Protect Our Patriarch
Chapter 49: Emperor's Free Meal! Shou Zhe's Trap

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In an instant, Shouzhe's Small Courtyard became bustling with activity, almost too crowded to accommodate everyone.

Unable to do otherwise.

Wang Shouzhe summoned a group of maids to set up tables and chairs, and served spiritual melons, fruits, and tea, transforming the courtyard into a tea party.

These people were all very important relatives to him.

Many of them had provided significant help during Wang Shouzhe's growth. Being someone who valued the past, he remembered every bit of assistance given to him.

As for Wang Gui, who also came to seek favors, he huddled with his great-grandson in a corner. After all, everyone present was a big shot in the Changning Garrison. He couldn't afford to provoke them~

"Ancestor Mang, you look radiant. Your cultivation must be progressing rapidly," Wang Shouzhe warmly and respectfully entertained the elder Gongsun Mang, personally pouring him a cup of tea.

During the Wang Clan's most difficult times, it was thanks to Ancestor Mang's support that they overcame their challenges. Wang Shouzhe would never forget this kindness.

"Not at all~ It's you, Shouzhe, who has surpassed us old bones," Ancestor Mang looked at Wang Shouzhe with deep emotion.

He was a Basalt body cultivator, full of vitality and energy.

Back then, Ancestor Mang had decent talent, almost reaching the level of a minor prodigy. However, the foundation of his family held him back. It wasn't until the Shanyang Gongsun Clan and the Wang Clan jointly ventured into business, earning considerable wealth, that they found ways to enhance Ancestor Mang's bloodline.

Although Ancestor Mang had already reached the Lingtai Realm, and the efficacy of pills on his bloodline was greatly reduced, with the help of the Enlightenment Pill, Blood Refining Pill, Xisui Dan, and a Marrying Blood Gu King they accidentally acquired, his aptitude was elevated to the level of a prodigy.

Now, at over two hundred years old, he had been diligently cultivating. Over the years, his cultivation had advanced rapidly, reaching the fifth level of the Celestial Realm.

Though he was somewhat older, with ample resources and the help of Shouzhe and Lixian in maintaining his health and extending his life, the path to the Purple Mansion Realm seemed clear.

After exchanging pleasantries with his relatives and friends, Wang Shouzhe finally said, "I understand your desire to secure a good future for the outstanding juniors in your families. It's only natural."

"However, this recruitment is open to the entire Changning Garrison area. I believe that with the capabilities of your outstanding juniors, they should be able to secure positions in the militia."

"Shouzhe, it's not that we're afraid of competing with others," said Chen Fangjie, who had a handsome appearance just slightly inferior to Shouzhe, "We're afraid of competing with your Wang Clan. The young talents of your Wang Clan are simply too numerous! If we don't come, I'm afraid the positions of camp leaders and brigade commanders will all be taken by the Changning Wang Clan."

"Exactly, if the young generation of the Wang Clan all come out, the Wang Clan could easily take more than twenty of the thirty-nine positions of the thirteen camps' leaders and deputy leaders," Lu Xiaoxiao said weakly, "What do our unruly little ones have to compete with?"

As for the battalion commander and the two deputy commanders, they hadn't even considered it... After all, the battalion commander was the famous Wang Anye, and the deputy commanders were likely also outstanding young members of the Wang Clan. They knew they couldn't compete.

"You all have a point," Wang Shouzhe finally understood their concerns and couldn't help but smile, "After all, it's a militia recruitment for Changning. It wouldn't be good for our Wang Clan to dominate. How about this, our Wang Clan will take six plus six positions for the camp leaders and deputy leaders. After all, the Wang Clan has other places that need outstanding talents, and we can't send everyone to the militia. All allied families, including the Lei Clan, Xu Clan, and Wang Clan, as well as all of you, will compete for the remaining six plus six."

"We'll leave one plus one position open to see if any dark horses emerge from the other eighth or ninth-grade families."

Wang Shouzhe shared his plan.

In fact, the original intention of forming this militia battalion was to further integrate and consolidate the families and interests of the entire Changning Garrison.

Common interests require common strength to bear and protect. Otherwise, why would Wang Shouzhe publicly recruit troops instead of directly selecting people from the Wang Clan's family members and retainers?

"Cousin, it's a deal."

Lu Xiaoxiao, now a mature beauty, had her eyes light up.

If the Wang Clan only took six plus six leader positions, she had confidence in her great-grandnephew.

After all, Wang Shouzhe's biological mother was Lu Mengxue, and half of Wang Shouzhe's bloodline was from the Lu Clan. Therefore, over the past hundred years, Wang Shouzhe had taken good care of the Lu Clan.

Nowadays, the Lu Clan was no longer short of Celestial Realm cultivators, and there were several prodigies among the younger generation. They were just young and hadn't grown up yet.

Lu Xiaoxiao herself had good opportunities, often accumulating a lot of formation problems to consult Ji Wuchen, Wang Anye's master, which had deepened her formation skills.

With the title of the second best formation master in the Southern Six Garrisons, she had earned a lot over the years, even contracting many of the Wang Clan's small and medium Gathering Spirit Arrays with her family.

During the large-scale development of the outer regions, her formation skills had repeatedly earned her merits and small opportunities.

Later, she used her years of savings to commission Baibao Pavilion to purchase a seventh-grade [Heavenly Vein Holy Pill] from the Immortal Dynasty, and with Shouzhe's help, she absorbed its power, barely reaching the level of a great prodigy.

Now, although she was only about one hundred and sixty years old, her cultivation had caught up with Ancestor Mang, and she was likely to advance to the Purple Mansion Realm even faster than him.

"Xiaoxiao, when have I ever lied to you?" Wang Shouzhe teased her with a smile, "However, if you're willing to join the militia, our Wang Clan can give up a deputy commander position."

"Can I really?" Lu Xiaoxiao asked in surprise, "I thought only young people could join?"

"You've been in this small place of Changning Garrison for too long, being called Ancestor Xiaoxiao at home for too long," Wang Shouzhe shook his head with a smile, "You're not even one hundred and sixty yet, right? In the Immortal Dynasty or Demon Dynasty, prodigies like you in their one or two hundred years are still called 'young girls'..."

Indeed, once a great prodigy breaks through to the Divine Realm, their lifespan can reach two thousand years. What's the difference between one or two hundred years and a young girl?

Just look at Luo Qiu and Luo Jing. They're only a couple of years younger than Lu Xiaoxiao, yet their demeanor is completely that of young girls, looking like they're from a different generation than Lu Xiaoxiao.

However, as the first Celestial Realm cultivator of the Lu Clan, Lu Xiaoxiao bore the pressure of the entire clan, and over time, her mindset naturally matured more than those "young girls."

"This is good," Lu Xiaoxiao thought for a moment and said, "I've indeed been a bit tired supporting the Lu Clan all these years. Anyway, the Lu Clan now has nearly ten Celestial Realm cultivators, and there will be more in the future."

"But even if we give up the position, Xiaoxiao, you still have to find a way to pass the qualification test," Wang Shouzhe said seriously, "After all, our battalion is meant for the battlefield, even the outer region battlefield. If you join, you must be prepared to fight and can't take it lightly."

The outer region battlefield has always been held by the big shots and major forces among humans.

Whether it's the royal family or the Holy Land, they've contributed greatly to the outer region battlefield. Although Wang Shouzhe often criticized Emperor Longchang's policies, he had to admit that the military system he established greatly improved the combat power of the Great Qian's army, giving them a significant advantage not only against the Southern Qin and Western Jin but also on the outer region battlefield.

Currently, the Wang Clan is only a fifth-grade family, with the strongest being at the Purple Mansion Realm, so those pressures haven't fallen on them yet.

But as the Wang Clan continues to grow stronger, they will inevitably become a significant force among humans, and Wang Shouzhe will inevitably become a true big shot.

At that time, as part of humanity, the responsibilities they must bear cannot be avoided.

Wang Shouzhe has no intention of avoiding them.

"Mm, I won't embarrass you, Cousin. I'll pass the test," Lu Xiaoxiao said earnestly, "As for the outer region battlefield, I'm not afraid. With you strategizing behind the scenes, it's not me who should be afraid."

"Shouzhe, do you think I could be a deputy commander?" Chen Fangjie asked with interest.

"No," Wang Shouzhe flatly refused, "You should stay home and manage the Chen Clan. A lot of people are counting on you."

Wang Shouzhe wouldn't dare let him join the military, otherwise, how could his sister Luo Yi let him off?

"Everyone, I've given up the positions," Wang Shouzhe said again, "Since you're all enjoying the positions, besides contributing effort, you also need to contribute money and resources. Xue'er, show everyone the militia's preparation budget. Our Wang Clan will cover half, and the other families will share the other half."

"Yes, Master."

The image of the family spirit artifact, Xue'er, appeared and presented a detailed budget.

Moments later.

Shouzhe's Small Courtyard was filled with wails.

"Shouzhe, isn't this budget too much? The future militia's soldiers are each equipped with a mid-grade magical treasure, one for attack and one for defense? That's over a million Qian gold per person, right? Just this item alone would cost tens of billions of Qian gold, wouldn't it?"

Wang Shouzhe calmly said, "It's not like we need to gather it all in one day. Initially, we can make do with spiritual tools. Our goal isn't high; we plan to gradually complete the militia's basic configuration over one hundred and fifty years. Each family only needs to contribute a few billion Qian gold, spread over one hundred and fifty years, and it's not much each year. You can save up slowly."

"Shouzhe, the Blood Refining Pills, Xisui Dan, and Wuji Baodan alone are worth over twenty billion, right? And that doesn't even include the Heavenly Vein Holy Pill and Bloodline Immortal Pill in your procurement plan! We can't possibly gather that much in the Great Qian right now!"

Wang Shouzhe continued calmly, "I've already commissioned disciples of the Holy Land's Xuan Dan lineage to scour the Immortal Dynasty, and the Xuan Dan lineage of the Holy Land and our Wang Clan's Alchemy Division will also solve a small part. Moreover, the Xisui Dan and Wuji Baodan, and even the Heavenly Vein Holy Pill, are just one-time consumables. The major future expenses will be in daily cultivation."

"Aren't these Marrying Blood Gu and Marrying Blood Gu Kings yours, Wang Clan? Why are they being converted into Qian gold and shared among us? This alone is another tens of billions..."

Wang Shouzhe said, "The militia isn't just for our Wang Clan. Didn't our Wang Clan also share fifty percent? It's fine, we can all share the cost, and with a hundred-year installment plan, the amount each year isn't much."

"Aren't these magical treasures, Divine Spirit Artifacts, and Daoist legion flags also Wang Clan's? Why is there a rental fee?"

Wang Shouzhe said matter-of-factly, "Those are private properties of our Wang Clan. If rented out, the price wouldn't be cheap... Since it's everyone's legion, how can it be used by the army for free?"

"Shouzhe, I understand now," Liu Yuanhui said with a face full of grievance, "You knew you couldn't afford this militia, so you came up with a plan to have everyone share the expenses. You deliberately set a trap to lure us in."

"Big Brother~ Protecting the common interests of the Changning Garrison and families isn't just our Wang Clan's responsibility," Wang Shouzhe said with a smile, "Moreover, although our battalion requires a large investment, once it's formed, the returns will be significant. If you want to withdraw on behalf of the Liu Clan, I have no objections. Our Wang Clan will take over your Liu Clan's share."

"Don't even think about it!" Liu Yuanhui gritted his teeth and said with resentment, "If we miss such a grand plan, I'll be a sinner of the Liu Clan. It's just an investment; our Liu Clan can still squeeze it out."

Building an army is indeed costly.

Moreover, the militia Wang Shouzhe is establishing is the top-tier battalion that even Emperor Longchang only dares to dream of. Once fully formed, it could sweep the battlefield, and even a lone True Immortal might have to avoid it.

Therefore, despite the high cost that even the wealthy marriage alliance laments, no one is willing to withdraw.

As for Wang Gui, after hearing all this, he was tongue-tied and decided not to seek favors from Wang Shouzhe, opting to take his great-grandson to participate in the assessment instead.

Wang Shouzhe didn't let them come for nothing, providing Wang Gui with some spiritual beast meat, spiritual stones, and low-grade pills as a form of support.

Thus.

The militia's assessment proceeded vigorously, screening talents one round after another.

Meanwhile, Wang Shouzhe returned to his daily leisure routine, cultivating, gardening, and experimenting with plant seeds.

In recent days.

Wang Ningxi, who had just completed his apprenticeship with the Heavenly Fire Master's lineage from the Holy Land, often discussed cultivation techniques with others in Wang Shouzhe's Small Courtyard.

Because Wang Ningxi's cultivation technique involved both water and fire elements, Tianhe Daoist, Tianlang Daoist, and the current vice dean of the Purple Mansion Academy of Longzuo Commandery, Yuanshui Ascetic, were invited to guide him.

Meanwhile, Wang Shouzhe continued his research on new grain varieties in the [Landscape Map].

"Ningxi, my beloved disciple," the cheerful Heavenly Fire Master couldn't stop smiling these days.

Originally, he was feeling down after failing in the Holy Son Struggle and came to the Wang Clan to relax and earn some money to make up for his previous losses.

Unexpectedly, he encountered a peerless genius like Wang Ningxi.

After some effort, he finally accepted his desired disciple, and after just a few days of teaching, he discovered that Wang Ningxi not only had extraordinary bloodline aptitude but also exceptional intelligence.

"Master," Wang Ningxi was drawing a complex meridian diagram, "My idea is to gradually merge the water and fire profound energy through these two meridians and acupoint nodes..."

Moments later.

Tianlang Daoist, Tianhe Daoist, and others looked at Wang Ningxi with astonishment. This kid's deduction ability was truly terrifying. However, only someone with his resilient meridians and sea of energy could cultivate this [Cold Flame Art]. Even if others had the same bloodline, it would be difficult for them to cultivate it.

Ningxi's potential was boundless.

The old Heavenly Fire Master was indeed lucky to have found such a treasure.

"My disciple Ningxi has the potential of an emperor," the Heavenly Fire Master exclaimed with excitement as he looked at Wang Ningxi. Then he glanced at his "former beloved disciple" Zhen Shicong, feeling increasingly displeased.

"The next step for this [Cold Flame Art] is to solve the issue of advancing from the Lingtai Realm to the Celestial Realm," Wang Ningxi began listing the problems he encountered.

The big shots present were indeed knowledgeable and began helping solve various issues.

Soon, the problems troubling Wang Ningxi were resolved one by one.

Until the last major issue, everyone was deep in thought, unable to find a solution.

Just then.

Liu Ruolan led a few maids over, carrying trays with afternoon snacks made by Ruolan herself. These were made from a sacred spiritual wheat called [Purple Jade Holy Spirit Wheat], combined with various dried spirit fruits and Ruolan's secret sauce to create the snacks.

As the main wife of the Wang Clan, Liu Ruolan warmly welcomed the esteemed guests: "Dear seniors from the Holy Land, these are Purple Jade Thousand Layer Cakes, Shouzhe's favorite. Let's take a break; there's no rush in deducing techniques."

Everyone's expressions changed, forcing a smile: "Ruolan, there's no need for you to personally do this. Let the cooks handle it."

"How could that be? You are all esteemed guests," Liu Ruolan said seriously, "As the main wife of the Wang Clan, it's only respectful for me to personally prepare the food."

Then.

The big shots ate the high-grade Purple Jade Thousand Layer Cakes, feeling both like laughing and crying. They laughed because the ingredients were so rare and precious, and cried because the taste was indescribable...

They heard Wang Shouzhe loved it, but they couldn't understand why his taste was so unique.

"Ningxi, why aren't you eating?" Liu Ruolan asked with concern.

"Grandmother, the ingredient level is too high. I'm afraid I'll be overwhelmed by the vitality," Wang Ningxi pretended to be deep in thought, "Besides, I can't think of a solution to the last problem, so I have no appetite."

"Let Grandmother take a look," Liu Ruolan glanced at it and suddenly had an epiphany, "This is simple. Just do this and that..."

Wang Ningxi's eyes lit up: "Indeed, just like this and that... Thank you, Grandmother. Now my path to the Celestial Realm is clear."

The Heavenly Fire Master and others unfamiliar with Liu Ruolan were shocked by this scene. How could this be? Who exactly was Liu Ruolan to point out the key so easily?

"Since it's clear, have a bite," Liu Ruolan personally gave him a piece, "Your meridians and sea of energy are resilient enough. One bite won't overwhelm you. You're still in school, so you need to nourish yourself."

"Grandmother, I've already graduated from the Clan School with top honors and am preparing to spend some time at the research institute," Wang Ningxi said while eating the Purple Jade Thousand Layer Cake, trying to control his expression.

"Look at Grandmother's memory," Liu Ruolan patted her forehead, "With so many descendants, it's confusing... We have dozens in the Ning generation, right? Yes, yes, I remember you graduated. Top honors, well done, have another piece."

Wang Ningxi internally complained, I'm your own great-grandson, your own great-grandson.

At that moment.

Emperor Longchang, dragging Jiang Zhencang, rushed over. As soon as he entered the courtyard, he started shouting, "Ruolan, where's Shouzhe? Hiding in his little space again?"

"I'm telling you, I've been making contributions lately. I've been helping with the recruitment process and test plans for Anye's army."

Emperor Longchang praised himself while eating the Purple Jade Thousand Layer Cake, complimenting, "Ruolan's cooking is as good as ever. By the way, I'm in a good mood today. How about we have some Immortal Spirit Rice for dinner?"

As expected of the Emperor.

As long as the ingredients were good, he didn't care about the taste.

This was sacred spiritual wheat, something he couldn't bear to eat much of during his reign, using the limited supply for exchanges instead.

As for eating Immortal Spirit Rice, he took every opportunity to freeload, visiting before every meal to get a free meal without extra pension expenses.

"Greetings, Your Majesty. Greetings, Holy Master," the Divine Realm cultivators and juniors from the Holy Land greeted respectfully.

"At ease, at ease," Emperor Longchang waved kindly, suddenly noticing Yuanshui Ascetic, and smiled, "Yuanshui, congratulations. Jiang Holy Master and I were just discussing it. Since Liyao will be stationed at the Holy Land, the position of acting dean is yours."

"This..." Yuanshui Ascetic was caught off guard.

Jiang Zhencang nodded, "Indeed, Yuanshui. This is Liyao's arrangement. You must manage the Purple Mansion Academy of Longzuo Commandery well. If your bloodline is insufficient, the Holy Land and Saintess Liyao will help you."

"This is an opportunity you must seize. Strive to advance to the Divine Realm and make it permanent."

"Thank you, Holy Master Jiang..." Yuanshui Ascetic didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Liyao was once his designated disciple.

Unexpectedly, the disciple became a junior sister.

And not only that, the junior sister became a superior, then a Saintess... and in the future, she would become the Holy Land's master!

Now, the care from the junior sister had arrived, and she was thinking of promoting him.

Life's ups and downs were truly thrilling.

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