From a slave to the Great Qian Martial Saint

The concept of "marrying someone of equal social standing" applies here; those who can marry into a noble family all come from high-ranking and wealthy households.

It's hard to say which of the ladies and grandmothers in the Jing'an Marquis's mansion has the most powerful family background, but if you ask who is the richest, it would definitely be Xiao Fengxiao.

After all, the Xiao family were imperial merchants!

When Xiao Fengxiao married into the Marquis's mansion, she brought with her a dowry of mountains and seas of silver. She was already an expert in the business world, and in the past two years, with the help of the Marquis's mansion's power, she has been invincible and has multiplied her assets several times over!

However, the person who made it succeeded could also have failed, which presents a drawback.

Once they lose the support of the Marquis's mansion, these businesses will surely suffer a major blow.

No matter how shrewd and capable Xiao Fengxiao was, she was still a woman and the mistress of the Marquis's mansion, so it was inconvenient for her to show her face in public. Therefore, in the past two years, whenever anything happened, it was basically Gu Chengze who stepped forward.

No matter how useless Gu Chengze is, he is still a young master of a marquis's mansion. No matter what happens, as long as he stands there, he doesn't need to do or say anything, and he can basically handle it.

But now, Gu Chengze is dead.

Therefore, Xiao Fengxiao needs a new agent.

Chen Shi was the first person she thought of.

The reason is simple: she trusted Chen Shi.

Xiao Fengxiao lives deep within the Marquis's mansion. If this agent harbors ulterior motives, resorting to underhanded tactics and spies, he could slowly drain her assets.

However, Chen Shi was only in charge of things; his status and position were still somewhat lacking, and he might not be able to control the surrounding area.

If Chen Shi were to become the chief steward, that would be a different story!

Therefore, for her own sake, Xiao Fengxiao must do everything in her power to help Chen Shi become the chief steward!

"Is he trying to keep me as a sugar daddy?"

As Chen Shi emerged from Xiao Fengxiao's room, he couldn't help but smile.

Xiao Fengxiao made it clear that as long as he became the steward and helped her manage those businesses outside, he wouldn't actually need to manage them; he would only need to show up when something happened. Xiao Fengxiao would cover all his expenses for martial arts training in the future!

Poor scholars, rich warriors; the path of martial arts is arduous and costs countless sums.

In particular, the requirements for cultivation increase as the grade increases.

For example, at the sixth rank, which marks the beginning of transcending the ordinary and entering sainthood, ordinary grains and meats are no longer sufficient to meet the body's needs, and various precious medicinal herbs must be added to supplement the diet.

As for the higher ranks of fifth grade, and even fourth grade, the expenses are exorbitant, far beyond what Chen Shi could afford.

With Xiao Fengxiao's support, there would be no worries.

"You're out."

When I reached the courtyard gate, Tingyu was still standing there.

It seemed like they were waiting for Chen Shi.

"Um."

Chen Shi nodded, looking at Tingyu's tired and sleepy face, and couldn't help but feel sorry for her.

After all, in reality, Tingyu was already his woman.

"Go and rest."

"But……"

"If anyone asks, just say I gave the order."

Chen Shi's expression was serious as he spoke in a deep voice.

"From now on, if anyone bullies you in this courtyard again, just say you are one of my people! Even if Second Madam and Yun'er question you, I will speak to them."

"……Thanks."

Tingyu was stunned for a moment, then came to her senses, thanking him while tears welled up in her eyes.

"Since you are mine, there's no need for thanks."

Chen Shi smiled, then waved his hand and left.

It was almost midnight when I came out of Xiao Fengxiao's courtyard.

With nothing else to do, Chen Shi didn't linger any longer and went straight home from the Marquis's residence.

The courtyard in Jinwu Lane still had a lamp lit at the entrance.

Upon arriving at the backyard, a maid announced that Cui Nong was already waiting at the door.

"Didn't I tell you? There might be a lot to do today, so you should go to sleep first."

Seeing Cui Nong's tired face, Chen Shi couldn't help but say something.

I can't sleep well when you're not back.

Once inside, Cui Nong helped Chen Shi take off his outer coat.

The maid had already brought water, and Cui Nong soaked a towel and carefully wiped Chen Shi's face and hands.

"Alright, I have something to tell you."

Chen Shi took the towel, handed it to the maid, and then dismissed the servant.

Then, with a big smile, he looked at Cui Nong mysteriously.

"Guess what I brought back today."

"silver?"

"no."

"Jewelry?"

"Guess again."

"Perhaps it's some kind of food or interesting little gadget, but at this hour, there shouldn't be any stalls still open."

Cui Nong shook her head, looking dejected.

"I really can't guess, just tell me."

"Look!"

Chen Shi smiled and stopped keeping him in suspense.

He took the indenture from his pocket.

"Just a piece of paper..."

Cui Nong picked it up casually, not thinking much of it at first, but when she saw it clearly, she was stunned on the spot.

"...Is this true?"

A moment later, Cui Nong suddenly came to her senses and looked at Chen Shi with disbelief.

"Of course it's true."

Chen Shi nodded and said with a smile.

"I asked the magistrate directly for this, so it's definitely not fake. Besides, the official records have already been cancelled."

"This is my contract of servitude, my contract of servitude!"

Cui Nong muttered to herself, and the next moment, she suddenly screamed and frantically tore at the contract of servitude in her hand until it was shattered beyond repair.

“Wuwu!”

Clutching the scraps of paper in her hands, she covered her face and wept bitterly.

She was sold by her parents when she was young, and more than a decade later, she has suffered endless humiliation and contempt. She thought there was no hope left in her life, and many times she thought of ending it all with a rope.

Until today, Chen Shi got back her indenture, and she finally regained her freedom.

Chen Shi understood Cui Nong's feelings and said nothing, but simply gently pulled Cui Nong into his arms.

Nestled in Chen Shi's arms, Cui Nong burst into tears and cried for almost half an hour, as if she wanted to cry out all the grievances she had ever suffered.

Having cried all her tears, she finally raised her head, still sobbing, her eyes red as she looked at Chen Shi.

"celebrate."

"Um?"

"Today is the day I'm reborn, you should celebrate with me."

"Of course! I'll have someone prepare food and wine right away!"

"No, I mean you and I should celebrate."

"Well."

Chen Shi couldn't help but smile, feeling a pang of pity.

"It's been too frequent these past few days; I'm worried your body can't handle it."

"Now I am free, and even if I die today, I will have no regrets. Besides, I will die in your arms."

As she spoke, Cui Nong blushed slightly.

"Since that's the case..."

Seeing Cui Nong's shy and bashful appearance, Chen Shi's heart was instantly ignited. Without further ado, he scooped up Cui Nong and walked towards the bedroom, laughing loudly.

It's definitely worth celebrating!

A fierce wind and torrential rain raged through the night, plunging the sky and earth into darkness.

By the time the fighting stopped, it was almost dawn.

There was a roll call before dawn, so Chen Shi didn't have time to rest and reminisce. He gave Cui Nong, who was lying on the bed, a hard pat before getting dressed and going out.

When they arrived at the Marquis's residence, Zhou Bingzhi was not there; he had other matters to attend to and would not arrive until the morning.

Chen Shi took the roster and called out names one by one.

"Um?"

After ordering, Chen Shi couldn't help but frown.

On the very first day, three people had already failed to arrive.

"Go about your own business."

"We'll have to wait until those three arrive before we can deal with them," Chen Shi instructed, and everyone dispersed.

Today we have to set up the mourning hall, dress everyone in the household in their finery, and purchase other items, so it's bound to be another busy day.