’A chance for... extra monthly income on top of my stipend?’

Surprise flashed across Fang Han’s face.

For someone like him with a "pay-to-win" system, making money was what he wanted—what he craved—most of all.

However, using his system panel to start a side business would mean wasting time on it, which would be putting the cart before the horse.

Now, a money-making opportunity had appeared right before him.

It perfectly proved the old saying: as long as you have strength, wealth will naturally follow.

"Outside the city, there’s a tea estate called the Qingwu Tea Garden. The old master is getting on in years and wants to name an heir soon."

"He has two sons: the elder, Xia Kang, and the younger, Xia Hao. The two are at each other’s throats, fighting for the right to inherit the garden,"

Elder Fang Yuan said slowly.

Fang Han listened quietly. ’I see now,’ he thought. ’My next mission will likely involve this struggle for inheritance.’

Elder Fang Yuan continued.

"The elder son, Xia Kang, came to the family a few days ago. He made a promise: if the family can help him secure the inheritance, he is willing to offer fifty percent of the garden’s monthly profits."

’Fifty percent of the profits?’

Fang Han’s interest was piqued.

Fifty percent of a tea garden’s profits might not be much to the family, but to him, it was by no means a small sum. If he could secure it, the income would likely surpass his current monthly stipend of a hundred taels of silver as the top disciple of the Inner Hall.

"After some consideration, the family decided you would be the most suitable person to handle this. For one, it will be good experience for you. For another, if you succeed, the monthly income can be considered a gift from the family to a talented descendant such as yourself,"

Elder Fang Yuan said with a smile, looking at Fang Han.

"I am willing to give it a try."

Fang Han didn’t hesitate, accepting with a cupped-fist salute.

’It’s obvious this mission is an extra gift from the family, given in recognition of my Talent.’

’Of course, whether I can actually claim this gift will depend on my own abilities—on whether I can help Xia Kang secure the inheritance.’

’An extra source of monthly income is crucial for gathering the thousand taels of silver I need to activate the Level 3 Swordsmanship Talent Amplification.’

’No matter what, I have to complete this mission and claim this extra gift from the family.’

After leaving Elder Fang Yuan’s Quiet Chamber, Fang Han summoned a carriage and departed from the Fang Mansion.

The wheels rumbled rhythmically over the bluestone road as the carriage headed toward the city’s west side.

Following the address provided by Elder Fang Yuan, the carriage eventually stopped before a residence with a rather impressive facade.

A vermilion-lacquered gate stood flanked by two stone lions, the clear markings of a prosperous household.

CREAK—

The carriage had just stopped, and before Fang Han could even disembark, someone emerged from behind the vermilion gate.

A middle-aged man in a brocade robe, his face a mixture of anxiety and anticipation, strode out quickly to greet him. It was Xia Kang.

He had clearly received word that the Fang Family would be sending someone and had been waiting. The moment he saw the Fang Family’s carriage arrive, he rushed out to welcome them.

However, when his gaze fell upon Fang Han as he stepped down from the carriage, the eager smile on his face stiffened, and a flash of unconcealable disappointment crossed his eyes.

’He’s too young!’

He had been hoping the Fang Family would send a seasoned, influential Steward to support him.

He never imagined they would send a boy who looked to be no more than seventeen or eighteen.

’Although he has a calm demeanor and is dressed as a Fang Family disciple, how much influence can someone his age possibly have?’

’He’ll probably struggle to make any headway with my father on my behalf.’

"I am Xia Kang. A warm welcome to the distinguished guest from the Fang Family."

Xia Kang quickly suppressed his disappointment, forcing a smile that was both enthusiastic and polite as he came forward with a cupped-fist salute.

Regardless, this person was from the Fang Family, and he dared not show any disrespect.

"You’re too kind, Mr. Xia. I am Fang Han."

Fang Han returned the salute, his tone even.

Though the man hid the disappointment in his eyes well, it didn’t escape Fang Han’s notice.

Guessing the man was disappointed by his youth, he stated his name directly.

’My name should carry some weight in Liangshui City,’ he believed.

And he was right.

"Fang Han?"

Xia Kang froze when he heard the name. It sounded familiar. Then, his eyes shot wide open.

The polite enthusiasm on his face instantly transformed into incredulous joy, and his voice trembled with excitement.

"You... you’re the Fang Family’s Qilin’er... Young Master Han?!"

In recent months, the name of the Fang Family’s Qilin’er, Fang Han, had spread throughout Liangshui City. Stories of his exceptional Talent and lightning-fast progress were on everyone’s lips.

Despite being preoccupied with family affairs, even he had heard the rumors.

’I can’t believe the Fang Family actually sent this rising star!’

’This isn’t just some ordinary Inner Hall Descendant. He’s one of the core prodigies, someone the Fang Family’s leaders have high hopes for—a future heavyweight!’

’His presence and influence are far greater than any ordinary Steward could command.’

"That’s me."

Fang Han gave a slight nod.

"Oh my, forgive my disrespect! Young Master Han, please, come in, come in!"

The disappointment on Xia Kang’s face was long gone, replaced by a fawning enthusiasm.

He even bowed a little lower unconsciously as he quickly stepped aside to lead the way, his attitude now utterly deferential. 𝐟𝕣𝕖𝐞𝐰𝕖𝚋𝐧𝗼𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝗰𝐨𝐦

They crossed the front courtyard and entered the main hall. Once host and guest were seated, a maid served fragrant tea.

The excitement on Xia Kang’s face had yet to fade, and his voice was filled with a sense of disbelief.

"I don’t know what I’ve done to deserve this, to have Young Master Han come in person. It’s truly... truly..."

"There’s no need for such pleasantries, Mr. Xia."

Fang Han lifted his teacup and gently tapped the lid, his tone as calm as ever.

"Since my family has accepted this matter, we will naturally do our best. Please, Mr. Xia, tell me about the current situation in detail, including your esteemed father’s leanings."

At the mention of business, Xia Kang’s expression sobered. He sighed, a worried look crossing his face.

"To be frank with you, Young Master Han, my father is getting old. His energy is failing, and all he wants is to name an heir so he can retire in peace."

"My younger brother, Xia Hao, is cunning and knows how to curry favor with our father. Recently, he somehow managed to connect with... with an influential figure from the Lin Family. Father seems... he seems to be leaning more toward him."

As he mentioned the "influential figure from the Lin Family," Xia Kang’s tone grew heavy with apprehension, and he furtively glanced at Fang Han’s expression.

The Lin Family is one of the five great families. If his younger brother truly had the support of a Lin Clan Member, the situation would become incredibly difficult. This was the source of his anxiety for the past few days.

’Fortunately, the young man before me isn’t just a member of the Fang Family—one of the five great families—he’s no ordinary member at that.’

’With him on my side, even that influential figure from the Lin Family will likely have to back down.’

"In that case, we shouldn’t delay."

Fang Han’s expression remained unchanged upon hearing of the Lin Family’s involvement. Given his current standing, an ordinary Lin Clan Member was not enough to make him back down.

He set down his teacup and stood.

"Tomorrow morning, I will accompany you to the tea garden, Mr. Xia. We will pay our respects to the old master and secure this inheritance for you."

"Excellent! Excellent! Everything is in your hands, Young Master Han!"

Overjoyed, Xia Kang scrambled to his feet and agreed, a great weight lifted from his heart.

...

The next morning, a carriage departed from Liangshui City, heading toward the Qingwu Tea Garden in the West Suburb.

The tea garden was situated in a hilly region where a morning mist, like fine gauze, shrouded the rolling tea-covered mountains. The air was crisp and filled with the refreshing aroma of tea.

The carriage stopped before the main residence of the tea garden, and Xia Kang led Fang Han inside.

After a short wait in the reception hall, an old man with a full head of white hair and a kind but weary face walked out slowly, supported by a servant. This was the old master, Xia Yuan.

"Father."

Xia Kang quickly stepped forward to bow and make the introduction.

"This is Young Master Han from the Fang Family. He has come especially to visit you today."

Old Master Xia Yuan’s somewhat cloudy eyes brightened slightly when he heard the name "Fang Han," and he spoke politely.

"Young Master Han, forgive this old man for not greeting you at the gate."

Clearly, he had heard of Fang Han’s reputation.

"You’re too kind, Master Xia."

Fang Han returned the salute, his expression composed.

"I came today for two reasons. First, I have long heard of the great name of the Qingwu Tea Garden and wished to pay a visit. Second, I’ve come at the request of Mr. Xia to speak with you about the garden’s future."

His words were calm, but he got straight to the point.

’After all, I still have my Cultivation. I can’t afford to waste time going back and forth with the old master over this.’

"The garden’s future..."

Xia Yuan murmured, his gaze shifting between his eldest son, Xia Kang, and Fang Han. A flicker of interest appeared in his eyes.

’Having the Fang Family’s rising Qilin’er come forward to back my eldest son... that carries significant weight.’

’If the garden had such a powerful backer, even if it meant giving up some of the profits, it would gain stability and the chance to grow. That could lead to even greater returns in the long run.’ The thought caused the scales in his mind to waver.

He mulled it over for a moment before speaking slowly.

"Young Master Han, you are young and accomplished, and the Fang Family’s reputation is illustrious. If..."

"Father, I heard my older brother brought an esteemed guest from the Fang Family?"

Just then, a snide voice drifted in from outside the hall, interrupting their conversation.

The younger son, Xia Hao, strode in with a smug grin.

Beside him was another young man with an arrogant look.

This man was tall and lean, with a cold, severe face and eyes as sharp as a hawk’s.

He wore a dark-patterned green robe, and just by standing there, he radiated an oppressive aura.

It was none other than the publicly acknowledged number one of Liangshui City’s younger generation—Lin Ao!