6: Chapter 6: Meeting Princess Qingyang!

Zhao Zilong wanted to hear how Cao Yun would explain himself, but Cao Yun stammered for a long while without managing to utter a single word.

Zhao Zilong couldn't help but shake his head; this Cao Yun really was just a profligate son who only knew wine and women, an utter waste.

Cai Wenjing's expression was already quite displeased.

Li Kai stepped forward to report on Cao Yun's behalf: "To the Deputy Director, Clerk Zhao was injured by a carriage on the street yesterday. Banner Master Cao brought us here to visit Clerk Zhao."

"Yes, yes, yes, we came to visit Clerk Zhao."

Cao Yun's eyes lit up, and he hurriedly nodded.

"Visiting someone results in being covered in injuries?"

Cai Wenjing clearly didn't believe this rhetoric: "Banner Master Cao, there are some things this Deputy Director does not wish to say much about, but I must still remind you: if not for your father, County Lord Cao, you wouldn't even have the qualifications to enter the Fuzheng Division, let alone serve as a Banner Master."

"But, regardless of the reason, since you have entered the Fuzheng Division, you should act as a role model in your conduct."

"It's fine if you cannot capture evildoers; the Fuzheng Division has others who can."

"But as a Banner Master, you at least cannot take the lead in doing evil, much less lead everyone else to do evil with you."

"As for today's matter, this Deputy Director can choose not to pursue it, but remember well: do not offend again. Otherwise, do not blame this Deputy Director for not showing face to County Lord Cao when the time comes."

"This young master—no, this subordinate understands. This subordinate will absolutely never make a mistake again."

Cao Yun was extremely well-behaved in front of Cai Wenjing.

Zhao Zilong knew the reason for this.

Although Cao Yun was the son of a County Lord and Cai Wenjing was only the Deputy Director of the Fuzheng Division, she was the daughter of Marquis Wulie of the Daye Kingdom. Her status, position, and the actual power of her family were beyond anything Cao Yun's family background could compare to.

"Fine, there's nothing more for you here. Take your men and go back."

Cai Wenjing gave an impatient snort. As if granted a grand amnesty, Cao Yun gave Cai Wenjing a slight bow and then quickly left with Li Kai and the others.

The neighbors also dispersed, but the sight of Zhao Zilong single-handedly taking down over a dozen people from the Fuzheng Division today was deeply etched into their hearts.

Those who usually didn't take Zhao Zilong seriously and often mocked or teased him were secretly regretting it. They were somewhat worried, not knowing if Zhao Zilong would settle scores with them later.

Some were even thinking of preparing gifts to visit Zhao Zilong.

"Why didn't Clerk Zhao speak just now?"

Cai Wenjing sized up Zhao Zilong, somewhat puzzled.

A clerk taking down over a dozen members of the Fuzheng Division alone—even if the men assigned to Cao Yun's small banner were the weakest in the Fuzheng Division, Zhao Zilong's skills were definitely not weak.

Moreover, such a huge contrast greatly surprised Cai Wenjing.

Zhao Zilong bowed slightly and said, "This subordinate had nothing to say, so I did not speak."

"In that case, Clerk Zhao certainly has a generous heart."

Cai Wenjing gave a mocking snort.

"What does the Deputy Director mean by those words? This subordinate does not understand."

"Cao Yun committed adultery with your wife, Jin Rong, and today he brought men to your home to cause trouble. Yet when this Deputy Director arrived, you didn't file a complaint. If that isn't being generous, then what is?"

Cai Wenjing stared intently at Zhao Zilong: "What are you worried about?"

Zhao Zilong said, "This subordinate originally intended to file a complaint, but as the Deputy Director saw, I have already dealt with these people, and Cao Yun also promised to compensate me with some silver. Therefore, this subordinate thought to just let the matter drop."

"After all, Cao Yun's father is County Lord Cao, whom this subordinate cannot afford to offend. This current outcome is quite good."

"Knowing how to behave and when to stop is indeed not bad."

Cai Wenjing nodded slightly. Suddenly, she reached out a hand with such speed that Zhao Zilong couldn't react at all; her hand was already pressed against the pulse of Zhao Zilong's left hand.

Her expression underwent subtle changes—surprise, then doubt.

A moment later, she let go.

"How did you become a martial artist?"

Cai Wenjing had confirmed that Zhao Zilong was a martial artist, and she was very curious.

Zhao Zilong said, "After being hit by the carriage yesterday, I went home to sleep and had a dream. I dreamt that I became a martial artist, and when I woke up, I had become one. As for the specific reason, this subordinate is also unclear."

"I suppose surviving a great disaster brings great fortune; this subordinate has been blessed by the heavens."

A trace of a mysterious smile appeared at the corner of Cai Wenjing's mouth: "Clerk Zhao actually has such a talent for making dreams come true. However, you must never dream of being the Emperor."

"This subordinate understands."

Zhao Zilong knew Cai Wenjing didn't believe his story, but seeing that she had no intention of probing further, he didn't say anything more.

Cai Wenjing said, "Clerk Zhao, this Deputy Director does not wish to meddle in your family affairs; just handle them yourself."

"Also, since you have now become a martial artist and are part of the Fuzheng Division, according to the laws of Daye, your official rank should be promoted and your monthly salary increased. However, there are currently no suitable vacancies in the Fuzheng Division, so you will have to endure staying in the clerk position for a while longer."

"Of course, your monthly salary can be increased."

Zhao Zilong asked, "Deputy Director, may I ask to what official rank I could be promoted?"

Cai Wenjing said, "Serving as a Small Banner Master would not be a problem."

"It can be promoted that much?"

Zhao Zilong was somewhat surprised.

Cao Yun was currently a Small Banner Master, but he was a waste—a typical case of occupying a position without doing any work.

"If something were to happen to Cao Yun and he could no longer serve as a Small Banner Master, wouldn't I be able to take the position?"

Zhao Zilong blurted out for a moment.

Cai Wenjing's expression couldn't help but change: "Clerk Zhao, do not act recklessly. Cao Yun's father, Cao Yuan, is not just the County Lord of Qingyang County; he is also the maternal uncle of the current Empress. Otherwise, do you think he could have stuffed a waste like Cao Yun into an important department like the Fuzheng Division based solely on his status as a County Lord?"

Zhao Zilong was unaware that County Lord Cao Yuan had such an identity and was somewhat surprised.

No wonder Cao Yuan could act so overbearingly in Qingyang County, like a local tyrant, and still have such a stable official position; it turned out he was a relative of the imperial family.

"The Deputy Director worries too much. This subordinate will not act recklessly and will wait for the Deputy Director's arrangements."

Cai Wenjing nodded and spoke slowly, "Tomorrow morning, follow this Deputy Director to see the Princess."

"See the Princess?"

Zhao Zilong was dazed, finding it inexplicable. When did a clerk like him have the qualifications to see a Princess? Even if he was now a First-Grade Martial Artist and his status had improved, he still shouldn't have the qualifications to see a Princess.

Cai Wenjing said, "Princess Qingyang returned to Qingyang County yesterday and is currently at the Princess's Residence. She needs someone to help her organize some documents, and you, Clerk Zhao, are just the right fit."

"Can I choose not to go?"

Zhao Zilong didn't want to have any contact with a Princess. Members of the imperial family all had bad tempers; if he were slightly careless and made a mistake, his head might not stay on his shoulders.

"Do you think you can choose not to go?"

Cai Wenjing glared at Zhao Zilong: "Tomorrow morning, this Deputy Director will wait for you at the Princess's Residence."

Having said that, Cai Wenjing stepped out of the courtyard gate, mounted a white horse, and left elegantly.

That figure and silhouette were extremely attractive.

"What a heroic and spirited woman."

Zhao Zilong liked her very much.

However, he was also clear about the gap between him and Cai Wenjing.

A woman like her was someone he couldn't obtain before he had sufficient power and status.

"What are you thinking? Nominally, she is the Deputy Director of the Fuzheng Division, but in reality, she is the daughter of Marquis Wulie, a lady from a prestigious family, and a Fourth-Grade Martial Artist."

"Why can't I think about it? Since I've crossed over and now have the opportunity, what I want is to hold the power of the world when awake and lie in the laps of beauties when drunk. I don't have to like her, but I must have the ability to obtain her."

Staring until Cai Wenjing's figure disappeared, Zhao Zilong finally closed the courtyard gate.

Just as he turned around, he saw Zhao Xiaotian standing in front of the woodshed door, about to push it open.

"Xiaotian, what are you doing?"

Zhao Zilong couldn't help but shout.

Zhao Xiaotian said, "Dad, I just heard a noise inside. It seems like there are mice. I'm going in to take a look."

Without waiting for Zhao Zilong to say anything, Zhao Xiaotian had already pushed open the door and stepped inside.

Zhao Zilong shook his head helplessly. He was unwilling to let Zhao Xiaotian see the scene of Jin Rong being tied up, fearing it would have a bad influence on him.

Zhao Zilong let out a sigh and walked over.