“When did that kid show up? Who saw him first? Which direction did he enter the city from? Did he have any companions?”
Meng Heze strode directly to the registration desk outside the Immortal Official Manor, slamming his sword down with a clang in front of Xu Kanshan and Qiu Dacheng, firing off over a dozen questions in rapid succession.
The more he thought about it, the more frustrated he became. When he had left, Senior Brother Song had personally gifted him this sword—what a glorious moment that had been. But upon his return, this Wei Ping had appeared out of nowhere, stealing all the spotlight.
Xu and Qiu knew nothing no matter how many questions he asked. Pacing back and forth, Meng Heze suddenly had a flash of inspiration: “Ji Chen must know. I’ll go find him!”
Ji Chen was in charge of the Thousand Canals Grand Formation and had secretly installed recording magical artifacts on the four city gates of Tiancheng. These artifacts could replay footage from the city gates up to a month prior, clearly capturing everyone coming and going. This measure had been implemented because the growing number of new immigrants to Thousand Canals made the population increasingly mixed and unpredictable.
“Do you think there’s something off about that kid?” Xu Kanshan asked.
Meng Heze’s expression turned fierce. “His name is Wei Ping, and it’s very likely he’s not who he claims to be. I’ll investigate. While I’m away, you two stay alert!”
Xu Kanshan thought to himself, Didn’t you personally bring him in? But outwardly, he nodded cautiously. “Understood.”
Qiu Dacheng declared, “Don’t worry, Senior Brother Meng. This is Thousand-Ditch Prefecture, our territory. He won’t be able to cause any trouble!”
The competition for the position of head steward at Song Courtyard was fierce, with each candidate possessing unique skills.
Wei Ping’s smooth selection was only half due to his own myriad abilities; the other half could be credited to Meng Heze.
After all, before Wei Ping arrived, Song Qianji had eaten far too many bowls of noodles.
If those noodles were laid end to end, they could circle Thousand-Ditch Prefecture a hundred times.
Song Qianji had originally achieved grain abstinence, but Meng Heze had spoiled him into developing a habit of eating meals.
Wei Ping’s arrival allowed Song Qianji to experience the simple, unadorned joy of rice and stir-fried dishes. The Thousand Canals nine-square grid was, after all, the healthiest dietary model.
When the other returned, Song Qianji proactively set down his hoe and greeted him: “Are you settling in alright?”
Wei Ping looked up, timidly glancing at him.
Song Qianji frowned, quickly stepping forward and pointing at the other’s neck. “What happened to you?”
After just one trip outside, not only had he suffered superficial injuries, but his clothes were also disheveled and slightly torn.
Wei Ping touched the bruise on his neck, letting out a soft “ah” as if waking from a dream, and whispered, “Senior Brother Meng didn’t mean to!”
Song Qianji was baffled. “You’re saying Meng Heze injured you?”
How was that possible? Little Meng wasn’t that kind of person.
“He just used a bit too much force during our play-fighting,” Wei Ping said with a brave, faint smile.
Song Qianji changed the subject. “Oh, has Little Meng introduced you to all the cultivators in Thousand Canals?”
“Not yet,” Wei Ping replied, his eyes shifting. His voice grew even softer, answering a question that hadn’t been asked: “So many people wish to be by the Immortal Official’s side but never get the chance. I’ve only just arrived and already received such an honor. I don’t blame them for disliking me.”
A strange feeling stirred in Song Qianji’s heart. He had never heard such words or tone anywhere else.
This Wei Ping was too timid, timid to the point of having no savior-like qualities at all.
Even if Wei Zhenyu was biding his time in the early stages, secretly picking up advantages, he was still a child of destiny—willful, free-spirited, and wildly unrestrained. How could he willingly submit to others, becoming a lowly, subservient attendant?
Wei Ping also thought to himself, This Song Qianji is far too ordinary.
What kind of Immortal Official could have everything just by farming and watering flowers? He must be hiding his true depths well."It's fine." Song Qianji comforted his pitiful little steward, "Come take a walk with me tomorrow. Once everyone gets to know you, they'll accept you."
Though Thousand-Ditch Prefecture's population was growing and official duties were becoming increasingly burdensome, Song Qianji only cared for farming. He decided to first have the newcomer supervise canal construction, gradually tempering him until he could shoulder greater responsibilities.
Wei Ping was deeply moved: "Thank you, Senior Brother Song. I'll serve you well."
"You're not here to serve me." Song Qianji smiled.
When he smiled, the autumn chill transformed into gentle spring breeze. Wei Ping couldn't help closing his eyes for a moment.
The sunlight was too dazzling.
...
Under the crisp autumn sky, the fields shone golden.
Along the canal, work chants shook the heavens as river workers swung shovels bare-chested, sweat streaming down their torsos. Whenever someone started a song, others immediately joined in, creating more excitement than boiling water.
Walking along this canal, Wei Ping felt deeply perplexed.
Why were these laborers so happy despite their hard work? Not just happy, but dedicated, earnest, and working with such enthusiasm.
Could it be that Song Qianji truly practiced mind-controlling dark arts?
Mysteries surfaced one after another, spinning rapidly through his mind.
Having traveled countless mountains and rivers across the mortal realm, he had never seen a place like Thousand-Ditch Prefecture.
And Wei Ping loved puzzle games.
Carrying a food box, he delivered it to the grass shed where the Thousand Canals chicken delivery team worked.
"Greetings, fair ones. I'm Wei Ping, the new steward. Is there anything here I can assist with?"
Zhou Xiaoyun accepted the food box: "No need for formalities. I'm Zhou Xiaoyun, and this is Ji Xing. There's nothing requiring extra hands for now - just focus on accompanying Senior Brother Song well."
Wei Ping showed no concern about this polite refusal, bowing properly before taking his leave: "Fair ones, please call upon me anytime you need assistance."
Ji Xing watched Wei Ping's retreating figure with marvel:
"My brother's hopeless enough as it is, Senior Brother Meng grows more intimidating by the day, and Senior Brother Song remains unapproachably aloof. Heaven finally took pity and sent us this little Wei Ping - so obedient and soft, following behind Senior Brother Song every day with eager eyes like a drenched puppy, just waiting for Senior Brother Song to glance back at him. It truly tugs at the heartstrings!"
Xu Kanshan mumbled through covered mouth: "Don't get all maternal now! Even Senior Brother Meng said that kid might be suspicious!"
Zhou Xiaoyun sneered: "Then don't eat the pastries and snacks he brings."
Ji Xing picked up a cake: "Anyone who can make such delicious harmony cakes can't be bad."
Qiu Dacheng ate without looking up: "We can eat the cakes and still stay wary of the person - no conflict there!"
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