She is devoted to cultivating immortality

Chapter 82: The Emperor is like a floating cloud. Wherever my heart is at peace is my hometown. There will be a time to part. Let’s travel the world.

Quan Shaoze walked out of Xie's house with the most complicated emotions in his life. He was already soaked by the cold. The moment he went out, a gust of wind blew past, causing him to shiver all over.

When I looked up again, I saw that everyone had gathered around me.

Especially the four palace guards, who at this moment had strong eagerness in their eyes and came over eagerly.

"Master Quan, what did Lady Xie say?"

"Would you like to go with us to Fengdu?"

"I also want to see Madam Xie. Can I go in now?"

Quan Shaoze didn't even look at them, but just walked towards County Magistrate Lou and others.

"Lord Lou."

"Mr. Jeon."

After the two of them briefly greeted each other, Quan Shaoze said.

"Thank you for taking care of me these days. I will definitely repay you for your kindness someday."

Although he was in a very sorry and weak state during this period, it was not because Magistrate Lou failed to take good care of him, but because of his own stubbornness.

Magistrate Lou has done his best. He has sent someone to look after him and would also take time out every day to come and meet him.

Quan Shaoze could still clearly distinguish this point.

"Master Quan, you are too kind. I am really ashamed. There is no one in the world who can treat guests as well as I do. I almost starved you to death. Master Quan, you look much better now."

As Magistrate Lou was speaking, a look of surprise suddenly appeared in his eyes.

I just saw Quan Shaoze yesterday. He didn't look haggard at that time, but his condition was not good either. He gave people the feeling that he was at the end of his strength.

Therefore, he even planned in his mind that if he still couldn't see Empress Xie, he would forcibly take Quan Shaoze away. No matter what, he would rescue the person first.

But now?

Because of the fright he had just received, his face looked a little pale, but other than that, he was in good spirits, with his back straight. Apart from some dirt on his body, where else did he look disheveled?

After Magistrate Lou said this, everyone present nodded, realizing that Quan Shaoze was different.

Especially the yamen runners who had been accompanying him, they were muttering in low voices as if they had seen a ghost.

"Just now, I couldn't even walk, how come I'm fine now..."

Quan Shaoze felt everyone's gaze and had no intention of hiding anything, so he said.
"My body has fully recovered. Madam Xie felt sorry for me for waiting for so many days, so she invited me to drink a cup of immortal wine. After drinking the immortal wine, all diseases will be cured. The deficiency in my body has been naturally made up."

While speaking, he deliberately looked at the four palace guards.
The four of them turned pale in an instant, with complex expressions of jealousy, regret, and loss in their eyes.

Quan Shaoze sneered in his heart and let out a little bit of anger.

"this is"

The county magistrate swallowed and saw the gourd in Quan Shaoze's arms.

"This is something that Madam Xie brought to His Majesty. It is not something that we can care about."

Quan Shaoze remained calm on the surface, but he had a vague premonition in his heart.

I'm afraid that Empress Xie has no intention of giving away the celestial wine in this gourd. Your Majesty is most likely not worthy of enjoying it, and it might end up being a waste of time.

"Of course, of course."

Everyone's heart trembled, but they still stared.

Quan Shaoze didn't care what others thought, but went straight to the Zhuang family and knocked on the gate.
Zhuang Mochen opened the door and said with a smile.

"Congratulations, Mr. Quan, for meeting Mr. Xie as you wished..."

Quan Shaoze asked with a smile.

"Mr. Zhuang is at home, how did he know that Quan had met Lady Xie?"

Zhuang Mochen pointed at the other person's face.

"Except for the dirt on your face, the dirt in your heart has gone. You are like a completely new person, no longer afraid to move forward. How could this happen if you hadn't met Mr. Xie?"

These words made Quan Shaoze laugh.

After hearing this, everyone nodded secretly.

Zhuang Mochen's words were very accurate, and Quan Shaoze felt as if he had been reborn.

The person is still the same person, but it seems that after the knot in his heart has been resolved, he no longer feels timid and uneasy.

It can be described as completely new.

This especially makes some people jealous.
Would drinking a cup of immortal wine and meeting an immortal bring about such a big change?
But how could they know Quan Shaoze’s experience?
Thinking of the contempt, disdain, and indifference Xie Lian showed towards Emperor Qian, he still couldn't recover from the shock.

The emperor of a great country was like a floating cloud in front of Xie Lian.

Especially the last sentence Xie Lian said, every time he thought of it, he felt as if the sky was falling.

No one in the world dares to speak of the emperor like this.

Unless this person is Empress Xie.

This was how he felt at the moment. Although it was only a brief exchange, it seemed as if all the inherent notions he had held for many years had been broken.

Emperor Qian was not that scary. At least he was not even qualified to drink a glass of wine from Empress Xie.

But I, Quan Yu, have this opportunity!

"With Madam Xie's words in mind, does the emperor still dare to kill people?"

He asked himself this question in his mind and got a very interesting answer.

"Just as Mr. Zhuang said, I did see Madam Xie. I have to thank you very much, Mr. Zhuang. If it weren't for your advice that day, I might not have been able to see Madam Xie open the door. Even if the door was opened, I would have missed the opportunity because I said the wrong thing."

"Haha, you are overthinking this, Mr. Xie is not such a stingy person."

"Anyway, I still want to thank you, sir. I will never forget this kindness. The reason I knocked on your door today is to say goodbye and to ask, do you still want to return to the court?"

"Thank you for your kindness, sir. Zhuang has no intention of returning to the court."

"May I ask the reason?"

"Actually, there's nothing much to say. I became an official just to fulfill my lifelong wish. Because I saw no hope, I resigned and returned home. Now I still can't see the possibility of fulfilling my wish, so I have no intention of returning to the court... Besides, I, Zhuang Mochen, am not well-known and have little experience. What's the point of returning to the court?"

"That's wrong. Although I've only known you for a short time, I've seen that your conversation and demeanor are extraordinary. The high-ranking officials in the court are all mediocre. Which one of them has even one percent of your demeanor?"

After hearing these words, everyone became even more incredulous.

What benefits did Empress Xie give to this guy that made him become so bold after just one meeting?

You are a "lucky minister", yet you dare to utter such outrageous words.

"If your words were to spread back to Fengdu, it would surely cause an uproar."

Zhuang Mochen was also a little surprised. What did Mr. Xie say? Why did Quan Shaoze, who had a bit of inferiority complex in his heart, suddenly become so tough?
"What will happen if I tell them back? They look down on me to begin with, and have said many more unpleasant things to my face. If they say it, can't I say it back? Whether I say it or not, they will treat me the same way anyway. I am the Minister of the Court, and as long as Your Majesty doesn't kill me, what can they do to me?"

Quan Shaoze figured this out, but this was not inspired by Xie Lian, but rather an idea he came up with after these days on the brink of life and death.

Why should I, Quan Shaoze, live with my tail between my legs?

After meeting Xie Lian, drinking that glass of wine, and listening to those "treasonous" words, he had a feeling that his fate was not in his control, so much so that now he suddenly became sharp.

"Mr. Zhuang, if you are willing to return to the court, I am willing to recommend you to His Majesty at the risk of my life."

Quan Shaoze said sincerely.

First, he was impressed by Zhuang Mochen's demeanor. Second, he felt that he was indeed a capable person and it was a pity that he had to teach in Xiaoning County. Third, he valued the relationship between Zhuang Mochen and Xie Lian.

If he could bring Zhuang Mochen into the court, he would have someone behind him.

Although Zhuang Mochen is not very powerful, the Empress Xie behind him is unfathomable.

"I appreciate Mr. Quan's kindness again, but I still say that I am not interested in fame and fortune. I just want to fulfill my parents' wishes. If I don't see hope, I will not go back."

"Sir, could you please tell me what your wish is?"

"I'm afraid it's laughable to say this, haha, Zhuang is overestimating his own abilities and dreaming of river control."

“River control!?”

"Yes, Zhanghe."

Quan Shaoze was suddenly speechless.

He tried to organize his words again and again, but in the end he said nothing. He took a step back, looked at Zhuang Mochen with admiration in his eyes, and bowed deeply.

"Take care sir!"

He turned around and strode forward.

"Boil a bucket of hot water. After I take a bath and change my clothes, I will set off immediately. Lord Lou, please prepare a few more fast horses. Each of us can ride two horses. Let's rush back to Fengdu as quickly as possible!"

There was an irresistible tone in his words.

He really has the bearing of a minister.

The four guards looked stern and said quickly.
"As ordered."

After expressing their feelings, everyone in the county government office looked towards Xie's residence.

Becoming more and more enthusiastic.

Zhuang Mochen stopped at the entrance of the alley for a moment, and after seeing them gradually go away, he shook his head and said.

"I really don't know what shocking words Mr. Xie said. Why do I feel that Mr. Quan seems to have the feeling of returning to Beijing to do something big?"

He heard the noise coming from behind him and a smile appeared on his face.

"What are you peeking at? Everyone has left. Come on, Dad will take you to see what your aunt Lian has drawn during these days of seclusion." Zhuang Yan jumped out with a smile.

The father and son held hands and entered Xie Lian's yard.

"Mr. Zhuang, you're here. I was just about to look for you!"

Xie Lian said enthusiastically.

"Come and see how it works, I drew it!"

She pointed at her "masterpiece" and couldn't wait to ask famous experts for comments.

"Oh? Mr. Xie has spent so many days working on this masterpiece. I must take a good look at it!"

Zhuang Mochen rolled up his sleeves and walked over without any hesitation.

Neither of them mentioned Quan Shaoze's matter, as if this incident had never happened at all.

Zhuang Yan looked at the two adults but felt that there was no point. He ran to the big locust tree and muttered to himself.

"You were the one who released the fog, right? Hu Qianli said you were disloyal, and it seems he was right. You didn't even let me in?"

The old locust tree's branches and leaves shook, as if apologizing.

After a moment, two branches as thick as arms reached down, picked him up, and lifted him high into the sky.

"Wow, it's too high, too high, hahaha, it's so fun!"

The laughter spread from the yard to far away, and many passers-by stopped to listen.

Only in Qingping Mountain, a lonely little fox was rolling on its belly.

"I wonder when Senior Xie will be able to finish that painting!"

"Damn old tree, it won't let me in. What will Xiaozhuang do without me to play with him? Will he cry?"

"Boring, boring, boring!".

"When will Mr. Xie leave?"

Under the old locust tree, Zhuang Mochen raised the teapot and slowly filled the cup in front of him.

"It's just these few days."

Xie Lian blew away the hot air and took a sip.

She had already told Zhuang Mochen that she was going to travel.

This decision had been made more than a month ago. Now that the "Golden Crow Picture" was completed, Xie Lian no longer had any reason to stay in Xiaoning County.

The world is so wonderful, the story of a mere Xiaoning County is still too thin.

But parting is always sad, and she still has certain feelings for the environment and people of Xiaoning County.

This is my hometown where my heart is at peace. Xiaoning County is her hometown in this world.

I thought that if I said I was leaving, Zhuang Mochen would definitely try to keep me or express his reluctance to let me go, but I didn't expect him to be silent for a few seconds and then said with a smile.

"I've known for a long time that Mr. Xie is not an ordinary person. Xiaoning County is still too small for him."

He had obviously been prepared for this.

I had a vague feeling in my heart that someone like Xie Lian would definitely not stay here for long.

Zhuang Mochen is an adult after all. Even if he feels uncomfortable, he can restrain himself on the surface.

But Zhuang Yan did not have such a good psychological quality. When he heard that Xie Lian was leaving, a feeling of reluctance suddenly surged in his heart, and his eyes turned slightly red.

"Aunt Lian, where are you going? Is it far? Will you come back?"

Since returning to Xiaoning County, he felt that his life had become more exciting.

Xie Lian accompanied him to study every day. Even though most of the time Xie Lian was just lying on a chair, doing his own things, as soon as he turned around and saw that familiar figure, his heart immediately calmed down.

Zhuang Mochen is very ambitious in his career and doesn't have much time to spend with Zhuang Yan.

On the contrary, Xie Lian established a solid image in Zhuang Yan's heart in just a few months.

When he thought that the witty and gentle Aunt Lian was about to go on a long journey, he felt as if there was an emptiness in his heart, and the originally colorful world became monotonous.

"I am going out this time mainly to attend a banquet hosted by a new friend. The journey is long and it is possible that something went wrong on the way. I may not be able to catch up, but this is not important. What is important is that one should travel thousands of miles and read thousands of books. How fascinating is the scenery in this world? I will naturally not be satisfied until I have seen it all. But don't worry, no matter how beautiful the scenery outside is, it is not the way home. I spent real money to buy this small courtyard from your father. If I don't come back in the future, wouldn't it be a bargain for others?"

Xie Lian patted Zhuang Yan’s head and said with a smile.

This is not to fool children. She will definitely come back within ten years.

Apart from anything else, the Taoist priest Danyangzi’s birthday is just ten years later.

It would be impolite to stand someone up.

"If I had known that this courtyard would become what it is today, I might not have been willing to sell it to you, sir."

Zhuang Mochen and Xie Lian looked at each other and laughed.

The small courtyard now is really different. Danyangzi said in the past that if Xie Lian lived here for a hundred or eighty years, with the flow of Taoism, the small courtyard might even become a place for enlightenment.

Although it hasn't reached that point yet, there are already some signs. No matter how noisy the outside world is, as long as you enter the yard, it will immediately become quiet.

Every blade of grass, every table, every piece of firewood here seems to have a unique artistic conception.

All these changes were caused by Xie Lian's seclusion during this period.

He painted with unprecedented concentration, and traces of energy leaked out from the brush, gradually forming a scale.

If we let time pass, it won't be long before these energies dissipate.

But the old locust tree had a pure and persistent mind, and wanted to preserve everything about Xie Lian, so he tried his best to maintain it all.

The next day.

Xie Lian and Zhuang Mochen were walking on the streets of Xiaoning County.

Zhuang Mochen did not go to the morning class and gave the school a holiday, thinking about spending the last few days with Xie Lian.

"Mr. Zhuang has always been a stubborn person in Xie's mind. I never thought that he would put personal interests above public ones."

"Didn't Mr. Xie say that the best education requires relaxation? Didn't you see how happy the children were when Zhuang said they were resting?"

"This is normal. When Xie was studying, the happiest moment was when the teacher said it was time for the holiday..."

The two walked aimlessly. The warmth of spring had arrived, and the past snowstorm seemed like an empty dream. No one mentioned it anymore.

The trees are sprouting new buds and the market is becoming bustling.

"Mr. Xie, do you know? Magistrate Lou was transferred yesterday."

"Oh? You got promoted?"

"I was promoted twice in a row. I guess he's on a fast track to success. Before he left, he came to visit me at home and gave me a lot of gifts."

"Then Mr. Zhuang will treat us."

"God is my witness. I can confiscate it. Magistrate Lou has ulterior motives. He pretends to give me a gift, but in fact he wants to ask for a piece of calligraphy from you."

"Ink treasure? Is he still thinking about the Spring Festival couplets?"

“A lot of people still remember it.”

"How did Mr. Zhuang respond?"

"Zhuang said that the disaster in Xiaoning County was overcome by your Spring Festival couplets. The county magistrate has done nothing but get promoted two levels, which is a great advantage. Please be content."

"Haha, you're really offending people by saying that."

"I have borrowed the power of Mr. Xie, so there are probably not many people who dare to offend me now."

Zhuang Mochen said with a big laugh.

While the two were chatting, they had already arrived at the morning market.

It still looks lively.

But when Xie Lian arrived, the atmosphere immediately became wrong.

Many people looked over and their eyes became eager.

Or awe, or surprise, or expectation
Seeing this, Xie Lian smiled bitterly.

"If possible, Xie would rather not have this so-called tiger power."

She likes to be more comfortable, and the current atmosphere can only make him feel embarrassed.

This might be one of the reasons why she wanted to leave.

No one knew how many people wanted to get close to her and establish a relationship with Xie Lian, or simply treated her like a clay statue and wanted to worship her whenever they met her.

But Xie Lian naturally refused to accept it, and used a little magic power to separate the people.

He walked all the way to Luo Laoqi's stall before stopping.

"Thank you, Madam, for coming."

Luo Laoqi was still as enthusiastic as ever, but there was a hint of awe in his eyes.

In the past, he just thought Xie Lian was a good person, but now with the label of "immortal", he has to be more cautious.

"Two bowls of soy milk and two bean cakes. This is the last meal. I don't know when I'll be able to eat it again."

Xie Lian found a random place to sit down.

"Okay, two bowls of soy milk, two bean cakes... Thank you, Madam, are you going out?"

(End of this chapter)