Chapter 1204: A Great Craftsman Shows Others the Rules

Chapter 1204: A Great Craftsman Shows Others the Rules

Chen Ping'an extended a finger to press against the desk, silently reciting a single word, "Refine."

A speck of golden light appeared at the point where his fingertip touched the desktop. In an instant, the golden light transformed into tens of thousands of fine threads, like a multitude of golden snakes simultaneously leaving the water to transform into flood dragons, spreading out with a roar. They covered all objects within the National Teacher's Residence—the geomancy map, walls, chairs, green bricks on the floor, corridor pillars, patches of green glazed tiles, ridge beasts, hanging fish ornaments, all archives and books, and so on... Except for Xiao Mo, Xie Gou, Song Yunjian, and a few others, no one noticed this commotion. The civil secretaries continued to write with their brushes, golden light and shadows still rippled on the ground through the branches like water, and Lin Shouyi was still discussing the approaches to studying history with Cao Qinglang. Near the National Teacher's Residence, in an instant, a fine dust-like mist rose, composed of countless tiny living creatures barely visible to mortal eyes. The anomaly vanished in a flash.

At the Flower God Temple, Liu Tui said he wanted to personally see Liu Laocheng off. Did Liu Laocheng not want to prove the Dao and ascend? Similarly, did he not want Liu Tui to roll aside and cool off?

Jiang Shangzhen laughed, saying, "Quite a few friendships are forged through fighting."

Cui Dongshan said cheekily, "Beat out each other's brains and drink them as wine."

Liu Tui smiled calmly, saying, "When I was young, I set a rule for myself: in every continent of the Nine Continents of the Grand Alluvium, I would eventually get to know one or two local bosses. Now I only lack Bottle Gourd Continent and Tongye Continent."

Liu Laocheng said, "I don't even rank on Bottle Gourd Continent."

Jiang Shangzhen let out a surprised "Eh," while Cui Dongshan jumped sideways, staring wide-eyed and pointing at Liu Laocheng, shouting, "Achieving both merit and pure Confucianism is rare throughout history—my Master has achieved both. Mastery of both great learning and great wealth is rare throughout history—my Master has achieved both. Being both a sword immortal and a grandmaster is rare throughout history—my Master has achieved both. Look, my Master is so formidable, yet it was at Shujian Lake that he suffered the most and the greatest hardships. Island Master Liu, why do you belittle yourself? If you look down on yourself, you look down on my Master. If you look down on my Master, you look down on me, Cui Dongshan. If you look down on me, you look down on my close friend, the merciless killer, Old Grandmaster Jiang..."

Liu Laocheng was extremely annoyed.

Jiang Shangzhen smiled gently, saying, "It's fine to look down on me—I'm used to it."

Liu Tui said, "Let's go. If we keep talking, Mr. Chen will really start to have murderous intent."

The saying "With a sharp blade in hand, murderous intent arises naturally"—does it only refer to those who suddenly come into power and wealth?

Liu Laocheng nodded and no longer tangled with the white-robed youth.

There was an immortal ferry in the capital called Funeral White Ferry.

Inside the capital, Liu Tui only had a Yang Spirit External Incarnation "receiving guests." Once outside the capital, his true body had been waiting for a long time. He immediately gathered his Yang Spirit and Yin Spirit. In just a moment, Liu Laocheng felt that Liu Tui at this moment was probably the true Dao Lord of Fuyao Continent. He could have clearly hidden in Celestial Gossip Township without showing his face, thereby escaping the blade-wielding calamity that swept across the entire continent, but he insisted on leaving the mountains, and as a result, he lost an entire realm.

Walking together on the ferry, there were immortal shops stretching for several miles, as well as bundles stall peddlers everywhere. Whether the goods were genuine or fake depended entirely on one's eye.

Liu Laocheng said, "Old Sect Leader Jiang has already told me the conditions. No problem. From now on, whenever I encounter Liu Tui on the road, I, Liu Laocheng, will definitely take the initiative to go around."

Unexpectedly, Liu Tui said, "No need."

Liu Laocheng's heartstrings tightened instantly. Damn you, Liu Tui! You don't keep your word, do you?! Wild cultivators fear wild cultivators, but wild cultivators truly hate registered cultivators to the bone.

Liu Tui said, "Don't deliberately show weakness to try to make me lower my guard. The way you view Ascension Realm Liu Tui is exactly how I view Immortal Realm Liu Laocheng. I absolutely won't act differently just because I'm a realm higher than you. In fact, since I failed to execute you on the spot in the capital region, I already sent a flying sword message to Celestial Gossip Township, calling for two upper-five-realm cultivators who rarely show themselves: one is a Law Ancestor, who by seniority I should call Junior Grand-Uncle; the other is a Jade Purity Realm sword cultivator, my direct disciple who has inherited seven or eight-tenths of my true teachings. I had them head straight to Shujian Lake and Bee Tail Alley respectively, looking for opportunities to strike from the shadows, preferably to find your life-bound lamp directly."

Liu Laocheng remained silent.

Liu Tui said, "You might not know much about my reputation in Fuyao Continent when I was young. It's not at all inferior to Liu Laocheng of Shujian Lake. Back then, I was known as the Wild Cultivator's Nightmare. For instance, during a three-hundred-year period when I descended the mountain, I specifically dealt with those wild cultivators who didn't know their place. Of course, it was a matter of gaining both fame and profit. I had long since discussed it secretly with Yu Jin and that female National Teacher. As for the likes of Yellow Flower God now, they're just lucky to have been reincarnated three thousand years later. If they had met me on the path earlier, heh."

Liu Laocheng looked at Liu Tui, who had the appearance of a young man, and saw him in a new light. So he too was actually a kindred spirit.

Liu Laocheng said, "There's a sword cultivator named Li Tuanjing on Bottle Gourd Continent. He's always felt that the identities of registered cultivators and mountain-wild cultivators should be swapped."

Liu Tui nodded, saying, "A penetrating insight."

Passing by a bundle stall, the vendor picked up a green porcelain brush-washing vessel, which was a spiritual artifact, and hawked, "Old sir, buy this treasure that can enhance literary fortune for your grandson. It's definitely a steal! The Grand Li capital's metropolitan examinations are coming up soon. If this handsome official does well, come back and give me a little bonus money, how about that?"

Liu Laocheng's face darkened. What an unlucky year—everywhere he goes, he runs into trouble? Liu Laocheng suddenly felt a shock in his heart, remembering that Liu Tui was a figure from the Heavenly Desolate Solution of Fuyao Continent.

Liu Tui remained unmoved. He just waved his hand and said in fluent Grand Li official language, "My grandfather is a poor old man. He has no money in his pocket for you to swindle."

The vendor urged, "A thousand pieces of gold can't buy a chance encounter. There's always a price we can negotiate."

Liu Tui looked down and scanned the vendor's large collection of bottles, jars, spirit money talismans... Damn it, they even had a Celestial Master Sword from Dragon Tiger Mountain? Why didn't you set up your bundle stall right at the Celestial Master Residence's gate?

Liu Tui didn't move, so Liu Laocheng had no choice but to stand there stiffly.

Liu Tui said via heart voice, "Don't think I can't kill you. At the private residence, I only have a Yang Spirit, and being inside the capital, my Dao power is indeed insufficient and I'm constrained—I can't kill you. But out in the capital region, I can recall my Yin Spirit that has left the body and traveled afar at any time. Killing you would take some effort and cost me no small amount of cultivation, but I absolutely won't let you escape, especially not let you run to the National Teacher's Residence. You have a few good trump cards, and I have mine too. On one hand, I'm reluctant to use them on you; on the other hand, I think highly of you, very highly, which is why I went along with your plan and allowed you to escape into the capital. As for how much truth there is in my words—feel free to guess."

Liu Laocheng said, "Senior has intentions of recruiting me?"

Liu Laocheng shook his head of his own accord, saying, "But to be honest, I don't think Celestial Gossip Township has anything worth tempting me with—whether people or things. Liu Tui can neither let me inherit the sect leader position, nor does Celestial Gossip Township have any Dao books or heavy treasures that could make my mouth water."

Liu Tui said, "Don't speak in absolutes. The dangers, strangeness, absurdity, and brilliance of this world might all exceed your imagination."

"For example, now our Celestial Gossip Township can finally take the entire Fallen Treasures Beach into our fold. Hidden within it are many treasures that we previously dared not touch, nor dared let outsiders touch. Now we can openly excavate them. Another example: on Liuxia Continent, I still have a White Porcelain Cave Heaven, a private Dao field. The spiritual energy and heavenly treasures within—I squandered half of them when I was secluded to heal my injuries—but it's still enough to support an Immortal's Dao verification and ascension, stabilize their realm, and advance their Dao power. Of course, that precondition is that the person is capable of ascending."

Liu Tui said calmly, "I have a connection with Bottle Gourd Continent. It's not necessarily that you have no connection with White Porcelain Cave Heaven."

That White Porcelain Cave Heaven was originally a place where Liu Tui had planned to merge with the Dao.

Liu Laocheng asked, "Senior's implication is that you're willing to offer the inner substance of a White Porcelain Cave Heaven in exchange for the face of an Ascension Realm cultivator?"

Liu Tui said, "The old saying 'Nine out of ten gambles are lost' is true. That's why someone like me doesn't gamble easily. But once I'm at the gambling table, I insist on betting big and winning big. Liu Tui and Liu Laocheng—besides both coincidentally having the surname Liu, there's one more crucial point: we are both people with decent luck. I'm not just betting on Immortal Realm Liu Laocheng, who has been backed into a corner; I'm betting even more on the fortune of Bottle Gourd Continent's first upper-five-realm wild cultivator."

Liu Tui sighed. Back when he successfully ascended and helped break new ground for the entire Fuyao Continent, how proud he was. He felt that merging with the Dao was something others sought in vain, but he could achieve it effortlessly.

But then, when he reached the peak of the Ascension Realm, he realized that the ethereal matter of merging with the Dao was like drawing water with a bamboo basket to catch the moon—nothing but torment for the Dao heart and a drain on one's spirit.

Liu Tui said, "You don't have to rush to give me an answer. But before Mr. Chen returns to Shujian Lake and returns that Winter Crucian Carp of Liu Laocheng from Gongliu Island, you'd better have made the right decision."

"Both of us are cold-hearted, ruthless people at our core. It's hard for people like us to go all the way with those who are cold on the outside but warm on the inside."

"If you've made a decision, immediately abandon your registered cultivator status, enter Liuxia Continent as a wild cultivator, try to forcefully break into the currently ownerless White Porcelain Cave Heaven, take it for yourself, and attempt to prove the Dao! And don't act all sanctimonious, talking about inner substance and face—I want both."

Liu Tui had an intuition: the true great age of contention did not end with the Wild Clan's evacuation from the Grand Alluvium. No, completely wrong—the show was just beginning!

Hearing this, Liu Laocheng nodded and said, "Sincerely, I call you Senior."

Liu Tui sneered, "When I went from a failed scholar to the boss of both the black and white paths in Fuyao Continent, you hadn't even been reincarnated yet."

Liu Laocheng finally asked a question that had been puzzling him, "You two are clearly not on the same path, so why do you go out of your way to pander to him?"

"You'd better not know the specific reason."

Liu Tui rubbed his temples, feeling helpless, and said, "What can I do? I can't outmaneuver him, can't outdo him in ruthlessness, and damn it, can't outsmart him either."

Liu Laocheng said nothing. He just inexplicably remembered that young man with a haggard expression sitting in the boat, his face covered in tears, repeatedly muttering, "How could I bear to."

Liu Tui was absolutely certain that there was a type of person in the world with a tough fate, a good memory, the ability to adapt, and astonishing resilience. They could learn from others and from all things. Once their fortune rose, they were destined to be unstoppable.

A living person's knife, a killing sword, a bodhisattva's heart, and thunderous methods.

Once such a person decided to kill you, unless your realm was much higher than theirs, you would surely die.

Liu Tui spotted a purple clay pot flower vessel and crouched beside a stall spread with cotton cloth. He picked it up directly from a pile of "mountain-guarding treasures" and said, "Grandfather, don't just stand there. Hurry up and pay. The Grand Li Dynasty is a place with laws. We grandfather and grandson can't go back to our old trade of highway robbery and murder for loot."

Liu Laocheng asked the vendor the price. The latter quoted sixteen Snowflake Coins. Liu Laocheng suddenly glared angrily and said, "Don't you know who I am? You dare to swindle me? Tired of living?"

The vendor was startled—not so much by the content, but by the loud voice, like a pig being dragged onto a slaughtering board. He asked irritably, "Who the hell are you?"

"I am the sect leader of True Mirror Sect, Immortal Realm Liu Laocheng!"

"Liu Laocheng, huh? I know, the lake lord of Shujian Lake. Why don't you also report who your father is and who your master is? I'll just lay it out here today: even if they all come, this is the price!"

Liu Laocheng looked at Liu Tui and laughed heartily, "See? Registered cultivators really aren't worth a damn."

Liu Tui smiled. This wild cultivator Liu Laocheng was actually quite interesting.

Bottle Gourd Continent was no longer suitable for Liu Laocheng. Fuyao or Liuxia Continents would be much more fitting.

Liu Tui gave the vendor a thumbs-up and tossed over a Lesser Summer Coin. "Wrap it up."

The vendor hesitated for a moment, first confirmed that the Lesser Summer Coin was genuine, then pulled a handful of Snowflake Coins from his sleeve, placed them on the cotton cloth, quickly got up, and walked away swiftly. Turning his head, he said, "Fellow Daoist, let's consider this as making a friend."

Liu Tui nodded with a smile, "Fellow Daoist, if you're bold enough to seek fortune amidst danger, you should hurry to the area near the Ape Trampled Stockade's Blue Mystery Cave in the capital region. Try your luck. You might find a person with the Dao name Chinese Parasol Tree. He goes by Yellow Flower God and has a wife with him. Just tell him I sent you to find him, and let him show you the scenery halfway up the mountain."

The bundle peddler stopped and asked doubtfully, "Fellow Daoist, who are you?"

Liu Tui patted his own cheek, "I've described my appearance to him. He'll naturally understand the gravity and won't dare to neglect you."

The cultivator nodded. Where would he go to find some Blue Mystery Cave at the Ape Trampled Stockade in the capital region? Without a second word, he headed straight for the Grand Li capital, determined not to leave the capital for the near future. The honey trap these days really invested heavily—a Lesser Summer Coin! The cultivator felt a small regret: if there had also been a beauty trap, it would have been even better.

Liu Laocheng said, "This deal is done! I'll also make a huge gamble, betting that Liu Tui's fortune is rising in Fuyao Continent!"

Liu Tui raised his palm, "No need to swear a poisonous oath with secret methods. Let's seal it with a handshake."

Liu Laocheng heavily slapped his palm against Liu Tui's.

The bundle peddler, nearing the capital gate, slowed his pace. The young cultivator pulled out the genuine Lesser Summer Coin from his sleeve, flicked it with his thumb, caught it with both hands, then opened them to look. Clenching his teeth, he changed his mind: should he go to the Ape Trampled Stockade to find Blue Mystery Cave and try his luck?

——

Du Yu and Rong Chang and the others had already sobered up. Leaving the National Teacher's Residence, Chen Li said she wanted to go check out Fallen Mountain.

Sui Jingcheng seemed to be chatting warmly with the cook Yu Qing. Gao Youqing, having been repeatedly instructed by his senior brother, knew not to take any of the drunken talk at the wine table seriously.

The Flower God Temple grew increasingly lively. More than a hundred Flower Gods descended, arriving in droves. They concealed their auras and masked their true appearances, then went together to the Fire God Temple's entrance. The old temple matron led the way, and they sincerely apologized to Aunt Feng. Under the lush green grape trellis, Aunt Feng didn't make things difficult for them. Not only did she accept their apologies, but she even invited Cui Jian over for a drink, sharing some secret mountain anecdotes from the Central Earth Divine Continent that were not to be shown to outsiders.

Plum Blossom Life Mandate Luo Fumeng used a technique of "making a Dao field inside a snail shell" to open up a secret realm similar to a cave heaven or blessed land, serving as the temporary ancestral hall of the Hundred Flowers Blessed Land.

They seemed to be more pragmatic than Chen Ping'an had imagined. Gathering together, they ranked the several matters by priority and urgency, further breaking each down into dozens of steps, and recorded everything in a register. At the same time, they let all Flower Gods offer suggestions and speak freely in the near future, so they could check for omissions and fill gaps at any time. Qi Fang planned to have the "blessed general" Wu Cai make another trip to the National Teacher's Residence, while she herself immediately began collecting and organizing various local chronicles from the Grand Li Dynasty's more than hundred prefectures and thirty-two vassal states. Additionally, she wanted to request an official Grand Li geomancy map from the National Teacher's Residence, as privately possessing such things was taboo, even for immortal families.

Perhaps the young National Teacher's mention of "year-end clearance" had left too deep an impression on Qi Fang, so she had to specifically warn them not to regard the Grand Li Dynasty as just another dynasty of the Central Earth Divine Continent. All previous experiences from the Hundred Flowers Blessed Land in dealing with dynastic courts, government offices, generals, ministers, and nobles had to be discarded!

Seeing Wu Cai brimming with joy but refusing to leave, Qi Fang asked in confusion, "What's wrong? Is there something else?"

Wu Cai said coyly, "Flower Master, I feel like I need a storage artifact to hold so many books."

Qi Fang was at a loss whether to laugh or cry. "With you so quick to side with outsiders, won't we end up giving away seven or eight storage artifacts?"

It wasn't that she was stingy with a few storage artifacts—the Hundred Flowers Blessed Land still had some treasury stock. But that wasn't how business was done.

Several of the Life Mandate Flower Gods besides Luo Fumeng also rubbed their foreheads and exchanged glances. So, this National Teacher Chen wanted fame, power, Confucian Temple merit, and treasures too?

Seeing that they had all misunderstood, Wu Cai hurriedly explained, "Sword Immortal Chen is not someone greedy for treasures and wealth. It's me who wants to advance a storage artifact from the ancestral hall to give to a new friend I made at the National Teacher's Residence. Her name is Gouzi (Doggy). She says she holds a minor official post there, something like a clerk, small now, but who knows how fast she'll climb the ranks. Anyway, we hit it off really well. It has nothing to do with her being a high or low official!"

A Flower God couldn't help but ask curiously, "What's her name?"

They had missed the celebration and now dared not casually probe for information. Besides, based solely on the name "Gouzi," they really couldn't figure out what kind of divine being would be so... open-minded?

Wu Cai said, "Gouzi."

Qi Fang didn't want the Flower Gods to keep pressing questions, lest it backfire and make Wu Cai overthink. She smiled and nodded, "Fine, go to the treasury and pick out a storage artifact."

Wu Cai made another trip to the Thousand Step Corridor, where all external officials seemed to be in a hurry. Once inside the National Teacher's Residence, she deliberately slowed down, looking around here and there.

The elusive sable-hatted girl stood behind her, let out a "Huo!" and slapped Wu Cai's shoulder, startling her. Wu Cai glared and said, "Gouzi, you can scare someone to death!"

Xie Gou put her hands on her hips and said matter-of-factly, "But we're not human."

Wu Cai thought for a moment and burst into laughter.

In the official hall, after hearing Wu Cai's report, Chen Ping'an nodded with a smile, saying, "Quite methodical. Rare. Not bad, a good start."

Chen Ping'an thought for a moment and said to Rong Yu, "Go to the Court of State Ceremonial and borrow an official named Xun Qu. Have him be responsible for handling specific matters with the Flower God Temple in the near future. Find him a desk in Yu Shiwu's official hall. Also give Xun Qu a National Teacher's Residence jade token so he can freely enter and leave various government offices. The local chronicles needed by the Hundred Flowers Blessed Land will be handled by Xun Qu."

Rong Yu accepted the order and left.

Xie Gou volunteered to take Wu Cai to Yu Shiwu's official hall to wait for Xun Qu.

As they walked together toward the second courtyard, Xie Gou said, "Sister Wu Cai, if I ever come to the Hundred Flowers Blessed Land to travel, remember to look out for me."

Wu Cai was radiant and confident. She tilted her head and raised her thumb. The sable-hatted girl immediately followed up with a tacit "Top notch!"

Xie Gou shielded her mouth with her hand and said, "Even though I have an official position, I'm actually a martial artist through and through. Used to fighting and killing. Around this capital, my word carries a lot of weight."

Wu Cai asked doubtfully, "Gouzi, do you have a trouble-free token too?"

The young Flower Goddess had heard that on Bottle Gourd Continent, owning a trouble-free token issued by the Grand Li Ministry of Justice was not just a protective charm—it was practically a death exemption plaque.

Xie Gou lifted her sleeve to make a show, saying, "One? You underestimate me. I have several."

Wu Cai was shocked, "That impressive?"

Xie Gou put on a straight face and nodded, then raised her finger to her lips with a "Shh," saying, "Don't spread it around."

Wu Cai patted Gouzi's sable hat and praised, "Really keeping a low profile, huh."

Xie Gou crossed her arms and swayed her shoulders, extremely proud.

Xiao Mo watched the two "peers" walking side by side, whispering to each other, and he could only feel helpless.

Under the peach tree, Song Yunjian smiled, "For Senior Bai Jing, Liu Laocheng, burdened with fortune, is a fine meal."

Xiao Mo stood at the side-room door and said with a smile, "You're even more so."

Song Yunjian said, "I'm very curious about what the world looks like through the eyes of a Fourteen Realm cultivator."

Xiao Mo said, "You'll know when you get there."

Song Yunjian asked with a smile, "Master Xiao Mo seems to have some issue with me?"

Xiao Mo replied bluntly, "A bit."

Song Yunjian asked puzzledly, "Why?"

Xiao Mo said, "No reason."

Song Yunjian was speechless and said with a worried face, "Makes me uneasy."

Xiao Mo held a bamboo staff, looking carefree. Having entered the Fourteen Realm was like shedding a great shackle; it was truly relaxing. Before fourteen, cultivation was like meticulous brushwork; after fourteen, it became like freehand painting.

Song Yunjian recalled a small matter and said, "The Flower God Temple matron Ye Man, that former open-front young lady, she clearly recognized the National Teacher's identity at the time. Why did she pretend she had mistaken him for someone else?"

Xiao Mo said, "Meeting by chance, parting by chance, and when they meet again unexpectedly, if they don't know what to talk about, it's better to pretend not to recognize each other."

Song Yunjian nodded, "Wonderful."

This androgynous golden-crowned Daoist reached out to brush the peach blossoms on the low branches and said softly, "I once read a few maxims in a book. It said that great wealth and vast fame, when they come from virtue, are like flowers in mountain forests—naturally slow to bloom and multiply. When they come from achievements, they are like flowers in gardens—splendid for a time, but ultimately subject to the worries of relocation and decline. If they are obtained solely by force, they are like flowers in a vase—their roots are not planted, and their withering can be expected at any moment."

Song Yunjian's Dao foundation determined that his situation was necessarily one of self-imprisonment, a fate beyond his control. This Grand Li capital was both his Dao field and his cage.

Sensing Song Yunjian's distraction, Xiao Mo inexplicably thought of the ten-thousand-year-old parasol tree on Tongye Continent.

There seemed to be an eternal layer of sorrow on them, like mist shrouding a cold river—their Dao hearts were dusty, their spirits low.

Xiao Mo listened to the chatter in the second courtyard under the pine shade. She wouldn't be like that. She walked through the human world like a blazing sun, forever holding her head high, gazing afar.

Xie Gou's "future" was as close as if it would come tomorrow. Song Yunjian and his kind's future was as distant as if they themselves didn't believe tomorrow would be any different from today.

Song Yunjian gathered his chaotic thoughts and said shamefully, "Please don't laugh at me, Master Xiao Mo."

Xiao Mo shook his head, "In the past, I would have thought you were all wastes who happened to be able to cultivate. Now I can sympathize a little."

Song Yunjian turned to look at the official hall. The prime minister sits loftily in the court; the gains and losses here require careful consideration.

A great Daoist scripture says, "In the third month of spring, this is called 'bringing forth the old.' Heaven and earth are both born, and all things flourish. Go to bed late, rise early, take a broad stroll in the courtyard. Let your hair down and relax your form, so that your will may be born."

What an excellent "bringing forth the old"!

The Court of State Ceremonial, located to the right of Southern Fragrance Ward, was neighbors with the Ministry of Works office where Guan Yiran served.

The young official temporarily borrowed from the Court of State Ceremonial to come to the National Teacher's Residence was deserving of the praise "elegant and handsome."

Xun Qu was a fellow imperial examination graduate of the same year as Cao Qinglang, but his achievement was far inferior to Cao Qinglang's, being a second-class metropolitan graduate with a very low ranking. Xun Qu's current official position was Usher of the Court of State Ceremonial.

In the Grand Li capital, where officials were as numerous as ox hairs, this was a sesame-sized official in a purely ornamental office.

Back when Cao Qinglang came to the capital for the examinations, he and Xun Qu had lodged together in a temple within the capital. The two of them shared a congenial spirit and similar interests.

That's why when Chen Ping'an had last come to the capital, the court had intended to arrange for Xun Qu to accompany "Mountain Lord Chen" on a tour of the capital.

Chen Ping'an left the study and came to a room in the second courtyard. Crossing the threshold, he went straight to Yu Shiwu's desk and casually opened a ledger.

Yu Shiwu laughed, "You're an expert. See if there are any mistakes."

Ever since meeting Jiang She last time, which turned out to be a blessing in disguise and earned him a piece of fortune, Yu Shiwu's Dao body had become increasingly spotless, and his Dao heart felt as if a heavy burden had been removed, with no more dragging or lingering.

Xu Jiaoqie asked Yin Guan if he needed tea. Xiao Xing immediately sneered, "Why not just directly warm his bed?" Xu Jiaoqie glared angrily and cursed, "Slut, don't be too arrogant!"

The sword cultivator Doukou and Xian Zao both smiled faintly. Yu Shiwu sighed inwardly—true or false, there was no point in taking it seriously.

At the entrance, Xun Qu made a bow and said, "Usher of the Court of State Ceremonial, Xun Qu, pays respects to the National Teacher."

On the way here, Rong Yu had already briefed Xun Qu on the situation. Although Xun Qu was a bit confused, since it was a decision personally made by the National Teacher, he would simply follow the rules and do his job well.

He remembered that when they last met, Mr. Chen had teased him, saying that being broke was a good thing—literary talent dislikes good fortune, after all. It allowed him to produce wonderful writing. If he happened to become a high official, then next time Chen came to the capital, he'd have a backing in officialdom...

Chen Ping'an smiled and said, "Usher Xun, no rush to get into official business. Let me first introduce you to the Hundred Flowers Blessed Land's Balsam Flower God Wu Cai, and then you can catch up with Cao Qinglang."

Xie Gou's eyes widened. She looked at the Mountain Lord. This kind of "person" was really being recruited into the National Teacher's Residence to work? Wasn't he afraid that inviting a god was easier than sending one away? But then again, the "Poverty God" was still better than the "Plague God"—at least the former was ultimately an auspicious deity.

Xun Qu was of humble origin. Besides being a capital official on the surface, he was also a cultivator. His master was none other than the Director of the Sacrificial and Ritual Department in the Ministry of Rites, known as the "Lesser Heavenly Official." Furthermore, Xun Qu had an even more important identity: he was one of the reincarnations of a spirit god. In local folklore, "sending off the Poverty God" referred to him.

Chen Ping'an smiled dismissively. With my salary, what's there to fear?

Sitting together at a stone table, Xun Qu listened carefully to Wu Cai's account and nodded gently, forming a general idea. Looking up, he found his friend Cao Qinglang standing nearby with a smile. Wu Cai secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Her inspiration for the day had been used up; if they talked any longer, her true colors would show, and everyone would know she was an idiot. She shot a glance at Gouzi, and the sable-hatted girl immediately pulled Wu Cai away from the stone table. Xie Gou had also been given a side room, which she had tidied up spotlessly, filled with rare editions and unique copies, the whole room smelling of books. Wu Cai was amazed—Gouzi, you're awesome! You even have your own territory in the National Teacher's Residence! Xie Gou put her hands on her hips, smug and proud, showing off her knowledge by shaking her head and reciting a piece on a humble room.

Urged by Chen Ping'an, Cao Qinglang and Xun Qu played a game of Go.

During the game, when the Master tried to reach out and offer some guidance, the student silently blocked his hand.

As they leisurely played to the middle game, Chen Ping'an still wanted to help his student play a miraculous move, but Cao Qinglang had to use his eyes to signal Master to stop making things worse.

Chen Ping'an had no choice but to put his hands in his sleeves and leave. Soon, a white-robed youth slid down a pine tree with both arms, glanced at the game, and showed a face full of admiration. He clapped and shouted praise, spouting nonsense: "Wow! In ancient times there was the Colored Cloud Game; today there is the Pine Wave Game. Truly a grand event in the chess world, a heroic feat..." Xun Qu was baffled. Cao Qinglang ignored him. As expected, the little senior brother was soon grabbed by the collar by the Master and dragged to the back courtyard.

Chen Ping'an asked, "Where's Vice-Mountain Lord Jiang?"

Cui Dongshan grinned, "Master, Chief Zhou went off to show off at the Flower God Temple, all fluttering and chirping. He said he would use half his life to be a lobbyist for a red-faced confidante, trying to see if she could return to the Hundred Flowers Blessed Land. That's the Lady of Cao Kingdom, the one whose heart was broken by a fickle lover."

Chen Ping'an rubbed his brow and asked, "What was he thinking? Did he really plan to give away the Cloud Cavern Blessed Land of the Jiang ancestral property to Wei Ying? Would he have the face to go to the family ancestral hall to burn incense in the future?"

Cui Dongshan said, "It's not exactly a gift for nothing. The Jiang clan descendants can still collect rent each year—a good deal of lying back and enjoying blessings. Chief Zhou said that a cunning hegemon like Liu Tui only dares to gamble, but he himself knows how to gamble."

He waved at Song Yunjian. The white-robed youth winked slyly and asked, "Should I call you Brother Song, or Sister Yunjian?"

Song Yunjian smiled slightly and said, "Then should I call you Sect Leader Cui, or..."

Cui Dongshan stood on one leg like a golden rooster and said sternly, "Hey! You nosy scholar, don't spout nonsense! If you anger me, I'll slap you onto the wall so hard you won't be able to peel yourself off."

Song Yunjian understood. Instead of getting angry, he smiled and said, "Since Fellow Daoist Cui has invoked Patriarch Lu, I'll stop bickering with you."

Legend has it that Pure Yang Patriarch Lu once left a poem on a wall, in which there was a line: "The nosy scholar just mouths off, then goes into the deep white clouds."

The white-robed youth hopped and skipped, swinging his arms and sleeves, occasionally poking his fist at the golden-crowned Daoist, saying, "Not arguing is best. Let's settle it with action."

Song Yunjian glanced at Chen Ping'an. He really didn't know how he had gotten through those years. Could he even tolerate this?

Chen Ping'an said, "Come inside and talk about some real matters."

Cui Dongshan jumped backward and hooked his finger, continuing to provoke Song Yunjian.

Entering the room, Chen Ping'an set up a layer of prohibition and asked, "Hypothetically, just hypothetically, if Cui Chan left something for you, similar to Lu Jiang's bracelet, would you accept it or not?"

Cui Dongshan instantly became listless. He was silent for a long time, then raised his head and shook it.

The next sect leader of Green Ping Sword Sect was Cao Qinglang. As for the next National Teacher of the Grand Li Dynasty, if Cui Dongshan nodded now, it would most likely be... him, Cui Dongshan.

Chen Ping'an asked, "Have you thought it through?"

Cui Dongshan's expression darkened as he nodded.

Chen Ping'an smiled and said, "The Master respects your choice. If you ever regret it later, just tell me. In any case, don't put any burden on yourself."

Cui Dongshan instantly perked up, but then he immediately felt guilty. In short, he was overwhelmed with mixed emotions—rarely so happy and yet afraid to be happy.

Chen Ping'an raised his hand and patted his shoulder, laughing, "Others might not believe it, but you should. The Master here has always been solid."

Cui Dongshan grinned brightly, "Why wouldn't I believe it? I must believe. After all, I'm the Master's proud student!"

Chen Ping'an clicked his tongue and laughed, "Exactly. Out of three wisps of sword qi, I gave you two."

Cui Dongshan nodded vigorously like a pecking chicken, "How can Cao Qinglang compare to me? He's far behind."

Master and student each pulled up a chair, slouching lazily against the backrests, stealing a moment of leisure, thinking of nothing, just looking out at the peach blossoms full of trees, smiling at the spring breeze and seeking the sword guest.

——

After leaving the Imperial Study, Hong Ji did not go directly to the National Teacher's Residence to "get scolded." Instead, he first went to his government office and sat quietly for a while. During that time, he flipped through some files. He already knew the contents by heart, but he still memorized some extra names and numbers. With his carriage already prepared, Hong Ji took a deep breath, got up from his office, got into the carriage, and began to close his eyes and rest.

The headquarters of the Capital Patrol and Garrison Command was not on the sides of the Thousand Step Corridor but was located at the northernmost part of the imperial city. It was in charge of numerous matters such as the capital's city defense, gate control, inspection, and arrest. It was a highly powerful office. In short, within the capital's streets and alleys, including Yichi Alley and Chi'er Street, the Command could basically manage almost everything. The capital's citizens were also familiar with the Command's officials, so the people commonly referred to it as the Northern Office.

Hong Ji's current official rank was from the third grade. With a lower official rank, simple matters easily became complicated.

Hong Ji wore armor inside and a brocade robe outside, and was allowed to carry a saber when attending small court sessions. This was also the case in the official court. This was no small honor, far more intimidating than his from-the-third-grade official status.

He was short and sturdy, with dark skin, a veteran of the Grand Li border army, and his ancestral home was the very place where the Grand Li Song Clan had risen to power.

Only a truly trusted confidant of the Son of Heaven, a truly loyal minister, could hold this office.

Cui Chan never interfered with the selection of the Command's commander. That was probably a necessary tacit understanding.

But as the Emperor had said, whether it was Cui Chan or Chen Ping'an, if they wanted to replace a from-the-third-grade capital official, it was far too easy.

This was Hong Ji's first time visiting the National Teacher's Residence. Led through the gate by a young woman who called herself Rong Yu, the first thing that caught his eye was a dragon-patterned screen wall shaped like the character "yi," which was highly suggestive of overstepping authority. Passing this huge screen wall made of colored glazed bricks, he entered a broad courtyard paved with white marble. At the moment, no officials were resting there waiting for an audience with the National Teacher. Beyond this was the standard three-courtyard layout of a common capital mansion. Following a corridor with elegantly latticed windows, Hong Ji couldn't help but steal a few glances at Rong Yu walking ahead. He was naturally clear about her identity.

Standing outside the door at the bottom of the steps, Rong Yu reported softly, "National Teacher, Hong Ji of the Patrol and Garrison Command has arrived."

Chen Ping'an nodded, "Show him in."

The young National Teacher was sitting behind his desk, pen in hand, annotating a booklet. He looked up and said, "Sit."

Hong Ji sat upright, his Adam's apple bobbing slightly as he secretly moistened his throat, and said, "National Teacher, I have come to apologize..."

Chen Ping'an lowered his head and continued writing his annotations, but he cut off the other's speech, saying in a flat tone, "Get to the point."

Hong Ji straightened his back a little more, quickly speeding up his speech, and began to explain how the oversight had occurred, how Liu Laocheng of True Mirror Sect had broken into the capital and come directly to the gate of the National Teacher's Residence. During this time, the three capital grand formations, including those of the Patrol and Garrison Command and the Imperial Observatory, had failed to stop this Immortal Realm cultivator.

Chen Ping'an nodded, seemingly not at all interested in making an issue of this matter. He asked, seemingly casually, "Regarding the ban on several books specializing in borderland theories and those alluding to Grand Li government affairs at that bookshop in Goldfish Ward—I heard there was considerable public criticism at the time. The Directorate of Education and the Ministry of Rites held different opinions. How was it finally resolved?"

Although Hong Ji was puzzled as to why the National Teacher would ask about such trivial administrative details, and though the Patrol and Garrison Command was only responsible for preventing gatherings and disturbances in that matter—the local county office and the Ministry of Rites' Procuratorial Department were the real authorities—Hong Ji still clearly explained the reasons and the final verdict. He dared not embellish or casually lodge a petty complaint against anyone, nor did he dare to show favor or curry favor.

Chen Ping'an looked up, put down the booklet, and asked, "Hong Ji, if you were the person in charge, how would you handle it?"

Hong Ji's mind raced. He quickly formulated a draft in his head, carefully choosing his words, and said slowly, "If I were the person in charge, I still think the restraint could be appropriately loosened. Just delete those twenty-three passages of content and don't pursue the fault of those two literati. Our Grand Li should have the majestic bearing of the foremost power in the Grand Alluvium. Scholars saying a few things and voicing a few complaints is nothing."

Chen Ping'an smiled but said nothing.

Hong Ji steeled himself and said, "Books can be regulated loosely, but the bookshops—big and small—that sell them, and the academies where literati gather, should be strictly controlled."

Chen Ping'an said, "Continue."

Hong Ji's head felt twice as big. Continue? National Teacher, I have nothing further to add.

Chen Ping'an said, "Loosening externally while tightening internally is correct, but you also need to pay attention to the degree. The responsible offices must be strict, but they must also prevent the bookshops and academies from becoming so cautious that they never recover from a single scare. This would lead to two extremes: one where those writings and literati have no place to stand—bookshops, to avoid trouble, simply cut everything indiscriminately; academies, to have something to say to the authorities, talk to the literati as if in a heart-to-heart but actually warning them. The other extreme is where bookshops and academies unite with the literati in defiance, not complaining in books, but those outside the government turning to cursing Grand Li's administration as a shortcut to gain fame and nurture their reputation."

Hong Ji thought carefully and felt it was reasonable, but dealing with literati outside the government had always been a difficult matter—he was truly not good at it.

Chen Ping'an laughed, "You don't need to apologize to me today. I wasn't planning to discuss any real business with you either. I just wanted to chat casually about some tangential topics that don't require much thought."

Hong Ji smiled awkwardly. You can be casual, National Teacher, but I dare not be. Probably because of his border army background, he couldn't come up with any polished pleasantries. He just waited silently for the National Teacher to dismiss him, so he could head home and carefully review which of his words had been off.

Unexpectedly, the National Teacher asked, "Want some tea?"

Hong Ji almost blurted out, "I'd even drink a knife," but he managed to hold back and said, "Yes, I'd like some."

Chen Ping'an asked, "Any particular requirements for the tea?"

Hong Ji said, "As long as there's tea leaves and water."

Chen Ping'an laughed, "That's quite a lot of requirements."

Hong Ji struggled to suppress a smile.

Rong Yu soon brought the tea. It was a Flower God Cup, a genuine article, of course.

Hong Ji calculated her steps and stood up, took the cup with both hands, and thanked her. Only after she smiled and nodded and turned away did he gently sit down again.

Chen Ping'an leaned forward and pulled out a thin booklet.

Hong Ji had sharp eyes. He caught a glimpse of a plum-green, round, cloud-patterned ceramic inlay on the back of the simple red sandalwood chair. Just that touch of color seemed to make the otherwise somewhat drab official hall brighter.

Chen Ping'an asked, "Hong Ji, you've been in the position of Capital Patrol and Garrison Commander for three years and two months now, right? Which of the young masters from Yichi Alley and Chi'er Street do you find hardest to control?"

Hong Ji was taken aback. National Teacher, this question is not easy to answer.

Chen Ping'an laughed, "If you think they're all easy to control, then pick one that's relatively harder."

Hong Ji's face instantly flushed bright red. This wasn't giving him a way out—it was like a silent slap in the face.

Chen Ping'an held up the Ministry of Justice secret record in his hand. "On the sixth day of the first month, the year before last, at the hour of xu, quarter three, on Xiangfu Ward ground, a drunken young master pointed at your nose and cursed, saying Hong Ji was an ungrateful dog. If it weren't for his father's unreserved support back then, Hong Ji might still be drinking horse piss as a school officer at the border. Hong Ji, was he bold or not? Easy to control or not?"

Hong Ji wanted to speak but stopped. His fists, resting on his knees, were clenched tightly. His head buzzed.

Chen Ping'an put his hands in his sleeves, leaned back in his chair, and said, "Scholars from poor families who become court officials in the morning and civil servants by evening, and martial artists from the battlefield—when they enter the officialdom, which seems harmonious on the surface but everyone is muddling through, yet actually full of hidden dangers and smiles hiding knives, it is indeed hard for them to adapt for a while. Some people never manage to turn the corner in their whole lives; some learn faster in the public service."

Chen Ping'an smiled. "Earlier, before I moved here, I saw a book on Cui National Teacher's desk. It was a travelogue, tens of thousands of words long, written by a vice-academy head about the difficult experiences of several academies during wartime—how they migrated, went into exile, and finally gathered together. Although the journey was arduous and full of hardships, the entire text was written very calmly. This scholar had learning and was methodical in his work. He wrote in great detail about how he handled administrative affairs, contradictions among colleagues, and the mutual contempt among men of letters. He handled them all with ease. But there was one detail he glossed over in just a few dozen words. It was about his greatly admired academy head, a person of high virtue and prestige. However, his wife got into an argument with the local workers and made a huge fuss. It was a moderately difficult problem: he had to protect the academy head's reputation, resolve the dispute, and also make sure that the dozen or so scholars living in the same compound all felt he had acted justly without disgracing the scholarly tradition. Reading his book and seeing his words, I could fully imagine how distressed and depressed that old gentleman must have been at the time."

Hong Ji listened, stunned. This commander, who was only roughly educated, was indeed surprised that the National Teacher would say such a thing.

Chen Ping'an said, "Your position is very important, extremely important. The Emperor was willing to put you in this position because he trusts you. He neither wants you to be a harsh official nor wants you to handle things improperly. So, from now on, when Hong Ji encounters another incident like Xiangfu Ward, it will be easier to handle. Simple: let me be the villain. I'll have your back."

"If you really lack confidence, I can also discuss with the Emperor and have you sent to a local prefecture to rejoin the military. I believe deep down you wouldn't see it as a demotion. Besides, the imperial court is about to merge several prefectures into one province. Getting a half-grade promotion won't be difficult."

Upon hearing this, Hong Ji said, "National Teacher, I understand now. I was making things hard for the Emperor before. From now on, I'll just stick to one principle: no matter whose son or grandson you are, if you make trouble for me and the Patrol and Garrison Command, I'll bring up the National Teacher to make trouble for you!"

Chen Ping'an was taken aback. Good heavens, was that too straightforward?

Hong Ji took a big gulp of tea and accidentally finished it. He showed no embarrassment, grinning, "National Teacher, you can start scolding me now!"

Chen Ping'an laughed, "You've all worked hard for so long for this celebration. Tonight, you can go to Cattail River and have a victory drink to your heart's content."

Hong Ji stood up and cupped his hands, "With those words from the National Teacher, my colleagues and I will go drink ourselves silly!"

Chen Ping'an stood up and saw Hong Ji to the door, then suddenly asked, "I heard you're the son of a carpenter?"

Hong Ji, whose tongue had just tied itself in knots, suddenly lit up. He nodded vigorously, "My father's woodworking skills were the best in the whole region!"

When he returned home now and saw his father, he still felt both respect and fear. His father was a silent man who never asked about his affairs—except for one time when they were drinking. The old man spoke a few honest words, telling Hong Ji he must do two things: be a proper, good official and not break the law. Secondly, not take a concubine outside; he would only recognize one daughter-in-law in this life.

Chen Ping'an nodded and said softly, "It's all the same principle. A great craftsman shows others the rules."

Hong Ji was stunned. For the first time, he quickly looked directly at the young National Teacher beside him, then strode down the steps.

Just after Shen hour, Xiao Pu had already arrived at the National Teacher's Residence, much earlier than their agreed time. She said that regarding the terms offered by the Grand Li imperial court, the general headquarters had readily agreed.

In return, Chen Ping'an said that near the Daoist temple in the capital of Yu Xuan Kingdom, two cultivators would soon secretly be stationed. He also asked Xiao Pu to make another trip to find Zhao Yao and Cao Gengxin, the two assistant ministers, to discuss the details. Xiao Pu took her leave decisively. Administrative affairs were numerous and complex, a thousand threads—exhausting, truly more laborious than assassinating someone.

Before leaving that official hall, Xiao Pu paid careful attention to every detail of the furnishings inside—what study items were placed, what books were on the shelves, especially new books. These were all knowledge and would soon become the focus of many meticulous researchers. For example, could a painting or calligraphy be sent here? Could an elegant object or two be placed about? Could a literary work be placed on the desk that the National Teacher might have glanced at?

Xiao Pu went to find "Yu Qing." The latter, for some reason, no longer had any intention of returning to the Cherry Blossom Robe lineage. Xiao Pu found it nothing special. She let Gongsun Lingling kneel on the ground and knock a few kowtows, then helped her up. She said this was fine. Gongsun Lingling performed a curtsy, on the verge of tears. Xiao Pu teased, "What a pitiful sight."

Walking out of the National Teacher's Residence alone, Xiao Pu silently glanced back at the screen wall.

It seemed that on the streets of the Grand Li capital earlier, several fellow townspeople who had left the Pear Blossom Cave Heaven, then met again, and then went their separate ways, heading east, west, south, north.

Even as a mere observer, she couldn't help but feel that the vicissitudes of life were truly incredible.

Like a fortune-teller who, thirty years ago, had passed through that Mud Vase Alley in Locust Yellow County.