Eternal Immortal Dynasty: Starting as a Petty Official

Chapter 214 Returning Home and Inspecting the Manor (Seeking Monthly Tickets)

Although it was late at night when he returned to Yangpingli, by the next day, everyone in the clan already knew that Zhao Xian had returned.

In the following days, Zhao Xian spent his time visiting the elders of the clan and at home taking care of Xiang'er with Chen Yuanqing.

The baby was still young and had not yet grown up, so it was not appropriate to give her a formal name. Moreover, Zhao Xian was not at home at the time, so her grandfather Zhao Mu gave her a nickname, Xiang'er.

The sky was overcast, with dark clouds covering the ground, and heavy snow was falling.

Braving the wind and snow, Zhao Xian strode into the hall.

The brazier glowed red, radiating intense heat, making the hall quite warm.

"Where is Madam?"

Taking off his outer robe, Zhao Xian casually asked the maid beside him.

"She's taking care of Xiang'er in the inner room!"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Xian naturally lifted his feet and walked towards the inner room.

After walking only three or five steps, Chen Yuanqing came out.

"My husband accompanied the elders to visit the widows and orphans in the clan. Why are you back so soon?"

"In recent years, although the clan has not been able to live a life of plenty, it has been able to have enough to eat and wear, and not many people in the clan have lacked food or clothing."

"Is Xiang'er asleep?"

Zhao Xian nodded towards the inside.

"I just fell asleep," Chen Yuanqing replied with a slight nod.

"I've been so busy these past few days since I got home that I completely forgot about it!" Zhao Xian stepped forward, took out an exquisitely carved spirit-repelling wooden box from his sleeve, and handed it to Chen Yuanqing. "Open it and take a look!"

Upon seeing this, Chen Yuanqing naturally reached out and took the wooden box, then gently opened it. A palm-sized, emerald-green jade stone came into view.

"This is~" Chen Yuanqing picked up the blue jade stone and examined it carefully. Then, a look of surprise appeared on her face. "Husband, this is a hundred-year-old wood heartwood!"

"Five hundred years old, its grade should be at the upper level of the Yellow Rank!" Zhao Xian nodded slightly and continued to explain with a smile, "That day, Ronghuai County Magistrate Chen Sheng, along with three Innate Martial Artists, joined forces to kill a Foundation Establishment cultivator from Huang Tiandao, and obtained this spiritual item from his storage bag!"

"Sigh~" Suddenly, Chen Yuanqing sighed softly, a hint of regret on his face. "If I could have refined this spiritual object while pregnant with Xiang'er, perhaps Xiang'er's aptitude would have been even better!"

"That's alright," Zhao Xian said, gently pulling Chen Yuanqing into his arms. "If Xiang'er can get..."

"To obtain even better spiritual objects!"

"Refine this century-old wood core in the next few days. With your aptitude, refining this high-grade Yellow Rank spiritual item might just raise your cultivation aptitude to the upper-C Rank, giving you a slight chance to establish your foundation in the future!"

"Besides, we will certainly have more than just Xiang'er as our heir in the future!"

"Yuanqing thanks you, husband!" Upon hearing these straightforward words, Chen Yuanqing blushed and thanked him softly.

"There is still one matter I need to discuss with your wife!"

"What is it?"

After spending several days with Chen Yuanqing, Zhao Xian prepared to travel to Xiangting and Xixiang.

For more than two months, I had not visited the manor. Although my father and uncles were looking after it, I still wanted to go and take a look.

The manor in Wohu Township consisted of only one pasture and a few hundred acres of land, with few servants or laborers. My father was a steady man, so nothing went wrong.

Zhao Hong, Zhao Duan, and Zhao Bing are all married now and have land and houses to rely on, but Huang Zhong is still living with Zhao Xian.

Huang Zhong has already arranged a marriage with his younger sister Zhao Yu, and they will get married once she returns from her studies at the county school.

A few days ago, Zhao Xian and Chen Yuanqing secretly discussed the matter. When Chen Yuanqing learned that Huang Zhong actually had a thin lineage of divine and demonic blood, he also agreed with Zhao Xian's idea of ​​giving the manor to Huang Zhong.

Four hundred acres of land, twenty households of migrant workers, plus a pasture, that's enough.

It was only about twenty li from Shanghuting to Wohuxiangting, and Zhao Xian arrived at the township pavilion in about an hour.

It was freezing cold, and the fields were deserted. At this time, whether they were poor villagers or wealthy families, they were all at home trying to keep warm.

While impoverished families huddled together on earthen beds, starving, wealthy households enjoyed scorching heat, warm comforts, fine wine, and delicious food!

Why think so much!

Shaking his head, Zhao Xian spurred his horse toward his own manor.

After walking along several country lanes, the eaves of our own estate came into view in the distance.

A moment later, Zhao Xian met his father, Zhao Yi, in the main hall.

"How has Xiang'er been at home these past few days?"

Upon first meeting Zhao Xian, Zhao Yi's first question was about his beloved grandson.

"With Yuanqing watching over things, everything is naturally fine!" Zhao Xian replied with a smile.

After a few casual words, Zhao Xian told his father about the changes that had taken place over the past two months.

After Zhao Xian finished speaking, Zhao Yi kept smacking his lips with his cigarette and fell into deep thought.

A moment later, Zhao Yi let out a long sigh and exhaled a thick cloud of smoke, instantly filling the hall with smoke.

"A new emperor, a new court," Zhao Yi sighed softly, his expression quite calm. "You've been traveling so much these past few years, and your mother and I have been quite worried about you!"

"At worst, I can go home and rest for a while, then focus on my spiritual practice!"

"Now, whether it's our family or our clansmen, we have much more land and oxen, and things will only get better from here on out!"

"Father, that's what I think too. I'm already at the eighth level of Qi Refining, and I've also obtained the Profound Origin Pill. I just need to reach the ninth level of Qi Refining to refine the Profound Origin Pill and raise my cultivation to the peak of Qi Refining!"

Zhao Xian nodded slightly and echoed his sentiment.

"Father, Ah Zhong is exceptionally talented, and now he's our sister's husband. I'd like to bestow this manor in Wohu Township upon Ah Zhong as a wedding gift for his marriage to my younger sister!"

"This manor?" Upon hearing Zhao Xian's words, Zhao Yi was slightly taken aback, and then a hint of reluctance appeared on his face.

He was just a country bumpkin with only twenty or thirty acres of land. But now this manor has more than four hundred acres of fertile land and a vast pasture!

Such a vast fortune could easily become a family heirloom, how could Zhao Yi not feel heartache!

"It is reasonable for you to give this manor to A-Zhong," Zhao Yi said tactfully to Zhao Xian after a few moments of consideration. "However, A-Hong is your younger brother, and A-Duan and A-Bing are your cousins. The three of them, along with A-Zhong, have followed you at the same time."

"Now all three of them have families. Although you funded the construction of their respective houses when they got married, compared to this estate, it's truly unfair!"

"This~"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Xian couldn't help but realize what was happening.

Ah Hong is his own brother, so he doesn't worry about overthinking things, but Ah Duan and Ah Bing are a different story.

"A-Zheng and A-Ze abandoned their official positions to join the army with you, so you should make amends!" Zhao Yi added after seeing Zhao Xian nod.

"Then, as Father wishes~"

Zhao Xian bowed to Zhao Yi, sincerely seeking his guidance.

"The produce of this estate, spanning hundreds of acres, is actually entirely consumed by the ranch!"

"In my opinion, it would be better to merge this ranch with the Xixiang Ranch. After the ranch is relocated, the entire estate will have an additional two hundred acres!"

"Adding to the original four hundred mu, that makes a total of six hundred mu, just enough to divide among them!"

"Father is absolutely right!"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Xian nodded slightly, feeling a greater sense of agreement.

The saying goes, "It's not scarcity that's worrisome, but inequality." If it weren't for my father's reminder, I would have almost forgotten this point!

"Ah Hong and his three companions, plus Uncle Twelf and Elder Brother, will each have 100 mu of land. As for the dependent households, each person will have two households, plus a cow and a horse, how about that?"

"Can!"

"Then I'll trouble Father to speak with the ranch manager these next few days. If they're willing to go to Xixiang, they can continue to be employed; if not, just give them some money and that'll be it!"

"I will head to Saigo tomorrow to discuss the transportation of cattle and horses with Maki Tsubaki!"

The next morning, after finishing his meal, Zhao Xian rode his horse toward Xixiang.

The journey from Wohu Township to Xixiang was long, and the roads were muddy after the snow. It wasn't until late at night that Zhao Xian finally arrived at the Xixiang Manor.

After exchanging pleasantries with his uncle and his stepfather for a while, Zhao Xian went back to his room to rest.

It wasn't until he woke up the next day that Zhao Xian told the two of them about his plans for the Wohu Township Manor.

"Although A-Duan and A-Bing have been with you for many years, you have provided for their daily needs, including food and clothing, as well as their cultivation. This hundred acres of land is really too much; you should take it back!"

"Besides, my family has accumulated several dozen acres of farmland over the past few years!"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Li naturally spoke first and refused.

"Uncle, those two are now married and have established their own careers. They are also top-notch martial artists with considerable expenses for cultivation. They also married women from far-flung families. Your few dozen acres of land are really not enough to support them!"

Zhao Xian chuckled and couldn't help but make a joke.

"You have no manners!" Zhao Li glared at Zhao Xian upon hearing this!

"Let's settle on this for now!" Zhao Xian said, regardless of his uncle's objections.

"I will cover all the expenses for Asheng and Huang Xia's wedding!" To avoid appearing biased, Zhao Xian then looked at his uncle Zhao Zhi, who was standing beside him, "and also provide them with a two-courtyard house!"

"How can this be allowed!"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Zhi waved his hands repeatedly.

Zhao Sheng is different from Zhao Duan and Zhao Bing. He has been studying at the county school all these years and has never done anything for Zhao Xian!

Zhao Zhi naturally understood the nuances of this situation very well.

"It's alright, Huang Xia isn't exactly an outsider, just consider it a congratulatory gift for the two of them!"

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

Seeing Zhao Xian's insistence, Zhao Zhi had no choice but to smile and agree.

Whether it's Zhao Li or Zhao Zhi, they both receive a monthly salary for looking after Zhao Xian's estate in Xixiang!

Zhao Li also served as a guard at the manor, and his monthly salary was slightly higher, at 800 talismans per month, while Zhao Zhi received 500 talismans per month!

The two of them lived on the manor and didn't spend much money on a daily basis. Over the past two years, they had indeed accumulated a considerable fortune.

The three were having a lively conversation in the hall when Mu Chun also came to pay his respects to Zhao Xian.

The manor in Xixiang is now divided into two parts: one part is the ranch, which is managed by Mu Chun, and the other part is his retainers and followers, which are managed by Zhao Li and Zhao Zhi.

Mu Chun's current monthly salary is also 800 talismans, which is equivalent to the level of deputy captain among the military ranks previously issued by Zhao Xian.

"Greetings, Master of the House!"

Upon their first meeting, Mu Chun bowed deeply.

"Get up quickly!" Zhao Xian immediately smiled. "Sit down!"

"Ah Chun, I'm planning to close the ranch in Wohu Township and transfer all the livestock to the ranch in Xixiang. What do you think?"

"Master, that would be wonderful!"

Upon hearing this, Mu Chun was quite excited and said...

As the ranch manager appointed by Zhao Xian, he had to travel between Xixiang and Wohuxiang year-round, which was quite arduous.

Now that the two ranches have been merged, he won't have to travel between the two places anymore!

"Well, discuss this with my father and see how to arrange things. Move the livestock over in the next few days!"

Zhao Xian didn't interfere and directly handed the matter over to Mu Chun.

After chatting with the three for half a day and having lunch, Zhao Xian led them on a tour of his estate.

The fields of Xixiang Manor were divided into two parts: one part was cultivated by the retainers, and the other part was cultivated by the laborers.

The land tax for the retainers was 30%, while that for the dependents was 50%.

Zhao Xian had other important matters to attend to when he inspected the manor today.

Previously, Zhao Xian had already established the system of meritorious land, and had said that if his troops made further contributions in the future, they would be exempted from the land tax on the corresponding land.

The Xiao family has fought two major battles and has now returned to Rongtai County for about ten days. It is time to distribute the rewards as soon as possible.

Zhao Cheng, Zhao Ji, Zhao Zong, Xu Hua, Zhao Jun and others were among the first to follow Zhao Xian, and their land was allocated to them earliest. They have been cultivating the land for three years now.

For the past three years, Rongtai County has enjoyed favorable weather and abundant harvests, resulting in bountiful harvests year after year in the fields under their jurisdiction.

Aside from the land taxes they paid and the rations they received from their followers, they had saved up quite a bit of food. In addition, with the monthly salary Zhao Xian provided, they were well-off in terms of food and clothing!

If Zhao Xian hadn't instructed them to focus their energy and resources on cultivation, they probably would have all bought themselves new residences.

Before long, the group arrived at Zhao Cheng's house.

Zhao Xian could already see the scene of his home through the courtyard wall.

The ground was very muddy after the snow, but a bluestone path had been paved in Zhao Cheng's house, leading directly from the courtyard gate to the main hall.

Meanwhile, two exquisitely carved dolls were rolling around and playing on the floor in the hall, with a maid standing behind them.

The maid glanced up and saw Zhao Xian and the others outside the wall, then quickly walked into the hall.

A few breaths later, Zhao Cheng strode out, his face beaming with joy.

"Zhao Cheng greets the head of the family!"

Upon exiting the courtyard, Zhao Cheng immediately bowed to Zhao Xian, then greeted Zhao Li and Zhao Zhi, saying, "Zhao Cheng greets Ninth Uncle and Tenth Uncle!"

"Fourth brother, I have nothing to do today, so I'll take a stroll around the manor!" Zhao Xian said with a slight smile.

"In that case, I'll go change my clothes and accompany Jiulang for a stroll!"

Zhao Cheng immediately responded with a smile.

Before long, Zhao Cheng changed his clothes, put on a ring-handled sword at his waist, and followed behind Zhao Xian. The group then went to the next house.

Zhao Xianmo's retinue had expanded several times, and now it totaled seventy or eighty people.

Apart from Zhao Cheng and others who had 100 mu of land, the other detachments mostly had 50 mu of land.

After paying the land tax, the remaining money and grain were enough to support the troops in practicing martial arts.

Moreover, Zhao Xian would occasionally bestow some coins as rewards, so the retainers lived quite well.

After his inspection, a large group of people had gathered behind Zhao Xian.

Finding a slightly higher earthen platform, Zhao Xian ascended it and, without much further ado, distributed the rewards for his trip to Xiao County in the south.

Several military officers, including Zhao Cheng and Zhao Ji, received varying amounts of coins according to their ranks.

Zhao Ji obtained the most; during his trip to Xiao County, he killed two first-rate martial artists and obtained 10,000 talisman coins.

In addition, Zhao Xian converted the ten mu of land under Zhao Jimao's control into Xun land, and he would no longer have to pay the 30% land tax.

Next was Zhao Cheng, who received seven thousand coins and seven mu of arable land.

Up to the lowest-ranking sergeant, one receives one thousand coins and one mu of land.

After bestowing these gifts, his troops were naturally quite pleased.

Zhao Ji became the most numerous follower of Xuntian under Zhao Xian.

After the money was distributed, apart from a few military officers such as Zhao Cheng and Zhao Ji, the rest of the troops went home.

Zhao Xian then led them to continue their tour of the manor!