Free Web NovelChapter 522: Chapter 18: The Duel (Part 3)
"Are you planning to pay the enlistment silver?"
"Yes," Fang Zheng bowed,
"The people of Gu’an County are pure and simple, and there are very few who are eager for brave acts or victory. Moreover, the private soldiers under my command are not very competent."
"I heard that one can pay enlistment silver to be exempted from military service, so I came to inquire."
"Hmm..." Song Ji pursed his lips and said slowly,
"Based on the population of Gu’an County, Brother Fang will need to pay one hundred thousand taels of silver to be exempt from providing troops."
"Hmm?"
He thought of something and said,
"I remember the Prince once instructed that every force must send troops, meaning that even if you pay the enlistment silver, you still have to make some contribution as a formality."
"One hundred thousand taels?"
"And still have to provide troops?"
Fang Zheng showed a contemplative expression,
"In that case, I’m afraid I must first consult the Commandery Princess."
"That’s fine," Song Ji nodded,
"Take your time, Brother Fang."
"Farewell!"
Fang Zheng bowed and stepped out of the room.
Just as he left, a figure silently appeared behind Song Ji and spoke in a low voice,
"Young Master, when the amount of one hundred thousand taels of silver was mentioned earlier, his breath didn’t change at all. He should be able to afford it." freёwebnoѵel.com
"Oh!" Song Ji raised his eyebrows,
"Seems like he’s wealthy."
"Not just that," the figure said,
"According to my investigation, Fang Zheng has raised thousands of private soldiers, trained in the Hu Ben Army’s methods."
"They are elite troops!"
"In Gu’an County, even a Martial Sect or a Master might not easily defeat him."
"Is that so?" Song Ji sat up straight, showing interest,
"The Commandery Princess has few associations in the Prefecture City, and even fewer who catch her eye. Fang Zheng is one of them."
"Fortunately, he is obedient and seldom comes to the Prefecture City."
The figure nodded silently.
The Imperial Court’s situation was turbulent, and all parties were placing their bets.
The Song Family sent Song Ji to follow King Kang here as their wager, and Song Ji had his own ambitions.
Princess Qingyuan!
’Li Yingxuan’s Primordial Yin Body remains intact, and she has diligently practiced Luofu Immortal Sect’s Secret Technique. If I could dual cultivate with her...’
’The great path could be achieved!’
’It’s a pity, what does this woman mean by staying elusive for years despite my pursuit?’
"Hmph!"
Thinking of Li Yingxuan’s cold, elegant, and dignified demeanor with her alluring figure, Song Ji couldn’t help but feel his breath quicken.
"One day, I’ll have you at my whim!"
......
"Does that Song still have a grudge against me?"
Looking back, Fang Zheng shook his head speechlessly.
For so many years, he had lived reclusively, only visiting Zhaonan Prefecture briefly and rarely.
Although he had connections with the two Commandery Princesses, they were not many.
Alas.
Song Ji was a narrow-minded person, considering anyone close to Li Yingxuan as an enemy.
"Forget it!"
"It seems there’s a Master from the Song Family nearby. For their sake, I will let it slide for now."
"Hmm,"
"I hope they don’t provoke me unnecessarily."
Turning around, he first went to the Ling Family.
In less than two years, Linghu Mingquan seemed to have aged twenty years, with graying hair and a face full of wrinkles.
"Linghu Changping wants to split the family."
Linghu Mingquan, holding a cane, suddenly squatted down with a ferocious expression,
"Unfilial son!"
"Split the family?"
Fang Zheng seemed to consider,
"What do the others say?"
"What else can they say?" Linghu Mingquan snorted coldly,
"That brat Changping has the backing of Pure Yang Palace and a wife on the cusp of becoming a Martial Sect. Everyone else is thinking of clinging to him."
"However..."
"I’m not that bad. Even if the family splits, half of the Ling Family’s assets will fall into my hands."
"Fang Zheng, you must support me!"
"Alas!"
Before he could speak, Linghu Mingquan sighed,
"The Ling Family is doomed. Father is gone, and now this little traitor rears its head, disturbing us."
"I won’t hand over the family assets!"
Fang Zheng shook his head.
His brother-in-law’s obsession was too strong; it seemed impossible for him to give up the position of Patriarch.
Speaking of which,
Linghu Changping was also part of the Ling Family. If he could be reasoned with and led by Linghu Changping, the Ling Family might rise even higher.
Unfortunately!
"Hmm?"
Fang Zheng’s eyes flickered. He said,
"Did you say Father is gone?"
"..." Linghu Mingquan’s body stiffened, his eyes flickered before he said,
"Yes."
"Father is already gone."
"When did this happen?" Fang Zheng’s face turned grim,
"Didn’t he go to the East Sea? How do you know something happened to him?"
"Several people accompanied Father to the East Sea, and a few days ago, the old patriarch from the An Family returned," Linghu Mingquan replied,
"He sent word that Father is gone."
The An Family?
An Tao!
Linghu An hadn’t returned, yet this person came back, and his strength was much less than Linghu An’s.
What happened in the East Sea?
Did Father find what he was looking for?
For a moment, numerous thoughts emerged in the Sea of Consciousness.
"I’m going out for a while."
Fang Zheng stood up and stretched his muscles.
