Twin Dimension Yin-Yang Mirror: Attaining immortality through the martial path
Chapter 111 - 108: They Gave Too Much (Please Subscribe)

Chapter 111: Chapter 108: They Gave Too Much (Please Subscribe)

Lin Residence.

Xiao Xue, leading two servants, briskly went to greet the guests.

Her mind was preoccupied, though.

"The young mistress has been in Qingyang City for over half a year now. Though she has managed the Shengyao Business Firm and Precious Pharmacy very successfully and has established a reputation with force, she has rarely interacted with the local families."

"On one hand, the Lin Family, being newcomers, naturally do not fit in with these local magnates, and there are some conflicts of interest. On the other hand, the young mistress has not gained their significant attention. People like Tian Shouyi only thought to summon her for battle when the Red Lotus Bandits were besieging the city."

It’s sad when you think about it.

Ostracized and targeted on regular days.

When needed, they call upon Lin Huaiyu to charge into battle as cannon fodder.

A small favor would suffice.

No matter how you look at it, this isn’t a sustainable path for long-term development.

"However, after Supplicant Zhou came to the Lin Residence, the situation has completely reversed. Not only has our reputation soared, but even the sons from the County Magistrate’s family have taken the initiative to interact, and now, the largest local magnates, the two young masters of the Zhang Family, have also come to visit and request assistance."

With the elevation of the household’s status and flourishing business,

Even a maid feels quite happy.

Especially for one like Xiao Xue, who could be considered the head housekeeper.

She almost regards the Qingyang Lin Family as her own home, feeling light all over when thinking of the happiness.

Perhaps, once the Qingyang Lin Family truly thrives,

The fate of the young mistress might also change.

She has suffered too much.

Just as she reached the reflective screen, Xiao Xue suddenly halted.

A hint of displeasure appeared on her face.

Though the voices from outside were faint, years of practicing the Tidal Breathing Technique had sharpened her hearing and sight. She certainly wasn’t like the clueless maid-managers without any knowledge or martial strength.

"Young Master Zhang, with us taking action, that would have been sufficient. Is there really a need to bother that ’Ping’an Lang’? Under a great reputation, there is sometimes a great discrepancy from reality."

This voice, Xiao Xue actually recognized.

Before the charge against the Red Lotus Rebel Army with the mistress, the Iron Wolf Gang Leader Tie Sanyuan and the Master of the Spirit Snake Pavilion Zhao Jin had barely charged forth when they were sent flying by the double halberds of the Fiery Flame Messenger, left utterly embarrassed.

The speaker was the Iron Wolf Gang Leader.

Being defeated in one move and sent flying by the Fiery Flame Messenger wasn’t that big of a deal.

After all, that Divine Envoy had an extraordinary cultivation and physique, along with secret techniques, so it was normal to be unable to withstand them.

Even the Third Miss, when she was slaying her opponent, had been slightly injured by a desperate counterattack at the brink of death.

But with those abilities, dare he question Supplicant Zhou?

What is he thinking?

Xiao Xue’s lips curled slightly, hardly believing her own ears.

She thought that the young mistress and Supplicant Zhou had been too low profile; now that their reputation had just begun to spread, no one would believe it.

"Iron Gang Leader, didn’t I tell you before? That disciple of the Hehuan Sect on Yongfu Street died by the hands of Zhou Ping’an. Even if we praise him intentionally, he definitely has his skills. Yuanhao, what do you think?"

"Rest assured, Brother Zhou is exceptionally strong. Not only is he extremely talented in literature, but in martial strength, he has unique advantages. Just trust me on this," Zhang Yuanhao said with a smile.

"Everyone thinks that Ping’an Lang is merely a figurehead put forth by the Lin Family. In fact, it was the Third Miss Lin who exerted effort in several major battles, and he just reaped the rewards. But I don’t think so. Anyway, it’s hard to explain in words, and they might not agree to help anyway, right?"

"Alright, let’s trust Yuanhao’s judgment. How about this: Gang Leader Li and Commander Gao can go ahead first, and we’ll follow immediately."

That was Zhang Yuanfang, truly befitting the young master of the Zhang Family.

Although he might not truly believe his own brother’s words, the matter at hand was pressing, and with no certainty in their own efforts, they had no choice but to trust this once.

...

"What a rare guest. Truly, a rare guest. If I had known Brother Yuan Hao was coming, I would have prepared food and drink to share three hundred cups with you," said Zhou Ping’an with a smile, standing in the Central Hall to welcome guests.

Seeing Zhang Yuanhao, he was very cordial.

They say there are three great bonds in life: sharing a desk at school, shouldering arms together, and...

Through several discussions about poetry and avenues of culture, they had also established a kind of friendship.

With the other party coming personally, Zhou Ping’an naturally wouldn’t show displeasure; it would be an unnecessary offense, and there was no need for it.

Moreover, he had heard that this person was also participating in the Martial Scholar examination.

By the habits of the Zhang Family, they probably wouldn’t let go of the Army of Guards in Qingyang City easily; they still likely wanted to have a hand in it. Although the threat from the Red Lotus Rebel Army remained, it is certainly more reassuring to have military power at one’s disposal.

Just like this time, the Zhang Family encountered trouble, yet they were unable to mobilize the City Guards. Instead, they had to look elsewhere for help, which was quite an embarrassment.

"This is my elder brother, Zhang Ji, Zhang Yuanfang."

Zhang Yuanhao, full of a martial artist’s boldness, introduced him unreservedly.

"Brother Yuan Fang, I have long admired you."

Zhou Ping’an gave a fist-and-palm salute.

"I have long heard of Young Master Zhou’s excellence in both literature and martial arts. We come today out of desperation, seeking assistance," Zhang Yuanfang said with a smile all over his face, exuding a sense of openness.

He positioned himself humbly, without any arrogance that might be expected from a scion of a prominent family.

Xiao Xue, who was serving tea at the side, heard the words and slightly pursed her lips.

Just now, outside the door, this Young Master Zhang had not spoken so nicely. He didn’t believe in Supplicant Zhou’s strength either. But now, he spoke as if he had all along; indeed, all these people are exceedingly hypocritical.

However, Supplicant Zhou was not to be outdone...

Indeed, he was even more adept at dealing with people than the Third Miss Lin.

Zhou Ping’an, however, just smiled, "You overpraise me. Please enjoy the tea, brothers. I, Mr. Zhou, possess humble abilities and merely benefit from others’ elevating appreciation, showering me with unwarranted praise which I dare not take seriously."

Changing the subject, he asked Zhang Yuanhao, "These past few days, why hasn’t Brother Yuan Hao visited the Washing Flowers Pavilion to listen to music and drink wine? Miss Qing has mentioned you a couple of times. Or is it what Brother Yuan Kang mentioned, that you’ve been closing doors for martial cultivation?"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Yuanhao found himself in the spotlight before he could open his mouth, effectively blocked by the other’s declaration of modest ability.

This was a case of not unleashing the hawk before seeing the hare.

Playing dumb while understanding perfectly well.

It seemed that several large cases of treasures were completely beneath his notice.

And so it was.

For someone at his level, he wasn’t after mere gold and silver. With the Lin Family running the Precious Pharmacy, selling a few elixirs amounted to a mountain of gold and a sea of silver, so there was no need to risk life and limb for some wealth.

This was the only option.

"Not to make fun of me, Brother Zhou," he spoke reluctantly, "my father is heartbroken over the assassination and death of County Captain Tian and feels that Qingyang City is now in a precarious situation. Eager to contribute his efforts, he has instructed me to compete for the title of Martial Scholar in hopes of filling the vacancy..."

At this point, Zhang Yuanhao hesitated briefly, then decisively added, "In my opinion, to take charge of a county’s military affairs, indeed requires a person with both literary and martial prowess. Otherwise, even if one can command the troops, facing the Red Lotus Bandits would still be a challenge."

"What does Brother Yuan Hao suggest?"

"I truly believe, with Brother Zhou’s strategic mind and martial prowess, you are ideally suited for the position of County Magistrate. My father and elder brother hold some sway in this matter—as for supporting Brother Zhou fully, we Zhang Family will make sure there are no complications."

Zhang Yuanfang looked at his brother in astonishment.

He thought to himself that it was a heavy investment indeed.

Could it be that this young man, who appeared more as a scholar than a martial artist, possessed such remarkable talents?

Surely he hadn’t lost his wits wandering about the pleasure quarters.

Yet considering his brother’s usual behavior, it didn’t seem likely.

Although Zhang Yuanhao appeared somewhat rough, in social dealings, his insights were sharp, and no one could easily deceive him out of his silver—he was very astute.

Thus, he decided to trust him this time.

Their younger sister had been kidnapped for over half a day, and it was urgent to rescue her before it was too late.

Thinking of the possible ordeal his sister Zhang Yuying might be enduring, Zhang Yuanfang became anxious.

Their siblings never had any quarrels.

On the contrary, they had a deep affection for each other.

His younger sister was not like his eldest sister, who was too strong-willed and acted on her own. She was very well-behaved, spending years hidden away in the inner chambers, embroidering, and excelling in women’s handicrafts, including playing the guqin, chess, calligraphy, and painting—she was an expert in all. If such a person were to be...

At this point.

Zhang Yuanfang hardly dared to continue the thought.

He pinched his nose and agreed, "You can rest assured, Brother Zhou. Unless the County Magistrate has other ideas and does not wish to recommend a County Magistrate within the Qingyang Region, then the Zhang Family certainly has some say in the matter."

To "have some say", of course, meant paving the way with wealth.

In other words, it was a matter of trading conditions.

The Zhang Family was quite adept in this regard.

Last time, it was exactly because of this that Tian Shouyi succeeded.

As for whether Magistrate Li would recommend talents within the county?

It was uncertain under normal circumstances, but with the impending second wave of attacks by the Red Lotus Army, he most likely wouldn’t delay too much time.

Unless he wasn’t afraid of the danger at all.

Zhou Ping’an was also somewhat surprised; he’d already made inquiries.

Zhang Yuanhao was a participant in this Martial Scholar examination, albeit just for formality.

With the Zhang Family’s support behind him, Zhang Yuanhao was actually one of his main competitors...

If he didn’t play some tricks, it would be difficult to win against him.

In ancient times at this juncture, the selection of officials often valued connections over capabilities—first, it was about the depth of relationships, and then the level of ability.

If Zhang Yuanhao withdrew, and even allowed the Zhang Family to support him, it wasn’t just about eliminating a competitor, but rather, the chance of success directly increased by fifty percent.

"Although I’m of limited strength, I too wish to exert effort for the elders and folks of Qingyang. By the way, if the Zhang Family needs anything, just signal, and I shall spare no effort."

Once the conditions were met, the conversation became easier.

Thereupon, the two brothers from the Zhang Family recounted the events.

It was similar to the information gathered from the servants of the Lin Residence: Zhang Yuying, the younger sister from the Zhang Family, was taken by evildoers on her way back from the Xiangji Temple where she went to fulfill a vow for her mother.

The returning Protector reported that the assailants were disciples of the Hehuan Sect.

The man was brazen, even declaring his title as the "Jade Bee" Feng Lin.

Zhang Yuanhao also shared some more confidential information.

After receiving the news, the Zhang Family immediately dispatched a group of experts, led personally by him, to pursue them. However, the opponents had an overwhelming number of skilled fighters and had colluded with the second-in-command of the Black Mountain Bandits.

Not only were they numerous in skilled fighters, but their numbers were also no fewer than those of his own.

After suffering a major defeat, the "Jade Bee" Feng Lin issued an ultimatum, demanding the Zhang Family to provide fifty thousand taels of silver or equivalent wealth, or else Zhang Yuying would be hanged disrobed for public display.