Chapter 731 - 505: We’ll Deal with Everything After 505 Later

Chapter 731: Chapter 505: We’ll Deal with Everything After 505 Later

In less than two quarter-hours, Jiang Hu, Wei Ziang, and Jiang Wei, the trio of father and sons, returned swiftly enough to surprise everyone.

They had thought that since the County Magistrate arrived, it would take at least half an hour.

"Brother Hu, why did the County Magistrate come?"

If it were a decade ago, mentioning the County Magistrate would certainly cause tension and fear. But now, they’ve even met the Emperor and Empress; what’s a County Magistrate?

"He didn’t say much, just knew we were here and came by to pay his respects. By the way, he also sent some gifts, but I didn’t see them."

Jiang Hu pointed behind him, indicating the servants holding them.

Jiang Wei still looked confused. He went out for a while and came back without even noticing what his father and the County Magistrate discussed.

Wei Ziang chuckled, "Father is at least a marquis, without real power, but still ennobled by the Emperor. Knowing Father came to Quan County, naturally, the County Magistrate would complete formalities and come to pay respects."

However, the County Magistrate had a lot of unnecessary talk. If not subtly reminded that they had other matters, he could have rambled on for ages.

Wei Ziang understood that people in officialdom often speak in this manner, hinting indirectly, never daring to say things plainly, only suggesting them covertly.

The County Magistrate, too, clearly wanted to invite Father for a meal and drinks to cultivate a relationship, but Father and Little Wei didn’t catch on and dismissed him with a few words.

They didn’t plan on mingling in the official circle, and according to Wei Ziang’s thoughts, the Marquis of Agriculture didn’t hold real power.

These years, because of rice, potatoes, and cassava, the reputation of the Marquis of Agriculture had risen swiftly, but if they don’t come up with new novelties in the next few years, these things will be quickly forgotten.

By then, the so-called Marquis of Agriculture would mean nothing to those in the Capital City.

If they wish to, they could easily find any excuse, even contrive a false reason, to strip the marquis title from the family.

Everyone probably saw this clearly.

So, except for the eldest brother seizing the moment to enter officialdom, no one else planned to stay long-term in the Capital City.

Rather than living anxiously in the Capital City, it would be better to move far away, forget the so-called Marquis of Agriculture, and live one’s own peaceful small life.

For instance, the thought of planning to make toys and sell them suddenly arose in Father and Little Wei.

His hand warmed, and his fingers were held. Xiao Mi stood beside him, her breath gentle and sweet, asking, "What are you thinking?"

The warmth from the fingertips traveled straight to the heart, making him momentarily distracted.

Xiao Mi’s fingertips had faint calluses, left from practicing swordsmanship, and Wei Ziang couldn’t help but gently rub them a few times.

Xiao Mi’s face blushed as she tugged her hand to remind him, "We’re on the street, what are you doing!"

Wei Ziang glanced around; indeed, they were on the street and had followed everyone else out while distracted.

Feeling Xiao Mi seemingly trying to withdraw her hand, Wei Ziang gently exerted a bit of force, holding onto it.

He lowered their hands, letting the sleeves cover them completely as if they were just walking closely, hiding the fact they were holding hands.

It was the first time Xiao Mi actively held his hand, which delighted Wei Ziang immensely, though he didn’t show it.

Since their relationship was confirmed, he indeed intentionally sought closeness, hoping Xiao Mi would get used to it sooner.

Xiao Mi indeed didn’t reject him, but she’d never initiated anything.

Especially now, seeing Xiao Mi’s slightly flushed cheeks and evasive eyes, Wei Ziang was more excited than when they established their relationship.

Xiao Mi was shy, does it mean she finally no longer sees him as a child, but as an age mate, someone she could marry!

Feeling extremely excited inside, his palms began to sweat, but he maintained a calm smile and said, "I was just pondering, wondering if there are habitable islands close to the mainland in these coastal waters or if anyone lives there."

Xiao Mi got successfully distracted, "Well, there should be islands, but it’s unknown if there are any near Quan County. Brother, why did you suddenly think of this?"

"I’m not planning anything, just pondering randomly. When the big ship is built, we can first take a spin around the nearby area."

"Definitely! Big ships need to be put to test at sea first. We can’t just head out to sea directly, and we need a large fleet to sail together."

The sea isn’t always calm, and if only one ship sails and encounters trouble, there won’t be any opportunity for rescue.

But if it’s a fleet, even if one ship breaks down, there are others left.

Moreover, Xiao Mi also thought that when it was time to set sail, she’d find a way to hide a ship in space.

If it isn’t needed, that’s best; but if anything happens, it would be a lifeline.

Others had already reached the front, leaving only the two of them trailing behind.

At this moment, Xiao Mi forgot their holding hands and seeing her parents couldn’t hear, she lowered her voice to whisper to Wei Ziang.

"Brother, once the big ship is complete, let’s first venture into the sea. As for our parents, they can join us once we have the experience. What do you think?"

"I don’t think it’s a good idea."

Wei Ziang’s downright opposition surprised Xiao Mi slightly.

Before she could raise any questions, Wei Ziang explained.

"Setting sail once won’t take a short time, at least several months, if not years. If our parents are unaware, that’s alright, but now they know; how could they possibly stay home at ease?"

Ever since they expressed the wish to explore the sea, their parents had frequently inquired about related matters, mostly from Ling’er.

Not just asking questions; they also had Ling’er compile numerous materials from Xiao Mi’s previous life’s world, records of mankind’s initial sea explorations.

"For instance, if you and I don’t return for a long time and can’t send letters home, our parents would worry, fall ill, and then what?"

Not mentioning others, if they leave for years without any news, their mother certainly wouldn’t be at ease.

"Most importantly, if any unexpected happens and we’re stuck on another island or another continent, wouldn’t it mean never seeing our parents for life?"

Of course, having space ensures family safety, so there’s no need to worry about that.

Wei Ziang didn’t know how big the world they lived in was.

But having seen the data in Xiao Mi’s space, Wei Ziang knew how vast the earth was in her previous life.

The ocean is many times larger than the land.

Now, having no maritime experience, they’re very likely to get lost at sea, unable to find their way home.

Rather than regretting after an accident, it would be better for the whole family to go together, even if moving to another continent is better than spending life apart, consumed with longing.

Xiao Mi was successfully frightened by Wei Ziang’s words, nodding hurriedly, "Alright, we’ll go together."

Wei Ziang rubs the top of her head, "It’s still early, without ten or eight years, this won’t be on track, so don’t overthink it now."