Volume One: The Handyman of Changshui County Chapter 125: Director Chen's Generosity

“Thank you very much, Director Chen, for your kindness!” Lu Jiuzhang clasped his hands and continued, “Wasn’t Director Zhong the one who led the demon extermination before? Why is there another demon purge now?”

Chen Xuanfeng shook his head. “I’m not entirely sure either. In previous years, demon hunts happened roughly once a year, lasting about half a month to two months. This year, for some reason, the frequency has increased significantly.”

“Rumor has it that demons have also become more numerous in other regions. In the five centuries of the Great Zhou Dynasty, such events are rare; each occurrence signals the emergence of great turmoil.”

“In times of chaos, there is both disaster and opportunity!”

“Those who rise with the tide seize the chance to ascend to the pinnacle of martial arts and establish new noble families, but countless others perish!”

“No matter how great the opportunity, one must have the life to enjoy it! With the new Emperor’s ascension, she will surely suppress the demons; otherwise, how could she command the people?”

Chen Xuanfeng gave a brief analysis.

Yet the true schemes—both overt and covert—behind the scenes cannot be explained in just a few words.

Those who manipulate the strings from the shadows twist fate like turning clouds and rain, making all others mere pawns in their game.

“What kind of person is this new Emperor?” Lu Jiuzhang’s curiosity about the new ruler deepened.

“She is iron-blooded and domineering. Though a woman, she is far more resolute than the previous Emperor,” Chen Xuanfeng commented. “Of course, this is not my personal opinion but rather a widely circulated belief among the populace.”

“I have never met the new Emperor. Although I was once a royal guard for the Crown Prince, my rank was low—you could say I was merely a gatekeeper—so naturally, I never had the chance to see the Emperor during her childhood.”

Iron-blooded, domineering, and even tougher than the former Emperor!

Such adjectives seemed somewhat ill-fitting for a woman.

Yet if one were an Empress, lacking these qualities, she would never have ascended the throne.

The Great Zhou Dynasty had no precedent of a female ruler, but it was said that the previous dynasty had a few.

Lu Jiuzhang knew little about the former dynasty—only some hearsay from storytellers, tales more fanciful than true, where nine parts were false and one part real. Who really knew the truth?

…

After being promoted to Demon Exterminator, Lu Jiuzhang’s office space doubled in size.

He could even partition the room, using one half for resting and the other half for work.

However, Lu Jiuzhang had little official business to attend to.

After some thought, he decided to convert half of the room into a tea area.

Idle moments spent sipping tea, or perhaps nibbling on some snacks and drinking a little wine, wouldn’t be bad.

Naturally, Lu Jiuzhang need not handle the arrangements personally.

He could have Wang Yunshan, the steward, manage it, charging the expenses to the Demon Extermination Department’s budget as official expenditure.

Lu Jiuzhang summoned Wang Yunshan to take care of the matter.

Though the profit was modest for Lu Jiuzhang, it represented a nice little income for Wang Yunshan.

Once these matters were settled, Lu Jiuzhang headed to the martial arts training ground, staying until the end of the day.

Upon returning home, as he prepared to light the fire and cook, a knock came at the door.

Bai Xiaosu hurried to open it and found Zhao Chan’er standing outside.

Bai Xiaosu usually wore a serious expression around strangers.

Yet it was Zhao Chan’er who spoke first.

“Is Brother Lu home?”

“He’s cooking in the annex.”

“Hmm…”

Zhao Chan’er nodded and entered directly.

When she saw Lu Jiuzhang, a hint of apology softened her face.

“Brother Lu, my mother has thought things over these past few days and admits she was wrong.”

“So, she sent me to invite you to dinner at our home. She’s prepared a big feast!” Zhao Chan’er said excitedly.

She didn’t understand much about social etiquette; she only knew that her mother’s attitude toward Brother Lu was better now, which made her happy.

As long as her mother and Brother Lu got along well, that was the happiest thing!

“Little Miss Zhao, if I may speak frankly, has your mother taken some strange medicine?” The big black dog questioned in confusion.

Just a few days ago, her mother had been on the brink of death, refusing to speak or interact, yet today her attitude had suddenly changed?

“If you can’t say anything nice, say less!” Lu Jiuzhang slapped the big black dog on the head.

Insulting someone is one thing, but doing so in front of Zhao Chan’er, especially about her mother, was inappropriate.

At the very least, this young lady was of good character!

“Chan’er, I’m not going,” Lu Jiuzhang waved his hand. “I need to focus on my cultivation these days, keep to a light diet. Your mother’s rich feast is not something I’m used to.”

Zhao Chan’er’s mother’s sudden change of heart was likely just because she knew of Lu Jiuzhang’s promotion.

After all, as a Demon Exterminator, his authority in Changshui County was considerable.

“Brother Lu, but—”

“No buts. Chan’er, you’re a good girl. Listen to me—don’t follow everything your mother says blindly,” Lu Jiuzhang smiled, patting her head. “You’re grown now; you should have your own opinions.”

“Okay,” Zhao Chan’er lowered her head, somewhat displeased, and walked toward her home.

After she left, the big black dog asked, “Master Jiu, do you think she’ll listen to you?”

“Unlikely,” Lu Jiuzhang shook his head. “Chan’er is timid; breaking free from her mother’s control is harder than climbing to the heavens. I just hope she finds a good family in the future, so she won’t be bullied.”

Such was the way of the world.

This was their family affair; Lu Jiuzhang couldn’t meddle too much.

What good would gentle advice do?

Some personalities simply cannot be changed!

“Enough talk—what are we having for dinner tonight?” Bai Xiaosu looked at Lu Jiuzhang earnestly. “I want roasted chicken—the kind that’s dripping with juices!”

“Huh?”

Lu Jiuzhang was momentarily taken aback.

“Hehe, Master Jiu, you went to the Demon Extermination Office this morning, right? I took her out for a meal, and she’s fallen in love with roasted chicken!” The big black dog chuckled.

“Go ahead and eat. We’re not short of money.” Lu Jiuzhang searched his pockets for small change but found none, so he took out a silver tael. “Take this to buy it.”

A roasted chicken cost at most seven or eight copper coins, maybe ten—affordable enough.

“All right! I’m going now with Bai Xiaosu!” The big black dog leapt out the door.

…

Lu Jiuzhang lit the fire and cooked some porridge.

It was best to eat lightly in the evening!

He decided to add some spiritual herbs to the porridge since he had plenty on hand.

With that thought, Lu Jiuzhang washed a sprig of spiritual herb and dropped it into the pot.

Immediately, the porridge emitted the herb’s fragrant aroma.

The whole kitchen was suffused with spiritual energy, giving a sensation of lightness and transcendence.

“Knock, knock, knock…”

Just then, a knock came at the door again.

Lu Jiuzhang went to open it and found Aunt Zhao standing outside.

Had Zhao Chan’er’s invitation failed to move him, so the mother came herself?

“Nephew Lu, why are you still upset with me?” Aunt Zhao smiled awkwardly. “I know I was wrong before. If you’re still angry, may I offer you an apology?”