bookandnovel Chapter 46 Officials, Their Prestige
Chapter 46 Officials, Their Prestige
Once Pang Yun had gone some distance, Pang Wei's expression returned to normal. He raised his cup and said with a smile, "It's nothing, don't spoil the fun. Come on, let's continue."
He then gave Pang Zhan a wink, and Pang Zhan understood and left the hall first.
Jiang Qi and the other two assumed they were going to retrieve the so-called "contract text," and each had their own thoughts.
However, not long after, Pang Zhan returned, but instead of a contract, he brought several porcelain bottles and medicine packets.
Pang Weixian took the jade porcelain bottle from Pang Zhan and handed it to Jiang Qi and the other two, saying gently, "This is a Blood Nourishing Pill personally refined by Master Lin of Huichuntang. Its efficacy is twice that of an ordinary Blood Nourishing Pill."
"Master Lin's Blood Nourishing Pill?!" Qin Lin and Han Long were immediately overjoyed upon hearing this.
Master Lin is a famous pharmacist in Licheng, and the pills he concocts are often priceless and hard to find.
This gift is far more valuable than the ordinary blood-nourishing pills previously provided as funding.
The two quickly stood up and thanked him sincerely.
Jiang Qi also bowed in thanks, but a sense of doubt arose in his heart.
Why is this extra generous gift being given when the regular monthly allowance has already been provided?
Pang Wei waved his hand, indicating that there was no need for formalities, and turned his gaze to Qin Lin: "I heard that you have a younger brother who is intelligent and quick-witted. My Litong Money Shop West Street branch is short of an accounting apprentice. If your brother doesn't mind, he can come and give it a try."
Qin Lin's eyes immediately welled up with excitement and gratitude.
"Thank you, Seventh Master!"
He came from an ordinary family, and his younger brother's future was always a concern for him.
Pang Wei nodded with a smile, then looked at Han Long: "Some time ago, I asked Master Lin for a prescription to treat a chronic cough, which may be helpful to your father."
As he spoke, he took the prescription and an oil paper package from Pang Zhan's hand. "The prescription is here. There are a few rare medicinal herbs inside. Luckily, we have some in stock. Take them with you."
Han Long accepted the prescription and medicine packet, his expression revealing his gratitude.
"Seventh Master...Han Long...Thank you, Seventh Master!"
His father had suffered from a cough for many years, and the family had almost exhausted their savings seeking medical treatment for him, but the disease had never been cured.
Finally, Pang Wei looked at Jiang Qi with a warm smile: "Is Brother Qi's mother feeling better? This is a 30-year-old wild ginseng, perfect for replenishing qi and blood. And this bottle of bone-healing ointment is remarkably effective for external injuries and bone damage."
A slight ripple stirred in Jiang Qi's heart.
This Seventh Master's skillful maneuvering is truly astonishing.
Not only did they provide what the three of them needed, but they also took into consideration the plight of their close relatives.
In this way, genuine human connection is far more touching than a cold, impersonal contract.
He accepted the ginseng and ointment, and bowed respectfully, saying, "Thank you, Seventh Master."
"All three of you are promising talents, and we may need your help in the future." Pang Wei raised his glass, his smile sincere. "It's just a small token of my appreciation, nothing to boast about. I only hope that you three will continue your diligent practice and reach even greater heights soon. Come, drink this cup to the brim!"
"To Seventh Master!" The four raised their glasses and drank together. The atmosphere was even more harmonious and warm than before Fifth Master Pang Yun had caused trouble.
After the banquet, Pang Wei personally escorted the three of them to the outside of the hall, and Pang Zhan led them out of the money shop.
Just as I stepped out of the Litong Money Shop, I saw several people with conspicuous red cloths wrapped around their arms.
The group of people walked toward the money shop, holding a banner that read "Fundraising and helping the poor."
The leader was a dark-skinned man. He glanced at Jiang Qi and the other two, then strode into the money shop.
Upon seeing these people, Pang Zhan frowned immediately, a look of annoyance flashing across his face. He muttered under his breath, "The Righteous Red Gang... they're really troublesome."
Jiang Qi glanced at the group, asked no further questions, and then left.
......
on the street.
Pedestrians either hurry along, busy making a living, or stroll leisurely, enjoying the leisure as the day draws to a close.
Vendors carrying their wares on shoulder poles called out their wares, while a magnificent sedan chair, surrounded by servants, slowly passed by, raising a fine dust cloud.
The ragged beggar huddled in a corner, a stark contrast to the enticing aroma wafting from the nearby restaurant.
The myriad aspects of human life are vividly portrayed on this long street.
"Get out of the way! Everyone get out of the way!"
Suddenly, shouts and the sound of horses' hooves came from ahead, causing a commotion among the crowd, who hurriedly retreated to both sides of the street.
A group of about twenty riders came galloping towards them.
The knights were all dressed in light black armor, with long swords at their waists and powerful crossbows on their backs. Their expressions were cold and their aura was menacing.
The two at the head were particularly eye-catching.
On the left is a middle-aged general with a resolute face and piercing eyes, exuding authority with every glance.
Slightly to the right and behind was a young man with sword-like eyebrows and bright eyes, exuding a heroic aura. Although his aura was restrained, the subtle sense of oppression he emanated was enough to make one's heart tremble.
"It's Lord Lu Baixiao of the bandit army!" someone whispered.
"The one next to Lord Lu must be the newly promoted Deputy Commander Ke Jinglan, right? He's so young! I heard he already has nine strands of Qi and Blood!"
"That's not all! Last month, Commander Ke, alone in a boat, killed the notorious river bandit 'River Crocodile,' who had plagued the Li River for years!"
"Hiss! The River Crocodile? This bandit is cunning and ruthless. Rumor has it that he possessed the nine perfected Qi and Blood, yet he was killed by Commander Ke?"
"You didn't see it; the bodies were dragged back to the city and displayed publicly. Commander Ke is a true young talent!"
"..."
There was much discussion and awe among those around.
Jiang Qi stood in the crowd, watching the elite knights galloping past in the distance, his heart filled with emotion.
There are always people more capable than you; my own strength is still not enough.
However, officials are truly powerful and imposing.
"The Martial Arts Examination is in the middle of the month, it'll be here soon..."
Jiang Qi withdrew his gaze and continued walking along the street.
......
When I returned to Sweetwater Lane, it was already dark. The old locust tree at the entrance of the lane looked like a giant with bared teeth and claws in the twilight.
Before they even got close, they could hear the sounds of clashing weapons, shouts, and curses coming from ahead, along with faint shouts of anger.
Jiang Qi's expression darkened slightly, and he quickened his pace.
Turning the corner, they saw Guo Meng, Zhao Tong, Gao Li, and Xiao Qi surrounded by more than ten men dressed in blue and wielding knives and clubs at the entrance of the water store.
Not far away, a burly man with a bare chest revealing thick chest hair stood with his arms crossed, watching with a mocking expression.
"Protector Jiang!" Zhao Tong and the others were immediately invigorated upon seeing Jiang Qi.
"Oh?" Upon hearing this, the burly man glanced over, sizing Jiang Qi up and down, then grinned, revealing his gleaming white teeth, and sneered:
"So you're the newly appointed Protector Jiang Qi? You've been hiding all day, and you finally dare to show your face?"
Grandpa thought you were so scared you peed your pants and hid under some woman's skirt!
The surrounding Qing Shui gang members immediately burst into laughter, their arrogance palpable.
Jiang Qi remained expressionless, continuing his march until he was less than ten feet away from the burly man before stopping. He asked calmly, "Are you all going to attack at once, or will you take turns?"
The burly man was taken aback, seemingly not expecting Jiang Qi's reaction, then burst into laughter as if he had heard the funniest joke:
"Kid, do you know who your grandpa is? Listen up! I'm Jiao Yuan from the Blood Blade Hall of the Green Water Gang! I have four Qi and Blood at their peak! Even Xiong Kuohai from your Fierce Wind Hall can't do anything to me!"
He stepped forward, his muscles bulging and his blood surging, and grinned maliciously: "You, a peasant who rose to the rank of guard by fetching and delivering water, dare to act arrogantly in front of your grandfather..."
Bang-!