festival, so Zhao Ruide thinking ahead was not too early.
“I asked around and thought ‘Lichun’ (Start of Spring) suits you quite well. You also want to be an official in the Directorate of Agriculture, and this 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 immediately turned strange.
“What, you don’t like it?” Zhao Ruide was a bit puzzled by such a strong reaction.
“Uh… Godfather, the name Lichun, while good, is simply too common. Among all the officials in our Directorate of Agriculture, there are at least eighty, if not a hundred, who have Lichun or Lidong as their courtesy names. I think you should reconsider,” Zhao Xing refused.
“Alright, anyway, there’s still half a year, I’ll ask around more.” Zhao Ruide was an unrefined old Martial Artist; he also knew he wasn’t very cultured, so he had to ask more people for advice and reference.
“What should I choose? I think Lichun is quite good…” Zhao Ruide mumbled as he walked away.
Zhao Xing couldn't help but smile wryly. Godfather, that courtesy name really won't do.
The day after the Autumn Assessment, Chen Shijie sent someone with a box.
The box contained two dawn-colored fruits. As soon as it was opened, a fragrant aroma filled the air.
The Origin Qi in the room became three times denser.
【Heavenly Origin Pear (Third-Tier High Grade)】
【Category: Edible Treasure】
【Effect: Contains abundant Origin Qi, strengthens the heart and builds muscle, calms and clears heat, reduces physical wear and tear caused by Qi and blood circulation.】
“Heavenly Origin Pear, Third-Tier High Grade. Its effects will be of no small help to me right now.”
Zhao Xing took a bite, and the rich aroma immediately filled his mouth.
The Heavenly Origin Pear had thin skin, tender flesh, was crispy and refreshing, with plenty of juice and little residue. After consuming it, the weather didn't feel as hot.
Many Martial Artists who have reached a certain rank enjoy eating Heavenly Origin Pears because Cultivating Martial Skills, with the surging of Qi and blood, can easily lead to accumulated internal injuries over many years. Long-term consumption of Heavenly Origin Pears can significantly reduce organ damage.
However, the Directorate of Agriculture did not have a great demand for this effect; they valued its Origin Qi enhancing properties.
“Chen Shijie sends me 15 pieces every month. My speed of gathering Origin Qi should at least double compared to not eating them.” At the current second-tier Origin Gathering stage, the improvement was quite significant.
As soon as Zhao Xing took a bite, his system panel immediately reacted.
A new record appeared.
【You consumed a Third-Tier High Grade Heavenly Origin Pear, Origin Qi increased by 25 points.】
【Second-Tier Origin Gathering: 785 / 1000】
An increase of 25 points at once!
The effect was immediate!
Normally, the increase wouldn't be this significant. It was mainly because Zhao Xing's current body had never consumed any Origin-enhancing treasures, and after being modified by the Dao Embryo Pill, his body's absorption efficiency for such treasures had greatly increased.
“Origin Qi is at risk of dissipating; I can’t waste it. I must finish eating quickly!” Zhao Xing immediately took large bites.