Chapter 209 - 119: Ascending the High Platform, Marquis Beicang, Becoming a ’Qi Cultivator’, Receiving the ’Feathered Immortal Robe’ in Advance

Chapter 209: Chapter 119: Ascending the High Platform, Marquis Beicang, Becoming a ’Qi Cultivator’, Receiving the ’Feathered Immortal Robe’ in Advance

Several more days passed.

Old Yao, once a groom at the Lin Residence and now the Chief Steward of the Ji Residence.

He was having his godson, Yao Shi, steady a stool for him as he personally hung couplets and good fortune characters. He adorned the Ji Residence with lanterns, filling it with a festive, fiery-red glow.

As he spread the paste, Old Yao glanced back. His gaze traveled beyond the gates of the Ji Residence—a true high-class family home now—to the long promenade of West Street. It looked to be in ruins, yet awaiting revival, and he couldn’t help but sigh.

"For such a calamity to strike during the New Year... sigh..."

"But thank goodness for Boss Ji. If it weren’t for him, the people of this county would have suffered terribly. They might not have even survived!"

"Even though we’re having a poor New Year, at least we’re still alive. My elders used to say the turn of the year is a great hurdle. You have to pay off a whole year’s worth of loans and debts, like crossing a mountain pass."

"This year for Anning County..."

"This is a hurdle everyone must overcome, alas!"

Just yesterday, their boss, Ji Xiu, had instructed the household staff to host a continuous three-day feast. Using their own stores, they were to butcher pigs and sheep so that the survivors of the calamity could have something like a reunion dinner.

Afterward, he coordinated with the County Yamen and organized the county’s prominent families to open their granaries and distribute grain. They served thin congee to help everyone get through the coldest days of winter.

As he worked, this act of kindness made Old Yao lift his gaze. He looked outside at Hong Jiang, who was setting up tables and directing men to lay out red cloths.

’He and that former Guest from the Fire Kiln had been truly fortunate.’

’If not for some incredible luck, for that chance to work alongside him, and for having the good sense to recognize his worth and show a bit of goodwill...’

’How else could this dragon among men have lifted them so high after his rise to power?’

Old Yao was lost in these sentimental thoughts as he worked.

NEIGH!

Suddenly, the sound of several horses neighing rang out from outside.

Old Yao looked closely.

He saw Lu Yu, Wei Zhi, and Xuu Heng. They were the young masters from the Three Major Professions who had befriended Ji Xiu back when he was just a Hall Master in the Wind and Cloud Association.

Now, they were riding on tall horses and carrying New Year’s gifts, arriving at his gate.

"Steward Yao, is Young Master Ji in the residence?"

"The New Year is upon us and the calamity has passed. Although Anning has much to rebuild, my father says that etiquette must not be neglected."

"Besides, Young Master Ji has looked after the Wind and Cloud Association and all of our businesses so well. If he hadn’t intervened with his men, the shops and enterprises on West and East Street would have suffered devastating losses."

"After receiving such a great favor, if we didn’t hurry over to pay our respects..."

"It would be far too rude."

Wei Zhi, with her slender waist, sat atop a large, date-red horse. She carried an exquisitely crafted sandalwood gift box and wore a pleasant smile. At the same time, her beautiful eyes darted about, constantly trying to peer inside the residence, a hint of regret showing every so often.

Ever since Ji Xiu had moved from the humble brick courtyard at the Fire Kiln to this mansion on West Street—the former headquarters of the Three Great Gangs—the number of times she could find an excuse to visit had dwindled.

To this day, though Wei Zhi’s heart was filled with reluctance and regret, she still had to admit the truth...

’Ji Xiu, the new power of Anning County, is now undeniably its number one figure.’

’Whether in the Martial Dao or in business, after all this, he will rank first in the entire county. Even the County Magistrate would seem inferior in comparison.’

’Right now, I can still find an excuse to see him.’

’But once his business expands, his Martial Dao reaches new heights, and he makes his way to the Prefecture City...’

’Forget about reminiscing.’

’Just getting a chance to see him will likely be next to impossible.’

Therefore, Wei Zhi had long since extinguished the budding feelings in her heart. But she couldn’t help the empty, somber feeling that remained.

’Sometimes, it’s good when the person you admire is exceptional; it proves you have good taste.’

’But when they’re *too* exceptional...’

Thinking of this, Wei Zhi looked towards the beaming Lu Yu.

’The son of the Fire Kiln’s boss truly was an Angel Investor. He extended a hand when Boss Ji was at his lowest.’

’On the strength of that connection alone, he can live comfortably for the rest of his life, even letting his old man share in the glory.’

However...

Thinking of Lu Yu’s proud sister, Lu Hongyu, Wei Zhi sighed.

’I’ve heard that the flock of beautiful women surrounding ’Boss Ji’ these days are all from the Prefecture City: Miss Cai of the Jade Shop, Miss Ye of the Embroidery Lineage, and that young lady from the Lin Family who joined a School...’

’Compared to them, my own status is worlds apart.’

In the past, she and Lu Hongyu might have played petty games and competed for favor in front of Ji Xiu’s sister, Ji Wei, each trying to outdo the other.

But now, seeing that Lu Hongyu didn’t even show her face, Wei Zhi couldn’t help but feel a pang of sympathy, as if they were in the same boat.

’To fall for someone in your youth, only to see them become someone far too exceptional...’

’...is not necessarily a good thing.’

That she could show her face meant she had come to terms with it, that she had moved on.

But for the other to not show her face at all... that meant there was still some lingering resentment.

So on this trip, Wei Zhi reined in her thoughts. She was here only to deliver a gift and express gratitude on behalf of her father, Wei Dinchang. There would be no talk of romance.

As for Lu Yu and Xuu Heng, they couldn’t help feeling awkward either.

The memory of their conflict with the Three Great Gangs felt like it was just yesterday.

Yet in such a short time...

The friend they once called a brother had suddenly leaped up to become someone who could drink and chat with their own elders—and even take the seat of honor. The speed of his rise in status and power...

...made them both feel hesitant and self-conscious about coming to deliver New Year’s gifts.

Seeing the renowned figures from the Wind and Cloud Association’s Three Major Professions coming to pay a New Year’s call, Old Yao beamed. He hopped off the stool and hurried to greet them.

"Ah, it’s the Boss’s old friends! You’re all too kind. Wait here while this old man goes to announce you..."

The words had barely left his mouth when the rumble of wheels approached, kicking up a cloud of dust. Someone else was arriving for a visit in a palanquin.

"Di Yuan of the Post House, here to wish Young Master Ji an early New Year! Good tidings to you, old sir. Is your Boss available?"