"Brother Jiang!"

Zheng Shangming was also quite delighted, "I heard a while ago that you had returned to Linzi. I even visited you at Xia Shan Villa, but you weren’t there. I didn’t expect to see you now!"

It had been a while since they had last seen each other, and Zheng Shangming had changed even more.

Towards Yu Hezhi, the strangers on the carriage, and Yu Jiangwang, he adopted three completely different attitudes, switching between them effortlessly.

The manner in which he spoke was also quite appropriate—smooth, experienced, and intimate, clearly having become accustomed to operating in government offices and dealing with all levels of society.

Jiang Wang personally felt that the reserved manner in which they first met was more genuine, but he also knew that people change to some extent.

Perhaps it could be called... "growth."

"I’ve been running around aimlessly," Jiang Wang said with a smile. "After I finish this busy period, I’ll treat you to a drink. I haven’t yet thanked you for last time!" 𝘧𝓇ℯ𝑒𝓌𝑒𝑏𝓃𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭.𝒸ℴ𝓂

"You went overseas to handle important matters and incidentally solved the case as well; truly an exemplary figure of authority, it’s I who should thank you!" Zheng Shangming replied enthusiastically. "Let me know when you are free, and it will definitely be my treat!"

The intelligence capabilities of the North Government office were among the best in Qi Country.

Zheng Shangming was more than aware of Jiang Wang’s impressive performance overseas. His father, Zheng Shi, had mentioned Jiang Wang’s name several times, always in praise.

He certainly understood his father’s hints and knew what he had to do.

His earlier pride and reserve had been shattered in front of the Marshal Office of the State by Wang Yiwu. Having undergone a year of experience at the Imperial City Inspection Mansion, he had let go of whatever was holding him back.

The previous visit to Xia Shan Villa to find Jiang Wang was not for anything important, but merely to foster connections. Would he have done such a thing before?

If it were the old him, in dealing with the incident of He Zhen’s reckless driving, he would have been serious, but he certainly wouldn’t have thought to soothe all sides on the street and take the opportunity to promote his own reputation.

As the two conversed eagerly, the Bao family carriage driver listening by the side increasingly felt something was amiss.

Surname Jiang... residing at Xia Shan Villa...

Could this be that Mr. Jiang?

The exemplary authority figure!

No doubt about it!

It was he who rode in a carriage once and extorted a large sum of money from his employer!

Though it was said he was a decent person, mainly it was Zhongxuan Sheng from the Zhong Xuan Family who had used the situation to his advantage...

But what mattered was that the carriage company had long established regulations, never to do business with either Zhongxuan Sheng or Jiang Wang. How then was he hired through an intermediary to use their carriage?

The people from the Zhong Xuan Family really lacked principles!

The carriage driver was feeling all sorts of emotions; Zheng Shangming had already finished exchanging pleasantries with Jiang Wang and left to deal with the issue of He Zhen’s reckless driving.

Zheng Shangming’s initial halting of the carriage was to provide testimony proving that He Zhen’s carriage had violated the "Ceremonial Ordinance," forcing inbound carriages to divert. This thoroughness was a display of his managerial skills.

However, after finding out that the person in the carriage was Jiang Wang, he dropped the matter. Given Jiang Wang’s prestigious identity, it wasn’t appropriate to trouble him over such a trivial matter. Besides, having Jiang Wang’s name in the testimony might create a conflict with the Uncle of the State’s office. If that caused trouble, it could leave a bad impression on Jiang Wang.

So, he merely exchanged pleasantries and refrained from discussing any other matters.

"Let’s go," Jiang Wang instructed after watching Zheng Shangming leave.

The carriage driver intended to ask him to get off, to assert the Bao family’s strict stance, but after reconsideration, he dared not.

He decided to act as if he hadn’t figured it out... he thought.

"Alright, please hold on tight!" he gently tapped the whip, and the horse started moving with light, cheerful steps.

The Yan family’s residence in Linzi was quite austere, too.

After all, this was the capital of Great Qi Country. Whether they were dragons or tigers, they must keep a low profile in their actions.

Yan Fu was in his mansion. He was the first to return to Linyi City after the banquet on Eternal Winter Island. He had enough of the sea’s scenery and when it came to various pleasures, Linyi was top notch in its prosperity.

Of course, that wasn’t the main reason he hurried back to Linyi.

Upon receiving a message from a servant, Yan Fu rushed to the door to meet his guest, and from afar, he was already smiling. "You, who only knows how to cultivate all day long, why are you visiting me today?"

Usually restrained and courteous, Yan Fu’s enthusiastic behavior made everyone in the Yan household understand the special regard their young master had for Jiang Wang.

Everyone’s gaze turned more respectful.

Given the current relationship between Jiang Wang and Yan Fu, there was no need to beat around the bush. He directly said, "Don’t get me wrong, I’m not here to see you. I have something to discuss with you."

Yan Fu laughed, Jiang Wang’s straightforwardness was a sign that their relationship was in the right place. "What matter requires you to come all this way? Wouldn’t a letter suffice?"

He made way. "Come in, let’s talk inside."

Following Yan Fu into the Yan family’s large estate, Jiang Wang finally understood what true wealth was.

Different from the simple and low-key exterior, all the attention was focused inside.

It was not about recklessly displaying wealth, but about intricate designs such as the arch corridor twists and turns, spots of jade embellishments, and details like the corners of screens and overhanging eaves.

For example, the curtain tassels made of green bamboo jade that, when blown by the breeze, produced a serene sound, like a spring singing in the valley.

Or the stone slabs underfoot that were excellent to tread on, warm in winter and cool in summer...

Jiang Wang couldn’t really gauge the value, but he found everything to his liking and comfortable.

He was no longer the inexperienced youth from Fengxi Town; he had been to all the noteworthy manors in Linyi City, including the Crushing City Marquis Mansion and the Marquis of Boxiang’s Mansion.

But speaking solely of the residence, neither marquis mansion could compare to the Yan family’s.

"This setup, how much money would it take?" Jiang Qingyang, despite seeing much of the world, let out an inexperienced exclamation.

Yan Fu did not respond directly, simply smiling. "Some other time, you should visit me in Bei County, the old residence there is indeed worth a look."

The implication was what was this residence in Linyi, it was nothing to speak of!

Thinking of how he needed to get funds from De Sheng Trading Company to build Tai Xu Corner Tower, and how raising funds through Zheng Xuan Sheng and having Fan Qingqing and Dugu Xiaozi slowly handle the funds for constructing Zheng Sheng Hall...

Jiang Wang said sarcastically, "You know the principle of not flaunting your wealth, right?"

"There are two types who aren’t afraid to show off their wealth. One lives in a righteous nation and earns legitimately without fearing others’ envy. The other has powerful support and strong backing," Yan Fu said in gentle laughter: "The Yan family has both."

"Let’s discuss the serious matter at hand." Walking into the hall and sitting down casually, Jiang Wang said solemnly, "Money and possessions are just worldly belongings, fleeting clouds."

"You’re right, it’s just numbers." Yan Fu, feeling a sense of kinship with heroes, smiled. "What did you come to see me for, something even Zhongxuan Pang couldn’t handle?"

Regardless of what people said about Zhongxuan Sheng’s character, among Jiang Wang’s circle of friends, his capability was much acknowledged. There were few things he couldn’t handle.

Jiang Wang stated bluntly, "I want to attend the Yellow River Gathering, but I don’t know how to secure a spot."

Yan Fu laughed, "Zhongxuan Pang has a good idea!"

Only Zhongxuan Sheng, who was well aware of the situation in Linyi, would know who Jiang Wang should approach for this matter. That’s why Yan Fu immediately knew it was Zhongxuan Sheng’s suggestion.

"The candidates for the Yellow River Gathering have recommendation rights and duties from various government offices, including Beiyaduwei, the prefectural governors... In addition, marquises, grandfathers of high regard, those in good standing... they can all have a say."

Yan Fu analyzed, "All these candidates are recommended to the Political Affairs Hall, and from there, three are picked for imperial review. Zhongxuan Pang can help you, but asking Marquis of Bowang or the Marquis of Ding Yuan just for a recommendation step would clearly be unwise."

Jiang Wang thought to himself, this also involved the factor of Xuan Zun.

Yan Fu casually mentioned, "I’ll send a note later, this matter will be settled. In the Political Affairs Hall, your name will definitely appear."