How are the specific circumstances.
Ding Ling has no way of knowing.
However, his purpose in coming to suppress the bandits this time was to complete the mission. Now that the mission is complete, he doesn't want to stay any longer.
But he hasn't forgotten Zhen Jiang's plea for help.
Ordered to enter the city and instructed people to search.
Sure enough, they found Zhen Jiang's father, Zhen Yi.
Zhen Yi apparently had already grasped the reasons from others and was extremely grateful to Ding Ling!
[Achievement Medal Acquired: You've received Zhen Yi's high level of gratitude.]
[Note: Zhen Yi, as the wealthiest man in Jizhou, sees you as handsome, exceptional, and with a life-saving grace towards him. He has developed some other thoughts on you. If nothing unexpected happens, there is a high chance you will become his son-in-law in the future!]
Upon hearing the prompt, Ding Ling's expression paused, and he glanced at Zhen Yi with a peculiar look.
Unaware, Zhen Yi continued expressing words of gratitude to Ding Ling and invited him to visit his old home in Zhongshan Wuji.
Ding Ling responded politely and formally.
He stated that currently, due to official duties, he could only leave the matter for future consideration.
Zhen Yi expressed his regret but still looked forward to Ding Ling's visit.
Some time later.
Zhen Jiang was found by the guards sent out by Zhen Yi.
The reunion between father and daughter naturally was heartwarming.
Seeing this, Ding Ling felt conflicted and did not stay long in the main hall. Instead, he went to the treasury.
This was where the Bandits Bai Bo stored their wealth.
Indeed, it was a mountain of money, grain, and fabrics.
"How much is this worth?"
Ding Ling took the account book in his hand and discovered that most of the wealth here belonged to the Zhen Family. He felt relieved.
After some thought.
He filled a small bag with gold.
The rest he instructed to be audited according to the account books, returning the Zhen Family's belongings and what belonged to some commoners intact.
As for the losses to the county government office's treasury?
This wasn't Ding Ling's concern!
He came to suppress the bandits!
He had no obligation to recover the treasury's property for the county government office.
After an hour.
Zhen Yi and Zhen Jiang came to thank Ding Ling once more.
"Thank you, Young Master Ding! If not for you, we would have lost not only our lives but also our wealth."
Zhen Jiang's eyes, like a fairy lake in the sky, glimmered with gratitude towards Ding Ling.
She blushed, gracefully stepped forward, and handed him a scented sachet, saying crisply:
"This is a sachet I personally wove last year. It's my favorite, and I usually carry it with me. Today I'm giving it to you, hoping it will bring you good luck."
"..."
Ding Ling intended to refuse, but seeing Zhen Jiang's nervous, hopeful, and shy expression, he swallowed back the words and quietly accepted it.
Zhen Jiang indeed was a noble lady, a top beauty with inner charm.
If this Three Kingdoms World wasn't a game world, perhaps Ding Ling might have ended up marrying such a wife home.
Comparing with the girlfriends of his past and present life.
Zhen Jiang, whether in appearance or temperament, was top-tier, a dimension-reducing blow to his previous girlfriends!
At this moment, Ding Ling even thought:
Having seen such a beauty and won her favor, could he still find marriage appealing upon returning to reality, where brides demand hundreds of thousands in dowry, don't regard a million as significant, or insist a man must be capable of laundry and cooking, a jack-of-all-trades husband?
Ding Ling doubted if he could ever find a wife in the future.
But quickly, he became aware.
He was already a man who had activated the cheats!
Why fear not finding a wife?
As long as he remained outstanding enough, what woman could he not find?
...
Getting along with Zhen Jiang was a pleasure.
She was a gentle, kind, and talented young lady.
The longer Ding Ling interacted with Zhen Jiang, the more he couldn't help but like her. Had he not constantly reminded himself that he must keep moving forward, he might have already drowned in the beautiful fantasy of this beauty.
Finally, Ding Ling chose to leave Zhongqiu Ancient City.
In the meantime.
Zhen Yi subtly hinted to Ding Ling numerous times, mentioning how thrilled Zhen Jiang was that he accepted her sachet. This gesture signified him acknowledging her feelings. She eagerly anticipated his visit to Zhongshan Wuji to marry her.
Of course, it was just a subtle hint, not made overly clear.
But they were all smart people.
Ding Ling understood.
Zhen Yi left it at that.
At this moment, the farewell was filled with reluctance to part.
Both exchanged emotional farewell words, and then amidst the sound of horses, ended their gaze upon each other.
"Hyah!"
Ding Ling spurred his horse on.
Leading over a hundred cavalry towards the direction of Ye City.
The other three hundred cavalry had already departed with thousands of Bai Bo bandit prisoners.
To keep these captives in line.
Each cavalryman was equipped with bows and arrows, having thoroughly stripped the prisoners of their clothing and weapons, leaving only a pair of pants for decency.
"They've left."
Zhen Yi sighed as he watched Zhen Jiang staring longingly into the distance.
"Father."
Zhen Jiang, the eldest daughter, often handled household and commercial duties, externally appearing as a delicate Jiangnan girl but possessing a resolute and strong-willed spirit.
She bit her lip, asking anxiously:
"Do you think Brother Ding will come to find us?"
"This..."
Zhen Yi hesitated.
"Father, please don't lie to me."
"Alright."
Zhen Yi pondered and said:
"Based on my observation over this period, Ding Ling indeed is an extraordinary individual, knowledgeable in astronomy, geography, calligraphy, culture, and more, almost all-encompassing.
Moreover, he's exceptionally brave and mighty. With merely four hundred men, he has managed to defeat several thousand Bai Bo bandits, killed and beheaded several leading outlaws.
Such a person should be a hero in these troubled times!
He won't be confined by a single woman.
And I dare assert, unless he dies, he will surely become known far and wide!
His name destined to be engraved in history, sung for generations!"
"Then, do I still have a chance with him?"
"That, I do not know. It all depends on fate. But it seems to me that he has a fondness for you. If he establishes a family in the future, he might think of you first."
Hearing this, Zhen Jiang couldn't help but smile with delight:
"As long as he comes to find me, it's good."
Don't assume Zhen Jiang is infatuated.
Where flowers bloom, butterflies naturally flutter to them.
At this moment, Ding Ling was already exceptionally outstanding, combined with several changes in his figure and appearance, making his temperament and looks greatly prominent.
In terms of looks, aura, martial arts, knowledge, etc., all were exceptional choices.
Moreover, he saved her life and didn't covet their family's wealth.
Such a virtuous and talented person?
Zhen Yi was tempted, wishing to acquire him as a son-in-law.
How could Zhen Jiang not be moved?
Just as a man encountering an exceptionally outstanding woman, how could he not take notice?
...
Midway.
Ding Ling caught up with the main force.
Seeing the night falling, he ordered a camp to be set up.
Additionally, he called two soldiers to guard the tent entrance, instructing them not to enter without his command.
Once everything was settled.
Ding Ling entered the tent, lay down, and chose to return to reality.