Clan Rise: Starting as a Grandfather

”Lord Xu might not know, but I am preparing to train the troops and refurbish the garrison, which will require a lot of money!”

He wasn’t just crying poor; he genuinely was short of funds.

The provisions he had demanded from Songzhou Guard last year had already been completely used up, and although Wang Sheng’s recent shipment still had quite a bit left, those provisions were meant for the garrison to distribute as military rations and could not be easily used.

Initially, he thought about demanding more provisions from Songzhou Guard, but now there was no commander there, and he didn’t know whom to approach for provisions.

Despite being a Deputy Magistrate at Songzhou Guard, he really couldn’t decide on this matter.

Now that Xu Jin had brought it up himself, he naturally could not let this opportunity slip by.

The Military Equipment Department was also in charge of money and provisions, and even though the Inspection Department had no provisions, the Military Equipment Department could directly demand provisions from the Governor’s Office.

If Xu Jin was willing, he could possibly arrange some provisions from Chongshan Pass for Yang Zhenshan.

Yang Zhenshan didn’t know if Xu Jin had the capability, but there was no harm in trying.

Xu Jin thought for a bit and said, ”I can try, but there probably won’t be much.”

He himself wasn’t sure and could only give it a try.

”Then, I really must trouble Lord Xu!” Yang Zhenshan instantly brightened, ”Just in time, Lord Xu, my residence has just bought a fat sheep today. Don’t leave at noon; let me accompany you for a good drink!”

One mustn’t neglect to offer a meal when someone is willing to help!

”Let’s skip it! I still have official duties to attend to,” Xu Jin refused without a second thought.

”It’s just a meal; it won’t take too long!”

Yang Zhenshan enthusiastically led Xu Jin to a restaurant next door.

How could someone as elderly as Xu Jin resist being pulled by Yang Zhenshan? With just one hand, Yang Zhenshan pulled him into the restaurant next door.

Calling it a restaurant was an exaggeration; it was actually a small hall with an eight-person table and a tea table, used by Yang Zhenshan to entertain guests.

Since he didn’t have many visitors, this small hall was rarely used.

Xu Jin had no choice but to stay since he couldn’t decline effectively, and awaited Yang Zhenshan’s arrangements.

Soon, drinks and dishes were served, and under Yang Zhenshan’s enthusiastic hospitality, they began toasting and drinking, creating a very harmonious atmosphere.

It’s true that a dining table can close distances between people. After a few drinks, the two began referring to each other as brothers.

Of course, this was conditional.

By now, Xu Jin had a much better impression of Yang Zhenshan and was willing to forge a good relationship with him.

And Yang Zhenshan also thought this elderly man wasn’t bad. Although Xu Jin seemed difficult to deal with on the surface, he was actually a serious and responsible person.

Officials like Xu Jin were rather rare in Chongshan Town.

Compared to those corrupt officials, Yang Zhenshan preferred contact with officials like Xu Jin.

Birds of a feather flock together.

Yang Zhenshan wanted to be a good official, so he also sought to associate with good officials.

Under such premises, their interaction was very harmonious.

If Yang Zhenshan had invited Xu Jin for a meal at the very beginning, Xu Jin certainly wouldn’t have agreed, and even being forcefully dragged wouldn’t have changed his mind.