Longevity Begins With Zongmen Handyman

Chapter 105: Cabinet Assessment

"How could you, how could you!"

Late at night, the pained voice of Song Mingzhang echoed.

Scolding, crying...

...

Li An also learned some information:

After Song Anning recovered her appearance, she spent her days mingling with the young people in the city, both men and women.

Two months ago, the young people in the city organized a spring outing and hunting, and she naturally went along.

During that spring outing, the Ninth Prince of the Tianyang Palace was also present. After the outing and hunting, the Ninth Prince invited her and several other noble ladies to a small gathering.

According to Song Anning, they had drunk too much at the time and didn't know what happened. They only woke up to find that it was already too late to change anything.

Li An had seen this kind of thing many times before. In his past life, he relied on his status and identity as a cultivator from a prestigious family... and had also done such beastly things.

For the upper-class children, this kind of behavior was normal.

Moreover, based on his speculation, Song Anning might not be completely unaware of the details—during those days, she was radiant and seemed very happy.

A few maids even secretly discussed whether Song Anning could become a prince's consort in the future.

But Song Anning had no status and no spiritual roots. In other words, she only had a better figure and appearance, just a shell. How could it be so easy for her to become a princess?

The young prince would get tired of playing with her.

Her dream of becoming a princess was shattered, and on top of that, she was pregnant...

In the following days, Song Mingzhang was very worried. He first found abortifacient medicine and had the maids take care of Song Anning's daily life.

At the same time, he moved around, trying to suppress the news of this matter, and issued a gag order to the maids in the mansion.

He already had limited life expectancy, and after this incident, he became even weaker.

For these three months, Li An ignored this matter, pretending not to know.

On this day, Song Mingzhang found Li An.

"Young Master Zuo, you have read more than half of the books in my study. Your knowledge has surpassed mine..." He looked at Li An and said, "Reading is for practical use. Have you ever thought about the future?"

Li An was stunned, pondered for a long time, and said, "I haven't made too many plans."

Song Mingzhang said, "I have an opportunity here. I don't know if you are interested..."

"Please speak, senior."

"My time is running out. Before I die, I can recommend one person to enter the Treasure Pavilion as an appraiser. With your talent, you will definitely pass the assessment... I don't know if you are willing or not?"

Li An was taken aback and said, "Treasure Pavilion..."

Then, he suddenly became moved and said, "If I can enter the Treasure Pavilion, I can broaden my horizons and increase my knowledge. If I am fortunate enough to be mentored by senior, I will do my best!"

Song Mingzhang nodded. "In addition, there is another matter I want to discuss with you."

"Anning owes you twice for saving her life. You know her inside out. Now that she has made mistakes, I want to ask you to save her once again..."

"You are over a hundred years old and still unmarried. I intend to entrust Anning to you. I don't know what your thoughts are?"

A look of humiliation and pain appeared on his face. "She is already a ruined flower, I don't need to hide this from you... If you are unwilling, I will not force you."

Li An sighed inwardly. He had already thought of this.

In fact, after Song Anning recovered her appearance, Song Mingzhang definitely wanted to find a better family for her.

But who would marry her after she played around so recklessly and caused someone's death?

The upper-class in the city were well-informed. Who would still marry her?

It would be better to let her marry Li An. After all, Li An was at least a Foundation Building cultivator. If he successfully entered the Treasure Pavilion in the future, Song Anning would have a life of prosperity and wealth.

"I am already an old man of a hundred years, while Miss Anning is still young... I'm afraid Miss Anning wouldn't be willing, right?"

"You are her lifesaver, she has no reason to refuse!"

Song Mingzhang earnestly said, "Zuo Xiaoyou, you might as well speak your mind. Do you despise her? If so... it is not impossible for Anning to become a concubine."

Li An sighed and said, "Zuo Wen is willing to prioritize Miss Anning. If she is willing to marry me, I would be overjoyed. If she is not willing, she can choose another suitable man at any time. What do you think?"

Song Mingzhang nodded with satisfaction.

...

After this conversation, Li An would occasionally visit Song Anning, feeding her medicine and water, taking care of her attentively.

Song Anning should have already learned about this matter, but when facing Li An, she occasionally revealed an uncontrollable disgust in her eyes.

After all, she had seen many young and handsome men outside, those who were wealthy and dressed in fine clothes.

In comparison, the already hundred-year-old Li An had gray hair, wrinkles all over, and showed signs of aging. Moreover, he was introverted and only focused on reading all day. How could he compare to her countless charms?

Li An was indifferent to this.

If Song Anning truly liked him, it would be quite troublesome. Her disgust was precisely the confidence Li An had given to Song Mingzhang.

Now that Song Mingzhang was still alive, she naturally didn't dare to say anything. But after Song Mingzhang's death, Li An would not interfere. With her personality, she would definitely not be willing to marry Li An.

Respecting the fate of others!

...

"Zuo Wen, pack up. Tomorrow, come with me to Treasure Pavilion."

On this day, after dinner, Song Mingzhang spoke up.

Li An's heart stirred.

...

The next morning, Li An and Song Mingzhang set off in a carriage.

They arrived at Treasure Pavilion in no time. The building of Treasure Pavilion was magnificent, surrounded by powerful formations. Upon entering, there were precious treasures displayed in the cabinets, such as magical tools, materials, and elixirs.

Song Mingzhang led Li An into a quiet hall.

The hall was heavily guarded outside, and inside, many people were already seated.

Among them were many young people, but there were also middle-aged people. At first glance, there were at least a dozen people.

There were two types of people in the hall: the seedlings cultivated by Treasure Pavilion since childhood, and the "connections" like Li An recommended by the current appraisers.

This was an assessment.

Song Mingzhang had already told Li An before that the appraisers could only recommend, giving Li An the qualification to participate in the assessment.

Whether one could become an appraiser still depended on their own abilities.

"Is this the person recommended by Master Song Mingzhang?"

Among them, a man and a woman both looked at Li An.

Li An had heard Song Mingzhang mention them before. The young man's name was Lu Hua, and the woman was Zheng Xiaoxiao. These two were the direct disciples of other appraisers.

They were Li An's biggest competitors!

There were only two vacancies for appraisers in Treasure Pavilion this time.

"Why is this person so old and still here..."

"I heard he was recommended by Master Song. His son died early, leaving only a granddaughter. What is his relationship with him?"

Some other young people whispered to each other.

"Quiet, no more talking!"

Soon, a middle-aged beautiful woman with a serious expression walked in. She glanced coldly and said, "The appraiser assessment is divided into two parts: theory and appraisal!"

"Now, in the boxes given to you, there is a set of exam questions and ten different items. After completing the exam questions, write down the origin, characteristics, and value of each of these ten items."

"You have half an hour!"

She waved her hand, and someone beside her immediately distributed many wooden boxes.

The people who received the boxes hurriedly opened them and began reading the exam questions.

Li An also opened his box, took a glance, and then picked up his pen to answer.

Meanwhile, not far away...

Lu Hua and Zheng Xiaoxiao received their exam papers, both looking delighted, as if they were confident.

...

(End of this chapter)