Brocade Robe Unparalleled

Chapter 153 Reuniting with Wenren
Chen Mansion.

Lin Xuan closed his binoculars and rubbed his slightly sore brow.

He repeatedly assured her that he would definitely return to the southwest, and it took him a full half hour to finally coax Qingluan back to peace.

This trip to Beijing to report on his work was very different from what he had imagined; almost everything was outside his plans.

He was still unsure how to handle the arranged marriage, and his mind was in complete turmoil.

Just then, there was a knock on the door, followed by an old voice: "Master, the hot water is ready. Would you like to take a bath now?"

Lin Xuan opened the door and nodded, saying, "Let's do it now."

Having traveled thousands of miles, he hadn't had time to take a proper shower. All he wanted now was to take a relaxing hot bath and then get a good night's sleep.

We'll talk about other things tomorrow.

Chen Fu respectfully said, "The bathhouse is in the inner courtyard. This old servant cannot enter the inner courtyard. Please have Zhiqin and Siqi take you there, sir."

Behind him, two young girls said sweetly, "Please, sir!"

Lin Xuan glanced at the two girls. The imperial court had provided eight maids for his residence, all of whom were young and beautiful girls. They were not only exceptionally beautiful, but also of similar height, clearly having been carefully selected.

If Qingluan saw this, she'd probably be incredibly jealous.

Lin Xuan followed two maids into the inner courtyard and into a room.

As soon as I pushed open the door, a wave of heat hit me.

Lin Xuan was stunned when he saw the scene inside the room.

In the center of the room was a steaming pool, about ten feet square, shallow on the outside and deep on the inside, with steps leading down one side.

Lin Xuan originally thought he would take a bath in a tub, but he didn't expect it to be such a large bath. His first reaction was, how much water and firewood would this waste? Are all the big shots in the capital so extravagant?
While Lin Xuan was still in a daze, two maids stood on either side of him, one taking off his outer robe and the other untying his belt.

Lin Xuan hugged his arms tightly and blurted out, "What are you doing?"

Zhiqin replied naturally, "It is my duty to help you change your clothes and serve you during your bath..."

Lin Xuan quickly waved his hand and said, "No need, I can manage on my own."

He promised Qingluan that after arriving in the capital, he would not engage in any philandering, a behavior far more serious than simply engaging in philandering.

Unexpectedly, as soon as Lin Xuan finished speaking, the two girls suddenly knelt on the ground.

Lin Xuan was slightly taken aback and asked, "What is this?"

Siqi lowered her head and said respectfully, "If Master doesn't like us, this servant will have Shishu and Ruhua come. Fufeng, Zanhua, Yingxue, and Nongyue can also serve Master..."

Lin Xuan helped them up and said, "That's not what I meant. I'm not used to being served when I'm taking a bath. You can wait for me outside."

"Yes."

The two breathed a sigh of relief and bowed as they left.

After closing the bathroom door, Lin Xuan took off her clothes and stepped into the pool.

The water temperature was just right. He leaned against the steps and let out a long breath.

I must say, taking a bath here is definitely much more comfortable than in a bathtub.

The treatment the Sixteen Guards received far exceeded Lin Xuan's expectations. He was certain that not every official could enjoy such treatment.

Being in the Jingye Division is different from the civil officials in the court; their heads are only temporarily residing on their necks.

Who knows, one mission might be the last time we come back. It's normal to enjoy life to the fullest in our spare time.

His identity has been cleared, so he no longer needs to take such a big risk.

Exhausted from the journey, Lin Xuan decided to put aside these thoughts for the time being. He immersed his entire body in the warm pool water, leaving only his mouth and nose exposed, completely emptying his mind, feeling as if he were floating on a cloud...

Outside the bathroom.

The two girls exchanged a glance, and both saw relief in each other's eyes.

Although they had arrived at the Chen residence long ago, it wasn't until today that they learned what the master of the house was like.

They had fantasized about it countless times, and had even prepared for the worst, but the outcome was better than the best they had imagined...

Not only is the master so young and handsome, but he also has such a good temper. Their future shouldn't be too difficult...

……

The next morning, just after Lin Xuan had finished breakfast, the steward came to announce that the Jingye Division had arrived.

Upon arriving at the front hall, a young man dressed in the uniform of the Jingye Division's chief officer, with a capable appearance, immediately clasped his hands in greeting: "This humble servant, Zhou Heng, greets Lord Chen. By order of Commander Lu, I will accompany you today to familiarize yourself with the capital."

Lin Xuan nodded without saying anything more and followed Zhou Heng out of the mansion.

They did not travel by carriage. When Lu Feng said he was "familiarizing himself with the capital," he was not actually sightseeing. As one of the Sixteen Guards, Lin Xuan needed to quickly grasp the terrain and power distribution of the capital.

The generous treatment from the imperial court was not given for nothing.

He had to start working the day after arriving in Beijing.

The two strolled along the bluestone pavement of the inner city. Zhou Heng lagged half a step behind Lin Xuan, pointing to the mansions they passed and beginning to introduce them to Lin Xuan.

"This is the residence of Zhang Qian, the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue. Minister Zhang is a pillar of the Qingliu faction and is very likely to rise to a high position in the future."

"This is the home of Xu Shi, the Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices. Minister Xu is a protégé of Grand Secretary Cai."

"This is the residence of Minister Zhang Wenzheng, who is in charge of the promotion and performance evaluation of officials throughout the country. He is known as 'Zhang the Heavenly Official.' Although he does not form factions, officials from both factions have to give him some face."

……

Zhou Heng introduced the various residences along the way, becoming intimately familiar with their owners.

He not only knew who lived in which mansion, but also their factions and allies.

For the Jingye Division, this is the most basic of all.

There's a joke circulating about the Jingye Division.

One late night, a high-ranking official in the court told a joke to his newly acquired concubine in bed. The concubine didn't laugh, but the secret agent of the Jingye Division hiding under the bed laughed. Of course, this is unrealistic; the secret agent of the Jingye Division would neither hide under the bed nor be so unprofessional as to laugh uncontrollably.

But this also reflects people's impression of the Jingye Division.

Lin Xuan could remember the information Zhou Heng gave him after hearing it only once.

The purpose of this trip was to make him remember the residences of these court officials and the factions they belonged to.

Soon, Lin Xuan gained a preliminary understanding of the Dayong court.

In the imperial court, apart from those who did not take sides, officials were roughly divided into the Grand Secretary's faction and the Second Grand Secretary's faction according to their affiliations.

The Second Assistant Party, also known as the Qingliu Party, includes the Shen family of Shen Qingya and the Wen family of Wenren Yue.

Wu Baihu, whom Lin Xuan met in Sizhou, was considered a henchman of the Grand Secretary.

Lin Xuan had heard about these things when he was in Sizhou, and now, under Zhou Heng's guidance, he was gaining a more detailed understanding of them.

The two continued on their way, passing through a bustling street. The surrounding environment became increasingly tranquil, and the number of patrolling soldiers noticeably increased.

"My lord, this way please." Zhou Heng led Lin Xuan toward a heavily guarded area and said, "The area ahead is close to the imperial city, and is mostly where the imperial family and nobles reside."

"That vermilion gate with golden studs, guarded by the imperial guards, is the Prince of Fu's residence."

"Next to it, slightly smaller, is the residence of Princess De'an and her husband."

"Further west, the largest mansion is the Zhennan Prince's Mansion. The prince is often away on campaigns, so the mansion is where the heir apparent and the princess reside..."

……

After introducing the residences of the imperial relatives, Zhou Heng led Lin Xuan around to the area where the various government offices were located.

"Over there are the six ministries: Personnel, Revenue, Rites, War, Justice, and Works, arranged in that order."

"Behind the government office, that cluster of independent black buildings is the main headquarters of our Jingye Division, which you visited yesterday, sir."

"This street is where the Nine Temples are located. The ministers of the Nine Temples belong to different factions, so you need to be careful, sir..."

Along the way, Zhou Heng knew the important mansions and government offices he had seen like the back of his hand, and he concisely told Lin Xuan about their owners, backgrounds, spheres of influence, and even some of their overt networks of relationships.

From powerful prime ministers to military generals with vast armies, from representatives of upright officials to favored imperial relatives, a vast and intricate power map of the capital gradually became clear in Lin Xuan's mind.

The two walked for an unknown amount of time, then circled back home from another direction.

Zhou Heng pointed to a quaint and elegant mansion next to Lin Xuan's house and said, "This is the residence of Grand Secretary Wenren. Grand Secretary Wenren is currently the Minister of Revenue, and he has three sons, all of whom serve as officials in the court..."

As Zhou Heng was making his introduction, several figures walked out of the mansion in front of them.

Several maids chased after a cool-looking woman, speaking anxiously.

"Miss, we can handle the grocery shopping!"

"Yes, if Madam sees this, she'll punish us again..."

The aloof woman carrying the vegetable basket glanced around and, when she saw the two people passing by the gate of the mansion, her gaze lingered on Lin Xuan, and she paused slightly.

Lin Xuan thought to himself, "What a coincidence! I just arrived in the capital and I've already become neighbors with Wenren Yue."

He clasped his hands slightly and said, "Miss Wenren, we meet again."

Upon seeing her old friend from the Southwest again, Wenren Yue was momentarily lost in thought, but quickly composed herself, nodded slightly, and asked, "When did you come to the capital?"

Lin Xuan said, "Yesterday." Wenren Yue seemed to remember something and asked, "You were transferred to the capital?"

Lin Xuan nodded slightly.

Wenren Yue didn't say much, and said calmly, "I have some things to attend to, let's talk another day."

Lin Xuan nodded in acknowledgment, and then returned home with Zhou Heng.

Zhou Heng was somewhat surprised and asked, "Lord Chen, do you know Miss Wenren?"

Lin Xuan said, "We met a few times when we were in the Southwest."

Zhou Heng thought for a moment and said, "My lord, you and the Wenren family are neighbors. There's something I must remind you of. In the capital, many people have to avoid our Jingye Division, but you absolutely cannot offend Miss Wenren..."

Lin Xuan nodded and said, "Don't worry, I have some connection with Miss Wenren."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Heng's eyelids twitched involuntarily.

His expression became even more solemn, and he added, "My lord, please forgive my bluntness, but you would rather offend Miss Wenren than get too close to her."

Lin Xuan was somewhat surprised and asked, "Why?"

Zhou Heng lowered his voice and said, "Miss Wenren is the princess consort chosen by His Highness Prince Yu, who is the only son of His Majesty and the late Empress. I think you understand what I'm saying, sir?"

Lin Xuan nodded.

The Great Yong Dynasty has always valued legitimacy, and His Majesty and the late Empress's only son will inevitably be the future emperor.

He finally understood why Lu Feng was so polite to Wenren Yue.

It turns out that what he feared was not the Wen family, but the royal family.

If Wenren Yue were to marry Prince Yu, she would become the Empress, the mother of the nation.

Thinking of this, Lin Xuan suddenly felt a strange sensation in his heart.

He personally taught her, transforming her from an ethereal fairy into a skilled cook with delicate hands. The dishes he taught her, one day, she would also cook for other men...

Lin Xuan could somewhat understand A Luo's state of mind when he was doing Qing Luan's hair and makeup.

But he soon realized that he shouldn't have had such thoughts.

His relationship with Wenren Yue hasn't reached that point yet, nor should it.

At this moment, Zhou Heng said again, "My lord, I have already shown you the important residences in the capital. This is only part of the information you need to know. When you have free time, you will also need to go to the Commandery to memorize more intelligence files..."

Lin Xuan nodded: "I understand."

Zhou Heng bowed and clasped his hands in a fist salute, saying, "Then I will return to the headquarters to report."

After Zhou Heng left, Lin Xuan went into the courtyard and sat down at the stone table.

Accustomed to the leisurely pace of life in the southwest, where he could make all the major decisions on his own, he found everything so difficult to adjust to when he first arrived in the capital.

Light footsteps came from behind, and several pretty figures quickly appeared beside Lin Xuan.

Two maids knelt before Lin Xuan, gently massaging his legs. Two other maids stood on either side of him, massaging his arms, while two more stood behind him, gently massaging his shoulders.

Siqi brought over some tea and fed it to his lips, saying softly, "Master, you've had a long day. Please have some water..."

The tea was already at his lips, and Lin Xuan was a little thirsty. After taking a small sip, Zhiqin took out a handkerchief and gently wiped away the remaining water droplets from his lips.

He was all alone, with eight maids serving him. This feeling was so extravagant it bordered on sinful.

At this moment, Zhiqin spoke again: "Master, would you like me to play a tune for you?"

It is a bit extravagant, but in this situation, it would be even better to listen to a piece of music.

Lin Xuan thought for a moment, then nodded slightly: "Then play a piece..."

Zhiqin took out her guqin and sat in the pavilion in the courtyard. With her slender fingers, she gently plucked the strings, and a clear and melodious tune flowed out.

The other maids surrounded Lin Xuan, gently massaging him with professional and considerate movements, clearly indicating that they had undergone rigorous training.

Lin Xuan closed his eyes and listened to the music, his body gradually relaxing under the perfect massage.

This kind of life, where one is waited on hand and foot, and whose needs are met without even a word, can indeed be very easy to become addicted to.

He couldn't help but marvel once again at the court's cunning methods, using such extreme material enjoyment and gentle traps to subtly erode people's will, deepen their dependence on their current status, and thus make them more devoted to serving the court.

How could an ordinary person resist such temptation?

However, Lin Xuan knew that there was no such thing as a free lunch. If they enjoyed such high-level treatment on a regular basis, they would probably have no reason to refuse when it came time to risk their lives.

When the song ended, Lin Xuan waved to signal them to stop.

"Everyone, please leave. I want to be alone for a while."

The maids quietly withdrew as instructed, leaving him alone in the courtyard.

A gentle breeze carried the fragrance of flowers and plants from the courtyard, but Lin Xuan's thoughts drifted far away.

The prosperity and comfort of the capital city are like an exquisite cage, far less free and enjoyable than being with my beloved and ruling over a region in the southwest.

However, even if one is to give up the power one currently possesses and leave the imperial court, one must first improve one's strength and obtain the next level of the Zhenyue Gong technique.

After instructing the steward not to disturb him for the next few days, Lin Xuan returned to his study and took out the three Qi Gathering Pills.

Without hesitation, he immediately swallowed a pill, sat cross-legged, and began to refine the medicinal power by circulating the Zhenyue Gong.

As soon as the pill entered his mouth, his internal energy began to circulate rapidly, and Lin Xuan gradually fell into a state of selflessness.

A courtyard separated by two walls.

Wenren Yue, who was busy in the small kitchen, suddenly stopped what she was doing and looked back in a certain direction.

This fluctuation in energy is likely the effect of taking the Qi Gathering Pill.

In the two months since we last met, his cultivation level has improved significantly.

However, she knew very well how much he had contributed to the court, and no amount of reward from His Majesty would be too much.

……

Two days later.

In Lin Xuan's study.

He stood up and slowly exhaled.

After consuming two Qi Gathering Pills, his internal energy was incredibly powerful, reaching the peak of the sixth rank and touching the bottleneck of the fifth rank.

Taking another Qi Gathering Pill should allow me to break through.

But Lin Xuan did not take the last pill.

His spiritual power already far surpassed his current realm, making it easier for him to break through to higher realms than ordinary martial artists. Consuming a Qi Gathering Pill would be a waste, so it would be better to save it for Qingluan. She is usually too busy to cultivate, so this would be a good opportunity to improve her cultivation.

Lin Xuan walked out of the inner courtyard, and the steward Chen Fu stepped forward, cupping his hands and saying, "Master, while you were in seclusion for the past two days, several guests came to visit. This old servant told them that you were in seclusion and not receiving guests, so they left gifts and went home, saying they would come to visit another day..."

Lin Xuan nodded: "Understood."

Aside from Wenren Yue, he didn't know anyone else in the capital; they must have come to offer gifts and try to win him over.

Ignoring them for the time being, Lin Xuan left his home and went straight to the Commander's Office.

Led by the guard at the entrance, Lin Xuan arrived at the archives.

The archives of the Jingye Division consisted of several large halls, containing countless intelligence records. Lin Xuan could not possibly read them all. Even the files concerning the capital alone filled an entire room.

Lin Xuan flipped through the books one by one, memorizing all the information he saw.

In the following days, Lin Xuan kept to himself and rarely went out. Apart from occasionally going to the Jingye Division to check the files and familiarize himself with the deeper intelligence network and unspoken rules of the capital, he spent most of his time cultivating.

After reviewing the last batch of files, Lin Xuan walked out of the archives feeling dizzy and disoriented.

Outside the hall, a figure stood with his hands behind his back.

Upon seeing this, Lin Xuan clasped his hands in greeting and bowed, saying, "Greetings, Commander!"

Chen Bing turned around, his gaze sweeping over Lin Xuan, and asked, "You've taken all three Qi Gathering Pills, yet you still haven't broken through to the fifth rank?"

Lin Xuan nodded and said, "Reporting to the Commander, I am of dull talent and am still stuck at the sixth rank bottleneck."

He also kept a pill hidden from the commander.

Chen Bing handed over a palm-sized brocade box and said, "Since that's the case, I'll give you this Qi Gathering Pill as well. Break through as soon as possible, so that your position as one of the Sixteen Guards will be rightfully yours..."

Lin Xuan did not refuse, as this would allow him to give Qingluan two Qi Gathering Pills. He reached out and took them, then clasped his hands and said, "Thank you for the reward, Commander!"

Chen Bing waved his hand and said, "No need to thank me. This is a gift from His Majesty. The cultivation levels of the Sixteen Guards are all above the fifth rank. You should break through as soon as possible. The Jingye Division Grand Competition is about to begin. At that time, some powerful newcomers may challenge the Sixteen Guards. With your current cultivation level, you may not be able to handle them..."

Lin Xuan clasped his hands in a fist salute again: "Yes."

As soon as he finished speaking, Chen Bing spoke again: "Oh, right, there's one more thing. Give me your birth date and time; the Ministry of Rites needs it to calculate your wedding date..."

Lin Xuan paused for a moment, then finally asked, "My lord, is it alright if I don't marry you?"

Chen Bing shook his head and said, "His Majesty has decreed this marriage. If you don't marry him, it would be disobeying the imperial decree. You don't want to be accused of disobeying the imperial decree, do you?"

(End of this chapter)