Anyang County, County Magistrate's Office.

"Report to the County Magistrate, the great victory at Fengxian County, in accordance with the Military Department and the Minor Mansion's orders, all soldiers who earned titles in Anyang County have been confirmed for rewards, please have a look."

An elderly Capital Official, over fifty with a lean figure, respectfully handed over a book.

Su Jingshan glanced through it and said, "Everything was conducted strictly according to the laws, right?"

The elderly man quickly cupped his hands, "There was absolutely no favoritism, except..."

"Speak freely."

The elderly man nodded slightly and said, "In Yunshui Town's Jinliu Village, the eldest son of the Shen Family, Shen Wenxing, was granted a title for his merit. He deserves rewards of farmland and residence. According to the returning officials, the Patriarch Shen Yuan of the Shen Family expressed his willingness to forgo some farmland, even slaves and estates, in exchange for the entire Black Water Pool and the surrounding forest."

"As a subordinate magistrate, I cannot decide, what does the County Magistrate think?"

Jinliu Village's Shen Family?

Shen Yuan?

Su Jingshan raised an eyebrow and then sneered.

"Mr. Fang, in charge of the forests and wetlands of Anyang County, do you know if there's anything special about Black Water Pool?"

Previously, there had been some conflict with the Shen Family, and he had dealt with it slightly.

The Shen Family's actions had satisfied him; now, due to disaster relief efforts and commendable political achievements over the years, there's word from the County Government that he is due for a promotion. At this crucial time, he doesn't want any additional complications.

But Shen Yuan's abandonment of good farmland in favor of the Black Water Pool made him suspicious.

Though he doesn't wish to target them further, he can't let them gain an unfair advantage either.

"Well..." Officer Fang hesitated for a moment and replied, "Black Water Pool covers six hundred acres, full of dense shrubs and trees. Besides having many Tuo Dragons in the pool and producing delicious fish, it doesn't seem special."

"Then why does Mr. Fang think the Shen Family is abandoning three hectares of good farmland and many slaves to take the Black Water Pool?"

The elderly man frowned in thought but could not comprehend Shen Yuan's intentions.

"It's simple; if he wants to exchange, let him exchange for it."

"But inform him that the Tuo Dragons in Black Water Pool belong to our Great Yu, and hunting and selling them is prohibited."

"Furthermore, send someone to measure it. Everything should be by the law, appraise the forest, and if he's willing to buy it by this valuation, let him exchange it; otherwise, drop the matter."

The elderly man heard this, cupped his hands a little, and said, "I'll arrange for someone to visit Jinliu Village at once."

After watching the elderly man leave, Su Jingshan slowly stood up, hands clasped behind his back.

"With his achievements in battle, the Shen family's young man is like a hidden dragon in the deep; his brilliance cannot be concealed."

In Jinliu Village, Shen Yuan listened to the conditions set by the officials, frowning slightly.

These conditions weren't intentionally troublesome for him.

The forests near Black Water Pool were lush, including some ancient trees over a hundred years old, which were a significant asset in themselves.

"Master Shen, Officer Fang said the trees within the one-hectare forest awarded by law can be excluded from valuation in silver coins, but trees beyond that must be considered as per regulations."

"However..." The official leaned closer and whispered, "You are close friends with County Captain Huang, and I have an idea."

Upon hearing this, Shen Yuan quickly cupped his hands, "Please enlighten me, Senior Official!"

The official glanced around, signaling a junior official nearby to bring a map.

"Take a look, Master Shen, Officer Fang has already tallied that most trees around Black Water Pool are located to the east and south of the pool."

"While to the west and north, there are only younger and smaller trees and shrubs..."

Upon hearing this, Shen Yuan immediately understood his implication.

The one hectare of forest associated with the noble title is essentially free, requiring no additional payment from him.

If this awarded forest is chosen on the east and south sides of Black Water Pool, even if the remaining area is appraised for lumber value, it wouldn't amount to much.

"Thank you, Senior Official! Thank you, Senior Official!"

After understanding this, Shen Yuan immediately expressed his gratitude!

He realized that without this person's advice, he might have randomly chosen the awarded hectare of forest, and once the rest was appraised, they might not have been able to afford it despite depleting their resources.

"Master Shen, thanks aren't necessary; you just need to remember not to speak of this matter."

"Otherwise, it would be hard for us to explain to County Magistrate Su."

Shen Yuan quickly responded, then said, "Please wait a moment, Senior Officials."

He hurried into the house and soon emerged, discreetly slipping twenty taels of silver into the official's hand.

"A small gift, please accept it, Senior Officials."

The saved money was considerable because of a single suggestion; twenty taels of silver wasn't excessive.

"This won't do!"

The official quickly pushed the silver back, insisting earnestly, "Helped Master Shen out of respect for your relationship with County Captain Huang; please do not endanger us."

Shen Yuan was puzzled.

The official whispered again, "Let me tell you something, due to his disaster relief merits, County Magistrate Su is about to be promoted, and at this critical moment, as subordinate officials, if we dare accept bribes, we're asking for trouble, aren't we?"

Shen Yuan was momentarily stunned upon hearing this.

It occurred to him that, with Su Jingshan about to be promoted, officials from the Inspectorate would likely visit Anyang County for inspection as a formality.

If there was a bribery scandal among his subordinates at this time, it would certainly impact him negatively.

"Then... I'll note this kindness, and someday I will personally thank you."

The official smiled at these words.

Sometimes personal connections are more crucial than money.

Especially for the Shen Family now, whose eldest son has earned recognition in the army, soon becoming the Huang family's son-in-law, such ties held can increase in value over time.

"Master Shen, with this decision made, we will proceed to measure around Black Water Pool later."

"County Magistrate Su instructed everything be processed lawfully, so beyond this, my hands are tied."

Shen Yuan smiled and replied, "Certainly, certainly."

"Please go ahead with your duties first, Senior Officials."

After leaving Jinliu Village, the officials rushed directly to measure the surroundings of Black Water Pool.

"Brother Qi, you won't believe it, but Black Water Pool is indeed a great spot, cooling you instantly from the summer heat outside."

"Patriarch Shen sure has a good eye."

"Indeed, if a three-courtyard mansion were built here, nestled against the mountains and near the water, it would be paradise, like the life of an Immortal."

The leading official listened to his colleagues' chatter and laughed, "Envious, aren't you? If you are, just try hard, and perhaps you'll raise a son as good as Young Master Shen."

They joked as they worked, taking measurements promptly.

Several days later, the official disc was finally handed to Shen Yuan.

According to his wish to obtain the forest land around Black Water Pool, besides the noble title rewards, everything needed to be converted into silver, and he still owed an additional three hundred taels.

Three hundred taels were not a trivial sum. Shen Yuan hesitated repeatedly, but considering the family's future, he finally signed the land deed and sealed it.

Handing the silver to the officials, Shen Yuan cupped his hands and asked, "May I ask if the process is now complete?"

The official smiled, handing over the land deed, "Indeed, from now on, Black Water Pool and its surrounding forest, totaling seven hectares and thirteen acres, are all under your ownership, Master Shen."

"Except for prohibited activities by law, the rest is up to you."

"Master Shen, farewell."

After they left, Shen Yuan exhaled heavily.

He had thought Su Jingshan would make things difficult for him this time, but unexpectedly, it went smoothly.

But upon reflection, it made sense; to Su Jingshan, a smart man, career advancement outweighs personal grievances.

With the land deed in hand and the process complete, the next step is to consider building a house.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.