Chapter 274 - 122: Prize Winnings, Physical Body Enhancement

A vicious glint flashed in his eyes. "Someone in his position would never truly let the Ning Family off. He’s likely just held back by his reputation, making it inconvenient to act personally. If we take the initiative to eliminate the Ning Family, we might be doing exactly what Yang Jing secretly wants. It would make him feel like our Xiao Family did him a favor, and he’d develop a good impression of us."

For a first-rate power like the Xiao Family, which had been entrenched in Yuhe County for over a century, there were a hundred ways to get rid of the Ning Family.

Xiao Song’s hand, holding his teacup, froze. A hint of hesitation flashed in his eyes, but it was overshadowed by keen interest.

The Ning Family were just countryside landowners, not even worth mentioning in the eyes of the Xiao Family. If they could sacrifice the Ning Family in exchange for Yang Jing’s goodwill, it seemed like a profitable trade.

He looked at Xiao Wenxuan and asked slowly, "What’s your plan?"

Xiao Wenxuan gave a faint smile.

...

In a brightly lit room in the rear courtyard of the County Government.

The County Magistrate, Zhou Wenbin, was adjusting his robes in front of a bronze mirror. He had chosen a deep blue brocade robe embroidered with dark gold auspicious cloud patterns on the collar and cuffs, which was much more formal than his usual attire.

His wife, Lady Liu, was selecting a jade pendant nearby. She finally chose a piece of smooth Nephrite Jade and personally tied it to his waist.

"There, that’s much more presentable." Lady Liu took a step back, appraising her husband, and nodded in satisfaction.

Zhou Wenbin touched the jade pendant at his waist and smiled. "It’s rare for you to be this formal."

"Of course," Lady Liu gave him a playful glare. "Young Hero Yang is now a Huajin Powerhouse, a top figure in Yuhe County. Showing him more respect is not only proper, but also in the best interest of the County Government."

Compared to the last time they had hosted Yang Jing at the County Government, this occasion was clearly much more formal.

After all, Yang Jing had only been at the Peak of Dark Energy then, but now, he was a true Huajin Powerhouse.

"Father, Mother, are you ready? It’s time to go!" Zhou Ling’Er’s clear voice came from outside the door, tinged with excitement.

Zhou Wenbin called out, "We’re coming! Ling’Er, go wait by the gate. Don’t run off."

"I know!" Zhou Ling’Er replied, and the sound of her footsteps faded into the distance.

Lady Liu sat at her dressing table, meticulously drawing her eyebrows in the bronze mirror. Watching her daughter’s retreating back, she suddenly turned to Zhou Wenbin and smiled. "Husband, have you noticed? Every time we mention Young Hero Yang, Ling’Er gets particularly excited."

Zhou Wenbin paused for a moment, then nodded. "It does seem... that way."

"Do you think," Lady Liu put down her eyebrow pencil, a mischievous glint in her eyes, "that Ling’Er might be interested in Young Hero Yang?"

Zhou Wenbin nearly spat out a mouthful of tea and quickly waved his hands. "What nonsense are you talking about? How old is Ling’Er?"

"How old? She’ll be of age in two years. It’s time to think about these matters," Lady Liu said, unconcerned. "Besides, think of how outstanding Young Hero Yang is. A Huajin Powerhouse at such a young age, with a boundless future ahead of him. If we could make a match, it would be a tremendous blessing for Ling’Er and for our County Government."

Though Zhou Wenbin said, "It’s inappropriate," he couldn’t help but start turning the idea over in his mind.

Ling’Er was the apple of his eye; naturally, he wanted to find the best possible future for her.

Yang Jing was not only powerful but also of upright character. The last time he attended the banquet at the County Government, his speech and conduct were calm and measured, completely unlike those dissolute young masters.

If he could really bring the two of them together... An image appeared in Zhou Wenbin’s mind: Yang Jing becoming Yuhe County’s pillar of strength, with the County Government strengthening its ties to this Huajin Powerhouse through marriage.

Even if Yang Jing never broke through to the Qi Eating Realm, his current strength as a Huajin Powerhouse was more than enough to protect Ling’Er and ensure she lived a peaceful and prosperous life.

"But... wouldn’t that be too abrupt?" Zhou Wenbin rubbed his chin, a little hesitant.

Lady Liu smiled. "Let’s not jump to conclusions. We’ll see how things go tonight. If they truly seem to hit it off, it won’t be too late for us to play matchmaker."

Zhou Wenbin pondered for a moment, then nodded. "Alright. We’ll pay attention tonight and see."

The couple exchanged a smile. After finishing their preparations, they walked out of the room side by side.

The carriage was already waiting at the entrance. Zhou Ling’Er was standing on her tiptoes, looking in their direction. As soon as she saw her parents emerge, she immediately ran up to them with a smile.

"Father, Mother, let’s hurry! We shouldn’t keep him waiting!"

Seeing the brilliant smile on their daughter’s face, Zhou Wenbin and Lady Liu exchanged a look, both seeing a glimmer of anticipation in the other’s eyes.

The carriage slowly departed from the County Government, heading towards Jufu Pavilion in the Inner City.

Inside the carriage, Zhou Ling’Er chattered away, her conversation always circling back to Yang Jing’s impressive performance on the fighting stage that day. The adoration in her eyes was impossible to hide.

As Zhou Wenbin and Lady Liu listened, the smiles on their faces grew wider.

...

「9 p.m.」

Inner City, Jufu Pavilion.

The watchman’s clapper had just sounded when the doors of Jufu Pavilion creaked open.

Yang Jing emerged, supporting a staggering Zhou Wenbin. The night wind blew, somewhat lessening the flush of alcohol on his face, but the Lord County Magistrate’s eyes were already glazed over with drunkenness, and he was mumbling incoherently, "Young Hero Yang... impressive..."

Lady Liu hurried forward to take her husband, saying to Yang Jing with some embarrassment, "Thank you, Young Hero Yang. My husband... he was just so happy today."

Yang Jing smiled. "The Lord County Magistrate is a man of true feeling. I admire that."

He steadily helped Zhou Wenbin to the carriage and watched as a servant helped him inside.

Just as the carriage curtain was lowered, a slender, fair hand suddenly lifted a corner. Zhou Ling’Er peeked out, her face flushed red and her big eyes sparkling. "Brother Yang, see you next time!"

"Ling’Er!" Lady Liu chided softly.

Yang Jing waved to her. "Rest well, Miss Zhou."

The carriage began to move slowly, its wheels rumbling over the flagstone road before it quickly disappeared around the corner.

Yang Jing stood and watched it go for a moment before turning to walk back.