chsdbacks Chapter 481 - 7: Hostage (Part 2)
Chapter 481 - 7: Hostage (Part 2)
"I hope Uncle shows mercy."
"What is this?" Fang Zheng shook his head:
"If you’re getting married, as long as you love each other, it should be fine. Even without my permission, would it not happen?"
"My Lord." Yuan Zhongdao raised his head and said loudly:
"My parents died early, and my master passed away soon after. For years, I have been cared for by you, my Lord, your grace is like being reborn."
"You..."
"Are like my parents."
"How can a matter as significant as marriage be without consultation?"
"Uncle," Pan Xin also spoke:
"My father entrusted my brother and me to Uncle. Now that our father has passed, regarding marriage, we should consult you, Uncle."
"Without Uncle’s consent, Brother Yuan and I don’t dare to marry secretly."
"You both..., sigh!" Fang Zheng sighed lightly:
"In that case, I am worthy of such trust, but if I don’t allow your marriage, would it not be a forced separation of lovers?"
Upon hearing this,
Their expressions changed.
"Haha..." Fang Zheng laughed loudly:
"A Buddhist monk once said, ’It’s better to dismantle a temple than to ruin a marriage.’ How could I do such a wicked thing?"
"This matter, approved!"
Upon hearing this, the two faces lit up with joy, they hurriedly knelt to express their gratitude:
"Thank you, my Lord!"
"Thank you, Uncle, for making it possible!"
Fang Zheng smiled, yet felt no waves in his heart.
He could see that Pan Xin was already pregnant, just not showing yet, and that the two were already like husband and wife.
Their visit this time was essentially a pledge of allegiance, whether it’s the Pan family or Yuan Zhongdao, they were his people.
San’an County...
Also belongs to the Fang Mansion!
However,
This kind of thing is more for appearances, if Fang Zheng truly opposed the marriage, they could not be separated either.
’The children we raise are eventually taken by others, perhaps one day this could backfire on us, but it doesn’t matter.’
’The Crane Cry Nine Heavens Divine Skill is not a top-tier lineage, even if cultivated to Great Perfection, it is roughly equivalent to the Elemental Thunder Skill Eighth Heaven.’
’It won’t overturn the sky!’
"Marriage is a joyous occasion," Fang Zheng smiled:
"As a wedding gift, keep those private soldiers stationed in San’an County, Zhongdao, you can keep them for yourself."
Those private soldiers willingly stayed with Yuan Zhongdao in San’an County, they are likely already bought out, calling them back would be useless.
Rather make it an act of goodwill.
"This..." Yuan Zhongdao rejoiced:
"Thank you, my Lord!"
He had been worried that the people around him would be called back by Fang Zheng, but this time his heart is at ease, and he has some foundation for himself.
"From now on, after getting married and establishing your career, you will be the head of a family, no need to address me as ’my Lord’ anymore." Fang Zheng shook his head:
"Just call me Uncle like Pan Xin!"
"Yes." Yuan Zhongdao nodded:
"My Lord... Uncle."
"Master."
At this moment, someone appeared at the entrance of the hall, bowing as he reported:
"General Tong Yong from the Prefecture City has arrived."
"Hmm?"
Fang Zheng raised an eyebrow:
"What is he here for?"
......
"General Tong!"
"Young Master Fang."
Tong Yong clasped his fists in salute:
"I’ve been to many places in Zhaonan Prefecture, only in your Gu’an County is prosperity thriving and people living in peace."
"All thanks to the governance of Young Master Fang."
"I don’t dare, I don’t dare." Fang Zheng shook his head repeatedly:
"It’s the merit of Lord Zhou, the County Magistrate, I am just a wealthy merchant in the county, far too humble to claim credit."
"Haha..." Tong Yong laughed heartily:
"Young Master Fang is overly modest."
In the past it was that royal authority did not reach the county, now it is that imperial power does not step out of the prefecture, the County Magistrate holds little sway over a county.
Ask the people of Gu’an County, who among them knows who the County Magistrate is?
It’s Mr. Fang Sr. of the Fang Mansion,
Who is truly the lord of the county city!
However, this is not suitable for open discussion, Tong Yong also understood this, so he just smiled silently.
"General Tong."
Fang Zheng asked:
"May I ask the reason for your visit?"
"No major issue." Tong Yong smiled:
"The Cyan Wolf Gang has been wreaking havoc in one area, thanks to local strongmen aiding in suppression, the Prince set up a Martial Arts Dojo in the Prefecture City to recruit outstanding young people from various places to study Martial Arts and Magic."
"There are top experts from the Capital City teaching and guiding at the Martial Arts Dojo, and outstanding individuals may even receive personal instruction from the Prince, with all living expenses covered by the Imperial Court. This opportunity is rare indeed."
"Oh!" Fang Zheng’s eyes showed a hint of interest:
"There is such a thing?"
"Indeed!" Tong Yong nodded approvingly:
"Those from the Martial Arts Dojo, as long as they are qualified, will receive an official position, and even have the chance to become personal guards of the Commandery Princess."
"Gu’an County has six spots."
"Six." Fang Zheng thought deeply and spoke slowly:
"Which six?"
"Those who enter the Martial Arts Dojo are naturally of outstanding aptitude." Tong Yong said with a smile:
"I hear Gu’an County has double beauties and double talents, both are outstanding among the younger generation, these four are on the list."
"Of course..."
"The two young masters from Young Master Fang’s house are also on the list, Tong congratulates you in advance."
Fang Zheng’s smile faded.
The double beauties and double talents of Gu’an County are the outstanding young people selected by the common folk.
Compared to the impoverished commoners, they had better backgrounds and certain legacies.
But still,
Compared to Fang Ping’an and Fang Heng, they were not comparable.
"General Tong."
He slowly said:
"My two children are still young and have never left their parents. The journey to Zhaonan Prefecture is long and distant."
"I fear it may not be appropriate."
"How could it be?" Tong Yong’s eyes widened in surprise:
"This journey will be escorted by the Imperial Court’s troops, absolutely safe. Those who arrive at the Prefecture City will all be peers, young people will easily get along, and with the Prince’s attention, this is nothing Young Master Fang should worry about."
"How..."
"Is Young Master Fang unwilling?"
"..." Fang Zheng lowered his head, sighing inwardly:
"I dare not!"
It seems Linghu An’s words were true, the Prince’s visit to Zhaonan Prefecture wasn’t solely for bandit suppression, but also to gain control over this region.
Currently,
The main force of the Cyan Wolf Gang has been eradicated, the Cyan Wolf is missing, only a few remnants are on the run, not a real threat.
The biggest force in Zhaonan Prefecture, the Black Wind Stronghold, has also declined, making this a prime opportunity to seize control of this region.