A thousand enlightenments in one night, starting from being a menial apprentice.

Chapter 547 Jiang Yaozhang's Astonishment
Jiang Yaozhang entered the front hall, knelt down, and exclaimed, "Master, you've come looking for your disciple."

Xiao Dezhao said, "Yaozhang, this is Lord Duan Rong."

Jiang Yaozhang had been working in the Inner History Bureau for the past three years. Although he had just been promoted to Director of History a few months ago, he had still heard of Duan Rong's name.

He immediately bowed respectfully and said, "This humble one greets Lord Duan!"

Duan Rong smiled warmly and said, "Mr. Jiang, please rise!"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Yaozhang stood up, bowed again, and then stood there respectfully.

Xiao Dezhao said, "Yaozhang, Lord Duan wants to take a concubine, and tonight is an auspicious time. The lord wishes to proceed according to ancient rites. I entrust this matter to you, and you must do your best to help Lord Duan."

Jiang Yaozhang looked at Duan Rong and praised him with delight, "Sir, you follow ancient etiquette; this is truly the demeanor of a gentleman!"

Duan Rong smiled and said, "My concubine has a special status, and following ancient etiquette is also a way of showing her respect."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Dezhao's eyes flickered, and he thought to himself: It seems that the concubine that this Duan Rong is going to marry is probably the daughter of some powerful and wealthy person. No wonder he is following the ancient rites.

However, Xiao Dezhao was only making a slight guess. He was still worried about the engagement ceremony tomorrow, and he didn't have the mind to ponder Duan Rong's affairs.

Xiao Dezhao looked at Jiang Yaozhang and asked, "Did Miss Qingzhu receive it?"

Jiang Yaozhang said, "It's been received. It's already been sent to Fengyi Garden."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Dezhao nodded and said, "You don't need to worry about things here. Just focus on serving Lord Duan."

"Yes, Master!"

Xiao Dezhao then exchanged a few words of blessing with Duan Rong before leaving and heading towards Fengyi Garden.

After Xiao Dezhao left, Jiang Yaozhang bowed to Duan Rong and asked, "May I ask, Lord Duan, what is the status of your concubine?"

Depending on one's status, many of the ceremonial regalia in ancient rituals would be adjusted accordingly.

Duan Rong said, "Her status... should be similar to mine."

Jiang Yaozhang was slightly taken aback.

Duan Rong is now a direct disciple of the Taiyi Sect, and the sect's patriarch personally guides his cultivation.

This concubine's status was actually similar to Duan Rong's.

Little did Jiang Yaozhang know that Duan Rong's statement was already a very conservative estimate.

Jiang Yaozhang said, "The concubine's status is noble. According to ancient rites, the entire ceremony is no different from that of the principal wife, except that the phoenix crown will be missing a pearl."

Duan Rong said, "It's just that time is a bit short. I wonder if there's still enough time for the ceremonial procession?"

Jiang Yaozhang asked, "May I ask, sir, is there anything prepared at your residence?"

Duan Rong said, "I only prepared some everyday items, such as red candles and paper cuttings."

Jiang Yaozhang said, "That's alright! Because of the preparations for this engagement ceremony, a lot of ceremonial supplies have been prepared in this courtyard for any eventuality. It's just right that you can use some of them."

Duan Rong said, "That's excellent!"

Jiang Yaozhang then asked, "May I ask, sir, how many relatives and friends are expected to attend the wedding?"

Duan Rong said, "There are only a few people."

"Just a few people?" Jiang Yaozhang gave Duan Rong a strange look.

"Yes," Duan Rong nodded.

Jiang Yaozhang assumed that since Duan Rong had mentioned the noble status of the concubine and was proceeding with ancient rites, he would surely host a grand banquet. However, he was surprised to find only a few relatives and friends present. Wasn't that rather strange?

Jiang Yaozhang suppressed his doubts and said, "Then I will take two servants with me and we will be able to take over the ceremony."

Duan Rong remained unmoved and said, "Mr. Jiang can make his own decision."

Jiang Yaozhang said, "However, the time for arranging and preparing the ceremonial guard is still very tight. I would appreciate it if you could come with me to the warehouse. We need to check whether the size of the Lady's phoenix crown and ceremonial dress is suitable. After we have chosen them, we will go to your residence. If we act quickly, we should be able to meet the auspicious time."

Duan Rong smiled and said, "Then I'll have to trouble you, Mr. Jiang."

Jiang Yaozhang said, "I greatly respect Your Excellency's willingness to follow ancient customs, and I will certainly do my best to serve Your Excellency well."

Duan Rong glanced at Jiang Yaozhang. This man was meticulous and reliable. Xiao Dezhao had indeed arranged a capable person for him!

The two walked out of the front hall and headed towards the warehouse in the backyard.

The courtyard was decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations. As Duan Rong walked, he looked around and imprinted the entire backyard environment into his mind.

They walked through a corridor and saw a courtyard behind an artificial hill in the distance. Duan Rong suddenly asked, "Mr. Jiang, is that Fengyi Garden?"

Jiang Yaozhang glanced at it and said, "Reporting to Your Excellency, it is indeed Fengyi Garden."

Duan Rong asked, "Miss Qingzhu, did you stay in Fengyi Garden all night?"

Jiang Yaozhang said, "Yes. Miss Qingzhu needs to style her hair and dress properly, and then familiarize herself with tomorrow's etiquette. When the auspicious time arrives, the ceremonial guard will escort her to the Dragon Fish Hall to complete the ceremony."

"Oh," Duan Rong replied casually as he walked.

After taking a few more steps, Duan Rong's heart stirred, and he suddenly released his entire divine sense, enveloping the surroundings.

His divine sense passed through the walls and courtyards, quickly alerting the two guards in the southeast and southwest. Two divine senses simultaneously swept across Duan Rong's body.

In an instant, Duan Rong immediately withdrew his divine sense.

"My lord, let's go this way!" Jiang Yaozhang said, his eyes narrowing as he turned around when he saw Duan Rong suddenly stop moving.

Duan Rong smiled and said, "Alright, Mr. Jiang! Let's go!"

He followed Jiang Yaozhang and continued walking forward.

Duan Rong's divine sense had only been released for a moment, and with Jiang Yaozhang leading him, the two guards did not make things difficult for him.

To be honest, even if they stopped Duan Rong, they couldn't do anything to him. The two guarding the southeast and west gates were only at the Qi Cyclone Realm.

Although it was only a moment ago, Duan Rong had already clearly grasped the range and location of the two people's spiritual senses.

With his current level of spiritual awareness, he completely overwhelms the two of them.

However, he didn't actually need to confront them head-on, because in that brief moment, he noticed a very narrow blind spot between the two people's spiritual detection ranges. It was only about the thickness of a tree, and this blind spot stretched all the way to the back wall of Fengyi Garden.

Even when the two people were on duty, they could not reach that very narrow blind spot even if they scanned it with their divine senses.

Because their divine senses, one sweeping from the southeast and the other from the southwest, intersected at an angle, there was bound to be a blind spot.

As Duan Rong walked, he pondered for a moment, and soon followed Jiang Yaozhang to the warehouse entrance.

Jiang Yaozhang was Xiao Dezhao's trusted disciple and had the right to freely enter and leave the warehouse and access supplies without needing anyone's permission, only a signature was required. This was a privilege granted to him by Xiao Dezhao.

Duan Rong followed Jiang Yaozhang into the warehouse of the villa and began to select ceremonial supplies.

Xiao Dezhao walked slowly into Fengyi Garden. As soon as he entered, he saw Lü Qingzhu looking at an ancient etiquette book.

Xiao Dezhao nodded, glanced at Lü Qingzhu's headdress, and said, "Miss Qingzhu's headdress is quite elaborate!"

Xiao Dezhao had originally assigned someone to comb Lü Qingzhu's hair, but he didn't expect that Lü Qingzhu's hair was already combed so well, which saved him the trouble.

Upon hearing this, Lü Qingzhu looked up at Xiao Dezhao with a thoughtful expression and said, "Mr. Xiao, the ceremony here for the engagement seems to be very similar to that of the wedding, but there are also slight differences. Could you please explain it to me?"

Xiao Dezhao's eyes flickered, and he walked over to look at the ancient ritual book that Lü Qingzhu had spread out in her hand. He was slightly startled.

Lü Qingzhu's question hit the nail on the head and addressed a difficult point in ancient etiquette.

Xiao Dezhao had mentored many disciples, and whether someone had the aptitude for learning depended on the questions they were asked. Those who could get to the point generally learned quickly.

Lu Qingzhu had only been watching for two or three hours, yet she was able to ask this question, which made Xiao Dezhao look at her with new respect.

Xiao Dezhao then explained the problem in detail to Lü Qingzhu, who listened and nodded repeatedly.

Xiao Dezhao said, "Miss Qingzhu is new to ancient rituals, yet she is able to delve into the mysteries behind them. She is indeed a thoughtful person. However, time is limited, so Miss should focus her energy on tomorrow's ceremony."

Lü Qingzhu said, "Thank you for reminding me, Mr. Xiao. I understand."

Xiao Dezhao nodded, pointed to the phoenix crown and formal dress on the table, and said, "Miss Qingzhu, once you've familiarized yourself with the ceremony, remember to change into your formal dress and phoenix crown."

Lü Qingzhu replied, "Yes, Mr. Xiao."

Seeing that Lü Qingzhu was obedient and diligent, Xiao Dezhao was greatly relieved and left Fengyi Garden.

After leaving Fengyi Garden, he walked straight out of the villa and headed towards the Dragon Fish Hall on the mountain.

The arrangements at the villa and at Lü Qingzhu's place are almost complete. Now, only the Dragon Fish Hall remains, and he needs to personally oversee its preparations before he can feel at ease.

Here, Jiang Yaozhang, accompanied by two servants and two guards, followed Duan Rong to his newly built courtyard on the mountain peak in Shang Xiangyu. Each of the two guards carried a large box on his shoulder.

By this time, dusk had fallen, and large red lanterns hung from the eaves of the courtyard, with decorations everywhere. These were all arranged by Xiao Yu, Zhu Xiaoqi, and Shen Mizhi just today.

The group followed Duan Rong to the main hall, where Xiao Yu and the others were already there to greet them.

Ximen Kankan had also arrived. As soon as he saw Duan Rong, he asked bluntly, "Duan Rong, who are you going to marry?"

Only Xiao Yu knew that Duan Rong was going to marry Lü Qingzhu; no one else knew. Naturally, Xiao Yu kept her mouth shut and wouldn't say anything.

Ximen Kankan, being such a curious child, naturally couldn't help but ask questions.

Duan Rong said, "Do more work and ask fewer questions!"

Ximen Kankan wanted to say something, but Xiao Yu pulled him away.

Jiang Yaozhang felt even more puzzled. Didn't these relatives and friends know who Lord Duan was going to marry?
Only then did he realize that this was extremely strange.

Although he has taken a concubine, he must follow ancient customs! Moreover, for such a celebration, there are only a few relatives and friends present, and some of them do not even know who Lord Duan has married.
Each and every one of these things is shrouded in mystery!
Jiang Yaozhang was standing there with a solemn expression when Duan Rong suddenly said, "Mr. Jiang, you may begin. You can command these people in this room as you see fit. Just make sure everything is arranged before the auspicious time."

Jiang Yaozhang gave an awkward laugh and said, "Okay, okay..."

Since he's already here, no matter how bizarre things seem, we have no choice but to bite the bullet and get on with it.

Jiang Yaozhang sighed inwardly, then opened the two large boxes and began directing everyone to set up.

Jiang Yaozhang was well-versed in ancient rituals, and the entire ceremony and arrangements were clear in his mind. Moreover, he was meticulous and broke down the ceremony and arrangements into several parts, assigning them to Xiao Yu and the others, while he himself took charge of the coordination.

In just one hour, everything was arranged.

A look of exhaustion flashed across Jiang Yaozhang's face. For the past hour, he had been on edge, working at high speed.

Now, only the wedding dress and the phoenix crown remain in that box.

Jiang Yaozhang looked at Duan Rong and asked, "May I ask, sir, where is Consort Ru?"

Duan Rong glanced at the sky outside; it was already pitch black. He then said, "Mr. Jiang, please wait a moment; she will be here shortly!"

Jiang Yaozhang's eyes flickered slightly, but he didn't speak again. He had already sensed that something was wrong and felt that he shouldn't ask any further questions.

Duan Rong turned and looked at Shen Mizhi, saying, "Mizhi, come out with me for a bit."

"Yes!" Shen Mizhi walked over.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yu and Duan Rong exchanged a glance, their eyes deep, but neither spoke.

Duan Rong and Shen Mizhi walked out of the main hall. Suddenly, Duan Rong embraced Shen Mizhi, and abruptly rose into the air, flying into the night.

Shen Mizhi's waist was held by Duan Rong, her face was slightly flushed, and her breathing was a little rapid.

The two figures moved through the dark valley filled with swirling clouds and mist.

Shen Mizhi suddenly asked, "Are you going to marry Lü Qingzhu?"

Duan Rong asked, "Did Xiao Yu tell you that?"

Shen Mizhi said, "No, I guessed."

Duan Rong said, "Yes. I was just about to tell you about this."

Shen Mizhi was also an important part of his relationship with Lü Qingzhu, but Duan Rong did not tell her beforehand. Instead, he told her about it while flying across the valley when the matter was about to happen.

Shen Mizhi was held close to Duan Rong's side as she listened attentively to his story.

When the two landed at the foot of Cuiwei Peak, Duan Rong had already explained the plan to Shen Mizhi.

In the darkness, Duan Rong asked, "Is there anything else you don't understand?"

“No!” Shen Mizhi said.

Shen Mizhi knew that Duan Rong marrying Lü Qingzhu would cause a lot of trouble, but she felt that this was a matter of mutual consent, and as long as the two of them were willing, even the Emperor himself couldn't interfere!

"Let's go then!" Duan Rong said, then put his arm around Shen Mizhi's waist again and walked through the darkness.

Duan Rong had tested the defenses of the villa during the day and knew a great deal about the two divine sense probes from the southeast and southwest.

As for ordinary patrols and guards, it would be impossible for them to discover Duan Rong.

Duan Rong embraced Shen Mizhi like a large bird, and they landed lightly in a corner of the villa, landing silently.

The place where he landed was a blind spot for divine sense.

He embraced Shen Mizhi and leaped down.

This happened several times, with each landing point falling within the blind spot of divine sense.

Soon, the two arrived at the back wall of Fengyi Garden.

On the back wall, there was a window, through which dim yellow light shone.

The window was made entirely of black iron and could only be opened from the inside.

Duan Rong suddenly stood there and imitated two wild cat meows.

Inside the room, Lü Qingzhu was already sitting under the window, pretending to read an ancient etiquette book while listening intently.

Hearing the two meows of wild cats, she immediately got up and opened the all-black iron window. In the dim light, she immediately saw Duan Rong's face outside.

Lü Qingzhu couldn't help but smile.

Then Duan Rong took a step back, and a figure darted in through the iron window and landed beside Lü Qingzhu.

Lu Qingzhu glanced at Shen Mizhi, then moved with the agility of a ghost, leaping out of the iron window.

As soon as Lü Qingzhu left, Shen Mizhi immediately shut the iron window.

Outside Fengyi Garden, Duan Rong embraced Lü Qingzhu and leaped into the air, each landing within the blind spot of his divine sense.

After several leaps and bounds, the two left the villa. In the darkness, Duan Rong embraced Lü Qingzhu and rode the wind towards Duan Rong's courtyard.

Lu Qingzhu could smell Duan Rong's scent, and she was quite moved. She said, "Duan Rong, heaven and earth bear witness, you must not betray me."

Duan Rong held Lü Qingzhu's waist, his emotions surging, and said, "Qingzhu, I would rather betray the world than betray you!"

After closing the iron bars, Shen Mizhi immediately went to the table, put on her wedding dress and phoenix crown, sat down, and put the red veil over her head.

After doing all this, she finally breathed a sigh of relief. If someone had come in just now, she would have been exposed.

The guards stationed there, though their divine senses probed the outer perimeter, would not penetrate into the Phoenix Courtyard. Unless they detected any unusual activity, venturing into the Phoenix Courtyard with their divine senses would be tantamount to spying on Lü Qingzhu's privacy.

This was also a consideration in Duan Rong's planning of the entire route.

Over here, Xiao Dezhao returned to the villa with trembling steps. The arrangement of the Dragon Fish Hall was finally completed. He had given a good scolding there, and now his mouth was dry and his throat was sore.

Xiao Dezhao sipped a couple of sips of tea in the front hall, then forced himself to go to Fengyi Garden. When he entered Fengyi Garden, he saw that Lü Qingzhu was already dressed in formal attire and a phoenix crown, with a red veil on her head, sitting next to a large red lantern, with the ancient etiquette book beside her.

Xiao Dezhao breathed a sigh of relief. After all the busy work, everything was finally ready and there were no problems. He planned to go to the front hall to take a nap and wait for the auspicious time tomorrow.

Inside the courtyard atop Shangxiangyu Mountain, Jiang Yaozhang couldn't help but feel anxious. The auspicious time was drawing ever closer, and not only was Lady Ru nowhere to be seen, but even Lord Duan had gone out.

Jiang Yaozhang gave an awkward smile, looked at Xiao Yu, and said, "Madam, the auspicious time is almost here!"

Xiao Yu said, "Don't worry, sir, nothing will go wrong."

Jiang Yaozhang's eyes flickered; this lady was quite composed.

Just then, Duan Rong strode in.

Jiang Yaozhang immediately went to greet her and asked, "Lord Duan, where is Consort Ru? The auspicious time is approaching, and she still needs to change into her formal attire!"

Duan Rong said, "She has arrived!"

As soon as Duan Rong finished speaking, a figure walked out from behind him.

She was slender and graceful, with an elegant and refined air, and her appearance was like that of a fairy.

Upon seeing the woman, Jiang Yaozhang was immediately shocked. "Lü Qingzhu!?"

"you!?"

"this……!?"

(End of this chapter)