From a slave to the Great Qian Martial Saint

Once Chen Shi becomes a "household retainer," he can be freed from slavery and will no longer be under Gu Chengze's control.

He has just been promoted to manager, and while it's not impossible for him to advance further, it's extremely difficult in the short term.

In comparison, advancing to the seventh rank of martial artist is much easier. Martial artists certified by the imperial court enjoy numerous privileges. At the ninth rank, they are exempt from kneeling before officials and from punishment, while at the seventh rank, they are granted the title of "Martial Lieutenant," meaning they are no longer slaves and can legitimately escape slavery!

However, to become a seventh-rank martial artist, one must first possess a Condensed Form martial art, not to mention how precious and difficult to obtain such martial arts are.

Even though Chen Shi has now mastered the Blood Qi Condensation Technique, he still has to wait until the ninth day of the ninth lunar month, after the imperial court determines the ranks, before he can obtain the privileges of a seventh-rank martial artist.

It's not even February yet, there's simply not enough time.

Therefore, finding a powerful backer who can suppress Gu Chengze is the best way to break the deadlock at present.

"Thank you for your trouble, Steward Sun."

Holding a brocade box in his hands, Chen Shi followed Steward Sun, thanking him repeatedly along the way.

"It's just passing on a message, Manager Chen, there's no need to be so polite."

Manager Sun smiled and said something casually.

After entering the second gate, passing through several corridors and courtyards, in the northwest corner of the area where the second wife's family lived, there was an inconspicuous little courtyard, which was the current residence of the second wife.

The backer Chen Shi was looking for had to be able to completely suppress Gu Chengze. Looking at the entire Marquis's mansion, that only included the old lady, the master, and the ladies.

But they cannot be from the first or third wife's family.

Chen Shi is Xiao Fengxiao's man, meaning he belongs to the second branch of the family. If he were to switch allegiance to the first or third branch, wouldn't he be considered a traitor? Imagine, who would accept a servant who has betrayed his master?

In this way, only the old lady, the eldest master, and the second lady remained.

The eldest master is a marquis, and the entire marquis's mansion belongs to him; he cannot be simply categorized as a member of the eldest branch of the family.

This is why Xiao Fengxiao had no objection when the patriarch dealt with Chen Shi before.

The old lady is quite old and has long since stopped asking questions, so why would she concern herself with the affairs of a servant?

As the Marquis of Jing'an, the eldest master was busy with official duties and was often not even at home, let alone paying attention to Chen Shi.

Therefore, the second wife is the most suitable.

"I understand what you mean, but we can't rush things. You're just here today to show your face and let the Second Madam know about you. If you want to gain her favor, we'll have to find another opportunity."

As they were nearing their destination, Steward Sun gave them one last few instructions.

"I see."

Chen Shi responded and nodded repeatedly.

Before, Chen Shi was just a lowly horse slave or servant; how could he possibly have gotten close to the Second Madam?

But now he is in charge. Although he is still a servant, he has a higher status and certain rights, and can be used by the second madam!

In fact, there are only twenty-three stewards in the entire Marquis's mansion.

Of course, as Steward Sun said, if one wants to get close to the Second Madam, one needs to make a good impression at the right time.

If you act too hastily, you may end up making things worse.

"Thank you for the reminder, Steward Sun."

Thinking of this, Chen Shi couldn't help but thank General Manager Sun again.

As one of the four stewards in the mansion, Steward Sun was promoted by the second master. Although the second master has passed away, he still has a close relationship with the second branch of the family.

That is why Chen Shi asked Steward Sun to introduce him.

To Chen Shi's surprise, Steward Sun not only agreed without asking for anything in return, but also took it very seriously.

For a moment, Chen Shi felt quite grateful.

"It's nothing. When you become successful one day, don't forget me."

Steward Sun smiled and said calmly.

As they talked, the two arrived at the Second Madam's courtyard. Steward Sun went in first, while Chen Shi waited at the courtyard gate.

After about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, Steward Sun came out and led Chen Shi inside.

The courtyard was small and had few servants. It was said that after the deaths of the Second Master and Master Rong, the Second Madam, who was originally a strong-willed person, seemed to have become a different person. She moved to this small courtyard and spent her days eating vegetarian food and chanting Buddhist prayers.

Having already reported it, we walked through the courtyard and went straight into the house. The house didn't have any expensive furnishings, but was filled with Buddha statues, and incense was burning, making it look like a Buddhist shrine.

In the middle was a yellow prayer mat, where a woman sat cross-legged, holding prayer beads in her hand, chanting scriptures. She was none other than the second wife, Madam Shen.

Madam Shen should be in her forties, but she looks only in her early thirties. Although there are some signs of age on her face, you can still tell that she was once a stunning beauty in her youth.

Of course, she still retains her charm.

"Madam, the person has been brought here."

Just as Chen Shi was lost in thought, Steward Sun spoke up.

Madam Shen then opened her eyes and glanced at Chen Shi.

"This humble servant, Chen Shi, greets the Second Madam!"

Chen Shi, with a respectful expression, hurriedly greeted him.

"Um."

Madam Shen simply nodded slightly and did not say anything more.

Chen Shi looked troubled and turned to Steward Sun for help.

"Chen Shi is currently in charge of purchasing medicinal herbs. Some time ago, while traveling between pharmacies, he discovered a fine ginseng."

Steward Sun spoke, smiling as he spoke.

"He was very thoughtful, thinking that this ginseng would be good for Madam to replenish her blood and energy, so he bought it out of his own pocket and brought it to you right away."

"It is our blessing that you are well."

As Chen Shi spoke, he presented the brocade box with both hands.

Madam Shen looked at Chen Shi again, her gaze lingering on him for a moment, and raised her hand.

Immediately afterwards, an old woman came over and took the brocade box from him.

Received!

Chen Shi was overjoyed. Although he didn't say much, accepting this "gift" meant that Madam Shen was willing to give him a chance.

After accepting the ginseng, Madam Shen closed her eyes again, turned the prayer beads in her hand, and silently recited Buddhist scriptures.

"I'm going back."

Steward Sun said something and gestured for Chen Shi to leave.

Chen Shi also knew that haste makes waste.

Now that they've "paid homage to her," they might be able to get close to her again if they find another opportunity.

"Thank you very much, Steward Sun!"

As he came out of the house, Chen Shi quickly thanked him in a low voice.

This success was entirely due to Steward Sun's influence and assistance.

It was just a small favor.

Steward Sun raised his hand and smiled faintly.

At this moment, an old woman came out of the house carrying a piece of cloth, and the two immediately fell silent.

As the old woman walked past him, Chen Shi glanced at her casually and was instantly stunned.

Luo Jin!

Moreover, the pattern is unique, making it clear that it is not an ordinary product.

"This is."

Chen Shi quickly caught up and bowed to the old woman.

"May I ask, Granny, what kind of fabric is this?"

"Luo Jin, this was sent from the palace to the Madam; ordinary people don't receive this."

The old woman frowned as she looked at Chen Shi, her face showing wariness.

"Why are you asking this!"

"Oh, I think this fabric is beautiful. I'm thinking of finding out more about it and buying a bolt of it myself."

"You? Hmph, this isn't material that just anyone can use."

The old woman snorted coldly and then left.

Chen Shi stood still, but his expression was serious.

Two days ago, at the Duanhunling Mountain Stronghold, he fought with that woman from the Fufeng Society and cut off a piece of her clothing.

The fabric used for the hem of that garment is exactly the same as the fabric in Madam Shen's batch!

Could it be that the woman at the Fufeng gathering that night was the second wife of the Marquis of Jing'an?