Time is of the essence, so Tie Dan followed the Xiao Family’s attendant, riding a Dragon Horse through the skies, heading straight to Yingzhou. Located in the northwest of Zhen Country, Yingzhou is at the intersection of Zhen, Gen, and the Capital, making it not too much of a detour.
Moreover, the attendant was dressed in Yulin Golden Armor with the Zhen Country Qingluan King Flag on his back, posing as an Orderly, conveying that it was an urgent military matter concerning Jiangshan and Shiji. Naturally, there were no demons, heterodox paths, or other such disturbances to provoke such troubles along the way.
Thus, the journey was smooth.
While idly traveling, Tie Dan was intrigued by the response of the Purple-faced General in Lanling City toward Marquis Xichang. Even if it was to contest for Immortal Ganoderma, whether to give or not was a family matter. Stepping out to offend the Xiao Family seemed a bit too bold. Moreover, that Young Master unexpectedly confided the wrongs of his family to an outsider, which was quite rare, suggesting a possible scheme.
Thus, Tie Dan cautiously, through subtle inquiries, conversed a bit more with the attendant to clarify the underlying reasons.
It turned out that Marquis Xichang was the nephew of the Xiao Family Ancestor, the cousin of Young Master Xiao, and the father of Xiao Baoqin. Losing his father at a young age and being the second son of a concubine, he could not inherit the family estate, so he was raised by the Ancestor as his own.
Since he was not the legitimate Princely Heir of the clan, there was no title or fief for him to inherit. He could not idle away his days in Lanling leisurely, so being without a father’s upbringing or mother’s affection, he quickly developed a tenacious character, requesting early on to govern outside, representing the Xiao Family in managing affairs and forging his own path.
Of course, for such noble family descendants, as long as they are willing to work, they have the protection of the family. Promotions were merely formalities, and whether it was his real talent was hard to say. But at least compared to those playboys who spend their days in debauchery, idle but willing to work was considered commendable, naturally earning the Xiao Family’s endorsement and the support of a series of disciples and old officials.
Thus, Marquis Xichang, driven by fierce determination, rose from the grassroots level, serving successively as County Magistrate, Changshi, Capital Commandant, governor, Assistant, inspector, Chief of Staff, General... advancing through ranks without making significant errors, showcasing a versatile readiness wherever needed.
A family like the Xiao Family, producing a host of offspring, is essentially a draw of cards. Among a heap of failures and worthless spendthrifts, drawing one reliable SSR to handle affairs is a joy for the Ancestor, earning deep trust from the clan elders.
Therefore, despite starting with the absolute disadvantage of being a concubine’s son, Marquis Xichang fought his way into the Xiao Family’s core circle. Not only was he enfeoffed and ennobled but also entrusted with vital responsibilities, such as managing North Station Yingzhou, making him a powerful faction within the Xiao Family.
As for Marquis Xichang’s personality, it is a matter of perspective.
At least this attendant sees no problem, even viewing Marquis Xichang as impartial, insightful, diligent, and fair. Historically, those who self-recommended themselves from humble origins at Lanling City often fell under the wing of Marquis Xichang and were entrusted with important roles.
But this is natural, after all, Marquis Xichang himself is of humble origin. With no old subordinates or secret mansion staff left for him to command as a concubine’s son, surrounded by clansmen mocking and making things difficult, he had no reliable relatives to rely on, opting to appoint based on merit and assemble his own modest team.
Thus, naturally, for a self-made concubine’s son like Marquis Xichang, the direct descendants of Lanling found him disagreeable, with little goodwill exchanged between them.
As the saying goes, even in a family, the dining table is only so big, and the seats are limited. Either you sit, or I sit. Would you rather sit and eat at the table or stand aside and wait for leftover scraps?
Besides, one must say, the Xiao Family Ancestor is quite capable, for Marquis Xichang is not the only one he groomed and supported.
A family’s past glory doesn’t matter; future prosperity depends on selecting and promoting the right descendants.
The Xiao Family, its fortune has not run dry yet.
Safely arriving in Yingzhou, with an Orderly leading the way and bearing the token from Miss of Marquis Xichang Mansion, naturally no stubborn generals were foolish enough to cause trouble, allowing Tie Dan smooth entry into the city.
At this time, Marquis Xichang leading troops to Yingzhou was certainly not for leisure. Currently serving as the Zhen State Guard General commanding forces, overseeing military affairs in Yingzhou, firstly to guard against the northern Kan Country’s rebel army from running rampant and crossing the river; secondly to manage and settle the refugees fleeing into the border, and thirdly to establish camps and fortifications, streamline military provisions in preparation for the Three Constellations’ decree to suppress the rebels and launch the Northern Expedition.
Riding the Dragon Horse, Tie Dan observed from above, seeing Marquis Xichang’s army stationed in Yingzhou bustling with activity: settling refugees, employing public work for relief, conscripting labor, consolidating Yingzhou’s city defense, constructing and reinforcing fortifications, rectifying military camp order, dredging them canal grain routes, guarding crossing points along Gen River, gathering riverboats, and military garrisoning.
Within the Zhen Army camp, signs of well-supplied troops, strict discipline, and complete equipment were evident, though the actual combat capability remained unknown, indicating that Marquis Xichang indeed possessed governance skills, befitting the trust and cultivation by the Xiao Family.
"Warrior, traveling tirelessly to deliver the message! Many thanks from Xiao Ming!"
Upon receiving the message, clad in armor with a red robe and golden armor, Marquis Xichang Xiao Ming immediately returned from the construction site to the camp to personally meet Tie Dan.
This man, at a glance, bore the distinct features of the Xiao Family, a six-foot-tall man, dignified in appearance, resembling a leaner, more burdened Young Master. Having been ennobled with the Divine Infant Pill for longevity, his cultivation was rather average. Of course, he was surrounded by personal soldiers proficient in the Divine Gang Body, each carrying the Court Ceremony Blade, evidently all close confidants gathered by him.
Tie Dan, keen not to involve himself too deeply in Xiao Family matters, wasted few words, cupping his fists, he cut straight to the point,
"Marquis, the Demon Path demands the spiritual elixir in exchange for your daughter’s life, only four days remain. What is your plan?"
Xiao Ming squinted his phoenix eyes, glanced at Tie Dan’s sword, and without any beating around the bush, while returning Xiao Baoqin’s Jade Bracelet and green silk to Tie Dan, spoke directly,
"Hero Liu, forgive the embarrassment. Not even for the Thirteenth Lady, nor indeed if this Marquis was captured, would they exchange Immortal Ganoderma. I understand.
But in any case, opening this precedence would lead to endless troubles."
Tie Dan, feeling puzzled, wondered what it meant to return these tokens, but accepting them seemed the courteous thing to do, and since this wasn’t the time to fret over minor issues, he asked,
"So, is Marquis not planning to intervene? Nevertheless, this journey for your daughter to Kan Country was arranged by you, right?"
Understanding Tie Dan’s insinuation, Xiao Ming, a sharp man himself, motioned his attendants away and invited Tie Dan to sit in the military tent,
"Hero is a Northern person; I have nothing to hide. Currently, Zhongshan Gong Stone Dragon’s rebellion sweeps across the Gen Kingdom, capturing Ye Capital, and soon aims to dominate Hebei, pressing his advance toward the Central Plains. Regardless of the delay by the Three Constellations, avoiding conflict is inevitable. At that time, Zhen Country will be at the forefront, and avoidance is impossible.
Though Kan Country’s royal clan is weak, the residual influence of Kan Country Master remains, his years of favor wielding power. If I can secure a marriage alliance with a princess, setting strategic positions, perhaps in the future, people like Benefactor, a righteous hero could turn this disaster around for me.
They may demand anything else, but regarding the Ganoderma..."
Tie Dan continued his words,
"But that Ganoderma is the key to breaking through Divinity Transformation, exclusively used to entice your family’s large contingent of Nascent Soul Realm thugs.
With imminent war, this is the crucial time to utilize people, sacrificing such essential rewards would chill the hearts of household officials and soldiers, right."
Xiao Ming nodded,
"Indeed, as you say. Even reporting this to the Ancestor will not change the outcome.
To preserve the legitimate inheritance, peripheral branches such as ours are to be abandoned and sacrificed if necessary.
Therefore, to save Thirteenth Lady, we must take action ourselves."
"Oh, how does the Marquis plan to act?"
Seeing Xiao Ming signal, Tie Dan handed over his Court Ceremony Blade.
Drawing the blade, Xiao Ming held it in his hand, observing its sharp edge and crisp sheen,
"Truly a fine blade...
My family’s Ancestor once had an Outer Heaven Meteorite Iron fall in the mansion, spent the family fortune, and forged a hundred ’Dingye’ blades, building ties with the world’s heroes.
I once had the fortune to receive a heavenly Meteorite Iron and, following the example of the Ancestor, forged a hundred ’Court Ceremony’ blades, gifting them to heroes worldwide.
Up to now, only fifty have been given out, with ten by my side. I request Hero Liu to lead the way, join me in rescuing the lady."
Tie Dan looked at him,
"Marquis, I’m a blunt person, so I’ll speak plainly. I can see you’re a person with ambitions and objectives. For the sake of this fine blade, assisting you this time isn’t a big deal.
However, let me be clear, even if we, ten people indebted to you, give our lives, we will not stand a chance against them.
In the end, not only will you fail to rescue your daughter, but you’ll lose ten fine blades. Are you willing?"
Xiao Ming gazed somberly at the blade for a while, lost in thought.
"Leaving such matters aside would be regrettable... But I’m her father; if I don’t care for her, who will?"
Tie Dan fell silent.
At this juncture, the task could have ended, allowing a clean break.
If Xiao Ming uttered a ’no’, Tie Dan would certainly have turned and left without uttering a second word.
However, the somber expression of the middle-aged man before him, after a period of silent mulling, chose to forgo his ambition toward his nascent grand cause to save his daughter.
Therefore, Tie Dan also nodded,
"Alright, I will help you bring her back."
"Warrior, thank you!"

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