"Six-grade Yin Messengers are not uncommon in Fengdu City."
"But in a prefecture, they are considered top figures."
Han Zongyuan continued, "As far as I know, many in the imperial court are displeased with the Ma family's control over the Guangling River shipping. If you can seize this opportunity to bring down the Ma family."
"You can completely become a six-grade Yin Messenger, and even gain the favor of many ministers in the court."
"You should know that there are two factions in the court."
"Besides the radical faction that is united as one."
"The conservative faction is not as unified as it appears on the surface."
"There is constant infighting behind the scenes."
"They themselves want to take over the Guangling River shipping to strengthen their faction's power."
"However, the Guangling River shipping is solely controlled by the Ma family and the person behind them."
"Do you think the conservative faction will remain so united?"
"The Guangling River is a very important chess piece."
"If used properly, it can cause their camp to fall apart."
"And even completely dismantle the conservative faction's influence in Fengdu City."
"Oh, by the way."
"Magistrate Song strongly dislikes the Ma family controlling the shipping rights."
Chen Nan was full of surprise.
He never imagined that the Guangling River had such great value.
However.
Wasn't Han Zongyuan part of the conservative faction?
Why was he telling himself so much?
Could it be that he had switched sides?
Despite his curiosity.
Chen Nan didn't ask further.
He could feel that Han Zongyuan meant him no harm.
"Thank you for your guidance, sir. I know what to do!"
At this moment.
Chen Nan had already decided on his next plan.
Rather than blindly entering Guangling Prefecture.
It would be better to stay in Tongcheng.
If he could bring down the Ma family.
He would have great prospects upon entering Guangling Prefecture.
What's more, he could curry favor with Song Ziwei's father.
Afterwards, Chen Nan bid farewell to Han Zongyuan.
As soon as he stepped out.
Wu Jiu and the others eagerly approached: "How did it go?"
"Did Lord Han transfer you to another department?"
Although Chen Nan had become a Yin Messenger.
A five-grade Yin Messenger was a height they could hardly reach in their lifetime.
They were very eager to know which department Chen Nan had been assigned to.
"The highest official in Tongcheng is the county magistrate. Now, Lord Han and I are equals. How could he transfer me?" Chen Nan smiled. "Don't worry, from now on, we'll still patrol together."
While Wu Jiu and the others felt disappointed.
They couldn't help but feel happy.
Disappointed that Chen Nan hadn't been given a more important position.
But what Chen Nan said was also true.
He and Han Zongyuan were both five-grade Yin Messengers, which meant they were equals.
Han Zongyuan had no right to move him around arbitrarily.
Happy because their brotherhood would continue.
"You're not on duty tonight, are you?" Chen Nan said. "Then, why don't you bring your wives and children to my place tonight? We'll have a drink."
Everyone readily agreed.
Chen Nan then left the county yamen.
At the entrance of the yamen, he saw Guo Yu waiting for him.
He had asked Guo Yu to wait for him when he returned.
After all, he had offended the Ma family today.
He was bound to face retaliation from them.
Having him by his side would provide some safety.
Of course.
He also liked Guo Yu's personality.
He took Guo Yu towards the Xia family, saying as they walked, "If you don't mind, stay by my side from now on."
"Talking about money is too vulgar."
"If you were after money and an easy life, you wouldn't want to become a Yin Messenger."
"What I can offer you is the chance to fulfill your ambitions and a life of passion."
"Follow me."
"You will encounter many dangers."
"But I will do my best to improve your cultivation and help you grow."
"Because only absolute strength can bring clarity."
"And before that, what you need to do is trust me unconditionally."
"Whatever I ask you to do, you must obey."
Guo Yu said with a blush, "I'll follow you!"
------
The Xia family had all heard about Chen Nan becoming a five-grade Yin Messenger.
They were all very happy.
Even Xia Hou hadn't expected Chen Nan to become a five-grade Yin Messenger.
In his eyes, Chen Nan was just a commoner with no power or influence.
Apart from some minor cleverness.
And being skilled at writing explicit books.
And prone to acting impulsively and boldly.
He was otherwise quite useless.
But now.
This commoner had achieved the most brilliant reversal.
From an ordinary person, he had transformed into a five-grade Yin Messenger.
To put it bluntly.
Although he lacked power.
He now represented power.
Those who had looked down on him before.
Would regret it.
And be fortunate that they hadn't let greed blind them.
And that they hadn't kicked him while he was down.
As a result.
He had drunk quite a bit.
After the meal.
Xia Youwei and her child went to the kitchen to make hangover soup.
Xia Hou, with a flushed face, said drunkenly, "Chen Nan, no matter what achievements you have in the future, in front of me, you are still a junior."
"So, don't put on airs in front of me."
"Others might be afraid of you, but I'm not."
Chen Nan smiled and said, "That's a given. Let alone now that I'm a five-grade Yin Messenger, even if I become a nine-grade Yin Messenger, I'll still be a junior in front of you."
His respect for Xia Hou was genuine.
Hearing him say this, Xia Hou showed a proud smile. "That's more like it."
His tone suddenly changed, and he said seriously, "Also, you should have some hobbies."
"For example, doing something you're good at and enjoy."
Chen Nan was a bit bewildered.
Did I have any hobbies?
Was there anything I was good at?
Seeing Chen Nan's confused look, Xia Hou scoffed unhappily. "You look so smart, yet you're actually a blockhead."
"Aren't you good at writing books?"
"Keep writing!"
"Don't tell me you plan to retire after writing Teacher Bai?"
"You're a bestselling author."
"Don't you know many people are waiting for your new book?"
"You can't neglect your responsibilities due to indulgence."
"You have to be responsible to your readers."
*Pfft!*
Chen Nan almost spat out a mouthful of blood.
His father-in-law was urging him to update in person?
This was utterly ridiculous.
And very awkward.
If he hadn't lacked startup capital in the beginning.
He would never have resorted to making money by writing books.
Who would have thought.
His father-in-law had labeled him a bestselling author.
"I'll try my best!"
What else could Chen Nan say?
His father-in-law had directly asked for an update.
He had to show some attitude.
Although Teacher Bai's story had concluded.
There was still a character comparable to Teacher Bai in the mortal world, Brother Bin.
And Brother Bin's story was even longer.
Although he had forgotten many plot points.
He could still recall the general direction of the story and its overall framework.
"Not 'try your best,' but 'must'." Xia Hou said sternly. "Give yourself three days. You must write one chapter and send it to me. I'll help you review it."
Chen Nan really wanted to call him shameless.
But he didn't dare.
After drinking some tea.
Chen Nan and Guo Yu left the Xia family.
As soon as the two arrived at the intersection of the main street, a luxurious carriage stopped in front of them.
Ma Sanyuan stepped out of the carriage and said with a smile, "Constable Chen, fate has brought us together. Could we step aside and talk?"