Misty Rain of the Old Times

Before coming, Du Juan had thought things through carefully and was prepared to be rejected by Chen Xuan. In terms of looks and figure, she was confident that she was no less attractive than others, but Chen Xuan was not a lecherous person. Although she had zero experience, she could tell that Chen Xuan was chaste and had not lost his virginity. Therefore, her appearance was not a bargaining chip to impress Chen Xuan to take her in. Even her innate cultivation strength was not enough in front of him. After all, Chen Xuan was a person whose mere mention of his name made the Shadow Killing Sect extremely respectful.

Although I was prepared to be rejected, I still had to try, whether it worked out or not.

So she pursed her lips, her face expressionless, and said frankly, "Women are inherently weak. Although I have some skills, I am still a woman. It is a woman's subconscious instinct to admire the strong and seek someone to rely on. Besides, Young Master Chen has been very kind to me, and I have no way to repay him. I am willing to serve as his servant, and this is the only way I can think of to repay him. If I don't do something, I won't be able to get over that hurdle in my heart."

Upon hearing this, Chen Xuan nodded inwardly, thinking to himself that it was indeed straightforward. People in this era valued character highly, even more than life itself. Even though Du Juan was once an assassin, she was no exception. She didn't like owing people, and if she did, she had to repay it, otherwise she would feel guilty. This was unlike Chen Xuan's hometown, where those who owed others were considered superior and even felt honored.

Knowing that she hadn't finished speaking, Chen Xuan gestured for her to continue, pretending to listen attentively.

Then Du Juan continued, "Young Master Chen knows my past. To put it bluntly, I used to be nothing more than a tool. I only had tasks and no self. I lived a life that was neither human nor ghost. Outside of my tasks, I didn't even understand the meaning of life."

"At the beginning of last year, Young Master Chen saved me. I guess you could say I died once. That's when I started to consider the meaning of my existence. Suddenly, I got tired of the assassin's life, so I tried to leave the Hidden Assassins Sect."

"Leaving aside the fact that the Shadow Assassins wouldn't let me go afterward, after leaving the Shadow Assassins and living alone for a while, I realized that I had oversimplified the problem. Not wanting to be an assassin and wanting to live like a normal person, I simply couldn't adapt, and even fell into a state of confusion for a time."

"After meeting Young Master Chen, you saved me and even helped resolve the troubles of the Shadow Assassin Sect with a single word. Perhaps you yourself didn't care, it was just a small favor, but for me, who had never been cared for before, it was an unprecedented and invaluable experience. Moreover, after several conversations with you, you showed me enough respect, which made me feel like I was living like a human being, instead of the cold blade that only knew how to kill."

"I've been thinking a lot these past two days. Over twenty years as an assassin, I've been killing people all along. I simply can't live like a normal person. If this continues, something bad will happen. I'll either go insane or become a monster who indiscriminately kills innocent people and ultimately meet my demise."

"Rather than living in uncertainty and fear about the future, I wanted to find someone to rely on and a place to belong, so I thought of you. I entrust myself to you, to repay your kindness. I used to be used to being told what to do, but being by your side means I have something to do, even if it's just some trivial things. I won't feel lost. It's a change of lifestyle, but essentially it's not much different from before, and I can adapt quickly."

"I'm not very good at speaking and don't know how to express myself. These are all my heartfelt words. Now that I've said all, I hope Young Master Chen won't find me unworthy and will allow me to serve you as a maid. I wonder if I have the honor? I will definitely serve you wholeheartedly and will do anything. I don't think I'm completely useless. I humbly request that Young Master Chen take me in. I know this might be a bit unreasonable. If Young Master Chen is unwilling, just pretend I didn't say anything. Please don't mind."

After speaking, she respectfully knelt before Chen Xuan, looking at him with a mixture of anticipation and trepidation, waiting for his decision. What direction her life would take depended on Chen Xuan's next answer.

However, she couldn't kneel down. Chen Xuan waved his hand to stop her and frowned, saying, "You're not allowed to kneel!"

In Chen Xuan's family, there was no such custom of kneeling down at the drop of a hat; even when the little girl came, she never knelt down.

As she watched with trepidation, Chen Xuan's brows relaxed and he chuckled, "You really are dreaming. You know how powerful my back is, and you seize every opportunity to cling to me. Once you've got me, countless people in the world will envy you, and many will yearn for you more."

Regardless of the era, admiring the strong is a human instinct. As long as someone is capable enough, there will be plenty of people eager to follow them. Is it shameful to attach oneself to the strong? No, it's not. Which emperor or general didn't have a large group of people surrounding them? How many people actually stand at the top? Chen Xuan was one of them, and for various reasons, it was quite normal for Du Juan to submit to him.

Hearing this, a hint of regret and dejection flashed in Du Juan's eyes. It was obvious that she had been politely rejected. Yes, she was dreaming. The mere mention of his name made the Shadow Assassin Sect uneasy, and they even had to come to apologize to him before they could feel at ease. How could she be qualified to follow him?

She pursed her lips, still wanting to try, because once the opportunity was missed, it would be gone forever, and if she did, it would be difficult to maintain good relations with her neighbors in the future.

Looking at Chen Xuan, she lowered her gaze and said naturally, "Want to cling to my leg? I can do that. Although I'm a virgin, I've learned some tricks to please men. I can lie obediently on your lap like a kitten."

You can't even get Chen Xuan to agree with a single sentence? Seriously, is it really okay for you to say something like that so calmly? And what kind of mess have you been through all these years with the Shadow Assassin Sect?
Waving his hand dismissively, Chen Xuan said, "Clinging to someone's thigh is just a figure of speech for me, not an expression meaning you should seduce me and treat you like a plaything. Ugh, talking to you is exhausting."

Her eyes were filled with melancholy, she wanted to laugh but couldn't, and she slightly curtsied, saying, "I have offended you, I don't have the honor, Young Master Chen, I will leave now and will not disturb you any longer. If you need anything, just let me know, I will stay in Yang County."

Seeing her turn to leave, Chen Xuan smiled and said, "You said you wanted to live a normal life, but normal people also have different roles. So, forget about being a slave or maid. I have a job for you. There's no specific work involved. You'll take care of my daily needs, just like Roujia did. Occasionally, you'll accompany me on outings and help out. It'll be ten taels of silver a month. Want to do it? If you do well, there will be occasional bonuses. If you're not happy, you can leave anytime."

Although the terms are different, they are essentially still maids and servants.

Du Juan, who had already thought she had no chance and even regretted making the request, was stunned by his words. The surprise came too quickly, and she turned around excitedly, saying, "Really? I mean, I'm willing!"

“There’s no need to make fun of you. You’re at the Innate Realm, so ten taels of silver is really too little. It’s like getting something for free. But I’m a poor guy with no income. I’m sorry to make you suffer a bit, but I won’t let you lose out. I’ll compensate you in other ways. Are you interested in this job?” Chen Xuan nodded.

She nodded emphatically and said, "It would be my great honor."

Just like Su Roujia, she was simply a personal maid, which was exactly what she wanted; Chen Xuan just phrased it differently.

With Du Juan, who possesses innate cultivation, following him, Chen Xuan could relax even more. She could handle all sorts of small tasks, and her looks and figure were pleasing to the eye. He was overjoyed and said with a smile, "Then I'll leave things to you from now on. Welcome! You're part of this family now. Move in later, and let Roujia help you tidy up a room. There's an empty room."

"Yes, Dujuan greets Master. I will serve you faithfully and wholeheartedly from now on. If I do anything wrong, I hope you will forgive me," Dujuan said excitedly, and was about to kneel down to pay her respects.

Chen Xuan waved his hand to stop him, frowning, and said, "No kneeling. There's no such rule in our family, and it's forbidden from now on."

“Yes, sir, I understand,” she nodded earnestly, then hesitated before tentatively asking, “But sir, when I’m doing your hair, don’t I kneel? The madam from the Shadow Assassin Sect taught us how to serve men.”

Chen Xuan's lips twitched, and he secretly gasped. What kind of training did this assassin sister have? Who could resist this? He said, half-laughing, half-crying, "I seriously suspect you're just lusting after my body."

"Please forgive me, sir. I wouldn't dare. I had no such improper thoughts. Although I've never been a maid before, I know that serving you is my duty," she said. Then she added, "I know you are kind-hearted, and Roujia is still young and hasn't touched her yet. I'll take over from now on."

Chen Xuan felt a chill run down his spine and thought to himself, "She really is lusting after my body." He was a man, a young man full of vigor, and if he continued, he might turn into a beast. He decisively changed the subject, saying, "Stop. You should go back and pack your things and move over. We're going to the capital later."

"Yes, sir, I'll be right back," Du Juan nodded and left quickly, her actions swift and decisive. Now that Chen Xuan had taken her in, she suddenly felt like she had found a pillar of support, full of energy, and no longer as lost about the future as before.

She was also lucky to have latched onto Chen Xuan, a powerful figure in her life, which put her on a smooth path to success. With Chen Xuan's cultivation advancing by leaps and bounds, wouldn't she and her entire family rise to prominence in the future?

The assassin neighbor who had never had a normal conversation with Chen Xuan in seven years is now working as a maid for him. Life is unpredictable; you never know what direction it will take next.

Su Roujia came out of the kitchen carrying a small basket. Not seeing Du Juan, she asked in confusion, "Master, where is Miss Du? Has she left? The tea is still warm."

"She went back to pack her things and will be moving in later. She'll be living with us from now on," Chen Xuan said casually. It's just one more person and one more pair of chopsticks. With Du Juan's innate cultivation, she can help Chen Xuan handle a lot of small things, and things will be even more messy in the future.

Oh, and after marrying the little princess, you'll also receive a large group of guards and servants as a dowry. Good days are coming! Time to relax and relax.

The young girl blinked in astonishment and said, "Moving in with us? Master took her as a concubine?"

"What are you thinking? Just like you, wanting to be a servant girl?" Chen Xuan said, both amused and exasperated.

She suddenly realized, "Oh, I see. I knew it! Even if one were to take a concubine, one would have to choose an auspicious day and have her veiled at the wedding; otherwise, it would be too unfair."

"Tsk, why does everyone think they should have a harem?" Chen Xuan shook his head speechlessly and said, "There's an empty room upstairs, right? Let her stay there."

“Yes, sir, it’s right next to your bedroom. That’s good, it’s convenient to serve you. Hehe, that’s great, another person has joined the family, it will be even more lively from now on. I’ll go help tidy up,” she said excitedly. She was a woman who couldn’t sit still, and she put down her basket and prepared to go upstairs to tidy up the house.

Chen Xuan let her be, saying, "Just pack a little, and once Du Juan arrives and drops off her luggage, we'll head to the capital and return in two days."

"Yes, sir..."

Du Juan returned in the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, dressed in a long black dress, with a neat and tidy high ponytail, carrying only a small bundle.

Seeing this, Chen Xuan was speechless and said, "Is this all you have?"

"Reporting to Master, I only brought two sets of clothes and my savings from these years. I'll pack the rest later. It's more important to serve you when I get back," she nodded and said.

As he spoke, he took out a stack of silver notes from his bundle and handed them to Chen Xuan, saying, "Master, I've saved over a thousand taels of silver over the years, it's all here. Please accept it with a smile. It's not much, I hope you won't find it too much."

Is the assassin profession really that bad? Du Juan is quite skilled, yet she only has a little over a thousand taels of silver. However, considering that the other party also needs money for cultivation and other purchases, it's not bad that she has managed to save this much. She is clearly not very good at managing money.

Waving his hand, Chen Xuan laughed and said, "Keep your own money. I'm not some capitalist who hangs lampposts; why would I let you pay to go to work?"

Although she couldn't understand Chen Xuan's words, Du Juan said matter-of-factly, "I've already pledged myself to you, Master. I'm your maid and servant, and also your property, so what's mine is yours." Chen Xuan said helplessly, "Don't say that. Just keep it yourself. I'm not that heartless. Roujia is tidying up the room on the second floor. Go check on her. We're going to the capital later."

Chen Xuan refused to accept it, and she dared not disobey. She could only put away the silver notes and nod, saying, "Yes, sir. I'll go put the bundle down and come right away. Do you need a carriage prepared?"

"No need, sir. I don't like traveling through mountains and rivers. By the way, speaking of carriages, we still keep horses. You and Roujia can go to the Gao family's place later to familiarize yourselves with the place. While you're at it, please ask them to arrange someone to help feed the horses since we'll be away for two days. Otherwise, the horses will starve to death when we get back."

"Yes, sir."

Wow, Du Juan adapted to the role of a maid quite quickly; she's really gotten into character.

Now that we've taken her in, the Gao family should know, so it will be easier to arrange things and make connections in the future.

In the time it takes to eat a meal, Du Juan and Su Roujia returned from the Gao family's place. Chen Xuan saw the little girl secretly smiling, while Du Juan looked awkward and unnatural. He asked curiously, "What's wrong with you two?"

"Master, we just went to the Gao family's place, and Madam Gao saw us in person. She praised Sister Dujuan for being beautiful and gave her a book, but wouldn't let me read it. She just told Sister Dujuan to study hard and serve you well in the future," the little maid said, covering her mouth with a smile. Her little brain clearly knew what was going on.

Upon hearing this, Chen Xuan immediately understood that what Madam Gao had given Du Juan was definitely not a proper book. Since they were all family now, Chen Xuan looked at her and said speechlessly, "Aren't you supposed to be cold-hearted? You can actually be shy now?"

She shook her head and said, "No, sir, it's my duty, but I feel a little embarrassed that Madam Gao brought it up."

Chen Xuan immediately understood; he would always feel awkward discussing such private matters with people he wasn't familiar with.

Knowing when to stop, he stood up and said, "Now that everything is arranged, let's set off."

“Yes, sir, I’ll go get your sword,” Du Juan nodded, already fully immersed in her role. She then added, “At home, I’m a maid like Roujia, but when we’re out, I serve as your sword attendant.”

"Whatever," Chen Xuan said indifferently. He knew many martial arts, but his swordsmanship was not the best. The precious sword that Madam Gao gave him was often just an ornament.

She quickly retrieved Chen Xuan's sword. The little girl carried a basket filled with dried mushrooms, a New Year's gift for Old Deng. Old Deng had nothing to lack, and this was just a token of Chen Xuan's goodwill.

Du Juan carefully hugged Chen Xuan's sword, pressing the large bulge into an astonishing curve that looked incredibly bouncy. Chen Xuan casually asked, "Sister Juan, do you know how to use a sword?"

"Please don't call me that, sir. Just call me Xiao Juan," she said in a flustered manner. Then she added, "I've also learned some swordsmanship, but I'm best at using short swords and hidden weapons."

Nodding, Chen Xuan asked curiously, "I didn't see you bring a knife?"

With a flick of her wrist, a two-foot-long dagger appeared in her hand. She said, "Master, I brought it with me. I also have hidden weapons and poisons on me. It's never a bad idea to carry extra self-defense items when you're out and about."

"The Hidden Weapon Technique, huh? Looks like you've mastered it quite well. Where did you hide your sword before?" Chen Xuan asked casually as they went outside.

The two followed, and the little girl locked the door. Dujuan replied, "I put it in my sleeve earlier."

Where else can we put it?

Upon entering the courtyard, winter had passed, and the weather was beginning to warm up and melt the snow. Chen Xuan's peach tree, which seemed to never grow tall, remained lush and green.

The maid locked the door and came to Chen Xuan's side. Just as Du Juan was wondering how to get to the capital, she suddenly felt a gentle force envelop her, and the next moment she was shot into the sky like lightning. Chen Xuan's voice came to her ears, saying, "Master, I'm very fast. Just bear with it. If you can't get used to this speed, close your eyes like a soft armor."

"Yes, Master, I'm fine. I've gotten used to it. Is Master carrying us flying?" Du Juan asked with amazement. She had overestimated her master's cultivation level time and again, but now it seemed she had underestimated him.

Chen Xuan laughed and said, "It's not flying. I don't have that kind of skill yet. It's still within the realm of lightness skill, just that I can run faster and farther than others."

Is this a minor issue? What's the difference between this and flying?
"What is your cultivation level, sir?" Du Juan asked instinctively, her straightforward nature prompting her immediate realization of her overstepping boundaries. She quickly and nervously replied, "Sir, please forgive me, I didn't mean to inquire about your cultivation level."

"It's alright. There's no need for such formality among family members. Just relax a bit in the future. Besides, it's nothing shameful. Now that I'm a Grandmaster, I can speak my mind freely," Chen Xuan said casually.

Grandmaster is just a title for a certain level of achievement. Great Grandmaster is also in this category, but they have walked their own path and reached another level of achievement with a higher upper limit. In essence, there is not much difference.

A hint of shock flashed in Du Juan's eyes. Her husband was so old yet he had reached the level of a Grandmaster. How fortunate she was! No wonder she had never noticed him when they were neighbors for so many years.

Having experienced airsickness twice before, Su Roujia learned her lesson and closed her eyes, saying, "Sister Dujuan, Master is a very good person. Don't hide anything from him, and don't act like an outsider, otherwise Master will be unhappy."

As someone who had been there before, she was sharing her experience with Du Juan, who was new to the area.

"Yes, I understand," she nodded seriously.

Du Juan was somewhat dazed at this moment. She was fortunate enough to board Chen Xuan's ship, and her life would be completely different from then on. She had experienced the feeling of flying on her very first day. What kind of splendor would she see in the future?
How blessed I am by God...

The mountains and rivers were left behind like fleeting shadows. In the blink of an eye, Dujuan felt dizzy as she was suddenly in a different environment. The surroundings became noisy, and she found herself in a large courtyard. Looking around, she asked blankly, "Where am I?"

“This is the house I bought in the capital. It will be our home from now on. Roujia will show you around later,” Chen Xuan said from the side.

Du Juan was a worldly woman, unlike Su Roujia who let her see the magnificent capital city from outside the city first.

We've arrived already? Du Juan found it incredible; in the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, they've traversed thousands of miles!
At this moment, Su Roujia breathed a sigh of relief and said, "We've arrived! It feels so good to be on solid ground."

"Is Roujia alright? Are you feeling unwell?" Chen Xuan asked with concern, after all, she had vomited terribly the previous two times.

She shook her head and said, "I'm fine, sir. This time I closed my eyes, and I don't feel uncomfortable at all."

"Okay, that's good. You can take Sister Juan to familiarize herself with the environment first... Oh, Commander Xia, you're here too. Happy New Year! Qian Ning is here?" Chen Xuan saw Xia Mei outside the courtyard gate before he could finish speaking and immediately greeted her.

Once you get used to calling Du Juan by her name, you're too lazy to change it. It's just a name, after all. Just like Gao Jingming, people got used to calling him "Young Master" and didn't change it even after leaving the Gao family.

Upon hearing this, Xia Mei turned around and bowed, saying, "Young Master is back! His Highness has also come to check on the renovations. I will inform His Highness immediately."

"Thank you for your help," Chen Xuan nodded, which saved him the trouble of going to the princess's residence to meet the little princess.

Unaware of the situation, Du Juan asked blankly, "Son-in-law? Your Highness?"

The little maidservant put down the mushrooms she had brought and said, "Sister Du, come with me. I'll show you around. This will be our home from now on. Master is already engaged, and the wedding will be on the third day of the third month. The lady is Princess Fuyao. They haven't had the wedding ceremony yet. It's fine for us to call her 'Lady' in private, but it's not appropriate in front of outsiders. Her Highness is a very nice person. You'll see when you meet her..."

After they left, Chen Xuan looked around the courtyard where he had lived for a while. He had to admit that the Ministry of Works had made great progress by working overtime. The courtyard had been renovated, but the overall style was the same, and it was more elegant and comfortable to look at.

"Brother Xuan, you're here! I've missed you so much, I think about you every day, I can't even eat properly."

A little princess in a gorgeous palace dress came running in from outside the door, lifting her skirt as she rushed into Chen Xuan's arms like a swallow returning to its nest. The guards wisely avoided her.

Reaching out, he wrapped his arms around her slender waist. Holding the soft, fragrant little princess in his arms, Chen Xuan spun her around twice and said, "Happy New Year, Qian Ning! I've missed you so much too. A day apart feels like three autumns. Give me a kiss, mwah!"

The little princess, her eyes glazed over as Chen Xuan tasted her lips, nestled in his arms and playfully punched him with her little fists, protesting, "It's broad daylight! Brother Xuan, you're so mean! You bully me as soon as you arrive!"

...(End of chapter)