National Division

Chapter 124 Yu Qingchan: My beloved has gone to the capital, and suddenly the moon is near...

Qingyang Temple, Liangyi Hall

It was still the same place where Shen Xian used to have class. Shen Xian arrived gracefully and then left just as gracefully.

But in that short time, his words were like a boulder dropped into a calm lake, stirring up huge waves.

Crane Guardian's expression was gloomy and he remained silent for a long time, with only a few wisps of smoke rising from the three-legged, six-eared incense burner.

It can be said that if Shen Xian were still the son of an uneducated county official, then Crane Guardian Daoist would not have fallen into self-doubt at all.

The fact that a student who has achieved considerable success is speaking these words to him in the hall is incredibly impactful.

Even if you don't question the meaning of life, you should at least have your resolve waver.

The students in the hall were equally shocked and remained silent for a long time.

The reason they studied at Qingyang Temple was so that one day they could become officials and gain fame.
However, Shen Xian, who studied at the same temple and was often criticized by the abbot in the past, was now wearing a scarlet robe and holding a high-ranking position in the imperial court.

Pei Shen was already somewhat distracted, wondering why Shen Muzhi had suddenly risen to the rank of fifth grade.

The Taoist Master Crane Guardian had no more interest in lecturing at this moment. He stood up and said, "There will be no lecture today. Students may study on their own."

With that, he instructed the Taoist priest in charge of the class to take care of all the matters in the classroom, and then he got up and left the Liangyi Hall.

It can be said that the Daoist Crane Guardian's mind is in turmoil!
Furthermore, should we accept Shen Xian's invitation?
Crane Guardian Daoist was also caught in a kind of hesitation.

He was moved by Shen Xian's previous words about Tianyan 49, but also felt somewhat confused.

Is it possible to transform the mortal into the divine by changing the past practice of "non-action"?

On the other hand, Shen Xian did not linger and left Qingyang Temple with Jiang Rui.

"Did the scholar speak with that Taoist priest earlier to bring him into the Demon-Slaying and Suppressing Bureau for his duties?" Jiang Rui couldn't help but ask.

“Although Daoist He Shou is pedantic and even cold-hearted, he does not actively do evil and is not an unchangeable person,” Shen Xian pondered.

As the saying goes, each height offers a different perspective.

In the past, he was the son of the county magistrate of Guhe County. He sought help from the Taoist priest He Shou, but he deeply resented the priest's indifference in watching evil spirits harm people.

But now, as a scholar of the Qilin Pavilion who is in charge of establishing the Demon-Slaying and Pacifying Bureau, he puts aside his personal feelings and feels that Daoist He Shou might not be unusable.

This is actually based on the same logic as the memorial "On the Censor" that was previously submitted to the Empress Dowager.

Jiang Rui said, "But these kinds of Taoists have deeply ingrained ideas, and unless a major change occurs, they are unlikely to change their ways."

Shen Xian's gaze was distant, and he said in a clear voice, "Do your best, leave the rest to fate, and let nature take its course. You can't force things."

He was merely giving Crane Guardian a chance; if the man remained obstinate, there was nothing more to say.

Jiang Rui nodded and said, "What the scholar says is quite right. If he insists on going his own way, then it is simply a matter of different paths and therefore different intentions."

Shen Xian said, "It's getting late, I should go home."

He was thinking about his next move and plan.

The establishment of the Demon-Slaying and Pacifying Divisions can begin with Guhe County in Anzhou as a pilot project, and then be expanded to the entire Anzhou.

There are martial artists in Guhe County, many of whom are stuck in the first or second realm. If they knew that they could exchange demonic techniques for martial arts pills to help them break through to the Grandmaster realm, they would surely be willing to die for the imperial court.

As Shen Xian pondered, he mounted his horse again and, under the protection of the Thousand Bull Guards, headed towards the Shen residence.

As time passed, the students of Qingyang Temple dispersed, and the news that Shen Xian had been promoted to the fifth rank of official spread like wildfire.

It is conceivable that in a small county town, where personal connections are paramount, the news of Shen Xian's promotion to a fifth-rank official will soon spread throughout the entire Guhe County.

The Shen residence, the inner courtyard—

More than half a month has passed since Shen Xian left. Yu Qingchan, dressed in a pink high-waisted ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress), with her hair styled in a beautiful bun and her demeanor dignified, sat on the bed by the window. After many days of cultivation, she had reached the sixth level of the Qi Sea Realm.

And his pupil technique has also been cultivated to a certain level.

Holding a newspaper in his hand, his pupils swirled with a mysterious black and white light, as if reflecting the winding, enticing words in his eyes.

It is Shen Xian's novel, The Legend of the Condor Heroes.

Compared to Green Pearl reciting it to her ear every day, Yu Qingchan's experience of seeing it "with her own eyes" was completely different.

"Has my husband not returned yet?" Yu Qingchan's beautiful face shone brightly, and her voice was soft and gentle.

Although the newspaper in my hand was reprinted later, it lacked the first edition of The Legend of the Condor Heroes, resulting in a significant drop in sales.

Green Pearl was embroidering a pouch when she said in a clear voice, "Miss, the young master has been gone for almost a month."

Yu Qingchan said in a low voice, "Not a single letter has been sent during this time."

Green Pearl said, "Miss, you forgot? The young master went to the capital with that Miss Xue, saying it was because of a recent case in the county."

Upon hearing the name of that Miss Xue from Green Pearl, Yu Qingchan pursed her soft, glossy pink lips, her heart growing even more somber.

That Miss Xue seems to be the daughter of the Duke of Xue, a woman from a distinguished family.

Just then, a maid in a light purple dress ran into the room, excitedly exclaiming, "Miss, the young master is back!"

Upon hearing this, Yu Qingchan was overjoyed, her beautiful face filled with excitement.

My beloved has finally returned.

Outside the Shen residence, Shen Xian, accompanied by the Thousand Bull Guards, had already arrived in a grand procession on the street in front of the eaves.

Nearly a month has passed, and if we add the years or so I spent in the Everlasting Pagoda, looking at the familiar houses and courtyards, a feeling of trepidation at returning home wells up in my heart.

"The master is back."

The servant Ah Xin seemed to be out on business. When he looked up and saw Shen Xian, his face lit up with joy, and he exclaimed in surprise.

Shen Xian nodded and asked, "A-Xin, how has things been at home lately?"

"Young master, everything is fine at home," Ah Xin said with a smile.

Immediately, he instructed the servants standing nearby to run quickly into the courtyard.

Shen Xian and Jiang Rui did not linger. They went to the flower hall and took their seats as host and guest, respectively.

The servants entered the hall and served two cups of fragrant tea.

Upon hearing the news, Zhiyun and Xiuyue hurried to the flower hall. Smiles appeared on their youthful and beautiful faces as they asked, "Young Master, you're back."

Xiuyue said, "It's been almost a month since the young master left, and he hasn't sent a single letter."

Upon clearly seeing Shen Xian's official robes, she was startled. Beneath Xiu Yue's delicate, willow-leaf eyebrows, her almond-shaped eyes flickered slightly as she asked, "What kind of official robes are you wearing, young master?"

You can't just wear anything like that.

Zhiyun's round, rosy face was full of concern as she asked, "Did you go to the capital earlier, young master?"

"How have you all been while I was away from home?" Shen Xian asked.

Zhiyun said, "Everything is fine."

Just then, Lin Jing, who was busy in the back courtyard, also received the news and rushed over, his face beaming with joy: "Mu Zhi, you're back?"

Shen Xian nodded, looked at the person who came, and called out, "Uncle Lin."

Lin Jing was overjoyed when he saw Shen Xian's scarlet official robe and asked in surprise, "Mu Zhi has reached the fifth rank?"

The gold belt and fish-shaped pouch around Shen Xian's waist indicate his official rank.

Shen Xian said, "I am deeply grateful to the Empress Dowager for her high regard, and for being appointed as a scholar of the Zhaowen Pavilion and the head of the Qilin Pavilion."

Lin Jing was excited and repeatedly said, "Good, good."

He said on the same day that the young man in front of him was no ordinary person, and sure enough, in less than a month, he had risen to prominence and become famous.

A scholar of the Zhaowen Pavilion, that's a fifth-rank official, no wonder he wears a scarlet official robe.

"This is a double celebration, as your father was just promoted to county magistrate the day before yesterday." Lin Jing smiled, his gaze towards Shen Xian growing increasingly satisfied.

The day before yesterday, Shen Bin was promoted to county magistrate. Although Lin Jing was happy for him, given Shen Bin's age and the fact that he had been a low-ranking official for many years before being promoted to the position of county magistrate, Lin Jing was not too excited. But Shen Xian was different. He was a fifth-rank official at the age of less than twenty. Only scions of aristocratic families could have such a high starting point.

The fact that Shen Xian, an ordinary person, could rise to such a high position is enough to show that he is exceptionally talented and has a limitless future!
Shen Xian said, "My father has worked diligently for many years, and this time he almost lost his life. Being able to take charge of Guhe County is a reward for his hard work."

Outsiders couldn't find anything wrong with my father's promotion, because he had worked in the officialdom for many years and was considered a late bloomer who had accumulated a lot of experience before making a breakthrough.

"Yes, it can be said that the bitterness has finally come to an end." Lin Jing said with emotion, then remembered something and chuckled, "Qingchan is in the backyard now, and she's been thinking about you a lot lately."

"I'll go take a look right away," Shen Xian said softly, turning to look at Jiang Rui and saying gently, "Bingren, please wait here for a moment, I'll be right back."

It was naturally inappropriate to bring Jiang Rui along to the backyard.

"Scholar, you have not been home for many days. It is most important for you to reunite with your family first." Jiang Rui hummed in agreement and smiled, indicating his understanding.

It can be said that Shen Xian's act of bringing Jiang Rui to his residence was a clear sign of goodwill and intimacy.

Although Jiang Rui was an upright official, he was not stupid and naturally knew right from wrong.

Lin Jing picked up the conversation and said with a smile, "Sir, I'll keep you company. Mu Zhi, you may go ahead."

Shen Xian nodded and turned to leave.

In the back courtyard, Shen Xian, Zhiyun, and Xiuyue walked along the corridor toward the moon gate.

"Have Prince Qing's family members all moved away?" Shen Xian asked.

"They moved out the day before yesterday."

After Shen Xian and Xue Zhihua left the mansion, Princess Qing and her daughter felt it was inconvenient to stay at the Shen residence, so they had their servants prepare some things and bid farewell to Shen Bin.

Since they were relatives of the Qing rebels, Shen Bin did not dare to take them in any further and ordered the county constables to escort Princess Qing and her daughter to the manor.

Shen Xian nodded and asked, "That's fine too."

Xiu Yue blinked her bright eyes and asked, "Why haven't I seen that Miss Xue?"

Shen Xian explained, "She has other things to do, she'll come over later."

Right now, they're probably "recording" evidence of Anchang Changshi Qiuying's crimes.

Zhiyun couldn't hide her joy: "Young master, the master has been promoted to county magistrate, which means he'll be a seventh-rank official from now on."

“I have already learned of this,” Shen Xian said.

The personnel in Guhe County should also be adjusted. If Registrar Pei cooperates well, he can be promoted to County Assistant.

Xiuyue smiled and said, "I think the master's official rank is not as high as the young master's."

"You even know about official robes?" Shen Xian teased.

Xiuyue smiled and said, "Look at the fabric of the official robe, the weaving and embroidery, and the gold and silver trim. It's much more vibrant than the green official robe that you wear, sir."

Shen Xian chuckled: "I forgot, you also have a pair of skillful hands."

As they talked, they passed through the moon gate, went around a flower wall with drooping vines and fluttering butterflies, and arrived at a secluded and quiet courtyard with rustling bamboo.

"The young master is here."

Green Pearl stood at the door, like a green lotus swaying in the wind, exuding a subtle fragrance, delicate and lively.

Shen Xian asked, "Where is your daughter?"

"The young lady is inside," Green Pearl said gently, then looked at Shen Xian's official robes with surprise and asked, "Young master, what's this?"

Shen Xian nodded without saying anything more, and said, "I'll go take a look."

As they spoke, they stepped into the side room.

Yu Qingchan had already heard the conversation outside. She stood up and stood gracefully in place, saying softly, "Young Master Shen is back?"

Shen Xian gazed at the beautiful young woman and said softly, "Miss Yu, it's been a long time."

Now, looking at his fiancée, she was beautiful and elegant. Compared to her melancholy and tenderness when they first met, Dai Li now had a bright and lively air about her.

Yes, it's been so long, and we've finally escaped those days of family tragedy.

Yu Qingchan, her eyes veiled, parted her pink lips slightly and said softly, "My lord has been gone from the capital for almost a month now. I wonder if you are well?"

Shen Xian nodded and said gently, "Everything is fine outside."

Green Pearl couldn't hide her joy: "Miss, Young Master Shen has risen to the rank of fifth grade official."

After all, she was a maidservant from an official family, so how could she not see the color of Shen Xian's official robe?

Upon hearing this, Yu Qingchan was surprised and asked, "My lord... you've entered officialdom?"

Shen Xian said gently, "After entering the capital, I was highly regarded by the Empress Dowager and was appointed as a scholar of the Zhaowen Pavilion, holding the official rank of fifth grade, and was put in charge of the Qilin Pavilion."

The details were not described.

But Yu Qingchan was exceptionally intelligent and had already gleaned the key information from Shen Xian's few words.

The position of Academician of Zhaowen Pavilion was prestigious and important, and he was also appointed to oversee the Qilin Pavilion.

Shen Xian said, "Miss Yu, the Empress Dowager has pardoned you and your uncle Lin, who were previously sent to search for you in the capital. You can return to the capital without any problems."

Upon hearing this, Green Pearl's face lit up with joy. She stepped closer, her voice trembling with excitement: "Miss, the capital has pardoned those guilty."

Upon hearing this, Yu Qingchan was overjoyed.

Upon realizing that the young man before him had already risen to the rank of fifth grade, he quickly deduced that the young man must have exerted his influence.

Yu Qingchan said softly, "My lord must have a lot to do in the capital."

"There were some twists and turns, but fortunately, we escaped unscathed." Shen Xian nodded, his gaze deep, and said gently.

Yu Qingchan's voice softened slightly: "Green Pearl, go and brew a pot of tea. My husband and I will talk."

Clearly, they wanted to hear Shen Xian recount the events that had occurred in the capital.

Shen Xian sat down and said, "Today, demons and monsters are causing chaos in the world. I submitted a memorial entitled 'Policy on Governance' to the Empress. After that, I was appointed as a scholar of the Zhaowen Pavilion, and I was given the authority to gather martial artists from all over the world and to oversee the Qilin Pavilion."

Yu Qingchan could sense the turbulent undercurrents in the young man's soft voice.

Shen Xian took the teacup handed to him by Lv Zhu, took a sip, and said, "I'll come back later to talk to you in detail, Miss. There are still guests outside who need to be entertained."

Upon hearing this, Yu Qingchan could only say with a sigh, "Then my lord, please go ahead and attend to your business."

As they spoke, he put down his teacup and left the room.

After Shen Xian left, Yu Qingchan pursed her soft, slightly glossy pink lips, a sense of sadness welling up in her heart.

The young man seemed unwilling to spend any more time with her.

Green Pearl stepped forward and exclaimed with delight, "Miss, your son-in-law is indeed no ordinary man. At such a young age, he has already risen to the rank of Fifth Grade, and he is renowned and distinguished for his talent. He is truly extraordinary."

What is the situation of the Shen family of Lanxi? How could the Yu family, as a family related by marriage, not know about it?
So, there is only one reason why Shen Xian was promoted to the rank of Academician of Zhaowen Pavilion, a fifth-rank official, and that is because of his own talent.

Yu Qingchan nodded and softly hummed in agreement.

Having served as mistress and servant for many years, Green Pearl noticed Yu Qingchan's subtle sense of loss. Her voice softened as she advised, "Miss, the young master has just returned and has many things on his mind. It's not too late to talk to you later. There are still guests outside."

“I know,” Yu Qingchan said softly.

Just then, a familiar voice rang out in his mind.

“Your fiancé has already entered the third realm of martial arts cultivation.”

Upon hearing this, Yu Qingchan was startled and communicated with the mysterious person in the spiritual platform: "Senior, my husband's martial arts cultivation was not previously at the fifth level of the Acquired Realm."

"His bone age seems to have increased by a year. He must have entered some kind of time-traveling treasure for cultivation. The first three realms of martial arts rely heavily on resources, so he must have received funding from the imperial court of this world."

The mysterious man possessed exceptional insight and knowledge, deducing the truth in just a few words.

(End of this chapter)