1261 - 1267

Chapter 1261: Virtuous Domestic Assistants

Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem

10 days after Commander Cheng visited Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory, Zhang Tie started his inspection and acceptance of over 100 million mu official fields in Ninghe Prefecture, Yanzhou Province together with his wives, Donder and the other subordinates by airboat.

Olina's words deeply touched Zhang Tie——give a promising future to those kids.

This sentence was both the driving force of Zhang Tie and his wives.

Over these days, those women had already taken over the Master's Intelligence Center of Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory which had been established by Donder; additionally, they started to establish a new agency——Iron Heart Pavilion centered on the Master's Intelligence Center.

Zhang Tie's joke "Interior of Wives" came true.

In Iron Heart Pavilion, O'Laura was responsible for the political affairs of Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory; Olina was responsible for economy and commerce; Sabrina was responsible for intelligence collections and delivery; the 6 Spencer women, Linda, Fiona and Beverly had also found their own positions in Iron Heart Pavilion.

Beverly and Fiona were responsible for information exchanges and classification of Master's Intelligence Center, which was the most important function of Iron Heart Pavilion. As the directors of this part grasped all the secrets in Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory and could contact Zhang Tie directly, they must be the most reliable ones of Zhang Tie.

The 6 Spencer women were responsible for accounting and auditing, etc.. Aimei and Aixue were responsible for money, currency, finances and inventory; as Linda was tender and meticulous, she was responsible for the administrative affairs of Iron Heart Pavilion just like the domestic steward.

All the major events in Iron Heart Pavilion were determined by those women through negotiations. When in divergencies, these women would vote for that; if the ballots were on even, the final result would be determined by Zhang Tie.

Only after a few days, Zhang Tie's women had played a great role. Even Linda, Beverly and Fiona who were always relaxed were also immersed in their jobs in Iron Heart Pavilion with high spirits.

Zhang Tie's women became the heads of Iron Heart Pavilion. The subordinates of these women, including the henchmen that Olina and O'Laura brought from Ice and Snow Wilderness and those female assistants of Linda, Beverly and Fiona such as Sonia had also joined Iron Heart Pavilion.

Therefore, Iron Heart Pavilion became more like a women's kingdom than Zhang Tie's Interior of Wives. There was no male in Iron Heart Pavilion at all.

Before Zhang Tie took so many people to Ninghe Prefecture today, Zhang Tie's Interior of Wives finally sent the first clear order to Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory——Starting from next month, namely July 1st, consumption taxation of liquors and beer brewed by grains across the 10 cities of Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory would be increased from 30% to 180%. The consumption taxation of fruit wines remained unchanged.

With this order, the consumption of liquors and beers in Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory was limited at once.

As Taixia Country was suffering from grain shortage, liquor and beer brewing were competing for grains with humans. By increasing the consumption tax of liquors and beers, they could restrict the consumption of liquors and beers and put more grains in the key places. Although a kg liquor or beer couldn't save one's life, several kg grains could save one's life in many cases.

It was Olina who proposed this suggestion. After elaborating her reason, Olina's suggestion gained all the votes of Zhang Tie's wives. After that, it was sent from the Master's Intelligence Center as a political decree and would be followed by Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory as a whole.

Zhang Tie's wives sent this decree before boarding the airboat. After boarding the airboat, Zhang Tie's wives started to talk about the first decree of Iron Heart Pavilion.

This decree was not made casually. They made it after collecting enough data. They had made strict measurements and considerations.

There were almost 20 million people in Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory. After increasing consumption tax of grain liquors and beers, the annual liquors and beers brewing and production scale within Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory would be reduced by 80% from 170,000 tons to 30,000 tons. In this way, almost 400,000 tons of grains would be saved each year. Additionally, due to a rising consumption tax of grain liquors and beers, Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory could gain 20% more consumption tax of grain liquors and beers per year, which meant over 1 million gold coins.

Furthermore, by raising the consumption tax of grain liquors and beers, they were inducing those alcoholics in Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory to have fruit wines. Therefore, the demand for fruit wines would be expanded. As a result, the supply of fruits would be intense in Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory. In order to alleviate the tension supply, more people in Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory would think about planting more fruits.

As grain prices were high, orchardmen couldn't invade grain fields; instead, they would reclaim mountain lands which were not suitable for planting grains so as to expand orchards.

The increasing supply of fruit wines would cause higher taxes on fruit wines. As a result, Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory could gain more revenues each year.

The expansion of orchards promoted the wasteland reclamation inside Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory and stimulated the local economy.

The diversification and increasing supply of fruits also laid a solid foundation for the mass production of all-purpose medicaments within Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory in the future.

Through sending this decree, they could save 400,000 tons of grains annually and purchase the grains at market price with the increasing taxes on liquors and beers as the grains storage of Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory. The more grains Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory stored, the more grains supply would be guaranteed in Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory. Benefited from that, more people would be attracted to settle down in Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory. As a result, the population of Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory would expand step by step and Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory would become more prosperous and more confident when facing crises.

After hearing his women's explanation, Zhang Tie felt really fortunate having these women on his side.

The first trial of Iron Heart Pavilion had made Zhang Tie hold his wives in high esteem.

"With the assistance of my wives, I will not be worried about the affairs in Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory anymore. Previously, I was always told about the shortages in a matriarchy or a matrilineal society, after seeing my wives' ability, I feel that actually it's not bad for men to live in a matrilineal society!"

Zhang Tie's comment made all the women burst out into laughter.

"I agree!" Donder said solemnly.

"Thanks to Steward Donder, otherwise, how could we share your burdens soon after coming to Fire-Dragon Prefecture?" Aimei said with a smile, "We really admire the insight of elder sister Olina!"

"A few days ago, I heard Fiona complain that men would hold things up after drinking; therefore, I thought about doing something on the consumption tax of liquors and beers. I found O'Laura to negotiate about first. It's O'Laura who proposed the suggestion to separate grain liquors and beers from fruit wines!" Olina said honestly.

O'Laura also shook her head as she said, "Beverly told me that Jinwu City was suitable to plant fruits while the brewing of all-purpose medicaments required a lot of fruits; furthermore, when people drink too many all-purpose medicaments, they would feel drunk. Therefore, I suggest Olina to separate grain liquors and beers from fruit wines…"

Beverly also shook her head as she said, "Elder sister Matia and the other elder sisters are good at calculations and planning…"

"We have to appreciate elder sister Linda for preparing for all the materials, which is the most troublesome work!" Matia hurriedly declined.

After seeing that even Linda declined it modestly, Zhang Tie waved his hand with a smile, "Well, my wives, don't be that modest, you all have made meritorious deeds this time. You're really my virtuous domestic assistants. Steward Donder also had a hard work. Hopefully, from now on, we could make concerted efforts to deal with the affairs in Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory…"

"Not only Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory, but the sphere of influence of Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory has also already reached Ninghe Prefecture this time. However, Commander Cheng is too…too excessive. It's absolutely a pit…ahem…ahem…" Donder coughed twice. He dared not speak ill of Commander Cheng casually even in this case, "Last year, Ninghe Prefecture had a good weather and had a bumper harvest. Last year, Ninghe Prefecture's official fields produced 10% more grains than the previous years. Those official fields could only have such a high yield in each 7-8 years. In the past, even though there weren't any catastrophe or plague of insects, they could only produce 90% of that of last year. Therefore, 50% of the grain tax of the yield last year is equal to 55% of the grain tax in normal times. In this case, even if those official fields in Ninghe Prefecture could recover the past average grain yields, we would only get 45% of the yield each year."

"Really?" Zhang Tie rubbed his nose as he asked.

"Yes, only 45%!" Donder nodded as he let out a sigh, "45% of total yield is our total benefit from those official fields. We have to deduct the farming cost. Employment would account for the most part of the farming cost, including employed farmers, supervisors of tenant farmers and stewards. We have to provide meals and accommodation to them. Additionally, we should pay them each year so that they could have hope for the future. Besides, we have to be responsible for the seeds, farming tools, fertilizers and grains cutting and harsh processing which would account for about 40% of the total annual yield. Even though the grain prices are high and the expenditure on employment of farmers is a bit less, the employees have to eat. It depends whether we could reduce the cost from 45% to 25%. In this way, we have to spend over 80% of the total annual yield of those official fields. As long as there's any catastrophe or a plague of insects, we will suffer a loss for sure!"

"Didn't anyone rent the official fields in Ninghe Prefecture previously?"

"According to my knowledge, many dignitaries in Xuanyuan Hill would like to rent the official fields in Ninghe Prefecture. However, they could only afford 40% of the total yield as land rent. If it were higher, they would be in red. In this year, as many farmlands are suffering a crop failure, we don't even know whether the farmlands would grow crops in the following years. The fertility of farmlands which have been planted with demonized seeds would be weakened for sure. Even if seeds were good, the yield would also be reduced. Therefore, people across Taixia country would become worried about that, not to mention renting the official fields in Ninghe Prefecture at such a high price. Commander Cheng is famous for being dark in both face and means in officialdom of Taixia Country. Nobody dares to offend him. If ordinary major clans promised to rent over 100 million mu official fields in Ninghe Prefecture at the rent of 50% of the total yield, they might go bankrupt if crop failure lasts for a few years…"

Zhang Tie shook his head. He knew what Commander Cheng was thinking about. Commander Cheng wanted to see whether Qianji Hermit had countermeasures. If over 120 million mu official fields suffered a crop failure for constantly a few years, Fire-Dragon Sect had to pay off 60 million mu official fields' yield each year given such a high grain price in Taixia Country. That was a great consumption!

Zhang Tie was not worried about what Donder said. He was confident. Crisis meant fortunes for able ones.

Although Zhang Tie was not worried about that, his women were worried about that for him. The 6 Spencer women exchanged a glance with each other as they felt that it was a big trap. Diana opened her mouth as she looked at Zhang Tie, "Have you signed the contract with Commander Cheng? If not, you could have a talk with him!"

Zhang Tie revealed a bitter smile, "I know, but the contract is not always necessary in Taixia Country!"

"Ahh, what does that mean?"

"Aixue, you can explain it to Diana. Taixia's customs are not consistent with that in the Sacred Iceland Kingdom; especially in Ewentra Archipelago!"

"Sure!" Aixue replied with a smile as she started to explain it to the 6 Spencer women.

Both Commander Cheng and Zhang Tie were faithful. Now that Commander Cheng had completely "lent" all the official fields in Ninghe Prefecture to Zhang Tie for 100 years, this agreement had taken effect the moment Commander Cheng left Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory even though they didn't sign any contract.

In Taixia Country, the so-called contracts were only accepted by small businessmen. As for influential ones, if anyone asked for them to sign a contract, it was nothing different than doubting them and insulting them. If so, they would never do that business at all. Even some influential bosses of big business groups would not sign any contracts, not to mention Commander Cheng and Zhang Tie.

All-purpose medicaments and Fiery Oil would bring tens of millions even hundreds of millions of gold coins to Zhang Tie each year. However, Zhang Tie had not signed any contracts with anyone. It was just a lip service. Not only Zhang Tie, even Zhang Yang barely signed any contract as the boss of Jinwu Business Group. After making a deal, Zhang Yang would only clap with his partners.

Guan Qianchong the commander-in-chief of Black Armor Army also bet with Zhang Tie in this way. So was the bet between Taiyi Fantasy Sect and Zhang Tie. If they dared to regret for one time, their fame would definitely be ruined completely across Taixia Country. They would never reinvigorate their business anymore.

This custom in Taixia country was different than those commercial rules on the Western Continent and Ewentra Archipelago, where everybody followed contracts and would always write all the articles on paper. However, in Taixia County, verbal agreement prevailed.

"The agreement between two parties on the Western Continent and Ewentra Archipelago are written on paper; however, many agreements between two parties on Eastern Continent are endorsed on one's moral standing and fame. Therefore, even though the agreement between Commander Cheng and our husband has not been written on paper, it's already unalterable. If our husband regrets, our husband's moral standing and fame would be severely blown!" Aixue concluded.

After hearing Aixue's words, Zhang Tie nodded inside. Even Zhang Tie wondered why it was said that Hua people didn't have the spirit of contract in a period before the Catastrophe. That's too far-stretched.

"Ahh, what should we do then?" Those Spencer women slightly frowned.

"Younger sisters, don't worry. Look at him, he's not worried about it at all!" Olina pointed at Zhang Tie with a smile.

Those women looked at Zhang Tie as they only saw a faintly decisive smile on Zhang Tie's face. It seemed that Zhang Tie didn't care about such a big "trap" at all.

Even Donder became curious. After looking at Zhang Tie from his head to his toe, Donder asked Zhang Tie with a hesitated look, "You know farming? But why didn't I discover that before?"

"I'm Qianji Hermit!" Zhang Tie replied with a solemn look…

It was Zhang Tie's humorous style. In Zhang Tie's imagination, he felt that those people would definitely throw a despised expression at him before replying "drop it" in an easy and relaxed atmosphere…

If it were before, Donder might jump up and knock at his head forcefully while saying, 'Brat, you're arrogant once again.'

In fact, after saying those words, Zhang Tie found that Donder and his wives just watched him with admirable looks as they felt that he was making a solemn promise instead of spicing up the atmosphere. They didn't sense the "distinctive" humor in his words at all…

Not until then did Zhang Tie realize that he was not suitable to make such a humor anymore; because all of his words would be believed by all the others.

Therefore, our Qianji Hermit could only stroke his nose as he felt lonely…

Ninghe Prefecture was in the northeast of Yanzhou Province. They would arrive there only by passing through Gaoping Prefecture in Yanzhou Province. As for Zhang Tie who had a private airboat, such a bit distance was equal to having a trip in the most boisterous business quarter in the downtown by bus. As they talked with each other, they had already arrived at Ninghe Prefecture in only a bit more than 2 hours.

Looking down from the sky, they found that the entire territory of Ninghe Prefecture was pitch-dark within thousands of miles like having been covered with ink.

Nobody in the airboat had ever seen such a scene since they were born although they had seen thousands of miles white snow-covered landscape…

Chapter 1262: Three Countermeasures

Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem

The Iron-Dragon airboat slowly declined in a huge grain-sunning ground outside a fortress at the riverside of Ninghe River.

It was Ninghe Fortress which was responsible for managing all the official fields in Ninghe Prefecture.

In Ninghe Prefecture, the universal airport was not required as all the grain-sunning grounds being attached to each farm or fortress being paved with cement or stones which were hundreds of meters in length and width at least. These grain-sunning fields were natural universal airports in Ninghe Prefecture.

Zhang Tie saw a lot of people waiting for him on the grain-sunning fields, some were in eye-catching red, blue and purple uniforms.

"Why have the officials of Ninghe Prefecture arrived here?" Zhang Tie asked Donder.

Donder let out a sigh as he replied, "The 120 million mu official fields that you rented in Ninghe Prefecture are the best water-irrigated farmlands in the south of Ninghe Prefecture. Plus those mountain lands and dry lands, Ninghe Prefecture had over 300 million mu farmlands in total. From now on, you will be the largest landlord of Ninghe Prefecture. As all the officials in Ninghe Prefecture are anxious, when they heard that the famous Qianji Hermit would like to rent all the official fields in Ninghe Prefecture with the rent of 50% of its yield, what do you think they would feel?"

"They must think that I have the countermeasures and that's why they treated me as their life-saving straw!"

"Of course, after hearing that you're heading for Ninghe Prefecture, these officials hurriedly ran over here to look after you; by the way, they would like to see what great means could you use to help Ninghe Prefecture tide over the crisis!"

As they talked, the Iron-Dragon airboat had already landed on a grain-sunning field. Zhang Tie rubbed his face as he walked towards the hatch door of the airboat, followed by Donder.

Previously, Zhang Tie's wives would like to take a look at the granary of Yanzhou Province. However, at the sight of the scorched dark scene all over, they became disappointed. When the wind blew over, the pitch-dark wheat ash flew all over the sky and made it a black wind. Additionally, there were too many people outside, these women lost their interest in showing up at once.

The moment the hatch door opened, Zhang Tie had seen those people bowing deeply towards him, headed by those officials of Ninghe Prefecture.

In Taixia Country, earth knights were qualified to be on the equal footing with provincial governors. Plus Zhang Tie's fame, none of the provincial governors in northeast military region dared say that they were more famous than Zhang Tie.

Everybody was regarding Zhang Tie with reverence.

"Welcome, Qianji Hermit!"

Over 100 people greeted Zhang Tie in unison. They had evidently practiced it in advanced. Additionally, these people must have inquired about Zhang Tie's look and frame in advance in case of mistaking Zhang Tie as a lackey of Qianji Hermit.

Not until getting off the airboat did Zhang Tie notice that the grain-sunning field had been surrounded by straw mats so as to prevent those black ash. Those straw mats were 3-layered and higher than 4 m. It was like an artificial windbreak. However, as this grain-sunning field was as large as the airstrip of the new Class A airport in Fire-Dragon Prefecture, a great amount of manpower, time and straw mats were required.

Donder got off the airboat closely after Zhang Tie.

Being paved with cement and bluestones, the ground was pretty smooth and firm. It was still wet on the ground as if it had just been seriously cleaned. However, as these people had been waiting here for so long, charcoal grey ash could still be seen here and there over the ground. Now that Zhang Tie's airboat had arrived, of course, these people would not clean the ground in front of Zhang Tie.

After straightening up their bodies, they all started to look at Zhang Tie. Although they looked calm and polite, their eye light revealed that they regarded Zhang Tie with reverence very much.

Those who saw Zhang Tie for the first time would always be shocked by the young and innocent look of Qianji Hermit. If not see him, nobody would believe that it was true.

"Sorry for having you wait for so long!" Zhang Tie said tenderly, being neither too passionate nor too cold. It sounded as comfortable as facing the spring wind and autumn dew; therefore, everybody at present felt much relaxed at once.

Among those people, the one in the official uniform of the prefectural governor hurriedly cupped his hands as he said, "At this moment, Qianji Hermit's arrival must be a timely assistance for the commoners in Ninghe Prefecture!"

This official was over 60 years old. Although being sincere and kind, he didn't look good as he had swollen eyelids and blisters on his lips. Zhang Tie guessed that he must have not slept well these days. "Are you the prefectural governor of Ninghe Prefecture?"

"This humble official is Liu Yuntao, the prefectural governor of Ninghe Prefecture!"

"Who's responsible for Ninghe Fortress?"

After hearing Zhang Tie's words, a round guy immediately drilled out of the crowd behind Liu Yuntao. Closely after that, this man replied with an insinuating look, "This humble man is here!"

This man was too short. Although Liu Yuntao was not tall, this man was only as high as Liu Yuntao's shoulder. Therefore, when he was standing behind those officials, he was completely covered by them. As a result, Zhang Tie could barely see such a person. Additionally, he was round and fat. Plus his little eyes, nose and brandy nose, he was absolutely the legendary hedgehog spirit. At the sight of him, Zhang Tie almost burst out into laughter.

With swarthy skin and taupe hair, this man was a foreigner from the subcontinent.

"What's your name?"

"I'm Xiao Ciwei!"

As he was a foreigner, his accent was a bit strange; therefore, Zhang Tie almost misheard it as Xiao Ciwei which meant little hedgehog.

"What, little hedgehog?" Zhang Tie repeated it with an amazed look as he felt that this guy was teasing him.

"Thanks for the byname, from now on, I will be little hedgehog from today on!" Xiao Ciwei knelt down at once as he kowtowed loudly 3 times. When he raised his head, his forehead had been red all over; however, there was still a big smile on his face.

All the other officials in Ninghe Prefecture slightly frowned as they revealed a despised look at the sight of his demeanors. What a shameless realm!

Zhang Tie threw a deep glance at this guy. Now that this guy could behave in such a shameless way in the public, he must be born to be that flattering or have a special talent. Otherwise, this man could never be responsible for the Ninghe Fortress. As this position ranked first among all the managers of official fields in Ninghe Prefecture, it meant a great power for commoners. As for whether Xiao Ciwei could reach this position by flattering or by talents, we would know it soon.

All the official fields in Ninghe Prefecture belonged to Zhang Tie now. Of course, the fates of these people who survived on official fields were in the hand of Zhang Tie.

After moving his eyes away from Xiao Ciwei, Zhang Tie said, "Well, don't stand here; let's go take a look around…"

"Hermit, where are you going to look first?" Liu Yuntao asked respectfully.

"Let's go to the riverside first. Let him show us the way!" Zhang Tie replied as he pointed at Xiao Ciwei…

"It's the great honor of this humble man!" Xiao Ciwei replied with a pleasant look as he hurriedly showed Zhang Tie the way towards Ninghe River in the north of the grain-sunning field.

Of course, Zhang Tie should walk in the front with Liu Yuntao and Xiao Ciwei on his sides, closely followed by Donder. The rest hundreds of people followed the 4 people.

The moment they left the grain-sunning field, they had seen ashes everywhere on the ground, on the tree leaves, grasses, the walls and eaves of those houses. The entire Ninghe Prefecture almost looked like the same. These ashes could never be cleaned by manpower. Over these days, over 120 million mu wheat fields had been burned in Ninghe Prefecture this summer, the flying ashes and charcoaled land almost changed the color of the entire Ninghe Prefecture. These ashes could never be cleaned without some heavy rains.

After noticing that Zhang Tie paid more attention to the roadside leaves, Liu Yuntao hurriedly explained the reason for burning the wheat fields to Zhang Tie.

Even now, the wind would still be mixed with ashes.

"It's not a big deal to burn them. But those straw mats were too time-consuming and labor intensive. No need to do that in the future. I'm not that fragile. These ashes are not as poisonous as the air in the abyss of Earth-elements Realm. And, how many straw mats have you used?" Zhang Tie asked Xiao Ciwei casually.

"Totally 8761 straw mats!" Xiao Ciwei immediately replied.

"That's not right, I saw 8786 straw mats." Zhang Tie said casually.

"8786 complete straw mats. Additionally, there are 50 broken straw mats. I had people keep half of those broken straw mats and get 25 more complete straw mats…" Xiao Ciwei said in a bit quivering voice.

After hearing their talk, all the others' hearts pounded at once as they all held in awe very much. It was not strange for Xiao Ciwei to know the number of straw mats because it only meant that he was meticulous in doing his job and didn't lose his face in the public. However, the moment Qianji Hermit got off the airboat, he had already known the number of straw mats around the grain-sunning field. That indicated a terrifying power…

Right then, a heavy wind blew over with the ashes. Many people in the team hurriedly covered their mouths and noses with their sleeves. However, when the wind automatically detoured around Zhang Tie from 1 m away.

Zhang Tie continued to walk towards the riverside as if he had not discovered it.

The roads from Ninghe Fortress to Ninghe River were all 6-lane roads being paved with cement and slabs. Right on both sides of the road, there were large areas of willows and locusts. On the way, they could see many tidy canals as deep as 4-5 m in the woods. One end of the canals was connected to Ninghe River; the other end was reaching far away into those farmlands like blood vessels of human bodies. There were water houses and water gates on the way, which could allocate the water to the farmlands flexibly and freely. Besides, 0.5 m thick cement prefabricate canals connected these water houses and water gates to the farmlands. There were also water gates in the cement canals from where water flew into the farmlands for the sake of water irrigation. It was as convenient as the water faucets in people's kitchens. It was no exaggeration to say that the water irrigation project in Ninghe Prefecture was absolutely the best one in Taixia Country and among all the human countries.

"How many farms, fortresses, farmers and farm machinery are there in these official fields?"

Zhang Tie asked Xiao Ciwei as he walked forward.

"There are 3147 farms and fortresses, 1765521 farmers and over 512180 sets of farm machinery in the official fields of Ninghe Prefecture!" Xiao Ciwei immediately reported all these figures.

"What did these farmers do before?"

"Most of the farmers were border inhabitants from Yinyue Subcontinent like this humble man!"

Zhang Tie threw a glance at Xiao Ciwei as his answer was a bit out of his imagination. Previously, Zhang Tie thought that most of these farmers should be native people.

However, after thinking about it for a short while, Zhang Tie found it was reasonable. The so-called border inhabitants were not official citizens in Taixia Country because they were just foreigners who escaped to Taixia Country or were sold to Taixia Country. Out of kindness, Taixia Country, which always regarded itself as the ruling human country didn't treat these people as slaves; but gave them a special identity——border inhabitants.

In order to survive in Taixia Country, these border inhabitants could always endure hardships and be capable of hard work. They dared not commit any crime in Taixia Country. The moment border inhabitants committed any crime, they would be severely punished and suppressed by the judicial agencies in Taixia Country. If the border inhabitants could survive the punishments, they would always be expelled from Taixia Country. In that case, they had to stew in their own juice.

It was indeed a good method to reduce cost by employing border inhabitants to till the arable lands in Ninghe Prefecture. From a certain perspective, Taixia Country provided a method to survive these border inhabitants.

There were two kinds of border inhabitants. First, those border inhabitants who were sold here. These border inhabitants were more inferior. Their human rights and lives were basically in the hands of those magnates and major clans in Taixia Country. Over these years, none of those major clans had slaughtered and killed these border inhabitants in the public. In fact, these people who controlled their contracts had a lot of methods to kill them as long as they wanted. Additionally, these methods could always avoid the sanctions of Taixia laws. For instance, if tens of thousands of border inhabitants carried out a non-violent non-cooperation campaign, these people could never be killed casually in Taixia Country; the imperial court of Taixia Country would not ignore them either. In that case, the major clans who controlled their contracts only needed to transport all of them to the high sea outside Taixia Country by a ship which was registered in somewhere of a subcontinent and killed all of them on the ship before throwing all the corpses in the ocean. This method was out of the sphere of influence of Taixia Country.

This iron hand method was always used in Taixia Country as the most effective way for major clans of Taixia Country to frighten their border inhabitants.

The second kind of border inhabitants was evolved by refugees. After coming to Taixia Country, these people had no vacancy; therefore, they could only be border inhabitants. Their jobs were managed by the officials of Taixia Country. Compared to the first kind of border inhabitants, this kind of border inhabitants was much luckier.

"How many years have you been in Taixia Country? Have you signed any contracts?"

"We've been in Taixia Country for 23 years. We've not signed any contract at all!"

Zhang Tie nodded as he almost understood the background of these border inhabitants.

They soon arrived at the riverside of Ninghe River.

Zhang Tie saw the irrigation works that connected Ninghe River to the farmlands just now. After approaching Ninghe River, he found that people had made a lot of efforts in managing the Ninghe River.

There was a 30-m thicker river bank which was paved with stones, steel bars and cement on the riverside. The entire riverbank was spacious, bright and firm, which formed a unique tree-lined riverbank avenue.

The water of Ninghe River was very limpid. The current water level was over 10 m lower than the highest level of the riverbank. There were some iron column markers near the riverside, which marked the water level of the Ninghe River. Zhang Tie saw an eye-catching red line on the top of those iron column markers which was about 2 m away from the highest level of the riverbank.

"Is that red line the highest water level in the history of Ninghe River?" Zhang Tie asked Liu Yuntao.

"Yes, this riverbank was built to defend the highest water level of Ninghe River that would be met in every 1,000 years!"

"What if the riverbank of Ninghe River collapsed during the flood?"

Liu Yuntao replied in a muffled voice, "If the riverbank burst, over 40 officials in the prefectural governor's mansion of Ninghe Prefecture would be killed, including me. Additionally, the entire clans of the director of the construction business group which is responsible for building the river bank, the inspector general, the inspector of the river reach and the main local officials of the burst section would be killed…"

After hearing Liu Yuntao's reply, Zhang Tie shook his head. With such a severe punishment, who dared make a mistake in the construction of such a kind of project.

In the far, Zhang Tie also saw a large-scale wharf. However, compared to those boisterous wharves in Zhang Tie's imagination, this wharf looked sluggish as if it went out of business.

"What's happening to that wharf?"

"That wharf is for transporting grains. As there are no grains this summer, the wharf goes out of business!" Xiao Ciwei explained.

Zhang Tie threw a glance at that sluggish wharf as he let out a sigh inside. The moment the wharf went out of business, the livelihood of the workers on the wharf and those boatmen would be greatly influenced for sure. On one hand, they would not have any revenue and work to do; on the other hand, prices of grains grew higher due to crop failure. The plot of Three-eye Association not only influenced the farmers' livelihood but also influenced the other aspects.

The prefectural governor of Ninghe Prefecture kept observing Zhang Tie's look stealthily. When he noticed the sad look flashing across Zhang Tie's face when the latter looked at the empty wharf, Liu Yuntao let out a sigh inside at once.

After enjoying the scenery in Ninghe River and checking the irrigation facilities in the official fields, Zhang Tie went to inspect Ninghe Fortress.

Like what Xiao Ciwei said, given the looks of those people in the houses of Ninghe Fortress, they indeed came from the same place with Xiao Ciwei.

What shocked Zhang Tie was that Xiao Ciwei enjoyed a very high position among those border inhabitants. Many elder border inhabitants would kneel down in front of Xiao Ciwei while saying something that Zhang Tie didn't understand. Those male young adults also held great reverence in Xiao Ciwei.

Of course, Zhang Tie knew that it could not be made only in coercive means. Xiao Ciwei must really have a great prestige among all the border inhabitants.

There were old men, women and kids in Ninghe Fortress. Of course, the employed farmers didn't refer to these weak laborers, but those young male adults. These women, kids and elders were those young male adults' family members.

Although they had clothes to wear, given their clothes and expenditures in all aspects, they could only survive themselves.

Those women and elders raised some livestock outside Ninghe Fortress such as chicken, ducks, pigs and sheep; however, besides the ducks which could find food in water, all the other livestock was in a poor condition as the fodders supply were becoming increasingly intense in Ninghe Fortress.

Xiao Ciwei said 1765521 farmers were employed for the official fields in Ninghe Prefecture; actually, many farmers had their families. Over 5 million people were living on the official fields in Ninghe Prefecture.

In these farms and fortresses, men were responsible for looking after the official fields, women, kids and elders did some sidelines by relying on the official fields.

"I know a bit about the local language in Yinyue Subcontinent. Those elders call Xiao Ciwei His Highness…" Donder whispered to Zhang Tie.

'His Highness? I've not imagined that Xiao Ciwei is a prince of a country in Yinyue Subcontinent who seek for refugee in Taixia country together with his clansmen.'

Zhang Tie seemingly understood something when he thought about the obsequious look of Xiao Ciwei.

However, even emperors of many countries in Subcontinents were nothing serious in Taixia Country, not to mention a prince. Many emperors of countries in Subcontinents treated it as an honor by being received by provincial governors in Taixia Country.

When he was inspecting Ninghe Fortress, Zhang Tie suddenly threw a glance at the attic on the top of a high building as he asked Xiao Ciwei, "Who's living there?"

After hearing Zhang Tie's question and looking at the place along Zhang Tie's finger, Xiao Ciwei who usually stayed calm replied flurriedly, "This humble man and this humble man's family members live in there!"

Zhang Tie replied with a silent smile.

After showing Zhang Tie around Ninghe Fortress and noticing that Zhang Tie was going to return to the grain-sunning field where the airboat had declined without staying in the hall of Ninghe Fortress which was used to deal with public affairs or leaving any words, Liu Yuntao became anxious as he suddenly knelt down forcefully in front of Zhang Tie regardless of his identity.

"Just now, I noticed hermit's sad look when you caught sight of the empty wharf and your merciful look when you caught sight of the border inhabitants in Ninghe Fortress. Hermit, you might not know that, but the boats that accessed to this wharf were all transporting grains. Previously, this wharf was the largest and most prosperous wharf in Ninghe River. However, this year, as Ninghe Prefecture suffered a crop failure, this wharf became sluggish at once. There are over 60 more wharves like this one in Ninghe River. Ninghe Prefecture is an agricultural prefecture. Above 90% of people are living on farmlands. Besides border inhabitants who served as farmers and those boatmen at the wharves, the other industries such as rice mills, flour mills, food processing factories and animal husbandry which were closely related to agricultural production also suffered a great loss. Additionally, the prices of grains skyrocketed across Taixia Country. If those jobless people couldn't make money to survive their families, they would arouse trouble for sure sooner or later. Qianji Hermit, please save hundreds of millions of commoners in Ninghe Prefecture for mercy's sake…"

Liu Yuntao, the prefectural governor of Ninghe Prefecture seized the opportunity and clarified the current situation facing Ninghe Prefecture before directly putting his arms onto the ground in front of his head, followed by all the other officials in Ninghe Prefecture. They had completely treated Zhang Tie as a life-saving straw.

"I've already seen the problems facing Ninghe Prefecture. In one word, there are two points: first, seeds; second, land. You're afraid of suffering another crop failure after sowing the grain seeds in Ninghe Prefecture, right? Even though the grain seeds are good, as the lands in Ninghe Prefecture have been contaminated by demonized grains, they might suffer a reduction of output, right?" Zhang Tie watched Liu Yuntao with a smile.

"Hermit, you have bright eyes. That's what we're concerned about. If Hermit could rent the 120 million mu official fields in Ninghe Prefecture with such a high rent, you must have got the solution!"

"The solution is simple. Just give tit for tat. After having the lands in Ninghe Prefecture recover their vitality and sowing good grain seeds, we will solve the problem!"

"Yes!"

"You should be able to see those items on the grain-sunning field. My crew should have already discharged those goods from the airboat. Those items should be able to solve the problems facing Ninghe Prefecture!"

…

When they returned to that grain-sunning field, the empty land on the grain-sunning field had been covered with piles of bags and crates.

At the sight of those items, Liu Yuntao directly lifted his official uniforms as he ran at full speed towards those items, leaving Zhang Tie alone, regardless of etiquette.

Those bags contained soybean seeds. After unveiling those crates, Liu Yuntao saw piles of earthworms…

'Earthworms, earthworms?'

Liu Yuntao suddenly recalled something when he saw those earthworms. Closely after that, he forcefully patted his head.

When Liu Yuntao returned to Zhang Tie's side, he saw Zhang Tie taking 2 blueprints and an extremely brilliant box out of his portable space-teleportation equipment and handing it to Xiao Ciwei. He then said, "You make an arrangement. From today on, all the 3147 farms across Ninghe Prefecture should build the two facilities as soon as possible according to the blueprints. One is rearing pond of earthworms, the other is a fermentation tank. As long as the two facilities are completed, the output of the official fields in Ninghe Prefecture will be guaranteed. When this batch of soybean seeds get ripe, I will have people send another batch of seeds here. My subordinates will teach you how to use the item in this box. Additionally, your compensation remains unchanged, even in the catastrophe!"

The seed and land problem that made so many people in Ninghe Prefecture anxious and the compensation problem facing the border inhabitants that haunted Xiao Ciwei with fear were solved by Zhang Tie only by a few words. After saying that, Zhang Tie left Donder and a team of professionals that Donder brought here and two dare-to-die men who were proficient in agriculture and management here before going back by airboat without even having a meal.

After seeing off Zhang Tie's Iron-Dragon Airboat, Liu Yuntao and the other officials in Ninghe Prefecture fixed their eyes on the blueprints and the extremely brilliant box on Xiao Ciwei's hands.

"Prefectural governor could have people copy the blueprints; the surplus soybeans could also be lent to the prefectural governor; prefectural governor could even take away some earthworms; however, the item in the box couldn't be unveiled until the fermentation pools are completed. This humble man is working for Qianji Hermit, prefectural governor, please don't make this humble man embarrassed. When the item in the box is available, I could notice prefectural governor. By then, prefecture governor could come here yourself or assign people here to get it…" Xiao Ciwei tightly nipped the box under his armpit before revealing a big smile towards the surrounding officials.

No matter how dignified were those officials and how humble was Xiao Ciwei, nobody dared grab Xiao Ciwei's item. They all guessed that the item in such a brilliant box must be an earthshaking treasure.

Strangely, before Qianji Hermit arrived here, everybody was worried; however, after seeing Qianji Hermit leaving in such a casual way and those seeds, earthworms, two blueprints and a mysterious box, everybody realized that the problems facing Ninghe Prefecture had been easily diffused by Qianji Hermit…

'Qianji Hermit really deserves his fame!'

Everybody in the grain-sunning field had the same thought…

…

On the airboat, Zhang Tie unconsciously stroked his jaw as he saw the gradually smaller Ninghe Fortress.

This journey to Ninghe Fortress was indeed out of Zhang Tie's imagination. Besides Xiao Ciwei, what shocked Zhang Tie most was that there was a knight in such a small Ninghe Fortress!

'Interesting!'

'Interesting!'

Chapter 1263: Disruptions

Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem

Zhang Tie's journey in Ninghe Prefecture not only influenced the entire territory of Ninghe Prefecture but also almost the entire territory of the northeast military region.

After Zhang Tie returned to Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory and accompanied his wives and kids for 2 more days, the aftermath and shocks of his journey in Ninghe Prefecture gradually became greater.

Everybody was saying that Qianji Hermit left 3 treasures to Ninghe Prefecture, which could solve the problem facing Ninghe Prefecture for sure.

First, soybean seeds; second, earthworms; third, an item being held in a box that nobody knew what it was.

These days, nobody had seen Zhang Tie collect soybeans in Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory or Youzhou Province; therefore, many people guessed that these soybeans might have been prepared by Zhang Tie in advance or brought from the Sacred Iceland Kingdom. Many people who had seen Zhang Tie's bloody sacrifice furnaces knew that Zhang Tie carried an extremely powerful space-teleportation equipment. Those soybeans could be absolutely held in that space-teleportation equipment.

The soybeans indeed came from Castle of Balck Iron. Being a mutated high-yielding soybean cultivated by Heller, they were named as No. 1 soybean by Zhang Tie. No. 1 soybeans could produce about 750 kg per mu. Besides, they were nutritious and contained far more aura value than that of ordinary soybeans. The grain shortage facing Ninghe Prefecture was diffused by Zhang Tie using these high-yielding soybeans that he stored in Castle of Black Iron.

Zhang Tie didn't give too many No. 1 soybeans to Ninghe Prefecture. Besides meeting the demand for soybeans in the official fields in Ninghe Prefecture this summer, even the official mansion of Ninghe Prefecture could only borrow tens of thousands of soybeans, not to mention the others who expected to get some No. 1 soybeans from Ninghe Prefecture from the mouth of the tiger.

Although they couldn't get any soybeans from Ninghe Prefecture, they could expect something from the other two things.

The earthworms that Zhang Tie brought to Ninghe Prefecture were dug in designated places in Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory and in the wild outside Jinwu City.

In consecutive days, in the places where Zhang Tie had people dig earthworms had been crowded with people. Earthworm being dug from these places were purchased in a large scale at the price of one silver coin per earthworm.

Many people who purchased earthworms came here by airboats on behalf of the major clans on their back. Therefore, More airboats accessed to Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory and Jinwu City these days than ever.

Some smart ones in Fire-Dragon Prefecture had already started to collect these earthworms and raised them for sale.

Earthworms were easily produced. Additionally, its price was super high. Of course, those people who came here by airboat didn't mind such a bit of money. They only wanted to know whether these earthworms were useful or not and the function of these earthworms. Whatever, the fame of Qianji Hermit had been spread all over the world.

People's name was like the shadow of a tree. Nobody felt that Qianji Hermit would do something useless at this critical moment. As long as these earthworms had unimaginable functions, they would be of great significance even strategic significance to those major clans in Taixia Country which had tens of thousands of mu fertile farmlands respectively. These major clans didn't even care about spending hundreds of gold coins even thousands of gold coins to get these earthworms.

However, this small amount of money was an astronomical figure for commoners. Even a copper coin for one earthworm would indicate 100 times profit for those pedlars who raised earthworms for sale, not to mention one silver coin for one earthworm.

After taking No. 1 earthworms out of Castle of Black Iron, Zhang Tie drove a lot of people in Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory and in the wild outside Jinwu City mad, forming a unique earthworm industry in Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory and Jinwu City, which shocked the entire world.

To be honest, even Zhang Tie had not imagined about this result. He had not imagined that any of his actions would arouse the attention of so many people and any of his casual movements would drive commoners mad and have so many major clans imitate him.

Zhang Tie didn't know that there was a term especially for expressing this effect before the Catastrophe——celebrity effect.

Zhang Tie was now the "celebrity", one of the most brilliant celebrities among humans. Zhang Tie's story was legendary. Since he came back from Ice and Snow Wilderness, his name had already shocked both Eastern Continent and Western Continent. In the eyes of numerous people, even some knights, Zhang Tie was a legendary figure. Each of his actions would arouse the attention of numerous people.

In the eyes of many people, this event proved that Qianji Hermit really had mysterious abilities as his byname Qianji.

Besides awakening an immortal body-changing bloodline and grasping a lot of secret methods, he even founded a religion which drove foreigners mad. Additionally, he was even proficient in agriculture. What a Qianji Hermit!…

Those tiny earthworms made numerous people excited in June.

Even Cheng Honglie was curious about the function of Zhang Tie's earthworms through remote-sensing communications device after assigning 10,000 officials to Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory to be trained by Zhang Tie.

Zhang Tie replied briefly——those earthworms could make the soil more fertile. Of course, the fertile soil could lead to better crops.

When earthworms were connected to Qianji Hermit, another gossip spread over Taixia Country only in a few days. Some knight issued a post in the Mountain of Brightness and expressed that he or she saw Qianji Hermit in Xuanyuan Hill…

On the same day when Qianji Hermit appeared in Xuanyuan Hill, Han Zhengfang's identity was exposed. Han Zhengfang was the culprit of the tragedy in Fuhai City. Zhang Tie was screwed by him. All this reminded people that the fuse of the army of swans in the sky above Xuanyuan Hill on the 15th day was designed by Qianji Hermit…

If so, Qianji Hermit must excel at animal controlling skills and could control the overall situation in the world individually. He exterminated Heavens Reaching Church easily by unveiling the conspiracy of Heavens Reaching Church so as to make himself innocent. Closely after that, he stayed outside the plot as if nothing was related to him. What a formidable Qianji Hermit!

Zhang Tie neither admitted the gossip nor denied it.

In the turmoil and boisterous scene, Zhang Tie received a message from his dad on June 18. Zhang Ping wanted Zhang Tie to come back to Jinwu City and said that he had something to negotiate with Zhang Tie.

After receiving the news, Zhang Tie became muddle-headed. However, he dared not waste any time. The moment he received the news, he had left for Jinwu City alone…

Chapter 1264: Brotherhood

Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem

Zhang Tie's parents rarely contacted Zhang Tie directly. In most cases, Zhang Tie's parents would have Zhang Yang notice Zhang Tie.

When he returned home last time, Zhang Tie gave his dad a remote-sensing communications finger ring, through which his dad could directly contact Zhang Tie. This time, Zhang Tie's dad directly contacted Zhang Tie by that remote-sensing communications finger ring.

"Elder brother, do you know why our dad called me back home?" Zhang Tie contacted Zhang Yang when he was in the sky.

"You've also been called back by dad?"

"What do you mean?"

"I've also received the news. He wants me back home and told me that he had something to negotiate with me!"

"Dad, where are you now?"

"I'm in Tongzhou Province. I'm going back to Jinwu City by airboat. These days, Tongzhou Province is a bit chaotic. The business and investment of Jinwu Business Group are influenced a bit. I went to Tongzhou Province to deal with it!"

"Elder brother, are you all right?"

"I'm fine. I will arrive at Jinwu City soon. Let's talk about it later at home!"

"Right!"

After ending the remote-sensing communications with his elder brother, Zhang Tie contacted Zhang Gui and inquired Zhang Gui whether something happened at home these days.

Zhang Gui told Zhang Tie that nothing happened at home these days. Therefore, Zhang Tie became reassured.

"However, there was one thing in Jinwu City these days. A grandson of Tang Clan, the Shengzhou provincial governor's clan was detained in the prison of Jinwu City. Over the past months, Tang Clan had assigned people to look for him in Jinwu City many times in vain. After Tang Clan reported the case to the Supreme Court of Taixia Country, the officials of Taixia Supreme Court and northeast military region's headquarters and an elder of Tang Clan finally saved the grandson of Tang Clan out of the prison of Jinwu City through negotiations with Jinwu City. However, that grandson's one leg had been lame as he almost lost his life. This case has shocked the Supreme Court; additionally, it is related to the fame of Shengzhou provincial governor and Jinwu City. As a result, both parties have oral disputes about that. These days, there're gossips in the folk…"

Zhang Tie thought about it for a short while and finally recalled it. Zhang Yang just mentioned it to him briefly at that time. Zhang Tie remembered that when he returned home at the end of last year, a grandson of a provincial governor loosened his tongue in Jinwu City and was put into prison…

This was not a big deal for Zhang Tie. Zhang Tie would not care about it even if it was Shengzhou provincial governor, not to mention his grandson.

"Nothing else?"

"Nothing else!"

"Well, I see!"

Zhang Tie ended up the contact with Zhang Gui.

Zhang Gui was indeed useful in Jinwu City.

A whale couldn't be raised in a fishbowl; similarly, the thunder hawk couldn't be limited in a small space either. The vast space outside Castle of Black Iron could make the thunder hawk happy and free. The thunder hawk's sphere of activity was within hundreds of thousands of square miles centered by the Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory. Additionally, it disliked crowded place. In most cases, it moved in the unpopulated regions in the north or west of Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory and returned to Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory occassionally. Even Zhang Tie had not seen the thunder hawk for a few months. He could only sense the general location and direction of the thunder hawk and would not call it back except for emergencies.

This time, Zhang Tie flew back to Jinwu City from Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory by himself; of course, his speed could match that of the thunder hawk.

Zhang Tie soon arrived at Jinwu City when the dark had fallen.

In the sky, Zhang Tie could see tens of thousands of people

This place was where Zhang Tie had people dig No. 1 earthworms. It was now more boisterous than marketplaces.

This business could have been under the control of Zhang Yang and Zhang Tie; however, the two brothers were not interested in such a bit amount of money. Of course, those people couldn't dig all the No. earthworms outside Jinwu City. Actually, before Zhang Tie had people dig them outside Jinwu City, he ordered the earthworms to gather here in advance. Therefore, those people could easily dig so many earthworms and bring them to Ninghe Prefecture. After Zhang Tie canceled his order to gather those earthworms, those earthworms had already scattered.

However, one silver coin for one earthworm was still very attractive to commoners; especially those kids. Try to imagine, with one hope going down, they could get a few silver coins. It was more like digging a gold ore instead of digging earthworms.

At this moment, those people who were digging earthworms were mainly youngsters; especially children from 5 to 15 years old.

It was cheerful over there. As long as any kid could find an earthworm, they would be jubilant at once. If they could get a lot of earthworms, they would be more cheering. The moment these kids got earthworms, adults would come here to purchase them with crates, one silver coin for one earthworm. No pay, no goods.

A lot more airboats seemed to be at the airport outside Jinwu City, making it pretty boisterous.

Zhang Tie saw a businessman driving his car into the airport before handing the big crate being full of earthworms to a person who got off an airboat. The one who got off the airboat opened the box and threw a glance at it as he nodded and passed a gold note to that man. The man who sent the crate of earthworms here took the gold note with a big smile. Closely after that, that airboat flew off towards south…

…

Soon after he arrived at Jinwu City, Zhang Tie had found that Jinwu Airboat had just landed in the airport while his elder brother was getting off the airboat.

"Elder brother…" Zhang Tie's sound drifted into Zhang Yang's ears before he arrived in case that Zhang Yang's bodyguards mistook Zhang Tie as an assassin who declined from the sky.

"Ahh, you've also arrived!" Zhang Yang looked at Zhang Tie with a smile. Closely after that, Zhang Yang threw a glance at his bodyguards. His bodyguards then scattered as they dared not disturb the two brothers' communication.

After his bodyguards scattered, Zhang Yang forcefully punched Zhang Tie's shoulder before whispering in a genial way, "You're having cool days in Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory these days. Can you bear over 10 wives?"

Only Zhang Yang dared ask Zhang Tie about that. The others were not qualified to do that as they did not have such a stance or the close relationship with Zhang Tie.

That was a talk between brothers and men.

"I could keep standing for many weeks without leaking any drop of sperm or firing dozens of times a day under my control. What do you think about that, elder brother?" Zhang Tie blinked his eyes as he replied in a secret way.

Zhang Yang became stunned, "That's amazing!"

"Knights are as vigorous as dragons and tigers. Such a bit consumption is nothing for knights. I was told that some knight in Taixia Country built a city; married thousands of wives and had thousands of babies. Finally, that knight couldn't even remember his kids' names and always mistook the mothers of those kids…"

"Ahh, to be honest, how many times could you make one day at most?" Zhang Yang further lowered his voice with a strong curiosity.

The two brothers walked towards home as they talked about this "private topic" through whispers.

"A few days ago, we returned to Taixia Country by airboat, erm…Elder brother, you know…it's a bit boring on the airboat. I couldn't make any of my wives feel being treated coldly; therefore, I kept firing over 40 times a day on the airboat; I treated all of them equally…"

Zhang Yang shook his head while revealing a smile, "It seems that I really can't match you on that. When I could make 7 times a night, I even felt pleased about that; lately, I feel a bit tired…"

"Elder brother, didn't you use the Taiyi soul-building pills that I gave you? As long as you lit your surging points one by one, your physical potential would be gradually tapped…"

"I've not started to use that yet. I was taking care of Jinwu Business Group these days. Therefore, I have little time to polish my surging points. Our dad took some Taiyi soul-building pills and had already lit the 13th surging points on his spine…"

Zhang Yang's words made Zhang Tie stunned. Closely after that, Zhang Tie felt pretty thrilled. Zhang Tie had not imagined that his dad could promote to a LV 7 fighter. Although LV 7 fighters were as weak as kids in front of Zhang Tie, it was great for his dad to be a LV 7 fighter. Because Zhang Tie's dad didn't have any talent in cultivation at all, it was already very difficult for Zhang Ping to promote to LV 6 a few years ago. Without Zhang Tie's Taiyi soul-building pills, Zhang Ping might not light so many surging points for the rest of his life.

"Hasn't our dad formed the soul's fire this time?"

"Nope, dad said he didn't want to kill living beings. He only needs battle qi to keep healthy!"

That was a good choice. No matter what, Zhang Tie and Zhang Yang would never allow their dad to go to the battlefield. It was already great for Zhang Ping to light more surging points.

"Where's mom? Has our mom taken those Taiyi soul-building pills?"

"Yes, dad and mom supervised and urged each other to practice. They're very interested in cultivation. Mom has lit 6 surging points on her spine. Our mom has already been a LV 5 warrior. After finding that dad and mom are practicing so hard, I also reflect on myself and feel that I could hand some jobs of Jinwu Business Group to someone else and spend more time in cultivation. No matter what, health couldn't be bought. If I was surpassed by our dad one day, that would be a laughingstock at home…" Zhang Yang shook his head.

"Hahaha, it's good if you could think in this way. Our family doesn't lack anything at all. It's meaningless even if we could make billions of gold coins more per year…" Zhang Tie burst out into laughter as he felt pretty good. Zhang Tie felt that nothing was valuable than hearing his parents lighting more surging points. This was absolutely the best news that he had ever heard in late months. If his parents could light more surging points, they would be healthy and have a longer longevity; additionally, they would enjoy a more happy lot from their sons, which could never be bought. "It's worthwhile for me to return the airboat to Taiyi Fantasy Sect. We have to appreciate Taiyi Fantasy Sect for having our parents being so passionate about cultivation. Later on, if there's an opportunity, I will have Taiyi Fantasy Sect send us thousands of Taiyi soul-building pills more. I dare not guarantee the sufficient provision of Taiyi soul-building pills for others; I promise our family could have enough Taiyi soul-building pills…"

"Each person could only take 99 Taiyi soul-building pills at most. It doesn't work if you have more…"

"So what. LV 10 is not bad. If our parents could promote to LV 10, that would mean greater happy lost and longer longevity. After promoting to LV 9, people would live 120 years; after promoting to LV 10, people would live 150 years. No matter what, I would try my best to help our parents promote to LV 10 at least…" Zhang Tie said it decisively as if this was his firmest will.

"You're right. If our parents could promote to LV 10, you and I would not live in vain as their sons!" Zhang Yang said firmly too.

"Oh, elder brother, as you've just come back from Tongzhou Province, how's the situation facing Tongzhou Province?"

"It's very worse…" Zhang Yang looked gloomy at once…

Chapter 1265: A Gossip in Zhang Mansion

Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem

Zhang Tie had been accompanying his wives and kids in Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory over these months. Everything was fine in Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory. Those bloody figures in Yangui Mountain Range had been killed and captured by the disciples of Iron-Dragon Sect and the garrisons in the 10 cities of Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory. Those bloody figures only raided some independent hunters' houses and a couple of villages in Yangui Mountain Range and caused a casualty of hundreds of people. Although Taixia Country was suffering from large-scale crop failure this summer, Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory had a bumper harvest. Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory was a completely a Shangri-la compared to the rest of Taixia Country.

After those bloody figures entered Yangui Mountain Range and caused some casualties, Zhang Tie had sent an order to move all the other hunters and their families out of Yangui Mountain Range; additionally, he selected a region to build fortresses so that these hunters and their families could live near cities. Besides, all the hunters could enjoy higher compensation than being hunters as the rangers of Yangui Mountain Range under the control of Zhang Tie. Some old hunters with rich experience were even invited into the encampment of Fire-Dragon Corps and recruited as coaches for teaching those fighters of Fire-Dragon Corps to fight and survive in woods.

As the prices of grains had increased by two times, the bumper summer harvest in Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory made those commoners, dignitaries and local seniors pretty happy. As a result, the entire Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory looked vigorous and boisterous.

In this case, if not being told about the worse situation facing Tongzhou Province by his elder brother, Zhang Tie could barely imagine about that the current situation in some provinces of Taixia Country could be so severe.

In the second half of last year, the catastrophe of bloody figures broke out in Tongzhou Province. As a result, over 10 prefectures in the core inflicted region turned bloody and became full of smokes.

In the core inflicted region of the bloody figures, those cities being protected by high city walls were suffering the minimal damages; however, those towns and villages outside the cities were severely damaged. After being invaded by bloody figures, all the towns and villages had been burned into ashes while numerous corpses were exposed in the wild.

Due to the panic of bloody figures, commoners swarmed into cities. However, cities could hold a limited population. Not all the people outside the cities were allowed in. As long as local authorities made limits in population entering cities, many people would be blocked outside cities. Over 1,000 conflicts had been aroused from the end of last year to now.

Large troops of bloody figures had been scattered by force. However, bloody figures had a greater sphere of activity. Some independent bloody figures would kill passers-by in the wild or farmers in farmlands occasionally. Therefore, the panic caused by bloody figures had not been completely eliminated until now.

Facing such a worse situation, the prices of grains in Taixia Country had started to roar since the end of last year. Additionally, Tongzhou Province was suffering a large-scale crop failure this summer. Those places being violated by bloody figures would cause large-scale wasteland in the wild. As a result, fewer grains would be supplied; even commercial circulation was severely influenced.

When more and more people entered cities, living resources started to reduce. However, they didn't make enough money. Farmers suffered from a crop failure while revenues which were related to agriculture in all aspects declined greatly. However, the living cost was skyrocketing. Although the official authorities across Tongzhou Province were relieving people in stricken areas, some local places were almost in the worst scenario.

A transfer materials storage warehouse and an orchard that Jinwu Business Group invested in Tongzhou Province were rooted by insurgents and caused some casualties. As it was Jinwu Business Group's first time to meet such an accident, Zhang Yang went to Tongzhou Province to deal with it himself.

After hearing Zhang Yang's words, Zhang Tie started to realize that some places outside Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory were in a much worse situation than he could imagine. Some places might be as worse as being raided by demonized puppets in Waii Subcontinent.

"How about the loss of Jinwu Business Group in Tongzhou Province?"

"It's a small loss. Over 3 million gold coins in total. Jinwu Business Group lost over 100,000 vials of all-purpose medicaments, some stored grains, medicines and some other commodities in its warehouse in Tongzhou Province. Additionally, the business group's orchard also suffered from a loss…" Although over 3 million gold coins might be an astronomical figure for other business groups, it was not a big deal for Jinwu Business Group and Zhang Yang. "But a capable director in Jinwu Business Group, some bodyguards who were inspecting the warehouse and some lads of the business group who looked after the warehouse were killed by insurgents. When I arrived at Tongzhou Province, those principal insurgents had been captured and beheaded in the public by the local judicial court. After that, the riot was pacified…"

Zhang Tie shook his head as this was not a good omen. Although the authorities in Taixia Country still had a strong control over local places and could suppress the riot rapidly by beheading the principal criminals, now that such a malignant riot happened, it indicated that some local places in Taixia Country had been in a worse scenario after being stricken by bloody figures and grains shortage.

Some ambitious guys who wanted to make a fortune when the country was in trouble as a whole or some guys who were always indignant or were in their low ebbs had started to stir up troubles. They might not be driven by Three-eye Association or Heavens Reaching Church on their back but be driven by human nature. There were so many people in Taixia country. Not all of them were good people. Perhaps many people would not do something excessive in normal times; however, when in catastrophe; especially in some extreme occasions, many people would expose their dark and ugly side.

Zhang Tie had seen too many such things after experiencing the extermination of Waii Subcontinent.

Even in peaceful times, there were also thousands of notorious gangsters on the wanted list of the Supreme Court of Taixia Country such as Zhu Liang the poisonous wolf. When facing major issues, these people might still be clear-minded and knew that they were on the human side when facing demons. For instance, Zhao Yuan Zhang Tie's master directly sought for his own road in the realm of gods. Of course, he would not add fuel to the flames in Taixia Country; however, some greedy and vicious guys who were obsessed by wealth might do something stealthily to help deteriorate the situation as a fish in troubled waters on the opposite of humans.

Zhang Yang's words reminded Zhang Tie at once. Besides demons, Heavens Reaching Church and the Gobbling Party, he might face some unimaginable enemies and situations.

If the same riot happened in Fire-Dragon Prefecture, would he kill those insurgents or not?

The two brothers talked as they approached the main mansion. On the way, all the maids, servants even guards of Zhang Mansion hurriedly stopped from a few meters away as they bowed towards the two people the moment they caught sight of Zhang Tie and Zhang Yang; especially those maids who were greatly shocked by Zhang Tie's young look.

Zhang Tie and Zhang Yang had long been much different than before. Jinwu Business Group had become the biggest business group in the northeast military region. Zhang Yang played a decisive role in the northeast military region; however, Zhang Tie had been well-known across the world.

As Zhang Yang and Zhang Tie grew more and more famous, the domestic rules grew increasingly stricter. More and more qualified people were employed by Zhang Mansion.

Even the stewards in Zhang Mansion could barely see Zhang Tie and Zhang Yang walking shoulder to shoulder in the mansion, not to mention those maids and male servants.

"Ahh, that's the second young master. He's so young. He looks younger than me. What a handsome teenager!" A beautiful maid in a green skirt hurriedly lowered her body to one side at the side door of a garden a few meters away from the two brothers. Not until Zhang Tie and Zhang Yang walked far away did she silently stick her tongue out and tell the other beautiful maid in a pink skirt.

The two maids were both carrying a basket, which contained some fresh flowers that they had just cut off from the garden. It seemed that the two maids were especially here to cut off fresh flowers so as to adorn them with the rooms.

"Watch out, our second young master is a knight. I was told by a guard that our second young master's cultivation base has reached a mysterious realm. Therefore, he could maintain his young look…" The maid in pink skirt whispered.

"Ahh, I wonder whether second young master needs maids or not…" The maid in the green skirt muttered with a faint blush as she saw Zhang Tie and Zhang Yang turning to the other side of the rockery and fountain in the far.

"Hah, little girl, are you falling in love with the second young master? But I suggest you to stop thinking about that!" The maid in the pink skirt let out a sigh. She looked at the tiny breast of the maid in the green skirt, then moved her eyes onto her breast which only deserved a small grip before saying in a frustrated way, "Never dream about approaching the second young master. As you've just come here, you might not know that second young master favors plump and enchanting women most. In normal times, the second young master doesn't even feel like throwing a glance at us!"

"Second young master favors that sort of women?"

"Of course, all the members in the mansion know that. You've not seen the wives of the second young master. Among the wives of the second young master, Madam Linda is more mature and plump. It's said that most of the women that second young master brought back from a subcontinent are like that. Even the princess of Lord Guangnan that second young master brought back is said to be mature and beautiful. Haven't you discovered that even those maids of the second young master are much plumper…"

"Second young master prefer cougars!" The maid in the green skirt widely opened her watery eyes as she poured out straightforwardly. At the same time, she lowered her head and threw a glance at her breast as she realized that her dream was crushed in the blink of an eye…

Chapter 1266: Separation of Brothers (I)

Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem

"Hush, cougar? Only those uncouth guys outside the mansion say that. If the steward heard your gossip, watch out your butt. Hurry up, let's go. Elder sister Ping is waiting for our fresh flowers. These flowers would be sent to the room of old madam. Keep it in mind. Elder sister Ping serves old madam and could even have a right of speech in front of old madam. With the protection of elder sister Ping, nobody in this mansion dares to bully us. When you see elder sister Ping, you could only call her elder sister Ping instead of calling her aunt Ping. Last time, a newcomer called her aunt Ping. Finally, elder sister Ping casually told the steward something and assigned the newcomer to a village outside Jinwu City…"

The maid in the green skirt stuck her tongue out as she replied, "Ahh, I see…"

"Hurry up…"

The two maids then walked towards the main mansion along a path.

…

'I prefer…cougar?'

It was out of Zhang Tie's imagination that he could hear such a gossip in the mansion.

.

After hearing the two maids' words, Zhang Tie only revealed a smile. He didn't care about these gossips at all, because he would not lose a hair because of these gossips. 'Perhaps I have started to prefer mature women since I met Miss Daina. Linda, Olina, Sabrina; even Spencer Clan sent Matia to me as they had heard about my choice. As for Bai Suxian, we were destined to meet each other.'

'It seems that I really have a lot of mature women.'

But the gossip that he preferred "cougars" really made Zhang Tie embarrassed.

…

When Zhang Yang talked about the current situation facing Tongzhou Province, they had arrived at the main mansion.

After coming to the main mansion, Zhang Yang stopped talking as it was not proper to chat on the way.

"After meeting our parents, we will talk about it later. I've already heard about what you did in Ninghe Prefecture these days when in Tongzhou Province!"

"Fine!" Zhang Tie nodded.

The moment they came to the main mansion, they had seen their dad standing at the gate. Zhang Ping greeted them with a smile, "You came back together?"

Zhang Tie looked at his dad and found that his dad looked much more spirited. It seemed that Zhang Ping's physical potential had been further tapped. Therefore, Zhang Tie became reassured at once. However, after looking at his dad carefully, Zhang Tie found that his dad seemingly looked a bit sorrowful as the places beneath his eyes looked faintly cinereous. It seemed that he had not slept well for a few days. Therefore, Zhang Tie's heart slightly pounded. Burning night oil hurt people's health most. Although LV 7 fighter had a much better physical strength than LV 6 fighter, his physical strength was still much weaker than that of a knight; especially Zhang Ping was at his 60s. If he couldn't sleep well for consecutively a few days, he would definitely reveal an abnormal look.

"Coincidentally, the moment I arrived here, I've seen elder brother returning home by airboat. Therefore, I came back together with elder brother…" Zhang Tie smiled. In front of his dad, Zhang Tie had completely hidden his imposing look as Qianji Hermit. He still behaved as same as in Blackhot City by making jokes. After saying those words, Zhang Tie purposefully widely opened his eyes as he looked at Zhang Ping from his head to his toe with an amazed look. He even rubbed his eyes before exclaiming, "Wow, is that real? Dad, you've lit 13 surging points. You're already a LV 7 fighter and have a much better health. Dad, are you finding a good sister for my mom or what? Our mom is so generous that she would never mind that…"

Previously, Zhang Tie's dad felt a bit sad. After hearing Zhang Tie's exaggerated words, his face blushed faintly as he glared at Zhang Tie and swore him with a smile, "You're also a father now. Don't make such an excessive joke anymore…"

Zhang Tie said with a big smile, "Heh heh, even though I'm also a father now, I'm still your son. I would never be as old as you!"

Watching Zhang Tie's pleasant look, Zhang Ping felt warm. However, closely after that, he felt guilty as he reserved his smile, "Your mom cooked supper for you today. It's all the favorite dishes of you two. Come on, have supper first!"

After finishing his words, Zhang Ping turned around and entered the mansion. Zhang Tie and Zhang Yang exchanged a glance with each other as they both felt that their dad had concerns.

After entering the main mansion and coming to the dining hall, Zhang Tie found his mom was also much more spirited than before. However, due to poor sleep lately, she also looked a bit fatigued. Both their mom and their dad must have concerns.

The supper was cooked by their mom. Compared to the usual supper in Zhang Mansion, this supper looked a bit special.

In normal times, there were a lot of chefs in the kitchen of Zhang Mansion. They could cook any food and dish that Zhang family could cook. Besides, all the dishes that they cooked met the ordinary requirements on color, aroma and taste, not to mention a feast of fat things. In Zhang Ping's words, he didn't even feel like moving his chopsticks in case of ruining the dishes.

However, the dishes today were all very simple. Compared to the current position of the Zhang family, it was almost "stingy". There were only two meat dishes: braised turnips with beef; fried pork in soy sauce. All the others were vegetable dishes such as fried white cabbage, fried sliced potatoes, fried red beans, boiled sweet potatoes and mixed lettuce with sugar. Besides, there was a huge stockpot, which just held some leftover rice soup.

Although the dishes were simple, they were enough for the family.

These were all "delicious dishes" that Zhang Tie's family could enjoy in Blackhot City only on special days. Even the rice soup was once a rare, tasty food that the family could enjoy before dinner after being added with some sugar or salt.

At the sight of the rice soup, Zhang Tie became absent-minded. When in Blackhot City, after boiling rice, they would always keep the rice soup. When the rice soup was served on the table, there was always a thick cover over it, which was Zhang Tie's favorite. It tasted smooth and aromatic. In Zhang Tie's eyes, the thick cover of rice soup was even more delicious than milk. His mom always left the thick cover to him.

It had been too many years since Zhang Tie enjoyed the cover on rice soup last time.

At the sight of such dishes, Zhang Tie had known that his parents must have something important to tell him and his elder brother…

Zhang Tie's elder sisters-in-law were also at the table. As they were all clever, at the sight of Zhang Tie and these ordinary home-cooked dishes, they had known that this meal was unusual for sure.

As they all had concerns, the atmosphere was a bit depressive. Thankfully, Zhang Tie's nephews and nieces were scrambling for the cover on rice soup, spicing up the atmosphere more or less, making it a little less embarrassing.

At the end of the meal, Zhang Yang and Zhang Tie lowered their heads and finished all the dishes, even the rice soup, leaving nothing at all. After that, they put down their bowl and chopsticks and expressed that they were full.

After finding that the two brothers were as same as usual, Zhang Tie's mom revealed a faint smile too.

Zhang Tie's elder sisters-in-law were all observant. After finishing the meal, they had a short chat with Zhang Tie's parents and Zhang Tie before bidding a farewell to them politely and returning to Zhang Yang's mansion with their kids, leaving Zhang Yang, Zhang Tie and their parents alone.

Those maids and male servants also moved away when Zhang Tie's elder sisters-in-law left.

"Dad, mom, why did you call us back? Just say it, no need to be that grand. Even mom cooked the dinner for us, including the secret gold and white jade soup…" Zhang Tie told his parents with a smile.

When in Blackhot City, Zhang Tie named rice soup as gold and white jade soup. When rice became ripe, it looked golden all over in the farmlands. After being boiled, the rice soup looked as rich and smooth as white jade. When the family had a meal, Zhang Tie named rice soup as gold and white jade soup. When the others heard this name, they would even think that it was a top delicacy. Actually, it was just a bowl of ordinary rice soup.

After hearing the name gold and white jade soup, Zhang Yang and Zhang Tie's parents revealed a reminiscent, warm smile at the same time.

"I've not drunk this gold and white jade soup for a long time. It tastes much better than the so-called feast of fat things. The gold and white jade soup is fresh and white without any impurity. It is aromatic and rich and is suitable to both old and young. I suggest the kitchen to keep the rice soup. Do not waste it. This is a tradition of dad and mom. It should root in our home. No matter how rich we're, we shouldn't forget about the source; neither should we be extravagant!" Zhang Tie's elder brother opened his mouth.

"Elder brother is right. Pitifully, I still want to eat the essence of gold and white jade soup today. However, I'm ashamed to scramble for it with my nephews and nieces. When I return to Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory, I will also send the order to keep this rule as the tradition of Zhang family…" Zhang Tie laughed too.

Zhang Tie's mom threw a glance at Zhang Ping.

"Ahem ahem…" Zhang Ping pretended to cough twice as he threw a glance at the parlor and asked Zhang Tie's mom, "Do we need to talk about it in the study?"

"No need, we're at home. There's no outsider here. Additionally, our servants are not used to eavesdrop our talk. Just talk about it here!" Zhang Tie's mom said.

"Fine, let's talk about it here!" Zhang Tie's dad straightened up his body as he turned solemn at once. After looking at Zhang Tie and Zhang Yang silently for two seconds, he slowly opened his mouth, "I called you back because your mom and I feel that you brothers should have your own families after a few days' negotiations…"

Chapter 1267: Separation of Brothers (II)

Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem

Separation of brothers might be common for other families; especially in families which had brothers. However, when Zhang Tie heard it from his dad, he still felt a bit strange.

Because Zhang Tie and Zhang Yang never scrambled for something at home. The family had tided over all the difficulties together since in Waii Subcontinent. Why would they separate from each other?

Zhang Tie exchanged a glance with his elder brother as they both saw suspicion in each other's eyes.

"Dad, have you and mom heard some gossips lately?" Zhang Yang asked while frowning.

Zhang Tie's dad and mom didn't directly answer Zhang Yang's question; instead, Zhang Tie's mom opened her mouth, "You brother don't think too much about that. As you're brothers, after having your own families, it's normal for you to separate from each other. It has nothing to do with those people outside. As your dad and I are old, you two have already got married and have a lot of children, we shouldn't fasten you to us for the sake of us and the jollification. After a few months, Zhang Yang would marry the daughter of Yanzhou provincial governor. Zhang Tie should also be engaged to Suxian as soon as possible. Last time, Suxian said that you would be engaged to Lord Guangnan's Mansion after she observed mourning for her grandmother's death for 3 years. She's already observed mourning for her grandmother's death for about 1.5 years. As the daughter of the Yanzhou provincial governor and the daughter of Lord Guangnan's Mansion will enter our family, you two need to separate from each other as soon as possible in case of troubles…"

"Yea, your mom and I both know that you two are filial towards us. You would not scramble for anything even if you're going to separate from each other. Additionally, it doesn't mean that our family is separated. You only need to reason through the properties that you've created over these years for the sake of the harmony of the family when you have more wives and kids!" Zhang Tie's dad added.

Zhang Tie's dad and mom were both clear about that. Their suggestion was also reasonable. However, watching the faint tiredness under their parents' eyes, Zhang Tie and Zhang Yang could still seize the keywords——we shouldn't fasten you to us for the sake of us and the jollification!

Their parents looked very serious, which meant that they were not joking and couldn't be treated in a perfunctory way.

'How could dad and mom bear such a great stress for the separation of our brothers?'

'Why?'

Zhang Tie was muddle-headed. However, now that his parents didn't explain it in details, he didn't feel convenient to ask about that. Therefore, he just maintained silence.

Zhang Yang was also in silence.

Zhang Yang's eye light sparkled as if he had thought about something from his parents' words.

"All the properties are made by you brothers, as your mom and I are at present, you two should talk about how to separate these properties first!" Zhang Tie's dad said seriously.

���Dad, don't you know the temperaments of Zhang Tie and me? I don't feel comfortable about hearing that. Can we not separate from each other? If we really separated from each other, outsiders would think that Zhang Tie and I don't get along well with each other." Zhang Yang said carefully. Even though their parents' words were reasonable, Zhang Yang still could not accept it emotionally as it came too suddenly.

"Don't try to be perfunctory in front of your mom and me today. Even if you separate from each other, you are still brothers. Your mom and I are still your parents. If you brothers don't reason through it today, your dad and I would not feel reassured even at home. We will move away from Jinwu City and live outside tomorrow!" Zhang Tie's mom said with a solemn look as she added, "I could still make rice brew. I will survive myself by selling rice brew; your dad could also continue to work in a factory!"

Their mom had not said such serious words for dozens of years. Zhang Yang threw a glance at Zhang Tie which meant, 'It seems that our parents have been determined to separate us today, what should we do?'

Zhang Tie revealed a bitter smile.

"Zhang Tie, I want to listen to your opinion first. How would you share the properties with Zhang Yang?" Zhang Tie's dad told Zhang Tie firstly.

"My elder brother looked after parents and my family members all these years. Jinwu Business Group is also expanded by my elder brother. Without my elder brother's care of home affairs, I would never be reassured outside. If we have to separate from each other, Jinwu City belongs to my elder brother; Jinwu Business Group belongs to my elder brother too. As for Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory, my elder brother could have 5 cities!"

Zhang Tie immediately poured out what he wanted to say.

As for Zhang Tie, money and land were nothing but sh*t compared to the brotherhood between him and Zhang Yang. For the sake of his wives and kids in Ice and Snow Wilderness, he could even abandon the throne, not to mention the brotherhood.

Soon after hearing Zhang Tie's words, Zhang Yang had become anxious, "No, no. Jinwu Business Group's business is about all-purpose medicament, which is invented by Zhang Tie. Without Zhang Tie, I could at most be a boss of a small firm. It's my responsibility to look after my parents. Additionally, dad and mom are still young. They don't need to be looked after at all. Actually, they're always looking after me and helping me stabilize this home. Over these years, although Zhang Tie was outside, he had promoted to a knight and become the grand elder of Huaiyuan Palace. Zhang Tie is the greatest backup and reliance of Jinwu Business Group. Although being his elder brother, I was just helping Zhang Tie look after the business. Strictly, Jinwu Business Group and Jinwu City both belong to Zhang Tie. Even Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory is made by Zhang Tie and has nothing to do with me. No matter how shameless I am, I would never scramble over my younger brother's properties!"

"Elder brother, if you say so, I will take my wives and kids back to Ice and Snow Wilderness tomorrow. Without you, Zhang family would never be so prosperous. If you regard yourself as an employed worker, do you intend to make me embarrassed?"

"Easy, bro, think about your wives and kids. If I shared Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory with you, I would not raise my head in front of your wives and kids. If you insist on this, I will also leave Jinwu City together with your elder sisters-in-law. I will do my own small business…"

The two brothers pretended to glare at each other.

The other brothers would always fight and quarrel with each other for properties, even in imperial households and major clans; however, in Zhang family, the two brothers behaved very modestly as they urged to push the properties to the opposite as if the business group, cities and land felt blazing hot.

Watching the two brothers' performance, their parents both smiled with relief. They let out a sigh inside as they threw a glance at each other as if they had long predicted it.

"Fine, you brothers don't decline any more. I have a solution, if you feel it doesn't work, we can further negotiate with each other…"

"Fine, dad, go ahead!" Zhang Yang and Zhang Tie said in unison.

"Jinwu Business Group is founded and developed by you two brothers. You share with it, fifty-fifty. Later on, Jinwu Business Group will be managed by Zhang Yang and Zhang Yang's descendants. Jinwu City is our earliest foundation in Taixia Country. According to the custom of Taixia Country, Jinwu City is the "old real estate" of Zhang family. Your mom and I will live inside for the rest of our lives. Zhang Yang is the eldest son; therefore, Jinwu City and the surrounding land would be inherited by Zhang Yang. Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory is made by Zhang Tie himself; therefore, it should belong to Zhang Tie. I know that the business of Fiery Oil is large. However, Jinwu Business Group is not involved in the business of Fiery Oil yet. Later on, this business will not be merged into Jinwu Business Group. As to the business of Fiery Oil, Zhang Tie, you manage it yourself…"

Zhang Tie's dad paused for a second before continuing, "When Zhang Tie held his rotating chakra ceremony last year, he received many gifts; of course, those gifts belong to you. However, one gift from Huaiyuan Palace is 60,000 square miles' land outside Jinwu City. As this land is far away from Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory and neighbors the original land of Jinwu City, I suggest you to transfer it to Zhang Yang at a price. What do you think about it?"

Zhang Tie estimated that his parents had been thinking about it for a few days. 'This method covers the businesses, cities and lands. As for the 60,000 square miles' land, just transfer it to my elder brother for free. If my elder brother bought it, it would be a laughingstock…'

"Do you agree?" Zhang Tie's mom asked.

Zhang Tie and Zhang Yang exchanged a glance with each other.

Zhang Yang expressed his opinion, "I agree!"

Zhang Tie replied with a bitter smile, "Dad, mom, you're going to live in Jinwu City for the rest of your lives together with my elder brother. Are you leaving me alone? Why do I feel that I'm driven out of home…"

"Nonsense. How could we leave you alone? Later on, your dad and I would live wherever we want, Jinwu City or Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory. You'd better prepare a residence for your dad and me over there. I will go there to see my grandchildren!" Zhang Tie's mom patted Zhang Tie's head with complex moods.

"If you brothers agree, I will invite your elder uncles and Elder Muyuan to have a dinner and tell them about this decision a few days later!"

"Fine!"

…

The separation of the great properties only took Zhang family a few minutes. It was as smooth as buying a furniture in a store.

…

'I've not imagined that elder brother and I are called back to Jinwu City for separation. Later on, dad and I would be independent economically.' Zhang Tie thought as he walked out of the main mansion together with Zhang Yang a few hours later. At the sight of the stars over the sky, Zhang Tie felt a bit weird as he didn't know whether he should be pleased or sad about that.

"Elder brother, what do you think about it?" Zhang Tie couldn't help but ask Zhang Yang.

"Due to the event of the grandson of Shengzhou provincial governor, there're some evil gossips in Jinwu City. Dad and mom might want to be responsible for those gossips; therefore, they worked out the opinion to separate us for the sake of us…" Zhang Yang felt a bit depressed after experiencing such a sudden and "sharp change" at home. Therefore, he didn't want to say anything anymore, "It's already too late. I will go to bed. You'd better sleep earlier!"

"Fine!"

Zhang Tie nodded as he returned to his own residence.

As Zhang Tie's wives were in Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory, there were only maids and male servants in Zhang Tie's residence. The moment Zhang Tie returned to his residence, Zhang Gui had appeared like a spirit, "This old humble slave welcomes master back…"

Zhang Tie immediately asked Zhang Gui through a secret means, "What's wrong with those gossips in Jinwu City?"

The event about the grandson of Shengzhou provincial governor was a bit severe. As the castellan of Jinwu City, of course, Zhang Tie's dad had known that and cared about it himself. However, the words of the grandson of Shengzhou provincial governor spread over Jinwu City in a very vicious way. It was said that Zhang Tie and Zhang Yang shared wives and properties with each other. Therefore, Zhang Tie's wives delivered babies after Zhang Tie left home for 1 year…

Zhang Tie finally understood why his parents said those severe words today.

Their parents felt that they ruined the fame of Zhang Tie and Zhang Yang by fastening the two brothers to them and caused the gossips. Therefore, they requested the two brothers to separate with each other…

Zhang Tie was driven infuriated while the bricks under his foot shattered completely…

'F*ck, the Gobbling Party is too excessive!'