"Old Liao, can't you just clear things up for them instead of letting them continue with the misunderstanding?"
The opera house.
Chu Ning spat out a plum pit from his mouth and glanced at Xiaoxiang singing on the stage, then turned to Old Liao beside him and asked.
"Isn't it quite good this way? There's no need to tell her about her mother's affair and me."
Old Liao shook his head, changing the subject, "You've kept things quite hidden, huh? To think you're associated with Director Huang."
The fact that Director Huang backed Chu Ning was something the constables of Xiazhen Town might not know, but the arrest officers in the county were almost all aware. Old Liao, having spent many years at the patrol and arrest office, was especially well-informed.
Chu Ning smiled slightly but didn't continue the topic.
Today was Old Liao who had asked him to come and listen to the opera; he believed that what Old Liao wanted to discuss was not this.
"With Director Huang backing you up, no one would trouble you openly, but the patrol and arrest office is not a united front. Some arrest officers are probably setting their sights on the constables' martial competition."
What Old Liao meant was that there existed another power faction within the patrol and arrest office.
"The constables' martial competition?"
"Held every three years, all constables can participate. It's meant to encourage them to practice martial arts regularly. The winner of the competition not only receives a reward from the court, but in our patrol and arrest office, they also have the privilege to choose any jurisdiction area they wish. Some constables assigned to areas with little to profit from are really holding back, hoping to make a name for themselves in the competition."
"Even though Director Huang announced that you're the only one in Xiazhen Town for now, the rewards of the constables' martial competition have been a rule of the patrol and arrest office for many years. If the winner chooses Xiazhen Town, even Director Huang can't veto it."
"So, you mean to say, at this year's constables' martial competition, the winner is bound to choose my Xiazhen Town?"
"Yes, because Xiazhen Town is currently a very lucrative posting." Old Liao nodded, "Currently, the strongest arrest officer in Daning County is Zhang Tao, with the strength of over eight hundred jin. I mentored him when he first joined the patrol and arrest office. I've asked him to come out for a chat, so you and he can get to know each other."
Chu Ning understood that Old Liao hoped he could reach an agreement with Zhang Tao, who was likely to be the winner of the constables' competition. As long as Zhang Tao didn't choose to come to Xiazhen Town, Chu Ning's position as the constable of Xiazhen Town would be secure.
"Thanks a lot, Old Liao."
Zhang Tao, with his eight hundred jin of strength, didn't concern Chu Ning, but Old Liao didn't know his real prowess. This was out of kindness, and Chu Ning had to accept this favor.
Quarter of an hour later, Chu Ning looked normal, but Old Liao's face had taken on a slightly ugly expression.
Chu Ning sighed inwardly, suspecting that Zhang Tao didn't regard Old Liao as his master, his mentor in the patrol and arrest office.
Otherwise, since they had been here listening to the opera for half an hour already, if he truly respected Old Liao, he should have come over by now.
Half an hour later, Zhang Tao finally arrived.
He was tall and sturdy. As soon as he entered the opera house and saw Old Liao and Chu Ning at their table, he called out while walking over, "Old Liao, I was held back by official business, sorry to have kept you waiting. And who is this?"
"This is Chu Ning. You're both young constables. It's good to get to know each other."
"Nice to meet you, Brother Zhang."
Chu Ning greeted him first, but Zhang Tao only glanced at Chu Ning before turning his attention back to Old Liao, "Old Liao, what's this all about?"
"I'm connecting you two. The constables' martial competition is coming up, and you're definitely aiming for the first place. The area you currently oversee is plenty lucrative; there's no need to focus on Xiazhen Town. Chu Ning won't let you suffer either."
Hearing Old Liao's words, Zhang Tao smiled again, "Old Liao, what are you talking about? There are so many constables in our county, I haven't dared to dream of taking first place. It's too early to talk about this now."
Zhang Tao sat down on a chair, his gaze settling on Xiaoxiang, "Old Liao, if you have a thing for this singer, leave it to me. I guarantee she'll be lying obediently in your bed tonight. A girl who sells her singing shouldn't be played coy with."
Old Liao's complexion darkened, and Chu Ning realized Zhang Tao had no intention of discussing matters with him. Zhang Tao's last remark was a mockery of Old Liao.
If Zhang Tao had a shred of respect for Old Liao, he wouldn't have spoken such words even if he misunderstood Old Liao's affection for Xiaoxiang without knowing the true reason Old Liao cared for her.
How much you respect someone can be seen by whether you respect the women around them—naturally, this doesn't include women who are treated casually by the parties themselves.
Old Liao said coldly, "No need to trouble yourself, Arrest Officer Zhang."
Zhang Tao was taken aback, then laughed, "I have some official business to see to, so I'll be going first."
After standing, Zhang Tao gestured to the server, "Give these two taels of silver as a reward to Xiaoxiang, from Arrest Officer Liao."
"Old Liao, I'm off then."
From beginning to end, Zhang Tao hadn't directed a single word at Chu Ning. With an ashen face, Old Liao said, "Chu Ning, I couldn't help you. In his eyes, I'm not considered a master at all."
It was false to say that Old Liao wasn't angry. When Zhang Tao was first assigned to the patrol and arrest office, he was nothing but an obstinate rookie who had managed to offend both merchants and gangs. If not for Old Liao mediating, he would have been put out of commission by black clubs from those gang members long ago.
"Different strokes for different folks, Old Liao, don't be upset. Let's watch the opera... Xiaoxiang will be back on stage soon."
After consoling Old Liao for a while, Chu Ning thought how many people were eyeing his post in Xiazhen Town. Zhang Tao's disrespect towards Old Liao was certainly due to Old Liao's diminished status in his heart, but it was likely there were others behind him painting him a picture.
After accompanying Old Liao to the opera for another half an hour, Chu Ning left the opera house not to return to Xiazhen Town, but to buy some pastries and head towards the Huang Residence.
"Master Chu."
The butler was somewhat surprised to see Chu Ning carrying pastries because Chu Ning usually brought more thoughtfully selected gifts whenever he visited.
"Butler, is Uncle Huang at home?"
"Yes, I'll take you to meet the young master."
The butler had already received instructions from the young master that if Chu Ning came today, he was to be brought directly to the study.
The Huang Residence was extensive, and it took Chu Ning several minutes following the butler to reach the study. Director Huang had just finished writing at this moment.
"You've come. This counts as our first official meeting, doesn't it?"
Huang Zhongtai looked at Chu Ning, who nodded and said, "At the arrest office, I was afraid of bringing negative attention to you, Uncle Huang, so I didn't dare to greet you."
"Then why didn't you ask to see me every time you came to the residence?"
"Uncle Huang's kindness to me has always been remembered. I felt that if I came to the residence just to see you, it would seem like I was exploiting that kindness, which I am not willing to do."
Chu Ning's explanation was crystal clear. I'm sending "heartfelt" gifts to Uncle Huang as a constant reminder of your kindness to me. However, if I seek closeness with Uncle Huang in the name of repaying that kindness, that becomes a purposeful act of gratitude, which is not something I'm willing to do.
"Oh? What about this visit then?"
"I heard that the constable competition is just a month away."
Huang Zhongtai's eyes narrowed slightly: "You're worried that a constable will take the first place and threaten your position in Xiazhen Town, asking for my help?"
"Not at all."
Chu Ning shook his head, knowing Huang Zhongtai had misunderstood him.
"Earlier I said that I have nothing but pure gratitude for you, Uncle Huang. If I now seek your help, would that not be insincere?"
"I really didn't want to come, fearing you would misunderstand, but after much thought, it seemed inevitable. If my presence were to disrupt your plans, it would be like repaying kindness with ingratitude."
Huang Zhongtai's expression became serious as he stared at Chu Ning.
Chu Ning got straight to the point: "My strength is one thousand five hundred jin."
The butler standing behind Chu Ning was slightly agape upon hearing this, and Huang Zhongtai was also taken aback: "Are you serious?"
"If Uncle Huang doesn't believe me, I can prove it."
Huang Zhongtai clapped his hands decisively: "To the martial arts academy."
An hour later, having returned to the study, Huang Zhongtai burst into laughter: "Chu Ning, you did not disappoint me."
Just now in the martial arts academy, Chu Ning had unleashed nearly five thousand jin of strength with a single punch, a level nearing that of a martial master.
There are martial master hopefuls among constables at the arrest office, but those few have already participated in the triennial constable competition and cannot take part again.
Now, of those eligible for the competition, no one possesses strength surpassing Chu Ning's.
In fights beneath the martial master level, it's mostly about raw strength; there's not much technique involved because both speed and agility only offer limited improvement to one's power without the cultivation of Dark Energy.
"Uncle Huang, if you already have arrangements for the competition, then I will..."
"No need, just take first place."
Huang Zhongtai was even more satisfied with Chu Ning. This was a good kid who would rather hide his talent for the sake of his plans.
He had also been young once. What young man isn't full of vigor? That's the age of pride and ambition, how could one be willing to conceal their abilities?
"Take this 'Ape-Leaping Steps' with you. It's a secret martial arts manual for cultivating agility. Your strength is sufficient now; practicing 'Ape-Leaping Steps' will make your movements more agile in battle."
"Thank you, Uncle Huang."
Chu Ning excitedly accepted the book. He knew just how precious the martial arts secrets of the great kingdoms were; ordinary people couldn't get their hands on such books outside of attending an academy, for they were all held by martial arts families.
The martial arts families of the great kingdoms were the true nobility. Seen in this light, Uncle Huang's background was extraordinary.
After sending Chu Ning out the door, the butler returned and hesitated before speaking: "Master, should we really give the 'Ape-Leaping Steps' to Chu Ning just like that?"
Huang Zhongtai did not clarify the butler's confusion, instead asking, "Do you know why there's been an increase in the number of merchants in Xiazhen Town?"
The butler shook his head.
"Since Chu Ning got there, he's been quite agreeable with tax collection. As long as merchants don't go too far, he doesn't mind if they give a little less. Some merchants with urgent needs at home are even allowed to run up debts."
"If he were a son of a wealthy family, it would mean nothing, taken as indifference to such small sums. However, Chu Ning comes from a poor background and has incurred quite a bit of debt caring for his elder aunt. If you were Chu Ning, with the chance to pocket any amount of Tax Silver, what would you do?"
The butler began to understand: "I'd squeeze every last coin from those merchants, compromising no opportunity, as there's no telling when I might be reassigned. Miss this chance, and there might never be one as good again."
"Exactly, that's what most people would think. When Zhao Bing informed me about Chu Ning going to Xiazhen Town, even I thought he was after extorting money from the merchants. It seems I misjudged him."
"It's not that you misjudged, Master, but rather that Chu Ning thinks differently from most," the butler added.
"Back when Chu Ning showed no potential, I still decided to do him a favor. Now that he has the potential to become a martial master, what's wrong with giving him another push? Let's not forget, even after studying for three years in an academy, very few manage to break through to become a martial masters."
PS: As promised, a hundred chapters result in an extra release of the bonus chapter. I've added it right away, with a generous portion I believe. On another note, the chapter usually published at 7:00 AM will now be released after midnight. One more thing, please continue to follow the story. Today is the first day on the recommendations list, and we've gained a thousand new bookmarks. However, it remains to be seen how many will actually follow the updates. Those who bookmarked as Wu Yanzu, don't just hold on to it without reading. One bookmark without following affects the retention rate significantly.