Misty Rain of the Old Times

Noticing the little princess and the others watching, Chen Xuan didn't have time to greet them, he just waved to them.

Once things got busy, it was endless. From noon to afternoon and then into the night, the number of guests kept increasing. Master Gao had been an official for many years and had a wide network of connections. Gao Jingming was the top scholar in the imperial examination this year, so his influence was undeniable. There was also Princess Gao Jingyu. On this joyous occasion, who wouldn't want to come and share in the happiness? Even those who had no connection would shamelessly come to make an appearance.

Guests are welcome; unless they are enemies, there is no reason to turn them away.

On the first day, there were hardly any big shots present. Ambitious people would not miss this opportunity. While congratulating each other, they could also take this opportunity to make connections. Once you've been there, you'll become familiar with each other. That's how a network of relationships is built.

Chen Xuan was so busy that he didn't even have time to drink water, let alone eat, but he was happy to do it. With Gao Jingming getting married, he could rely on his brother-in-law.

The little princess and Su Roujia were naturally entertained by the Gao family. They felt sorry for Chen Xuan because he was so busy that he didn't even have time to eat. They asked him to take a rest several times, but Chen Xuan refused.

This attitude made them fully understand the importance of the Gao family in Chen Xuan's heart, so they stopped bothering them and instead stayed quietly by his side from a distance.

As night deepened and the guests gradually dispersed, only a few of Gao Jingming's close associates remained, still clinking glasses and exchanging toasts, before Chen Xuan finally quieted down.

"Brother Xuan, come and eat something, you must be starving," the little princess said immediately, stepping forward with concern. She had already prepared a table of food for him, knowing that he was reluctant to waste food, so the quantity was large but the portions were small.

Originally, this kind of thing was arranged by the Gao family, but since the little princess took charge of it herself, we could only let her be.

Gao Jingming was still entertaining guests, and Chen Xuan, being a servant in the Gao family, couldn't disturb him. Given their relationship, they didn't stand on ceremony. Chen Xuan sat down for a private meal and wolfed down his food, saying in a moment, "I'm not really hungry. Eating is usually just a habit and a matter of satisfying my appetite. I could go a month without food and still be perfectly healthy."

"Brother Xuan, slow down. Stop bragging. Look how hungry you are," the little princess said with concern, taking out a handkerchief to wipe his mouth.

Instead of dwelling on that, Chen Xuan asked with concern, "It's so late, I should take some time to escort Qian Ning home. You must be bored by yourself, right?"

"With the soft armor keeping me company, I'm not bored at all. And since you're so serious, of course I want to keep you company. But you, Brother Xuan, I feel like you're still not quite done?" The little princess shook her head and smiled.

Speaking of this, Chen Xuan got quite excited, saying, "Don't laugh at me, Qian Ning, but when I accompanied the young master to study at Liuyu Academy, I often did this kind of welcoming and seeing off. I got used to it. After being idle at home for almost a year, I actually miss it a bit. Once I started, I couldn't stop. As they say, everyone is different. Some come to flatter and fawn, while others genuinely offer their congratulations. Seeing their sincere or hypocritical expressions is quite interesting, I must say."

"You can still find amusement while doing servant's work? I really don't know what you're thinking, Brother Xuan," the little princess said, both amused and exasperated.

Chen Xuan casually replied, "The most important thing in life is to be happy. Occasionally experiencing different identities can also bring joy."

While he was eating, drinking, and chatting, Madam Gao, having finished dealing with the guests, came over. With no outsiders present, she first bowed to the little princess, who rose to return the bow. After exchanging a few pleasantries, she looked at Chen Xuan with a loving expression and said, "Little Xuan, what can I say? I thought you were just playing around, but you've gone all the way. You must be exhausted today."

"Of course, I'm not tired at all. You can see I'm full of energy right now," Chen Xuan said, standing up and bowing.

Mrs. Gao patted him on the shoulder and said, "Eat yours. Is it to your liking? What else would you like to eat? I'll have the kitchen send it over later."

"No need for that trouble. By the way, how are the master and young master doing?" Chen Xuan asked, sitting down without ceremony and continuing to eat.

Madam Gao was naturally delighted with her son's wedding, but she said helplessly, "My husband saw some of his old classmates and got a little carried away with his drinks. He insisted on pushing himself to the limit and is now resting. He'll be spending time with his old friends again tomorrow, so I'm afraid it won't be over anytime soon."

Chen Xuan wasn't surprised by this, and laughed, "These next few days will indeed be very busy, and I'm afraid I won't have much time to rest. It's supposed to be a joyous occasion, why make it so difficult?"

Madam Gao smiled and said, "You can't say that. Social interactions are necessary. It'll be fine after a few days. It's a joyous occasion, so the busier and more lively it is, the better."

"That's true. Back then, the young master resisted studying whenever it was mentioned, but he had no choice but to learn. In the blink of an eye, he's already settled down and started a family," Chen Xuan said with a sigh, genuinely happy for Gao Jingming.

Mrs. Gao was also somewhat moved, saying, "Yes, it seems like only yesterday you were all so young. We're getting old now, and the family will have to rely on you to support us from now on."

"Madam, you're not old at all. Saying that suddenly puts a lot of pressure on us. We still need your elders to protect us from the wind and rain," Chen Xuan said with a smile, clearly not wanting to grow up.

Madam Gao patted his head and said, "What nonsense are you talking about? People always have to grow up. Xiao Xuan, you need to hurry up too."

She didn't want to tease the little princess, but her words were genuinely earnest, and the little princess, who understood what she meant, felt a little embarrassed.

Chen Xuan said smugly, "The process is already underway. Anyway, I won't fall too far behind the young master."

Upon hearing this, Madam Gao was taken aback. She glanced at the somewhat hesitant little princess and said with a mixture of reproach and concern, "Xiao Xuan, why didn't you say so earlier? Isn't this just fooling around? What do you know, you're just a child. We'll take care of everything for you."

“Thank you for your concern, Madam. As you know, Qian Ning’s situation is a bit special. I really don’t understand the rules. Fortunately, His Majesty said that I don’t need to worry about anything and that the Ministry of Rites will handle it, so I won’t dwell on it too much,” Chen Xuan said, scratching his head.

Nodding, Madam Gao said, "Is that so? I was overthinking it. Indeed, it's more appropriate for His Majesty to arrange this matter. It's not appropriate for us to interfere. But Xiao Xuan, aren't you being too polite? Such a big matter, and you didn't even tell me?" "How could I? We've only been discussing it for a couple of days. I haven't even prepared the betrothal gifts yet. Nothing's even started. I haven't had time to inform you," Chen Xuan said apologetically.

She nodded in satisfaction and said, "Alright, let me know as soon as the date is set. Although the Ministry of Rites is handling things, we can't just ignore everything. If you need any help, just let me know. I'm your elder, so if I don't help you, who will?"

"Yes, I'll need your help many times," Chen Xuan said, feeling a warmth in his heart. Having finished eating, he took his leave, saying, "It's getting late, and I'll be busy tomorrow. Madam, please go and rest. I'll take Qian Ning home and come back early tomorrow morning."

"Well... alright, Xiao Xuan, you don't need to go to the gate tomorrow. Help out with the management," Madam Gao said hesitantly. She had originally wanted to keep Chen Xuan, but considering the princess's needs were more important, she decided not to insist...

On the way back, Chen Xuan asked, "I have to come here first thing tomorrow morning. I'll be busy until the young master's wedding is over. What about you, Qian Ning?"

"I think I won't come tomorrow. Although I get along well with Madam Gao and the others, I can sense that they are still a bit reserved, so I won't cause any trouble. I'll come and observe on Young Master Gao's wedding day," the little princess said after thinking for a moment.

Chen Xuan nodded and said, "Okay, then I won't bother with you tomorrow."

"Brother Xuan, you go ahead with your work, I'll go keep an eye on the renovation progress."

After safely escorting her back to the princess's residence, Chen Xuan, ignoring the little maid's shyness as she covered her eyes with her fingers, hugged the little princess and kissed her for a while before separating.

"Master, how...how..." Su Roujia stammered on the way home. The scene she witnessed had shocked the little girl so much that she couldn't see clearly even in the dark.

Oh my god, is that even possible? How embarrassing!

Chen Xuan coughed lightly and said, "What do kids know? Go play somewhere else."

"But...but...Master, you're not married yet. If you get pregnant before then, people will gossip," the little girl said, her mind blank.

Chen Xuan was both amused and exasperated, too lazy to even reply. "Getting pregnant just from a kiss? Looks like this little girl's science education isn't up to par. You think you can get into my bed all the time? Turns out you don't know anything."

The next morning, Chen Xuan did some activities, ate a quick breakfast, and went to the Gao family's house. It was just dawn.

Since I didn't bring the little girl along, she wouldn't be of much help anyway, so it's better for her to stay home and keep the little princess company when she comes.

After arriving at the Gao family's residence, Chen Xuan did not manage or command the servants as Madam Gao had suggested. Instead, he stood at the door to greet the guests, finishing what he started. Besides, it was indeed interesting to see whether the guests were being insincere or genuine during the reception.

The weather was fine that day, and as the sun rose higher, guests began to arrive one after another. The first to arrive was the magistrate of Ju'an County, a high-ranking official from the capital. In the local area, it was no exaggeration to say that he was on par with a regional governor.

Chen Xuan was right; the guests who came that day were all of high status and position.

After the arrival of the first magistrate of Ju'an County, Zhou Yuan, the magistrate of Ya'an County, followed. He was also a high-ranking official from the capital. He had spent several years in Tuoling Town, and Chen Xuan had a past interaction with him, though at that time he was disguised as Yang Guo. His arrival today was a normal reception.

As the number of people increased, Chen Xuan became busy again, and most of them were of high status. Later, even Master Gao came to the door to greet them personally.

Whether it was because Gao Jingming was favored by the emperor or because of Chen Xuan himself, as the morning court session ended, people from the Six Ministries and Three Departments came one after another. Some of the chief officials, no matter how busy they were, personally came to visit and exchanged a few pleasantries before leaving, their attitudes were extremely good.

This left Master Gao and his family somewhat bewildered. Did the Gao family really have that much influence?

However, no one is stupid; they probably understand that the arrival of these important figures is because of Chen Xuan.

The Gao family has a Grandmaster connection, and since they're all family, certain levels of people are well aware of this. Would they dare not come to show their respect? Perhaps if they come, Chen Xuan won't remember, but if they don't, he'll probably keep a record of it and they'll be restless. It hasn't been that long since the Wu family was destroyed, yet just mentioning Chen Xuan's name can send chills down people's spines. Anyway, the fact that Chen Xuan is a Grandmaster is something that those who need to know already know, and those who don't need to know are simply not at a high enough level.

In short, the grandeur of Gao Jingming's wedding was unparalleled in the entire history of Jing Kingdom.

The saying "There were three thousand guests in the hall, and not a single one of them was a commoner" has been fully proven, and it is unknown how much the people will talk about it afterward.

"King Jiang has arrived, bringing a jade Buddha statue, ten bushels of pearls, a pair of dragon bone Ruyi ornaments, and a coral mountain..." Chen Xuan loudly announced as he received the visiting card and gift list, making a grand statement that he had given the other party ample face and also brought honor to the Gao family.

Upon hearing this, the surroundings fell silent for a moment, everyone marveling at King Jiang's generosity. Not only had he come in person, but he had also brought such a substantial gift.

Originally, King Jiang was calm and collected, preparing to exchange a few pleasantries with Master Gao, without even glancing at Chen Xuan, who was acting as a doorman. But when he caught a glimpse of Chen Xuan's face out of the corner of his eye, his heart skipped a beat.

My God, this guy is actually working as a doorman and greeter at the Gao family's house?! Did I wake up in the wrong position today? How dare the Gao family do this?!
...(End of chapter)