Chapter 36: This is Not Allowed

"Yes," the middle-aged man nodded, immediately handing over the information he had gathered.

"An orphan, adopted, then cruelly treated by a jealous woman? It seems his daily life and provisions were poor. Our sect should rescue such people from their misery. If nurtured by our sect, he could achieve even greater things!"

"Add him to the list!"

"Understood."

After the man finished speaking, the woman beside him produced another list. "Protector, the Weaving Workshop and the Craftsman Workshop also have two new top-tier apprentices: Lin Baiwei and Han Bi."

The Falcon Protector glanced at it, but this time he didn't agree. "Let's observe them for now. The Donghu Army and the County Martial Arts Office are investigating very strictly these days."

"However, we will wait patiently. There's no need to rush. They can't maintain such strict investigations forever; there will be a day when they relax, and that will be our time to reap the rewards!"

***

"I achieved good results in the Autumn Equinox assessment. Next month, I'll become a Tributary Scholar and receive five taels of stipend monthly."

"Master Chen, the head official of the Department of Agriculture, appreciates me greatly and has decided to provide me with cultivation resources every month."

"So, adoptive father, you don't need to give me any more money."

When Zhao Xing returned home, he heard Zhao Ruide calling for him, planning to secretly give him money for his cultivation. At this point, Zhao Ruide didn't know that Zhao Xing had once again achieved the highest grade. It was only after Zhao Xing explained that he understood.

"You've become a Tributary Scholar? And you're being sponsored by Chen Shijie?" Zhao Ruide was first startled, then his face lit up with joy. But upon hearing Zhao Xing refuse his money, he suddenly felt a pang of emptiness.

"The court and Master Chen's sponsorship are dedicated funds specifically for your cultivation."

"When you socialize with colleagues, build connections, and treat them to meals, they can't possibly sponsor that too, can they?"

"I don't have that many 'wine-and-meat friends' to spend money on," Zhao Xing replied.

"You don't now, but later, when your reputation grows, you won't have a choice. If you spend your own money lavishly, no one can criticize you. Otherwise, what will Master Chen and others think?" Zhao Ruide pushed the silver notes into Zhao Xing's hand. "I've already exchanged it; take it... Is your adoptive father's money too hot to handle?"

With Zhao Ruide putting it that way, Zhao Xing could only accept it, but the amount was quite significant—a hundred taels!

"Adoptive father, this much... if Lady Cai finds out..."

Zhao Ruide snorted, "Do you really think she's the one in charge of this household?"

Zhao Xing quickly shook his head, indicating that his adoptive father was indeed the master of the house.

But Zhao Ruide then whispered, "Just don't tell her, that's all. I've always had a secret share from the main family's escort agency, settled every few years. She doesn't know about it..."

Ah, so he still didn't dare tell Lady Cai; this was his private stash. But this private fund was quite substantial, and Zhao Xing hadn't realized Zhao Ruide had hidden it so well. No wonder Zhao Ruide never worried when Lady Cai complained; even with daily meat consumption and more mouths to feed, it wouldn't break the bank!

It made sense, considering human nature. Lady Cai was born a courtesan, and despite having given birth to Zhao Zheng, she was still quite attractive, not yet thirty years old. Zhao Ruide, however, was nearly sixty. With such an age difference, Zhao Ruide feared Lady Cai might abscond with the money if he revealed everything. Had his adoptive son not shown such promise for a future, Zhao Ruide would have planned to reveal this secret only before his death.

"Keep it safe yourself. Don't let Lady Cai find out. If she discovers it, I won't acknowledge it, and you won't get any more money from me in the future," Zhao Ruide cautioned.

"Thank you, adoptive father."

"An overly doting mother spoils a child. You can manage Zheng'er; as his elder brother, you should pay more attention to him after I'm gone..."

"Adoptive father, you are still in your prime. It's too early to speak of such things. Zheng'er is my brother; there's no need for your extra instructions."

Zhao Ruide also felt it was too early to say such things. He wondered why he was being a bit sentimental today. Was he truly getting old?

"Go about your business. Lady Cai will be back from the market soon. Remember, hide the silver notes well."

"Understood." Zhao Xing turned to leave.

"Wait!" Zhao Ruide unexpectedly called out to him again.

Zhao Xing turned back, a little puzzled.

Zhao Ruide said, "Next year you'll have your capping ceremony, and it's time to choose your courtesy name."

After a man's capping ceremony at age twenty or a woman's hair-pinning ceremony at age fifteen, it was considered impolite to call them by their given names. Thus, another name, a 'courtesy name,' related to the meaning of their given name, was chosen to signify their virtues. This was a relatively important part of the coming-of-age ceremony; not having one would invite ridicule. Zhao Xing would turn twenty right after spring, so Zhao Ruide thinking about it in advance wasn't too early.

"I consulted someone, and they thought 'Lichun' (Beginning of Spring) would suit you well. Since you want to become a Department of Agriculture official, and this is the first of the twenty-four solar terms, what do you think?" Zhao Ruide asked.

"Lichun? Well... wait, Zhao Lichun?" Zhao Xing's expression immediately turned strange.

"What, you don't like it?" Zhao Ruide was puzzled by such a strong reaction.

"Uh... Adoptive father, the name 'Lichun' is fine, but it's far too common. Among the Department of Agriculture, there are at least eighty or a hundred people with 'Lichun' or 'Lidong' as their courtesy names. I think you should reconsider," Zhao Xing declined.

"Alright, there's still half a year, so I'll ask around more." Zhao Ruide was a rough old martial artist and knew he wasn't very cultured. He needed to ask more people and get more opinions on this matter.

"What name should I choose? I thought Lichun was quite good..." Zhao Ruide muttered as he walked away.

Zhao Xing couldn't help but feel a mix of amusement and exasperation. *Adoptive father, that name really won't do.*

***

The day after the Autumn Equinox assessment, Chen Shijie sent someone to deliver a box. Inside the box were two dawn-colored fruits. The moment it was opened, a fragrant aroma filled the air. The ambient vital energy in the room intensified by a third.

Heavenly Origin Pear (Rank 3, High Grade)Category: Edible TreasureEffects: Contains abundant vital energy, protects the heart, strengthens muscles, calms and clears heat, reduces physical wear and tear caused by qi and blood circulation.

"The Heavenly Origin Pear, Rank 3, High Grade. Its effects will be of considerable help to me right now."

Zhao Xing took a bite, and an intense fragrance immediately filled his mouth. The Heavenly Origin Pear had thin skin, tender flesh, was crisp and refreshing, and had plenty of juice with minimal pulp. After eating it, Zhao Xing didn't feel the heat as much. Many martial artists who have achieved a certain rank enjoy eating Heavenly Origin Pears because practicing martial arts causes qi and blood to surge, which can easily accumulate hidden injuries over time. However, long-term consumption of Heavenly Origin Pears can significantly reduce damage to internal organs.

However, officials in the Department of Agriculture didn't have a great need for this particular effect; they valued its vital energy-boosting properties more.

"Chen Shijie sends me 15 every month. My vital energy accumulation rate will at least double compared to not eating them." At his current second stage of vital energy accumulation, the improvement was quite substantial.

The moment Zhao Xing took a bite, his status panel reacted instantly. A new record appeared:

You consumed a Rank 3, High Grade Heavenly Origin Pear; Vital Energy increased by 25 points.Vital Energy Stage 2: 785/1000

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

Under normal circumstances, the increase wouldn't be this significant. It was because Zhao Xing's body hadn't consumed many vital energy-enhancing treasures before, and after being refined by the Dao Embryo Pill, his body's absorption efficiency for such treasures had greatly increased.

"There's a risk of vital energy dissipating; I can't waste it. I need to finish it quickly!" Zhao Xing immediately began eating in large bites.