This is what an immortal should be like

Chapter 310 A Suitable City God
Zhuang Lin and Xi Miao went to Xiangyang, which is not far from Little Sacred Mountain.

As the starting point of the grand plan in the underworld, there was a very suitable candidate in Xiangyang City, and the timing was just right. The two went together, and it was noon when they landed in Xiangyang City from the Taihang Mountains.

In recent years, Xiangyang has been in a relatively peaceful situation. Even when there are battles, they are kept in the outer areas.

As long as there are no natural disasters or man-made calamities, and as long as the social environment is relatively stable, people can live a normal life without any problems, and their lives will get better. This is the case in Xiangyang.

Compared to when Zhuang Lin first came to Xiangyang, it was even more prosperous, which is rare in this day and age.

The two descended from the sky, but instead of heading to the tavern in the Bureau of Investigation and the Hidden Immortal Valley, they simply walked around the city.

Of course, Zhuang Lin and Xi Miao also used some deception, otherwise Xi Miao's appearance might have easily caused some disturbance.

Strolling along the street, the two eventually approached a large mansion in Xiangyang City. Although the mansion was not small, it looked very old and even a bit dilapidated. The gate was also incomplete, indicating that it had not been repaired for a long time.

But outside this house, there were several carriages parked. Judging from their ornate and exquisite appearance, which seemed out of place with the house, they probably didn't belong to the owner, but to visitors.

"That's it! I've heard a little about this person; he is indeed a man of great virtue!"

Zhuang Lin was suspicious of the intelligence data and the selected personnel from the Bureau of Extraordinary Investigations, but he didn't expect that Xi Miao had also heard of the other party's name, which made him subconsciously glance at Xi Miao.

Xi Miao smiled and looked at Zhuang Lin.

"To be honest, this person does meet the requirements very well, and not just in terms of his character."

"Oh?"

Zhuang Lin was also thinking about this person while he was speaking.

Ambitious and learned, Qingzi visited him when Fu Jian of the Former Qin Dynasty conquered Xiangyang and invited him to Chang'an, but he firmly declined and went into seclusion in Xiangyang. He used his connections and influence, as well as the courtesy he received from the Former Qin Dynasty, to alleviate the situation in Xiangyang during the occupation and to mediate and save the people and defeated soldiers.

At the same time, he often distributed his salary to soldiers and civilians. During this period, he also distributed money and goods and contributed his efforts. It seems that his influence also affected the surrendered officials who were able to recapture Xiangyang.

This man was Xi Zaochi, a renowned scholar from Xiangyang, who was highly respected by the people and gentry in the Xiangyang area and had considerable influence in Jingzhou and even the Jin state.

However, Xi Zaochi is now old, frail and sickly.

As Zhuang Lin's thoughts raced, Xi Miao walked alongside him, sharing her understanding.

"Putting aside other matters, his book 'Han Jin Chunqiu' records three hundred years of history after the Eastern Han Dynasty, yet he considers Shu Han as the legitimate dynasty. The words in his book are enough to show his recognition of Liu Bei, and also his recognition of his benevolence. Combining this with his own actions, we can see who he really is."

Xi Miao paused for a moment before continuing.

"In modern terms, he still possessed a romantic spirit despite the coldness and indifference of the world, and was a truly noble person with ideals, principles, and morality!"

Zhuang Lin nodded slightly upon hearing this, then looked at the Xi residence, which was getting closer and closer.

Xi Miao is right. In this era where human life is treated like dirt, someone like Xi Zaochi is the right person to take the job, which also shows how hard the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics works.

At the gate, a gatekeeper noticed two more people approaching and spoke up.

"Gentlemen, are you here to visit the master?"

Servants follow their masters' nature, and the servants in the Xi household were exceptionally polite. Of course, it could also be because Zhuang Lin and Xi Miao had used some kind of illusion to maintain their refined demeanor.

Zhuang Lin quickly bowed in greeting.

"Oh, so you've come to visit President Xi!"

"May I ask your honorable names? I need to inform the master!"

"My name is Zhuang Lin!" "My name is Xi Miao!"

Zhuang Lin and Xi Miao announced their names one after the other. The servant nodded, though he hadn't heard of them before, and said "please wait a moment" before turning to report.

Outside the gate, where a carriage was parked, several coachmen and attendants who had come with the carriage owner were also sizing up the two of them.

The Xi family mansion was actually quite large, after all, the Xi family was a prominent family in Xiangyang. However, the courtyards inside were obviously somewhat dilapidated, and there weren't many servants, so it seemed spacious.

The gatekeeper led them to the backyard, where some guests were visiting their master in the main house.

At this moment, Xi Zaochi was half-lying on the bed, and there were many people in the room, mostly officials. If Zhuang Lin were here, he would definitely recognize Yin Kuangzhi, whom he knew, and most of the others were also members of the Yin family.

"Lord Xi, I am relieved to see that you are in good health. I have only been serving as the governor of Jingzhou for a short time and I still need your guidance and instruction!"

The speaker, sitting by the bed, was none other than Yin Zhongkan, who was now highly trusted by the emperor and was also Yin Kuangzhi’s father. Earlier last year, the emperor had appointed him as the governor of Jingzhou, while also retaining his original position in the court, which could be considered as entrusting him with an important task!
Now, in the Jingxiang region, Yin Zhongkan is the governor and Yin Ji is the commander of the Southern Barbarians. The Yin family can be said to be unparalleled in their power, holding both military and political power.

On the bed, Xi Zaochi looked exhausted, though he was better than before. Hearing Yin Zhongkan's concerned words, he managed a weak smile.

In comparison, Yin Zhongkan was an official whom Xi Zaochi regarded with some respect. He was also known for his virtue, especially his filial piety.

"Hehehe. Governor, there's no need to belittle yourself. Your son has accomplished a great deal in Xiangyang these past two years, making invaluable contributions to maintaining stability. In these turbulent times, the people of Jingzhou and Xiangyang are fortunate to have your guidance. Hehehe."

"President Xi is too kind in praising you; it's best not to say so much."

Upon hearing Yin Zhongkan's words, Yin Kuangzhi frowned with concern, as did many other officials and scholars around them.

"Hehehe, it's alright. I know my body is failing and my days are numbered."

Xi Zaochi waved his hand weakly, a helpless smile on his face.

"Lord Xi, you must take care of your health! I have already informed His Majesty that the important task of national history cannot be entrusted to anyone but you, Lord Xi. His Majesty also shares this intention, and perhaps the imperial edict will be issued soon!"

Out of concern, Yin Zhongkan chose to say things that the other party would like to hear.

Sure enough, Xi Zaochi's eyes lit up when he heard about compiling the national history.

"Is this...is this really true?"

"Absolutely true!"

After saying this, Yin Zhongkan looked behind him, and Yin Kuangzhi quickly stepped forward.

"Lord Xi, that is indeed the case. My father has already submitted a memorial to the Emperor, stating that the important task of national history cannot be entrusted to anyone but you!"

Although he knew his father had not submitted a memorial, Yin Kuangzhi could not afford to undermine him at this moment, and some officials and scholars nearby echoed his sentiments.

"Yes, yes!" "It has to be Xi Jinping!"

"That makes sense!"

Xi Zaochi's complexion had become much rosier; even he, with his own desires, still had his own.

"Yes, I will, I will definitely take good care of myself." Outside, the gatekeeper waited for a while before entering after everyone had finished speaking.

"Master, we have two visitors. They are a man and a woman who have come on foot. One is named Zhuang Lin and the other is named Xi Miao."

Xi Zaochi, lying on the bed, frowned slightly as he pondered the two names, while the others were also thinking about them, though it seemed no one had ever heard of them.

"Who are these two people?" "Never heard of them before."

Xi Gong was highly respected, but ordinary people, though they respected him, would only deliver fruits and vegetables to his door. They were still somewhat afraid of powerful families and officials, and even if it was Xi Gong's residence, they would not dare to ask for an audience. Therefore, those who could send someone to announce their request for an audience were mostly famous scholars or officials, and were unlikely to be ordinary people.

But when Yin Kuangzhi heard those two names, he felt as if he had been struck by lightning.

When Yin Zhongkan saw his son's expression change, he immediately asked him a question.

"Kuangzhi, do you know who these two people are?"

"Father, these two are both highly accomplished scholars. Although they are not well-known, they are no ordinary people!"

Yin Kuangzhi couldn't say much, but those at the Innate Realm are, to some extent, no ordinary person.

Upon hearing Yin Kuangzhi's understanding, Xi Zaochi then spoke to the gatekeeper.

"In that case, please come and meet me."

Xi Zaochi knew something about Yin Kuangzhi's abilities. Although he was young, he was very sensible. Since Xi Zaochi had such a high opinion of him, he naturally wanted to meet him.

At the same time, Yin Zhongkan was also very curious. Although his son was humble and polite, he was very arrogant at heart. It was rare to see someone who praised him so highly. However, when he looked at his son, the latter had a cryptic expression and gave him a few meaningful glances.

Yin Zhongkan nodded slightly, clearly understanding. He was obviously told to respect the other party, but it was inconvenient to say anything explicitly at this moment.

Before long, Zhuang Lin and Xi Miao entered the backyard under the guidance of the gatekeeper. When they arrived at the front of the house, many people inside looked over as they entered.

Strangely, many people felt they couldn't quite make out the two people's faces, except for Yin Kuangzhi, whose face showed an uncontrollable excitement.

Zhuang Lin and Xi Miao exchanged a glance; there were quite a few people there.

"My name is Zhuang Lin, and I have come to pay my respects to Mr. Yanwei!"

"This humble woman, Xi Miao, has come with you to pay our respects to Mr. Yanwei!"

Once inside the house, the two solemnly bowed to the old man on the bed.

Yin Kuangzhi had already quickly pulled his father a few steps away beforehand, an almost subconscious reaction that startled Yin Zhongkan, who was clearly afraid that his son might accept the other party's bow.

As the governor of Jingzhou, am I not worthy of a single courtesy from these two men?
Yin Zhongkan had doubts, but he wouldn't ask them at this moment.

On the bed, Xi Zaochi looked up and examined the two people. Apart from Yin Zhongkan, he was the only one who could truly see Zhuang Lin and Xi Miao clearly.

Upon seeing the two at this moment, even Xi Zaochi felt a sense of awe, as if these people were otherworldly beings.

"Very well, secondly, your demeanor is truly extraordinary; it is I who have been ignorant of such matters. Please forgive me for not being able to get out of bed to pay my respects."

Although judging people by their appearance is wrong, those who are outstanding in appearance and have a dignified demeanor at first glance are still easy to be regarded with more respect.

As Xi Zaochi spoke, he simply cupped his hands on the bed, which made Zhuang Lin and Xi Miao subconsciously take a few steps closer.

"Mr. Xi, there's no need for such formalities!"

When the two approached the bedside, Yin Zhongkan and the others were still on the side, giving the impression that the two were the real deal. Yin Kuangzhi finally couldn't hold back any longer.

"Mr. Zhuang, Senior Xi, do you still remember me?"

Zhuang Lin looked at Yin Kuangzhi and nodded with a smile.

"Of course I remember. This must be your father, the current Governor of Jingzhou? My apologies!"

"Sir, there's no need for such formalities. We're all here to visit Mr. Xi!"

Yin Zhongkan returned the greeting graciously, without showing any arrogance due to his status.

Xi Miao smiled and looked at Yin Kuangzhi.

"That little boy from back then has grown into a very handsome young man!"

"Senior Xi, you flatter me. You two have also come to visit Mr. Xi? Do you have a remedy for his illness?"

Yin Kuangzhi couldn't help but ask, "These two are both highly skilled individuals. Don't be fooled by their youth; they're probably quite old. Are they here to seek medical treatment?"

Upon hearing this, the others looked at Yin Kuangzhi and Zhuang Lin in surprise. These two were so young, could they be doctors?

Zhuang Lin was speechless upon hearing this, while Xi Miao shook her head with a smile.

"Birth, aging, sickness, and death are the natural cycle of life, but Xi Jinping is certainly a lucky man."

It was clearly just polite talk; before Yin Kuangzhi could say anything, Xi Zaochi on the bed laughed.

“What you say makes sense. Birth, aging, sickness, and death are the natural order. I’m sure you two have come here for more than just to see this old man.”

Xi Zaochi seemed to have a special feeling; he sensed that the two were not ordinary people when they arrived. However, Zhuang Lin spoke up.

"We really just came to see President Xi. We've long heard of your name but never met you. We've come to see if you truly live up to your reputation!"

This conversation was hardly the behavior of someone visiting a patient; it was downright rude. Yet, strangely enough, none of the people present felt offended. Xi Zaochi, lying on the bed, even seemed more energetic than before and couldn't help but laugh.

"Hahahaha. Very well, very well. It has always been me who judges so-called famous scholars to see if they are truly worthy of their reputation. Now it is the two of you who are judging me. Now that you have met me, is there a conclusion? Is there anything I need to prove?"

Xi Zaochi smiled broadly, his complexion seemed much better than before, and his words were not sarcastic, but mostly joking.

At this moment, these bold yet not morbid words made Xi Zaochi's aura radiate, even turning away his dark and rebellious ways. His heart was as open and bright as a blazing sun, illuminating the entire Xi mansion in the eyes of ordinary people.

Zhuang Lin cupped his hands in a respectful gesture.

"Xi Gong possesses a bright and righteous destiny; he is truly a man of great merit and deserves great blessings. I, Zhuang, deeply admire him!"

"I feel the same way!"

Xi Miao also bowed again, and the two of them bowed even more solemnly than before!

(End of this chapter)