Chapter 29: Receiving Rewards

Chapter 29: Receiving Rewards

By the time they returned to the Prince's Mansion, it was already dusk.

"The merits and rewards are still there, and it's the same if you go to see Xun Mei tomorrow," Nie Yanyan originally wanted to go directly to see Xun Mei, but Meng Yuan stopped him.

"Shouldn't the first thing after returning from a business trip be to report back?" Meng Yuan was thinking about the merits and rewards.

Nie Yanyan was so angry that he tapped Meng Yuan's nose, "Sometimes you're smart, but you're as impatient as a young man!"

"I am a young man," Meng Yuan said sincerely.

Nie Yanyan lost his temper and took Meng Yuan to see Xun Mei.

The residence of the Empress Dowager was named Jingyuan, and Xun Mei lived next to Jingyuan.

Although the people of Qingguo were known for their fierce customs, the Empress Dowager was still a female relative, so the area around Jingyuan was mostly frequented by maidservants.

"Jingyuan was built by the Empress Dowager in memory of her late father. It's a serene and peaceful place, perfect for reading." Nie Yanyan added, "Our Empress Dowager loves reading, and she has countless books. Some of her capable maidservants have followed her example. So, you borrowing books from Xun Mei really hits the spot."

"I borrow books to seek knowledge, to resolve doubts, and to understand principles, nothing else." Meng Yuan said.

"I like that about you, kid. You have thick skin and don't care about face." Nie Yanyan said.

Meng Yuan didn't say more, ever since Zhang Wei mentioned the matter of Nie Shi's daughter, he had been constantly making fun of him.

Of course, they weren't wrong, Meng Yuan did have thick skin and didn't care about face.

Upon arriving at Xun Mei's residence, they were greeted by a young maid. Xun Mei greeted Nie Yanyan with respect, showing that Nie Yanyan's claim of having a connection with the Empress Dowager's brother was indeed true.

"How has the Empress Dowager been lately?" Nie Yanyan asked casually, speaking as if he were an elder.

"She's doing well," Xun Mei replied with a smile.

After entering the reception hall and being served hot tea, Nie Yanyan finally allowed Meng Yuan to report on their trip to the Medicine Estate.

Meng Yuan didn't hide anything and recounted everything in detail.

"I heard that the Western Buddhist demons are the most numerous, and all the incarnated demons cultivate Buddhist teachings. I never expected one to come to this side." Xun Mei looked at Meng Yuan and noticed that he had gained a bit more courage and calmness, indicating that he had indeed witnessed bloodshed.

"This is not something we can handle. There are many branches of Buddhism, and many strange and bizarre things. Anyway, the Demon Control Bureau is handling it, so let them deal with this headache." Nie Yanyan didn't want to delve deeper into the matter. He tapped Meng Yuan and said, "This kid has made a contribution, and he wants to bring his family from the Livestock Farm. You should make arrangements for him."

"That's easy." Xun Mei smiled and immediately wrote a note for Meng Yuan, saying, "Since you've entered the ranks, your family shouldn't be doing laborious work anymore. Even without mentioning it, I was already planning to bring them back to the Prince's Mansion. Tomorrow, you can go to the Livestock Farm and give this note to Jiang Shuan You. Bring your family back. As for accommodation, there's an empty courtyard next to the training ground. I'll send someone to clean it up, and you can stay there for now. I remember that Jiang Shuan You is an animal doctor, so he can temporarily take up the role of a horse doctor and manage the horses in the Prince's Mansion."

Xun Mei smiled as she sized up Meng Yuan. She hadn't expected that this little castrator would have such talent in martial arts, entering the ranks in less than two months and even having the experience of slaying and capturing demons.

That's not all, this person is pure-hearted and can endure the loneliness of hard training. He also has an ambitious heart and knows that reading more books will broaden his knowledge.

Moreover, it's evident that Nie Yanyan highly regards this youth and wants to teach him as his successor.

If this person is guided well in the future and doesn't take the wrong path, he will be a valuable asset.

Furthermore, this youth was recommended by Xun Mei herself, so she is willing to give him some preferential treatment, not only allowing his family to reunite but also arranging accommodation for them.

Additionally, the position of a guard is special as it is related to the safety of the Empress Dowager, so the guard must be someone trustworthy and reliable.

"Thank you, Sister Xun Mei!" Meng Yuan expressed his sincere gratitude.

Since entering the Prince's Mansion at the beginning of the year, it was now the second month. Meng Yuan had promised Jiang Tang that he would bring her grandfather and grandson to live in the city within half a year, and now, in less than two months, the matter was settled.

"You borrowed historical books to read. Have you gained any insights?" Xun Mei didn't mention the matter of rewards but instead smiled and asked about his reading.

"The historical books are filled with the deeds of ancient people and kings, dukes, and ministers. I can't understand any profound principles. However, during the quiet nights, I managed to discern a sentence from those vast and dense words." Meng Yuan said earnestly.

"What sentence?" Xun Mei asked curiously.

Nie Yanyan also perked up his ears, curious to see how Meng Yuan would respond.

"This sentence is: In the vast universe, one should uphold loyalty and filial piety as the foundation of one's character."

Meng Yuan spoke with sincerity, "Nie Shi taught me martial arts, and that's why I was able to achieve today's merits. I am indeed grateful for Nie Shi's kindness. However, if we trace it back to the source, it is still the Empress Dowager who gave me this opportunity. If it weren't for her, I would still be castrating sheep and goats at the Livestock Farm."

At this point, Meng Yuan paused slightly before continuing, "Of course, castrating sheep and goats isn't bad either. It's all for the Empress Dowager, but being a guard in the Prince's Mansion is even more fulfilling."

Meng Yuan only embodied the virtue of 'loyalty' among the four virtues of 'rectitude, righteousness, honesty, and shame'.

Nie Yanyan clapped his hands, expressing his approval.

"You've read the history books well. The best part is that you've understood the path of loyalty and filial piety!" Xun Mei also nodded in agreement, praising him, "Remembering your origins, you will know your destination. That's wonderful."

She immediately wrote another note, sealed it, and handed it to Meng Yuan, saying, "The Empress Dowager treats us the best. According to the rules, as a guard of the Prince's Mansion, in addition to your monthly salary, there are additional assignments for official duties. If you get injured, there is also a special allowance for recovery."

You captured two demons and killed one, earning you three hundred taels. Take the receipt and collect the money from Gou Zhangfang."

"Thank you, Sister Mei," Meng Yuan said, taking the receipt with satisfaction. With this money, not only could he buy several new sets of clothes for Jiang Yaya, but they could also afford to eat meat every day.

After ensuring Xun Mei was well taken care of, Meng Yuan and Nie Yanian bid farewell.

"If you become a kept man, you'll be damned!" Nie Yanian exclaimed as soon as they left Xun Mei's residence.

Meng Yuan pretended not to understand and only held onto Nie Yanian to go find Gou Zhangfang.

Exchanging Xun Mei's receipt, they received three silver notes. Meng Yuan took out two and gave them to Nie Yanian.

"What are you doing?" Nie Yanian frowned and refused, surprisingly showing a sense of righteousness.

"If it weren't for Master Nie, I wouldn't have received the reward. Not to mention Master Nie teaching me martial skills and repeatedly promoting me," Meng Yuan said sincerely.

"This is something you earned with your life. How can I take it?" Nie Yanian waved his hand in refusal. "Besides, you need to support your wife, and money is needed everywhere. I really can't take it."

Meng Yuan carefully discerned Master Nie's tone and, seeing his sincerity, felt inspired. He thought to himself, 'With this attitude, you're not any worse than me when I first met Xun Mei.'

"Without Master Nie, there wouldn't be me. You have to take this money," Meng Yuan insisted, handing over all three silver notes.

"No, no. I won't take money from a junior," Nie Yanian refused.

"Master Nie, if you don't accept it, I won't dare to go out on official duty with you again!"

"This is a reward from the princess. What does it have to do with me?"

The two of them argued, pushing and shoving, and those who didn't know them might have thought they were a filial disciple and a kind master.

"Let's go eat first. The river fish in spring isn't that delicious, but the steamed fish at Intoxicating Moon Tower has a unique flavor," Meng Yuan suggested, still remembering the incident with the wine sponsor and the father-daughter duo. He invited Master Nie to accompany him, expecting to be scammed by them again.

Although the three hundred taels were earned through his own hard work, it was ultimately due to Master Nie's promotion. It was only right to give some to his daughter.

The last time was an accidental scam, but this time, he was willingly letting himself be scammed.

Of course, if he could steal some skills from Master Nie's mouth, that would be an extra gain.

However, Nie Yanian didn't have the intention of promoting his daughter's business. He simply said, "Since you've made a fortune, why don't you just invite me to listen to some music? The two of us won't spend much!"

"Master Nie, a person values self-respect. I would never go to such a place!" Meng Yuan firmly refused, not out of self-respect but due to his concern about spending too much money.

Seeing Meng Yuan's righteous demeanor, Nie Yanian laughed and praised, "You've read a couple of books, but your knowledge hasn't increased much. Instead, you've learned to be a hypocrite and a fake scholar! Don't let me catch you sneaking off to a brothel!"

The two of them bantered as they arrived at Intoxicating Moon Tower.

The beauty smiled and greeted Meng Yuan, bowing slightly.

Meng Yuan exuded righteousness and said nothing, only nodding slightly, truly resembling a gentleman.

They went up to the second floor, sat by the river, and looked down at the river below. Meng Yuan eagerly poured wine.

"Bring some Lake Dream Spring!" Nie Yanian immediately pushed away when Meng Yuan offered him wine.

What is Lake Dream Spring? Meng Yuan was a country bumpkin and had no idea.

Nie Yanian clapped his hands, and a young servant approached, addressing him as Master Nie.

"Two jars of Lake Dream Spring!" Nie Yanian extended two fingers.

So it was fine wine! This time, he was truly acting as a wine sponsor! Master Nie, you're going to great lengths for your daughter's business!

Meng Yuan was in a position of need, and he had already planned to spend all three hundred taels, so he didn't bother asking about the price.

"The wine jars are too small. Bring two large jars! And change the wine cups to large bowls!" Meng Yuan acted like a nouveau riche.

Nie Yanian had been picking up dishes with his chopsticks, but upon hearing Meng Yuan's words, he put down his chopsticks. He had indeed planned to endure more, but Meng Yuan's attitude of lying down and accepting whatever came his way made the scamming of money less enjoyable.

"Master Nie, when will you teach me something new?" Meng Yuan asked, switching to a large bowl and drinking three cups of wine. "I've been thinking that the main principle of the Gale Blade Technique is speed, but it lacks in ferocity. Is it possible to learn a blade technique that is extremely fast and ferocious?"

Meng Yuan was now experiencing the sensation of holding a blade for the first time, so he needed to make the blade sharper and learn more to stand more firmly!

"The fact that you thought of this shows that you're not just a dullard who only knows how to practice blindly!" Nie Yanian praised and continued, "However, you haven't perfected the Gale Blade Technique yet, so don't be greedy. Wait until you open more acupoints, and I guarantee you'll dominate within your cultivation level!"

"There's no need to wait. Let's discuss it now." Meng Yuan saw that Master Nie was getting tipsy from the wine, and his enthusiasm for persuading him to drink increased.

Nie Yanian stroked his chin, observing the boy's eagerness, and thought to himself, 'I'm just going to scam you out of a few coins for fun, and you're trying to get me drunk to steal my skills?'

"Master Nie, I can't bear not listening to your teachings for a day!" Meng Yuan poured the wine vigorously and clapped his hands, summoning the young servant. "Bring two more large jars! Remember, when this Master Nie comes to eat, put it all on my tab!"

This is your daughter's establishment, and eating here is free. Why put it on my tab? Do I even know you?

Nie Yanian frowned, originally intending to be restrained, but then he saw Meng Yuan lifting the wine bowl to pour it on his face, looking like he was going to get him drunk.

"Alright, alright! I'll talk and talk!" Nie Yanian couldn't take it anymore and kept sighing. "Damn it, I finally understand what 'Chaste Woman Afraid of a Persistent Lover' means!"

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end