Chapter 576 - 380: Assets

Duan Rong dismounted at the entrance of the County Government Office, and the clerk immediately came over, took the reins, and led the horse aside.

As soon as Duan Rong stepped through the door of the County Government Office, someone came forward to greet him, immediately bowing and saying, "Imperial Envoy!"

Duan Rong was slightly taken aback; he hadn’t expected Guo Xiangbao to greet him at the door. He then cupped his hands in salute and said, "Lord Guo!"

Guo Xiangbao smiled and said, "I should have visited you personally. However, there were some documents that needed signing, so I had to trouble you to come to the County Government Office."

A slight stirring occurred in Duan Rong’s heart, as he wondered what Guo Xiangbao meant by documents needing signing. However, it was clearly inappropriate to ask directly. So, Duan Rong just replied indifferently, "You are too kind, Lord Guo!"

The two of them walked slowly to the flower hall in the backyard.

A servant brought two cups of fragrant tea.

Duan Rong took only a small sip before putting down the teacup, waiting quietly for Guo Xiangbao to speak. He knew that Guo Xiangbao wouldn’t have called him here for no reason.

Guo Xiangbao said, "Imperial Envoy, I know you are from Xianggu and are well acquainted with the local customs. I have a matter I’d like to consult you about."

Duan Rong said, "I’m not worthy of being consulted. Please speak, Lord Guo."

Guo Xiangbao said, "What do you think should be done with the assets of the various commercial firms?"

Duan Rong smiled, picked up his teacup, and took a light sip, saying, "This is a matter for the government office; Lord Guo can handle it as you see fit. I don’t have any opinions to offer."

Guo Xiangbao’s words were intended to test Duan Rong’s sentiments and also to do him a favor.

Guo Xiangbao said, "I plan to return all the assets of the major commercial firms, which were confiscated from the Filthy Blood Sect, to their original owners. This would be beneficial for the stability of Xianggu County and allow the various trades and markets to recover quickly."

"Lord, with such magnanimity, the people of Xianggu are truly fortunate!" Duan Rong remarked nonchalantly. He was somewhat puzzled as to whether Guo Xiangbao had called him over just to chat.

At this point, Guo Xiangbao paused and said, "However...the assets of the Yuan Shun Escort Agency... Ruan Fengshan himself belonged to the Filthy Blood Sect and has already been eradicated..."

Duan Rong’s brow furrowed, immediately sensing Guo Xiangbao’s intent; he turned to give him a deep look.

Guo Xiangbao said, "The former Chief Tutor of the Yuan Shun Escort Agency, Elder Xiao, was loyal and devoted. Moreover, he was a sworn brother with the old shopkeeper of the agency. It can be said that he dedicated his life to the agency."

"Furthermore, I’ve heard..." Guo Xiangbao continued, glancing at Duan Rong, "Imperial Envoy, you are about to marry Elder Xiao’s daughter. My intent is that you, being Elder Xiao’s beloved disciple, and she being his only daughter, it would be right and proper for the agency to be handed over to Elder Xiao’s descendants."

Even though Duan Rong had already guessed Guo Xiangbao’s meaning, hearing it explicitly stated still left him slightly shocked.

As for the matter of his marriage to Xiao Yu, it did not surprise Duan Rong that Guo Xiangbao knew about it. The matchmaker had already visited to have their horoscopes examined, and these old women were never known to keep secrets.

Duan Rong said, "Is Lord Guo proposing to give me the Escort Agency?"

Guo Xiangbao said, "Imperial Envoy! How can this be called a gift? This agency was originally yours. I am merely returning it to its rightful owner. The assets of other major firms are being returned, so the agency should naturally be no exception."

Duan Rong suppressed an inner smile. What is the art of gifting?

Giving like the gentle rain, leaving no trace: that’s true gifting.

Guo Xiangbao was undoubtedly skilled in this art. His expressions and sincere tone made it seem like the agency truly rightfully belonged to Duan Rong.

However, Duan Rong had originally planned to find an estate. If the Yuan Shun Escort Agency was given to him, it would not only solve the issue of the marital residence for him and Xiao Yu but also provide him with a property and influence in Xianggu County.

This place is remote, which is both its disadvantage and, from another perspective, its advantage.

Duan Rong sat there, noncommittal, sipping his tea twice.

Seeing Duan Rong’s manner, Guo Xiangbao knew he had agreed.

He immediately took out several bundles of documents from under the paperweight on a nearby desk and said, "Sir, these are the property deeds and business registration of the Yuan Shun Escort Agency. With your signature and seal, I can register it, thereby officially transferring ownership to you!"

Duan Rong glanced at the bundles of documents, finally understanding what Guo Xiangbao meant by documents needing signing at the County Government Office entrance.

Duan Rong picked up the documents, reviewed them, confirmed they were correct, and then signed and stamped each one.

Two copies were kept by Guo Xiangbao, while the remaining three were given to Duan Rong, each stamped with the seal of the County Office.

After completing the formalities, Guo Xiangbao personally escorted Duan Rong out of the County Government Office, maintaining an extremely courteous demeanor throughout.

At the entrance of the County Government Office, Duan Rong cupped his hands and said, "Lord Guo, I am confident you will have a smooth path in officialdom."

Duan Rong’s words were not mere politeness.

Guo Xiangbao beamed, saying, "I thank you, sir, for your auspicious words!"

After parting at the entrance, Duan Rong left the County Government Office.

Guo Xiangbao stood at the entrance, watching Duan Rong leave. Only after he had walked far away did Guo Xiangbao turn around, hands behind his back, and walk inside, feeling quite pleased with himself.

In the previous major case involving the Filthy Blood Sect, Duan Rong had contributed significantly, and it was practically certain he would advance to become an Inner Sect Disciple. Such a figure was not someone one could easily curry favor with. Guo Xiangbao had mulled over the matter thoroughly, ensuring that everything was seamless and subtle. He was quite satisfied with today’s outcome.