Eternal Immortal Dynasty: Starting as a Petty Official

Chapter 201 Returning Home for Rest and a Strategic Marriage (Seeking Monthly Tickets)

Time flies by, and before we knew it, it was already the eighth day of the twelfth lunar month.

It was winter, the north wind was biting, dark clouds covered the sky, and the cold was bone-chilling.

Snowflakes fluttered down, covering the earth; as far as the eye could see, there were celestial palaces and pavilions everywhere.

Stepping out of the military tent, Zhao Xian gazed at the horizon, a hint of longing rising in his eyes.

He had been married for less than half a month when he led his troops to garrison this place, and he did return home once along the way.

However, during my recent days off, I have been tied up with other things, and it has been more than a month since I last returned home.

With heavy snow falling, training is impossible today. Apart from the soldiers on duty, the rest of the soldiers are resting in their tents.

Judging from the weather, it might rain for a day or two. Why not take this opportunity to go home?

Upon realizing this, Zhao Xian immediately ordered Zhu Ji to summon Zhao Cheng, Zhao Ji, Liu Ping, and others, and to bring his own warhorse.

Before long, several armored officers strode toward Zhao Xian.

"I wish to return home. All matters in the camp are now under your care!"

Looking around at everyone, Zhao Xian smiled calmly.

"Going home?" Liu Ping looked slightly surprised. "What would you be doing going home, General?"

"Of course I miss my wife!" Zhao Xian laughed loudly, walked past the bewildered crowd, mounted his horse, and galloped out of the camp.

Zhu Ji, behind him, also mounted his horse and followed closely behind.

The thunderous sound of galloping hooves gradually faded into the distance, and Zhao Cheng, Zhao Ji, and the others finally came to their senses, exchanging smiles.

"Newlyweds, deeply in love, Ah Xian has already settled down and started a family!"

"Ah Ping, next year, let Ah Xian find you a beautiful wife, what do you say?"

As he spoke, Zhao Cheng glanced at Liu Ping across from him and made a joking remark with a smile.

Liu Ping had been following Zhao Xian for two years and had experienced many trials, so he was naturally much more composed. However, upon hearing these words, his face turned bright red!

He stammered and couldn't get a clear answer!

"Haha~"

Upon seeing this, Zhao Cheng and his companions burst into laughter!

Those who cultivate themselves should be pure of heart and have few desires, but in this world, the trend of humanity prevails!

Love for one's children is indispensable.

On his way home, Zhao Xian already missed his wife, Chen Yuanqing, terribly.

The phrase "eager to return home" is quite fitting to describe it.

Although the two did not spend every day together, they already knew each other well and understood each other's hearts.

With neither his parents nor himself at home, Chen Yuanqing managed everything inside and outside the house, handling matters with meticulous care and attention to detail.

This truly earned high praise from Zhao Yi, Zhao Ren, and other elders!

Despite the swirling snow and wind, Zhao Xian's burning passion remained undiminished!

From Nankou Township to Wohu Township, it is about 100 li.

They set off at dawn, and by dusk, the master and servant had already arrived at Shanghu Pavilion.

Turning their horses around, the two riders disappeared into the country lanes.

Before long, they arrived at the gate of Yangpingli.

Snowflakes filled the sky, and the inner gate was closed early.

Zhu Ji dismounted and went to knock on the door.

"Who is this?"

Upon hearing Zhao He's familiar voice, Zhao Xian also revealed a smile.

"Eleventh Uncle, open the door, it's me, Zhao Xian!"

"Squeak~"

The inner door was ajar, and Zhao He peeked out.

"Oh dear, it's freezing cold! Ah Xian, what brings you back!"

Zhao He opened the inner door and stepped aside, saying with a delighted expression.

Zhao Xian dismounted and, together with Zhu Ji, led their horses through the inner gate.

"I'm a bit tired from being at camp, so I'll go home and rest for a few days!"

Zhao Xian naturally wouldn't say that he missed his wife, and immediately replied with a smile.

"Then you'll definitely need to get some rest!"

Zhao He replied with a look of agreement.

"Uncle Eleven, catch!"

Zhao Xian took out a small jar of wine from his sleeve and tossed it over.

Upon seeing this, Zhao He immediately reached out and pulled her into his arms!

Uncorking the wine, Zhao He immediately took a deep sniff and exclaimed happily, "This is truly excellent wine!"

"Haha! Uncle Eleven, don't overindulge in alcohol!"

With a wave of his hand, Zhao Xian led his horse and strolled into the inner room.

"No, no, this wine is so good, it'll last us at least half a month!"

Zhao He, holding the wine jar, replied loudly with a smile.

After walking through several streets and turning a few corners, Zhao Xian could see his own front door.

A vermilion gate, blue bricks and white walls, with two courtyards.

This residence alone cost Zhao Xian 50,000 taels of silver!

This was all thanks to the help of the clansmen!

Otherwise, we'll have to spend another ten thousand coins!

A light knock was made on the door, and soon a servant came forward to inquire.

Upon learning that it was Zhao Xian who had returned, the servant immediately opened the gate and respectfully took the reins from Zhao Xian's hand.

After entering the main gate, passing through the front yard, and entering the back yard, candlelight flickered, and a beautiful figure was already waiting in the hall.

The two exchanged a glance and smiled at each other, everything understood without a word.

I slept soundly, but when I woke up, the sun was already high in the sky.

With Qiaoyingye no longer beside him, Zhao Xianfang got up from the bed.

Zhao Xian slapped his forehead, but could only manage a wry smile.

My daily morning exercise routine, which I never missed, was completely forgotten after a night of hard work!

After washing up briefly, Zhao Xian left the inner room and went to the main hall.

Upon seeing Zhao Xian awaken, Chen Yuanqing immediately ordered a maid to bring him warm food.

After having a meal with Chen Yuanqing, Zhao Xian took Zhu Ji out the door to visit his grandfather, uncle, and others.

Unfortunately, neither my grandfather nor my uncle were at home.

After much wandering, Zhao Xian finally met several elders in the family's library.

The group showed no surprise at Zhao Xian's arrival, clearly having already learned of his return from Zhao He.

"Ah Xian, now that you're back, you'd better work hard. Your great-grandfather is still waiting for a new addition to the family!"

Upon first meeting Zhao Xian, his great-uncle Zhao De immediately made a joking remark.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Xian gave a wry smile and greeted everyone in turn.

After Zhao Xian sat down, Zhu Ji behind him closed the door and left.

After taking a sip of hot tea, Zhao Xian looked around at the room. There were several bookshelves on both sides, with scrolls of green bamboo slips piled on them.

The bookshelves were spotless, clearly indicating that they were cleaned regularly.

Seeing this, Zhao Xian was quite satisfied.

After a few casual words, Zhao Xian then recounted to the elders the information Huang Zhong had gathered about Ronghuai County and Xiao County.

Upon learning that Huang Tiandao's soldiers were braving the severe cold and diligently training, a solemn expression appeared on the faces of the group.

Both Zhao De and Zhao Mu had served as soldiers and had participated in large-scale battles involving tens of thousands of people. They naturally knew the difference between well-trained soldiers and starving, poorly clothed rioters!

"It seems that Huang Tiandao has completely taken control of the three southern counties!" Zhao De nodded slightly, looking at the group and saying solemnly, "Otherwise, Huang Tiandao certainly wouldn't have been able to come up with so much money and supplies to train his soldiers!"

Upon hearing this, everyone nodded in agreement.

Poor families might only have a few pounds of millet, and even if they searched every inch of the house, they wouldn't be able to squeeze out much millet.

This must be millet obtained from wealthy and powerful families!

No matter what methods Huang Tiandao used, he eventually managed to gather the millet.

After several months of training, by the spring of next year, Huang Tiandao will surely have more than 10,000 regular soldiers!

At that time, it would be difficult for the governor of Xiao County to take back the three southern counties!

"It seems that, barring any unforeseen circumstances, the war in Xiao County will likely drag on for another year!"

Zhao Mu said with a sigh.

"Huang Tiandao has secretly dispatched people to Rongtai County. The elders are at Shanghu Pavilion, so please be careful!" Zhao Xian gave them a detailed warning.

After discussing for a while, the group realized they had no way to stop Huang Tiandao's corruption and could only remain on guard.

"Grand Uncle, Grandfather, it's winter now, and the clansmen are all staying at home with nothing to do. Could Fifth Uncle lead the clansmen to cultivate some wasteland?"

"Reclaiming wasteland?"

Zhao De pondered for a moment, a thoughtful expression on his face.

Zhao Mu, however, looked up at Zhao Xian and smiled, "Why did you suddenly think of this?"

"Ah Xian owns vast fields in the western countryside, with over a hundred households attached to him, making him a well-off family; the clansmen who fought alongside me in the outside world have also received many rewards, and their circumstances have improved considerably!"

"But for the other clansmen in Yangping Village, although Zhao Xian did provide considerable financial assistance, it was ultimately just disposable income!"

"If our clansmen could have a few more acres of land, their lives would certainly be much better!"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Xian immediately looked around at everyone and said sincerely.

"Ah Xian, you can't say that!" Zhao Zhong looked at Zhao Xian, his expression turning serious. "The oxen you gave to the clan have already been a great help!"

"This year's planting season was really made possible by those oxen!"

"Ah Xian still has much more to do!" Zhao Xian said modestly upon hearing this.

"It's not that it's impossible, but what should be done with the reclaimed land?"

After a moment of contemplation, Zhao De looked at Zhao Xian and asked.

"It will be divided according to the amount of effort contributed!" Zhao Xian said, then looked at the others, "What do you elders think?"

"During the harsh winter, the people stay at home and dislike going out, partly to conserve energy and eat less millet!"

"If we let the able-bodied men cultivate the wasteland, each person would need at least two catties of millet a day!" Zhao De replied after careful consideration.

"Besides, we don't even have any warm clothes!" Uncle Zhao Ren chimed in at this moment.

"I can manage to squeeze out 15,000 talisman coins!" Zhao Xian immediately replied.

"Fifteen thousand talisman coins and over one hundred bushels of millet," after a few moments of deliberation, Zhao De looked around at the others. "Very well, let's do as A-Xian wishes and gather the clansmen to reclaim the wasteland!"

"Fifth Uncle, Uncle, you must not slacken in educating the younger members of the clan!"

Zhao Xian then offered another word of advice.

Both of them nodded upon hearing this.

The group discussed other matters, and around noon, Zhao Xian ordered Zhu Ji to buy some wine and meat, and then they had a meal with the elders there.

After the meal, Zhao Xian helped his grandfather back to his uncle's house.

The brazier in the main hall was crimson, its heat spreading throughout the room.

Back at his uncle's house, the three of them naturally gathered together again.

"It's a good thing to cultivate more land!" Zhao Mu took a sip of hot soup and looked at Zhao Xian. "But you shouldn't have to pay for it!"

"It's alright, my grandson can still squeeze out a little money!"

Zhao Xian chuckled lightly and replied respectfully.

"Your inner quarters are truly quite capable; managing the household affairs is incredibly meticulous!"

"She actually did find a few parasites!"

At this point, Zhao Mu also showed a warm smile.

"We were still a bit too hasty!"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Xian smiled wryly and said...

The "few parasites" refers to a few menial laborers on the ranch who embezzled money.

However, Chen Yuanqing noticed it in the accounts.

As for the handling of this matter, Chen Yuanqing also dealt with it leniently, only fining those people a few months' salary!

"Since she is your new queen and has just taken over the family business, she naturally needs to establish her authority!"

"They're just a few menial servants!"

Zhao Mu shook his head, seemingly unconcerned.

"Grandfather, Uncle, our family must also do our part in this land reclamation!"

"I intend to arrange marriages for Ah Hong, Ah Duan, and Ah Bing next year!"

"The three of them are now approaching adulthood, and naturally it's time for them to settle down and start families!"

"So that's what you were planning!" Upon hearing this, Zhao Mu finally understood and smiled as if he had just realized something.

In terms of financial resources, none in Yangpingli can compare to these families nowadays.

Just considering oxen alone, Zhao Mu's branch alone has as many as six.

Zhao Cheng, Zhao Ji, and others fought fiercely outside and received numerous rewards. Zhao Zheng and the brothers Zhao Duan and Zhao Bing also fought valiantly, so it is natural that they should not be treated unfairly!

As for Zhao Zheng and the brothers Zhao Duan and Zhao Bing, Zhao Xian, besides bestowing upon them money and incense, also gave each of them a position as followers.

servant.

Now, both my uncle's and my paternal uncle's families have two households of dependents.

Clearing land naturally requires a great deal of effort!

After discussing the matter with the two men, Zhao Xian returned to his home.

"My lord, how are the elders?"

Upon seeing Zhao Xian return, Chen Yuanqing naturally stepped forward to greet him.

"Everything is fine!"

Zhao Xian also replied with a smile.

After chatting with Chen Yuanqing for a few minutes, Chen Yuanqing also had something to discuss with Zhao Xian.

"My lord, by next spring, those three acres of land will be transformed into sacred fields!"

"Although it's a low-grade spirit field, only suitable for growing crescent rice, it's still a kind of family business!"

When this matter was mentioned, Chen Yuanqing also showed a hint of joy on his face.

"This is all thanks to my wife!" Zhao Xian also praised her generously.

"My lord, as far as I know, there are still a few members of our clan with spiritual roots, so why haven't they become Qi Refining cultivators?"

"Well," Zhao Xian hesitated, then smiled wryly, "Even a Qi Refining cultivator in the early stages isn't much stronger than an ordinary person. It's better to cultivate Qi and Blood Martial Arts; that way, you'll have more strength for farming!"

"As for the mid-stage of Qi Refining, even those from families with shallow foundations rarely reach that level!"

"I see!"

Upon hearing Zhao Xian's explanation, Chen Yuanqing's face showed a look of sudden realization.

Born into the Chen family, she was taken to Cloud Mist Mountain after her spiritual root was determined to be of the Bing type. She spent her days cultivating and tending to the spiritual fields, so she had no idea about these intricacies.

"Our clan does have quite a few Qi Refining members with the aptitude of C-grade lower spiritual roots!" Chen Yuanqing smiled wryly, then looked up at Zhao Xian, "If my husband wishes to expand the Zhao family into a cultivation clan..."

"Even those with the lowest-grade spiritual root aptitude of the Bing level must not be abandoned!"

"My lady, what do you mean?" Zhao Xian looked at Chen Yuanqing and asked tentatively.

"I want to teach those few clansmen the Qi cultivation method and give them some support. After they have mastered Qi cultivation, they can also help me take care of the spirit fields!"

""

"A mediocre spirit field, if it wants to become a low-grade spirit field, absolutely needs the meticulous care of a spirit plant master!"

Chen Yuanqing looked at Zhao Xian and said with a sincere expression.

"Since you're so inclined, my lady, then go ahead and do it!" Zhao Xian pondered for a few moments, then said with a smile, "You can draw all the talisman money and spirit stones from the household!"

After pondering for a few moments, Zhao Xian took out a storage bag from his sleeve and handed it to Chen Yuanqing.

"My husband, I have some myself!"

Chen Yuanqing did not accept the storage bag, but instead politely declined.

"I have handed over all the money, provisions, and spirit stones in the camp to my officers for safekeeping. They will have little to do with my family's finances from now on!"

"This is the family fortune I left behind; I will hand it over to my wife today!"

"In addition, I have a storage bag on me, containing some of my cultivation resources!"

At this point, Zhao Xian slapped his forehead, then raised his hand and waved it, and two spirit-suppressing wooden boxes appeared in front of the two of them.

"Inside are two stones of jade pearl rice and some spiritual herbs I previously obtained. My wife, please keep these safe and do not reveal them to anyone!"

Hearing this, Chen Yuanqing was also somewhat shocked. Two stones of jade pearl rice would cost at least six hundred low-grade spirit stones, and that box of spirit herbs, even the cheapest low-grade yellow-rank spirit herbs would cost five or six low-grade spirit stones!

"Perhaps my husband should keep it!"

Chen Yuanqing hesitated for a few moments, then said in a low voice.

"These meager possessions are best left to my wife to manage!"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Xian replied without any apparent concern.

"With this money and provisions, my lady can now focus on raising her people!"

"If those three acres of spirit fields were all transformed into low-grade spirit fields, that would truly be the foundation of our family!"

After spending three days at home with Chen Yuanqing and arranging everything, Zhao Xian set off for Wohu Township.

At the manor in Wohu Township, Zhao Xian naturally told his father, Zhao Yi, about his plan to arrange a marriage for Zhao Hong.

As for Zhao Yi, he could only let Zhao Xian make arrangements.

As children grow up, they are no longer under their father's control. Now, Zhao Hong, at a young age, is already a first-class martial artist and can be considered a young talent in the village.

His marriage could not simply be settled by finding a country woman.

Zhao Xian is now a high-ranking official, so naturally he should find a suitable marriage for Zhao Hong!

Zhao Xian's target was naturally the Xu family, who lived in the same village.

Xu Daocheng, the head of the Xu family, had also met Zhao Hong and admired him to some extent. He even gifted Zhao Hong a Taizhou treasure sword.

Although it was for Zhao Xian's sake, Zhao Xian had no intention of marrying Zhao Hong to the legitimate daughter of the Xu family. This marriage might actually happen!

Having already expressed this intention, Zhao Xian did not delay. After finishing his meal, he took two gifts and went to visit the Xu family in the afternoon.

Xu Daocheng was naturally somewhat surprised by Zhao Xian's arrival.

After all, the intention of County Magistrate Gao Su in promoting Xu Dejing to the position of County Military Garrison Commander, bypassing Zhao Xian, was obvious.

Afterwards, Xu Dejing accepted the appointment, and when Zhao Xian got married, Xu Dejing also accompanied Zhao Xian as a cavalryman to Yunwu Mountain, which made quite a scene.

But Xu Daocheng would never believe that Zhao Xian harbored no resentment!

In the main hall, Zhao Xian took a sip of hot tea, then put down his teacup and coughed lightly.

Xu Daocheng, recognizing the refined taste in the music, immediately dismissed his attendants.

"What brings Bozhang here today?"

"Lord Xu, Zhao Xian has come here for my brother Zhao Hong!"

"Oh?" Upon hearing this, Xu Daocheng showed a hint of doubt.

"My younger brother, Zhao Hong, is nearing twenty. I have come to the Xu family today to facilitate a marriage between our families, a union ordained by heaven!"

Upon hearing this, Xu Daocheng immediately showed a hint of surprise on his face.

He never expected that Zhao Xian had come for this very reason!

"This~"

In an instant, Xu Daocheng pondered for a moment, unsure how to answer.

"Lord Xu, there's no need to make a decision immediately!" Zhao Xian smiled slightly and continued, "After I go to Xixiang to inquire about my uncle's opinion, if he is willing, I will need to go to the Cao family to arrange a marriage for my cousin Zhao Duan!"

"The Cao family?"

Upon hearing this, Xu Daocheng understood Zhao Xian's intention.

Although the Zhao family of Yangpingli has a young official named Zhao Xian, they still lack the necessary foundation to become a prominent clan in the area.

If one can form a marriage alliance with a prominent family in the village, one can naturally surpass others!

Now that he knew Zhao Xian's intentions, Xu Daocheng began to ponder.

Seeing this, Zhao Xian drank his hot tea and then got up to take his leave.

Whether Xu Daocheng agreed or not, Zhao Xian didn't really care.

If the Xu family does not agree to the marriage, Zhao Xian will naturally have other preparations.

There are also several prominent families in Xixiang!

The Song family of Shangbei Township, behind Song Ming, was also a prominent clan in the township.

At worst, Zhao Xian could swallow his pride and beg Chen Sheng to let Zhao Hong, Zhao Duan, and Zhao Bing all marry daughters of the Chen family. That wouldn't be impossible!

However, to outsiders, that would mean Zhao Xian had completely sided with the Chen family!

However, to be honest, it's pretty much the same now!

Suppressing his thoughts, Zhao Xian also left the Xu family, then mounted his horse and took Zhu Ji to Xixiang.

It wasn't until the moon was high in the sky that the two arrived at the residence in Xixiang.

Upon entering the residence, Zhao Li and Zhao Zhi, having heard of Zhao Xian's arrival, also put on their clothes and came out to greet him.

The two quickly ordered their servants to bring hot soup to warm Zhao Xian up.

After drinking the hot soup, Zhao Xian explained in detail his plan to arrange marriages for Zhao Hong, Zhao Duan, and Zhao Bing.

"Uncle, I intend for Zhao Hong to marry a woman from the Xu family, Zhao Duan to marry a woman from the Cao family, and Zhao Bing to marry Liu Zhuo's youngest daughter!"

Since they were all his close relatives, Zhao Xian didn't try to hide anything and immediately spoke up.

Liu Zhuo is now the assistant magistrate of Wohu Township. He is from Wenmaoli Village, Shanghuting. His son, Liu Ping, is currently an official under Zhao Xian!

"hiss!"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Li couldn't help but gasp!

"Will these three companies agree?" Zhao Li expressed his doubts.

"Ah Hong and the other two are barely twenty years old, yet they have already perfected their skin and tendon training. If they perfect their bone training in the future, they might even be able to glimpse the realm of innate martial arts!"

"How could they not be worthy of the women from those three families!"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Xian immediately spoke with an air of pride.

"Ah Xian, I'm just a country bumpkin. You should make the decision about this!" Zhao Li scratched his head, gave a wry smile, and then asked again, "What do you and Father think?"

"Both my grandfather and uncle agree with Ah Xian's arrangement!"

Zhao Xian immediately replied in a solemn voice.

"Then you decide!"

Zhao Li immediately nodded in agreement.

"What about Auntie?" Zhao Xian looked at Zhao Li and said hesitantly.

Judging from her appearance and demeanor, my aunt was not from an ordinary family. She was probably a woman from a prominent clan who had been separated from her family during the great chaos in Xiao County.

"It's alright!"

Zhao Li scratched his head and said with a smile.

Zhao Zhi naturally knew that his sister-in-law's background was not simple, so there was nothing to say.

"Uncle Ji, I also intended for Zhao Sheng to marry Huang Xia!"

With nothing wrong with his uncle, Zhao Xian naturally looked at Zhao Zhi beside him and said with a smile.

"Huang Xia~"

Upon hearing Zhao Xian's words, Zhao Zhi also began to ponder.