This matter needs to be recounted starting from yesterday.

It was just past noon yesterday.

Steward Luo Fang was busy directing the servants to clear the mountain paths, toiling under the scorching sun.

Suddenly, he saw a sedan chair approaching from the distant mountain road.

He jumped onto a large stone, gazed into the distance, hoping to discern something. If it were a friend from Madam's Jianghu connections, it might be an opportunity to ingratiate himself and gain some benefits.

The sedan chair was bright red with silk curtains hanging down.

Embroidered on it was the character "Wu".

This type of sedan chair came from the "earth official" of the court. Among the entire Qingning County, only County Magistrate Lin Guolong had such a specification.

"How strange, could the County Magistrate possibly be seeking Madam for something?"

Luo Fang thought to himself.

Having followed Madam for so long, he had seen much of the world. Immediately, he perked up, quickly instructing people to clear the road, ensuring the official had a stable ride.

"Get those stones and branches cleaned up thoroughly for me."

"I tell you, the County Magistrate's posterior is more precious than our heads."

The servants obeyed his shouts and worked diligently. In truth, even if there were stones on the road, they wouldn't jostle the County Magistrate. The sedan chair bearers were skilled, and regardless of the steepness of the road, they could keep the sedan chair stable.

Luo Fang always sought opportunities to show himself, even if it was in vain.

Soon enough, the sedan chair arrived outside the manor.

"County Magistrate, why have you come? Are you here to see Madam?" Luo Fang eagerly went to greet them, smiling obsequiously.

The sedan curtain was lifted. Lin Guolong's name was righteous and upright, but his face was fair and round, reflecting wealth. His body was short with long arms, appearing quite strange.

He said, "You... what was your name again?"

"I am the steward, Luo Fang. You can call me Little Luo. A few years back, I was fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of you." Luo Fang nodded and bowed.

The servants were sent a hundred steps away, their gazes eager, as if seeing the County Magistrate even once added a touch of preciousness to them.

"Inform Madam that County Magistrate Lin Guolong seeks an audience," Lin Guolong instructed.

"Yes!"

Luo Fang dared not delay and naturally reported it layer by layer, quickly conveying the message to Madam's ears.

But it was not until after dusk that they truly met Madam.

In the Reception Hall.

Lin Guolong had waited for quite some time before finally seeing Madam arrive. Lin Guolong clasped his hands and said, "Madam Wen, long time no see. I hope you've been well?"

Madam Wen said indifferently, "Very well, I wonder how the County Magistrate has been." Lin Guolong replied with a smile, "Also well."

Madam Wen said, "I rarely interact with the County Magistrate. I wonder what matter prompted your personal visit. Please speak directly."

Lin Guolong sat back in his chair, his feet unable to touch the ground. His toes strained, and only with thickened boots could he just barely reach the floor.

"If it were not important, I wouldn't trouble Madam myself," Lin Guolong said. "But my master... instructed me to come in person. It's difficult to go against a master's order, and I ask for Madam's understanding."

"Your master?" Madam Wen raised her eyebrows with interest.

Lin Guolong said, "I am inadequate, bringing shame to my master Fu Haoran."

"Indeed, that is quite shameful," Wen Caishang laughed. Lin Guolong's face stiffened, not knowing how to respond.

At his peak, Fu Haoran was a "Celestial Official." In the Great Wu Dynasty, those stationed in the capital were "Celestial Officials," while those posted elsewhere were "Earth Officials."

"State your business," Madam Wen straightforwardly said.

"Madam, is there a Nursing Home in the manor's name Li Xian?" Lin Guolong asked.

"Li Xian?" Madam Wen said, "Are you here for him?" Her interest piqued.

"Indeed," Lin Guolong replied. "This Li Xian is a native of Qingning County, under my jurisdiction. He has a father who was a hunter and has passed away. He also has a brother named Li Xiaofan."

Madam Wen typically paid no attention to matters of the Nursing Home. But she happened to be aware of Li Xian's information, "I know about this."

"My visit... can be seen as being for Li Xiaofan rather than Li Xian," Lin Guolong said. "Li Xian has been fortunate enough to benefit from his brother's success."

"A few months ago, his brother Li Xiaofan passed the winter exam and qualified to study at the prefecture's academy. At just over ten years of age, he went to study alone. He caught my master's eye and was taken under his wing. You could say... we're fellow disciples."

Madam Wen nodded.

"Li Xiaofan, though young, is extremely intelligent, never forgets what he sees, is quick to respond, and is diligent in learning. He has already gained a hint of fortune – though very thin, it's... enough to consider him a half-Scholar with fortune."

Lin Guolong clicked his tongue: "As the saying goes, when one person attains enlightenment, even their chickens and dogs ascend to the heavens. The first thing Li Xiaofan wants to do is return to the county to help his brother escape from servitude."

"According to court regulations, it should indeed be so. But my master has high hopes for Li Xiaofan. He intends to keep him in the Prefecture City for further studies. After all, a scholar, if exposed to too many worldly matters, inevitably tarnishes that clear literary heart."

"To reassure Li Xiaofan, he wrote a letter a few days ago, entrusting this matter to me."

"Thus, I have come to find Madam Wen."

Lin Guolong explained the circumstances with a smile.

Madam Wen nodded, "So that's how it is." Her beautiful eyes lifted slightly, gazing at the swimming fish outside the hall, seemingly contemplating.

"I hope Madam will fulfill this request," Lin Guolong smiled and said, "It's just a small Nursing Home. Releasing him won't harm your esteemed self and will instead foster goodwill with my master. Moreover, Li Xiaofan possesses excellent qualifications in the Civil Dao. Despite his young age, he has already gained a hint of fortune, and his prospects are boundless."

Madam Wen remained silent. She took a sip of tea and said, "I understand the County Magistrate's intentions. But I have my own difficulties."

Lin Guolong's expression changed, feeling greatly surprised, "Madam, could it be that you..." Madam Wen smiled and said, "County Magistrate Lin, no need to be nervous, please listen to me."

She said, "I know more about Li Xiaofan than you do. Back then, when he was taking the exam and picking flowers, he was besieged by the seven sons of the Black Water Gang, led by Zheng Caiqi. It was his brother Li Xian who risked his life to rescue him. Without that, how could he achieve what he has today?"

Lin Guolong said, "This... this..."

Madam Wen lightly tapped her finger on the table, "County Magistrate Lin, have you ever thought about why Li Xiaofan was rescued?" Lin Guolong said, "His brother? Or did Madam secretly assist him?"

Madam Wen shook her head and said, "Because of Li Xian's martial arts. And these martial arts originated from me. Now you should understand, right?"

Lin Guolong already understood Madam Wen's meaning. The martial arts of the Great Wu Dynasty are precious, and Li Xian, as a nursing home attendant, learned her martial arts. If they parted ways, how would the cost of learning martial arts be accounted for?

Lin Guolong said, "Madam Wen, you are a smart person. The cost of learning martial arts is neither too much nor too little. But you must not value it much. Why not use this opportunity to make friends with my mentor?"

Madam Wen smiled faintly, thinking, "If I dismiss Li Xian like this, your mentor will only say you handled things properly. What does it have to do with me? Keeping this person on hand will have endless benefits."

She said, "County Magistrate Lin still doesn't understand?"

Lin Guolong shook his head. Madam Wen said, "Li Xiaofan is concerned about his brother, so he wants to help him escape from servitude. Ultimately, he is afraid that his brother will suffer and be bullied."

Lin Guolong nodded, silently admiring Madam Wen's insight into people's hearts, seeing things more thoroughly.

Madam Wen said, "I will promote him, elevate him to the nursing home commander, assisting me in managing the estate. In this way, his brother doesn't have to suffer or toil. Additionally, with my protection, there is no issue with his safety, isn't it much more comfortable than venturing outside alone?"

"In this difference, if you were Li Xian, how would you choose?"

Madam's gentle voice softly pulled thoughts along.

Faced with this question, Lin Guolong couldn't help but think: "These words make sense. If I were Li Xian, even if I escaped servitude, I would still seek another force to rely on—why not stay within the estate."

Instinctively nodded.

Madam Wen, confident, said, "Go back and draft a letter, informing your mentor of the situation and seek his opinion. He will surely agree."

"Oh, oh." Lin Guolong nodded blankly.

Madam Wen said, "Therefore, I won't keep the County Magistrate overnight." With a wave of her sleeve, Lin Guolong, in a daze, found himself outside the estate.

The night was deep.

The sedan chair bearers leaned against the sedan chair, already snoring in sleep.

"This... this... sigh." Lin Guolong patted his thigh, greatly displeased, muttering, "Without fortuitous encounters by my side, even holding an official position as the County Magistrate, I shall still be looked down upon by these martial artists, alas!"

"Lift the sedan chair, lift the sedan chair." Lin Guolong shouted twice angrily.

On the way back to the county, the road was pitch dark.

After passing the halfway point, Lin Guolong slowly came to realize, exclaiming, "How deep Madam's scheme runs! I have been completely wrapped up in it!"

"She seems unwilling to disclose the martial arts, but in reality... the calculation runs deep, truly achieving multiple goals at once!"

"Anyone who gains fortune, if joining certain forces, can enhance their foundations. The benefits are endless. She elevated Li Xian to commander, first to show goodwill to my mentor, giving him face. Second, to resolve disputes, not to lose out. Third... to extend favor to Li Xiaofan. Who knows, in the future, Li Xiaofan joining her estate might just grant her estate a touch of fortune!"

"This benefit calculation, truly... truly... leaves one speechless."

At this moment, Lin Guolong understood. But he could only laugh helplessly and comply. That night, he drafted a letter informing his teacher of the situation.

The next day.

The teacher's reply contained just one word, "Approve."

"Sigh."

Lin Guolong sighed deeply, wanting to cry but having no tears. Neither Madam nor the teacher looked favorably upon him.

Without fortune, difficult to find importance. With fortune, the carp transforms into a dragon.

...

...

Black River Village.

Ding Hu knelt on one knee, showing respectful expression. Last night, he received the command from the Madam to promote nursing home attendant Li Xian to commander.

He had rushed back to the estate.

Li Xian frowned and said, "Uncle Ding, are you here to play a joke on me?"

Ding Hu fearfully said, "I wouldn't dare." Li Xian asked, "Has the estate appointed another commander? Commander Pang or Commander Hua?"

Ding Hu said, "No, the estate only has one commander, and it's Commander Li, which is you."

"Where is Commander Pang?" Li Xian was greatly astonished in his heart.

"Commander Pang has long since... long since..." Ding Hu hesitated for a moment, then said, "Commander Pang, after recovering from his injuries, disappeared during an outing several months ago. During these months, it was Hua Hanying who served as commander, but now... the position of commander is yours, Sir."

"Commander Pang disappeared?" Li Xian asked, thinking to himself: "I am located in a remote area, unaware of changes within the estate. I also don't know whether Commander Pang was framed by villains or truly disappeared."

"I am unaware as well." Ding Hu cupped his hands and said, "In any case, Commander Li, if you are ready, please return to the estate with me!"

"Madam has commanded that after you return to the estate, wait in front of Jingxin Tower. When she is finished with her session, she will speak to you personally and inform you of the situation."

Li Xian said, "Alright, I shall return now."

Returning to his room to pack, ready to leave. The men and women, young and old of Black River Village, upon hearing that Li Xian was leaving, tearfully saw him off.

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