Chapter 4: Advancing by Retreating

Liu Zheng inwardly cursed the ancestors of this Chen Ping for eighteen generations, while feigning a look of deep sorrow on his face, clasping his fists and bowing his head: "Your Excellency, the Prefect, Liu Zheng behaved recklessly yesterday, which was truly inappropriate. This time, I have had a sudden realization. As the ancient saying goes, 'Respect the elderly as one would wish for their own elders to be respected'..."

How is this possible

Then, there was the sound of wine glasses shattering.

Chen Ruoshi also had a look of great embarrassment on her face

Chen Ping also took a deep breath; the situation before him was entirely unexpected.

However, they are from Liangzhou; who would take a minor official position and go to these counties that haven't seen any governance for years?

The reason is simple; although there are still quite a few officials present.

Following this, the entire venue was in an uproar

Liu Zheng deliberately laughed loudly and said: "Father, what nonsense are you talking about? Is there anything better than becoming the son-in-law of a governor? This is a double gain in fame and fortune!"

Old melon skin

In recent years, the finances of the Dragon Flame Dynasty have been strained

Chen Ping felt overwhelmed and immediately said: "However, considering that Liu Xianghou has made great contributions in providing reinforcements and supplies, which has contributed to the stability of my Liangzhou, this governor has decided that while the family property will not be returned, the title can be elevated to that of a county marquis. What do you think?"

What?

Overjoyed in his heart, but maintaining a composed exterior, Liu Zheng wore a face full of disappointment: "Ah? Lord Taishou, is that all? Can I choose Miss Chen again? I still feel that..."

Liu Zheng quickly nodded

Chen Ping shouted angrily

However, it is difficult to defend and attack in Kexuzhou

At this moment, I suddenly realized

The third is Yinzhu, which is the most impoverished and least regarded among the three counties. Located in the southwesternmost part of Liangzhou, it has a relatively small area, is mountainous, and has a sparse population, making it truly destitute. Among the thirty counties in Liangzhou, it is considered the most inconspicuous existence

However, there were soldiers maintaining order at the scene, so how could one truly bring a sword inside? Most were merely indulging in verbal sparring, showcasing their passionate anger for the sake of a beautiful woman.

In a state of helplessness, the emperor widely opened the titles of rural and county nobles for the purpose of amassing wealth. To put it simply, wealthy individuals could purchase these two titles with money, which also granted the governors and magistrates of the provinces the authority to sell them. If you could sell them and return the money to me, you would even receive rewards. Thus, in the Longyan Dynasty, the titles of rural and county nobles began to proliferate like fish crossing a river, becoming commonplace and losing their value. They have already started to fall out of favor, even less esteemed than the previously conferred marquis titles.

You ... ... Dengtuzai! Father, I ... ...

It is impossible

The expression in Liu Zheng's eyes is exceedingly complex

Liu Dahao's expression also changed dramatically

Let me kill him

Three

He originally intended to make a grand impression at today's poetry gathering, hoping to secure his father's title of marquis, which would be considered a success. Unexpectedly, his strategy of advancing by retreating resulted in Liu Dahao's title being directly elevated to that of a county marquis.

At this moment, all the talented individuals in the audience began to discuss among themselves, opening their folding fans as if to declare, "The world is mine." Although it seemed they were offering advice and strategies to Liu Zheng, there was a distinct tone of sarcasm in their words

"Governor Chen, Miss Chen possesses both beauty and grace, with a character as refined as orchids and as noble as lilies. She must never marry such a scoundrel as this!"

Chen Ruoshi had just been immersed in the illusion created by Liu Zheng's poetry...

In this matter, if Liu Zheng insists on this, then the problem will be significant

Liu Zheng had already formed a conclusion in his heart, but hetushu.com still consulted his father, after all, this title belonged to him

Chen Ping's expression darkened even further, while Chen Ruoshi beside him had already turned pale, on the verge of tears but unable to cry.

Such shameless behavior naturally invites various curses and insults

She was so captivated that she seemed almost entranced

Profitable, simply profitable

Shameless

The Dragon Flame Dynasty, from the titles of Marquis of the Countryside, Marquis of the County, Marquis of the Prefecture, then to the Champion Marquis, Marquis of the Inner Pass, Marquis of the Outer Pass, and other noble titles, progressing to the feudal lords, and finally to the kings and marquises

Chen Ruoshi's complexion was slightly pale, and she spoke somewhat incoherently

The public holds them in even greater disdain

When the golden wind and jade dew meet, it surpasses countless encounters in the mortal realm

Chen Ruoshi looked at Liu Zheng and thought to remind him that Wuzhou was quite a good choice, after all, it was adjacent to the capital, making trade convenient. The annual taxes were also considerable, which suited his identity as a young man of privilege.

This notorious spendthrift, known throughout the city, actually won

At this moment, her heart was in turmoil, and she did not even know how to refuse him

Hahaha

The advisor glanced at Liu Zheng and said, "Congratulations to Liu Xianghou's son, Liu Zheng, for successfully winning the championship of this poetry meeting"

Liu Zheng, not taking it seriously, clasped his fists and chuckled, "Thank you, thank you. Everyone, enjoy your meal and drinks! Governor Chen? What do you say?"

Chen Ping waved his hand, signaling his daughter to remain silent for the time being. He then looked at Liu Zheng and, trying to maintain a kind smile, said: "Nephew, you truly have remarkable literary talent! Since you have won, you should fulfill the rewards and punishments."

How could this prodigal son be so talented

Other talented individuals vehemently criticize the wolf's ambition, deeming its intentions worthy of punishment

The entire audience erupted in anger, without exception

The title of "Governor" is a noble rank, while "Taishou" is an official position. ... Subsequently, there are the "Cishi" Governors, and the "Zhoumu" Governors. https://m.hetushucomcom, followed by the feudal lords, princely lords, and as one ascends, the hierarchy becomes increasingly complex. Further details will be provided later.

This statement once again stirred the emotions of the entire audience

Liu Zheng rolled his eyes

Currently, there is county-level management in various regions of Liangzhou

Liu Dahao was also frightened, breaking out in a cold sweat, and quietly tugged at Liu Zheng's arm to remind him.

Liangzhou is one of the seventy states of the Longyan Dynasty, equivalent to a province in later times. The Longyan Dynasty has lasted for a thousand years, but it is now on the verge of collapse, with the vassal kings governing independently. The titles of county lords and marquises can be purchased through "donations." At the level of states and counties, they are managed by county lords, and there are no additional official positions. However, at the level of Chen Ping, the state lord, it is not something that can be resolved with money, and official positions will also be assigned.

This statement is incorrect; if one wishes to become a wealthy individual, Kizil is the first choice, and its future development is promising

The title of a rural marquis is the lowest rank, equivalent to an honorary title, with a slight official status. However, the title of a county marquis is quite different, as it comes with a fief! It is directly comparable to a future county magistrate.

Only three are left, and there are currently no candidates.

You, a seven-foot man, actually wish to become a son-in-law by marriage?

Cleverness

You ... ...

Chen Ping chuckled and said, "Do you have a preferred choice, dear nephew?"

Did I hear incorrectly

Soon, the advisor emerged holding a pile of bamboo slips and placed them in front of Liu Zheng

The dark horse emerges victorious

Second is Kizilsu, where the terrain is relatively large and the population is quite dense, but the landscape is rather flat, offering no strategic advantage.

Chen Ping smiled faintly: "This is indeed true, but yesterday, one million taels of silver have already been sent to the front lines. If my dear nephew wishes to help your father reclaim his estate, it is indeed quite difficult and challenging!"

I am willing to slay him with a single sword, exchanging my life for his

Within the jurisdiction of Liangzhou, there are also thirty prefectures and counties, a level that is equivalent to that of cities or counties in later generations

Father

The entire audience of scholars and talented individuals was filled with hearty laughter

Only then did everyone remember this rule

Chen Ruoshi wore an anxious expression

Then, he looked at Chen Ping on the stage with a continuous smile, not forgetting to gaze at Chen Ruoshi like a lecher, his intentions of desecration becoming increasingly evident

After several rounds of pulling and tugging by Liu Dahao, Liu Zheng finally shook his head and sighed: "In that case, may I ask which county the governor has designated for my father"

Outrageous

Heartless thief

Liu Zheng, however, was unconcerned and chuckled, saying: "I have had this gaze since childhood; you may call it a natural disposition or a habit. In any case, I have won, haven't I, Miss Chen?"

First is Wuzhou, which is considered one of the more prosperous areas among the three counties. It is located in the southeast of Liangzhou and, due to its proximity to the capital, it is somewhat bustling. Therefore, it is undoubtedly the best choice

The advisor called out several times, and only then did the entire venue quiet down

Child, what is this for... absolutely not! This Chen Ping is certainly not a good person!

Silence, silence

Chen Ping had a rough measure of this young man, feeling even more disdain in his heart. He chuckled and said, "Currently, there are no county magistrates in the three counties of Liangzhou. Why not let your esteemed nephew choose a place for himself?"

Liu Zheng chuckled lightly, wearing a playful and irreverent smile: "Esteemed father-in-law, I pay my respects here!"

A rural official has already spent one million taels of silver. This is equivalent to another million, directly for a county official

The people then began to show expressions of mockery, as it turned out that this individual was merely using the pretext of advancing and retreating with books, with the aim of obtaining greater benefits from the governor.

Outrageous

The atmosphere in the venue was exceedingly lively just now, with a resounding clinking of glasses. Liu Zheng's few poems made everyone somewhat forget themselves.

It's one thing for young people to make a fuss! But what are you, a sixty-year-old man, doing pounding your chest and stamping your feet?

dandy

In summary, no one is willing to accept the reality before them

Chen Ping ignored them and looked at Liu Zheng, saying淡淡道: "I just don't know what my esteemed nephew wants me to agree to."

Scattered applause

Naturally, Wuzhou is the best

Liu Zheng made a surprising statement: "My lord, I choose Yinzhou!"

Chen Ping chuckled and said: "Noble nephew, although you speak thus, I truly appreciate your talents. However, in matters of marriage, mutual affection is essential. Let us agree beforehand that if my daughter is not inclined towards this union, there shall be another form of reward, shall there not?"

The entire venue fell silent.

Liu Dahao chuckled and said: "My son can draw his own conclusions; as a father, I have no objections"

Liu Zheng actually won

He is surprisingly so talented

Chen Ping was very surprised

Thousands of people in the venue displayed a variety of expressions. Some were astonished, some were regretful, some held their heads in despair, and some shouted in anger

Haha, do you really think that a dandy could conquer the world?

These talented individuals are once again engaging in various antics

Such petty individuals ... ...

Liu Zheng then said: "What the governor mentioned, does it mean that I can make one request without any conditions? Regardless of its significance?"

At this moment, Chen Ruoshi had a conflicted expression on her face

Liu Zheng was greatly delighted, which was beyond his expectations

He raised his head, feigning a look of greed

Not allowed

At that moment, when Liu Zheng called out his name, he let out a sound of realization, as if awakening from a dream