Everyone has different goals at each stage of life, and Jin Feng is no exception.
He never considered himself a perfect person.
In business talent, he fell short of Tang Xiao Bei.
In management ability, he was no match for Tang Xiao Bei.
In scheming, he was far inferior to those old foxes navigating the court.
Moreover, he was greedy for wealth and fond of beauty.
Yet none of this prevented him from sympathising with the people suffering in dire straits.
This group living on the land of Huaxia, diligent and kind, had endured too many tragedies throughout history.
He hoped his presence could spare these lovable people some hardship.
If he lacked the ability, so be it, but the knowledge in his mind, far ahead of this world, gave him the potential to change it. Why not try?
Seeing Jin Feng firmly refuse to brew wine, Tang Dongdong gave up persuading him, placed a piece of meat in his bowl, and deliberately changed the subject.
“Xiao Bei, Brother Feng and I are usually at West River Bay and cannot look after you. This incident should teach you a lesson. In future, take more people when you go out.”
“Mm, I will remember.” Tang Xiao Bei said, “Once I settle the trading house matters and find someone to take over, I will return to West River Bay too.”
With neither Jin Feng nor Tang Dongdong here, she felt very lonely in Guangyuan.
Especially at mealtimes, she would always think of that big table at Jin Feng’s home.
“It would be best if you could return to West River Bay.” Tang Dongdong put down her bowl. “I am full. Xiao Bei, eat quickly. Do not be like when you were little, counting every grain of rice and ending up last.”
“Sister, you go rest first. I still need to discuss the chamber with Brother Feng.” Tang Xiao Bei said, a little guiltily.
“Very well. Brother Feng travelled all day. Do not stay up too late.”
Tang Dongdong suspected nothing and stood to leave.
“Dongdong, when you see Brother Liang, ask him to come over.”
Jin Feng swallowed the last mouthful of rice with the meat Tang Dongdong had given him.
“Alright.” Tang Dongdong turned and left.
Tang Xiao Bei hurriedly finished her remaining food, then had the inn waiter clear the dishes and bring a pot of tea.
Soon, Zhang Liang entered.
“Sir, you wanted to see me?”
“Yes, something to discuss. Sit, Brother Liang.”
Jin Feng pointed to the stool Tang Dongdong had used. “I plan to establish an escort agency and want your opinion.”
Ever since learning the court had given catapults to the Dangxiang, Jin Feng’s sense of crisis had grown. On returning, he had Zhang Liang recruit veterans with full effort.
Every first-batch veteran had comrades, did they not?
In this time, over two hundred had been recruited quickly. Cat Cat Mountain was nearly full.
So many people meant not just wages but food, clothing, and shelter were a huge expense.
Thus Jin Feng thought of forming an escort agency, letting the veterans support themselves and perhaps earn extra.
Da Kang’s escort agencies were much like security companies of his previous life, civilian armed groups whose main task was transporting goods, sometimes taking other security jobs, such as protecting important figures.
The newly recruited veterans had trained for a while. It was time to take them out for real practice.
“An escort agency?” Zhang Liang’s eyes brightened slightly. He nodded quickly. “I have no objections.”
Supporting so many veterans worried him more than Jin Feng. He always felt his comrades were taking advantage of Jin Feng.
“Xiao Bei and I will soon form a chamber to sell soap and ironware to several counties under Guangyuan and neighbouring ones. That will be your agency’s first escort mission.”
Jin Feng said, “Recently, reorganise the teams. Divide the new veterans into squads as before. Then, except for my personal guard, mix the first-batch veterans and original guards into the new squads as captains.
Complete integration quickly. Once the chamber is ready, you start missions.”
“Understood.” Zhang Liang nodded promptly.
“Also, do not stop recruiting veterans yet. Stop when we reach five hundred.”
“Good.”
“Then tomorrow, return and handle this.”
“Tomorrow?”
Zhang Liang was taken aback.
He had heard from Tang Dongdong about the Zhou family. Given Jin Feng’s character, he could guess what came next and was prepared.
Yet Jin Feng wanted him to leave?
Still, Zhang Liang had developed a good habit in the Iron Forest Army: absolute obedience. Even if puzzled, he would go if Jin Feng said so.
After Zhang Liang left, Jin Feng remembered he had not told Tang Xiao Bei about Zhou Changlin.
Though Zhou Changlin’s wife had not acted, she had threatened Tang Xiao Bei’s safety. Jin Feng felt he should discuss it with her.
Since her redemption, Tang Xiao Bei had helped him wholeheartedly, even after being kidnapped, without a word of complaint.
If Tang Xiao Bei truly refused to let Zhou Changlin’s wife off, Jin Feng needed to consider supporting her.
“Xiao Bei, the prefect spoke to me today about two matters.”
Jin Feng repeated the prefect’s words. “You were the one involved. What do you think?”
Tang Xiao Bei had been sitting opposite Jin Feng. When he finished, she stood, closed the door, and gently sat on his lap.
She wrapped her arms around his neck, staring straight into his eyes.
“Talk business. Why stare like that?”
Jin Feng patted her waist.
“Sir, since you redeemed me from Spring Breeze Tower, I am yours. Whatever you decide, I will follow.”
Tang Xiao Bei said, “But I am happy you discuss it with me.”
“Xiao Bei, I redeemed you not to possess you. Remember in future, you are an independent person. No one else decides your fate, understand?”
Jin Feng said sincerely, “You are now free of registration. Our relationship is not master and servant but equal friends, partners.”
“I do not want to be friends with sir, nor partners.”
Tang Xiao Bei buried herself in his arms. “I want to be your wife. If not the main one, then a concubine. You redeemed me, you cannot abandon me.”
“I am talking serious matters.”
“I am too,” Tang Xiao Bei lifted her head, utterly serious. “For a girl, is anything more important than marriage?”
“You have thought it through?” Jin Feng asked.
“Mm!” Tang Xiao Bei nodded gently, her breath warm as orchid. “In this life, I marry no one but sir!”
“This time, even if the door is smashed, I will not open it!”
Jin Feng scooped Tang Xiao Bei up and carried her to the inner room.
“Ah, sir, I have not brought my white cloth yet.”
“Forget the white cloth.”
“No! …Mmm…”
