ATPnovel Chapter 231 Ran Qingshan's Sister, the Two Cranes Who Live Off Their Husbands
Chapter 231 Ran Qingshan's Sister, the Two Cranes Who Live Off Their Husbands
Chapter 232 Ran Qingshan's Sister, the Two Cranes Who Live Off Their Husbands
The following morning, at the Demon Slayer Division headquarters.
After being summoned by Zai Qingshan, Jiang Mu entered the office where the head of the signing department was located.
Upon crossing the threshold, one discovers that in addition to Ran Qingshan, who is sitting behind his desk with a furrowed brow, there is also an unfamiliar woman in the room.
The woman was about thirty years old.
Although her appearance was not as bright and charming as Shui Miaozheng's, nor as aloof and elegant as Shangguan Luoxue's, her features were well-proportioned and pleasing to the eye, and her brows exuded a capable and heroic air.
Moreover, Jiang Mu noticed with his sharp eyes that the woman's eyebrows and eyes bore a striking resemblance to Ran Qingshan's.
"This must be the famous Master Jiang, right?"
Before Ran Qingshan could speak, the woman stood up first, her smile gentle, her voice clear and bright, with a touch of familiarity, "Truly a handsome and spirited man."
"You wouldn't believe it, but your portrait has been circulated among the commanders. Many proud and arrogant female officials and daughters of noble families in the capital have secretly fallen for you and are inquiring about you everywhere."
Jiang Mu didn't recognize the woman and turned his questioning gaze to Zai Qingshan, who was sitting in the main seat.
Ran Qingshan, his face grim, explained stiffly, "The headquarters has given orders that I must depart for the Dongchuan Cliff secret realm in the next couple of days. During my absence, she will temporarily manage the Demon Slaying Division in Huzhou City."
The woman in white didn't seem to care about Ran Qingshan's cold expression. She smiled at Jiang Mu and said, "My surname is Ran, and my given name is Chun'er. I'm the younger sister of your Chief Ran. From now on, in this government office, you can call me Lord Ran, Chief Jiang."
younger sister?
Jiang Mu glanced at the two people with a strange expression.
No wonder they look alike.
But—these two siblings just don't seem to get along at all.
Old Zai's face was as long as a donkey's, as if someone owed him eight hundred strings of cash. This was hardly the attitude one would show to one's own sister.
However, when it comes to her boss's family affairs, Jiang Mu has always adhered to the fine workplace tradition of "not talking too much and not asking around".
He suppressed his curiosity and cupped his hands towards Ran Chun'er, saying, "This humble official is Jiang Mu from the Eighth Hall. Greetings, Lord Ran."
Ran Chun'er nodded with a smile, accepting the greeting.
Jiang Mu then turned to Zai Qingshan and asked with concern, "Lord Commander, how long will it take you to return from the secret realm this time?"
"It could take anywhere from a month or two to three months, it's hard to say."
Ran Qingshan sighed, then turned his gaze to Jiang Mu and instructed, "But you don't need to worry about me. Lord Zhou will come to pick you up in a couple of days and take you to the trial grounds arranged by the General Commander. You can go there on your own then."
Upon your return, if there are any assignments required within the department, report to her.
At this point, Zai Qingshan glanced at Zai Chun'er beside him and said indifferently, "Of course, if you don't like the tasks she arranges, or feel that they are inappropriate, you don't have to force yourself. You can cultivate when you need to, rest when you need to, or do whatever you need to do. Everything is within your means."
'
'
Jiang Mu could only chuckle awkwardly, unable to respond.
Upon hearing this, Zai Chun'er, who was standing to the side, couldn't help but roll her eyes, crossed her arms, and looked helpless.
Even if Qingshan ignored her, he waved his hand and said, "Alright, you should rest well at home for the next two days. Once the other two prodigies arranged by the General Headquarters arrive in Huzhou, you can set off together."
Remember my words, be careful on the road.
The two people the commander arranged, like you, were going to that top-tier blessed land to seek great opportunities.
"As the saying goes, 'Those in the same trade are often rivals.' There are only so many spots and opportunities, so competition among you is inevitable. Always be wary of others; don't let them take advantage of you and then help you count the money, understand?"
"Your humble servant understands."
Jiang Mu nodded, cupped his hands in a gesture of respect to the two of them again, and then turned and left the signing room.
As soon as Jiang Mu's footsteps faded into the distance, the gentleness on Ran Qingshan's face quickly vanished, replaced by a stern expression as he coldly stared at Ran Chun'er: "What I said just now was not a joke."
Jiang Mu may be a bit wild, but he's clear-headed when it comes to important matters and is a pillar of our Huzhou City's future.
During your temporary care, you must not force him to do anything he does not want to do for any reason.
If he messes things up—
Unless it's a heinous crime like treason or regicide, you, as the acting head of the department, must immediately step in to cover for him and clean up his mess!
Ran Chun'er pulled up a chair and sat down, crossing her legs. She looked at her brother with a half-smile: "Listen to what you're saying, it sounds like Jiang Mu is my boss, and I've become his shoe-shining maid?"
"Hmph, he's not your boss now, but you might have to rely on him in the future!"
Ran Qingshan snorted coldly.
Ran Chun'er put away her joking expression and said seriously, "Don't worry, brother, I know what I'm doing and I will take good care of him."
This kid is now considered a precious gem by the Chief Commander. The Chief Commander even held a court meeting to consider whether to make an exception and directly recruit him to the capital.
"If it weren't for Elder Tian Wenjing's strong opposition, he would have left Huzhou City long ago."
At this point, Ran Chun'er looked at her brother and said quietly, "Why do you think Elder Tian agreed to go to Yancheng, that mess that has just experienced the ravages of war, to be the deputy head?"
On the one hand, it was because the commander-in-chief was dissatisfied with Yan Wu's performance and needed someone as experienced and prudent as Elder Tian to take charge.
On the other hand, Old Master Tian used his transfer order to Yancheng as a bargaining chip to keep Jiang Mu in Huzhou City.
Otherwise, how could someone as proud and arrogant as Old Tian endure such humiliation and go to that wretched place?
Upon hearing this, Ran Qingshan's expression softened slightly, and a hint of shame flashed in his eyes.
Yesterday he was secretly thinking that Tian Wenjing left so decisively, but now it seems that he was short-sighted.
Ran Qingshan thought to himself, "Once this matter is over, I must send over a few more catties of tea."
Seeing her brother remain silent, Zai Chun'er's lips curled into a mischievous smile, and she continued to add fuel to the fire: "It's not just Old Tian."
Even your dream lover, the Water Master of Wuzhou City—tsk tsk, for this kid, she sent more than a dozen letters to the Chief Commander.
One moment she was thinking of transferring Jiang Muping to work under her, and the next she even had the wild idea of having her transferred to Huzhou while she went to Wuzhou, so that the two of them could switch places.
In exchange, she offered numerous terms, each more generous than the last.
Tell me, how could I, as the acting head of the department, not cherish such a precious child?
Upon hearing Shui Miaozheng's name, Ran Qingshan felt a mix of emotions, a bittersweet feeling that he couldn't express.
Is this Water Master really so persistent in trying to poach his men?
Of course, he also heard the provocation in Ran Chun'er's words, and he put on a stern face and scolded her: "Ran Chun'er, stop trying to sow discord here with your sarcastic remarks."
The Water Master's appreciation of Jiang Mu stems from public interest and his appreciation of her talent, reflecting the court's desire to retain talent! Their relationship is completely innocent; there's no messy private affair as you described.
If you dare to make any more unfounded speculations and damage someone's reputation, don't blame me for being ruthless!
Seeing that her brother was truly angry, Ran Chun'er knew when to stop. She lightly tapped the table with her fingertips and changed the subject: "Alright, let's not talk about this. You must already know about Lord Zhou's opinion on the handling of the Divine Sword Sect, right?"
Mentioning this matter, Zai Qingshan's brows furrowed, and his tone turned somber: "I only learned about it this morning. I don't understand. He Qingyang is already dead, so the Divine Sword Sect has no value anymore. Why did Lord Zhou still issue an order forbidding us from taking any action against the Divine Sword Sect?"
Could it be that He Shan'er defected to the imperial court?
"Hmph, while an eighth-realm cultivator is indeed rare, it doesn't warrant such favoritism from the imperial court, disregarding the law and justice."
Ran Qingshan couldn't help but be angry.
He had promised Jiang Mu yesterday that he would take this opportunity to thoroughly punish the Divine Sword Sect.
As a result, Zhou Yuanzhi issued an order this morning, which choked him to death.
How will he maintain his authority in front of his subordinates after this?
Ran Chun'er shook her head and explained, "Brother, you've misunderstood Lord Zhou. Actually, this order wasn't Lord Zhou's original intention. She only received the message from the Capital Commander this morning."
But you guessed right, He Shan'er sent a blood letter to the headquarters through special channels last night.
The letter clearly stated that the Divine Sword Sect would henceforth completely submit to the imperial court.
All the resources, magical artifacts, and secret manuals accumulated by the Divine Sword Sect, as well as the Sixty-Year Destiny Divine Artifact [Sword Edge Gold], are all offered to our Demon Slaying Division with open arms.
Furthermore, she herself was willing to serve the imperial court for life.
"They do know how to adapt to the times."
Ran Qingshan sneered, his tone mocking, "Knowing how to cut your losses and survive."
Ran Chun'er continued, "Of course, if it were only because of these resources and her surrender, the court would not necessarily have to protect her like this."
After all, as long as they find any crime to confiscate their property, those resources will still belong to the imperial court.
The real reason the Commander-in-Chief gave the order was because he had assigned the two prodigies who would accompany Jiang Mu to the blessed land.
Ran Qingshan was taken aback, his face full of suspicion: "Those two prodigies, how could they possibly be related to the Divine Sword Sect?"
"Of course it's related."
Ran Chun'er stood up, walked to the desk, and lowered her voice, saying, "One of those two prodigies is named Xiang Xiuxiu."
She was the granddaughter of General Xiang Yuanzhen, a non-royal prince of the current dynasty. When the late emperor was in power, he personally conferred upon her the title of Princess.
This woman is not only of noble birth, but also a prodigy in cultivation.
He is only in his early twenties, yet he has already reached the Great Perfection of the Six Realms and possesses a legitimate Heavenly Star Position.
You must have heard of her, brother, right?
A hint of surprise flashed in Zai Qingshan's eyes, and he nodded slightly.
Princess Xiang had naturally heard of it.
It's not surprising that the Xiang family poured all their resources into creating such a peerless genius with the orthodox Heavenly Gang lineage.
After all, the Xiang family went downhill after Old Master Xiang died.
"But what connection do these royal relatives have with the Divine Sword Sect?" Ran Qingshan was increasingly puzzled.
Ran Chun'er revealed a meaningful smile: "Rumor has it that this proud and arrogant Princess Huilan has taken a special liking to a man and fallen deeply in love with him."
The man was none other than He Shuanghe, the eldest son of the Divine Sword Sect, who was rarely home and spent most of his time away from home.
"What?"
Ran Qingshan's performance became extremely impressive.
He knew that the Divine Sword Sect had three young masters.
He Shuangdiao and He Shuangying, those two纨绔 (playboys), have already been cleanly and decisively sent to meet the King of Hell by Jiang Mu.
He had heard of this eldest son, He Shuanghe, before.
It is said that this person has exceptional talent in swordsmanship and has been deeply influenced by He Qingyang. However, for some unknown reason, he broke with his family at a young age, left in anger, and has been traveling and cultivating for many years.
Unexpectedly, the eldest son of the He family quietly managed to latch onto the powerful Princess.
Ran Chun'er shrugged and said helplessly, "Let's not discuss the relationship between He Shuanghe and the Divine Sword Sect for now. But he is, after all, the eldest son of the He family, and we are blood relatives."
Now that He Shan'er has surrendered on behalf of the Divine Sword Sect, if the imperial court were to pursue and exterminate them, it would be disrespectful to the princess. Furthermore, that woman He Shan'er has voluntarily offered up all her family's wealth in surrender.
"Brother, now you understand why Lord Zhou specifically instructed you, don't you?"
Ran Qingshan's face was grim.
He understood the power struggles and exchanges of interests involved immediately.
"I can tolerate being wronged. But the problem is—with Xiao Jiang's fiery temper, can he accept this outcome?"
He killed the other two young masters of the Divine Sword Sect.
Although He Shuanghe is at odds with his family, the hatred for his brother's murder and the theft of his destiny remains. If the two meet, they'll probably start fighting on the spot.
Ran Qingshan felt a growing headache the more he thought about it.
The only hope is that Jiang Mu can gain some tangible benefits during this trip to the secret realm, which will improve his mood.
It's unlikely that they would insist on focusing on the dilapidated Divine Sword Sect.
He suddenly raised his head and stared intently at Zai Chun'er: "Since the princess is training with Jiang Mu, could it be that because of her lover, she might secretly try to kill Jiang Mu?"
Ran Chun'er shook her head and comforted him, "Brother, you can rest assured about this."
Although Xiang Xiuxiu was of noble status, she was still a subject of the Daqing court, and she was well aware of the advantages and disadvantages involved.
Moreover, given her personality, she only truly cares about He Shuanghe and doesn't really care much about the fate of the Divine Sword Sect.
Most importantly, Lord Zhou Yuanzhi personally led the team.
In the eyes of the imperial court, Jiang Mu's current potential and value far surpass those of the other two, and Lord Zhou would never allow anyone to secretly harm Jiang Mu.
Of course————
Ran Chun'er changed the subject, "Since the three of them are in the same secret realm and competing for those limited resources, open conflict is inevitable."
Ran Qingshan snorted coldly: "As long as we don't resort to underhanded tactics and fight openly, I really don't believe anyone can suppress that kid."
On second thought, given Jiang Mu's personality, if he really resorts to underhanded tactics, it's hard to say who will suffer the consequences.
After the business was concluded, a brief silence fell over the signing room.
Ran Chun'er stood up and walked to the window.
Sunlight streamed through the window, illuminating her striking face.
She reached out her finger and gently touched a withered plum blossom that peeked in from outside the window, her eyes becoming deep and sorrowful: "Brother—so many years have passed, why can't you let go of what happened back then?"
In your heart, do you still believe that it was my mother and I who caused the death of your birth mother?
The moment those words were spoken, the temperature in the signing room plummeted to freezing.
Zai Qingshan's previously calm expression suddenly turned ashen, and his cheek muscles twitched twice.
He turned and walked towards the door, his icy voice echoing inside: "I'm entrusting Huzhou City to you. If I return from the secret realm and find even the slightest mishap here—I will hold you responsible and show no mercy!"
After saying that, he walked out of the house.
The sound of footsteps echoed in the corridor, gradually fading into the distance.
Ran Chun'er stood alone by the window.
Feeling the slight coolness of the plum blossoms on her fingertips, she lowered her head, gazing at the crumpled petals in her hand, a bitter smile curving her lips. "Everything is gone forever."
>