My cultivation techniques can be infinitely fused.

Lu Zheng chatted with Zhuang Qiuxu and his apprentice for a while before leaving.

When he goes back to prepare.

Zhuang Xuqiu looked at Xia Nihuang and said, "What? Do you want to take this opportunity to observe the situation in the Northern Frontier?"

"Yes, if we go out in a big way, we definitely won't see it. Following Lu Zheng might be more fruitful. Besides, aren't you worried about Lu Zheng? With me protecting you, you should feel at ease, right?" Xia Nihuang said with a light laugh.

She had been by her master's side since she was a child, so she naturally understood his thoughts.

Zhuang Xuqiu may seem calm and collected on the surface, but in reality, during this period, he truly regarded Lu Zheng as a junior disciple.

Knowing how to be grateful means giving your all even when you don't know your own background.

Three Blood Nourishing Pills are no joke for a commander.

Although Lu Zheng refined it himself, Zhuang Xuqiu had seen and tasted it before.

How could anyone not understand its value?

He had no children, and as he grew old, he inevitably felt somewhat lonely.

At this moment, Lu Zheng made up for some of the regrets in his heart.

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At the very least, the child genuinely regarded him as an elder.

"Alright, I do feel more at ease with you by my side, but I'll have to trouble you, Princess."

"I'm only doing this for my own family," Xia Nihuang said softly.

To prevent the Great Xia from descending into chaos, the first priority is to ensure that the northern border remains stable. As long as the northern border remains secure, the imperial court will have ample time to resolve many problems.

This time, if we can eliminate all the sects entrenched in the northern border region...

For the imperial court, this was entirely beneficial.

Even for the Xiao family, it was a shot in the arm.

This will give Xia Nihuang more confidence, whether she is vying for the throne or stabilizing the court in the future.

While the master and apprentice were talking, Lu Zheng had already returned to his official residence, and before he knew it, it was already noon.

As soon as I entered, I saw Lu Kun sitting in the living room fiddling with a jar of wine.

Even Zhao Xin and his son Zhao Ben were there.

Lu Zheng's sister didn't come. She's heavily pregnant now and sleeps at home every day, rarely coming out.

Worried that going to the Zhao family would have an impact, Lu Zheng specially invited Zhao Xin and his son over.

Moreover, the other party has invited him many times, so it's time for him to reciprocate.

Zhao Ben hadn't reacted when he saw Lu Zheng return.

Zhao Xin kicked his son with his leg under the table.

Then he stood up and said, "Hehe, Ah Zheng is back. I heard he's going out tomorrow, is that true?"

"Yes, that's right. We'll be starting our inspection of the northern frontier tomorrow, so I've invited you and your brother-in-law to come over today for a meal." Lu Zheng said as he sat down.

At this moment, the guards began serving the dishes.

Lu Zheng was not married, so he did not employ any maids; all his tasks were done by his personal guards.

"Since the imperial court has given the order, the sooner the better. Don't worry about Fufeng. As long as I'm here, nothing serious will happen," Zhao Xin said, patting his chest.

However, he now has some confidence.

The relationship between the Hundred Cavalry Division and Lu Zheng is excellent. With the latter paving the way, Zhao Xin is now on friendly terms with all the other centurions in the Hundred Cavalry Division, except for Xiao Ling, whom he is not familiar with.

His boss was He Yun, which was because Lu Zheng was related to him.

It can be said that he would live a very comfortable life in this small area as long as he doesn't provoke Xiao Ling and Lu Zheng.

"Thank you very much, Uncle Zhao. However, there is one more thing I need your help with before I leave."

"You said it was my duty."

"It's like this, you know the old Zhuang family house, right? A new family moved in there last year. This old Zhuang saved my life. After I leave, please ask the border troops to take good care of it."

"Please help me out if there's anything I can do," Lu Zheng said solemnly.

Seeing his reaction, Zhao Xin immediately said, "Don't worry, I've specially dispatched a hundred-man team to patrol the area every day. If anything happens, they'll arrive immediately."

He dared not be careless in the slightest when it came to the things Lu Zheng arranged.

Then he turned to Zhao Ben and said, "This team will be transferred from your command; it must be elite."

"Okay," Zhao Ben readily agreed.

After hearing that they had finished discussing business, Lu Kun raised his glass and said, "Hehe, now that we've finished the business, let's have a drink."

Then he raised his glass.

Lu Zheng naturally wouldn't refuse.

After finishing his drink, he turned to Lu Kun and said, "Second Uncle, you don't need to return to Fengling County anymore. Just stay in Fufeng from now on. My official residence is already too small for me, and I'm going to leave again now."

This place is for you to stay in, so it will be convenient for you to see your cousin in the future.

And for caravans, crossing the border was even more convenient.

"Yes, in-law, I was just about to say that too. We can live in Fufeng from now on. It's so comfortable here. You can stay in the house in Fengling if you want, or sell it if you don't. We can drink here often." Zhao Xin said quickly.

He's determined to go to the Soft Jade Pavilion with Lu Kun in a few days to cultivate their relationship.

Because he knew in his heart that the reason his family had everything was because Lu Zheng cared about Lu Kun and his cousin Lu Wan. If it weren't for these two people, he would have been in a different situation.

How could such a great opportunity fall into Fufeng's lap?

Another point is that the Zhao family and Lu Zheng are now deeply intertwined.

If Lu Kun were here, communication would be much easier.

This is a very important link.

Lu Zheng continued, "Second Uncle, there's another thing. I've recently bought a few estates. You can keep them and help me look after them."

Although there are people like Wei Tong and Bu Luan who should be trustworthy, human nature is unpredictable.

Keeping Lu Kun around is the best way to keep them in check at all times.

This will deter them from having any ulterior motives.

This is why some large families use their own family members.

"Alright, since you've all said so, I'll stay," Lu Kun nodded.

Actually, what truly touched his heart was Lu Zheng's last sentence.

For matters like Zhuangzi's, it is indeed necessary to have a suitable person in charge.

Hearing his agreement, everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

Just then, a guard entered: "Sir, Wei Tong requests an audience."

Lu Zheng nodded and said, "Let him in."

Upon receiving a response, the guards immediately withdrew.

A moment later, two figures walked in.

One of them was none other than Wei Tong. He was beaming with joy and high spirits, a far cry from his past dejected state.

Behind him followed a tall, robust young man, about two meters tall, with strong muscles and a fierce aura.

The opponent's abundant blood and energy, when it approached Lu Zheng and the others, resembled a furnace.

The air around us seemed to be rising slightly.

Then, Wei Tong and the young man knelt down and said, "Thank you for saving my son, sir. From now on, my son and I are willing to be at your service."

After saying that, he took out a short knife and slashed his own face.

The same applies to young people.

This scene startled Zhao Xin and the others.

They had heard that this ceremony was only performed among some noble families when retainers pledged allegiance to their lord.

Once completed, the servants' lives will be completely in the hands of the head of the household.

From then on, they became half the masters of the household, fundamentally different from servants and subordinates.

The mutual support and shared fate is a more solid form of loyalty. Having retainers means having someone who will be willing to die for you at any time.