A life of idleness in the world of demons

Chapter 47. I Raised a Tea King at Home (5.9K words - Large Chapter)

three days later.

As evening fell, a carriage stopped in front of General Ning's mansion. Behind the lifted curtain was Ning Taiyi's aged face and hunched back.

The servants rushed over to help, and at that moment, a delicate and charming face peeked out from the carriage.

The young woman took Ning Taiyi's arm and said obediently, "Uncle Ning, please take it easy."

She got out of the car from the side and carefully helped Ning Taiyi down.

Ning Taiyi glanced at the young woman beside him out of the corner of his eye and sighed inwardly.

The young lady beside him was Qin Yi'er, the third daughter of General Qin's family. She was a legitimate daughter, not a concubine's daughter. In addition, she had another identity: the fiancée of the top scholar who had once tried to kill the two Ning brothers.

Ning Taiyi was a cunning old fox; he knew perfectly well why Qin Yier had come here.

But he couldn't refuse.

Before things come to a head, everyone has to follow the rules and reason.

What are the rules?

That means you owe someone a favor, and when they come to you for help, you have to repay it properly.

He waited outside General Qin's mansion for more than a month to find a way for the Ning family to survive.

Back then, Steward Zhao treated him very well and never chased him away. After Madam Zhao returned, she even arranged for Ning Xuan and Qin Jin'er to marry. Now, Madam Zhao is no longer using this marriage to pressure him or say things like "the marriage contract needs to be upheld." This is already quite a show of respect.

Although the Ning family has gained some momentum, it is still smaller than General Qin's mansion.

If someone treats you this way and you don't appreciate it, then you're just being stubborn and don't know the rules.

Moreover, Qin Yi'er didn't mention the marriage alliance at all when she got up this time.
After Ning Taiyi led Qin Yier into the main hall, he immediately ordered, "Summon General Ning back."

The servant then went out.

Ning Xuan returned quickly.

No one could persuade him to leave, but his father's words brought him back.

When he returned, he immediately spotted the beautiful woman beside his father.

Petite and pretty, charming and lovely, she's like Xiao Jie.

Just as Ning Taiyi was about to introduce her, the beauty bowed and said, "I am Qin Yi'er, the third in my family. I greet General Ning."

I have come here with great difficulty because I am eager to find my mother. However, I was attacked by evil spirits on the way, and all my guards perished. Fortunately, I was able to escape and come here by the mercy of the heavens.

"I have dared to trouble you, General, and humbly request that you allow me to stay for a few days. My family will send someone to fetch me, and I will then express my deepest gratitude."

Ning Xuan was taken aback.

Beside him, Ning Taiyi said, "Xuan'er, aren't you going to make the arrangements yet?"

"Yes."

Without wasting any words, Ning Xuan wanted to arrange for this trouble to be handled at a residence in the Ning family mansion that was a little further away.

Ning Taiyi knew exactly what his son was thinking, but Qin Yi'er had already done the groundwork. He said helplessly, "Xuan'er, Miss Qin has encountered evil spirits and is still very afraid. You'd better arrange for her to stay near your residence. With you there, she won't be afraid of any demons or monsters."

Ning Xuan remained calm and composed, replying, "Understood, Father."

Ning Taiyi said, "Don't go to the other side at night either. What kind of behavior is that, indulging in debauchery!"

As he spoke, he slammed his cane down heavily and coughed violently, causing his graying temples to tremble and deepening wrinkles to appear around his old eyes.

Compared to a few months ago, Ning Taiyi had visibly aged considerably.

Ning Xuan suddenly looked at Qin Yi'er and asked, "Third Miss, does the Qin family have any methods for prolonging life?"

He had actually asked Fairy Yao Zhen before, and Fairy Yao Zhen's answer was no.

If he were to ask the three women of the Qin family again and they agreed, he might as well change his plans.

His father gave birth to him, raised him, and did everything he could to pave the way for him.

This debt of gratitude was enough to make him go against his original intentions. As long as his father could live a few more years, he wouldn't necessarily be unable to get involved in the struggle between the old and new generals.

Before Qin Yi'er could answer, Ning Taiyi said, "Xuan'er, let alone the Qin family, there isn't one in this world."

He didn't say anything more.

Ke Ningxuan knew.

This is the price to pay for gathering the dragon's energy in a region and becoming a high-ranking official.

If even the emperor is like this, what about the prefects below him?
Qin Yi'er bowed slightly and said softly, "Uncle Ning, although the Qin family has no secret formula for longevity, my mother has always personally led people to gather rare medicinal herbs from the mountains and fields. Once we are reunited, I will certainly send someone to bring them to you as a token of my filial piety and respect."

Ning Taiyi smiled and said, "Third Miss is so thoughtful."

Immediately afterward, he said, "Xuan'er, the Third Miss has been frightened and exhausted from the journey. Go and make arrangements."

Ning Xuan did not move, but looked at Qin Yi'er seriously and said solemnly, "Third Miss, if you have a way to prolong life, I will be extremely grateful."

Qin Yi'er said mournfully, "If such a method existed, it would have been presented to His Majesty long ago to claim credit. General Ning, there really isn't one."

Ning Xuan nodded, then walked out the door and called out, "Xiao Jie, arrange accommodation for the Third Miss."

More than two weeks later.
Qin Yi'er was admiring flowers in a pavilion near Ning Xuan's residence.

Flowers are beautiful, people are even more beautiful.

Qin Yier is impeccable today.

She wore no makeup, perhaps because she had been exposed to the finest arts and crafts since childhood, and also because of the power and wealth of the General's Mansion, which gave her an elegant demeanor.

At that moment, the scene from before flashed through her mind.
Madam Zhao said, "Ning Xuan has the appearance of a tiger and wolf, and is extremely lustful. Moreover, the general has a strong blood and qi, and his temperament and desires are far stronger than those of ordinary people."

After saying this, Madam Zhao looked at her daughter in the carriage and said, "One must use gentleness to overcome strength."

Then Madam Zhao ruled out Ning Xuan's romantic nature, reasoning that Ning Xuan had seen countless women, and a romantic nature would not only not make him like her, but would also annoy him.

Then, Madam Zhao ruled out the straightforward type, reasoning that the straightforward type was a bit of a tomboy. Ning Xuan had seen so many women, how could he be moved by a tomboy?

However, even those with superb tea skills aren't always so effective. Ning Xuan, having seen too many women and being decisive in his actions, is not easily fooled.

After much deliberation, Madam Zhao turned her gaze to Qin Yi'er.

This is not only because Qin Yi'er is one of the most skilled at teasing among the women of the Qin family, but also because she is the fiancée of the Ning family's mortal enemy.

The matter of the top scholar was never resolved, but it was always smoothed over and forgotten.

But the Ning family could never forget what the top scholar had done.

That almost led to the destruction of the Ning family.

This could even be described as a deep-seated hatred.

If that's the case, then Qin Yi'er naturally possesses a kind of "allure," a kind of "allure of revenge." If you make your enemy's fiancée lie beneath you, crying and begging for mercy, wouldn't that also be a kind of revenge, a kind of satisfaction?
The general is already full of energy and blood, so if he is hit by this at a critical moment, it will naturally cause him to explode.

If he touches Qin Yi'er, he has to marry her.

A promising young general and a top scholar who still needs to rely on her Qin family—Madam Zhao was naturally happy to let the latter become the former's stepping stone.

At this moment, Qin Yi'er quietly fiddled with the golden millstone, grinding the wood incense, and occasionally weighing it beside her, in order to create a blend of fragrances that could relax the mind and body while also stimulating desire.

This blend of fragrances is called "Yunshang'an," a name given by Madam Zhao.

I lie high on my pillow of white clouds, and the Mysterious Maiden comes from the horizon.

With a wave of the hand, I scatter the jade-like blossoms, and embrace the snow-capped peaks.

This poem metaphorically describes the effect of this incense: it floats as if riding the wind, soaring up to the clouds, playfully stealing the fairy's jade pendant, and laughingly embracing the snow-capped peaks while playing the jade flute.

This fragrance would be intoxicating to ordinary people, but for the general, it was just right.

In other words, this thing can only benefit General Ning.

A moment later, a faint fragrance filled the air around Qin Yier.

She solidified the incense mixture, lit a small amount of it nearby, and then looked at the sky.

She made an appointment with General Ning.

General Ning had no choice but to come, because he wanted her to leave as soon as possible, more than anyone else. These days, he had been avoiding her as much as possible.

She had no choice but to let out a message: the Qin family would soon send someone to welcome them, but this matter needed to be discussed with Ning Xuan.

Today, she will achieve her goal in one fell swoop.

Whenever the general comes here, she will take advantage of the "Peace in the Clouds" effect to loosen her robes and say, "In the past, Huang Lang plotted to harm the general and the ugly servant in Manfeng Mountain, almost causing a great disaster. Such deep hatred is something I am willing to redeem with my own body and atone for my past sins."

Huang Lang was that top scholar.

Qin Yi'er's mention of this matter ignited Ning Xuan's anger. He then removed his clothes and, with the help of the fragrance, was almost certain to succeed.

Even though Ning Xuan tried his best to restrain himself from touching her, since her clothes were off and her body had been exposed, there was still room for argument.

With many thoughts in mind, Qin Yi'er was fully prepared.

Footsteps could be heard in the distance.

A young man's figure appeared from the Full Moon Gate.

Qin Yi'er was about to greet him when she noticed a petite woman following behind the young man.

She recognized the young woman.

Xiao Jie.

After Ning Xuan sat down, Xiao Jie remained behind him. No matter how Qin Yi'er tried to signal or hint, Xiao Jie wouldn't leave until Qin Yi'er said helplessly, "General, could you please allow Miss Xiao Jie to leave for a moment?"

Ning Xuan then said, "Xiao Jie, you can go down now."

There was no response.

"Xiao Jie?"

Ning Xuan turned his head to look.

But then they saw the fair-skinned little girl swaying her body, biting her red lips, her eyes filled with tenderness, glistening like apricots moistened by spring rain.

"General, I'm hot."

"General, I'm so hot."

Xiao Jie tore off her clothes, revealing her fair skin, and plopped down on Ning Xuan's lap, hooking her arms around his neck, and began to seek pleasure as if no one else was around.

Qin Yi'er was completely stunned.

How did this little maidservant beat her to what she was supposed to do?

"General... I... I can't go on."

"General!" Xiao Jie transformed into a pure white swan, her snow-white neck held high, exhaling warm breath, and began to sing softly.

Ning Xuan was also upset, and then looked at Qin Yi'er across from him apologetically, and said, "I'm sorry, Third Miss."

After saying that, he carried Xiao Jie back to the room, leaving Qin Yi'er still in a daze.

After a period of passionate lovemaking...

Xiao Jie was exhausted. She tapped the general's forehead and said, "We need to pay more."

Ning Xuan laughed and said, "You're really capable; you saw through what that Third Miss was up to at a glance."

Xiao Jie chuckled and said, "Remember to pay extra!"

The next day.

In the garden.

Qin Yi'er is thinking of a solution.

She gently smelled a drooping flower, but her thoughts were wandering far away.

She had identified her enemy in the inner quarters.

This enemy is Xiao Jie.

If it weren't for that maid named Xiaojie causing trouble yesterday, she would have succeeded.

Afterwards, when the general, exuding an aura of debauchery, reappeared to discuss matters with her, he had moved to a different location, and all her preparations naturally failed.

In the past, Madam Zhao waited for Ning Taiyi for more than a month, so she would only stay for more than a month and would never add or subtract any extra favors.

That's all the time she has to perform her mission.

Time is running out.
In any case, she had to find a way to get rid of this maid and then try again.

Of course, she couldn't kill anyone here, so she would use her prized tea-making skills to send the enemy away.

She had observed Xiao Jie's routine; as long as Xiao Jie was still in the General's Mansion, she would pass by here every day at this time.

She is waiting.

She had already come up with a strategy.

After waiting for about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, Xiao Jie finally arrived.

"Greetings, Third Miss." Xiao Jie bowed gracefully, then hurried forward.

Qin Yi'er shouted, "Stop!"

Xiao Jie stopped and asked, "What are your orders, Miss Third?"

Qin Yi'er stared at her, and after hearing footsteps nearby, she suddenly raised her hand and slapped herself hard.

The sound of the slap was very clear!
The next instant.
Xiao Jie reflexively fell to the ground, her right hand skillfully pressing and clawing hard on her cheek, leaving five clear marks on her snow-white face.

Qin Yi'er was stunned again.

In that instant of stunned silence, Xiao Jiebai burst into tears, sobbing, "I'm sorry, Third Miss, it's all my fault, it's all my fault, sob sob sob."

Footsteps approached from outside; it was a burly maidservant from the mansion.

When the burly maid saw this scene and noticed the swollen mark on Xiao Jie's face, she immediately stepped forward and asked, "Sister Jie, what happened to you?"

Xiao Jie pulled the maid.

The maid looked at the third young lady standing on the other side with great fear, and immediately understood what was going on. Her legs went weak, and she hurriedly knelt down, saying, "Third young lady, third young lady."

Xiao Jie covered her face and said, "Third Miss, please forgive me. I am of lowly status. Please don't hold it against me."

There were guards outside, and upon seeing this scene, they hurriedly ran to find General Ning.

Qin Yi'er finally realized what was happening.

She was set up.

No.

To be precise, it wasn't that she was set up, but rather that she set up the trap. However, the maid named Xiaojie was faster than her and used the trap to turn the tables.

Qin Yi'er was furious.

She glanced around and began waiting for Ning Xuan.

Ning Xuan had already sensed the situation in his own residence. Before the guards could even come to report, he had already appeared.

Qin Yi'er hurriedly approached, bowed gracefully, and said in a mournful voice, "General, please forgive me. Today, the weather was fine and the sun was shining brightly. I was leisurely admiring the flowers in this garden when this maid named Xiao Jie suddenly appeared from nowhere. Before I could ask her anything, she raised her hand and slapped herself hard. Then she begged for mercy. I am completely baffled and do not know why she did this. I hope that you, General, will investigate this matter thoroughly and find out the truth."

Xiao Jie cried with tears streaming down her face, covering her cheeks and saying, "It's all my fault, not Miss San's. Please punish me, General."

Ning Xuan's face immediately turned pale.

He squatted down next to Xiaojie.

Xiao Jie threw herself into his arms, crying even harder, "I know that Third Miss is of noble birth and high status, I only beg you not to take your anger out on the General, it's all my fault, punish me instead... Waaah!"

Ning Xuan hugged Xiao Jie tightly, then looked at Qin Yi'er and said calmly, "Third Miss, please forgive me for the poor hospitality."

Xiao Jie hurriedly grabbed Ning Xuan's hand, then bravely wiped away her tears, like a small flower that had weathered a storm but still stood tall and trembling on the earth.

She said softly, "General, it's alright, I'm not in pain."

Qin Yi'er was about to explain.

Xiao Jie interrupted her just in time, adding, "It doesn't hurt."

Ning Xuan's face grew increasingly ashen.

Qin Yi'er's composure crumbled. Her face contorted with rage as she exclaimed, "Good! Good! Good! It really is very good!"
General Ning, you've raised a tea king in your inner quarters, specifically to defend against foreign invasions, haven't you?

"General, you are truly capable! You have fierce warriors guarding the borders and maids managing the inner quarters. I admit defeat! I surrender!!"

Half a month later, the Qin General's mansion arrived and took away the Third Miss Qin Yi'er.

Once the carriage left Wangyue Prefecture, Steward Zhao, who was personally driving the carriage, simply said to the back, "Ning Xuan requested the reduction of one prefecture's territory, and His Majesty granted it. Now, his jurisdiction has changed from two prefectures to just one prefecture, Wangyue Prefecture."

Inside the carriage, Qin Yi'er's eyes, which had seemed to have just defeated the rooster, suddenly lit up.

"Uncle, is it true?"

Manager Zhao smiled and said, "It happened a while ago. Once the Madam found out, she knew you wouldn't succeed."

"A general of a prefecture?" Qin Yi'er's pretty face revealed a hint of mockery. This laugh helped her regain her composure. Her lips curled up, and her dejected expression quickly returned to calm. Then she commented, "What kind of general is he who dares not contend when there is great opportunity, and dares not ride the wind when it comes?"

Manager Zhao smiled but didn't say anything more.

He could tell that his niece's trip to Wangyue Prefecture had not gone smoothly, but it was impossible that she had been bullied. If she had been, she would have exploded long ago.

Manager Zhao was curious about what had happened to his niece, but he didn't dare to ask.

Seeing her comment like this, we can only assume she's venting and let it go.

He actually quite admired the young general.

He used to carry a sword in both hands, and with just one step forward, he would frighten the guards of the General's Mansion into gripping their weapons. He was also able to resolve the demonic disaster in Ping'an Prefecture and escape unscathed. He was truly remarkable.

This move of "please adjudicate" may seem like a loss of courage, but if you consider what is happening on this land at this moment, it is actually the right thing to do.

But that's all it was—doing it right.

Now, the demonic calamity is spreading like wildfire across the wasteland, igniting everywhere. Retreating may bring temporary peace, but even a prefecture is ultimately "a skilled cook cannot make a meal without rice."

He had also heard of His Majesty's "Divine General Plan," which was indeed a rare opportunity for small families with only "the foundation of a prefect's term" to rise to power.

Ning Xuan should have seized the opportunity.

But he refused.

His Majesty agreed, because while generals are indeed rare, even if only one general comes out of hundreds of thousands of people in this vast land, there are still many. Moreover, with the development of the demonic calamity, there will only be more and more generals and demonic warriors in the future.

Your Majesty agrees because Your Majesty has no shortage of talented people.

He's just a general who can unleash demonic power but isn't even of the highest rank and doesn't dare to fight. He'll be eliminated soon.

Thinking of this, he turned his head slightly and smiled to comfort his niece: "Since you entered Wangyue Mansion, a lot has actually happened. You failed this time, but the one who should be upset is not you, but Ning Xuan. He failed to seize the opportunity when the tide was just beginning to rise."

Qin Yi'er nodded, then suddenly seemed to remember something and said in a harsh voice, "Uncle, when you go back, find someone to help me investigate a maid named Xiao Jie who serves Ning Xuan."

Manager Zhao was taken aback for a moment, but since it was just a small favor, he replied, "Okay."

"His Majesty has approved your request. The new Tiger Tally will be delivered soon, leaving only the power of one prefecture." Master Yaozhen spoke calmly, placing the pill made from the "Fragrance-Stealing Rat" on Ning Xuan's table, and added, "This pill can still be refined using the dragon fire of one prefecture, but it won't work if it's at a higher level!"

Ning Xuan took the pill and examined it carefully in the sunlight.

The fragrance emanating from the elixir made him feel refreshed and relaxed, because he had heard Master Yaozhen say that "the person taking the elixir and the elixir itself should not be too different. If they are almost the same, then it is almost certain that the elixir will be effective."

In this way, he could first summon the Heavenly Demon Talisman of the "Fragrance Stealing Rat" to make his spirit surpass that of the "Fragrance Stealing Rat" before taking the "Fragrance Stealing Rat" pill.

At this moment, Master Yaozhen said again, "His Majesty has also issued a secret decree."

Ning Xuan turned his head and said, "I understand."

"But I haven't told you what the secret decree is yet," Master Yaozhen asked curiously.

Ning Xuan asked, "What secret decree?"

Master Yaozhen said, "His Majesty said that he knows your desire to avoid misfortune and that it is good for you to keep your cultivation hidden for a while, but you must not let your cultivation fall behind. Now, His Majesty has personally written your strength as 'not up to grade' in the evaluation book."

Ning Xuan was taken aback.

He should actually have already reached the second rank.

His information outside can be presented as top-notch.

The key to longevity lies in "concealing a little and revealing a little".

Exposing too much may require more effort and make it difficult to cope with major risks; but concealing too much can also lead to unnecessary trouble.

After thinking for a moment, he cautiously asked, "Fairy Maiden, do you think it's possible to get His Majesty to restore my strength?"

Master Yao Zhen: ? ? ?
She snorted, her mood, which had improved because of His Majesty's secret decree, worsened.

She walked away.

Ning Xuan stood still, his hands slightly clenched.

These arms are not yet covered in scales.

But it will be soon.

Now, the Ning family has finally emerged from the treacherous and dangerous situation, and he has time to develop, enjoy, and expand at his own pace.

(End of this chapter)