This is not how immortals cultivate

Chapter 364 One person says "rest," two people say "sleep."
"Cough cough."

Xiang Yuan clenched his fist and coughed lightly, signaling to Xiao Yan to wake up.

What ill intentions could a newcomer from out of town possibly have? He just wanted his father-in-law to cheer up and perform his ultimate micro-management skills with full enthusiasm.

Then Xiang Yuan saw what Xiao Yan was doing.

Xiao Yan stood up calmly, his face beaming, and smiled at the two ladies: "You two have come at just the right time. Xiang Yuan came to visit today, and I was just about to send someone to invite you."

In a single sentence, attention was drawn to Xiang Yuan.

Xiangyuan: (一`一)
No, you're the main character!
This tactic of diverting the blame was indeed effective; Cheng Yuling and Chen Qiaofeng's attention immediately shifted to Xiang Yuan.

Cheng Yuling, with a gentle smile, took advantage of her familiarity with Xiang Yuan and stepped forward to grab his wrist: "You child, you didn't even say you were coming. Your mother has ordered a family feast to be prepared. Come, come back with your mother."

Chen Qiaofeng stepped forward with a smile. The mother-in-law looked at her son-in-law with increasing satisfaction, pretending not to hear Cheng Yuling's words, and said with a hint of relief: "Lingyan told me that she chatted with you all day at the poetry gathering. That girl is usually not talkative, but when she mentioned you, she suddenly became very talkative."

In terms of closeness, Chen Qiaofeng was far less so than Cheng Yuling. This was the first time she had spoken to Xiang Yuan, and her words carried a familiar and friendly tone.

Xiang Yuan knew that she was doing this for her daughter; otherwise, she would not have shown up like the other princesses.

Neither is easy.

Looking around, he realized he was closer to Cheng Yuling, calling her "Mother" without hesitation. But he couldn't disregard Chen Qiaofeng's feelings, otherwise it would be too hurtful.

For a moment, he stammered, unsure of who to talk to.

Xiao Yan stroked his meticulously trimmed beard, a glint of shrewdness flashing in his eyes, and thought to himself, "How delightful!"

You brat, the Prince Zhao's residence isn't a place you can just come and go as you please!
If you want to see Xiao make a fool of himself, you'd better clean up your own mess first!
Seeing Xiang Yuan's dilemma, Xiao Yan felt this was amusing, but not quite enough. He smiled slightly and pointed to the gift box on the stone table: "Xiang Yuan brought this imperial tea from Ba Shang Lou in the capital, a special supply only available in the No. 1 room of the Heavenly Class. He said he wanted to give it to his mother-in-law. It's only one tael, a bit meager, but it's a token of his filial piety. You can take it and share it as you see fit!"

The seemingly casual blow instantly sombered the atmosphere, plunging the entire place into a state of injustice.

Xiang Yuan could clearly sense that Cheng Yuling and Chen Qiaofeng exchanged a casual glance, sparks seemingly flying between them; it was time to put him on the pyre and roast him.

Beside him was Xiao Yan, who controlled the heat and sprinkled cumin and chili powder as needed!

How could we allow you, old man, to act so recklessly!

"You're such a filial child. You could have just come, why did you have to bring a gift? Don't be so polite next time, we're not strangers."

Cheng Yuling was closer to Xiang Yuan, and fearing that Chen Qiaofeng might not know, she said as if listing her treasures: "Where are the clothes your mother sewed for you? Why aren't you wearing them today? And your sworn brother Xiao He, who is said to be traveling the world, has not been heard from at all. He is Lingyue's brother and your sworn brother. If you have time, go and find him and see which tree he died under."

There were many words, but not a single one was wasted. Chen Qiaofeng listened with a bitter taste in her mouth.

Thinking of her daughter, who was not good at talking, she felt distressed, but forced a smile and chatted about the poetry gathering.

The words were few and far-fetched, making Cheng Yuling chuckle.

"Hahaha---"

Xiang Yuan burst into laughter, drowning out Cheng Yuling's arrogant laughter. He pointed to the gift box on the table and said, "Father-in-law, you're joking. This box of tea is for you. When did I ever say I was going to give it to my mother-in-law? You must be mistaken."

As he spoke, he waved and took two more gift boxes.

"This is the gift I prepared: Imperial Tea of ​​the Capital, sourced from Ba Shang Lou, personally sealed by the Xiao Clan's Grandmaster, five taels per box..."

Xiang Yuan went on and on, like an advertisement, and Cheng Yuling and Chen Qiaofeng each got a copy, without any favoritism or competition.

It was impossible for the Xiao family patriarch to personally seal it. It wasn't originally intended for the two mothers-in-law. One was to be given to Xiao Lingyue and the other to Chan'er. However, due to Xiao Yan's attempt to shift the blame, the poem was changed at the last minute.

The results were quite good. Seeing how sensible Xiang Yuan was, Chen Qiaofeng was extremely satisfied with him. This really had the feel of a mother-in-law looking at her son-in-law, becoming more and more satisfied the more she looked.

In contrast, Cheng Yuling was somewhat displeased, complaining that Xiang Yuan was siding with outsiders and had embarrassed her in front of strangers.

Xiao Yan was the most annoyed, staring at the three gift boxes, two large and one small, making him seem insignificant.

Didn't you say it was a scarce commodity and you only managed to get an ounce or two? Where did you get this pound from?

Don't rush, it's my turn to fight back!
Xiang Yuan narrowed his eyes: "Father-in-law, I just mentioned that I would be staying at Prince Zhao's residence for three days. You said you had already made arrangements and told me not to worry, as you had a way to avoid offending either side..."

Xiang Yuan stopped halfway through his sentence, saying that as long as the meaning was conveyed, anything more would seem deliberate, as if he were shifting the blame.

Instantly, Xiao Yan felt a headache coming on. Seeing the two ladies looking at him with smiles, he calmly said, "As my adopted son, you naturally live outside the mansion. This is the rule of the Zhao Prince's Mansion. Rules cannot be broken. Once a precedent is set, there will be endless troubles."

"I will follow your instructions, Father-in-law." Xiang Yuan nodded in agreement.

Cheng Yuling and Chen Qiaofeng disagreed. They expressed their joy at their son-in-law, saying that a son-in-law is like half a son, and it would be unacceptable for him to live outside the mansion. This gave Xiao Yan a chance to reorganize his words.

No matter how well Xiao Yan organized his words, he couldn't possibly split Xiang Yuan in two and let each of his wives take a portion.

After all, he was a seasoned veteran who had been navigating the filth of society for many years. He used the same old trick of shifting blame to someone else. He frowned and said, "Xiang Yuan, you've been staying at the post station these past few days. From what I've heard in the capital, you're getting very close to that Northern Qi princess. I have to say something about this."

The plan was good, but it had been executed before. There was no need to explain to Xiang Yuan. Cheng Yuling stepped forward to testify, glaring at Xiao Yan with dissatisfaction: "Do you think everyone is like you... My child is very good. It was that Northern Qi princess who asked for trouble. I have already turned her away."

"..." x2
Xiao Yan fell silent. The referee and the organizer were on the opposite side; how could they possibly play this game?

Xiang Yuan also fell silent. Cheng Yuling, this bodyguard, was far too incompetent. She was out of contact the entire time and failed to protect Shang Qingmeng, Xiao Lingyan, and Jiang Yingjun.

With such an undercover agent by her side, Xiao Lingyue was like the chives in the vegetable garden, growing greener day by day.

Cheng Yuling not only missed her daughter's greatest enemy, but also perfectly avoided her two senior sisters and her own master. She failed to protect Xiao Lingyue, let alone him. The bodyguards were all for naught.

In this extremely close contest, Xiao Yan was inherently disadvantaged and started at a disadvantage. No matter how he tried to shift the blame, Xiang Yuan could easily turn the attention back to him with just one sentence.

Sometimes, the referees and organizers don't even need to speak out; they just come down to the field themselves.

As they chatted, Cheng Yuling suddenly changed the subject and brought up Xiao Lingyue's princess title. Her brows were full of smug pride, and she glared at Chen Qiaofeng with disdain.

Xiao Yan's expression suddenly changed drastically, and he said that he had forgotten an important political matter that he had to discuss with Xiao Qian.

As she turned around, Xiang Yuan grabbed her wrist.

Innate Super Strength.JPG
Chen Qiaofeng looked at Cheng Yuling with suspicion, not understanding what this dim-witted woman was so proud of: "Lingyue has a princess title, and so does my daughter Lingyan. The envoy from the capital has issued two decrees, making Lingyan Princess Heyan. Didn't you know?"

"..."

Cheng Yuling was taken aback when she heard this. She really didn't know that Xiao Lingyue had been named a princess. It was only a few days ago that Xiang Yuan told her.

That's not the point. The point is that when Xiao Yan knelt down to explain that night, she brought up the matter, and Xiao Yan never mentioned that the Prince Zhao's mansion now had two princesses.

This is outrageous! It's that same old routine of only reporting good news and hiding bad news!
Cheng Yuling glared at Xiao Yan, and Chen Qiaofeng, who was standing next to her, joined in the atmosphere.

There's an unwritten rule in the backyard of Prince Zhao's mansion: if the guy surnamed Xiao can fool me today, he can fool you tomorrow. Stop gloating and come lend a hand.

Under Xiang Yuan's expectant gaze, the two mothers-in-law stopped arguing over their son-in-law and led Xiao Yan away, one on each side, saying that official business was important and that Xiao Yan should deal with the important matters first.

Xiang Yuan shook his head repeatedly, feeling that his father-in-law's methods were nothing special, and that he was able to stabilize the backyard entirely by admitting his weakness.

The two mothers-in-law were the same; they said they were there to support their daughters, but after a while, they forgot about their daughters and went off to do their own things.

Xiang Yuan analyzed what she saw and heard on this trip and concluded that if a scumbag wants to have multiple relationships at the same time, his ideal type should be someone who is beautiful but not very smart.

For example, Cheng Yuling, and Chen Qiaofeng.

Xiang Yuan thought about his surroundings and felt that things weren't very good. Chan'er was too smart, with an IQ that was clearly a cut above the rest.

With no one around, Xiang Yuan was idling when footsteps approached from behind.

Looking back, the newcomer was Xiao Lingyan.

Her face was lightly powdered, her eyebrows were delicately drawn, her lips were dotted with vermilion, her dress was bright and colorful, and a subtle fragrance wafted in the air. A phoenix-patterned hairpin with a pearl in its beak swayed gently with her steps in her hair.

They came prepared!
Xiang Yuan suddenly realized that Chen Qiaofeng had left, but there was still a backup plan.

All I can say is that Cheng Yuling performed consistently, and once again, no one could stop her.

Xiao Lingyan approached gracefully, her clothes shimmering with golden light in the afterglow of the setting sun. She paused, looked at Yuan Bian, and nodded slightly.

"You came."

"Yes, I'm coming."

"..." x2
After greeting him, Xiao Lingyan ran out of things to say and stood there awkwardly, unsure how to continue.

Xiang Yuan complained that the dialogue was too much like Gu Long's style. Seeing that Xiang Yuan was somewhat at a loss, he pondered for a moment and then said, "This is my first time visiting the Prince Zhao's residence. I am unfamiliar with the place and the people. If you have nothing else to do, please show me around."

Xiao Lingyan nodded. She had been Jiang Yingjun's tour guide during the day, and now she was guiding Xiang Yuan, leading him on a stroll through the back garden. Not a talkative person, she walked deeper into the backyard after leaving the garden.

Xiang Yuan sensed something was amiss and, fearing he might accidentally wander into Xiao Lingyan's boudoir, abruptly stopped and turned around, indicating he wanted to enjoy the view of the front yard and see where his father-in-law usually worked.

"Father generally doesn't handle official business; the entire Prince Zhao's residence is managed by my eldest brother, Xiao Qian. This has been the case before, and it is still the case now..."

Xiao Lingyan exposed Xiao Yan's secrets on the spot. She thought Xiang Yuan knew, so she didn't hide it.

Xiang Yuan knew a little, but not much. Hearing this, he was quite curious and asked Xiao Lingyan to say a few more words.

Xiao Lingyan was just struggling to find something to say when she heard this, and she began to speak eloquently. When she mentioned everyone in the Zhao Prince's mansion, Xiao Yan seemed to disappear, and ninety percent of the time they were praising Xiao Qian to the skies.

Xiang Yuan stroked his chin, listening intently, and finally gained a general understanding of the Prince Zhao's residence.

A father who only knows how to pick up girls, an eldest son who hopes his father will become a dragon, and a story of how he started his own business and became a rich second-generation and official second-generation.

In short, the Zhaowang Mansion's current wealth and status are entirely due to Xiao Yan heeding advice.

Xiao Yan only needed to focus on eating, drinking, and having fun, while Xiao Qian had many other things to worry about. He took care of everything in the mansion, from the civil affairs of the eight prefectures to the court's plans for the three families of Tianzong, and even how much pocket money Xiao Yan should receive each month.

It could be said that it was precisely because of his excellent son Xiao Qian that Xiao Yan had plenty of free time to engage in romance.

Without Xiao Qian, Xiao Yan would have been just an ordinary member of the Xiao clan, standing like a lackey in the capital, and would not have been valued by the clan.

They practically elevated their father to a high position.

What a talent!
Xiang Yuan suddenly remembered that Xiao Yin, who was squatting in Wenqu Academy, thought highly of Xiao Qian, saying that he had the potential to be a prime minister and could enter the court.

It wasn't just casual small talk, and no money was charged; they even went so far as to be tactful.

When the two arrived at Chengqian Palace, they happened to catch Xiao Qian coming out for some fresh air to clear his head. The chubby man's eyes lit up when he saw Xiang Yuan, and he happily went up to greet him.

"Ninety-first brother, it's been a long time! You're even more dashing than before!"

"I've met brother."

A year later, Xiao Qian, true to his name, still retains the potential to become a handsome man if he loses weight.

His smile is sincere and kind, making people feel close to him, and he shares the same gentlemanly demeanor as Yue Huanjiang.

A handsome young man, gentle and refined.

The difference is that Yue Huanjiang's jade is like mutton fat, warm and smooth yet cool, exuding the noble air of a young master in every gesture; Xiao Qian's jade is round and translucent, with distinct colors, layer upon layer, just like streaky pork.

Two pieces of braised pork were mixed in with the gentleman's demeanor, and they combined to form Xiao Qian.

Judging people by their appearance is the worst thing you can do, especially after hearing Xiao Qian's entrepreneurial story. Xiang Yuan admires this eldest son of the Xiao family quite a bit, feeling that even Xiao He is not worthy of carrying his shoes.

By the way, I'm curious whether Xiao Qian, despite his gentlemanly demeanor, also possesses a goofy soul, given that the Xiao family is known for producing clowns.

Unlike the others in the Prince Zhao's mansion, Xiao Qian had firsthand intelligence and knew Xiang Yuan's strength and how much the capital city valued him. He wanted to strike up a conversation and become acquainted, but seeing the meticulously dressed Xiao Lingyan beside him, he graciously agreed and left after a few words.

One should have self-awareness. Compared to a round, chubby guy like him, Xiang Yuan preferred chatting with Xiao Lingyan. Even though Xiao Lingyan was taciturn, her appearance was pleasing to the eye and much more comfortable to look at than him.

Just then, a group of people strode in, clad in armor, exuding a murderous aura.

There were seven or eight people, both men and women.

The leader was a Nascent Soul cultivator with handsome features and a dignified appearance. He inherited Xiao Yan's outstanding looks, had a short beard, and wore black armor, which made his upright face appear extremely majestic.

When this person appears, everyone around him becomes a mere foil.

Xiang Yuan frowned slightly. The newcomer should be Xiao Yan's own son. His cultivation at the Nascent Soul stage was not bad, but deliberately releasing his aura and forcibly making everyone around him look like supporting characters was a bit too arrogant.

As birds grow bigger, they can be found in all sorts of forests. Xiao Yan was destined to have ninety-nine sons, so it wouldn't be surprising what they looked like. Since even Xiao Qian, the eldest son, didn't say anything, he had even less to say.

"Big brother!"

Xiao Dong clasped his hands in a salute and blocked Xiao Qian in front of the Chengqian Hall: "I just came from the Zhenyue Hall. I have finished my official business for today. If you have nothing else to do, please come with me to the banquet. We need to discuss matters such as military forging, warhorse training, and grain distribution with the imperial merchants."

Xiao Qian's face immediately fell, and he shook his head, saying, "I still have official business to finish today. Since it is a matter within the Zhenyue Hall, you can handle it, my brother. I have no intention of interfering since I have delegated the authority to you."

"That's true, but in the end, we still have to report to our elder brother."

Xiao Dong's words carried a hint of dissatisfaction, and he quickly changed the subject: "I have been training in Zhenyue Hall for half a year, checking accounts and inventory every day. My elder brother once said that he would transfer me to Wuwei Hall in the future. I wonder when that arrangement will be made?"

"I've already made up my mind. I'm keeping you in Zhenyue Hall just to test your patience. The day you forget about Wuwei Hall, that will be the time." Xiao Qian shook his head indifferently. If it's okay, it's okay; if it's not okay, it's not okay. It's useless for Xiao Dong to bring his dog father here as an intermediary.

Xiao Dong was quite dissatisfied with this arrangement, but he couldn't contradict his powerful elder brother. He said that the imperial merchants had been waiting for a long time and he shouldn't neglect them, so he led his group of followers away.

“Brother, this is also Father’s son, the ninetieth of your generation…”

Xiao Qian wanted to introduce Xiang Yuan to Xiao Dong, but seeing his back as he strode away, he pretended not to hear him speak and said apologetically to Xiang Yuan, "Second brother Xiao Dong is fond of military affairs but not good with words. He is not a bad person by nature, so please don't blame him."

"It's alright. When it comes to making friends, quality is more important than quantity. A few people I can talk to are enough."

Xiang Yuan said he didn't care. He knew Xiao Dong but couldn't get anything, and Xiao Dong didn't know him... It didn't seem to affect his nine-to-five life.

Everyone has a bright future!
Xiao Qian apologized a couple more times, and without disturbing Xiang Yuan and Xiao Lingyan, returned to Chengqian Palace to continue processing official documents.

This fatty texture is most likely the result of sitting too long.

After saying goodbye to Xiao Qian, Xiao Lingyan continued to act as a tour guide, leading Xiang Yuan on a leisurely stroll around the Zhaowang Mansion. Opportunities to be alone were right in front of her, raining down upon her, but she perfectly avoided them all.

His steps were steady, without even twisting his toes.

After touring Prince Zhao's residence, the two returned to their usual state of staring at each other.

Recite the words!
You came prepared, didn't your mother-in-law prepare a few words to warm you up?
Really!
Remembering her mother's warning, Xiao Lingyan turned to the side and whispered, "There is an empty room in my courtyard. You can stay there tonight. It's quiet and secluded, and no one will disturb your rest."

Are you sure no one will bother you?

Xiang Yuan scratched his head and threw a straight shot, which completely stumped him.

After thinking about it, one person says "rest," two people say "sleep," and Xiao Lingyan only mentioned "rest," so there must only be one person. It wouldn't hurt to trust her this once.

Half an hour later, Cheng Yuling suddenly appeared out of nowhere, angrily dragged Xiang Yuan out of Xiao Lingyan's courtyard, and pressed him down in Xiao Lingyue's courtyard.

Another half hour later, Chen Qiaofeng returned and brought Xiang Yuan back with him.

For three days in a row, Xiang Yuan was brought back and forth like this, trying to find Xiao Yan, but the other party was not at the Prince Zhao's residence, and no one knew where he had gone to seek refuge.

I didn't see much fun, but getting involved became the source of the fun, resulting in a rather terrible experience.

……

Sunset at dusk, at the post station.

Xiang Yuan held the jade disc in his hand, waiting for Bai Feng's long-distance call.

He tried to call Xiao Lingyue and Chan'er, but received no response. He guessed that the two women had not yet come out of seclusion, so he stopped bothering them.

The courtyard space rippled like water as a snow-white figure stepped out from the void.

The white veil fluttered lightly, like smoke and mist, half-concealing her face. Her pure white figure was stunning and eye-catching, exactly like the great evil that Xiang Yuan had spied on three days ago.

The case is solved. Xiao Lingyue's bindings were passed down from Cheng Yuling and were not standard equipment from the Wushuang Palace.

Bai Wuyan wore a palace dress with an ice-blue sash around her waist. A light veil covered half of her face, and her hair was styled in a cloud-like updo. Beneath her fine eyebrows, her dark jade eyes held the weight of timeless ice.

It's not a coldness that keeps people at arm's length, but rather a coldness that comes from being aloof and expecting all beings to worship.

She was beautiful, but she was so arrogant that Xiang Yuan couldn't help but want to point his nose at her.

Fortunately, the beauty mark under her right eye, like a touch of ink on flawless white jade, adds a touch of humanity and earthy charm to her otherwise aloof face, making her seem less unapproachable.

"Baihu greets Senior Sister Baifeng."

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

10,000 words, please vote with monthly tickets!

(End of this chapter)