Protect Our Patriarch

Book 4: Chapter 51: Wang's Clan dominates Longzuo! Competing in magic with the Emperor

……

Afterward, Wang Shouzhe fed the young Kun two more times, each time with over a thousand pounds of various spiritual fish.

Only after devouring all of these did the young Kun seem somewhat satisfied. It lowered its head and nuzzled Wang Shouzhe and Liu Ruolan affectionately before starting to play in Zhuhui Lake.

Over the years, the Wang Clan had been continuously dredging and deepening Zhuhui Lake to increase its water storage capacity. This not only facilitated freshwater aquaculture and farmland irrigation but also enhanced Ping'an Town's flood storage capacity during the rainy season.

After decades, Zhuhui Lake was no longer the shallow lake with a thin water layer it once was. The deepest part in the center had reached a depth of thirty meters, making it a large reservoir. The lake was teeming with fish, some weighing hundreds of pounds.

Yet, even so, the three-meter-long young Kun was already a giant in Zhuhui Lake. Wherever it swam, waves rippled across the water's surface, and schools of fish fled in panic.

However, the fleeing fish only triggered the young Kun's predatory instincts.

With a roar, it stunned and killed the fish, then swallowed them whole like a whale, expelling water through its gills while keeping the delicious fish in its mouth.

"This devouring ability..." Wang Shouzhe and Liu Ruolan hovered above Zhuhui Lake, speechless.

Legend had it that Kun had a devouring divine power, consuming vast amounts of food like the sea. Seeing it today, it truly lived up to its reputation.

Besides, Kun also had the ability to traverse space. However, it was just born, and its strength was still shallow, only able to exhibit a small divine power level of spatial ability.

As it consumed a massive amount of spiritual fish, its strength grew rapidly, and its spatial traversal ability gradually awakened.

Slowly, a faint spatial ripple began to appear on its body. With each flick of its tail, it seemed to swim through a spatial rift, making its movements in the water appear exceptionally smooth and agile.

"Truly worthy of being a young celestial beast," Wang Shouzhe marveled, "Even a newly hatched youngling already possesses many extraordinary traits and can slightly exhibit its innate divine powers. With such talent and potential, it's no wonder it's the first clear reward for the eighth level."

According to Wang Shouzhe's understanding, the growth potential of celestial beasts was roughly equivalent to the innate dao body of humans.

In the family, Liu Ruolan, Wang Liyao, and Ancestor Long Yan's bloodline levels had already advanced to the innate spiritual body level, which in layman's terms was the level of a peerless prodigy. However, compared to a youngling like Kun that could grow into a celestial beast, their bloodline potential was still a major grade lower.

One could imagine how terrifying the talent of an innate dao body among humans would be.

Subsequently.

Wang Shouzhe brought Wang Anye over, allowing him to play with the young Kun and initially establish a companionship. Kun, as a species, was known for its gentle nature, especially the pure emotions formed shortly after birth.

In just a few days, Wang Anye and the young Kun became "good brothers." The young Kun was willing to carry Anye for a swim in the water, and it even knew that Anye was relatively weak, understanding to activate an energy shield to protect Anye while swimming underwater.

At this point.

Wang Zongkun's hatching plan was complete, and the subsequent feeding, education, and play tasks could be safely entrusted to Anye.

After all, his Boundless Treasure Ring was large enough to store a lot of spiritual fish and spiritual meat.

Although, when placing low-level items inside, the Boundless Young Lady might complain, but with Anye's charm, he would surely handle the Boundless Young Lady with ease.

After passing the responsibility of raising Wang Zongkun to Wang Anye.

Wang Shouzhe resumed his leisurely and relaxed life.

On this sunny day.

Wang Shouzhe set up a tea party in his courtyard, inviting Wang Shifeng and other juniors over for tea and conversation.

During the gathering, although Wang Shouzhe's demeanor was gentle and amiable, the six young men and women present felt immense pressure, as if sitting on pins and needles, even sipping tea cautiously.

Everyone knew that Grandpa/Fourth Grandpa was a notorious exam demon. One moment he might be smiling and praising you, and the next, he might enthusiastically test your studies, work, or even poetry and Basalt Battle Techniques...

If he was satisfied, there might be some red envelopes as rewards.

But if he wasn't satisfied, well, you'd be in for it!

He would keep an eye on you, calling you for talks and tests from time to time, making your life uneasy until he was satisfied with your performance.

"Lei'er," Wang Shouzhe said with a smile to Wang Yinglei, "How are you adapting to your work at the Artifact Refining Department? That boy Shichuan has decent overall abilities; you should learn well from him."

"Fourth Grandpa, Brother Shichuan treats me like a little sister and only gives me trivial tasks," Wang Yinglei complained slightly, "I'm planning to follow Fifteenth Brother's suggestion and request a transfer to the sales department for some experience. After achieving some results, I'll return to the Artifact Refining Department."

"That's the spirit. As expected of a child from our family, you have a strong will," Wang Shouzhe praised, then added, "But don't neglect your cultivation. Strength is fundamental, and you can't slack off on Basalt Battle Techniques."

In the current Wang Clan, thanks to the [37th Recruitment Point] and the [Fifth New Recruit Training Camp of the Shenwu Royal Dynasty], the younger generation's opportunities had improved. While not everyone could be a prodigy or a great prodigy, with decent aptitude and character, striving for the level of a prodigy was still necessary.

Although, for now, the [Primary Bloodline Improvement Elixir] was relatively scarce, if necessary, Xisui Dan and Wuji Baodan could be used as substitutes. Wuji Baodan was more effective, but the only issue was its limited quantity and high price.

Currently, not to mention that the family alchemist Wang Shouye couldn't refine it, even his master, Pill Cauldron Master, couldn't produce it.

Wang Shouzhe had already investigated thoroughly. Some of the Wuji Baodan auctioned in the auction houses were sourced from Lingyun Holy Land, and some were imported from the Han Yue Immortal Dynasty. Moreover, it was said that the Wuji Baodan from the Immortal Dynasty was significantly cheaper than those in Daqian.

Coincidentally, Liyao's master, Tianhe Daoist, planned to take Liyao to the Immortal Dynasty for some experience. If they could find a channel for a small supply of Wuji Baodan during this trip, it would be ideal.

As for the Marrying Blood Gu, historically, Daqian had indeed opened a few blood nests, but first, the overall number of blood nests was very limited, and second, most of the blood gu had been collected by the Holy Land. Apart from a few specimens and those used for research, the rest were used on the outer region battlefield.

Some criminals, in an attempt to atone for their crimes, were willing to try using blood gu to advance their bloodlines. If they failed, they failed, but if they succeeded, they could enhance their strength and then redeem their past crimes through battlefield merits.

Therefore, the Marrying Blood Gu could only be obtained by chance and couldn't be used as a regular bloodline enhancement channel.

In fact, what Wang Shouzhe desired most was the formula for the [Primary Bloodline Improvement Elixir]. Although its effects weren't as good as Wuji Baodan, it was most suitable for use by young children.

"Yes, Fourth Grandpa."

Wang Yinglei, who was considered a little goddess outside, was as obedient as a little quail in front of Wang Shouzhe.

Wang Shouzhe slowly showed concern for each of them before finally getting to the main topic.

"Shijing, Shilian," Wang Shouzhe asked with a smile, "I've heard you've been getting close to those two girls from the Yan Clan lately. How do you feel about them?"

Wang Shijing and Wang Shilian both blushed at the question, feeling a bit shy.

Among them, Shijing had a younger brother named "Shilun," derived from the phrase "full of knowledge and wisdom." This name was given by Wang Shouyong, hoping his beloved grandson would be knowledgeable and outstanding.

As for Shilian, Wang Shoulian passed down the character "Lian" from his own name to his grandson, also placing high hopes on him.

This was a common practice in aristocratic families, where the clan name represented the same clan and lineage, the generation name represented the generational inheritance, and the last character often carried a symbolic meaning. Therefore, characters with good meanings like Xing, Ping, An, and Rui appeared frequently.

Some younger generation names also originated from their ancestors, which was considered a form of inheritance.

After all, there were only so many pleasant names, and in families with thousands of years of history, the family population was extremely large, making duplicate names quite normal.

But I digress.

Seeing their shyness, Wang Shouzhe couldn't help but laugh and scold, "Boys should marry when they grow up, and girls should wed. You're both young men, what's there to be shy about?"

For someone like Wang Shouzhe, who held the family inheritance rights, marriage often carried significant implications, and in most cases, he had no say in it. However, the direct descendants of the family had a much wider range of choices, and young people often organized spring outings and social gatherings. If they found someone they liked, they would inform their parents, and the boy's family would propose marriage.

This was also a tradition among aristocratic families.

This time, having Shifeng take them and the young people from the Yan Clan on an outing was also with this intention in mind.

"Replying to Fourth Grandpa, it's quite good," Wang Shijing quickly stood up and said, "Although the girls from the Yan Clan aren't as well-educated as the girls in our Wang's Clan School, they are still from the direct and secondary branches of a fifth-grade family. Their temperament and upbringing are decent, and their personalities are quite agreeable."

Wang Shilian also nodded in agreement.

The excellent girls in the Clan School were either sisters or cousins, or they were elite girls selected from commoners. In short, it was difficult for them to find suitable partners within the Clan School.

It wasn't that they looked down on girls from commoner backgrounds, but rather, the bloodline levels of commoner girls were generally lower, and marrying without consideration would be irresponsible to future generations.

"What does Feng'er think?" Wang Shouzhe looked at his grandson Wang Shifeng.

He was quite satisfied with this grandson. Although the children of his second son Zongrui's branch didn't have the same cultivation talent and bloodline as Zongan's branch, they were steady and reliable, capable of doing practical work.

Of course, Yingxuan, that wild girl, was an exception.

This girl was a headache not only for Zongrui and Xunfeng but also for Wang Shouzhe.

That so-called Beautiful Girl Alliance, although turned into a study alliance by her, with everyone's grades improving, she never forgot her original intention. She constantly fancied herself as a future female military god, frequently calling for "gathering the three armies" for training, then challenging a group of boys to a fight, causing chaos at home with countless complaints.

Yet, her grades had improved, and she was "respectful" to the Clan School teachers, leading the girls under her to study hard and improve their academic performance. For a while, there was no suitable reason to deal with her.

He really hoped she would grow up quickly so he could send her to Lingyun Holy Land, letting her wreak havoc there, and give Wang Shouzhe some peace and quiet.

"Grandpa," Wang Shifeng replied respectfully, "This time, the Yan Clan has gone all out, raising a prodigy daughter, which indeed seems like they are waiting for a good offer. However, unless they were truly desperate, which family would willingly sell their children?"

He sighed, his tone filled with compassion, "That girl Shuang'er is kind-hearted, intelligent, and well-mannered. If she could attend the Clan School for some additional lessons, she would have great potential. If she were to just... it would be truly..."

He couldn't continue.

He knew that in aristocratic families, the Wang Clan treated the women in the family better than any other family. Even the daughters-in-law who married in were treated equally. If Yan Shuangshuang married into the Wang Clan, she could continue her cultivation and studies without delay. But if she married into another Purple Mansion Clan, without strong backing from her maternal family, she would have to support her maternal family, making her future difficult.

"Alright, since Feng'er speaks for the Yan Clan, Grandpa will grant your wish this time," Wang Shouzhe said with a smile, "You can go visit Ancestor Yufei and Clan Head Feihong, and say that I was too busy with affairs recently to entertain them, so I am hosting a banquet to apologize."

Having left them hanging for over ten days, the Yan Clan's mindset should have stabilized by now. At least, they wouldn't think the Wang Clan was "easy to fool."

In Wang Shouzhe's future industrial plans, the northwest part of Longzuo was also an important link. If the Yan Clan didn't have any major issues, Wang Shouzhe was willing to lend them a hand.

"Thank you, Grandpa. Feng'er will take care of it immediately." Wang Shifeng felt flattered and quickly got up to leave.

Clearly, he had quite a favorable impression of Yan Shuangshuang.

As for Yinglei and the other girls, Wang Shouzhe didn't inquire about the Yan Clan's young men. Before calling them for a talk, he had already understood the situation. The three of them didn't fancy the young men from the Yan Clan at all, so asking was pointless.

Subsequently, Wang Shouzhe chatted with the children for a long time. Apart from being somewhat dissatisfied with Shilian's studies, the others were satisfactory, and he finally let them leave, still somewhat reluctant.

Once these children left Wang Shouzhe's courtyard by dozens of meters, they all let out a heavy sigh of relief, showing expressions of being granted amnesty. Fourth Grandpa's tests were truly anytime, anywhere, catching people off guard.

Fortunately, this time, except for the crestfallen Wang Shilian, the others passed safely.

Poor Wang Shilian, he probably wouldn't have a peaceful year ahead. His father, Wang Zongtai, would definitely not let him off once he received the news.

The evening glow cast its light on Zhuhui Lake, and as the breeze blew, the ripples on the water's surface caught the fragmented light of the sunset, creating a scene as beautiful as a painting, serene and tranquil from afar.

It was by Zhuhui Lake that Wang Shouzhe hosted a banquet for Ancestor Yufei and Clan Head Feihong of the Yan Clan.

During the banquet, it was unknown what transpired or what was said, but when Ancestor Yufei emerged, the dark expression on his face was replaced by a flush of red, and he exuded joy. Clan Head Feihong was even more excited, walking with a spring in his step.

The next day.

Ancestor Yufei and Clan Head Feihong of the Yan Clan took a flying carriage back to the Yan Clan.

Meanwhile, the young men and women of the Yan Clan were arranged to study at the Wang's Clan School, attending supplementary classes with some "late bloomers." Among them were Wang Yingxuan, Wang Yingqi, and others who had made progress but still had a long way to go, as well as the most difficult student to teach in the Clan School, the "worst of the worst"—Wang Lilong.

Together with a future "female military god" of the Wang Clan, her fanatical deputy, and a little Azure Dragon in a floral dress, the Yan Clan's juniors had to guard against "being eaten by the dragon" while resisting the fervent recruitment efforts of the female military god's faction, making their days quite eventful.

The boys from the Yan Clan, in particular, frequently found themselves challenged to duels by a group of enthusiastic little girls, experiencing a "wonderful life" they would never forget.

Fortunately, Lixian and Zongkun were still too young to attend the Clan School, or the level of chaos would have been even higher.

……

Time flowed like water, and in the blink of an eye, a month or two had passed.

On the Wang Clan's side, the parents of Wang Shifeng and Yan Shuangshuang had already met and begun the engagement process, while in Guilong City, a storm was brewing.

In the palace of Guilong City.

In Zhuozheng Pavilion, gauze curtains hung down, and incense wafted through the air.

Emperor Longchang hummed a tune, admiring some famous calligraphy and paintings, looking radiant and clearly in a good mood.

Old Yao stood bent over behind him, reminding softly, "Your Majesty, the cabinet has submitted a few more petitions, some from military families and others from idle commandery princes."

"Hehe~" Emperor Longchang didn't even lift his eyelids, looking smug, "Is it Taishi Ankang begging around for favors again? Just set those petitions aside for now. I'm old and don't have the energy to deal with trivial matters. I suppose no one can complain about that, right?"

"Yes, Your Majesty." Old Yao responded, then added softly, "However, Your Majesty, some families and officials outside are privately expressing some dissatisfaction with this matter. Longzuo Commandery is a newly established commandery with shallow foundations, and it has made some achievements in recent years. Now, Your Majesty has suddenly increased taxes by fifty percent, and they say..."

"They say I'm deliberately suppressing Commandery Prince An's 'minions' and showing favoritism, right?" Emperor Longchang said indifferently, "They can say whatever they want. Anyway, in Wang Shouzhe's eyes, I'm always wrong. Sometimes being a muddle-headed ruler is quite interesting, no mental burden~"

"Doesn't Wang Shouzhe think he's capable? Doesn't he like to privately criticize my policies? Doesn't he claim he can 'turn stone into gold'? If he has the ability, let him show me a big one. Hahaha~ Seeing that kid and his people running around in a panic, I feel nothing but satisfaction! Hahaha~~~"

"Old Yao, don't think I don't know. Did you take benefits from Commandery Prince An's faction and promise to speak for them? It's okay, take the benefits, say the good words. Anyway, I won't listen, and no one can do anything about it, hahaha~"

Old Yao was speechless.

Your Majesty, you're becoming more and more...

Helpless, Old Yao changed the topic, "Your Majesty, there's another good news. The Yun Yao flying boat from the Immortal Dynasty is about to arrive in Guilong City, and the masterpiece 'Divine Dynasty's Twilight' by Master Ji, which you bought at a high price, is about to be delivered."

"Good! This is truly a double blessing." Emperor Longchang's face became even more radiant, "Old Yao, help me decide where to hang Master Ji's masterpiece. How about there, where I can see it every time I look up from my desk?"

"No, no, that's too conspicuous. Good things should be savored slowly... behind me?"

"No, no, maybe..."

……

Meanwhile, as Emperor Longchang was "troubled," a Yun Yao flying boat bearing the [Yao's Air Transport] flag was speeding through the clouds toward Daqian.

It was an enormous flying "beast."

Though called a "flying boat," its overall shape resembled a manta ray from the ocean, with a pair of large, pale blue wings spread on either side of the vessel, gently swaying as the vessel moved forward, as if flying through the air.

Vast energy streams roared over and under the wings, creating waves of energy. The powerful energy generated a lifting force in a special way, allowing the Yun Yao flying boat to traverse the wind layer with minimal consumption, flying across thousands of miles between the Han Yue Immortal Dynasty and Daqian.

The construction of the Yun Yao flying boat was extremely complex, involving many high-end artifact refining techniques. Currently, Daqian was not yet capable of crafting Yun Yao flying boats.

Therefore, in a sense, it was also a testament to the high-end artifact refining capabilities of the Han Yue Immortal Dynasty, one of the iconic artifact products of human civilization.

However, compared to usual, it was somewhat unstable as it traversed the clouds, occasionally trembling and shaking, as if there was a malfunction.

Upon closer inspection, the wings on either side of the flying boat were full of patches and repairs, with some parts of the keel exposed, crooked and twisted, as if they had been hastily repaired using special techniques.

Inside the cabin of the Yun Yao flying boat, it was even more chaotic, with scratches and repair marks everywhere on the floor and walls. In one corner, there was a pile of broken, unrecognizable trash.

In the beast cage.

Five little wolf cubs sat neatly, their eyes pure and innocent, as if the sneaky house-dismantling behavior along the way had nothing to do with them.

They were still young, and as little wolf cubs, what was wrong with being playful?

It wasn't their fault that humans were so careless, first forgetting to lock the cage, then using an inadequate lock, and the beast pen's quality was subpar... What did that have to do with them?

The captain of the Yun Yao flying boat, Yao Chengchao, was a robust middle-aged man, usually at the helm in the front. But now, he was sitting in front of the wolf cubs' cage, staring at them as if facing a formidable enemy.

His appearance was somewhat pitiful and haggard, with bloodshot eyes and a weary expression, as if he hadn't slept for months. He held a wine jug in his hand, occasionally taking a swig, and as he drank, tears began to flow.

"Damn it, damn it, whose divine offspring are these wolf cubs? How can each one be like a spirit, you can't take your eyes off them for a moment."

"Ugh~~ My tribute wine, and so many precious goods... Most importantly, the 'Divine Dynasty's Twilight' entrusted to Emperor Longchang."

At the mention of 'Divine Dynasty's Twilight,' Yao Chengchao couldn't help but glance despairingly at the pile of trash, which was beyond repair.

This loss was too great, the Yao Clan suffered a huge loss!

"Which idiot manager accepted the task of transporting wolf cubs? When I get back, I'll definitely beat you to death!!!" Yao Chengchao, a scion of the Yao Clan, roared in frustration.

Meanwhile.

In a certain place in the Immortal Dynasty, a chubby manager was sneezing repeatedly, "Achoo, achoo~~"

He thought for a moment and remembered the task of transporting wolf cubs he had accepted earlier, which should be nearing the Eastern Qian Kingdom by now, right?

Thinking of the fat profit from that order, with high net gains, his heart was stirred.

Once this order was settled, the headquarters would surely recognize his contributions and talents, right?

Promotion and salary increase were just around the corner, and then he could buy two concubines, and that old hag at home, hehe~~

The chubby manager was smiling, his face full of delight, just like that adorable and silly girl, hoping for more such generous patrons to come, and then his life would soar!

……