The Demon Lords

Chapter 549 55: Silly Leveling Up_1

Inside the document processing room of the City Guard's Mansion in Shengle:

Siniang was seated in the main chair, a large pile of documents awaiting her approval spread across the desk before her.

Shengle wasn't a particularly large city, nor were the people under its administration numerous.

Currently, in peacetime, local officials in Yan State often found time for hunting trips and social gatherings with friends. In contrast, officials in Qian State frequently held banquets, composing poetry and verse.

But here, every detail was attended to. After all, this was their very first territory, and they couldn't afford to adopt a laissez-faire approach at such a crucial time.

Furthermore, various construction projects were still in their nascent stages. The administrative staff, with the Wen Family members as their core, had not yet fully familiarized themselves with or adapted to their positions. The Blind Man and his companions were still accompanying My lord to Skybreak Mountain and had not returned. Consequently, the burden on Siniang's shoulders had naturally grown much heavier.

Countless matters, from top to bottom, required her coordination and decisions. Liang Cheng, however, was carefree, needing only to immerse himself in the military camp, drilling the soldiers.

At this moment, seated in a position slightly subordinate to Siniang, was Yuexin, the Blind Man's wife.

Siniang had assigned her to assist in the document processing room. She was, after all, the granddaughter personally trained by that old fox Wen Sutong. Blessed with innate intelligence, she grasped even mundane administrative matters with remarkable speed, a quick-wittedness that often left Siniang marveling.

It's a pity Zheng Fan and the others haven't returned yet. If they could witness this scene in the document processing room now, Xue Three, with his consistent penchant for stirring up trouble, would surely whisper just loudly enough for My lord to hear: "Isn't this Wu Zetian and Shangguan Wan'er?"

Siniang put down her brush, rubbing her wrist. Even doing needlework with My lord isn't as tiring as this, she thought.

Yuexin rose and personally came over to refill Siniang's tea.

"Miss, if you're tired, please take a rest."

"If elder sister isn't resting, then I'm not tired either."

Siniang smiled but said nothing.

Yuexin returned a modest smile.

"Sigh, counting the days, it's been so long, and My lord and the others still haven't returned. I've heard that the girls of the wild people have fiery natures. Perhaps our young master has tired of familiar tastes at home and wants to try some exotic mountain delicacies."

"The house is rather quiet anyway. Bringing back a few 'mountain pheasants' could certainly liven things up," Yuexin replied.

"You certainly know how to look on the bright side."

"I learned it from elder sister."

"Miss, don't blame elder sister for pulling you into these mundane tasks. Without your help, I'd likely be busy from dawn till dusk with no respite."

"This is what I, as your younger sister, should do. Grandfather often used to say at home, 'The rice jar has no food for the idle.'"

"Hehe, speaking of the old man, have any letters arrived from him in Yanjing?"

"One arrived the day before yesterday. Grandfather said he's doing well in Yanjing. His Majesty intended for him to take charge of the Imperial Academy, but he declined, citing his advanced age and frailty."

"Actually, living like your grandfather is quite comfortable. He no longer needs to worry about anything and can peacefully enjoy his later years."

"Elder sister is right. When young, one seeks to acquire; when old, one seeks to let go."

"Miss, do you usually speak to your husband like this?"

"My husband is even more eloquent than I am."

"That's true. That mouth of his, it truly is... Hmm? Why are you blushing?"

"Elder sister, there's something I'm not sure if I should say."

"Go ahead, there are no outsiders here."

"For the past few days, I've been looking at the account books elder sister prepared. The cost of maintaining the army is indeed high. However, in this day and age, it's unsettling not to have soldiers at hand. This money is essential and cannot be cut. But the study society, medical clinic, and such..."

"Do you think it's not worth it, Miss?"

"These are very good things, truly worthwhile. Throughout history, this is what many great sages and wise men have striven for."

"Then?"

"I just feel that while we can manage now as a small establishment, if we continue like this once our 'family and enterprise' grow larger, it will become unsustainable."

Siniang nodded. "Right now, this is to solidify our foundation. As for the future, we'll let it take its course. The priority is to handle what's before us."

"Elder sister, this..."

"First, we use this to strengthen our roots and win the people's hearts. Let future matters wait. If there truly is a future, no one will dare say you've changed then."

"I understand, younger sister."

"You're a smart and clever person. Learn much, observe much. Help out where you can. Don't mind those girls I keep in the rear courtyard; they may be beautiful and delicate, but not a single one of them is capable of handling this kind of work. Besides, it's common in Yan State for women to take on public roles; it's not like in your Qian State, where ladies of good families must strictly observe propriety."

"This way, one feels truly free. Life is more comfortable and less stifling."

"I also know you're not one to sit idle. Although telling you to consider us family might sound a bit like a platitude, please strive to be a useful person here."

"...…" Yuexin remained silent.

Just then, Xiao Yibo, the steward of the City Guard's Mansion, came to report, "Mr. Feng, My lord and the others have returned."

「...」

The bathhouse in the rear courtyard was already completed, constructed even faster than the study society or the medical clinic. After all, the leaders couldn't be made to suffer.

「At this moment,」

Zheng Fan was soaking in the bath, eyes closed, enjoying the comfortable temperature.

A stone with a towel draped over it floated beside Zheng Fan, occasionally releasing a few bubbles. He and his father had grown accustomed to daily baths back in Hutou City, and it felt as if those times had returned.

Siniang, wearing a light gauze robe, was half-submerged in the bath, scrubbing Zheng Fan's back.

"My lord, A Cheng has already led two thousand troops into the mountains."

"Mm, make sure to cover our tracks thoroughly."

The matter of the Helian Family's treasure vault is best kept secret. If word gets out, it will inevitably cause resentment from the imperial court.

As for Yao Zizhan, since less than a tenth of the wealth from the Helian Family's treasure vault remained, Zheng Fan believed the old man would help maintain secrecy. If it had been a fully stocked treasury, whether the old man agreed to keep silent or not would have been secondary; Zheng Fan would not have allowed him to leave this place alive.

"Everything is prepared. The wild soldiers will enter the vault, retrieve the valuables, repackage them, and transport them out disguised as mountain goods."

"Mm, you've worked hard these past few days."

"It wasn't hard at all; it's what I should do. But My lord, you absolutely must not put yourself in danger again next time."

"Mm, alright. By the way, that Helian Baozhu, please make arrangements for her. We still don't know her true identity, so find a separate place for her for now."

"Yes, I understand."

"As for Yao Zizhan, get a couple of 'aunties' for him from the red-light district in Shengle. Choose the sturdy, well-built ones."

"My lord, he is, after all, a Literary Sage of this era. Is this really appropriate?"

"He's used to delicate flowers; a change of pace might be good for him. Poets, you know, need to experience more of life to write grounded poetry. We're just adding a bit more 'local color' to his life."

"My lord speaks wisely. In that case, does My lord also wish to 'change companions' and 'experience' things a bit more?"

"Hmm?"

Zheng Fan feigned ignorance of Siniang's underlying meaning and instead asked with pleasant surprise, "Can we change locations again?"

「...」

At dawn, the roosters crowed with great enthusiasm, as if they truly believed they were the ones summoning the sun.

As the weather was gradually warming, Zheng Fan, who had changed into a sweatshirt, walked along the city walls of Shengle, accompanied by Yao Zizhan.

Yao Zizhan's face was somewhat pale, and his back slightly stooped. All in all, he looked like he'd been thoroughly drained.

"Master Yao, what do you think will become of my city in the future?"

This question was like being asked about a company's prospects at its opening. They were just hoping to hear some auspicious words, not a professional market analysis.

Yao Zizhan pondered for a moment, then said, "Shengle, Shengle, it embodies the meaning of prosperity and happiness. I believe that under Brother Zheng's governance, the people of Shengle will surely live in peace and enjoy eternal happiness. Oh, by the way, Brother Zheng, why don't you write to your Yan Emperor and suggest renaming this city 'Yongle'? Wouldn't that be more fitting?"

"Yongle?"

"Yes, Yongle. Your Yan Emperor has just changed the reign title to Yongping. It's customary, after a reign title change, for some cities to be renamed in accordance with the emperor's wishes. Jin land is newly annexed territory, and renaming Shengle to Yongle would also carry auspicious symbolism."

"So, if the name change is successful, I would be the City Guard of Yongle City?"

"Yes."

"Doesn't sound too good, does it?"

"What's not right about it?"

"It's a bit too unseemly, isn't it?"

"In what way is it unseemly?"

"A bit too direct, perhaps?"

"Direct in what way?"

Honestly, if I didn't know Yao Zizhan wasn't a transmigrator, I'd really think this guy was trying to incite me to rebel, just like I used to egg on the Sixth Prince, Zheng Fan thought.

"This matter, allow me to return and discuss it with my strategists."

"That is as it should be."

"Master Yao, has life been satisfactory for you lately?"

"Too delighted to think of Qian."

"I'm glad you like it. I'll have someone send you a jar of Tiger Penis Wine tomorrow."

"I eagerly await it!"

"Heh."

Zheng Fan and Yao Zizhan parted ways. Yao Zizhan was heading to the study society, which was still less than half-built, to give lessons to the children. Truthfully, having a contemporary Literary Sage provide elementary education for children is quite an underutilization of his talents. It's not as if these children will absorb his scholarly aura and instantly soar to greatness. The main point is to use Yao Zizhan's name for publicity, to score some points, and to make our presence felt. Although the Yan people verbally express contempt for the Qian State people's perceived weakness, deep down, they harbor a degree of 'cultural insecurity.' Bolstering our reputation when opportunities arise is never a bad thing.

Zheng Fan, on the other hand, returned to his mansion. He didn't actually have many administrative duties. Every three days, during their evening meal together, any relatively important matters or issues requiring his input or decision would be reported to him at the dinner table. Zheng Fan was quite content to be a hands-off boss.

Upon returning to the rear courtyard, Zheng Fan saw Fanli emerging from his room, carrying a set of tools.

"What are you doing here?" Zheng Fan asked.

Fanli scratched his head, smiling in his usual simple-minded way.

Siniang came out of the room, pointed inside, and said, "My lord, Ah Li came over and installed a flush toilet in our room."

Zheng Fan was momentarily stunned. How thoughtful of him, he mused, genuinely touched. He walked over to Fanli and clapped him on the shoulder.

Fanli squatted down slightly, making it easier for My lord to pat him.

"You've been very thoughtful."

"Hehehe," Fanli chuckled goofily.

Then, Fanli's aura began to surge dramatically!