Jing Xingzhi’s Daily Life in Ancient Times - Chapter 67
Jing Xingzhi completed the letter, sealed it, and handed it to Wang Zhuang.
Taking the letter, Wang Zhuang unexpectedly said, “Young Master Jing, those people tried to push you off that embankment. If you fall, your reputation and future will be tarnished. I believe the individuals behind this have malicious intentions. Exposing them lightly might not make them truly repent.”
Wang Zhuang, well-versed in martial arts, favored decisive actions that left no room for error. He believed that enduring pain was not a path to a peaceful life.
Jing Xingzhi, recalling Cheng Wei’s hunched figure and the uneasy smile of the Qu family man he met today, responded, “I’m not forgiving them; I’m doing it for the sake of their fathers. I want to rise above their petty actions.”
“I sense impending fatherhood, so I find myself more forgiving,” Jing Xingzhi mused, covering his chest as if feeling the softening of his own behavior.
Wang Zhuang, pondering his own life, approaching thirty without a spouse or child, and having a mentor who was like a father to him, nodded in agreement, “Being a father is indeed challenging.”
“Exactly!” Jing Xingzhi grinned at the thought of his future child. “I’m already worrying about how to raise my child. It’s a delightful burden!”
Wang Zhuang offered, “I’ll deliver the letter,” wondering if it was time for him to seek companionship, feeling that Young Master Jing was bullying him for being single.
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Uncertain of the mischievous child’s condition, Jing Xingzhi enjoyed a comfortable life in Hannan Prefecture. Apart from the anticipation of the letter and the longing to see Liu Fang, everything else seemed to be going well.
[My belly is growing a bit. How big will it get?]
Liu Fang even complained about the baby, especially with how much Jing Xingzhi cared about the little thing. But it was just a little joke between them.
It was a bit childish, but Jing Xingzhi found it cute.
[I heard the old man doesn’t enjoy eating? I’ll note down a few dishes suitable for the elderly and send them. While taking care of the little one and the old man, it’s important to rest and look after yourself.]
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On the forty-sixth day at Hannan Prefecture, Jing Xingzhi finished his rounds in the six divisions.
Upon hearing Secretary Fang’s report, Cheng Wei considered forcing him to stay, but he thought about Jing Xingzhi was very good and he was slightly afraid of losing influence. He ultimately abandoned the idea.
“My dear brother Xingzhi, it’s not yet June. Don’t you need to stay a few more days?” Cheng Wei suggested.
Jing Xingzhi shook his head gently, “I’ve imposed on you for many days, and I need to see my family and teachers. I’ll bid farewell to Brother Cheng for now, and we’ll meet again tomorrow!”
After putting in extra effort for himself, Jing Xingzhi could finally return home early.
Cheng Wei courteously agreed to see him off.
Conversely, the residents of the six divisions thought highly of this young man and organized a farewell party in his honor.
Of course, numerous mischievous children were bound to appear during the farewell feast.
Jing Xingzhi could only reassure them that the children were clever, so expectations should be tempered. Despite his words, he playfully gave each of them a tap on the head.
Regardless of Jing Xingzhi’s explanations, they remained unconvinced.
A few days ago, Chief Zhao received a promotion. The reason was that his elder brother had saved a little girl, the legitimate daughter of a prince’s family. In gratitude, the prince appointed Chief Zhao as the seventh-grade county magistrate.
What a stroke of luck to leap from the first rank to the seventh rank official?! It happened at just the right time, following Jing Xingzhi’s head-patting ritual.
Who else still doubted the effectiveness of Jing Xingzhi’s touch? Regardless of its efficacy, he must give everyone a touch before leaving!
Jing Xingzhi couldn’t help but smile. If not for the positive experiences in the six divisions, he might have preferred to leave early rather than be surrounded by a group of children.
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On the last day of departure, Jing Xingzhi’s luggage doubled, many items were gifts from others.
All Jing Xingzhi could do was hire a few more carriages and led a large team toward the dock.
“Woof woof——”
Five miles away from the Hannan Prefecture Office, a black dog rose on top of the luggage and barked somewhat helplessly.
The dog scanned the area, finally twitched its nose, bypassed the blocking curtain, and sprinted toward its favorite human.
“Woof!” The black dog leaped out of the carriage and headed toward the second carriage in the convoy.
Wang Zhuang, on horseback, nearly trampled the dog. He hastily avoided the desperate black dog and exclaimed, “Hold on! Where did this dog come from? Isn’t it the black dog from the government office?”
One of Wang Zhuang’s men responded, “Brother Zhuang, it seems he ran down from the carriage behind. He’s been asleep and hidden all the way. We didn’t notice him!”
Ignoring the clamor of the humans, the black dog, recognizing the familiar scent, joyfully hopped up and out of the carriage. His tail wagged as if it were equipped with a motor.