Endless Winter: My Camp Upgrades Infinitely Chapter 1360 - 440: Cai Qiu Sword Saint, Baffling Naturalization, Miss Mengya (Part 4)

The middle-aged man showed great perceptiveness as Fang Tianhua had yet to depart before he approached, bowing deeply to the four, then gesturing to the attendants behind him.

"The maids pay their respects to the four young masters!"

"We common folk pay our respects to the four young masters!"

A multitude of over two hundred individuals knelt before the four siblings in unison.

Having never experienced such a spectacle, the four siblings' expressions immediately turned exceedingly awkward.

Primarily, the four were clad in simple cotton attire, whereas those kneeling on the ground were predominantly dressed in silk garments, with some maids even adorning finer satin outfits complete with accessories.

It was evident that those on the ground appeared more like young lords and ladies. How could they possibly compare?

Most crucially, as the four surveyed the crowd, they observed that no less than sixty percent of the attendants surpassed them in cultivation level.

They all grasped the implication of this realization!

Gulp...

Su Xu couldn't help but swallow hard; the other three were no different, leaving the four siblings stunned and immobile.

"Young masters, might you perhaps consider entering the mansion for an initial look?"

Zhou Qing, sensing their unease, swiftly proposed this suggestion to alleviate the tension.

The four nodded and, in a daze, followed him indoors.

"The entirety of the Hong Mansion sprawls across approximately 10,000 square meters, with the central main building serving as Lord Hong’s residence, attended by 20 male servants and 30 female maids; the Martial Arts Training Ground is situated before the main building, while the Quiet Room and the Meditative Pavilion lie behind it; to the left of the main building are four auxiliary structures, designated as the residences for the young masters, each allocated 5 male servants and 5 female maids for their living arrangements and other needs..."

During their tour of the sprawling 10,000-square-meter estate, Zhou Qing provided detailed introductions, a process that consumed nearly an hour to complete.

"Young masters and young lady, we have just collected some new outfits from the tailor. Please try them on to ensure a proper fit."

As Zhou Qing concluded his comprehensive introduction, more than twenty maids emerged, carrying in excess of a hundred assorted silk garments.

"Very well, I shall entrust the maids with continuing the mansion's introduction to the young masters and ladies from this point onward."

Zhou Qing gave brief instructions, and the four were then dazed as the maids guided them to their respective quarters to change clothes while continuing the tour of the mansion.

It wasn't until the midnight dinner that the four siblings, now elegantly attired in silk garments, reconvened in the main hall of the central building.

Under the attentive service of the maids, the four partook in a feast of delicacies previously unknown to them. After the meal concluded and the maids cleared the table, Su Jing finally uttered his first words since entering the mansion.

"Alright, you may all take your leave now."

"Yes, the maids shall withdraw!"

The maids, demonstrating immediate obedience, retreated the moment Su Jing spoke.

With only the four siblings remaining in the hall, Su Jing and the others each produced a silver token and a golden Registration Book. Exchanging glances, their expressions suddenly shifted to one of profound complexity.

"So, we have inexplicably been elevated to a noble status?"

"I recall Father mentioning previously that to enlist in the citizen registry, one requires a cultivation strength of at least rank 5 and must pay 1000 taels of silver. The military registry mandates an even higher threshold; we were granted second-level noble status, what would be the cost for that?"

In response to Su Xu's query, Su Jing shook his head with a wry smile and remarked, "Did you not observe that Steward Zhou Qing had these items already prepared? I suspect that by the time Lord Hong entered the city, they had these ready, merely awaiting our arrival at the mansion to present them."

Su Zhi, the third brother, also nodded, adding with a wry tone, "It's quite evident that this noble status was bestowed upon us without any requirement for payment; they are..."

As he spoke, Su Zhi paused momentarily before continuing, "...attempting to curry favor with Lord Hong!"

Upon hearing this, the three brothers, including the youngest sibling, Su Xing'er, couldn't help but display bitter smiles.

These bitter smiles from the four were tinged with a sense of melancholy and wistful regret.

To secure registration for their entire family, their parents had made the ultimate sacrifice three years prior, yet even then, their efforts proved unsuccessful; now, however, the four siblings had done nothing, and the Registration Book was simply handed over to them.

Furthermore, what their parents had strived for was merely the fourth-level civilian registry, whereas they now possessed the most coveted second-level noble status in all of Cai Qiu.

"Possessing second-level noble status grants the privilege of receiving yearly resources from any Subordinate Bureau in any town within Cai Qiu’s domain, proportionate to one's cultivation level. For Cold Resistance alone, one can procure 50,000 taels of current silver, along with beast meat, beast blood, various Dan Medicine, White Fresh Powder, and fine wine... the benefits are innumerable. The annual total value of these provisions, as informed by the maids, amasses to at least 300,000 taels of silver.

Furthermore, the status allows the wearer to don silk garments and two silver adornments, plus the right to possess one ring and one jade ornament. Items within the Treasure Pavilion become accessible for purchase, with virtually no limitations. Unrestricted passage is granted across all towns within Cai Qiu’s territory. The registration of up to one hundred slaves under one's name is permitted, and priority is given for tasks at the registration bureau..."

Su Zhi recited the entirety of the rights associated with second-level noble status in a single breath. While the other three had gleaned some of this information from their respective maids, it was evident they hadn't retained it with Su Zhi's clarity. As he spoke, their brows furrowed more intensely, their expressions transitioning from elation to a brief period of stunned disbelief.

Upon Su Zhi's conclusion, Su Jing elevated the Registration Order he held. His voice tinged with complexity as he remarked, "The over a million inhabitants of Evergreen Valley likely never imagined that attaining noble status would prove to be this straightforward..."

"Elder Brother, it is far from simple!"