30: Chapter 30: Show some respect!

The appearance of this Cultivation Technique made everyone on the city wall gasp!

For the members of the chamber of commerce, even with their relationship with Minister Wang Fugui, they did not know he was hiding such a Cultivation Technique!

And, he was even willing to offer it up!

Lei Lie and Wan'er, two people who had always scoffed at Minister Wang Fugui, now looked at Minister Wang Fugui with eyes that had changed significantly.

A Cultivation Technique was simply too helpful to a Professional.

Before having a Cultivation Technique, the absorption of Spiritual Qi by a Professional was almost entirely passive.

But with a Cultivation Technique, one could actively absorb the Spiritual Qi between heaven and earth!

This could undoubtedly greatly increase the progress of one's strength!

Just like the citizens of Flower City who had already undergone Awakening to become Professionals.

Although they ate food rich in Spiritual Qi, they could only let the Spiritual Qi accumulate within their bodies.

They could only accelerate their body's absorption of Spiritual Qi through labor and by constantly releasing skills.

But if they had a Cultivation Technique, they only needed to circulate it to convert Spiritual Qi into their own strength at dozens of times the speed!

That is why there is the saying, "Only a Professional with a Cultivation Technique is a true Professional."

But precisely because a Cultivation Technique is of such great help to a Professional, from every Dynasty down to every individual Professional, they all guard these techniques very strictly.

This directly led to Cultivation Techniques becoming extremely scarce in this world.

For example, Lei Lie had been a Professional for nearly 20 years and had even reached the Silver Rank, yet he still did not possess a Cultivation Technique.

Although Zhou Yun had only been in this world for a few days, he had been taught relevant knowledge in school and knew the value of a Cultivation Technique.

Therefore, he did not reach out to take it, but only sighed with emotion: "Minister Wang Fugui, this gift is truly too valuable!"

"What are you saying, City Lord?" Minister Wang Fugui pushed the Cultivation Technique forward another two inches.

"If Zhou Yun hadn't stepped in, I fear I would have lost my life yesterday!"

"Besides... this is only a Black Iron Rank Cultivation Technique, which becomes useless at the Silver Rank, so please, City Lord, accept it!"

Since things had reached this point, Zhou Yun no longer stood on ceremony and took it.

Perhaps to others, the "valuable" he mentioned just now was merely polite talk.

But he himself knew very clearly that for him, this Cultivation Technique was indeed a heavy gift.

Because even though he possessed the Infinite Return System, to obtain return rewards, he still needed a seed.

This "Green Element Heart Sutra" was exactly that.

With it, he could obtain higher-grade Cultivation Techniques by bestowing this one.

Minister Wang Fugui was right; a Black Iron Rank Cultivation Technique was only useful for the Black Iron Rank.

But with the Infinite Return System, he could completely obtain Silver Rank, Gold Rank, or even higher-grade Cultivation Techniques!

After putting away the Green Element Heart Sutra, he made a decision in his heart.

"Minister Wang Fugui, listen to my order." His tone suddenly became dignified.

Minister Wang Fugui subconsciously saluted, "This commoner is here!"

Zhou Yun looked at him, his voice clear and resonant, spreading across the entire city wall:

"As the head of the Flower City Chamber of Commerce, you have taken the lead in offering houses, farmland, and a Cultivation Technique, rendering great service to Flower City!"

"Now that Flower City is awaiting reconstruction, I hereby appoint you as the Minister of the Trade Department! You shall oversee all matters regarding business, trade, and the flow of supplies in Flower City!"

!!!

Once this appointment was announced, everyone was even more shocked than when they saw the Cultivation Technique just now!

Minister Wang Fugui?

An official?

Minister of the Trade Department?

That was the head official of one of the six departments!

Minister Wang Fugui himself also suddenly raised his head, his pupils shrinking to a point!

"No, no, no..." He repeatedly declined: "How could someone like me, reeking of copper, be worthy of such an important responsibility?"

"Moreover, what I did in Flower City before... surely everyone will not approve of me."

Behind him, the members of the chamber of commerce were overjoyed after their brief surprise!

Seeing Minister Wang Fugui refuse, they wanted to speak but hesitated, and they were almost dying of anxiety inside!

Accept it!

Chairman!

Accept this appointment!

No matter how rich a merchant is, they are still just a commoner!

Now that there is a chance to become such a high official, what is there to hesitate about?

Once you become an official, this is a fundamental change in status!

At that time, wouldn't everyone in the chamber of commerce be able to benefit from it to some extent?

"Why not worthy?" Zhou Yun said with a smile: "Among so many people in Flower City, when it comes to the way of business, who can compare to you?"

"As for your past actions..."

"Lei Lie and Wan'er told me a lot. I have also learned some things privately."

"It is true that you schemed for people's houses and land. But you were also the one who allowed credit for housing; you sold grain at high prices, but you were also the one who provided relief to keep my citizens from dying; you acted domineering, but you were also the one who hired Lei Lie and the others as a guard team to maintain order."

"Faults are faults, and merits are merits. Everyone sees it."

!!!

Minister Wang Fugui suddenly raised his head and looked at Zhou Yun, his eyes full of disbelief.

Whenever ordinary people mentioned him, they all hated him deeply.

Yet this new City Lord not only understood his information in every aspect, but actually saw him this way?

Faults are faults...

Merits are merits?

I, Minister Wang Fugui, actually have merits to Flower City?

For the first time.

For the first time, someone looked at him this way.

A surge of heat suddenly rose in his heart, rushing straight to his throat.

His gaze also began to fluctuate violently.

The members of the chamber of commerce behind him could no longer hold back.

Zhou Yun has already persuaded you this much, yet you still refuse; what if Zhou Yun really takes back the appointment? Wouldn't that be a great opportunity wasted for nothing?

"Chairman! Accept it!"

"Accept it!"

"If you have the chance, do it well!"

"If you miss such an opportunity, you won't have it again in the future!"

...

Seeing that Minister Wang Fugui was still hesitating, Zhou Yun restrained his smile and said seriously:

"Minister Wang Fugui, I have not been the City Lord for long, and there are not many people I can use."

"Elder Tie manages the Tiangong Department, and Wan'er serves as the Chief Administrator, sharing much of the burden for me, but there are still four vacancies: the Trade Department, the Livelihood Department, the Household Registration Department, and the Legal Department."

"Among them, the Trade Department determines the economic rise and fall of Flower City, so the candidate for the position of Minister of the Trade Department is crucial."

"Except for Minister Wang Fugui, I really cannot think of anyone else who can shoulder this heavy responsibility."

"I believe that only under the guidance of Minister Wang Fugui will the Flower City economy take off in the near future!"

Only me...

Only I can do it?

Zhou Yun, do you trust me this much?

Only I can make the economy of Flower City take off?

Blood suddenly surged in Minister Wang Fugui's chest.

A sense of mission arose spontaneously!

I, Minister Wang Fugui, once only did business for myself; although I defeated one opponent after another and accumulated a huge family fortune, what does this count for?

This was only the wealth of one person.

What I want to do is lead the whole city to take off!

Lead the whole city to make money and bring everyone to wealth together!

This is challenging!

This is the true Dao of business!

Looking at Zhou Yun's trusting and sincere eyes, Minister Wang Fugui's eyes became firm.

He took a deep breath, adjusted his clothes, then knelt down solemnly and performed a great salute,

"This commoner, Minister Wang Fugui, will definitely do his best and not let down the high expectations of Zhou Yun!"

At the very moment Minister Wang Fugui accepted the appointment, the System notification sound rang out:

[Ding! You have successfully bestowed the position of Minister of the Trade Department, triggering a 100,000,000 times critical strike reward, obtaining a qualitative change reward, City Lord Skill: Touch of Gold!]

[Touch of Gold: Increases the quality of any item by +1. Cooldown: 72 hours.]

...

Inside Flower City, at the Wang Residence.

When Minister Wang Fugui stepped over his high threshold, the wives and concubines who had been waiting in the front hall for a long time immediately surrounded him.

"Master! You have finally returned!"

First Wife took the lead in coming up, holding Minister Wang Fugui's arm with a look of concern, her eyes scanning him up and down,

"You went to see that person early in the morning... you didn't suffer any grievances, did you? Let me take a look!"

"Yes, Master!" Second Concubine also crowded over, while gently patting the dust off Minister Wang Fugui's clothes, she carefully probed:

"How was it? That person surnamed Zhou didn't make things difficult for you, did he?"

"Ahem!" Minister Wang Fugui suddenly coughed heavily.

He stopped his footsteps and did not answer with a smile as usual, but frowned slightly, gently pulling his arm out of First Wife's hand, his tone not heavy, but revealing a seriousness rarely seen on usual days.

"What do you mean by 'that person surnamed Zhou'?" He looked at Second Concubine and said in a deep voice: "That is the City Lord of our Flower City! Show some respect! Have some manners!"

The wives were stunned by the scolding, looking at each other, their faces full of surprise.

Especially Second Concubine, who pouted a little aggrievedly.

She thought, Master, what has happened to you?

Just the day before yesterday, you yourself were still talking about setting rules for that young brat at the dinner table; how come after going to the city wall once, this address has become so polite?

However, looking at the Master's serious and tired face, she didn't dare to talk back, but was even more worried in her heart, and then asked:

"Okay, okay, it is Zhou Yun... Then Master, what did you talk about with Zhou Yun this time?"

Third Concubine interjected from the side: "Did you completely fall out? I see that those guards and tenant farmers in our residence haven't come back! It must be that Zhou Yun is detaining them and refusing to let them go, right?"

Speaking of this, the wives seemed to have found an outlet, their tone full of injustice.

"How can he be like this? As the City Lord, he cannot snatch our people!"

"Exactly! Before he wanted to take our land and houses, and now, even better, he is snatching people! Isn't this bullying honest people?"

"Hmph! If he hadn't detained the guards and refused to let them go, would our Master have been so embarrassed yesterday? In the end, it is all..."

"Enough!" Minister Wang Fugui felt a headache from listening, he waved his hand, interrupting the complaints of the wives:

"You all really have long hair and short knowledge."

"What do you mean by snatching?"

"What did Zhou Yun snatch?"

Minister Wang Fugui walked to the main seat and sat down, took the hot tea handed by the maid, and said slowly:

"Whatever good things he has, he is eager to give them away, to the refugees, to the citizens, without even blinking an eye!"

"As for our family's little bit of shabby assets and those few guards who only know how to eat for free, are they worth Zhou Yun snatching? That is because they were willing to stay themselves!"

Looking at the wives' still unconvinced expressions, Minister Wang Fugui put down the teacup, his expression became serious, and his tone added a bit of warning:

"I am warning you."

"From today on, in this house, you are not allowed to say a single word of gossip about Zhou Yun!"

"You can eat randomly, but you cannot speak randomly!"

"I used to spoil you, and you could make trouble however you wanted. But this time is different; Zhou Yun is a man who does great things. He is kind-hearted and does not mind, but if I hear anyone gossiping behind his back again, don't blame me, the Master, for using family law!"

Minister Wang Fugui spoke seriously, without any hint of joking in his eyes.

The wives were truly stunned this time.

What is going on?

The Master is usually very good to them, even if they do something wrong sometimes, the Master usually turns a blind eye, and has never said such heavy words!

First Wife was, after all, the main wife and was best at observing expressions.

She looked at Minister Wang Fugui, who looked tired but whose eyes were exceptionally bright, thoughtful in her heart, and asked tentatively:

"Master... please don't be angry, aren't we just feeling sorry for you?"

She personally brought a plate of snacks and handed it over, asking softly: "Then... Master, what exactly did you talk about with Zhou Yun this time?"

Minister Wang Fugui picked up a piece of snack, but did not eat it, just rubbing it in his hand.

A moment later, he raised his head, looking at the wives and concubines in the room who were staring at him eagerly, and slowly threw out a bombshell:

"Actually, it's nothing."

"It's just that I made the decision to give all our family's idle houses, shops in the city, and the farmland in our hands..."

"All of them to Zhou Yun."

Ah?!!

At this moment, a suppressed exclamation sounded in the hall of the Wang Residence.

The wives widened their eyes, looking at their Master in disbelief, as if looking at a stranger.

Gave it away?

Gave it away?!

Gave it all away?!!

That was the family fortune that the Master had worked hard to accumulate for half his life!

"Master! You... why are you doing this?" Second Concubine was so anxious that her eyes turned red, "That is our family property! Why should we give it away?"

First Wife's face turned slightly pale.

She leaned closer, lowered her voice, her tone full of worry and horror:

"Master, tell me the truth..."

"Is it... is it that Zhou Yun, he used some handle to threaten you?"

"Is it that he won't give you a way to live, forcing you to use money to buy your life?"

"Bang!"

A crisp sound.

Minister Wang Fugui slammed the teacup in his hand onto the table, tea splashed out, wetting the table.

First Wife was startled, just wanting to say something, but saw Minister Wang Fugui with a straight face, his tone carrying a bit of annoyance of hating that they were not living up to expectations:

"I just told you not to speak randomly! Why can't you remember?"

"What do you mean by threaten?"

Minister Wang Fugui pointed to the west, his voice raised a few degrees,

"What kind of person is Zhou Yun? He is a gentleman with the world in his heart and a heart as vast as the sea! Would he use such low-class means to threaten me?"

"Besides, you don't even take a mirror to look at our little family assets, what is there that Zhou Yun would fancy?"

He gave a disdainful cold snort:

"Before, we didn't give land, refused to let people go, and even thought of ways to exclude him. What was the result? Did Zhou Yun say anything?"

"He didn't say a word, turned his head and led the refugees to build a new city outside the west gate!"

Looking at the wives' blank expressions, Minister Wang Fugui shook his head:

"It's been two days, you women only know how to play cards in the backyard all day, have you been out of the west city gate?"

"No, right?"

"If you had gone, you would have seen how fast that new city is being built! How big it is!"

A flash of brilliance flashed in Minister Wang Fugui's eyes, as if he saw that heart-shaking scene again.

"In just two short days, the foundation of the entire new city has been laid, and the bricks used to build the walls have been piled into a small mountain!"

"It is estimated that it won't take a few months, and the entire new city will be completed!"

"By that time, will he be short of land? Will he be short of houses?"

"Even without looking at these, just the Spiritual Rice he has distributed in the past two days is enough for us to eat for a lifetime! Would he care about the little things we have in our hands?"