From a slave to the Great Qian Martial Saint

"Manager, retainer!"

For a moment, the entire room fell silent.

The ordinary guests exchanged bewildered glances. Although they didn't understand the specific meanings of these two identities, they couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and reverence. After all, even the prefect held them in such high regard.

Chen Wangshi and Chen Yu were equally astonished. Chen Shi was no longer a servant? Moreover, he seemed to have a high status in the Marquis's mansion. The two looked at each other and widened their eyes again. That was the Marquis's mansion.

Although the instructor was only a ninth-rank official, he was still a member of the officialdom and naturally had more knowledge than ordinary people. For a moment, he was filled with excitement, thinking about how he could get on Chen Shi's good side. This might be his only chance to turn his life around.

"It's over."

Wei Shouren was stunned for a long time, then let out a soft cry and collapsed to the ground.

Chen Shi was a steward and retainer of the Marquis's mansion. It wasn't that Zhao Qiancheng was taking care of him, but rather that Zhao Qiancheng wanted to rely on him! Zhao Qiancheng wasn't showing favoritism or trying to win him over, but rather trying to curry favor with him. There was a fundamental difference between the two.

Wei Shouren was utterly despondent; nothing he did would make a difference.

"Arrest Wei Shouren and that Wu De guy, and let this prefecture investigate them."

Too lazy to waste any more words with Wei Shouren, Zhao Qiancheng gave a direct order.

Wu Gang was already prepared. He immediately led his men forward, bound Wei Shouren and Wu Debiao, and temporarily escorted them out of the courtyard.

The county magistrate and Wu Debiao, the local tyrant of Gegang County, were both taken down, leaving everyone speechless with astonishment.

Shocked, he looked at Chen Shi again, his eyes filled with awe.

"Thank you, Lord Zhao."

Wei Shouren and Wu Debiao were captured, and Chen Shi bowed and thanked them.

"It's nothing, Brother Chen, don't worry about it."

Zhao Qiancheng smiled and waved his hand, looking completely calm.

Chen Shi smiled; to Zhao Qiancheng, it was indeed just a small matter.

"My lord, please take your seat."

"I'll remember this favor and repay it later." Without saying anything more, Chen Shi gestured with his hand.

"it is good."

Zhao Qiancheng nodded and came over with Chen Shi.

At the main table in the center of the courtyard, the guests and hosts took their seats. As for the other tables, Wu Gang and his group sat at one, while the other guests were seated at the other tables.

These were originally guests invited by Chen Yu, but they were either elders from the clan or neighbors, which was quite appropriate.

For these guests, being able to dine with the prefect was something they could boast about for a lifetime.

What's more, they had never even seen such a feast of fine wine and food before, let alone eaten it.

Compared to the banquet Chen Yu had just prepared, it was worlds apart.

Everyone had already taken their seats, but Chen Wangshi and Chen Yu were left out in the cold.

The main table was for dignitaries and high-ranking officials; they were not to be seated there. As for the other tables, they were for ordinary guests, and it seemed there were no seats for them either.

The two stood there, feeling embarrassed and awkward, and finally slunk back into the house.

Cui Nong stood inside the door, glanced at the two of them, and let out a disdainful snort.

Despite the unexpected turn of events, the martial arts banquet was still a success thanks to the arrangements made by Zhao Dacheng and his team.

The guests had a great time.

Chen Shi saw Zhao Qiancheng and the others off one by one, and it was already evening.

Back in the courtyard, Chen Wangshi and Chen Yu were standing there, looking at Chen Shi and opening their mouths, but for a moment they didn't know what to say.

Chen Shi remained expressionless, having nothing more to say to them.

At this moment, Cui Nong came out of the house, carrying a bundle in her hand.

"Let's go."

"Um."

Chen Shi nodded and led Cui Nong away.

Watching Chen Shi walk out of the courtyard gate, Madam Chen stretched out her hand, but didn't know how to speak, only looking annoyed.

If she had known Chen Shi was doing so well, she would have kept him even if it was all fake. Now look what happened, she got nothing in return.

"Look what you've done!"

Chen Yu was also filled with resentment. He snorted coldly at Chen Wangshi and stormed into the house.

"I...I...oh dear!"

Chen Wangshi opened her mouth, then sat down on the ground with a thud, pounding her chest and wailing.

When Du Yueming and his group left, they left behind a carriage. Chen Shi and Cui Nong got into the carriage and returned directly to Yongqiu City.

Once they left Gegang County, Cui Nong gently pulled Chen Shi into her arms.

Although he felt happy today, those were Chen Shi's relatives. Being betrayed by his loved ones, Chen Shi's heart must have been filled with sorrow.

"I'm fine."

After a moment, Chen Shi said something indifferently.

It wasn't about showing off.

Although Chen Shi felt disappointed, he wasn't overly saddened.

Perhaps he already knew this outcome and was mentally prepared.

Or perhaps, he has never actually felt the warmth of family!

Looking back now, it seems that from childhood to adulthood, his mother, brother, and even father, apart from providing him with food and clothing to grow up, did not give him any warmth or care.

However, I was too young and oblivious at the time to notice.

Since I've never experienced warmth, I don't feel indifference.

"You still have me."

Cui Nong gently stroked Chen Shi's back and said softly.

The voice was not loud, but it was exceptionally firm.

She had already decided in her heart that she loved Chen Shi, and now she secretly vowed to spend her whole life making up for the lack of warmth Chen Shi had given her.

"Um."

Chen Shi responded and suddenly looked up at Cui Nong.

"Let's build our own home."

"Our home..."

Upon hearing this sudden remark, Cui Nong was stunned, and tears instantly welled up in her eyes.

He quickly turned his head away, wiped his face with a handkerchief, and then turned back to poke Chen Shi's forehead with his index finger.

"You're just trying to make me happy."

"How could I be just trying to appease you! I'm serious!"

Chen Shi was a little anxious and quickly explained.

He was serious; he wanted to marry Cui Nong!

Now that he is free, it shouldn't be difficult for him to get back Cui Nong's indenture.

As for Yun'er, he thought that if Yun'er was willing, he could marry both Cui Nong and Yun'er.

Chen Shi considered himself not to be of noble birth and unworthy of having three wives and four concubines, but as long as the two women were willing, they could be equal wives, regardless of rank.

"I know, I know, but..."

Seeing Chen Shi's anxiety, Cui Hong quickly spoke up, but then her expression darkened.

"I can't marry you."

"Why!"

Chen Shi's eyes widened, and he jumped up from Cui Nong's arms, looking at her in surprise, then frowning.

"Do you despise me because I was born a servant?"

"How is that possible!"

Cui Nong looked anxious and quickly explained.

"How could I possibly despise you! I am..."

"What is it?!"

"...I am not worthy."

Cui Nong paused slightly, then said softly, "I can say something."

She gave a bitter smile as she looked at Chen Shi, gently stroked Chen Shi's head, and then pulled him to her chest.

"You are wonderful, but precisely because you are so wonderful, I am not worthy of you."

"I don't care!"

Chen Shi frowned deeply, his voice resolute.

He understood Cui Nong's inferiority complex.

Cui Nong was born a slut and spent several years in brothels before being taken as a concubine by Gu Chengze. Indeed, she was not the kind of good woman that people often talked about.

But for Chen Shi, Cui Nong was the best woman in the world!

"Silly boy, I know you don't care, but I do."

Cui Nong smiled, then spoke seriously.

"Remember what we said at the beginning: to make something of myself and get back my contract of servitude? But you are far more capable than I thought. Your future is much brighter than this. You will go much further and stand taller. If I marry you, I will be the only stain on your reputation."

"nonsense!"

"That's the truth. It's impossible for a person to truly not care about what others think. I'd rather die than become someone's subject of ridicule."

"I don't care! I just want to..."

"alright."

Cui Nong stopped Chen Shi, her face beaming with happiness.

"With your words and your sentiments, I am content for the rest of my life. Besides, we don't necessarily have to get married. Isn't it good enough as things are now? When you marry a wife who is worthy of you, I will be your concubine."

"I……"

Whoa!

Just as Chen Shi was about to say something more, the coachman outside suddenly pulled hard on the reins, and with a violent jolt, the carriage came to a sudden stop.