Misty Rain of the Old Times

"Emerald mountains like dark eyebrows, clear waters rippling on the surface"—these eight characters best describe the scenery of Zhoushan County.

In this warm spring season, the distant mountains are as green as if splashed with ink, the wildflowers are in full bloom, and the green waters surround the area. Taking a boat trip on the river to enjoy the scenery is an extremely pleasant experience.

The beauty of nature is best appreciated from afar; once you get close, your mood won't be so pleasant. This is because the mountains are filled with impoverished laborers who stand amidst the picturesque landscape, sweating profusely, with no time to look up and admire the mesmerizing scenery.

Chen Xuan came south and went straight to Xiao Gao's residence after entering Zhoushan County. On the way, he took a look at the mountains and fields under his feet, observed carefully, and keenly discovered some seemingly ordinary little details.

Having been there once before, Chen Xuan knew the way well and went straight to Xiao Gao's residence. In the afternoon, the gate was tightly closed, and the sunlight made the vermilion gate appear fiery red, with the copper nails gleaming.

Looking at the tightly closed gate, Chen Xuan wondered if Xiao Gao hadn't finished get off work yet? It was the busy farming season, and as a prefectural official, he must be quite busy.

But then he thought again, something didn't seem right. He had already told Xiao Gao that he was getting married on March 3rd. Could that guy have forgotten about it? What kind of relationship did they have? Even if he was busy, how could he forget about it?

As these thoughts flashed through his mind, Chen Xuan quickly realized that the courtyard where Xiao Gao lived was quite deserted. He didn't even feel that Madam Gao and Lü Qingrong were at home. Surely they couldn't have gone out to do other things too.

Just as Chen Xuan was wondering, a black-clad guard with a sword at the door saw him and immediately bowed in surprise, saying, "Young Master Chen?"

This is clearly Xiao Gao's private bodyguard, not an official from the government. Using public resources for private purposes is a major taboo no matter where you are. Even if an official from the government were willing, the imperial system would not allow such a situation to occur.

I saw this man last time I came here. He usually accompanies Xiao Gao on inspections in the mountains and countryside. Chen Xuan greeted him with a smile, "Guard Zhan, how have you been lately? Is the young master still on duty at this hour?"

Guard Zhan quickly said, "Young Master Chen, your timing is unfortunate. The young master is not at home. I heard that he requested a half-month leave from his superior a few days ago. We dare not inquire about the specific reasons. By the way, the young master stayed at home for a few days and left early this morning, accompanied by the young mistress and the old lady. I do not know where they went. Young Master Chen, please invite him in. I will go and inform Steward Wei. He should know."

Upon hearing this, Chen Xuan was stunned. He knew exactly what was going on. It seemed that Xiao Gao and the others had already made preparations. They probably waited and waited for him, but he never came, so they simply set off for the capital. What a mess this was.

I'm late. It's been almost half a day. They probably haven't gone far yet. If they try to get to the capital on their own, they'll probably be exhausted in five days.

Thinking to himself, Chen Xuan asked, "Didn't Wei Song go with them?"

"Butler Wei didn't go. We didn't dare to ask about the young master's instructions. But since the young master and the others have gone out, someone has to keep an eye on things at home. Young Master Chen, please come in quickly," Guard Zhan said with a smile. Without hesitation, he prepared to open the main gate. Only Chen Xuan had this privilege, as Gao Jingming had personally instructed him.

Before long, another guard had already gone in to inform them; he did have that much sense.

Wei Song is now Xiao Gao's housekeeper. If Chen Xuan hadn't achieved what he has today in martial arts, this job should have been his. It's just a twist of fate.

"Where is Young Master Chen? Quickly open the gate to welcome him!"

Just as Chen Xuan was about to go after Xiao Gao and the others, Wei Song's voice rang out from inside the courtyard, arriving before he did.

Seeing him come out from the side door, Chen Xuan paused briefly to greet him, "Steward Wei, I haven't seen you for a while. How have you been lately?"

"Young Master Chen is too kind. Please come in. The young master and the others set off for the capital this morning to congratulate you," Wei Song said, bowing respectfully. He was very humble and dared not put on airs as the steward of the prefect in front of Chen Xuan. He was joking, after all, he was only a steward because he was lucky to be Chen Xuan's steward. He could be dismissed with a single word.

The gate was already open, but Chen Xuan waved his hand and said, "I've already heard from Guard Zhan about where the young master and the others are. I came here specifically to pick up Madam and the others, so I won't go in. I'll just go find the young master and the others along the way."

“Well… Young Master Chen is already at the door. If we don’t come in, the young master and the others will definitely blame us for neglecting you,” Wei Song said nervously. From Gao Jingming’s perspective, he and Chen Xuan were of equal status, but could the two be treated the same?
With a smile, Chen Xuan said, "It's alright, young master knows my personality. By the way, do you know the route they're taking?"

“Reporting to Young Master Chen, the young master and the others specifically instructed me before they set off that they would travel along the official road to the capital. If you come, please let me inform you,” Wei Song quickly replied.

As expected of his childhood friend, he anticipated his arrival. Muttering to himself, Chen Xuan nodded and said, "I understand. Okay, I'll go find the young master and the others. Don't worry about me."

After recalling the map of Jing Kingdom, Chen Xuan vanished in a flash, so fast that no one around him could react.

Looking at the empty doorway, Wei Song hesitated, as he hadn't yet had a chance to congratulate Chen Xuan.

Gao Jingming and the others set off for the capital, and someone had to stay here to look after things, so Wei Song was unable to attend Chen Xuan's wedding in person.

Chen Xuan hurried along the official road and soon saw Gao Jingming's convoy in the distance. There were five carriages in total, and they were riding fast along the official road. It hadn't rained since the beginning of the year, and there was a cloud of dust behind them.

Inside the carriages, Chen Xuan sensed the presence of Gao Jingming and his group. Gao Jingming and Lü Qingrong were in one carriage, Madam Gao and Master Gao were in another, Mr. Yushan and his loyal servant Uncle Zhong were in another, Leng Bing was in a separate carriage, and there were several maids and servants in another. In addition, there were more than a dozen guards on horseback escorting them. They were traveling light.

The roads in this era were already difficult to travel, and the shock absorption of the carriages was simply indescribable. For them to ride so fast was a painful experience even for martial arts practitioners, let alone for weak women, especially since Lü Qingrong was pregnant.

Seeing this, Chen Xuan felt ashamed. He could only imagine how much hardship they would suffer on their way to the capital. Even though he had said he would come to pick them up, they hadn't communicated the specific time properly. Chen Xuan was truly to blame for this.

If she didn't truly care about Chen Xuan, who would go to such lengths to travel thousands of miles? Especially since Lü Qingrong was in the crucial months of her pregnancy, it could even be said that she was risking a miscarriage due to the arduous journey!
Fortunately, Leng Bing, a master of innate cultivation, was among the group, constantly protecting Lü Qingrong with her true energy. Otherwise, an accident might have occurred if they were not careful, and Chen Xuan would have been in grave danger.

"Young masters, please wait a moment," Chen Xuan said as he caught up with them. His voice was clear to everyone. As soon as he finished speaking, he appeared in front of the convoy, floating backward as if weightless.

Inside the carriage, Gao Jingming, who was nestled between the young couple, exclaimed in surprise, "Wife, did you hear that? I think I heard Ah Xuan's voice!"

Even though Gao Jingming was only at the Acquired Realm, his cultivation through superior techniques was quite impressive. With him there and Leng Bing secretly protecting her, Lü Qingrong did not suffer. Her face flushed, she nodded and said, "Husband, I think I heard it too."

“It’s definitely Ah Xuan. Good lad, he actually caught up with us,” Gao Jingming said, both amused and exasperated.

In the desolate wilderness, the convoy had slowly come to a stop, and Chen Xuan landed on the road in front of the convoy. Gao Jingming couldn't wait to help Lü Qingrong out, and sure enough, it was as expected.

At this moment, the people in the carriage came out one by one, and Chen Xuan bowed to them one by one, saying, "Greetings, Master, Madam, Sir, Young Master, Young Madam, Miss Leng... I hope I haven't disturbed you?"

Even though he hadn't spent much time with Master Gao since childhood, he was still the head of the Gao family, so Chen Xuan still had to put him first.

The somewhat overweight Mr. Gao jumped down from the carriage, turned around to help Mrs. Gao down, and then turned to Chen Xuan with a smile, saying, "Little Chen, what are you doing here? I almost thought I misheard you."

Chen Xuan quickly replied, "I went to the young master's residence just now and learned that you, sir, had already set off for the capital, so I rushed here. Fortunately, you, sir, haven't gone far."

In fact, they had already traveled four or five hundred miles since they set off this morning, traveling light and fast on horseback, but Chen Xuan said that they had just learned about it and rushed over.

Even knowing Chen Xuan's abilities, Master Gao was still somewhat moved upon hearing this.

The elegant and dignified Madam Gao beckoned to Chen Xuan and said, "My dear child, we've been waiting for you for ages, and you never showed up. We thought you'd forgotten, but with the wedding date fast approaching, we didn't want to miss your big day, so we had no choice but to go ourselves."

She could criticize Chen Xuan without restraint, but not others, not even Master Gao.

It wasn't a reprimand, but a reminder to Chen Xuan that he was about to start a family and build a career, so he needed to be more prudent in his actions.

Stepping forward, Chen Xuan said somewhat guiltily, "Madam is right. It was my fault for not communicating properly beforehand. I won't be so rash again."

A group of people gathered together. Gao Jingming was much more relaxed. Supporting Lü Qingrong, he said speechlessly, "Ah Xuan, why did you have to come now of all times? We're all here now, in this awkward situation. What kind of mess is this?"

Chen Xuan immediately pouted and said, "Didn't I say I was coming to pick you up? You were the ones in such a hurry, why blame me?"

This was how the two of them interacted. As he spoke, Chen Xuan quickly looked at the others and said with a forced smile, "Master, Madam, Sir, I meant Young Master, anyway, it was my fault."

Mr. Yushan, in his wheelchair, laughed and said, "Alright, alright, we're all family, no need to be so formal. Xiao Xuan, what are your plans next?"

The cold-blooded woman beside him remained unsmiling. She tried to soften her expression as she looked at Chen Xuan, nodding as a greeting. After that incident, she rarely spoke and almost never smiled.

With a smile, Chen Xuan said, "This desolate wilderness isn't a good place. How about this, I'll take you directly to the capital to settle down first."

Upon hearing this, Gao Jingming glanced around and looked at Chen Xuan with a doubtful expression, saying, "Xuan, I know you're very capable, but with so many of us, and so many horses and carriages, can you manage?"

Chen Xuan rolled his eyes and said, "Young Master, you underestimate me. It's understandable for others to doubt me, but for you to doubt me too is really hurtful."

Let alone all these people, horses, and carriages, even if Chen Xuan carried a small mountain, it would be a piece of cake. Keep in mind that his cultivation is improving at an incredible rate every day within the same realm; he's not standing still. Madam Gao knew Chen Xuan wouldn't boast, but she still hesitated, saying, "Don't be reckless, child. If it really comes to it, we can drive there. It'll just take a little longer."

Chen Xuan was much more obedient in front of her, and said earnestly, "Madam, please don't worry, it's very easy. You should go back to the carriage first, and I'll take you to the capital right away. It won't take long. By the way, it's best not to look out of the carriage, so as not to make you feel uncomfortable."

"Haha, then we'll have to trouble Xiao Xuan. Madam, let's go back to the carriage and not add to his burden," Master Gao readily agreed, curious and expectant about how Chen Xuan would take so many of them to the capital.

It was something that had been agreed upon long ago. Chen Xuan was only half a day late, and they had set off earlier, so they finalized the deal in just a few words after meeting.

“Alright, Xiao Xuan, you’ll have to put in some effort. If it’s too much trouble, let the guards go back and help you lighten the load,” Mr. Yushan nodded and then got back into the car with Uncle Zhong’s help.

As they returned to their respective carriages, Gao Jingming taunted Chen Xuan, "Xuan, don't push yourself. There are so many of us. Take it easy. Master is right. If it really comes to it, just have the guards take the carriage back. You can take us with you. There's plenty of manpower in the capital."

The Gao family also owns a large mansion in the capital. Last year, when he got married, the mansion that Gao Jingyu arranged was not a one-time thing.

Chen Xuan's gaze swept over Gao Jingming, and he questioned him in a voice only the two of them could hear: "Young Master, putting everything else aside, you're going to go to my wedding empty-handed? I prepared gifts for you for half a year, how can you be so shameless? I noticed earlier that you didn't seem to bring any wedding gifts either. It's fine for the Master, Madam, and Master to go in person, but you... tsk tsk, going empty-handed, I'm afraid our relationship has cooled down."

"It's such an honor for me, a top scholar, to come and congratulate you. How dare you ask for a gift, Ah Xuan?" Gao Jingming said matter-of-factly, raising his chin.

Chen Xuan gave a thumbs up and said, "You're really my good buddy! No problem. Alright, hurry back to the carriage, we're leaving right away."

Joking aside, getting them to the capital is the priority. Chen Xuan still has to pick up other people. It seems like he can't get it done today, but luckily there's still plenty of time.

As the group returned to their respective carriages, Chen Xuan reminded the guards and maids to close their eyes to avoid physical discomfort, as the young maids had learned this lesson the hard way.

Once everyone was ready, Chen Xuan channeled his abundant true energy, transforming it into an invisible, gentle force field that enveloped them. They soared into the sky and headed straight for the capital. Even with a large number of people, it was an incredibly easy task for him. At most, it would just consume a lot of true energy—a mere drizzle.

He even led everyone to the capital at a speed many times faster than the speed of sound, all without making a sound or creating a sonic boom cloud through friction with the air. This demonstrates the incredible skill he possessed in martial arts. He was using his actions to repeatedly elevate the prestige of the Grandmaster level!

This action was so astonishing that, flying high in the sky and occasionally landing to gain momentum, the speed was so fast that almost no one, whether human or animal, could react in the places it passed through.

Aside from the exponential increase in true essence consumption, the speed was not much different from when Chen Xuan was wearing the Dujuan Su Rou Armor.

In the short time it takes to drink a cup of tea, just a moment ago they were in the wilderness hundreds of miles away from Zhoushan County, and the next moment they had arrived at the open space of Chen Xuan's residence in the capital.

The capital city is indeed full of hidden talents. Chen Xuan's arrival in the capital was quite conspicuous. No matter how fast they went, some people would notice them. However, Chen Xuan didn't care about that at all. Those who noticed this scene were not ordinary people. Looking in their direction, they probably realized who had done such a thing. They were shocked, but not so surprised.

"Master, Madam, Sir, Young Master, please come out, we've arrived," Chen Xuan reminded them after they were on solid ground.

Chen Xuan secretly estimated that this trip had consumed nearly one percent of his true essence, and it would take him a full ten breaths to recover, which was almost as much as the energy he used to shoot an arrow in Giant City!

"We're here now?"

I've only just settled into my seat.

After Chen Xuan's reminder, disbelief erupted from inside the carriage.

They quickly got out of the car and saw that even though they were deep in the courtyard, the iconic floating islands above the capital city couldn't lie; they had really arrived in the capital city so quickly!
Their gazes instinctively turned to Chen Xuan, who seemed completely unaffected, and they were all amazed. What kind of skill was this? How did he manage to do it?
However, the next moment, the sound of vomiting filled the air. Even though Chen Xuan had repeatedly told them to close their eyes, some of them ignored the advice and opened their eyes to witness the journey to the capital. As a result, they couldn't control their physiological reactions after landing.

Fortunately, those who were feeling unwell realized that this was the place of Chen Xuan's wedding, and it had not yet been opened to welcome guests. They were not about to be tainted, so they immediately covered themselves with their sleeves or by lifting up their clothes.

However, this only happened to the guards or servants of the Gao family; Madam Gao and the others were very obedient to advice.

Seeing this, Master Gao, slightly recovering from the shock of their rapid arrival in the capital, looked at Chen Xuan apologetically and said, "I'm sorry, Xiao Xuan, I've made you laugh."

As expected, Chen Xuan waved his hand and laughed, "It's alright, we're family, sir, no need to be so polite."

With a slightly embarrassed smile, Master Gao shook his head at the disobedient guards and maids, saying, "You lot, why don't you hurry back to the manor to change and wash up? Don't cause trouble for Xiao Xuan."

"Yes, sir, we'll go right away," the men said anxiously, and then quickly walked towards the gate. Although they had never been here before, they were from a wealthy family and, after a little observation, could find the way out of the mansion based on the layout.

The Gao family's residence in the capital is not far from Chen Xuan's place, just a street away. They had already visited the family when Gao Jingming got married last time.

Four or five people left, and although some of the rest were physically unwell, they all possessed cultivation and managed to suppress it.

Then Chen Xuan said, "Madam, Master, Young Master, Sir, let me arrange accommodations for you. Roujia, Sister Juan, come and greet our guests."

"Master is back!" As soon as Chen Xuan finished speaking, Du Juan and the others arrived. Seeing so many people, they quickly bowed, as they had all met them before.

Without waiting for Du Juan and the others to arrange accommodations, Master Gao waved his hand and said with a smile, "Xiao Xuan, there's no need for such trouble. Let's go home for the next few days. It's not far, just a few steps away."

Upon hearing this, Chen Xuan hesitated for a moment but did not insist. Indeed, it was not far. Last time Gao Jingming got married, didn't he stay here and wander around?

At this moment, Madam Gao looked around Chen Xuan's residence, her brows gradually furrowing. She glanced at Chen Xuan, then at her surroundings, her gaze constantly shifting.

Everyone else noticed Madam Gao's unusual behavior, not to mention Chen Xuan.

For some reason, upon seeing this, Chen Xuan suddenly felt a little guilty and shrank his neck, saying, "Madam, is there something wrong?"

Then Madam Gao suddenly glared at Chen Xuan and asked curiously, "You child, how dare you ask me if there's anything wrong with me?"

"Huh?" Chen Xuan was puzzled and felt even more guilty for some reason, as he really didn't understand what was going on.

At this moment, everyone else looked at Madam Gao with a puzzled expression.

With a sigh, Madam Gao pointed at Chen Xuan, her finger poking his forehead, and said in a tone of reproach mixed with heartache, "You, what can I say to you? The wedding is just a few days away, and it seems you haven't prepared anything."

Blinking, Chen Xuan quickly looked around at the red and green decorations, and then said weakly, "Isn't everything ready? Why do you say that, Madam?"

Madam Gao's eyes reddened as she said, "I should have come sooner. You're being ridiculous! Without any elders to help you, you've already made all the preparations. Tell me, is the banquet arranged? Is the chef arranged? Are the dishes arranged? Are we going to starve when the guests come in a couple of days?"

Upon hearing this, Chen Xuan was dumbfounded. He really hadn't expected this. Everything seemed to be prepared, but he had overlooked the most important part: entertaining the guests. If Madam Gao hadn't reminded him, he wouldn't have remembered it.

I guess even Old Deng overlooked this point; how could an old man like him pay attention to such a small detail?

At this moment, Madam Gao raised her sleeve to wipe away her tears. Looking at Chen Xuan, she felt both heartache and sorrow. After all, he was a lonely and helpless child, and she couldn't bear to blame him. Her resolve shifted quickly, and she said with relief, "Luckily, we arrived early. We still have enough time. Otherwise, what would we have done? Now, listen to my instructions."

She paused for a moment, then looked at Gao Jingming and said, "Ming'er, go and call all the maids and servants in the house. Let them familiarize themselves with the environment here in Xiao Xuan's place. They can help entertain guests in a couple of days. If you don't have enough manpower, go to your father-in-law's house to ask for some people."

“Okay, Mother, I’ll go right away,” Gao Jingming nodded, patted Chen Xuan on the shoulder, and left quickly.

Then Madam Gao looked at Master Gao and said, "Master, Xiao Xuan is no different from our own child. As elders, we should naturally take care of him. I am a woman and it is not appropriate for me to show my face in public. I dare to ask you to do me a favor and use your connections to invite the chefs from the best restaurants in the capital. Xiao Xuan's marriage is a major event, and it must be done in a grand and glorious manner."

"Madam, you flatter me. I'll go right away. Xiao Xuan is like family; if we don't help him, who will?" Master Gao said readily, then looked at Chen Xuan and said, "Xiao Xuan, don't worry, we'll arrange everything for you."

With that, Master Gao strode away, beaming with delight, naturally followed by several of his personal guards.

Then Madam Gao looked at Chen Xuan and said, "Xiao Xuan, you'll have to make a trip now. Call Steward He over. He has experience with tomorrow's wedding, so he knows many details better. He'll be the one to arrange everything inside and out."

Even though he had a thousand words stuck in his throat, Chen Xuan could only nod emphatically and say, "Yes, Madam, I'll go right away."

...(End of chapter)