Misty Rain of the Old Times

"Young Master, just do whatever you want. I'll support you in spirit. How bad can things get?" Chen Xuan encouraged Gao Jingming, frustrated by his long-winded but ultimately unsuccessful plan for the future.

Xiao Gao, who was originally full of confidence and ready to make great strides, looked at Chen Xuan with a helpless expression and shook his head, saying, "Xuan, what kind of encouragement is this? So it's just verbal support?"

In truth, he understood Chen Xuan's meaning: he was telling him that no matter what kind of storm his actions stirred up, Chen Xuan would be there to back him up in the end. Even if he failed, he wouldn't be in danger. However, since the two brothers understood each other implicitly, there was no need to be so direct.

"Young Master, as you know, although I'm quite free, I don't know how to do the things you mentioned. I'd only cause trouble. I can only talk about it. Otherwise, tell me who you want to chop up. That's something I'm quite good at," Chen Xuan said, shrugging his shoulders and indicating that he didn't care what anyone did.

Laughing, Xiao Gao said, "Forget it, Ah Xuan, don't do anything reckless. Go and travel with your beautiful young lovers. That's your life. You are a free spirit, and the mud of this world is not worth your lingering."

“Young Master understands me best. Have you ever thought about asking the Master to come and give you some advice? He has a wealth of knowledge, but he has been trapped in Jade Mountain for decades and has been frustrated and unfulfilled. Now that Young Master has established a solid foundation, it is time for you, his disciple, to help him fulfill his long-cherished wish,” Chen Xuan said with a smile, and after hesitating for a moment, he put forward his thoughts.

Startled by this, slightly tipsy, Xiao Gao pondered, "I'll consider it. I don't know if my master is still in the mood for it."

This was a matter between the master and disciple, so Chen Xuan didn't say much. He raised his glass and said cheerfully, "Come on, young master, let's have a drink. It's been a while since we've had such a heartfelt chat alone. Let's drink to our hearts' content tonight."

“Hmm, Ah Xuan, speaking of which, I really miss the old days. Besides studying, we would play and have fun, dreaming about our future ideals. But now I’m entangled in worldly affairs and don’t have much time to think about myself. Sigh,” Xiao Gao suddenly sighed.

Chen Xuan also said with some emotion, "People all grow up. When you grow up, you live more for others to see. How many people will truly care about you? Back then, Young Master said he wanted to grow up quickly. Does he still want to grow up now?"

“We can’t go back, Ah Xuan, but you’re different. I feel like you haven’t changed at all. Do you remember what I said? When we were kids, I thought you were more mature than me, but now I think you’re more childish than me.” Xiao Gao said with a strange look on his face. He really couldn’t understand why Chen Xuan had maintained the same mindset all these years.

Blinking, Chen Xuan said seriously, "Because my brain isn't very sharp, I don't have any worries and can always maintain a good mindset."

"I think Ah Xuan, you don't care about anything because your cultivation is so strong that nothing can threaten you," Gao Jingming said enviously. Sometimes he wondered if he had Ah Xuan's cultivation, who could stop him from doing anything?

But whenever that thought crossed his mind, he resolutely rejected it, because he clearly understood that using violence to promote one's ideas was absolutely unsustainable and would only harm both oneself and others; it was not a long-term solution.

"Oh, it's good that the young master knows about this; it's rather embarrassing to say it out loud."

With a wry smile, Xiao Gao looked at the crescent moon rising in the sky and suddenly said, "Only when ordinary people are well-fed will they have the strength to open their eyes and see the world!"

Perhaps this was just a casual remark from Xiao Gao, but Chen Xuan secretly gasped upon hearing it. Sure enough, Xiao Gao's 'ambition' was too great!
Ensuring that ordinary people have enough to eat is already incredibly difficult in this day and age. To expect them to open their eyes to the world is doomed to fail given the current environment. With limited access to information, even if they are well-fed and everyone can afford to go to school, how much will they actually experience? The vast majority of people will still live, grow old, get sick, and die in a small place.

His two ideas, when put into practice, would be to subvert the order of this era and put him in direct opposition to the whole world. How could they possibly succeed? The common people are struggling to make ends meet, and that is what the upper class wants to see. Once they are full, they will want more and will take a share of what the upper class controls. How could that be allowed?
To expect them to open their eyes to the world is to put them on the same level as the upper echelons. Not to mention this era, it's impossible even in Chen Xuan's hometown!
But Chen Xuan didn't pour cold water on it, because even if some things are destined not to succeed, someone always has to step forward. Even if it's just a thought, a hope, such pioneers are destined to be great. It's a heart-stirring feat that no individual's strength can match.

After taking another drink, Chen Xuan laughed and said, "Young Master, you're drunk."

"This is nothing! Come on, Ah Xuan, let's continue. It's been a while since I've relaxed like this."

"Looks like I'll have to come here more often to freeload off the young master."

"If you couldn't have wanted this more, you'd better stay and not leave."

"Young master, you wish! I haven't even seen the tip of the iceberg of this wonderful world yet. Just as you said, I am the free wind, of course I should drift freely in the world, how could I linger in one place forever..."

As night deepened, the two, having enjoyed their drinks, went to rest.

The next morning, Chen Xuan woke up in his private courtyard. With his cultivation level, no matter how much he drank last night, he didn't feel the discomfort of a hangover. As usual, he got up early to practice his calming and health-preserving exercises.

When he had finished his activities, a maidservant came to the courtyard gate and invited him, "Young Master Chen, the young mistress invites you to have breakfast."

"Thank you, please let me know. I'll be right there," Chen Xuan nodded as he finished work.

The little girl and Du Juan brought him toiletries in time, and helped him wash his face, comb his hair, and tidy up his appearance. He was already used to it, and Chen Xuan was too lazy to do it himself. He thought to himself that he had really become a useless person.

Afterwards, the group went to the living room, where Lü Qingrong was already waiting. Chen Xuan bowed and said, "Good morning, Madam. Where is the young master? Why isn't he here?"

"Ah Xuan is here! Please have a seat. Breakfast will get cold if you wait too long. Your husband went to the yamen before dawn. Did you stay well last night?" Lü Qingrong greeted him warmly.

If it were anyone else, Lü Qingrong certainly wouldn't have received them separately if Gao Jingming wasn't there, but Chen Xuan is different.

"Please sit down, young mistress. Your health is the most important thing right now. Thank you for your concern, young mistress. Everything was fine last night," Chen Xuan said quickly, thinking to himself, "Does Xiao Gao have to be so enthusiastic? He's a county official, not attending court in the capital. What's the point of being an official? He's so busy that he doesn't even have enough time to rest."

Lu Qingrong personally added porridge to his bowl, saying, "Ah Xuan, there's no need to be so polite. We're not strangers. Try it and see if it suits your taste."

"Thank you for your trouble, young mistress. I can do it myself. Does the young master get up this early every day?" Chen Xuan said, taking the bowl and chopsticks.

Speaking of this, Lü Qingrong said with some helplessness, "It's been like this most of the time since we came to Zhoushan County. My husband has so many things to do every day. Today, he was woken up before dawn because a major murder case had occurred in a county below, with more than ten people dead. He needs to go and investigate it personally. I'm not afraid of being laughed at by Ah Xuan, but I also want my husband to spend more time with me. However, I know he has ambitions, and as a weak woman, I can't help much. I try my best not to hold my husband back."

"Young Master has had a tough time too. Young Madam is very understanding. With such a virtuous wife as Young Master, he will surely be able to realize his ambitions in the future," Chen Xuan said with a heartfelt smile.

With a gentle smile, Lü Qingrong hesitated for a moment before saying, "My husband is usually too tired, and I can't help him much, which makes me feel bad. I can only try not to trouble him. Ah Xuan, you have no idea how happy he was yesterday. If you have time in the future, please come and spend more time with him. My husband has a lot on his mind, I can feel it. He only truly relaxes when he's with you."

"Don't worry, young mistress, even if you don't say anything, I'll still come and bother you often."

"That's good……"

After chatting and eating their fill, Chen announced his departure from Lü Qingrong. Although there were maids and servants around, he and Gao Jingming, no matter how good their relationship was, still needed to avoid suspicion, so it was inconvenient for him to stay any longer.

Arriving at the front yard, Chen Xuan felt conflicted. Xiao Gao had gone to work early in the morning, leaving him feeling lost and unsure of what to do.

After thinking for a moment, he said simply, "Let's go, Sister Roujiajuan, let's go to the city for a stroll. Staying indoors all day isn't going to do anything."

“Yes, sir, is there anything we need to prepare?” Du Juan nodded.

Chen Xuan shook his head and said, "No need, just bring some money and leave a message saying we won't be back for lunch."

As I said before, it's inconvenient to always eat at the same table with Lü Qingrong when Xiao Gao isn't around.

However, the little girl laughed and said, "I thought Master was going to take a nap."

Chen Xuan gave her a light flick on the forehead and chuckled, "This isn't home, after all. It's not right to just lie around all day."

Amidst laughter and conversation, the group went out and strolled around the city. However, it was only a short time since the New Year, and the trees had not yet sprouted. Zhoushan County had no famous historical sites or attractions, so it was quite boring. Chen Xuan simply chartered a small boat and drifted along the city's extensive waterways.

I came to visit Xiao Gao, but it wasn't really a visit; it felt more like coming home. However, Xiao Gao was busy with work, while I had nothing to do. How should I put it? I felt uncomfortable and a little awkward. To use an inappropriate analogy, it was like a city son-in-law visiting his father-in-law in the countryside—completely lost and out of place.

Boating on the river, there was nothing to see on either bank, which made Chen Xuan drowsy. He spent the whole day with Du Juan's plump thighs as his pillow. He wandered around the entire Zhoushan County twice, without any excitement. When he got bored, Chen Xuan inexplicably felt tormented, which was simply unbelievable.

They ate something quick and easy outside for lunch and afternoon. When they noticed Xiao Gao getting off work in the distance in the afternoon, Chen Xuan took the girl and the others, paid the boat fare, and strolled back.

On the way back, Chen Xuan asked Du Juan, who had been using his lap as a pillow for most of the day, "Sister Juan, are your legs numb?"

"No, sir. I was worried you weren't comfortable with your pillow. In the past, my legs wouldn't go numb even after meditating for hours without moving," Du Juan shook her head and said, feeling rather pleased that she had fulfilled her duty as a personal maid.

"That's good. If you feel unwell, just tell me. Don't force yourself to be comfortable," Chen Xuan smiled, secretly wondering if he should prepare a few pairs of stockings for Sister Juan.
No, when did I start being so content with enjoying myself? Whatever, as long as I'm happy.

The little girl secretly puffed out her cheeks. "My legs are pretty good too, Master. Maybe you want to lean on them? They're just not as long as Sister Juan's..."

Upon returning to Xiao Gao's residence, he had already finished get off work and was seeing off a guest. The guest appeared to be of high status, as he nodded slightly to Chen Xuan as he left.

Seeing Chen Xuan and the others return, Xiao Gao greeted them, "Xuan'er's back! Did you have fun today? I've been so busy with work that I haven't had time to greet you, don't worry about it."

"Young master, you're too kind. It was alright, just a bit boring. By the way, who was that just now?" Chen Xuan shook his head and glanced at the departing carriage.

Xiao Gao gestured for him to come inside and said, "I was too happy yesterday and forgot to tell everyone that Qingrong's pregnancy must not be spread. Today it's all over the place, and some people are using it as an excuse to come and give gifts. It's not easy to kick them out, especially among colleagues. Sigh."

"That's great news! Why isn't the young master happy about it?" Chen Xuan joked.

Shaking his head, Xiao Gao said, "Ah Xuan, stop joking. Do you think I want this? I'd rather avoid this kind of thing than do that, okay?"

"Tsk, social interactions in officialdom are unavoidable; it must be tough on you, young master." "You know that? Never mind, let's not think about it. Come on, let's go have a drink. If anyone else comes, I'll have Xiao Song handle them."

"Still drinking? You just drank several jars yesterday."

"Otherwise, what should we do? Invite you to a brothel to listen to music?"

"Let's drink instead. I'm worried you'll get beaten to death by the young mistress, young master."

"How could that be? Qingrong is such a gentle person, she'd even give us money if we went."

"Young Master, you're getting impatient. It's the Young Madam who manages the money now, isn't it? No wonder you said yesterday you were so poor you wanted to sell your calligraphy and paintings on the street."

"No, I didn't! Ah Xuan, don't talk nonsense!"

"Haha, young master, look how anxious you are. By the way, what have you been busy with today?"

"It's official business, what else could it be? The biggest thing is that a major murder case has occurred down below, it's caused quite a stir, and the local authorities can't handle it, so it's been reported to the county level. I've already arranged for people to deal with it."

"Tsk, it seems this wasn't the work of martial arts practitioners; otherwise, it would have been the Martial Arts Forbidden Division that was mobilized."

"Yes, it was two groups of fishermen who started arguing over a fish catch, which escalated into a fight and resulted in more than ten deaths. It was on the verge of turning into a large-scale armed conflict. The county authorities couldn't handle it anymore and reported it to higher authorities, requesting that troops be sent to suppress it. They have to report such a small matter to higher authorities and send troops? What's wrong with the people below?"

"This matter could be big or small, young master, please don't tell me these things. By the way, it seems that your position as prefect is one where you have both military and political power?"

"That's true, but there are also the inspectors. They're not involved in military or political affairs, but they will monitor, record, and report my every word and action. I can't afford to act recklessly."

"Okay, so what are you doing tomorrow?"

"If this still can't be resolved, I might have to go there myself."

"So, young master, you're going to leave me all alone again?"

"Ah Xuan, please understand, why don't you come with me?"

"No way, young master, you know my temper. If I can't stand those smiling tigers in officialdom, I'll beat them up. So don't go and cause you trouble or make things difficult for you."

"Ah Xuan, have you become so violent now?"

"You just found out...?"

After another round of hearty drinking, Xiao Gao went to the countryside before dawn the next day to deal with the armed conflict. Chen Xuan had heard about it; it seemed that both sides had gathered over a thousand people. If it wasn't handled properly, too many people would die, and he, as the prefect, would be in trouble. He would be marked as incompetent, which would affect his performance evaluation.

Could someone be sabotaging Xiao Gao?

Chen Xuan didn't dwell on it. Xiao Gao would definitely handle this trivial matter. If he couldn't handle it, he would only make things worse. He couldn't just slap them all to death and be done with it.

Then came another boring day. Chen Xuan chartered a boat to go sightseeing outside the city. However, spring had not yet arrived and all things had not yet sprouted. The mountains were bare and there was really nothing to see, even though they looked like an ink wash painting from a distance.

What's even more infuriating is that Chen Xuan and his group spent a whole day enjoying the scenery without any bandits or bullies causing trouble. Is it really that peaceful under Xiao Gao's rule? Perhaps those villains have all behaved themselves because Xiao Gao is new here, and they're afraid of being used as examples to teach him a lesson.

Xiao Gao didn't return until late that night, and he even smelled of blood. He took a moment to tell Chen Xuan that the matter had been resolved, but he didn't go into the details. He only said that it was a dispute between fishermen on the border of the two counties over fishing waters. At this time of year, when the harvest was scarce, many fishermen were relying on fishing to get through the period.

Afterwards, Xiao Gao apologized again, saying that he couldn't accompany Chen Xuan the next day because he had to go down to inspect the flood control measures in the water area. The rainy season was coming soon after the spring, and if floods were not prevented in advance and caused large-scale disasters, it would be a failure of his administration.

Chen Xuan understood this, but lamented that being an official was too busy and he couldn't stand such a boring life. So, taking advantage of Xiao Gao's inspection trip, he simply left a letter and ran away with the maids, just like he had done in the capital.

When Lü Qingrong received the letter from Chen Xuan delivered by the servant, she felt secretly guilty. She felt bad for not being able to entertain Chen Xuan properly, but as a woman, she couldn't possibly take Chen Xuan on a trip. Even though Chen Xuan earnestly said that he had something to take care of and was leaving, she knew that was just an excuse. She could only try to make up for it later.

When Xiao Gao returned from his two-day inspection, he was also filled with melancholy upon hearing the news. He was no longer a young man and rarely had the leisure to travel in his blue robes. He could only raise his cup to the empty moon and feel that his youthful ambitions were not free.

Growing up always involves losing something...

"Master, if we leave like this, won't Young Master Gao have something to say?" Du Juan asked hesitantly as they sped forward in the clouds.

Although Chen Xuan and Xiao Gao have spent little time together these past few days, she has deeply appreciated the profound friendship between them.

Chen Xuan said nonchalantly, "It's alright. Xiao Gao is used to me doing this. It's normal for me to suddenly visit him and then suddenly leave. If I didn't do this, he would overthink it. If that kind of effeminate farewell really happened, he would definitely suspect that something happened to me and I was explaining something."

"I see," Du Juan nodded. She didn't quite understand the unspoken understanding between the two, and she was also thinking of Chen Xuan, worried that doing so would affect their relationship.

After leaving Zhoushan County, Chen Xuan and his group returned to their home in Yang County in no time. After putting their things away, Chen Xuan collapsed onto a recliner, feeling utterly exhausted, and exclaimed, "Home is so comfortable! Although it's boring, it just feels different."

"Master, please rest for a while. The snow has melted completely since I've been away for several days. I'll go tidy up and check on the horses while I'm at it," the diligent little maid said, getting busy as soon as she arrived home.

Chen Xuan waved his hand listlessly and said, "Go on with your work. We have to go out again tomorrow, which will probably take a few days. I just don't know if it will go smoothly."

"Master, I'll go make you some tea," Du Juan said, covering Chen Xuan with a thin blanket. She didn't ask where they were going tomorrow; he could just follow along.

With his eyes closed and legs kicking, Chen Xuan stuck out his bottom and said, "No need, Sister Juan, I'm just going to take a nap. This warm early spring sun is making me so sleepy."

"Then I'll go see if Roujia needs any help," Dujuan said, covering Chen Xuan with the blanket again before leaving. She kept turning back, worried that Chen Xuan might kick off the blanket, acting like she was taking care of a child.

He woke up groggily to find it was already dusk. Chen Xuan stretched and yawned repeatedly, asking, "How long have I been sleeping?"

"Master, you're awake. You've been sleeping for more than two hours. It will be dark in half an hour. Would you like a cup of tea to refresh yourself?" Du Juan replied from the side. She had returned to watch over him at some point, and was carrying a pot of tea in her arms.

Nodding, Chen Xuan muttered as she poured the tea, which carried a subtle feminine fragrance, "Doesn't that mean we'll have to go to sleep after dark? Wasting time like this every day is practically a crime."

Du Juan didn't think there was anything wrong with this; it was the life countless people dreamed of. She held the teacup to Chen Xuan's lips and said, "Master, Roujia has gone to cook. When are we eating? Oh, and someone delivered two letters while you were resting."

Eat, sleep, sleep, eat; I'm useless, so that's fine.

After taking a sip of tea, Chen Xuan, feeling much more awake, asked, "Let's eat when it's ready. Let's eat right here in this pavilion. And then, whose letter?"

“Yes, sir, the letters are here, but we didn’t dare open them,” Du Juan said, handing over two letters.

Chen Xuan took the letters and opened them one after another. The first one was sent by Madam Gao. In the letter, she said that she had already set off for Zhoushan County yesterday. She learned that her daughter-in-law was pregnant after receiving Gao Jingming's urgent letter. As a mother-in-law, she rushed to take care of her daughter-in-law herself. Leng Bing and Mr. Yushan accompanied her. He told her not to worry about her safety.

Chen Xuan was not surprised by this; he knew it would turn out this way.

However, in the letter, Madam Gao also mentioned something else: a few days ago, someone in Jingting County was openly inquiring about Chen Xuan's whereabouts. Steward He, who was on business there, overheard this and felt it was necessary to inform Chen Xuan.

Butler He learned about this situation through some channels and found out that the person who inquired about Chen Xuan was a woman in red from Yuhua Kingdom named He Hongyi. He didn't know anything else, since she was from another country and his purpose was unknown. He reminded Chen Xuan to be careful.

'He Hongyi, one of the ten most renowned beauties in the martial arts world of Yuhua Kingdom, actually came looking for me after inquiring about me?'

Upon seeing this news, Chen Xuan didn't know whether to be happy or 'fearful'. Thinking back to what He Hongyi had said, was she serious? Was that beautiful female knight-errant really that bold in love and hate?

Then came the second letter. After reading it, Chen Xuan was completely shocked. To his even greater surprise, it was from Guo Qingxue. Just a few days after he revealed Yang Guo's identity at the Tai Xuan Sect, Guo Qingxue found out and sent the letter urgently. She was going to come find him soon, and might already be on her way!

He Hongyi and Guo Qingxue, have I become a hot commodity?
Scratching his head, Chen Xuan couldn't understand what they were thinking either. As a man, it would be a lie to say he wasn't happy about this kind of thing, but he had gotten used to it after it happened so many times.

I subconsciously looked at the lush little peach tree by the yard. Could it be that I planted a peach tree that I brought from my hometown, so I'm destined to have many romantic encounters?
"Master, what happened?" Du Juan asked cautiously when she saw him standing there in a daze.

Shaking his head, Chen Xuan said, "It's alright, let's eat and drink as usual, and set off early tomorrow morning to collect geomagnetic essence from Wanku Mountain."

Running away from this isn't the solution. Whatever, life goes on as usual. It's just a happy kind of trouble... (End of Chapter)