Chapter 36: This Is Not a Good Choice!

"Yes." The middle-aged man nodded, promptly relaying the information he had heard. "An orphan, raised and then mistreated by a cruel stepmother? Life in the Sun family must not have been easy. If he joins our sect, we can help him escape this sea of suffering. With our training, he could achieve much more!"

"Add him to the list!"

"Yes." After the man spoke, a woman beside him produced another list: "The Falcon Protection Method, the Weaving Workshop, and the Heavenly Workshop have two new entrants, 'Lin Baiwei' and 'Han Bi.'"

Falcon Protection Method reviewed the list but did not agree this time, "Let's observe for now. Currently, both the East Lake Army and the county martial arts office are conducting strict investigations."

"But we can afford to wait. They can't keep up such tight scrutiny forever. There will come a day when they relax, and that will be our opportunity!"

"I've gained some insights from the Autumn Examination. Next month, I can become a contributor and receive five taels of fire ointment each month."

"The head of the Department of Agriculture, Chen Great, has shown me great favor, deciding to subsidize my cultivation resources every month."

"So, foster father, you don't need to give me silver anymore."

When Zhao Xing returned home, he heard Zhao Rui De calling him over, planning to secretly give Zhao Xing money for cultivation. At that moment, Zhao Rui De was unaware that Zhao Xing had already secured a position until Zhao Xing explained it to him.

"You've become a contributor? And you're receiving subsidies from Chen Great?" Zhao Rui De was initially surprised, then showed a look of joy. However, upon hearing Zhao Xing refuse his money, he felt a bit empty inside.

"The Imperial Court and Chen Great's subsidies are specifically for your cultivation."

"When you socialize with colleagues, build connections, and treat guests, they can't possibly subsidize you for that, can they?"

"I don't have that many drinking buddies to spend money on," Zhao Xing replied.

"You don't now, but once your reputation grows, it won't be up to you. Spending your own money is one thing, but how would Chen Great and others view it if you didn't?" Zhao Rui De stuffed the silver note into Zhao Xing's hand. "I've already exchanged it, take it... wouldn't it be burning your father's money if you didn't?"

At this point, Zhao Xing could only accept it, though the amount was quite substantial, a full hundred taels!

"Foster father, this is too much. If Madam Cai finds out..."

Zhao Rui De snorted, "Do you really think she's the one in charge at home?"

Zhao Xing quickly shook his head, indicating that his foster father was indeed the head of the household. But Zhao Rui De immediately lowered his voice, "If you don't say anything, it will be fine. I've always had a secret stash from my business dealings. She doesn't know about it..."

So, you still haven't dared to tell Madam Cai, this is private money. But this private money is quite a lot, Zhao Xing didn't know Zhao Rui De had hidden it so tightly. No wonder Madam Cai never seemed worried when she complained, as Zhao Rui De never seemed concerned, eating meat every day without a care!

It's understandable. Madam Cai was born into a singing family, and even though she's not yet thirty, she still retains her beauty after giving birth to Zhao Zheng. But Zhao Rui De is almost sixty. With an older husband and a younger wife, if he handed over everything, Zhao Rui De feared Madam Cai might run off with the money. If it weren't for the hope of raising a promising son, Zhao Rui De planned to reveal this only before his death.

"Keep it well, and don't let Madam Cai find out. If discovered, I won't acknowledge it, and you won't get any more money in the future," Zhao Rui De chuckled.

"Thank you, foster father."

"A loving mother spoils her child. Zheng'er, you must take care of your younger brother and be more attentive in the future. When I'm gone..."

"Foster father, you're still strong and healthy. It's too early to talk about this. Zheng'er is my brother, and there's no need for extra reminders."

Zhao Rui De also felt it was too early to say such things, not knowing why he was feeling sentimental today. Could it be because of his age?

"Go about your business, Madam Cai will be back from the market soon. Remember to hide the silver note."

"Understood." Zhao Xing turned to leave.

"Wait!" Unexpectedly, Zhao Rui De called him back.

Zhao Xing turned around, puzzled.

Zhao Rui De said, "Next year, you'll have your coming-of-age ceremony, and it's time to choose a courtesy name for you."

For men at twenty and women at fifteen, after the coming-of-age ceremony, they are no longer called by their given names. Instead, they are given a courtesy name related to their original name, known as a 'zi,' to signify their virtue. This is an important ritual in adulthood, and not having one would be laughed at.

After the Spring Festival, Zhao Xing would turn twenty, so Zhao Rui De thought about it in advance, which wasn't too early.

"I've asked around and think 'Beginning of Spring' suits you. It aligns with your aspiration to become an agricultural official, as it's the first of the twenty-four solar terms. What do you think?" Zhao Rui De asked.

"Beginning of Spring? Well... wait, Zhao Beginning of Spring?" Zhao Xing's expression turned odd.

"What, you don't like it?" Zhao Rui De was a bit puzzled by the strong reaction.

"Uh... foster father, the name 'Beginning of Spring' is nice, but it's too common. In the Department of Agriculture, there are at least eighty to a hundred people with the courtesy names 'Beginning of Spring' or 'Establishing Winter.' I think you should reconsider," Zhao Xing declined.

"Alright, there's still half a year left. I'll ask around again," Zhao Rui De, being a martial artist, knew he wasn't very cultured, so he planned to consult more people.

"What should I choose then? I thought 'Beginning of Spring' was quite nice..." Zhao Rui De muttered as he walked away.

Zhao Xing couldn't help but laugh and cry. Foster father, this name is not a good choice!

The day after the Autumn Examination, Chen Great sent someone with a box.

Inside the box were two luminous fruits, and as soon as it was opened, a fragrant aroma filled the air. The room's atmosphere became noticeably richer.

[Tianyuan Pear (Third Grade Superior)]

[Category: Edible Treasure]

[Effect: Rich in Yuan Qi, protects the heart, enhances muscles, calms heat, reduces physical wear from Qi and blood circulation.]

"Tianyuan Pear, a third-grade superior item, its effects are quite beneficial for me right now," Zhao Xing took a bite, and the fragrance filled his mouth.

The Tianyuan Pear had thin skin and tender flesh, crisp and refreshing, with plenty of juice and little residue. After consuming it, the weather didn't feel as hot anymore.

Many martial artists who had reached a certain level liked to eat Tianyuan Pears because cultivating martial arts often led to Qi and blood surges, which could accumulate hidden injuries over time. Regular consumption of Tianyuan Pears could significantly reduce organ damage.

However, for Sinoong, the demand for this effect wasn't high; the focus was on its Yuan Qi enhancement.

"Chen Great sends me fifteen pieces a month. My speed of Gathering Essence will at least double compared to not eating them."

Currently at the second stage of Gathering Essence, the improvement was quite significant.

Zhao Xing had just taken a bite when his status panel immediately updated.

[You consumed a third-grade superior Tianyuan Pear, Yuan Qi increased by 25 points.]

[Gathering Essence Stage Two: 785/1000]

An increase of 25 points at once! The effect was immediate!

Normally, such an increase wouldn't be possible. It was because Zhao Xing's body hadn't consumed any Yuan-enhancing treasures before, and after being transformed by the Embryo Pill, his body's absorption efficiency for such treasures had greatly increased.

"Yuan Qi has a tendency to dissipate, can't waste it, better finish it quickly!" Zhao Xing immediately took big bites.

(End of Chapter)