They've all become top scholars in the imperial examinations, and you're telling me this i

Chapter 158 Everything as Usual

Night had fallen, and the clouds in the heavens seemed to be stained with ink.

Chen Guangrui was still pondering whether it would be better to return to his own residence or go directly to the Imperial Horse Stables.

Although I have the Nine-Turn Golden Elixir, refining it requires absolute quiet and a considerable amount of time.

He held the gourd, his brow slightly furrowed. Although his temporary residence was secluded, it wasn't entirely undisturbed. If the Imperial Stables had urgent news, or if it was a routine roll call from the Heavenly Court, he would inevitably have to attend to it. Moreover, there was no guarantee that someone like the God of War might suddenly visit.

After a moment's thought, he rode a cloud and flew straight to the Imperial Horse Stables.

The gates of the Imperial Horse Stables remained magnificent and solemn, now illuminated by sky lanterns. Stepping inside into the drill ground, two familiar figures were seen pacing back and forth, seemingly discussing something.

It was Ding Chou and Ji Yong. As soon as they saw Chen Guangrui, they immediately greeted him with warm and concerned expressions.

"The master is back!" Ding Chou's tall, thin face was full of smiles, tinged with just the right amount of worry.

"We are truly uneasy that you did not appear for roll call today. If you have any difficulties or instructions, please do not hesitate to ask, and we will do our utmost to handle them for you."

Ji Yong nodded in agreement, his honest face full of sincerity.
"Yes, sir, please don't stand on ceremony with us. Although the affairs of the Imperial Stables are complicated, it's always easier to share the burden with more people."

A perfectly measured look of fatigue and apology appeared on Chen Guangrui's face as he rubbed his temples.

"Thank you both for your concern. It's nothing difficult, it's just..."

He sighed,
"This handover of a new position is incredibly complex and stressful. In addition, I've encountered some bottlenecks in my cultivation. Today... I was truly restless, so I secluded myself for a day to meditate, hoping to clear my mind and adjust my state. I'm ashamed to have neglected my duties."

Ding's words, though seemingly casual, revealed a fleeting, almost imperceptible hint of thought, but his smile grew even more eager.
“My lord, there’s no need for that! Cultivation is of utmost importance. While official duties are certainly important, your foundation is even more crucial.”

He took a half step closer and whispered, "Since you haven't arrived yet, my lord, Ji Yong and I discussed that we finished our shift late today, so we prepared some wine and food to help us relax. I wonder if you would do us the honor? It would be our way of welcoming you back, having a couple of drinks to unwind and relieve some of the frustration in our hearts."

Ji Yong quickly replied,

"Yes, yes, a little wine and snacks won't delay things. Adults have worked hard all day, a little wine can calm them down."

Looking at the two people's eager and unyielding gazes, and then at the gloomy sky, Chen Guangrui hesitated for a moment before finally nodding, his voice softening.

"Since you two are so kind, it would seem impolite of me to refuse. Very well, then I will trouble you."

Ding Chou and Ji Yong immediately beamed with joy and eagerly led Chen Guangrui to a rather elegantly furnished small hall inside the prison. Sure enough, several exquisite dishes of celestial delicacies were laid out on the table, and a pot of celestial wine exuding a refreshing aroma had been warmed.

The three sat down. Ding Chou deftly poured Chen Guangrui a full glass of wine, while Ji Yong skillfully served the dishes. After several rounds of drinks and a few bites of the food, Ding Chou put down his wine cup and spoke again sincerely.
“Sir, you are new here, so there is no need for you to do everything yourself and overwork yourself. You just said that you were feeling uneasy. In my opinion, there are routine procedures and practices for ordinary affairs in the prison. Why don’t you let the two of us handle them first? We have been here for many years, we know the people and the affairs well. Sir, you just need to focus on your cultivation and management. We will follow your orders without any complaints.”

Ji Yong patted his chest and assured him, "Don't worry, sir! With us here, you'll have peace of mind and save yourself a lot of trouble!"

Ding Chou added, "Yes, sir. You are the humble stable master, and you can simply sit in the central government. Whatever orders you may have, we two will do our utmost to share your burdens."

Chen Guangrui held his wine glass, listening to their earnest "statements," his gaze slowly sweeping across the two seemingly honest faces, as if he were seriously considering it.

He was secretly thinking, "If I ask them now what kind of official this Bi Ma Wen is, will they tell me, like they're fooling a monkey, that he's a nobody?"
The atmosphere in the hall was lively. Chen Guangrui's wine glass swayed slightly, his eyes seemed a little unfocused, and his voice began to trail off. "Okay..." He seemed to have suddenly made up his mind, slamming the glass down heavily, the bottom of the glass tapping lightly on the table.
"You two have been so generous in helping me, I am truly grateful."

He leaned forward slightly, lowered his voice, and spoke with a hint of drunkenness, as if he were confiding in someone.

"Since you've put it that way... then I'll just be frank."

He paused, as if to gather his strength, looked at Ding Chou and Ji Yong, and spoke clearly and deliberately, word by word.
"From now on, all matters in the Imperial Stables, regardless of size, shall be handled in accordance with the previous rules."

His gaze swept over Ding Chou and Ji Yong's slightly dazed faces.

"Feed the horses, report for duty, and report to the appropriate authorities. You all just get to work. You don't need to come and ask me about everything anymore."

He waved his hand vigorously, appearing quite unrestrained, "Just pretend I never existed!"

After saying that, he seemed to be fully intoxicated; he rested his arm on the table, put his hand to his forehead, his speech became slurred, his eyes narrowed, and he mumbled something.

"Go ahead and do your job with confidence. If you do a good job, it'll all be credited to you. Whew..."

Ding Chou and Ji Yong exchanged glances, unsure how to respond. Seeing Chen Guangrui feigning sleep, as if he were about to drift off from the alcohol, the two exchanged a very subtle look.

Ding Chou cleared his throat and softened his voice, "My lord? My lord?"

Seeing that Chen Guangrui had no reaction, only giving a slight "hmm," Ding Chou tentatively suggested...

"Sir, you seem tired. It's getting late. Why don't we help you to your duty room to rest?"

Chen Guangrui waved his hand, refusing in a muffled voice.
"No need, I can walk by myself. You all go back first, let me have some peace and quiet..."

Ding Chou and Ji Yong exchanged a glance, waited a few more breaths, and seeing that Chen Guangrui was indeed no longer reacting, they got up.

"Well... sir, please rest well. We'll take our leave now." Ding Chou said respectfully as he withdrew, and Ji Yong followed suit, bowing as well.

The footsteps faded at the end of the corridor. Silence returned to the small hall. After a moment, Chen Guangrui, who had been slumped over the table, slowly raised his head. There was no trace of drunkenness on his face. His eyes, in the dim light, shone as brightly as cold stars.

He sat up straight, his knuckles tapping lightly on the cold stone table.

As usual?

Worry-free?

They might want to save themselves some trouble, but if I were to truly "non-existent" as they wish, they would probably be the first to object.

From the moment I took up this position as the Keeper of the Heavenly Horses, those who were outwardly respectful but secretly watched me with countless eyes were probably already digging one pit after another for me.

This Imperial Stables, seemingly a place for raising horses and feeding them grass, probably harbors fangs waiting to bite.

(End of this chapter)