Shen Yuan pondered for a moment before speaking, "The runaway carriage in the Royal City is a metaphor for the crisis brought about by Master Lu's new learning."

"Brother Yunxiao just mentioned that Xun Sheng said something before he spoke."

Huang Yunxiao was stunned and said, "A boat sails swiftly, but a sharp turn will capsize it?"

Shen Yuan nodded and continued, "What Xun Sheng meant by this was that he acknowledged Master Lu's new learning, but reforms need to proceed slowly; rushing will lead to terrible consequences."

"I believe Master Lu understood his meaning at that time."

"Xun Sheng then presented the argument of the runaway carriage, where the three people in the carriage represent heaven and the ruler, while the pedestrians on the road represent the common people. The carriage symbolizes 'new learning' and the driver is Master Lu."

"Xun Sheng was warning Master Lu that letting 'new learning' run wild would result in very serious consequences."

"To harm one for the benefit of the world—that was Master Lu's final decision."

After listening to his explanation, the three people in the room all had peculiar expressions.

"Ah Die, who would have thought you know more than Ah Niang does," Shen Wenxing spoke first, his eyes full of disbelief.

In his impression, his father was just an ordinary commoner. If there was anything different about him, it was that he seemed to understand many principles and educated them differently from the village elders, who preferred using sticks.

As for the brothers Huang Qingzhou and Huang Yunxiao, they were impressed.

Though both were martial artists and educated since childhood, they could not see through the setup by the Saint as Shen Yuan did.

"Ah Yuan, had you been born into a literary family and nurtured, there would surely be a place for you among the saints of the Confucius Temple in the future," Huang Yunxiao said with a smile.

Shen Yuan scratched his head, "Brother Yun Xiao is jesting; I was just saying what came to mind, and Xun Sheng's meaning may not even be this."

Huang Qingzhou laughed along, "None of us are scholars; this matter is difficult to discuss."

"Shi Tou has returned now; the two children have come of age, so it's time to discuss serious matters."

"No rush, let someone prepare food; the year's festival is approaching, let's drink at noon," Huang Yunxiao said.

In the afternoon at the hour of Shen, the father and son left Yunshui Town, their faces flushed with joy.

After discussions between the two families, they decided to set the wedding date for April 2nd after the New Year.

That time, the weather is neither too cold nor too hot, and there is no farm work to be done—it's a good time.

With the wedding date set, preparations for the related matters followed, including the passage of three letters and six gifts, wedding invitations, and so on.

Time passed; the year's festival was over, and spring had already arrived.

Su Jingshan was transferred to the County Government as desired, and the Court sent down a scholar from Wenyuan Pavilion to Anyang County as the County Magistrate.

Along with him came an Imperial Decree.

From this day forward, Great Yu will set up Ascension Pavilions in each County Government to oversee the testing of Spirit Roots among the eligible common people.

That day, Shen Wenxing was helping his father clear the brush around the new house, preparing to build a low wall around the courtyard to prevent Tuo Dragons and snakes from creeping in and causing unnecessary trouble.

A carriage slowly traveled along the newly constructed winding road.

Once the carriage stopped at the courtyard gate, Huang Yunxiao first emerged from the carriage, lifting the curtain and said:

"County Magistrate Tang, take it slow."

Following him out of the carriage was a young figure.

"Thank you, Brother Huang."

Tang Xian got off the carriage, glanced around, and then looked at the new house of the Shen Family.

"Is this the place?"

Huang Yunxiao nodded with a smile and said, "Shi Tou... Shen Wenxing performed meritoriously in the Border Army and exchanged all rewards for this forest, where he built the house."

Tang Xian nodded, "The mountains are clear, and the water is beautiful; it really is a good place."

"Brother Huang, let's go inside."

The two of them proceeded forward, followed by more than a dozen County Government officials.

"Uncle Yunxiao?"

Shen Wenxing was pushing a wheelbarrow, preparing to transport some stones, when he saw Huang Yunxiao and his party arriving at the gate. He quickly set aside the wheelbarrow and stepped forward to greet them.

"Shi Tou, this is Tang Xian, the new County Magistrate of Anyang County."

"Today, he came with the appointment from the County Government."

Appointment?

Shen Wenxing was startled and hurriedly extended his hands in salutation, "Shen Wenxing pays his respects to County Magistrate Tang."

"County Magistrate Tang, Uncle Yunxiao, please come inside."

"Wenping, go call Father."

After leading them into the parlor, Shen Wenxing brewed tea as Shen Yuan hurried in.

After some introductions, Tang Xian got to the point, "The Court has established Ascension Pavilions at the County Government, and the Ascension Pavilion in Anyang County still lacks a head steward."

"County Captain Huang recommended Shen Wenxing, and the County Government agreed; we are here to inform you of this."

Ascension Pavilion Steward?

Upon hearing this, Shen Wenxing exchanged glances with Shen Yuan, each seeing the excitement in the other's eyes.

During the Western Regions battle, he repeatedly distinguished himself and was given a title but no official position, idle at home.

Now, if he could become the steward of the Ascension Pavilion, it would also be an official position.

More importantly, this would be a formal position, allowing him to receive government provisions.

"Thank you, County Magistrate Tang. Thank you, Uncle Yunxiao,"

Shen Wenxing quickly extended his hands in gratitude.

Tang Xian waved his hand, and seriously said, "This position is entrusted to you partly due to Brother Huang's recommendation, and partly because we heard you are acquainted with two Immortals and are a martial artist of the Postnatal Peak."

"Affairs of the Ascension Pavilion relate to the fate of Great Yu Country. I hope, dear nephew, that you won't let the royal favor down and will fulfill your duties."

Listening, Shen Wenxing quickly extended his hands, "Please rest assured, County Magistrate Tang!"

After the formalities, Tang Xian directed someone to bring the seal and official uniform representing the steward of the Ascension Pavilion.

"I heard your marriage is in April, and the disciples' selection of the Ascension Pavilion is about to begin; you need to report to the county for duty three days from now."

"On your wedding day, I will grant you some leave, how about it?"

Shen Wenxing looked at his father.

Shen Yuan smiled, "Work is important; as for family matters, with your father here, you can rest assured to go."

"County Magistrate Tang, it's nearing noon; please sit for a moment, I'll have my wife prepare some simple food."

As Shen Yuan spoke, he got up to leave.

Yet Tang Xian laughed and waved, "There will be plenty of time in the future. I just arrived at my position, and there are many things to handle, so I won't delay."

"Brother Huang, are you returning with me or..."

Huang Yunxiao got up and bowed, "There are no urgent matters at the County Captain's Mansion, since I've come a long way, I'll stay and not accompany County Magistrate Tang back."

Tang Xian smiled, nodded, and after saluting the group, he left the courtyard with the entourage of officials.

The group escorted them to the gate, watching as the carriage gradually disappeared into the distance.

Shen Yuan frowned and said, "This new County Magistrate seems a bit rigid."

Huang Yunxiao laughed, "Indeed, but he is easier to get along with than that old snake Su Jingshan."

"Come on, it's the first time visiting your new house; let me have a good look around."

...

In the evening, the family gathered and sat together for a meal.

"Ah Die, I'm planning to take my younger siblings to the county town and get their Spirit Roots tested," Shen Wenxing hesitated for a moment before speaking.

He still hoped someone among his younger siblings could be accepted into an Immortal's school.

Upon hearing this, Hu Yufen silently looked at Shen Yuan, while Shen Wenping and Shen Wen'an stopped eating to listen.

Shen Yuan shoveled rice into his bowl, but internally he was somewhat conflicted.

He also hoped that one of the children had the aptitude for cultivation and could be accepted by an Immortal.

But the methods of cultivators are unimaginable to ordinary people, and he worried that the matter of his bloodline and the Turtle Shell might be exposed.

Yet if he gave up on this opportunity, it would be akin to stagnation. Disregarding the impact on the family's growth from farming tens of acres of land and orchards, the resources needed for future generations' education would be a significant issue.

More crucially, with the Turtle Shell in his Sea of Consciousness, even though he had reached the Postnatal Realm, his lifespan was no more than a hundred and fifty years.

If he were to die of old age, the Turtle Shell would likely perish alongside him.

What would happen then?

After a struggle of thoughts, he finally made a decision.

This path of immortality must be pursued!

Not only should the children cultivate, but he and his wife should also find an opportunity to do so.

Otherwise, the mundane ceases within a century, fleeting in a moment, and without him, the family's development would undoubtedly lack a significant aid.

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