Although his current estate still lacked available manpower,
the estate had already been cleaned and tidied by the servants.
Thus, after arriving at his estate, he began reading some information in his inner hall, specifically about the Inspection Office.
He explored what he could exchange with his access level at the Internal Affairs Office, what those items were, and how many Contribution Points were needed to obtain them.
He needed to understand these details thoroughly.
After all, he had come to the Inspection Office to find a place to establish himself and facilitate his cultivation.
There were many such items, all recorded in a thick volume; at the Internal Affairs Office, he had not had time to read it completely, only glancing over a few key points.
in the inner hall of the estate,
as Xie Xiaojiu made her appearance, Jiang Ning immediately put down the book in his hand.
[Skill]: Reading and Writing (Second Limit Breaking 1911/3000) (Trait: Unforgettable, Extraordinary Five Senses)
After glimpsing the addition of several dozen points to his Reading and Writing Experience Value on his panel, Jiang Ning then focused his attention on Xie Xiaojiu.
Xie Xiaojiu had already changed into the official uniform of the Inspection Office.
The uniform was predominantly black, with blood-red trim.
"Miss Xie really keeps her promises," Jiang Ning said.
Xie Xiaojiu replied, "Since I lost to you yesterday, it's only natural I come under your command!"
Upon hearing her words, Jiang Ning nodded slightly.
He was quite pleased with Xie Xiaojiu's arrival.
Because with Xie Xiaojiu's strength, if she hadn't faced him, she would have had every chance to snatch a team leader's position with her skills.
Furthermore, it was apparent that Xie Xiaojiu hadn't shown all her strength when she lost to him.
She was one of only two prodigies in Luoshui County that Lin Qingyi held in high regard.
A prodigy with extraordinarily outstanding talent in Sword Dao.
Having such an adept person join his ranks was, of course, a cause for happiness.
Not to mention Xie Xiaojiu was also very young, just a few months older than him, which indicated that she had great talent and potential.
Where else could he find a subordinate who was strong now and promised to be stronger in the future?
Moreover, Xie Xiaojiu had a deep connection with Lin Qingyi, and his relationship with Lin Qingyi seemed to be good as well.
If, after some time, Xie Xiaojiu proved trustworthy, then her assistance to him would undoubtedly be significant.
The stronger Xie Xiaojiu was, the more energy he would have in the future to improve himself.
Just then, Xie Xiaojiu suddenly looked up at Jiang Ning!
"Sir, I would like to spar with you once more!"
"Still dissatisfied with your loss from yesterday?" Jiang Ning asked.
"A little," Xie Xiaojiu nodded.
Then she said, "If Sir can beat me, from now on, Little Jiu will follow your orders without any complaints!"
"Good!" Jiang Ning nodded.
The two of them then walked out from the inner hall to the spacious courtyard outside.
The ground of the courtyard was paved with blue bricks, and it was very tidy with not too much decor, only a giant banyan tree.
The banyan tree's leaves were dense, shading a lot of sunlight and bringing some coolness to the courtyard.
"Sir, please!" Xie Xiaojiu unsheathed her sword and spoke.
Jiang Ning thought for a moment, and instead of using the spiritual weapon he brought with him, he picked up a standard long saber from the weapon rack nearby.
"Miss Xie, we can begin!"
Xie Xiaojiu moved with her sword, and the two immediately engaged in combat.
The edge of the saber pressed against Xie Xiaojiu's fair and jade-like neck.
Immediately, Jiang Ning withdrew the saber: "Miss Xie, I appreciate your grace!"
Xie Xiaojiu fell silent, and after a few breaths, she spoke, "Sir, was that all your strength?"
Jiang Ning hesitated for a bit, then slowly shook his head: "No!!"
"I see!" As she spoke, Xie Xiaojiu couldn't help but take a deep breath to steady her emotions.
"I had thought too highly of myself. I had imagined I was a true prodigy, but today I realized that in front of you, Sir, I am nothing but a frog at the bottom of a well."
"There's no need to belittle yourself, Miss Xie!" Jiang Ning spoke to comfort her: "You are the person with the highest talent I have ever seen. At just nineteen years old, Miss Xie, you have come so far, and you're not far from Seventh Grade!"
Upon hearing his words, Xie Xiaojiu gave Jiang Ning a forced smile.
"Thank you for your reassurance, Sir!"
"Just call me Little Jiu!"
Just then, a voice came from the entrance of the mansion.
"Mr. Jiang really knows how to enjoy himself!"
The two turned toward the sound and immediately saw Feng Jiuge in fiery red battle armor.
"Captain Feng!" Xie Xiaojiu bowed slightly.
Feng Jiuge approached Xie Xiaojiu, raised her hand, and gently hooked her chin.
"Miss Xie is truly beautiful, such a pitiable sight!"
"Do you have any business, Captain Feng?" Xie Xiaojiu looked up at Feng Jiuge, her eyes calm, apparently unbothered by Feng Jiuge's provocative action.
"No fun!!" Feng Jiuge withdrew her finger.
Then she turned to Jiang Ning, "Mr. Jiang, I've come to report to you! From now on, I'll be working under your command!"
Jiang Ning nodded slightly, "Miss Feng truly keeps her promises!"
Feng Jiuge curled her lip, "Mr. Jiang is quite handsome; serving under your command will at least be more pleasing to the eye."
He felt a wave of speechlessness in his heart.
He had the feeling that Feng Jiuge had stolen his thunder.
Undoubtedly, both Feng Jiuge and Xie Xiaojiu were women of stunning appearance and demeanor.
Each had her own charm, both considered beauties capable of toppling cities.
Such women were naturally a part of the scenery.
Having these two under his command, even if it wasn't clear whether they could work well, at least it was a delight to the eyes on a daily basis.
At this moment, because of Feng Jiuge's arrival, Xie Xiaojiu headed outside.
"Miss Feng, did your father agree to this?" After Xie Xiaojiu had left, Jiang Ning finally spoke.
"Just call me Jiuge, the repeated 'Miss Feng' sounds so awkward!" Feng Jiuge said.
She continued, "As for my father's message, it hasn't come so quickly. After all, my father has many military matters to attend to; perhaps a response will come in a few days, or maybe even ten days to half a month."
"Understood!" Jiang Ning nodded immediately.
Then he asked, "Would Jiuge like to come in and sit?"
"Is there any wine to drink?" Feng Jiuge suddenly asked.
"This... not at the moment!" Jiang Ning shook his head.
"Then forget it! I'm going out to find some wine! I came here today mainly to meet you. From now on, I'll be working under your command; just notify me directly if there's anything!"
"Alright!" Jiang Ning nodded.
Watching Feng Jiuge leave, Jiang Ning also turned and headed toward the inner hall.
He hadn't finished reading the book about the Inspection Office.
Jiang Ning had just walked a few steps through the courtyard, heading back to the inner hall when suddenly another woman's voice called out from behind him.
He immediately turned around and saw a somewhat familiar figure.
Ruan Hongmei from Fuyuan Escort Agency.
Seeing her, Jiang Ning recalled.
Yesterday, Ruan Hongmei, as one of the captains, had dueled with Qin Xuan, wielding a whip.
Although she ultimately was defeated, she still managed to inflict a light injury on Qin Xuan with her martial skills.
And before stepping down, Ruan Hongmei had had a brief conversation with him.
"So it's Miss Ruan!" Jiang Ning moved forward to meet her.
Ruan Hongmei was also dressed in official attire, a captain's uniform.
Around her waist was also a long whip, which at this moment wrapped around her waist like a belt.
"Mr. Jiang, I wonder if I might work under your command?" Ruan Hongmei got straight to the point.
On her way here, Ruan Hongmei had thought it through.
As a captain, she needed to affiliate herself with a leader and then come under the direct command of one of the four Deputy Commanders.
Being from Luoshui County, her first choice was naturally Jiang Ning.
Although Jiang Ning might not be the strongest among the four Deputy Commanders, he was undoubtedly the most handsome in her eyes.
And he also possessed the highest talent.
These reasons were more than enough!!
"Of course, you're very welcome!" Jiang Ning immediately showed a smile.
From what he had seen yesterday, Ruan Hongmei was among the dozen or so captains, not strictly at the top, but at least mid-tier in strength.
Being mid-tier meant she possessed the power of the Peak of Eighth Grade.
"I hadn't heard before that Fuyuan Escort Agency's boss had such an exceptional daughter," Jiang Ning secretly thought to himself.
Hearing Jiang Ning's words, Ruan Hongmei also showed a slight smile.
"Since Mr. Jiang has agreed, I'll be under your care from now on!"