Water Ink Panel: Starting with Bow Technique to Hunt the Sun and Patrol the Skies

Zhang Shuyuan was still chewing on chicken meat, mumbling unclearly in response, "Ahem, this matter has a long story."

Shen Qing replied calmly, "No rush, you can take your time."

"Uh-huh," nodded Zhang Shuyuan, like a pecking chick, he swallowed the food in his mouth, his complexion changed, and he suddenly began to thump his chest.

In his haste, he grabbed the teacup and drank a large gulp of water, as if only by doing so had he relieved his discomfort, showing none of the dignity of a scholar he used to possess.

After a while, Zhang Shuyuan let out a satisfied belch and became solemn, "Taiping County... for some reason, there have been a lot more demons suddenly, the trade routes have also been cut, and times are getting tougher for everyone. I had no choice but to come out and look for opportunities."

Hearing this, Shen Qing's brows furrowed tightly, and he gently set down his teacup, causing a light clinking sound, "Demons? I remember Taiping County was taken over by the Huang Tian Sect, and their hands were such that the government forces couldn't attack them for the time being. Facing demons, don't they care?"

Zhang Shuyuan sighed, "Hey... let's not talk about that. After the autumn harvest, the Huang Tian Sect left, and they took quite a few people with them. Now Taiping County is basically a no-man's land."

Uncle Shen the Second, Auntie, Xiao Shan, and others felt fortunate when they heard what Zhang Shuyuan said.

Thankfully they hadn't stayed there; otherwise, they might have shared the same fate as Zhang Shuyuan.

The old creases on Uncle Shen the Second's face gathered together, and he couldn't help but take out a smoking pipe, skillfully filling it with tobacco.

The servants behind him quickly and sensibly provided a light.

With a "snap" sound, the spark ignited the tobacco, and wisps of blue smoke rose slowly, curling around Shen the Second's face.

Uncle Shen the Second took a deep breath, and after the smoke swirled within his chest, he slowly exhaled and asked, "What about the big family at the stronghold?"

Zhang Shuyuan glanced at Shen the Second, and an unexpected sense of nobility emanated from him, starkly different from the Shen the Second he remembered.

He recalled during their time in Hongshan Village, Shen the Second, dragging his family along, was so stingy he'd try to split a copper coin in two and was loath to indulge in smoking.

Now he had actually picked up smoking, which Zhang found quite astonishing.

Having this thought, Zhang Shuyuan couldn't help but glance at Shen Qing enviously.

Their old Shen Family really produced a remarkable person.

This old Shen the Second was indeed lucky to have such a capable nephew.

Thinking back, when they were in Hongshan Village, it was Shen Qing who came to him to learn how to read and write.

Later, when they moved to the county town, he also followed to work as an accountant, and their relationship was fairly close.

It's just a pity that his shortsightedness at the time prevented him from anticipating all that would happen, causing him to miss out on everything.

Regret.

He really regretted it.

Unfortunately, there's no such thing as a pill for regret in this world.

Even if he regretted, it was to no avail.

Zhang Shuyuan murmured to himself: 'Reflecting on the past cannot change it; knowing the future can be pursued, perhaps the current me still has some opportunities.'

He quickly adjusted his emotions and thoughts, and spoke truthfully, "Most of the Chen Family members, Tian Family members followed the Huang Tian Sect, some were eaten by demons, and a handful of the old, weak, and sick are barely surviving in the city."

"What about the government? After all, Taiping County is still under the court's jurisdiction; surely someone must be in charge?" Uncle Shen the Second inquired.

"Let's not talk about that, we have contacted the court, but the court says they're currently preoccupied with exterminating the traitors of the Huang Tian Sect in Jinzhou and Dan Zhou and cannot spare a moment for us. Only after the rebel armies in those two places are dealt with will they consider the small matter of Taiping County."

Uncle Shen the Second couldn't help but sigh, "Ah... the world is really getting more and more chaotic."

As these words came out, everyone present fell silent.
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After a moment, Shen Qing broke the silence, "So, sir, what are your plans next? Yongzhou is a bit larger than Taiping County, but that doesn't mean the security is necessarily better. Demons attack from time to time, leaving many living a precarious existence."

With a sigh, Zhang Shuyuan wiped the grease from the corner of his mouth with his sleeve and said, "I was planning to find a job in Yongzhou City and settle down before considering other things."

Shen Qing asked, "Are you not planning to find someone in the county office and report the situation in Taiping County to save your fellow countrymen?"

Facing Shen Qing's questioning, Zhang Shuyuan did not feel ashamed, and assertively said, "A gentleman does not save such matters, a sage is unyielding in benevolence. Right now, I am in such a dire situation, living day to day, where would I have the capacity to worry about others?"

Shen Qing looked at him with a glint of surprise in his eyes, "Sir is truly an interesting person. I, Shen, have also settled in Yongzhou. If sir doesn't mind, you could work as an accountant in my estate. Regarding the salary, about one tael per month, although it's not much, it should suffice for a living. What do you think?"

He had created the Hongshan Gang outside the walls of Taiping City, and its daily income was managed by Zhang Shuyuan.

In his impression, Zhang Shuyuan was quite competent at keeping accounts.

"No, no, no," Zhang Shuyuan waved his hands repeatedly, "Look at me, I'm just a down-and-out scholar, coming to seek refuge with you is already shameless enough—how could I take your Silver Tael too? I'd be eternally grateful just to have a meal and a place to stay."

"In that case, in addition to handling some accounts for my estate, you could also help take care of some properties in the city, work as an accountant. My household is in need of someone reliable, as I always feel somewhat uneasy entrusting it to someone else. Please do not decline."

"This..." Zhang Shuyuan heard this, a glimmer of joy flashed in his eyes, and he quickly stood up and bowed again.

He knew well that such an opportunity was rare; he deeply bowed and said, "Thank you, Boss, for your great kindness and generosity! I, Zhang, hereby express my thanks in advance. I will register myself with your household and from now on, I shall work for you as your long-term worker."