At least the former Lei Zhanqian couldn’t have such insights.

"In the past at the Heavenly Abode Secret Land, talents gathered, and I was also aware, having discussed with guests of Long Life Palace. At that time, the two were a distant young guest and a noble child without power; Lei Zhanqian lacked keen eyes and failed to recognize uncut jade. Only His Highness said, the fat son of Zhong Xuan, although usually unnoticed by scenery, when he steps onto the stage, he will surely shine, inviting guests from afar, he is certainly not an ordinary fellow..."

Lei Zhanqian spoke with emotion: "But who could know they would all be State Marquises today?"

He continued: "I should take the two Marquises as examples."

"You speak too highly, Brother Lei." Zhongxuan Sheng patted him then said: "Alright, alright. You’ve seen the hidden wine, and the dormant charm, let’s go up now."

Lei Zhanqian lagged half a body behind: "I’ll have someone bring out the secret stash of fine wine, and prepare some game meat, the Marquis may as well have dinner here..." 𝒻𝑟𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝑛𝘰𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝘤𝘰𝘮

"Dinner isn’t necessary." Zhongxuan Sheng waved his hand, his expression returned to seriousness: "However, Brother Lei, our brothers came this time truly with a request."

"Just tell me, what can I do?"

"From April to June this year, help me find out and organize into a book all events in Deer Frost County that were out of the ordinary. I’ll send someone to pick it up from your mansion tomorrow. The time is tight, is there a problem?" Zhongxuan Sheng spoke as he walked.

Lei Zhanqian decisively responded: "No problem!"

Zhongxuan Sheng added: "Additionally, I want all the records from your Lei Family regarding the Wildman Forest. Of course, this information isn’t free. Pay according to the Patrol Inspection Bureau’s top-grade intelligence."

"Besides the Autumn Blue Mushrooms, the Wildman Forest doesn’t have any important rare materials. These details aren’t special, I’ll have them organized and give them to you altogether. Discussing money is somewhat distant, Marquis."

"Eh, there will be many opportunities to cooperate in the future, to do long-term business, neither side can contribute for free." Zhongxuan Sheng’s attitude was amicable: "Listen to me on this matter."

Lei Zhanqian’s eyes suddenly showed a hint of delight: "Alright, I’ll listen to the Marquis!"

As they spoke, the group had already walked out of the corridor.

Zhongxuan Sheng stopped: "That’s it for today, Brother Lei needn’t see us out. We have many things to attend to next, still need to visit the Wildman Forest, and go again to the Governor Mansion."

Lei Zhanqian knew they had urgent matters, so he just stood where he was, cupping his hands amidst the bleak autumn wind: "The two Marquises care for the hearts of friends, witnessed by Sun and Moon. I believe good people are blessed by heaven; Arrest Officer Lin will certainly turn misfortune into fortune..."

...

...

The carriages of Marquis of Bowang and Marquis Wu’an came and went swiftly.

Yet the apprehension they brought to the Lei family suddenly turned into joy.

To this day, what could be more uplifting for the Lei family than the long-term cooperation proposed by the Marquis of Bowang?

Marquis Wu’an is a new noble of the Empire, the Zhong Xuan Family is a top noble family, if they truly manage to connect with them, the Lei family can say their decline will halt, and the future may hold promise.

As soon as Lei Zhanqian brought up the two requests from Zhongxuan Sheng, the whole Lei family immediately sprang into action. Lei Zong Xian wished he could personally take a whip to urge the family members to complete the intelligence required by the Marquis of Bowang.

Meanwhile, Jiang Wang and Zhongxuan Sheng’s party, the carriage had already rumbled far away.

As usual, the reins were held by Qingzhuan.

There were still only three people inside the carriage.

Zhongxuan Sheng leaned back tiredly against the carriage wall, seeming to rest his mind with closed eyes.

Yet he suddenly asked: "Is Lei Zhanqian’s sword style strong?"

Jiang Wang responded: "It’s decent, almost in pursuit of Winter Silence Army’s General Chao Yu at the level of his initial master ceremony. Suggests Lei hasn’t wasted time."

"Probably." Zhongxuan Sheng said, then asked: "Meeting Lei Zhanqian again today, what do you feel? I mean... how do you evaluate him?"

"The Eleventh Prince’s departure is a huge setback for him, but it may also be the start of nurturing his wings. Only the old Lei Zhanqian won’t be coming back." Jiang Wang said somewhat wistfully: "I remember the first time facing him, indeed felt an intense pressure, I almost broke through to the Inner Mansion realm because of him ahead of time..."

"If that were the case, you couldn’t have defeated Wang Yiwu in the Inner Mansion realm." Zhongxuan Sheng calmly chimed in, then sighed: "Lei Zhanqian, another character from a storybook, through great changes will achieve great success."

"Do you think Lei Zhanqian has issues?" Jiang Wang inquired.

Zhongxuan Sheng replied: "So far, all suspicions visible to others have been cleared."

"Are there suspicions not visible to others?"

"That’s hard to say. Deer Frost County isn’t very big, nor very small. If Lin Youxie has never left Deer Frost County, those capable and qualified to keep things so clean are just a few. The Lei family is certainly the most influential family in Deer Frost County. The Zhou Family, the Yan Family, have also been glorious before. The current Prefectural Governor of Deer Frost County, Luo Zhengchuan, isn’t a simple person either..."

Jiang Wang was silent for a moment, then asked: "So why are we going to the Wildman Forest now? Do you have a lead?"

Zhongxuan Sheng only said: "The Patrol Inspection Bureau has already searched the Wildman Forest several times, you personally went, now I go again... what do you think?"

Jiang Wang asked: "What do I think?"

"What’s your previous question?" Zhongxuan Sheng asked.

Jiang Wang roughly understood, thought for a moment, then said: "So, you want to alert the snake?"