Chapter 383: Assets

Duan Rong arrived at the main gate of the County Government Office and jumped off his horse. A clerk immediately came over, took the reins, and led the horse to the side.

Just as Duan Rong stepped into the main gate of the County Government Office, someone walked up to greet him, immediately cupping his hands and saying, "Lord Imperial Envoy!"

Duan Rong was slightly stunned; he had not expected Guo Xiangbao to be at the main gate to welcome him. He immediately cupped his hands in return and said, "Lord Guo!"

Guo Xiangbao smiled and said, "I should have visited you at your residence. However, there are some documents that need signing, so I had to trouble you to make a trip to the County Government Office."

Duan Rong's heart stirred slightly. He was wondering what Guo Xiangbao meant by having documents to sign, but it was clearly inappropriate to ask directly here, so Duan Rong just replied indifferently, "Lord Guo is too polite!"

The two walked slowly into the flower hall in the back courtyard.

A personal attendant served two cups of fragrant tea.

Duan Rong only took a small sip before putting down the teacup, waiting quietly for Guo Xiangbao to speak. He knew that Guo Xiangbao would certainly not have called him here for no reason.

Guo Xiangbao said, "Lord Imperial Envoy, I know you are a native of Xiangu and have a deep understanding of the local customs and conditions. I have a matter now that I would like to consult you on."

Duan Rong said, "I dare not accept the word 'consult.' Please speak, Lord Guo."

Guo Xiangbao said, "How do you think the assets of the various merchant firms should be handled, my lord?"

Duan Rong smiled, picked up his teacup, took a light sip, and said, "This is a matter for the Ya Men; Lord Guo can handle it as you see fit. I have no reference-worthy opinions here."

Guo Xiangbao's words were originally intended to probe Duan Rong's stance and also to do him a personal favor.

Guo Xiangbao said, "My plan is to return the assets of the various merchant firms confiscated from the Filthy Blood Sect to their original owners. This is beneficial to the stability of Xiangu County and will allow all trades and markets to recover as soon as possible."

"My lord, with such a broad mind, the people of Xiangu are truly blessed!" Duan Rong said in a lukewarm tone. He really did not understand—did Guo Xiangbao call him over just to talk nonsense with him?

Just then, Guo Xiangbao paused and said, "It is just that... the assets of the Yuanshun Escort Agency... Ruan Fengshan himself was of the Filthy Blood Sect, and his entire clan has already been wiped out..."

Duan Rong's brow twitched. He immediately and keenly sensed Guo Xiangbao's intent and turned his head to look at the other man deeply.

Guo Xiangbao said, "The original Chief Instructor of the Yuanshun Escort Agency, Old Master Xiao, is loyal and righteous, and he was also sworn brothers with the old Manager of the agency. It can be said that he exhausted his life's efforts for the agency."

"Moreover, I have heard..." Guo Xiangbao said, looking at Duan Rong, "that you, Lord Imperial Envoy, and Old Master Xiao's daughter are about to be happily wed. My meaning is, one of you is Old Master Xiao's beloved disciple, and the other is his only daughter; it is only right and proper for the agency to be handed over to Old Master Xiao's descendants."

Although Duan Rong had already guessed Guo Xiangbao's intent, hearing him say it out loud still caused a slight tremor in his heart.

As for the fact that Guo Xiangbao knew about his upcoming marriage to Xiao Yu, he did not find it strange at all. The matchmaker had already visited to check their horoscopes; the mouths of those old women were never tight.

Duan Rong said, "Is Lord Guo trying to gift the escort agency to me?"

Guo Xiangbao said, "Lord Imperial Envoy! How can you call this a gift? This agency was originally yours, my lord; I am merely returning it to its rightful owner. The assets of all other merchant firms are to be returned, and the escort agency is naturally no exception."

Duan Rong chuckled inwardly; what does it mean to be good at giving gifts?

To give in a way that is as gentle as a spring breeze, leaving no trace—that is what it means to be good at giving gifts.

This Guo Xiangbao was clearly very good at giving gifts. The expression on his face as he looked at you, the sincere way he spoke, made it seem as if the escort agency truly should have belonged to Duan Rong all along.

However, Duan Rong had originally planned to find a residence. If the Yuanshun Escort Agency were given to him, not only would the residence for his marriage to Xiao Yu be settled, but he would also have an industry and a power base in Xiangu County from now on.

This place is remote; this is its disadvantage, but from another perspective, it is also its advantage.

Duan Rong sat there noncommittally, taking two more sips of tea.

As soon as Guo Xiangbao saw Duan Rong's expression, he knew that he had agreed.

He immediately took several scrolls of documents from under the paperweight on the side table and said, "My lord, these are the property deeds and business registration for the Yuanshun Escort Agency. If you sign and process them, my lord, I will register them for the record, and this Yuanshun Escort Agency will be officially under your name!"

Duan Rong glanced at the scrolls of documents and finally understood what Guo Xiangbao meant at the gate of the County Government Office about having documents to sign.

Duan Rong picked up the scrolls, read through them, confirmed they were correct, and then signed them one by one and pressed his fingerprints on them.

Guo Xiangbao kept two of the documents, while the remaining three were given to Duan Rong, all bearing the official seal of the County Office.

After completing the procedures, Guo Xiangbao personally escorted Duan Rong out of the County Government Office, remaining extremely respectful in his etiquette the entire way.

At the gate of the County Government Office, Duan Rong cupped his hands and said, "Lord Guo, you will surely rise rapidly in your official career in the future."

Duan Rong's words were not entirely just polite pleasantries.

Guo Xiangbao smiled obsequiously, "I shall take your auspicious words, my lord!"

After the two parted ways at the gate, Duan Rong left the County Government Office.

Guo Xiangbao stood at the gate, watching Duan Rong walk away, before putting his hands behind his back and walking inside, looking quite pleased with himself.

Duan Rong had rendered great service in the previous first case of the Tainted Blood, and his promotion to Inner Sect Disciple was almost a certainty. Such a figure was not someone one could just cozy up to by being sycophantic. For this matter, Guo Xiangbao had pondered it back and forth several times, determined to make it flawless and leave no trace. He was very satisfied with today's result.

Although Duan Rong had only offered a light word of praise at the end, having this connection meant that if there were ever any real issues in the future, he would be able to get a word in.

Along the way, Duan Rong was thinking about this matter. He naturally knew that Guo Xiangbao was trying to curry favor with him, and he really did not want to accept ordinary gifts. But since the gift had touched his heart, he accepted it. "This Guo Xiangbao, he still has some skill!"

Duan Rong returned to the Ximen Mansion and told Xiao Yu about the matter.

Xiao Yu was naturally quite happy; she had grown up in the escort agency since she was a child. She had been thinking for the past few days that the Yuanshun Escort Agency might just vanish into thin air after such a great upheaval.

And since her father's life's work was in the agency, and she herself had once been an Escort, she really could not bear to see the Yuanshun Escort Agency end up with such a fate.

Now that the agency was in Duan Rong's hands, it could be considered a good arrangement. She believed that Duan Rong would surely have his ways to make the agency develop again. Perhaps even better than before!

That afternoon, Duan Rong, Xiao Yu, and Zhu Xiaoqi left the Ximen Mansion and returned to the Yuanshun Escort Agency.

Duan Rong locked the main gate of the Ximen Mansion again with a large lock and kept the key, planning to return it to Ximen Kankan if there was an opportunity in the future.

When Duan Rong and the others walked into the Yuanshun Escort Agency, there were only a few people practicing martial arts in the Martial Arts Arena. Seeing Duan Rong and the others enter, those few people wearing Escort uniforms were slightly stunned.

The back courtyard of the Yuanshun Escort Agency had already been sealed off, with official government seals posted.

Duan Rong walked straight over and tore the seal off the gate of the back courtyard.

The back courtyard of the Yuanshun Escort Agency had orderly buildings and a regular layout, with all kinds of furniture and items fully equipped. They simply tidied up a bit, replaced the bedding and teacups, and moved in.

The news that Duan Rong and the others had returned to the escort agency spread among the Escorts and Escort Runners within the agency that very day.

For the past few days, the people in the agency had been in a state of panic.

Especially after Ruan Fengshan's family was wiped out, everyone in the agency was afraid of being implicated and wanted to leave the agency to seek other opportunities. But at that time, all the major merchant firms were still ownerless, so even if they wanted to switch to another camp, there was no one to take them in for the time being. They had no choice but to linger in the agency, waiting and scouting for news.

Later, it seemed they heard that Duan Rong had returned to take over the agency. As soon as those Escorts and Escort Runners heard this news, they felt as if they had been injected with a stimulant, regardless of whether it was true or not.

If it were truly Duan Rong taking over the agency, then they would not leave. After all, many of them had been Escorts for half their lives; who could be sure what the prospects would be if they switched to another camp now?

If the Yuanshun Escort Agency could stabilize, they were still willing to work in the agency.

Duan Rong seemed to have insight into the thoughts of that group of Escorts. That night, in the Gathering Justice Hall in the back courtyard of the agency, he had someone call over the Escort Head of the First Escort Team, Ye Feng, the Escort Head of the Fourth Escort Team, Wang Zhuoyong, the Escort Head of the Sixth Escort Team, Zhao Meng, and the Chief Accountant of the agency, Xu Fuxian.

Yuanshun Escort Agency originally had six Escort Teams; in these past few years, it has withered by half, leaving only the Escort Heads of three Escort Teams.

The four people sitting below all had grave expressions, not knowing what would happen next.

Duan Rong sat in the tall, wide chair that Ruan Fengshan usually occupied.

Duan Rong said, "Calling you all here has no other meaning. It is just that the business of the Escort Agency still relies on you all. This Escort Agency is the lifeblood of the older generation; it cannot be allowed to fail in our hands. Everyone, don't you agree?"

Hearing these words from Duan Rong, the few people felt as if they had taken a reassurance pill, their faces filled with great joy.

Following this, they exchanged some polite pleasantries and began to discuss specific business allocations.

About an hour later, the four people stood up, bowed to Duan Rong, and exited the Gathering Justice Hall.

Just as Xu Fuxian and Wang Zhuoyong walked out of the Back Courtyard, they suddenly discovered that in the pitch-black night, quite a few people were gathered near the entrance of the Back Courtyard.

Those Escorts and Escort Runners, upon seeing them come out, all asked with eyes full of anticipation.

"Chief Accountant Xu, Head Wang, Head Zhao, how did it go? What was said during the meeting?"

"Give us brothers a hint, too."

Wang Zhuoyong looked at the crowd, who were both expectant and worried, and said, "The Escort Agency is as it always was; from now on, Master Duan is our leader!"

Cheers immediately erupted from the crowd!

With Duan Rong in charge, the Escort Agency was stable. They would not need to look for another way to make a living!

Inside the Gathering Justice Hall, Duan Rong watched the four leave and wearily rubbed his temples.

Just then, a faint, fragrant breeze drifted into his nostrils. Duan Rong raised his eyes to see Zhu Xiaoqi not far away, carrying a tray with a bowl of white fungus and lotus seed soup on it.

"Are you tired?" Xiao Yu stood behind Zhu Xiaoqi and asked, looking at Duan Rong with concern.

Xiao Yu was also very concerned about the affairs of the Escort Agency, so while they were meeting earlier, Xiao Yu had listened for a while from behind that large folding screen.

Duan Rong had just offered many suggestions for the management of the Escort Agency; listening from behind, Xiao Yu found them both novel and admirable.

Xiao Yu was originally an Escort, but she was about to get married soon, so it would not be appropriate for her to show her face to handle Escort Agency affairs in the future. Moreover, she and Duan Rong were both Outer Sect Disciples of the Sect; once their three-month family visit leave was over, they would have to patrol the world on behalf of the Sect and could not possibly focus their energy on managing the Escort Agency.

As Xiao Yu spoke, she had already picked up the bowl of white fungus and lotus seed soup from the tray and handed it to Duan Rong herself.

Duan Rong looked at the tempting-looking soup, but his expression froze.

He really wanted to ask, who made this? Was it made by Zhu Xiaoqi, or was it made by Xiao Yu?

During this time, he had tasted Xiao Yu's cooking more than once; it was truly beyond words!

However, looking at Xiao Yu's gentle and sincere eyes, Duan Rong really could not bring himself to ask.

He took the bowl of white fungus and lotus seed soup, scooped up a spoonful, and put it into his mouth.

The corners of Duan Rong's mouth twitched; he swallowed it and gave Xiao Yu an awkward smile.

Xiao Yu's expression was slightly nervous as she said, "What? Is it not good?"

"No, it's good," Duan Rong said.

Xiao Yu smiled and said, "Then you should eat more. White fungus is good for the body!"

Duan Rong, however, just sat there holding the bowl.

I want to eat more too, but you boiled it until it's cloyingly sweet; how am I supposed to eat it! Is rock sugar free or something?

Zhu Xiaoqi stood behind Xiao Yu, covering her mouth and watching Duan Rong with amusement.

Duan Rong looked at the expectant Xiao Yu and suddenly asked, "Did you only stew one bowl of this soup?"

Xiao Yu looked at Duan Rong with bright eyes and said, "That's right! I specifically stewed it for you in a small porcelain pot. Top-quality white fungus and fresh lotus seeds."

Duan Rong's eyes dimmed instantly.

Behind Xiao Yu, Zhu Xiaoqi was even more amused; if she hadn't been holding it in, she would have almost laughed out loud.

Duan Rong had no choice but to scoop up another spoonful and force himself to swallow it.

Duan Rong felt that the sweetness was truly bothersome, so he said, "Xiao Qi, is there any clear tea? Bring me a cup."

Zhu Xiaoqi finally could not hold it in anymore; she burst out laughing and said, "Yes, I'll go get some now."

Zhu Xiaoqi brought a cup of clear tea, and Duan Rong rinsed his mouth with it before gathering the courage to continue eating.

With the help of two cups of clear tea, Duan Rong finally finished the bowl of cloyingly sweet soup.

Xiao Yu looked at the clean porcelain bowl, very satisfied. She collected the bowl and utensils, performed a curtsy, and then left with Zhu Xiaoqi.

After turning behind the screen, Xiao Yu looked at Zhu Xiaoqi and said, "I think he really likes it. Xiao Qi, soak some more white fungus tonight; I'll stew another bowl for him tomorrow."

Sitting there, Duan Rong heard these words drifting from behind the screen and almost vomited blood.

No, I must have a showdown with Xiao Yu tomorrow; she cannot make food anymore. This is going to cost lives!

The next evening, Duan Rong walked out of the Back Courtyard of the Escort Agency. As soon as he reached the Martial Arts Arena, several Escorts who were practicing there saw Duan Rong, immediately stood straight, and called out, "Manager!"

Duan Rong was slightly stunned, then smiled and walked over.

But as he crossed the Martial Arts Arena, he was called "Manager" repeatedly all the way across.

He could tell that those people were genuinely happy for him, but being called that all the way across made him so awkward he could curl his toes!

Duan Rong finally exited the Escort Agency and wiped the cold sweat from his forehead. It seems he cannot walk through this Martial Arts Arena in the future; there is a side door in the Back Courtyard, so he will use that to enter and exit from now on.

Duan Rong left the Escort Agency and walked straight along West Street to the teahouse.

He found an empty seat by the window on the second floor of the teahouse and simply ordered two plates of dried fruit and a pot of clear tea.

Duan Rong sipped his tea while looking out the window; he was waiting for someone here.

This morning, he had sent a Personal Attendant from the Escort Agency to the Ya Men to help him make an appointment with Yang Zhen.

There was a matter he wanted to discuss with Yang Zhen.

(End of chapter)