The Dao Sovereign of Shennong

The tribute quota that Chen Shijie promised to Zhao Xing will be available next month, starting from the White Dew solar term.

The reward for official positions is graded. For the first month, only the 'Intermediate Official's Reward' can be claimed, but if Zhao Xing can achieve the A+ grade again next month, Chen Shijie will apply to upgrade him to the 'Senior Official's Reward.'

Intermediate Officials receive a monthly reward of five taels of silver, while Senior Officials receive ten taels.

How long this reward continues depends on Zhao Xing's performance.

Of course, if Zhao Xing can formally take up an official position next year, this reward will no longer be available. If he performs excellently, there will be other awards.

Five taels and ten taels per month, according to the prices during the reign of Emperor Jing, is already considered a substantial reward for officials!

It is worth noting that those beaten by Zong Shichang would choose to endure street beating over reporting to the authorities when hearing of a thirty-tael silver punch.

Ordinary people who endured eighteen punches would become rich instantly, leading many to later beg Zong Shichang for more!

However, for those aspiring to cultivate and tread the path to greatness, such resources are not considered abundant, but they are sufficient at this stage.

While Chen Shijie's official rewards were merely a matter of courtesy, the private assistance he offered was truly generous!

"I will give you 15 Tianyuan Pears each month. If you achieve A grade again, I will gift you the Tianyuan Pear Tree. If it survives, it can serve as a resource for your future cultivation," Chen Shijie pointed to a small tree in the seedling area.

Zhao Xing was somewhat surprised. Chen Shijie was indeed generous. The Tianyuan Pear Tree was a third-tier quality plant, and even as a young tree, it was worth a considerable amount. If cultivated to maturity, it would become a veritable money tree!

Although he desired it greatly, he still put on a modest front: "Such a generous reward, Zhao Xing is undeserving."

Chen Shijie, however, was unconcerned: "I have considerable family assets. After serving in Nanyang County for three years, I have cultivated an entire pear orchard. Giving you a young tree is a minor matter. Accept it, as there might come a day when we work together."

Xue Wenzhong was moved, clearly surprised by Chen Shijie's unexpected attitude.

What was even more surprising was Chen Shijie's demeanor. It was not how one would treat a junior but as if Zhao Xing were a peer in the same path!

Xue Wenzhong thought to himself: "This Lord Chen is indeed unusual, truly unpredictable."

However, this was a good thing. Although the Tianyuan Pear Tree was less valuable than the Daoist paintings, its enduring value meant that, in the long run, it would surpass the paintings.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Xing stopped declining and accepted straightforwardly: "Then thank you, Lord Chen."

Chen Shijie left with a smile, almost wishing he could give Zhao Xing a mature pear tree instead, were it not for the fear of provoking jealousy.

He had ample family wealth and had reaped significant gains from his military service, so a Tianyuan Pear Tree was no big deal.

In three years in Nanyang County, he had seen only mediocre peers, none of whom met his expectations. Zhao Xing's performance perfectly suited his tastes.

Additionally, Chen Shijie's intention of working together was genuine.

He truly thought: "I won't stay in Nanyang County for long. The general will eventually call me back. When I return to the army, perhaps I can include him on the list."

After the Autumn Assessment, the list of A-grade candidates was announced, with only fifteen people qualifying.

This was half the number from last time.

The assessments were getting stricter, all in preparation for the final list of candidates.

As Zhao Xing exited the Hundred Herbs Garden, he was immediately surrounded by many people.

"Zhao Xing is out!"

"Brother Zhao, congratulations!"

"Congratulations on achieving A+ grade!"

"Next year, you will definitely make the official list!" Qian Dong laughed and congratulated.

Seeing this, Zhao Xing grabbed Qian Dong's head and laughed: "So why are you still calling me Brother Zhao? You should call me Lord Zhao!"

"Ah, my mistake. I'll apologize to Lord Zhao right away."

"Hahaha." Everyone couldn't help but laugh.

Not far away, Li Chengfeng and Zong Shichang stood together, their brows slightly furrowed.

Although there were congratulations for him, the crowd's enthusiasm was significantly less.

"Hmph, this guy sure knows how to play the game," Zong Shichang said stiffly, looking at the crowd. Despite having been beaten, he couldn't bring himself to hate Zhao Xing, but due to pride, he didn't join in the festivities either.

"Let's go, Brother Zong, let's have a drink," Li Chengfeng said, casting a lingering look at Zhao Xing before calling friends to leave.

Compared to Li Chengfeng, Zhao Xing seemed more approachable and down-to-earth.

Although Li Chengfeng was known for his gentlemanly demeanor, he had a subtle air of superiority that sensitive people could feel.

However, that was secondary. Zhao Xing's popularity was mainly due to his rating.

This time, only three people achieved A+ grade: Li Chengfeng, Zong Shichang, and Zhao Xing.

The usually outstanding Xiao Ze and Wen Nanxing were only rated A middle.

After the exam, Wen Nanxing and Xiao Ze locked themselves away for three days, and upon coming out, resumed normalcy but never mentioned being sabotaged. When asked, they only claimed to have underperformed.

Did they find out who sabotaged them? Of course, they did!

"I was unknowingly drained of vitality. I didn't notice for four days and nights?" Wen Nanxing learned the truth and drank to drown his sorrows.

Sitting across from him, Xiao Ze was also drinking heavily. Remembering Chen Shijie's comments, he felt deeply ashamed.

"Lack of vigilance, lack of vigilance…" These five words echoed in his mind.

Xiao Ze recalled his teacher's disappointed gaze, took another big gulp, and slammed the cup down on the table.

"Good for you, Zhao Erjia. If there's another assessment opportunity, I will definitely make you pay!"

"Brother Xiao, keep your voice down!" Wen Nanxing handed him a new cup. "Just keep it in your heart."

Their pride wouldn't allow them to speak out. They simply included Zhao Xing as their top competitor in their minds, waiting for the next chance to reclaim their dignity.

"Falcon Guardian, the ranking of the Gucheng Autumn Assessment has been announced. This person has achieved A+ grade twice in a row, and there are even rumors that he defeated Zong Shichang in a match. Should we include this Zhao family member in the capture list?"

In an inconspicuous civilian house in Sanwan Town, east of Gucheng, three people were gathered around a table for a meal.

An elderly man, a middle-aged man, and a woman, appearing as a family.

Yet, these three individuals were actually a guardian and two hall masters of the Xuantian Sect.

The elder, known as the Falcon Guardian, had kind eyes, white hair, and looked as if nearing the end of his life.

The middle-aged man was the Hall Master of Sanwan, with an ordinary appearance and prominent cheekbones. The woman was the deputy hall master, with a head scarf, yellow skin, a plump waist, and no distinctive features, even slightly unattractive.

The Hall Master of Sanwan spoke, pointing to Zhao Xing's name on the public notice list of the Shennong Division.

The Falcon Guardian's eyes, previously clouded, cleared up: "Oh? Twice achieving A grade and even defeating Zong Shichang? Is this sudden enlightenment or a result of accumulated effort? Let me see the detailed information before deciding whether to include him in the list."