From a slave to the Great Qian Martial Saint

"Require?"

Chen Shi was slightly taken aback. Did Gu Tingshu have any other requests? But he quickly replied.

"Please give your orders, sir."

Gu Tingshu nodded and took a brocade box from the drawer and placed it on the table.

Upon opening it, however, there was a mask inside.

Crafted from black gold, it is thin yet sturdy, without any patterns or designs. Sunlight shines through the window, casting no reflection on it.

Another mask?

Chen Shi frowned, but this time it seemed to have nothing to do with the Fufeng Association.

"During your six months at the Zhechongyuan, you must wear this mask at all times. You must not remove it, not even when sleeping or bathing, and you must not let anyone see your true face!"

"this……"

Chen Shi opened his mouth, looking astonished.

Gu Tingshu could understand whatever grades he wanted to achieve in the Zhechong Academy, or whatever people he wanted to deal with, or even if he wanted to assassinate someone in the Zhechong Academy.

But what kind of requirement is it to wear a mask?

Chen Shi really couldn't understand it.

"You don't need to worry about it or ask any questions. Just do as I say."

Before Chen Shi could ask, Gu Tingshu gave the order in a deep voice.

"Yes."

Chen Shi had no choice but to respond, his face calm and his expression loyal and obedient.

Gu Tingshu must have had his reasons for doing this, but Chen Shi couldn't figure out what they were for the time being.

Gu Tingshu forbade him to ask, so how could he dare to ask any more questions?

Let's agree for now and investigate further later!

Something unusual must be going on. Gu Tingshu wouldn't have done this for no reason; there must be another reason behind it.

Moreover, Gu Tingshu did not provide an explanation, which made Chen Shi wonder if this matter was harmful to him.

"Furthermore, you must not reveal to anyone that you entered the military academy wearing a mask."

"Yes."

Chen Shi responded again, his doubts growing deeper.

What is Gu Tingshu trying to hide...?

Gu Tingshu looked at Chen Shi with a deep gaze, but did not say anything more.

He knew that Chen Shi wouldn't be so obedient and would definitely investigate, but he was certain that Chen Shi wouldn't find anything, or even have any way to investigate at all!

Let Chen Shi investigate; just do as he says.

Then his gaze turned cold. If Chen Shi didn't do as he said, he would be courting death! He believed that Chen Shi wasn't that stupid.

"And this too."

Immediately afterwards, Gu Tingshu took out a booklet from the drawer and placed it next to the mask.

"You performed a great service in Yongqiu Mountain. This is a Xuan-rank martial art, which I bestow upon you as a reward."

"Thank you, sir!"

Upon learning the Xuan-rank martial arts technique, Chen Shi immediately showed excitement, thanked the master, and quickly picked it up.

There was no name on the cover, but inside there were pictures and text, which were extremely mysterious and far beyond what a Yellow-rank martial art could compare to.

Chen Shi glanced through two pages, then closed the book and carefully tucked it into his pocket.

"Before entering the Zhechong Academy, you must at least master the basics of this martial art."

As a final word, Gu Tingshu raised his hand.

"Your subordinate takes his leave."

Chen Xing bowed, picked up the brocade box containing the mask, and turned to leave.

After leaving Gu Tingshu's study, Chen Shi first returned to the Lijin Hall, temporarily put away the brocade box containing the mask, and then went to the inner courtyard to see Xiao Fengxiao.

Gu Tingshu made it clear that the matter of the mask must not be known to anyone, and Chen Shi dared not tell Xiao Fengxiao either. Moreover, Chen Shi suspected that Xiao Fengxiao was probably unaware of the mask and Gu Tingshu's intentions.

He went to see Xiao Fengxiao to inquire about the Zhechong Academy. Xiao Fengxiao was knowledgeable and experienced, and should be able to give him some advice.

When he arrived at the courtyard, he saw that Xiao Fengxiao had already prepared wine and dishes and was waiting for him, obviously knowing that he had returned.

As before, the three sat facing each other, drinking and talking.

More than an hour later, Chen Shi finally came out of Xiao Fengxiao's courtyard.

As for the Zhechongyuan, I already have a general understanding of it.

"Manager Chen."

When they returned to the Likin Hall, they saw a man sitting there. When Chen Shi entered, the man stood up and bowed to greet him. It was Jia Xingzhou.

"So it's Mr. Jia."

Chen Shi smiled and returned the greeting with a cupped hand.

Now that he has resigned from his position as general manager, he must find someone to fill his place.

In such a rush, there probably won't be enough time for a thorough selection process.

Chen Shi pondered that it was very likely that one of the other three selected last time would be chosen directly.

Now it seems that's indeed the case.

"With Mr. Jia taking over the position of general manager, I can rest assured."

After the two sat down, Chen Shi made a polite remark.

"I feel ashamed."

Jia Xingzhou waved his hand with a smile, then looked at Chen Shi with curiosity.

"Since Steward Chen has already secured his position as steward, and it has only been half a year, why is he suddenly resigning?"

"There's no particular reason, it's just that everyone has their own ambitions. To be honest, I want to join the army and make a name for myself."

"Oh, I see."

Jia Xingzhou nodded, offering another word of praise.

"I admire Chief Steward Chen's ambition."

"Is Mr. Jia secretly laughing at my youthful arrogance?"

"Uh, haha, Steward Chen is joking."

Jia Xingzhou was slightly taken aback, then laughed awkwardly twice.

Chen Shi just smiled and didn't seem to care.

After all, in everyone's eyes, his resignation from the position of general manager and his departure for the army was, to put it nicely, a display of youthful ambition, but to put it bluntly, an act of arrogance and ignorance.

Even if he hadn't died on the battlefield, his achievements might not have matched what he has now.

Chen Shi understood this principle perfectly well. In fact, he also wanted to live a peaceful life, but he could not let Gu Hanying down.

There was only one path before him, and he had no choice but to face it head-on.

"I suppose Mr. Jia has already met with Steward Jin and Steward Zhou."

Enough of the small talk, Chen Shi got down to business.

Jia Xingzhou nodded and said directly.

"The intention of the two chief stewards, Jin and Zhou, is for me to directly take over your responsibilities, Chief Steward Chen."

"That makes things much easier. Now, I will hand over the work to Mr. Jia."

After Chen Shi finished speaking, he called a servant in and had him bring in the accounts of the tax office.

Next, Chen Shi explained to Jia Xingzhou his responsibilities, the accounts he was in charge of, and some things he should pay attention to in his daily life.

The steward oversees everything in the Marquis's mansion. Although Chen Shi is only responsible for money and provisions, the sheer number of tasks is countless.

The two men continued their exchange for more than two hours, by which time it was already dark outside.

That's how it is.

Having finally finished explaining, Chen Shi clapped his hands and breathed a sigh of relief.

"This...this is far too much."

Jia Xingzhou took a deep breath and gave a bitter smile.

The responsibilities of this manager were far more demanding than he had imagined.

Given his personality, he was really not suited to be the steward, but there was no other way; he also had reasons why he had to take on the role.

"Then I'll leave the rest to Mr. Jia, no, Steward Jia."

"Although Steward Chen has left the Marquis of Jing'an's residence, he is still a member of the Marquis of Jing'an's household. If you need anything in the future, just ask me."

Thank you.

You're too kind.

"Then I'll take my leave."

"May you rest in peace."

The two men clasped their hands in a fist salute, and Chen Shi turned and walked out of the Lijin Hall.

It was already dark outside. Looking at the starry sky, Chen Shi took a deep breath and a look of excitement appeared on his face.

From this day forward, he will no longer be dependent on others, and no one will be his master anymore!