Misty Rain of the Old Times

Having just finished breakfast and about to go back to his room to snuggle up with his wife for a nice nap, Chen Xuan looked at Gao Jingming rushing over and asked in surprise, "Young Master, are you going back already?"

Xiao Gao nodded helplessly and said, "Yes, everything is packed. Mother and Linzi are also planning to go back. I'll have to trouble you with this next thing, Ah Xuan."

He was quite anxious, but as a county official, he still had some composure.

"It's nothing, young master, you're too kind," Chen Xuan waved his hand, then added, "Has young master eaten? If not, a little something will do. It won't make a difference if it takes a little more time, will it?"

Given their relationship, they naturally wouldn't stand on ceremony. Xiao Gao smiled and waved his hand, saying, "We've already eaten. If Ah Xuan is alright now, shall we set off?"

The journey to Zhoushan County is more than a thousand miles, so naturally we need to trouble Chen Xuan to see us off as quickly as we came. Otherwise, if we try to get back by normal speed, it will be too late. Seeing Chen Xuan's expression that says, "I know you're in a hurry, but don't rush," we can't help but laugh and cry.

Nodding, Chen Xuan stood up and said to the little princess beside him, "Wife, I'm going to see the young master and the others off. I'll be right back." He then shook his head speechlessly and said, "Working for your family is really exhausting, it's like being driven to my death."

The little princess rolled her eyes at him and said, "It's not like I'm the one rushing you, why are you complaining to me, husband?" Then she looked at Gao Jingming and said, "Brother Gao, if it's not extremely urgent, can't you make an exception for two days?"

Chen Xuan and Xiao Gao are buddies, but even so, the little princess can't call him "young master." Since Xiao Gao is older than Chen Xuan, she uses the more appropriate title of "Big Brother Gao."

She actually wanted to say that if Xiao Gao asked, she could ask for an extension of time, but she wouldn't make the decision directly. Moreover, even as a princess, she couldn't be so willful and reckless, since interfering in politics with someone of her status could have serious consequences.

It's only because of the relationship between Chen Xuan and Xiao Gao that such tactful words would be used by anyone else.

Before Chen Xuan could say anything, Gao Jingming, disregarding everything else, quickly said, "Xuan, those who eat the emperor's food must be loyal to him. Let's set off quickly."

Chen Xuan stepped forward and curled his lip, saying, "How come I didn't know that young master had become so blindly loyal?"

Only Chen Xuan would dare to say such a thing, after all, he even dared to criticize Lao Deng. If anyone else said it, they would probably be asking for trouble.

Xiao Gao was speechless. Ah Xuan was incredibly bold, blurting out anything he wanted to say. Putting that aside, he said worriedly, "Something's happened in Zhoushan County, and it's quite serious. I'm worried about the people there."

Chen Xuan immediately understood that Xiao Gao was not blindly loyal, but rather put the people first.

The little princess rose to see them off, saying with concern, "Husband, Brother Gao, please drive carefully and be safe. Please give my regards to Uncle and Aunt, and also to Brother Deng and the others. I apologize for not being able to see them off due to the suddenness of the matter. Please come visit often when you have time. I will also visit them with my husband."

Since Chen Xuan was leaving, it was only proper and reasonable for the little princess to see him off. But this was too hasty, and there was no preparation at all. It was very impolite to rush over like this. I can only apologize.

Xiao Gao turned back apologetically and said, "Sister-in-law, please stay. You've essentially left without saying goodbye. We should be the ones apologizing."

"Alright, alright, they're not outsiders, I understand, why are you making such a fuss?" Chen Xuan said casually, then added to the little princess, "Don't worry, my wife, I'll be right back after I take them home, very soon."

As the two hurried towards the Gao family's residence in the capital, Chen Xuan asked, "By the way, what's the matter that you're in such a rush to get back? I was originally planning to spend a few days sightseeing in the capital with you after these matters were settled."

Political matters should not be discussed indiscriminately, but what is their relationship? To some extent, Chen Xuan represents principle. Xiao Gao bluntly stated, "Before dawn, urgent news arrived that bandits had broken out in Zhoushan County. The scale is quite large, and if it is not quelled in time, my career will probably be over."

Chen Xuan looked at Xiao Gao with sympathy. What a poor kid, how did he end up in this mess?

However, banditry is bound to affect ordinary people, and Chen Xuan was more concerned about this. He quickened his pace with Xiao Gao and soon arrived at the Gao family's house.

When they arrived, Madam Gao, Mr. Yushan, and Deng Lingfeng were already fully prepared and waiting for Chen Xuan to see them off. Master Gao was also among them, but he was going to take up his post in Huizhou, so he was going in a different direction and was not in such a hurry as Xiao Gao, who had people from the imperial court escorting him.

Upon seeing their arrival, Madam Gao quickly stepped forward apologetically, saying, "Xiao Xuan, you're newly married, I shouldn't have troubled you, but..."

Chen Xuan quickly interrupted, "Madam, there's no need for further formalities. We're family, no need for such formalities. I understand. Business is important. If you're all ready, then let's set off. The sooner we get back, the sooner we can quell the chaos."

Chen Xuan then turned to Master Gao and said, "Master, the journey to Huizhou must be tiring. Why don't I see Madam and the others off first, and then I'll take you? It won't take much time anyway."

Master Gao waved his hand and said, "I don't need to trouble Xiao Xuan. It's not that I'm being polite, but there's a procedure to follow when taking office. If I rush there, what will the people in Huizhou think?"

Chen Xuan thought about it and agreed, so he stopped insisting and nodded, saying, "Then I wish you a smooth journey, sir. If anything comes up, have someone let me know."

"Xiao Xuan, things are quite urgent here tomorrow. We've all packed and are ready to leave at any time," Madam Gao said apologetically. For her, her son's affairs were more important. Actually, she should have gone with Master Gao. After all, a woman follows her husband wherever he goes. But now that her daughter-in-law is pregnant, she, as the mother-in-law, has to take care of her. It's such an important matter to hold a grandson, how could she not care?

Nodding, Chen Xuan said, "Alright, let's not delay, let's go now. Um, like last time, close your eyes to avoid feeling unwell."

Everyone did as instructed. A few days ago, when Chen Xuan picked them up, some of them had already learned their lesson.

Then Chen Xuan led a group of people into the sky and headed into the distance. They did so without any attempt to hide, and their speed was so fast that many passersby who witnessed the scene could not react in time.

On the way to Zhoushan County, Chen Xuan inquired carefully, asking Xiao Gao, "What exactly is going on? Why is there a bandit problem in Zhoushan County all of a sudden? How big is it?"

The two brothers had nothing to hide. Xiao Gao said thoughtfully, "What else could it be? In this lean season, it hasn't rained since the beginning of the year. Although Zhoushan County has a well-developed water system, some areas still inevitably experience drought. This is the trigger. Some outlaws who make a living by plundering have taken the opportunity to wreak havoc. There have already been six bandit incidents in Zhoushan County, one of which involved thousands of bandits who even dared to attack the county seat. The county magistrate has been killed. Ah Xuan, you know why I'm in such a hurry now, right? The pressure has been building up, and now it's on me. If I don't quell this quickly, what I told you before about my career being over is no exaggeration."

Upon hearing this, Chen Xuan frowned slightly. Had things gotten this serious? Man-made disasters are even more terrifying than natural ones.

If chaos is brewing in Zhoushan County, what about other places?
This is a crucial time for farming, yet not a single drop of rain has fallen. Crops cannot be planted, and the poor people see no hope of survival. One can only imagine the chain reaction that would lead to such a situation. Last year, the Rong Kingdom in the south served as a bloody example. The drought in several prefectures caused turmoil throughout the country, and rebel forces rose up everywhere in Rong Kingdom, leaving the entire nation in a state of turmoil and uncertainty.
Chen Xuan was powerless to control natural disasters, and thinking of this, he unconsciously sped up his pace again.

Before long, they arrived at the gate of Gao Jingming's residence in Zhoushan County.

As soon as he steadied himself, Gao Jingming said hurriedly, "Thank you for your trouble, Ah Xuan. I'll go change my clothes and rush to the yamen. We don't even know how serious the situation is yet. Mother, Qingrong, please stay home and don't go out recently. Linzi, Taiyun, I'm sorry I can't accompany you. Please understand."

After saying that, Xiao Gao rushed into the yard like a dog, without even pausing for a moment.

Looking at her son with some concern, Madam Gao turned back and said, "I'll be busy tomorrow, please bear with me. Come on, let's go inside and sit down." After hesitating for a moment, Chen Xuan said apologetically, "Please forgive me, Madam, I won't disturb you now. Qian Ning is still waiting for me at home. I'll come and bother you again later."

Madam Gao understood; the young couple had just gotten married and were deeply in love. She already felt bad that Chen Xuan had sent them back, so she nodded and said, "Then I won't stop you. We're all family; there's no need to be so formal, otherwise it'll create distance."

Then Chen Xuan asked Deng Lingfeng and the others, "What are you guys doing? Are you going to stay here for a few days or should I take you back now?"

Hey guys, just say what you want to say, there's no need to hesitate.

Deng Lingfeng and the others did not plan to stay either. Firstly, they had been away from home for many days, and secondly, Xiao Gao seemed to have important matters to attend to, so they chose to go back.

Just as they finished discussing the plan, Xiao Gao had already changed into his official robes and come out. Wei Song quickly told the guards and others to follow him, as they were going to give Mr. Yushan some advice.

Xiao Gao, who had just come out, said hurriedly, "I'm going to the yamen first. Please do as you please, and I'll apologize to you later."

Everyone understood and instead advised him not to overwork himself.

Seeing him leave quickly, Chen Xuan said, "Young Master, do you need any help? Just ask. Let's not stand on ceremony, brothers. Don't force yourself to do anything."

"Don't underestimate me, Ah Xuan. Besides, there's this too. It's nothing. If I really need your help, I'm not the kind of person who pretends to be something I'm not," Xiao Gao said, waving his hand without turning his head.

He was holding the Misty Array Flag that Chen Xuan had given him. With this thing, even a master of innate cultivation would have to kneel if they fell into it, unless a grandmaster came in person. So, the banditry was nothing to worry about.

Xiao Gao is very angry; he's clearly serious.

Chen Xuan had no worries about his ability to handle things. After all, this wasn't his fault, and he would actually be credited for quelling the chaos.

After Xiao Gao left, Chen Xuan and the others turned their attention away, exchanged pleasantries and said goodbye to Madam Gao, and then set off again to return to their respective homes.

After sending everyone, including Qinghe and Qingyu, to their respective locations, only Chen Xuan remained. This rare gathering could not avoid the inevitable parting of ways, and it was unknown when they would meet again.

The whole process took Chen Xuan only about an hour, with the most time spent on the parting greetings.

The reunion was followed by separation, and Chen Xuan was not happy at all. He returned to the capital with a somewhat depressed mood.

"Brother Xuan is back! Did you deliver them all?" The little princess appeared by his side immediately to ask. She already felt bad for not being able to see them off in person, and she was only relieved to know that they had arrived safely.

Chen Xuan nodded and said, "Yes, my wife, you can rest assured that I'll handle things."

Sensing Chen Xuan's low spirits, the little princess knew her husband was a man of deep affection and loyalty, and as his wife, she naturally wanted him to cheer up. She suggested, "Brother Xuan, let's go out for a stroll. Let's take Black Tiger, Little Miao, and Hentai He with us. After all, it's rare for them to come to the capital, and we haven't been out since we got married. Springtime is the perfect time for a trip."

She knew how important Erdan and Xiaomiao were to Chen Xuan. She hadn't had time to entertain them in the past few days because she was busy with her wedding, so she naturally wanted to make up for it. The most important thing was to help Chen Xuan relax and adjust his mood.

This was a good suggestion, and Chen Xuan readily agreed. He then invited Xiao Miao and the others to go out for a trip.

With Chen Xuan present, there were no guards, only a few personal maids like Du Juan. With so few people, it was convenient for them to go anywhere.

They spent the entire day sightseeing and didn't return until late at night. They ate lunch and dinner outside. Led by Chen Xuan, they traveled to almost the entire capital and its surrounding areas. They didn't just rush through the sights and check off landmarks; they left their footprints at many worthwhile historical sites.

Chen Xuanxiu was highly skilled, able to reach his destination directly from each place without wasting time on the road.

Chen Xuan secretly took them on a tour of Xiao Xuan Palace, the floating island, the statue of Emperor Taizu, Mirror Lake, the royal gardens, and even the imperial palace, ensuring that Xiao Miao, Er Dan, and the others had no regrets during their trip to the capital.

They could have gone to the palace openly and honestly, but the reason they went secretly was to avoid the elders, since it wasn't time for the wedding homecoming ceremony yet, and Chen Xuan knew the proper etiquette.

They could hide their trip to the palace from everyone but from Elder Rong. However, he didn't show up or make a sound, pretending not to know anything. So what if the little princess secretly ran home with her son-in-law?

On the third day after Chen Xuan's wedding, which was also the day he was to take the little princess back to her parents' home, Erdan and Xiaomiao, the siblings, said their goodbyes early that morning. No matter how good the capital was, they would eventually have to go home. They had already bothered them for so many days and needed to return to their normal lives.

Despite repeated attempts to persuade them to stay, they remained adamant. Helpless, Chen Xuan made a trip to send them all back home. He Hongyi also returned to Yang County. She wanted to stay, but she wasn't married yet, so she couldn't stay at Chen Xuan's house forever.

"Brother Xuan, all good things must come to an end. A temporary separation is for a better reunion. You're the one who told me that. If you're in a bad mood, let me show you how my legs are. I'm wearing stockings, you know."

With their relatives and friends gone, only the young couple remained. Knowing that Chen Xuan was feeling down, the little princess tried all sorts of ways to cheer him up, even boldly saying things that were meant to tempt him.

Hearing this, Chen Xuan's eyes lit up and he said, "My wife has recovered, hasn't she? Come, come inside with me."

He reached out to hug his wife, but the little princess laughed and dodged him, blushing and saying shyly, "You bad man, you just like to tease me. It's still broad daylight, I'm not going to play your pranks."

I was just trying to scare her; otherwise, how could she have gotten away?

"I have important business to attend to later," Chen Xuan suppressed his impulse and said with a smile, "My wife, thank you."

With a gentle smile, the little princess came to his side, nestled in his arms, and said, "Brother Xuan, you still have me. I will always be with you."

"Mmm," Chen Xuan said, holding her tightly.

After a brief moment of tenderness, Chen Xuan said, "Let's go, my wife. Today is the day we return to our parents' home. I'm worried my father-in-law will beat me if we're late."

...(End of chapter)