Misty Rain of the Old Times

It was already evening when I came out of the palace. The lights of thousands of homes were even more dazzling than the starry sky. In the peaceful years, there was no curfew in the capital of Jing Kingdom. The "Heavenly Street" leading directly to the East Gate was bustling with people, and it was the most lively time of the day.

I strolled around with the little girl, not in a hurry to go back, letting her enjoy the night view of the capital along the way.

As the year draws to a close, the capital city is bustling with activity at night, with a variety of street performers and entertainers taking advantage of this time to earn some money for a good New Year.

Su Roujia didn't pay much attention to the noise around her; instead, she focused more on Chen Xuan.

The master had always been talkative and easygoing, but he had become somewhat taciturn after leaving the palace. After hesitating for a moment, she asked with concern, "Is the master in a bad mood?"

"How do you know?" Chen Xuan asked, speechless. Then he patted the marriage certificate on his chest and said with a smile, "I'm in a great mood. I'm about to get my wife, I'm absolutely thrilled."

That's what she said, but Su Roujia could sense that her husband was putting on a forced smile. She didn't dare to pry into the matter, nor did she know how to comfort him. She could only respond with a bright smile and an "oh".

Chen Xuan thought to himself, "Is it really that obvious? Even the little girl is affected." After a moment's thought, he exhaled and said, "Father-in-law is getting old."

So that's why the master was in a bad mood. Recalling his various quirky moments with the emperor, the little maid finally understood that truly caring for someone doesn't always involve saying nice things.

After hesitating for a moment, she whispered a comforting message: "Everyone grows old. Your Majesty is blessed with good fortune and will surely live a long and prosperous life."

Chen Xuan smiled but said nothing. Long life? Unless one is a legendary immortal, no one can withstand the ravages of time. Everyone will grow old and die.

But do immortals never age or die? Chen Xuan didn't know. That was too far off. The term "immortal" was currently only in legends, and even in history, there were only a few brief mentions of it.

In his perception, the old emperor had at most six months left, perhaps even less. His lifespan was nearing its end, his life force was waning, and his vitality was declining beyond saving. External forces would only exacerbate the loss of his life force. Even he, a grandmaster, was helpless. He was like a piece of rotten wood, which could crumble at the slightest touch from any external force.

He didn't know what the old emperor was going to do, and he didn't want to get involved. The old emperor said it was none of his business, so he stopped asking.

However, Chen Xuan truly cared about very few people in this world, and Old Deng was one of them. The thought that in six months there would be no more such an old man in the world, and that he could no longer laugh and joke with him, made him feel a little choked up.

After all, Chen Xuanxiu followed the way of nature, not the way of ruthlessness.

In truth, he knew in his heart that, barring any unforeseen circumstances, he would have to personally see off one person after another, whether he cared about them or not. When time had passed and the world was vast and there were no familiar faces around him, would he still be moved by similar things? Would he be as indifferent as the green mountains?
He doesn't know about things he hasn't experienced yet, but at least for now, he finds it hard to let go of them; just thinking about them makes him feel depressed.

After a brief conversation, there was a long silence. The little girl had experienced the pain of separation and death, and she really didn't know how to comfort her. Half a year ago, her grandfather passed away, and she didn't know how she got through it. She only knew that she was in a daze during that time, and it seemed like she fainted many times from crying. She went to the Gao family in a daze and only gradually came out of it after a while.

After a moment of silence, the young maid mustered her courage and suggested, "If Master is in a bad mood, why don't we go to a brothel for a drink? I've heard that when boys are in a bad mood, going to a brothel can cheer them up and help them forget their troubles... Ah!"

Before she could finish speaking, Chen Xuan flicked her forehead and said speechlessly, "Who told you all this? I just got the marriage certificate and we're engaged, and you're already running off to a brothel? Do you think I'm not dead fast enough?"

Needless to say, if he really did that, Old Deng could order a city-wide manhunt. He might not get beheaded, but he'd be beaten half to death, and no one could stop him.

Going to brothels to cheer yourself up? Do you think I'm that kind of person? Do you think I'm Ning Guiliang?

The little girl rubbed her forehead and shrank her neck, saying, "No, no, sir, I was wrong. I shouldn't have encouraged you."

Now she felt a little scared. She hadn't really thought much about it when she saw that the master was in a bad mood. Now that she thought about it, the consequences would be very serious if she had actually done that. The master was going to marry a princess, Princess Fuyao, so how could he be allowed to do whatever he wanted?

"Good to know. These things can be done quietly, not openly. At least you have to disguise yourself," Chen Xuan said, blinking.

Her mind went blank for a moment, and she asked in disbelief, "Master really wants to go?"

"Do you think I'm that kind of person, sir?" Chen Xuan suddenly became serious. He was just joking. He and Xiao Gao had been to that kind of place many times and didn't really think it offered much emotional value. Besides, if he wanted to find a young lady to have fun, would he need to go to that kind of place?
With Xiao Gao gone, and hardly anyone familiar with Beijing, it's impossible to find anyone to drink with and relieve boredom. As for Deng Lingfeng and the others, they're probably still on their way south home.

As the two walked and chatted, they passed a small inn when a second-floor window suddenly shattered. A man in white was seen being stepped on in the face as he burst through the window. The sudden turn of events caused a commotion among the onlookers.

The man in white was stomped on in the face and thrown onto the street, sliding four or five feet further on the cold ground. His clothes on the back were torn, leaving a bloody mess and shocking bloodstains that looked painful.

Chen Xuan glanced at him curiously, then thought to himself, "Wow, I ran into someone I know! But it wasn't the one who got stepped on, it was the one who stepped on me."

Zhao Qingluan, dressed in black, stepped on the white-clad man's face, brandished her spear a few times, and snapped his tendons in the hands and feet with a series of sharp, swift movements. She then pressed his pressure points, pulled out a rope from her waist, and bound his hands and feet. The whole process was smooth and professional.

After doing all this, she removed the boot that had been pressing on the other person's face, took out a black token, and gestured to those around her, saying, "The Armed Forces Bureau is handling a case. The thief has been apprehended. Everything is fine now. Please remain calm."

Oh, so it's the Armed Forces Bureau investigating a case. That's alright then. The people around relaxed and even had the leisure to point and scrutinize the man in white. He looked so respectable, how did he end up being targeted by the Armed Forces Bureau?

After calming the crowd, Zhao Qingluan was about to leave with the man when she noticed Chen Xuan watching the gossip in front of the crowd. She paused, smiled, and called out, "Little Chen, you're here too! What a coincidence! It's almost the end of the year, and the capital is a mixed bag. Be careful going out so late at night."

"Little Chen?" Chen Xuan was speechless. "I won't argue with you!"
He didn't pay any attention, but pointed to the half-dead young man she was carrying and said, "Thank you for reminding me, Miss Zhao is busy. What's going on? Is it convenient to tell me? If not, just pretend I didn't ask."

It probably wasn't anything important. She threw the man down and stepped on his face again, saying seriously, "I'm no longer a member of the martial arts world. I'm on official business now. Xiao Chen, you should call me Captain Zhao. By the way, Xiao Chen, you don't know I've joined the Martial Arts Prohibition Division, do you?"

I can see that. You were just shouting loudly, looking quite smug.

Feeling both amused and exasperated, Chen Xuan thought to himself, "You've only been working for the government for a few days, and you've already learned all the proper etiquette? And you call yourself 'Little Chen,' Captain Zhao? Why don't you just use your official title when you're at work?"

So he cupped his hands and smiled, saying, "I really didn't know about this. Congratulations!"

"Hehe, it's nothing," she waved her hand dismissively, secretly pleased to show off a little in front of acquaintances. It wasn't bragging, but rather the kind of feeling of returning home in glory, which is only human nature.

Don't be fooled by the way people in the martial arts world talk about looking down on the imperial court's lackeys. If they could wear that coattails, who wouldn't envy them? They learn both literary and martial arts skills to sell to the emperor. The end of the universe is the same no matter where you are.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Chen Xuan asked again, "What's going on? Is it convenient for you to tell me?"

Upon hearing this, she abandoned her desire to flaunt her new identity in front of acquaintances, glanced down at the half-dead man, and said with disgust, "This guy is a womanizer, on our martial arts bureau's wanted list. He's ruined the reputation of dozens of respectable women. I encountered him here on my way back from my post and arrested him. This guy is utterly despicable and shameless, daring to come to the capital. He's completely courting death, clearly believing the saying 'the most dangerous place is the safest place.'"

"I see," Chen Xuan said. "This kind of person deserves to be torn to pieces. But Captain Zhao, you were a bit rash. You should have called for backup before taking action. It's not worth risking your life for someone like him. It wouldn't be worth it if he used dirty tricks and you got hurt."

Let's call her Captain Zhao to satisfy her little smugness, just to appease the little girl. Speaking of which, being a squad leader in the Forbidden Martial Arts Division is something to be proud of. It's a high-ranking official position in the imperial court. It might not be much in the capital, but in the provinces, it's enough to make small sects and factions retreat in fear. It's a very prestigious position.

Zhao Qingluan felt something was off about Chen Xuan's expression and words, like an elder showing concern for a younger person. Being naturally carefree, she didn't think much of it and confidently replied, "Our Martial Arts Control Division has detailed information about him. Dealing with him doesn't require calling for backup. I know what I'm doing and won't risk my safety. I only act when I'm absolutely certain."

Back when she went to Mo City, she was swindled out of all her money in one night. If she hadn't had some skills, she probably would have been tricked into going to a black mine and suffered the harsh reality. After studying with the innate master Ling Yun for a few years, she seems to have improved a lot and knows to only act when she is confident.

So Chen Xuan didn't care too much. Seeing that she wasn't very busy, he deliberately changed the subject and asked, "By the way, how is your master doing lately?"

"My master? Why are you suddenly mentioning him?" Zhao Qingluan asked in surprise.

Chen Xuan said, "Don't you know? A few months ago, your master was almost killed twice. I saved him by chance." Zhao Qingluan's face darkened, and she said urgently, "I exchange two letters with my master every month, but he has never mentioned this. Is it serious? Who did it?"

It seemed she truly didn't know. Chen Xuan said, "I suppose Brother Ling didn't mention it because he didn't want you to worry. Don't worry, the enemy has been dealt with, and your master is perfectly fine."

She immediately breathed a sigh of relief and said, "That's good, that's good. I haven't done a good job as an apprentice. I didn't even know something like this happened. Thank you so much, Xiao Chen. I'll treat you to a drink to thank you later."

She needs to get involved in this matter before she can show the appropriate sincerity.

She knew she couldn't help the enemy that even Ling Yun couldn't handle. She just felt that she hadn't cared enough for her master. As for how Chen Xuan saved her master, she didn't dwell on it. Didn't Chen Xuan say it was a coincidence? His young master was the top scholar in the imperial examination and received many good things as rewards from the emperor. Last time, he even took out precious pills. Her cultivation had indeed made great progress. She guessed that he had helped her master with the pills.

Chen Xuan waved his hand and smiled, "No need to be so polite. Brother Ling is a good person; it was just a small favor."

"No, Brother Ling?" Zhao Qingluan suddenly realized what was happening and asked, somewhat dumbfounded.

Nodding, Chen Xuan said casually, "Yeah, I saved him. We hit it off and started calling each other 'brother.' Captain Zhao, you don't need to mind. We'll stick to our own names. When you take up your post, I'll call you Captain Zhao, but you can just call me 'uncle' in private."

"Is it possible to do that?" Zhao Qingluan asked, somewhat dumbfounded. Even though she came from a martial arts background, she was a little confused at this moment.

The little maid beside Chen Xuan almost burst out laughing, thinking to herself that her master's mood came and went quickly. Now he even had time to tease the young lady. Before, this Captain Zhao from the Martial Arts Division asked her master to address her by her title, and then her master took advantage of her. In her master's words, this is what you call being cunning, right? He doesn't suffer any loss at all.

Zhao Qingluan's capture of the flower thief caused quite a stir, attracting many onlookers. They even chatted openly on the street, suggesting a complicated relationship between them, which drew idle people to eavesdrop.

Although she didn't know if it was true or not, Zhao Qingluan was still a little embarrassed. How could she call someone younger than her "Uncle Chen"? She awkwardly said, "Well, Little Chen, I have official business to attend to. Let's talk again when we have time."

"Alright, Captain Zhao, you go ahead and get busy. Official business is important," Chen Xuan said with a smile, practically implying that he should remember to call me "uncle" in private.

Zhao Qingluan, who was digging her toes into the ground, was both amused and exasperated. She was about to leave with the criminal when she suddenly remembered something. She leaned closer to Chen Xuan and whispered, "By the way, after you exchanged the ice silkworm silk from Sister Guo last time, did you see that person?"

"I saw it. They exchanged quite a few Xiaoyao Pills, and they've all been delivered to my young master. Is there a problem?" Chen Xuan nodded, knowing what she was asking about. It was him. He could make up whatever he wanted; she couldn't possibly verify it.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Qingluan's eyes immediately lit up with eagerness as she asked, "Then do you know who he is? How old is he? Is his name Yang Guo?"

Still dwelling on this? Chen Xuan shook his head and said, "I only used ice silkworm silk to trade with him; I know nothing else."

"Oh, alright then. It would be great if it were Master Yang. I met him once before, but I don't know if he's married," Zhao Qingluan said with some disappointment.

Chen Xuan almost spat out a mouthful of blood. So this poor, hungry girl had no good intentions? What, you wanted to marry a master of innate cultivation back then, but now that your cultivation has improved, your standards have been raised to the level of a grandmaster?

Why do you always think of the good things?

Chen Xuan shook his head, both amused and exasperated, and said, "Who knows? By the way, there's been some kind of evil blade appearing in the martial arts world lately. Hasn't your Martial Arts Restriction Division done anything about it?"

"Is that something I can control? Alright, I'll take this guy back first. See you later," Zhao Qingluan waved her hand and left with the criminal in her arms. Chen Xuan's gaze, which seemed to be looking at a junior, made her feel extremely uncomfortable.

Watching her leave, Chen Xuan thought to himself, "You have some self-awareness, don't you? Why are you always thinking such nonsense?"

To be honest, after chatting with some acquaintances, my slightly annoyed mood dissipated quite a bit, and it was time to go home.

"Master, who was that just now?" the little maid asked curiously on the way back.

Chen Xuan said, "Zhao Qingluan, I seem to recall mentioning to you before that we had some interaction when we went to Mo City, and we ran into each other again in the capital recently."

"So it's her. She's quite beautiful, but sir, don't you always prefer older women? Not the older kind?"

Chen Xuan flicked her forehead and said irritably, "What are you thinking about all day? We just ran into an acquaintance on the street and exchanged a few words. I'm not the kind of person who can't resist a pretty girl. Wait, how did you know?"

"Um, once the master was talking in his sleep, I didn't mean to eavesdrop."

"You misheard me..."

Xiao Gao's wedding had ended several days ago, the betrothal gifts had been delivered and the marriage certificate had been obtained, and Chen Xuan became idle again, and then started to lie down and do nothing.

The next day, bored out of his mind, he listened to the bustling construction noise and twisted and turned like a maggot on his recliner. Looking at the crystal-clear icicles under the sunlight on the eaves, he got excited and picked up a small stick to knock them down one by one and smash them to pieces.

While he was busy with his work, Steward Hua appeared at the door. Seeing that he still had such a childlike side, she smiled and bowed, saying, "Greetings, young master. May you have a peaceful winter."

With the marriage certificate finalized, Chen Xuan and the little princess were now officially husband and wife, so the people at the princess's residence changed their way of addressing them.

In fact, the imperial palace issued an edict to announce this to the world early this morning, but Chen Xuan had not yet received the news. There were only two people in his family, him and his little girl, and no one had gone to collect this information to celebrate.

Chen Xuan continued playing with the icicles, then turned around and asked, "Why is Steward Hua here?"

She said, "Reporting to my son-in-law, the princess ordered me to come and keep an eye on the progress of the renovations here."

Nodding, Chen Xuan asked in puzzlement, "Doesn't Qian Ning come here all the time? Why isn't she here?"

"Well... I don't know, young master, you should ask the princess," Steward Hua said, shaking his head.

Chen Xuan immediately understood. The little princess was just shy. Before the engagement, she was all lovey-dovey, but now she was acting all coy. So he smiled and said, "Alright, Steward Hua, you can go ahead and get busy. Thank you for your help."

"Son-in-law, you're too kind. It's only right."

After much dawdling, it finally reached the afternoon. Chen Xuan summoned the maid and said, "Roujia, go prepare two jars of good wine, then come with me to a place."

"Yes, sir, I'll go buy it right away," the little maid nodded and was about to leave.

Chen Xuan stopped her and said, "What are you buying? When I went back to get the materials for the battle flags a while ago, I also brought back some distilled liquor that I made myself. It's in the room. Just take two jars of 53-proof liquor."

She quickly brought over two jars of wine and asked, "Sir, where are we going?"

"We're going to Mr. Pei's house. He's the matchmaker for me, so naturally we should go and express our gratitude," Chen Xuan said, leading the way. It's unreliable that he would bring a little maid to Old Deng's house to propose marriage. That's because of their tacit understanding, not because Chen Xuan really doesn't understand these social customs. There are proper etiquette to observe.

Soon after, the two arrived at Mr. Pei Zhenlong's residence in Beijing, a modest three-courtyard house.

After being informed, they were led to the central courtyard. Chen Xuan was immediately drawn to a ten-foot-tall armillary sphere, which was used for measuring celestial phenomena. Mr. Pei's family also had one.
Mr. Pei was intently fiddling with the armillary sphere, seemingly making a discovery, and didn't even notice Chen Xuan and the others arriving... (End of Chapter)