In this chaotic world of vying for power, I can become stronger by marrying a wife.

[Ding! Congratulations, host, you have drawn the cultivation technique: Wild Bull Strength (High-grade Yellow Rank)!]

[Bull-like Strength: Tempers the skin and enhances strength; at its peak, the master possesses strength as great as an ox, impervious to blades and spears.]

Su Ming took a deep breath and immediately chose to study.

A massive flow of information surged into his mind, and then the faint sense of energy that had just awakened within his body began to circulate along a peculiar path.

His skin began to heat up, and his muscles trembled slightly, as if countless ants were gnawing at him—a sign that his skin was strengthening.

Half an hour later.

Su Ming opened his eyes and exhaled a breath of stale air.

Although he had only just begun to understand the basics, he felt that his strength had at least doubled! Now, with his physical strength alone, he was enough to crush ordinary half-step martial artists.

"Liu Tao..."

Su Ming looked out at the pitch-black night and clenched his fist.

"Since you're so eager to die, then I'll grant your wish."

"But before that, I have to give you a 'big gift'."

Su Ming pulled the blood-stained ledger from his pocket, a glint of shrewdness flashing in his eyes.

If this account book were handed over directly, it would likely be suppressed by officials protecting each other. But what if it fell into the hands of Liu Tao's mortal enemy, or that military supervisor known for his impartiality?

I also know a little about the trick of using someone else to do the dirty work.

The next morning, the snowstorm had just stopped.

A major event has occurred in Jing'an City.

Peng Yuan, the city defense officer in charge of security in the eastern district, found an account book at his doorstep.

When he saw the contents recorded in the ledger, especially the name "Liu Tao" who had taken the lion's share of the profits, he was so angry that he smashed his most beloved teapot on the spot.

"You bastard Liu Tao! I put you in charge of troops, and you've got a hand that's bigger than mine! You even dare to skim profits from my territory!"

"Someone! Prepare the horses! I need to see the supervising officer!"

A purge targeting the military is quietly brewing.

Meanwhile, Su Ming, the instigator of the storm, was carrying a basket of freshly "ripened" top-grade herbs on his back, holding Li Yueru's little hand, and standing at the entrance of Huichuntang, the largest pharmacy in Jing'an City.

"Sir, are you here to get medicine or to see a doctor?" the waiter greeted him warmly.

Su Ming smiled slightly and took out a bright red Ganoderma lucidum from the basket, which looked like it was burning with flames.

"I'm not here for medical treatment, I'm here to discuss a big business deal."

Just then, at the other end of the street, a troop of heavily armed cavalry roared past, charging menacingly towards the military camp outside the city.

The leading flag had a large character "监" (jian, meaning "supervisor").

Su Ming watched the retreating figures of the cavalry, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.

Lord Liu, the show is about to begin.

Inside Huichuntang, the air was filled with the aroma of medicine and the atmosphere was warm and inviting, making it seem like a completely different world from the icy and snowy landscape outside.

The shop assistant behind the counter was idly fiddling with an abacus. Seeing Su Ming dressed in coarse linen clothes, which were patched but clean, and accompanied by a timid young woman, he didn't treat him with too much snobbishness. He simply said in a lazy tone, "Sir, would you like to get medicine or a consultation? If it's a consultation, the doctors are all booked up today."

Without wasting words, Su Ming gently placed the basket on the counter and lifted the layer of dry straw covering it.

"They don't treat patients, they sell medicine."

The waiter casually peeked over, and his half-closed eyes widened instantly, as if someone had grabbed his neck, and he gasped.

In the center of the basket lay a bright red Ganoderma lucidum, shaped like a blazing flame. The cap of the Ganoderma lucidum had naturally formed cloud patterns, and even from half a foot away, one could feel a warm aura emanating from it, dispelling the surrounding chill.

"This...this is a Fire Spirit Mushroom?" the waiter stammered, his voice trembling. "Please...please wait a moment, sir! I'll go get the manager right away!"

A moment later, a series of hurried footsteps came from the back room.

An elderly man with a goatee and shrewd eyes strode out; it was none other than Manager Wang of Huichuntang.

Behind him followed a veiled woman in a blue dress, with a slender figure and a cool demeanor.

Shopkeeper Wang put on gloves, carefully picked up the fire lingzhi, examined it closely for a long time, and then smelled it, his eyes shining brighter and brighter.

"What a treasure! What a treasure!" Shopkeeper Wang exclaimed excitedly, his beard trembling. "The cap is like fire, the texture like clouds, and the root is plump, the medicinal properties still intact. This is a wild fire spirit mushroom that is at least fifty years old! In our harsh and cold land, it's a life-saving holy medicine!"

He looked up and re-examined Su Ming.

The young man before them, though poorly dressed, stood tall and straight like a pine tree, his eyes calm and serene. He showed no sign of unease in the face of him and this distinguished guest. Even more strangely, the young man displayed no trace of internal energy; he appeared to be just an ordinary mountain dweller. But what ordinary mountain dweller possessed such composure?

Su Ming activated the "Concealing Breath Technique," completely hiding the aura of a half-step martial artist. A simple, honest smile appeared on his lips: "Shopkeeper, you're an expert, give me a fair price."

Shopkeeper Wang pondered for a moment, then held up three fingers: "Three hundred taels. This price is absolutely fair in Jing'an City."

Three hundred taels!

Li Yueru, standing beside him, trembled and gripped Su Ming's sleeve tightly. She had never seen so much money in her life. She knew that an ordinary family's annual expenses amounted to only a few taels of silver!

Su Ming didn't say anything, but just smiled and shook his head, reaching out to take the Fire Spirit Mushroom back.

"Since the manager is in a difficult position, I will go to Liuyun Pavilion to inquire."

"Hey, hey, hey! Young brother, don't be in such a hurry!" Manager Wang was anxious. If such a high-quality medicinal herb fell into the hands of a competitor, it would be a huge loss.

Five hundred taels.

A clear, cold sound, like jade beads falling onto a plate, suddenly rang out.

The woman in green, who had been standing silently to the side, stepped forward. Her beautiful eyes darted around, her gaze lingering on Su Ming for a moment, as if trying to see through the young man's true nature, but she only saw a bottomless calm.

"I'll take this Fire Spirit Mushroom." The woman took out a silver note from her sleeve and gently placed it on the counter. "A general note from Datong Money House, five hundred taels, cashable on sight."

Manager Wang opened his mouth as if he wanted to say something, but after glancing at the woman, he ultimately stepped aside respectfully.

Su Ming gave the woman a deep look. Five hundred taels—that price was already excessive. This woman was not only rich, but also desperately needed this medicine.

"Deal." Su Ming said decisively, putting away the silver notes and tucking them into his pocket. He then pulled up Li Yueru, who was still in shock, and said, "Farewell."

It wasn't until she stepped out of Huichuntang and was hit by a cold wind that Li Yueru came back to her senses. Touching the thick wad of silver notes on Su Ming's chest, she felt like she was dreaming: "Husband...we're rich? So much money..."

"Yes, we have money now." Su Ming tightened his grip on her hand, a hint of tenderness flashing in his eyes. "Come on, let's go buy you some new clothes, and some rice, noodles, and meat. We'll have a nice meal tonight."

The two had not gone far when a commotion suddenly broke out on the street ahead.

"Get out of the way! Everyone get out of the way!"

A rapid clatter of hooves accompanied by shouts rang out. The people scattered in panic, and Su Ming pulled Li Yueru to the eaves of a building on the side of the street.