"What method?" the Wang Clan asked.

"Move house, make the fake become real." The more he talked, the more Dai Ling felt this plan was feasible and said to the two, "When I was in Qingzhou, I heard a waiter at Fu Ze Restaurant say that the northern counties are encouraging the refugees to return, not only giving land, but also exempting taxes and re-registering household registrations.

If we move to Cangzhou and register there, then we can openly acknowledge Dai Tu."

"Ah? Move to Cangzhou? How far is it?" the Wang Clan asked.

"I haven't been there, so I'm not sure at the moment, but I estimate we might not be able to make it in a few months." Dai Ling said.

"Are we going too?" the Wang Clan rubbed her hands.

"Of course. By then, Tu will be an official in the north, and surely someone has to help him with daily trivial matters. I'm his uncle, you're his aunt, so it's only fitting."

Dai Ling had unspoken thoughts that when one person succeeds, even chickens and dogs ascend to heaven. If Dai Tu became an official, as the family uncle, surely he could gain some benefits, perhaps even elevate the status of his own family, and so it was worth getting closer.

Thinking of this, Dai Ling's tone grew even more intimate, as he said to Huang Clan, "Zhaodi, when you get to Cangzhou, make sure Xiaofeng changes the surname to Guo to avoid exposing us."

"Uncle Ling, is it really good for us to do this?" Huang Clan hesitated.

"Don't you want to be the county magistrate's wife, Zhaodi? By then, your father will benefit too, and in the future, Xiaofeng could marry into a good family. Why not?"

As he spoke, Dai Ling advised, "Zhaodi, don't go telling others about this. Discuss with your father, then move quickly. Maybe you'll even catch Tu passing the official exam."

...

The next morning, Huang Zhaodi hurried to her father's house and told him about this plan.

Upon hearing it, Father Huang was extremely pleased, saying repeatedly, "I knew Tu would achieve something big."

"Move, let's move right away. I'll first talk with Dai Ling now." Father Huang decided immediately without much consideration.

Father Huang, while having some money, felt constrained; he wasn't a big merchant, just a small one.

From time to time, some ruffians would come to take advantage of him.

When he reported them to the officials, the ones in the government office would even extort him.

Now, with a son-in-law who is an official as his backing, he was eager to fly over immediately.

...

Qingzhou, Pingting County.

Dai Tu was already living at the Zhang Family home.

Of course, this was not initiated by Dai Tu; it was Zhang River who proactively invited him, Dai Tu refused twice before he finally agreed the third time.

The reason Zhang River allowed "Guo Xian" to live with them was for better observation.

After nearly two months, Zhang River was very satisfied with "Guo Xian."

Not only is he elegant in speech, but his demeanor is also poised.

While staying at the Zhang Family, he has maintained a proper distance with Zhu'Er.

There's not only no cohabitation, but not even hand-holding or hugging.

He's very polite and courteous, without the arrogance of a top scholar.

This garnered admiration from Zhang River's subordinates, who praised him for finding a good son-in-law.

And Zhang River's daughter, Zhang Zhu, was also very satisfied with her betrothed.

In her eyes, her betrothed was not just refined in speech, but also humorous.

He even composed poems for her.

The gifts he gave were also fitting, as if he knew exactly what she wanted.

Inside the Zhang Family's study.

"Dear son-in-law, news just came from the front, Duke An has won another great victory, taking Chongzhou; I believe Duke An will continue his military campaign southward, and if that's the case, he might not return before the official exam."

Zhang River had already addressed "Guo Xian" as his dear son-in-law. He had promised to have Duke An officiate their wedding after the exam next year. Now, it seemed that he might have to break that promise.

"But don't worry, dear son-in-law, if it can't be done after the exam, then we'll wait a few more months to marry; I will make sure to invite Duke An to officiate the ceremony for you and Zhu'Er." Zhang River promised.

"The important things come first; I will defer to Father-in-law's arrangements." Dai Tu said.

"Ah, there are some things that you can listen to me on, but not everything. I'm just a crude man. A man must have his own opinions." Zhang River said, patting Dai Tu's shoulder.

Dai Tu sensibly chose not to reply.

"Work hard, next year's exam is crucial. Now that Duke An has taken Chongzhou, half of the world is already in his hands. There's talk that Duke An will become the supreme ruler, and if you can be the top scholar of his first imperial examination, you'll have a bright future.

Maybe, in the future, I might have to rely on you more."

"Father-in-law praises me too much; I've barely begun that journey."

...

Linzhou, Xiangyang.

Duke An's Mansion.

The sunset colored the western sky red, a cold wind howled.

Most of the mansion's ladies had already changed into jackets and skirts.

In the hall of the rear courtyard.

In the center of the hall were two fire pits.

Ning Wan was wearing a blue cheongsam, its slit was very short, only opened around the calf, with black silk stockings on her feet.

She wore a jacket cape over her shoulders to cover her upper arms, exposing only her forearms.

Her figure was voluptuous yet slender, very sensual.

Her face was slightly red, smiling, she said to Wu Mi and the others, "This outfit I'm wearing has been selling wildly at Yimei Clothing Shop.

And Qing Dance was completely correct, those very revealing clothes are also popular in brothels. Just that bit of fabric is sold for five taels of silver, and it's all sold out."

"Sister, you look very sexy in this." Xiao Yunxi said as she shuffled over to Ning Wan, circling around her, then touched the soft beauty gently, smiling, "When husband comes back, he'll love it."

Ning Wan's face, lit by firelight in the hall, was rosy like a sunset, radiant and lovely, she said softly, "Sister is Jiangnan's number one beauty, if you wear it, you'll definitely look better."

As the two chatted, Xia Zhiqing came in and approached Ms. Mi: "Ms. Mi, Ms. An'niang, just now the Inspector reported that husband has won another significant victory at the front, taking Chongzhou, and King Chong fled without fighting. Now everyone is saying husband is the son of destiny."

Saying this, she handed the letter to Ms. Mi.

When Chen Mo sent Prince Huai running to Chongzhou, there were already rumors that Chen Mo was the son of destiny.

But now, as Chen Mo's territory expands, the rumors spread wider, and more people believe them.

Ms. Mi, having read the letter, said, "This will not be good for husband, it will only invite more envy and resentment; seems we need General Shao to deploy more soldiers to strengthen the patrol outside the mansion.

I must write back to the family, ask them to send over some experts."

As the saying goes, the tallest trees endure the strongest winds.

Xia Zhiqing nodded and said, "By the way, Ms. Mi, wasn't there a letter from Yan State saying Lord Yang of the Shu Residence would send his daughter here to Xiangyang? Considering the timing, she should be on her way now. Should we send someone to receive her?"

Hearing this, Ms. Mi pondered for a moment and said, "For now, there's no need; we can wait until we have the confirmation. But let's prepare the room first."

...

End of December.

Before the New Year.

King Chong arrived at Luonan, welcomed by Lu Sheng personally.

After the welcoming banquet, King Chong found Lu Sheng privately, saying, "Chancellor Lu, what are you planning now? Chen Mo has taken Chongzhou, next will be the Western River Land, and then Luonan.

The noble families in the Western River Land certainly won't stand against Chen Mo; once the Chen Army arrives, they'll have no choice but to surrender. If you let his power grow unopposed like this, even if you have plans, the odds of overturning the situation won't be high."

Lu Sheng did not say much but handed a booklet to King Chong.

"What's this?"

"Spirit Burning Profound Skill, a Secret Technique to temporarily boost power. Prince, focus on cultivating this." Lu Sheng said.

"Just relying on this?" King Chong asked with a frown.