Xu Wen, with a fawning expression, continued to whisper, "Marquis, I heard you arrived today, and I've already prepared a banquet in the government office. Would you do me the honor of attending?"
"Additionally, I've prepared some of your favorite local specialties."
Liu Jin fell silent upon hearing this.
Xu Wen was so obsequious; it was obvious he wanted Liu Jin to recommend him for a higher position.
After a moment, he slowly said, "I'm afraid not today. I still need to stay at the residence and look after Jing'an."
Xu Wen sighed, looking a bit dejected.
Then, Liu Jin's voice continued, "However, you can send someone to deliver those specialties you mentioned."
"You can also state any requests you have. Anything this Marquis can do, I will naturally help you accomplish."
Xu Wen was overjoyed, his eyes filled with excitement. He quickly bowed and said respectfully, "Thank you, Marquis, thank you, Marquis."
"I will send someone to deliver those specialties right away."
After saying this, he scurried away.
Soon, the specialties were delivered. Liu Jin inspected them and found they contained a total of five hundred thousand Qian. He nodded in satisfaction.
He then promised to recommend him to the imperial court, to see if he could be promoted to an official position within the commandery.
After the matter was settled, Liu Jin stayed at the Zhen Family residence and began helping his Nephew take over as the head of the Zhen Family.
Many greedy members of the Zhen Family had intended to divide the Zhen Family's vast wealth after Zhen Yi's death.
However, upon learning of Liu Jin's identity, they could only suppress or completely abandon their thoughts.
Because they all knew this person was Liu Jin, the famous general of the Han Dynasty, who was enfeoffed as a Marquis at a young age and had shaken Hebei during his campaign against the Yellow Turban last year.
How many of them dared to provoke Liu Jin? Otherwise, they wouldn't even know how they died.
A day passed quietly.
As expected, Zhen Yi passed away that very evening. The Zhen Family children wept inconsolably and began to arrange the funeral.
Many relatives and friends came to offer condolences, including county officials and even high-ranking dignitaries from the commandery.
Aside from showing respect to the Zhen Family, most came to show respect to Liu Jin. After all, he held a high position and was an imperial Marquis, and everyone wanted to forge a connection with him.
Zhen Yi had five daughters and three sons. His eldest son died young, leaving only his second son, Zhen Yan, and his third son, Zhen Yao.
His five daughters were Zhen Jiang, Zhen Tuo, Zhen Dao, Zhen Rong, and Zhen Mi.
Only Zhen Jiang was the eldest and more mature. She was pure, lovely, and as beautiful as a flower. Her appearance was no less than Zhen Yu's, but her figure and charm were significantly less developed.
As for the other four daughters, they were still young but very graceful and each had her own unique charm.
Especially the youngest, Zhen Mi, who was only two years old this year.
She was very cute, with long eyelashes, already showing the signs of a future beauty.
No wonder she could be called the most beautiful woman of the Three Kingdoms; she indeed possessed a beauty capable of toppling kingdoms.
Just then, a childish voice came, "Un... Uncle."
Liu Jin looked to the side and saw Zhen Yu walking towards him, holding the two-year-old Zhen Mi in her arms.
Zhen Mi was reaching out her hands, calling out in a childish voice!
Seeing her cute, bewildered appearance, Liu Jin smiled and extended his arms, taking Zhen Mi from Zhen Yu's hands.
She was still a bit muddled and didn't realize her father had passed away; instead, she thought the house was very lively today.
Liu Jin kept playing with Zhen Mi in his arms. Zhen Yu, standing nearby, saw the Marquis, Liu Jin, displaying such an innocent side.
She couldn't help but cover her mouth and chuckle, revealing a moment of enchanting beauty.
Several days later!
Zhen Yi's funeral quickly concluded, and everything returned to peace.
In the main hall of the Zhen family, Liu Jin sat on the floor, with the current head of the family, Zhen Yan, beside him.
Liu Jin had no intention of staying long at the Zhen Family. He hadn't forgotten his main objective, so he spoke, "Nephew, your father's funeral has been handled. You are now the head of the Zhen Family. You must diligently fulfill your father's wish to manage the Zhen Family well and even restore its ancestral glory."
Zhen Yan, upon hearing this, showed a determined expression and respectfully said, "Uncle, rest assured. Nephew will certainly fulfill Father's wish."
Liu Jin nodded, and his voice continued, "Now that everything is settled, I won't stay here much longer. I must leave today and return to Yanmen to take charge."
Zhen Yan was stunned upon hearing this, a look of reluctance on his face.
With his Uncle stationed in the Zhen Family, no one dared to show off in front of him; everyone was humble.
Many officials even tried to curry favor with him, hoping he would act as a go-between to connect them with Liu Jin.
He hesitated for a moment and asked, "Uncle, are you leaving so soon?"
Liu Jin saw Zhen Yan's bitter expression and naturally knew what he was thinking: he surely wanted him to stay longer so he could get accustomed to the authority of the Zhen Family head.
After a moment of contemplation, he slowly said, "Nephew, there's no need to worry. As long as your Uncle is here, you will always be the head of the Zhen Family. No one will dare to jump out and seek death."
"After I leave, you can handle matters with confidence. If anyone dares to oppose you, execute them without mercy. If you encounter any unsolvable problems or difficulties, you can write a letter and inform me."
"Your Uncle will always be your strong support."
Zhen Yan was deeply moved by these words, tears even glinting in his eyes. After steadying himself, he said firmly, "Thank you for your care, Uncle. Yan will always remember it and never forget."
Liu Jin smiled upon hearing this, reached out and patted Zhen Yan's shoulder, comforting him softly, "Nephew, take good care of yourself."
Zhen Yan nodded solemnly, then escorted Liu Jin to the gate of the residence.
Outside the gate, dozens of carriages were parked on the street.
Liu Jin paused slightly at the sight, looking at his Nephew with some suspicion.
Zhen Yan, with a smile on his face, clasped his hands and respectfully said, "Uncle, these carriages are filled with money, a total of three million, which I present to you."
Liu Jin was stunned upon hearing this, his breathing quickening slightly.
That was three million, a substantial fortune. Even if sent to the Eunuchs in Luoyang, it could probably buy an official position of a thousand shi.
Now it was being given to him. It seemed his Nephew understood social etiquette, and it was likely his father had instructed him before his death.
Regardless, it showed that the Zhen Family was very willing to associate with him, even regarding him as their strongest ally.
Liu Jin looked at the resolute Zhen Yan beside him, smiled, and patted his shoulder.
"Nephew, your gesture deeply moves your Uncle."