Chapter 13: Dreams
After some back and forth, Nian Xin became the warden of this prison. Su Kan, who came from the Jade Pivot Institute's Execution and Investigation Department, remained as an assistant, while Yan Jiaoran's forces had completely withdrawn from this territory.
Chen Ping'an, accompanied by Nian Xin, inspected several mountain-and-water formations in the outermost prison. Along the way, he made a trip to the Baogao Peak area, a secondary peak of the Eastern Sacred Mountain. It was located north of the Great River, while the Ancestral Mountain and the Qishan Mountain were to the south. During the vacancy of the Grand State Preceptor of Great Li, the southern countries had strong objections. They said that since the Eastern Sacred Mountain of Great Li was located within the territory of another country, it was against propriety. But when Chen Ping'an assumed the post of Grand State Preceptor, and those sword immortals who had at least Jade Essence Realm cultivation appeared on the Imperial Avenue in the capital, along with several sword ships ascending into the sky... that very day, several state letters were delivered to the Great Li Court of State Ceremonial. They proactively inquired with the Great Li Ministry of Rites about the construction of certain branches of the Eastern Sacred Mountain, expressing their willingness to contribute manpower and funds, to do their humble part. The central message was basically the same: the Eastern Sacred Mountain belonged not only to the Song clan of Great Li but also to the entire Bottle Gourd Continent.
The arrival of the Grand State Preceptor naturally alarmed Menglong, a divine spirit with the title of "Heroic Spirit." This divine lord immediately assembled the officials and divine maidens from the Ancestral Mountain's Ritual System and Inspection Departments, set out his carriage, and swiftly rode the wind to the secondary peak. The divine maidens were elaborately adorned, and the attendants were clad in various suits of armor. The procession stretched out like a suspended colorful ribbon in the sky, radiant and magnificent. All came to pay homage to the Grand State Preceptor.
This auspicious celestial sight drew countless pilgrims to prostrate themselves in worship.
Chen Ping'an stood in a mountain breeze pavilion on the cliff, his hands clasped behind his back, gazing into the distance at the Qiantang River, with its meandering and patterned waters. The river's current was extremely fierce, and its annual tidal bore was one of the Ten New Scenic Wonders of Bottle Gourd Continent.
Menglong followed the Grand State Preceptor's gaze toward a county town there, and said with a smile, "Qiantang County is a wonderful place. The fragrance of books, flowers, and rouge has lingered there for a thousand years. No wonder so many pilgrims come here to make wishes, especially talented women, who hope to be reborn in a Qiantang family in their next life."
The newly appointed Qiantang River Chief, Cen Wenqian, had jumped several ranks in the mountain-and-water officialdom from being a "turbid-stream petty official" river god. He filled the vacancy left by the Drowning Earl Cao Yong, the water god of the Great River, and thus took up residence in the newly built Qiantang Water Mansion, which was located at the bottom of West Lake and connected to the sea. Who was his patron? Anyway, Menglong knew it wasn't herself, nor was it the Drowning Earl, nor the Spring Marquis.
The Eastern Sacred Mountain had two mountains reserved for its heir apparent. North of the Ancestral Mountain was Eryou Mountain, where the sons of the Pillar of State Yuan clan had built many mountain retreats and villas. The Patrol Envoy Cao Ping often went to the southern Yandang Mountain during the scorching summer. It was believed that this year, many figures would be absent from the villas on Eryou Mountain, and there would be much less of the twittering of women and the clinking of glasses.
The Eastern Sacred Mountain and Menglong had previously declined Sword Immortal Chen's tribute of Parasol Leaf Continent. Now that Grand State Preceptor Chen had set foot on Baogao Peak, they felt somewhat apprehensive. Fortunately, the Grand State Preceptor was just going through the motions and soon returned home. Leaving Menglong with a heavy heart, sitting alone in the pavilion. During the earlier small court meeting in the Imperial Study, Grand State Preceptor Chen had clearly stated that the scrutiny would be divided into open and secret phases. But the participants knew perfectly well that there were actually three phases. Now, whoever was in charge of supervision was simultaneously the one being supervised.
When Chen Ping'an returned to the Grand State Preceptor's Residence, Guo Zhujiu was already there to check in. Rong Yu, of course, knew who she was and arranged for her to stay in the room that had belonged to Fu Qing.
Song Yunjian furrowed his brow slightly and pinched his nose, because the Grand State Preceptor had brought back two filthy creatures from the prison, making his disgust undisguised.
Chen Ping'an didn't care about this Ningning Fellow Daoist's bad feelings. He familiarly played the role of a hands-off manager. "They'll stay in the residence for a while. You'll be in charge of watching them in the near future. If you think they deserve to die, for whatever reason, you have the authority to execute them first and report afterward."
Song Yunjian asked with a smile, "What if I find them annoying for no particular reason?"
Chen Ping'an gave Song Yunjian a faint smile.
Song Yunjian caught the hint and said, "Alright, alright, I'll put up with them. The Grand State Preceptor knows perfectly well that my background determines that I detest them. Why get angry?"
Two members of the demon race: one was a Nascent Soul Realm ghost cultivator named Tie Zao, an old ghost with perpetually gloomy eyes, as if he looked at everyone as if they were dead. The other was a martial arts fanatic at the Far Traveling Realm named Zhao Luan. They both originated from bottom-tier sect-style schools in the Barren Wastes. Strong? Not really. Weak? They were still local bullies. Previously, when they heard about the death of Zhou Mi, their Dao heart and the qi and blood within their bodies showed almost no fluctuation.
After reviewing their files, it seemed that coming to the Righteous side was a matter of necessity for them, similar to drawing lots in a rural ancestral hall in the Righteous lands. Whoever drew the lot had to step up. They had signed death pacts with their respective sects and joined the Barren Wastes' armies. Initially, they were on the Sword Qi Great Wall battlefield, where they managed to survive. When they were sent to Parasol Leaf Continent, it was considered a promotion. But they stayed in the military tents as staff officers. One was eccentric and unsociable; the other served as a personal bodyguard for a direct disciple of a major clan. Neither fit in, to the point that when the military tents withdrew from Bottle Gourd Continent, they didn't even call for Tie Zao. He was slow to flee and was intercepted and captured by several sword immortals from Zhengyang Mountain.
Zhao Luan was captured even earlier by the Great Li border army during the Battle of Zitong Mountain, the Southern Sacred Mountain, where Patrol Envoy Su Gaoshan personally led the charge. His feigning death skills were indeed somewhat lacking; he hid inside the belly of a huge demonic beast's true form. After being imprisoned, he wasn't some tough nut who would only say "take my worthless life" and refuse to give any intelligence. Instead, after a few rounds of torture, he couldn't take it anymore and spilled everything he was supposed to tell, like pouring beans out of a bamboo tube. But he spoke too quickly, so the Great Li side naturally misunderstood that he was intentionally holding back the most important information... Nian Xin thought so too. So this Tailor, when administering punishment a few times, showed special "respect" for their unyielding spirit and especially their skill at pretending.
Song Yunjian shifted his gaze to the two demon beasts standing behind the Grand State Preceptor. "I say you two are feathered beasts who can't even remember who your parents are. I find you utterly disgusting. Are you mad?"
Tie Zao, who looked like a gaunt old Confucian scholar, slowly stroked his beard and said calmly in a fluent, even slightly Beijing-accented Great Li official language, "Fellow Daoist, that's a strange question. For example, if I say you came from a womb, that's hardly an insult."
Song Yunjian's expression changed instantly, and a murderous aura erupted.
Tie Zao the ghost was completely baffled, feeling quite aggrieved. Had he touched a nerve or something? He thought his reply was quite clever and very amicable.
Chen Ping'an saw that Song Yunjian was genuinely angry and said helplessly, "If you can't win an argument, don't argue. Why get genuinely angry?"
Song Yunjian snorted coldly.
Tie Zao suddenly understood. Oh, so this guy looks like a lofty expert, but in reality, he's petty and vindictive. Compared with our Hidden Lord, there's just no comparison.
Zhao Luan, however, asked, "Hidden Lord, as long as I heal my injuries, I'm on the verge of breaking through to the Mountain Summit Realm, which is a sure thing. You said you could find me a suitable sparring partner. When exactly can I practice?"
Chen Ping'an said, "No rush. Talk when you've reached the Ninth Realm."
Rong Yu learned of Yan Jiaoran's abuse of power for personal gain and asked curiously, "Grand State Preceptor, do you think he feels he must retreat while still ahead and wants to step down after achieving merit, or is he actively choosing to advance by retreating?"
Guo Zhujiu raised her hand, shook it, then clenched it into a fist, saying with a chuckle, "People like him, intelligent as they are, want everything deep down. When the Embroidery Tiger is around, they're genuinely timid, but their work is undeniably skilled and solid. When they're sure the Embroidery Tiger is gone, their ambition spreads like wildfire across the plains. Becoming the shadow ruler of the Great Li dynasty wouldn't even be an overreach of ambition; it's just one of their goals. Of course, when they see my master, they'll also become timid quickly and thoroughly, and they'll definitely find a hundred reasons to convince themselves."
Rong Yu thought it over and nodded, thinking that Guo Zhujiu was truly intelligent. No wonder she was the young female sword cultivator who accompanied the Grand State Preceptor into the Summer Resort.
Guo Zhujiu laughed. "It's not that I'm smarter than Sister Rong Yu. It's just that in my hometown, there are far too many people with extreme personalities. They're either heroes to the utmost or cowards to the extreme. I've seen too many."
Chen Ping'an nodded. "So my senior brother's doctrine of statecraft has a natural flaw. Tie Zao, tell me, what is its shortcoming?"
Tie Zao stroked his beard and smiled. "Hidden Lord, I'm not flattering you. The Embroidery Tiger's statecraft is so flawless. I'm of shallow intelligence and can't think of any shortcomings."
Zhao Luan said in a gruff voice, "Hidden Lord, why don't you ask me?"
Chen Ping'an smiled. "Go ahead."
Zhao Luan spoke in broken Great Li official language. "In my opinion, the Embroidery Tiger's statecraft lacks nothing, except that it cannot lack the Embroidery Tiger himself to stabilize people's hearts."
Guo Zhujiu asked suspiciously, "Don't say 'in my opinion.' Say 'in what I heard.' Come on, where did you hear this?"
Zhao Luan looked even more puzzled. "Little girl, you seem young, but you have a sharp tongue, quite formidable. How did you guess the truth? Back then, in the military tent, I happened to overhear one of the former throne demon beasts from the Jiazi Tent..."
Chen Ping'an said, "Alright, alright, stop pretending. You have a hundred times better brain than Tie Zao. Earlier, Fu Xian already sold you out through her mind voice to save Yu Shu."
Zhao Luan's expression instantly changed. He sighed helplessly. "Women are soft-hearted. They can't be relied upon."
Guo Zhujiu suppressed a laugh.
Zhao Luan realized the truth and said angrily, "The Hidden Lord tricked me?!"
Chen Ping'an asked, "Why weren't you willing to sincerely join the military tent back then?"
Zhao Luan was silent for a moment, then slowly said, "Early on in Parasol Leaf Continent, I saw with my own eyes how various tents dealt with the aftermath. I didn't think the Barren Wastes were looking good. After the Battle of Old Dragon City in Bottle Gourd Continent, I was even more certain it was a losing battle. Especially when I learned that in the vast battlefield south of Zitong Mountain, the spear-wielding general who was charging ahead was actually your Great Li Patrol Envoy. At that moment, I knew the Barren Wastes were finished."
Rong Yu asked, "With such strategy and foresight, why didn't you recommend yourself to Zhou Mi?"
Zhao Luan said bitterly, "I didn't dare. I have no illustrious Dao lineage, no master who's a former throne or throne candidate. I'm just a Far Traveling Realm martial artist. Besides, Tie Zao and I are not truly ruthless and vicious people. We couldn't bear to abandon our sects, our Daoist traditions, our disciples, and our families back in the Barren Wastes homeland. You woman, you're different from the Hidden Lord and Guo Zhujiu. They truly understand what it means to have no rules in the Barren Wastes, what lawlessness means. On the Bottle Gourd Continent battlefield, the way your Great Li border army went to die is different from the way we Barren Wastes ants went to die. You can't imagine. The ones who killed the most demons were not necessarily your Great Li dynasty, but the execution officers of the various Barren Wastes military tents. They truly killed their way from the Barren Wastes world all the way to Bottle Gourd Continent, killing in vast swaths, killing city by city. Along the way, how many small sects lost their Dao traditions? Without even a ripple, they died out silently."
Guo Zhujiu gave a thumbs-up.
Zhao Luan showed no sign of joy. He just self-mockingly said, "You Righteous people always think that fake benevolence, righteousness, and morality are utterly detestable. The books of the sages are filled with absurdities. You complain about too many rules, about not being free everywhere. But you don't know how precious, how rare these things are in the eyes of many demon beasts you consider animals. So in the prison, I always thought that if you Righteous side wins, the Righteous Nine Provinces that will have the best human hearts in the future must be Parasol Leaf Continent, without a doubt."
Song Yunjian was stunned.
Tie Zao chuckled. "Given the behavior of Righteous scholars and mountain cultivators, they'll probably trample the shattered Parasol Leaf Continent even further. If they had great divine powers, they'd probably want to move mountains and just abandon it to the Barren Wastes."
Song Yunjian looked at the former Hidden Lord, now Grand State Preceptor, the young man in blue who had remained silent.
Chen Ping'an smiled and said, "Earlier, I was soft-hearted and thought about throwing you back to the Barren Wastes. Now it seems I truly can't be soft-hearted. Fellow Daoist Ningning, indeed, execute first and report later."
Zhao Luan was dubious; probably another trick. Tie Zao tugged at his beard and stamped his foot, but he believed the sincerity in the Hidden Lord's eyes and said bitterly, "You talk too much!"
Chen Ping'an said, "I'll have someone verify your reputations in your hometown in the Barren Wastes. If there's any inconsistency with your words and deeds, I'll personally refine you. Rest assured, it will only be more ruthless than the Tailor's methods. You will definitely regret agreeing to leave the prison with me today, to bask in the sun, to see the world of the living. Of course, if your words and deeds match, you'll live a few more days."
Tie Zao said in a panic, "Don't say 'of course'! It has to be a hundred percent!"
Zhao Luan said calmly, "We'll talk about it when the time comes. Anyway, now that we're settled in this Grand State Preceptor's Residence, as long as I get a jug of wine a day, I'll do whatever I'm told."
Earlier, Chen Ping'an had refined the entire Grand State Preceptor's Residence, effectively rebuilding and expanding it. From the outside, there was no visible difference. But once inside, if one could walk around the entire place, they would realize something was wrong and be amazed at how vast the grounds were. Chen Ping'an had Song Yunjian lead Zhao Luan and Tie Zao to the newly expanded area, which also followed the pattern of a central axis with three courtyards.
Lucky he acted quickly. If it were a current First Realm great cultivator, they could only dream of it.
Rong Yu returned to her room to continue secretly supplementing a map of the Barren Wastes. Earlier, sword cultivator Guo Du had already provided an extremely valuable file. Combined with a stack of scattered maps and written records that the Grand State Preceptor had just brought from the prison, Rong Yu slowly filled in the gaps. She believed that sooner or later, she would create the most detailed map of the Barren Wastes, encompassing mountains, rivers, Dao sites, cities, customs, products, records of strange events, secret realms, and so on.
Guo Zhujiu was in the study, looking around and touching things. She picked a few books from the shelf, not to read, but to use as a pillow. Guo Zhujiu had some strange hobbies that defied reason. For example, she always felt that if she rested her head on a "mountain of books," even her dreams would increase her wisdom and make her smarter. You could say this idea was baseless, but she had managed to enter the Summer Resort on her own merit back then. You could say this method was useful, but she had also been held down by Dong Bude and made to "kowtow" quite a few times.
Leaving Guo Zhujiu to rummage through boxes and cabinets, Chen Ping'an sat at the desk and pulled out a secret file that Rong Yu had sent. It was the official career record of a certain Qingliu civilian official and the outstanding young talents of his family.
The official's name was Ma Jingfu. He had served as the magistrate of Wanping County within the old Dragon Province of Great Li. In a certain year, he received certain evaluations, was transferred to another county, was promoted to a certain commandery in a certain year and month, and finally retired in a certain year. At the same time, the file meticulously recorded the examination results of several young members of the Ma family, their career paths, the key families they married into, and even estimates of their covert bribes.
Ma Jingfu, who had been retired and living at home for nearly five years, would never have expected that his little secrets would attract such attention from the new Grand State Preceptor.
Guo Zhujiu tucked a few books under her arm, approached the desk, glanced at the file, and asked curiously, "Master, this Ma Jingfu didn't hold a very high position. He was just a deputy governor of a commandery, not even a governor. Could he be a spy for some country?"
Chen Ping'an explained with a smile, "A personal grudge from many years ago."
Guo Zhujiu exclaimed in admiration, "Truly a hero! Master, can I take a look?"
Chen Ping'an stood up. "From now on, you can look through any files here or read anything."
Guo Zhujiu told her master to sit down. She leaned over the desk, raised her hand, and snapped her fingers, instantly grasping the key point. "It's about when Ma Jingfu was on his way to take up his post in Wanping County. Near Hongzhu Town, where three rivers meet, he encountered Master and your group on your travels for study. A dispute arose?"
Chen Ping'an nodded, rubbed his cheek, and couldn't help but sigh. "Thinking back to those days, it feels like a different world."
Guo Zhujiu flipped through a few pages and clicked her tongue. "As the old saying goes, one should marry a virtuous wife. A wife can either prosper a family for three generations or destroy it for three generations. Back when Ma Jingfu was a Presented Scholar and married that fierce and domineering woman from a local prominent family, it was like black smoke coming out of his ancestral grave."
Chen Ping'an didn't plan to make a big deal out of it. He would handle it according to Great Li regulations. He gathered the file and asked with a smile, "Are you getting used to it here?"
Guo Zhujiu grinned. "I'm not some pampered young lady. It's already very good. Sister Rong Yu said the small kitchen in our Grand State Preceptor's Residence used to be pretty bad, but now it tastes excellent. For today's lunch, I'll have a big feast."
Guo Zhujiu communicated through mind voice: "Master, is it possible that Song Yunjian will eventually determine his gender? Would that affect the geomantic trends of the Great Li court to some extent?"
Chen Ping'an gave her a gentle flick on the forehead. "Stop indulging in wild fantasies about such nonsense. Come with your master on an errand."
Guo Zhujiu jumped up, bent down, then looked up with a grin. "Master, where are we going?"
Chen Ping'an put on a stern face. "To Liulichang to pick out inkstones. Buy some desk treasures that catch my eye. Fill a big sack and haul them all back to the residence. I'll pay. Hah, back then, when you found out that green duan inkstones weren't that valuable, you secretly complained that I was tricking you. Did you think I didn't know? You might as well have had 'Fraud Master' engraved on your forehead."
Guo Zhujiu straightened up and laughed heartily. Suddenly, she raised her hand to cover her mouth. "Master, let me tell you something. Senior Sister Pei went to the Liu family in Aiai Prefecture..."
Chen Ping'an immediately raised his hand. "Stop!"
They quickly left the Grand State Preceptor's Residence together. Chen Ping'an put on a mask and immediately asked in a low voice, "So, what's the story? Does your senior sister have a man she likes? Who is he? His surname and given name? Where and when did Pei Qian meet him? What's his character, learning, conversation, appearance, and cultivation realm...?"
He walked slowly, listening for a while, then said, "Liu Youzhou has a one-sided crush. If Pei Qian doesn't like him, there's no rush, right? Your master's wife already told me about Pei Qian being a sword cultivator and her natal flying sword. Of course, I knew even earlier. I just pretended not to know. Since she's not only a pure martial artist but also a Dao cultivator, matters of marriage and love should be taken slowly. Let fate take its course. I believe that eventually, she'll find someone she likes and who likes her back, and they'll grow old together. What's the hurry..."
Guo Zhujiu nodded vigorously and sighed, looking somewhat troubled. "Master, I can tell that Senior Sister Pei doesn't really want to go to Aiai Prefecture. But during that incident earlier, she couldn't do anything or help in any way. She felt guilty. So when she received Liu Jujiao's flying sword message, she wanted to do something for Luopo Mountain."
Chen Ping'an said, "If she doesn't want to go, then don't go."
He thought that since Liu Youzhou had just become the Deputy Sect Leader of Fuyang Prefecture, he had just asked her to go to Aiai Prefecture to relax.
Guo Zhujiu suddenly said, "Master, is there a possibility that Senior Sister Pei actually likes Liu Youzhou inside, but she's thin-skinned and embarrassed, so she doesn't tell me the truth and deliberately says the opposite?"
Before Chen Ping'an could say anything, a figure arrived like the wind and landed gracefully. Guo Zhujiu blinked and asked knowingly, "Senior Sister, isn't it strange? I don't think I used a Trans-San Mountain Talisman with Master to get to Aiai Prefecture."
Pei Qian said angrily, "Guo Zhujiu! I told you not to tell anyone! Do you have any sense of martial brotherhood or not?!"
Guo Zhujiu sighed, unperturbed. "Senior Sister Pei, that hurts. Master is not an outsider."
Pei Qian was so angry she laughed. "Guo, don't twist my words..."
Guo Zhujiu was completely unfazed. "Then I'll have to talk about our sect sister bond with you, Senior Sister."
Pei Qian threatened fiercely, "Do you believe I'll beat you up? Master, don't stop me, or it'll be favoritism."
Chen Ping'an laughed. "Don't fight, don't fight. There's no need."
Guo Zhujiu, however, directly extended her hand. "Senior Sister, give me the medical fees first. You can hit my face, but don't hit my legs. We three, master and disciples, are going to Liulichang together later. If you and Master fancy anything, I'll pay. But when it comes to bargaining with the shopkeepers, you'll have to do it. If I'm all bruised and swollen, I'm afraid I'll mumble..."
Pei Qian looked at Guo Zhujiu with a helpless expression and said, "I'm scared of you."
Chen Ping'an waved his hand grandly. "Let's go. After Liulichang, I'll treat you to some special capital dishes."
Unexpectedly, just after bragging, before they even reached the Thousand-Step Corridor, they saw a man hurrying towards the Grand State Preceptor's Residence. Judging by his official insignia, he was a high-ranking official.
Chen Ping'an said, "You two go ahead. I'll catch up."
Zhao Yao didn't need to announce himself to come to the Grand State Preceptor's Residence for discussions, and of course, no one would stop this Vice Minister. After all, by the lineage of literary tradition, Vice Minister Zhao had to call him "Uncle Master."
Meeting the Grand State Preceptor halfway, Zhao Yao quickened his pace. Recognizing the two young women, he said, "We can walk and talk for a bit. I can get things done quickly."
Chen Ping'an said, "How improper would it be to slight the Vice Minister? Let's go back and talk."
Zhao Yao tugged at the collar of his official robe. He was indeed overwhelmed with work. "Alright, a bowl of tea would be good."
Pei Qian said, "Master, you go ahead. We'll shop on our own."
Guo Zhujiu nodded. "There are some private words that outsiders shouldn't hear."
Pei Qian was about to say something when Guo Zhujiu proactively raised her arm, looking righteous. "Senior Sister, go ahead and pinch hard. I'm not a martial arts grandmaster, but I can take the pain."
They bid farewell to their Master, then exchanged glances with each other and smiled knowingly. Guo Zhujiu said they might be back a bit late, wanting to eat delicious food, visit the temple fair, listen to storytelling, fly kites...
Chen Ping'an smiled and said, "Alright."
Watching their figures, it seemed that the slightly solemn Thousand-Step Corridor Street wasn't as stiff and rigid anymore.
For a moment, Zhao Yao couldn't bear to remind Chen Ping'an to move to discuss matters of state.
Zhao Yao could now be sure that Chen Ping'an could be a good Grand State Preceptor. But very early on, he had been very certain of one thing: if this guy ever became a real father, and if it was a daughter, hah, he would spoil her rotten! He really wanted to see if Little Uncle Master, who always loved to be a teacher, would still endlessly lecture about principles then. At most, he would put on a stern face and scold a few words, then turn his head to compose himself?
They returned to the official hall of the Grand State Preceptor's Residence and sat down. Zhao Yao discussed the details of the river diversion in Bing Province and also inquired about some inside information regarding the Yin clan of Great Sash. On top of that, there was the matter of the Great Li officialdom the previous night. They went back and forth with questions and answers, sometimes reversing roles as questioner and responder. Occasionally, they needed Rong Yu to bring in stacks of files, spread out a map of Great Li, or draw circles and marks. Sometimes they found the map incomplete and needed to add annotations, writing about newly emerging martial arts factions or newly risen scholar-official families. They discussed several suitable candidates for the position of deputy general in a certain province. The more they talked, the more they felt no one seemed quite suitable... Unknowingly, an hour and a half passed quickly. Chen Ping'an raised his palm, rested his chin on it, and stared blankly into space. Zhao Yao had arrived with a bunch of questions, only to find himself taking back even more questions.
Finally, after finishing the official business, Zhao Yao drank the tea that Miss Rong Yu had brought. He let out a long breath and felt some admiration for those Great Li officials who weren't cultivators, especially the young ones, who could work around the clock for days, catching just a few winks and still be full of energy. Zhao Yao hesitated for a moment, then asked, "Do you really want to take back the Southern Sacred Mountain and Old Dragon City together?"
This was just putting the question of whether Great Li wanted to re-annex an entire continent in slightly more pleasant terms.
Chen Ping'an said, "We can wait and see."
Zhao Yao, however, wasn't one for vague talk. He pressed on. "See what exactly? See whether Great Li itself is qualified? See how the situation in the southern countries develops? Or both need another few years of observation?"
Chen Ping'an leaned back in his chair. "I'm not sure either."
Zhao Yao was startled. He glanced at Chen Ping'an's expression, was silent for a moment, then picked up his bowl and drank some tea. "That's fine too. It is better to wait and see."
They were both silent. Just as Zhao Yao was about to take his leave, Chen Ping'an said with some embarrassment, "I'm sorry for ruining your hopes of reforging the complete immortal sword 'Tai Bai.'"
The immortal sword "Tai Bai" had split into four parts in Fuyang Prefecture years ago, each choosing its own master. The parts had chosen, respectively, Hidden Lord Chen Ping'an, the Barren Wastes' Fei Ran, Zhao Yao who could be considered half a disciple, and Liu Cai, whom Zou Zi used to suppress Chen Ping'an.
Chen Ping'an had once thought of giving the Night Travel Sword to a direct disciple who had achieved success in both swordsmanship and scholarship, someday.
And the long sword forged from half of the Sword Qi Great Wall, which he had named "Green Duckweed," he planned to give to the Green Duckweed Sword Sect in Parasol Leaf Continent or the Dragon Elephant Sword Sect in Southern Bodhi Continent, to be hung inside some ancestral hall as a token for the next sect leader.
Zhao Yao laughed. "Life cannot be without regrets."
He raised the tea bowl, took a sip, and said self-deprecatingly, "Besides, even if the Night Travel sword at my side still existed, I couldn't even get past you. How could I go to Fei Ran and the others to ask for it?"
Chen Ping'an corrected him, "If you can get past me, Fei Ran and Liu Cai will be easy to deal with."
Zhao Yao snorted. He put down his tea bowl, stood up to leave, and heard the man behind him say with a smile, "Not going to take something on the sly this time?"
Zhao Yao ignored his sarcastic remark. When he reached the first courtyard, passing under the shade of the parasol tree, then rounding the screen wall, he was about to exit the ceremonial gate of the Grand State Preceptor's Residence. He still had to pass through the main gate. But he caught sight of a fellow squatting at the base of the wall, eyes half-closed, drinking wine, his face flushed with intoxication. This guy had the same official insignia as himself.
They looked at each other. Cao Gengxin, holding a bowl in one hand and chopsticks in the other, with two plates of appetizers by his feet, probably feeling it was too late to hide his things, said shamelessly, "The Grand State Preceptor took pity on my hardworking fate and rewarded me with a meal and wine."
Zhao Yao pointed at this Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel but said nothing. He just walked off.
Cao Gengxin muttered, "Such an imposing official air. Scared me half to death. Hah, I'm the Vice Minister of Personnel. Who's scrutinizing whom is still up for debate."
He had sneaked out of the government office under the lofty pretext of needing to discuss matters with the Grand State Preceptor and came to the residence to drink.
This time, he had more experience. He went straight to the kitchen and asked a beautiful, slender cook for two plates of appetizers.
Cao Gengxin looked up. Eh? He quickly put away his wine gourd, gathered the bowls, chopsticks, and plates into a pile, stood up, wiped his mouth, and ambled over.
It was two uncles who had arrived at the Grand State Preceptor's Residence a quarter of an hour earlier than the agreed time. Two incorruptible officials from the Yichixiang Wei family, Wei Pangzi's biological father and his uncle. Wei Yi, Wei Hong.
Last night, Wei Juan had left Old Oriente Lake and sent word home that Grand State Preceptor Chen had personally told them to come to the residence for discussions at the beginning of the Wei hour today. At first, no one believed it. You? You talked with the Grand State Preceptor? Even his own father didn't believe it. Wei Pangzi had to invoke County Magistrate Han Yi, saying he could vouch for him. His uncle, Wei Hong, immediately rushed out without a word to verify it personally. When he returned, he nodded to his brother Wei Yi, his face flushed, and said in a trembling voice that it was true. Wei Yi's eyes immediately reddened. He pulled his elder brother to go to the ancestral hall to offer incense.
The two brothers hadn't slept all night, discussing how to write their submissions properly and carefully. They were even more cautious than when they had taken the imperial examinations stage by stage.
The morning court of the Great Li dynasty had a very distinctive feature. It wasn't that capital officials of sufficient rank necessarily had to attend the court session, nor was it that low-ranking officials were necessarily barred from the morning court.
There was a complete set of established rules. For example, for the three chief officials of a ministry—the Minister and two Vice Ministers—generally only one needed to attend. The ministry could rotate. But if the court needed to discuss a specific matter, the relevant ministry needed at least two chief officials present. For larger court conferences, the high officials of the Nine Courts and various ministries all had to attend together. Additionally, within a ten-day period, which departments needed more officials to attend the court session on which day, all had different nuances... It sounded complicated, but it was just a booklet of a few thousand characters. After being a capital official for a year or two, one would know it by heart. Besides, what official who could participate in the Great Li morning court was stupid?
They had waited and waited, finally nearing the Wei hour. They came to the Grand State Preceptor's Residence, formulating mental drafts all the way, anticipating what questions the Grand State Preceptor might ask.
Unless one had worked in government, they couldn't understand the feeling.
As a result, they saw from a distance that the famous Vice Minister of a ministry was crouching by the wall, eyes closed, face full of bliss, shaking his head, smacking his lips.
Vice Minister Cao was about to speak when he turned his head, burped, then turned back to look at the two elders, his expression panicked. "Are you here to confess to the Grand State Preceptor?"
The two capital petty officials, already extremely nervous, turned even paler.
Cao Gengxin pulled out his wine gourd from his sleeve and said with a smile, "Uncle Wei, Uncle Wei, need some wine to bolster your courage?"
"I can talk to Miss Rong Yu and borrow two more bowls from the kitchen. How about it?"
"A little drink warms the heart and stirs courage. You won't be afraid of anyone."
Listening to Cao Gengxin's nonsense, Wei Yi smiled bitterly. Wei Hong, however, seemed somewhat tempted. Truly one of the most bullish director-generals in the capital officialdom.
Wei Yi had never had much to say to this younger generation member, whose official reputation was mixed. They just exchanged pleasantries on holidays.
Wei Hong, however, lowered his voice and cursed, "You brat, you have the most comfortable official post. Sitting pretty, as steady as a fishing boat. All those years as the chief of the Longquan Kiln Supervision Office weren't wasted."
Cao Gengxin immediately protested, "Uncle Wei, you can't just look at the times I'm enjoying myself and ignore the times I'm toiling. If you don't believe me, ask Lord Yuan. You'll know how tough it is to be an official there."
Wei Hong snorted. "Toiling? Hearing that from you makes it sound salacious."
Cao Gengxin rarely showed some embarrassment. It turned out that the earliest mention of "toiling" was when he, as a youth, used it to describe a woman more than ten years his senior. This indecent saying quickly spread in Yichixiang and Chair Street.
A hero is indeed most afraid of meeting his hometown folks. The grass grows fragrant outside the wall.
Wei Yi was a Director of the Sacrificial Victuals and Drinks Department of the Ministry of Rites. Actually, in the entire Great Li officialdom, he wasn't a petty official. But in the capital, where the powerful and influential gathered, a Director of the Ministry of Rites counted for nothing.
Wei Hong held only the position of a Gentleman-attendant of the Ministry of Works. His contemporary in the imperial examinations was already the Right Vice Minister of Works, who was just the boss of Wei Hong's boss...
The Yichixiang Wei family had seen better days. Wei Juan's grandfather, for instance, had presided over the Great Li Communication Office for many years, one of the Nine Court Chiefs who could attend every Imperial Study council. Unfortunately, often in officialdom, if one generation fails, the family declines, and within ten years, its decline becomes evident. The ebb and flow of visitors—whether it was bustling or desolate—changed so quickly that it often caught officials off balance and caused their mindset to falter. Although such an awkward situation of discontinuity could be somewhat masked by marriage alliances, ultimately, a family needed young people like Cao Gengxin and Yuan Zhengding to step up and take the lead. That was the proper path.
Both were eldest uncles. Wei Hong suggested that his nephew Wei Juan, who wanted to open a restaurant, should just put on a costume. As for the eldest uncle of the owner of Old Oriente Lake, Wei Jia, Wei Lei had been so glorious in the past ten years of Great Li officialdom. He had endured six years in the position of Vice Minister of Works. He was only one evaluation of scrutiny and one transfer to the Ministry of Rites away from participating in the small court meetings in the Imperial Study. According to the original estimate of the Yichixiang Wei family, in five years, Wei Lei could at least become the chief official of one of the Small Nine Courts, attend the small court meetings, and see the Emperor daily.
Wei Hong hesitated, then asked, "It's really not some disaster, is it?"
Last night, Wei Juan had sworn on his life, patting his chest, saying that the Grand State Preceptor was very kind, approachable, witty in speech, and had even joked with him several times... It scared the elders in the study, leaving them looking at each other in bewilderment.
Cao Gengxin smiled faintly. "Hard to say. After all, it's the new Grand State Preceptor's first time summoning such low-ranking officials as a Director and a Gentleman-attendant. Whether it's a killing-the-chicken-to-scare-the-monkey tactic to establish authority, or a surprising move to use a sledgehammer to crack a nut..."
For example, County Magistrate Wang Yongjin of Yongtai County hadn't been directly dismissed from his post. He was still holding court at the county yamen as usual. It was indeed a bafflingly strange matter.
Wei Hong's face darkened.
Wei Yi was even more terrified.
Cao Gengxin hid his wine gourd back in his sleeve and said with a smile, "A clear conscience doesn't fear a crooked shadow. No matter how high-ranking the Grand State Preceptor is, he's still just a man at the end of the day. What's there to be afraid of?"
Rong Yu walked out of the gate and personally led the two officials to see the Grand State Preceptor.
Cao Gengxin clicked his tongue in wonder. Wei Pangzi was impressive. Ordinary officials coming to the residence for discussions didn't get such treatment. As for himself, Miss Rong Yu treated him like a thief.
Three chairs were prepared in the official hall. They handed over their booklets, like homework from a village school. Rong Yu told them to sit for a while and have some tea. Chen Ping'an took the two booklets from Rong Yu, quickly flipped through a few pages, and rose from behind the desk. Wei Hong and Wei Yi immediately put down the tea bowls they had only symbolically sipped, and stood up to greet him.
Chen Ping'an smiled. "Sit down. Let's talk. No need to be formal."
They chatted lightly about recent events in the Ministries of Rites and Works. Both officials were old faces in their respective departments, the kind who had worn a groove into their benches. Their moods relaxed slightly. Chen Ping'an suddenly asked, "Wei Lei of the Ministry of Works is your neighbor and also your contemporary. Setting aside the shady affair of his nephew Wei Jia, what do you think of Wei Lei as a person?"
Director Wei Yi's mind raced. He said slowly, "Although we were only childhood playmates, it can be confirmed that Vice Minister Wei Lei is not greedy for money."
Chen Ping'an smiled. "Not greedy for money? Tell me, what is money?"
Wei Yi was bewildered. Gentleman-attendant Wei Hong was even more confused. He couldn't keep the silence going and waste the Grand State Preceptor's time, so he plucked up his courage and spoke truthfully. "Wei Lei is an extremely formidable and skilled official."
"Rumor has it that every time he entertains guests at home, he will repeatedly discuss every word of a casual conversation with several young staff members, and secretly record it in a book."
"This kind of person, when in office, is simply terrifying. He deserves to be a Vice Minister. I have a contemporary from the imperial examinations who is also a Vice Minister of Works, and he is very afraid of Wei Lei."
Hearing his elder brother's unvarnished frankness, the younger brother Wei Yi cautiously added, "These are just rumors. Such hearsay may not be true."
Chen Ping'an smiled. "Yichixiang and Chair Street are already the territory of Great Li's highest-ranking families. Every family has its own path to the small court meetings, with customs of drinking, moon-viewing, and playing the promotion chart on holidays. Where do 'rumors' come from?"
Wei Yi dared not respond.
Wei Hong, however, said bluntly, "I'm not familiar with Chair Street. Even in Yichixiang, there are different classes. Our Wei family is now no longer what it was. We can't blame others. We can only blame my brothers for not amounting to anything. My second brother is a bit better; at least he's well-read and a Director of the Ministry of Rites. As for me, I have a foul mouth and can't stand anything I see. If I could become a high official, that would truly be a strange thing."
Wei Yi broke out in a cold sweat.
Chen Ping'an pointed to the desk and said with a smile, "You're indeed good at complaining. But you only pose problems and identify cruxes without offering solutions. In your booklets, there are too many negatives and too few implementable plans."
Wei Hong said nervously, in a low voice, "Your subordinate's vision is narrow, and my talent is limited."
Chen Ping'an smiled faintly. "Not necessarily. If natural talent is a gift from heaven, then ability is honed bit by bit through experience."
The Emperor had arrived unannounced.
It seemed to be Emperor Song He's first time setting foot in the Grand State Preceptor's Residence.
There was no grand welcome at the residence. He came, and that was that.
Indeed, if the Grand State Preceptor didn't say anything, and Rong Yu didn't remind them, what dared the secretaries do? Occasionally, someone would look up and catch a glimpse of the eye-catching yellow outside the window, and they would freeze.
Rong Yu led the Emperor to the main official hall and brought a chair. Rong Yu spoke with Emperor Song He in a relaxed but still appropriate manner.
The two Wei family officials from Yichixiang were sitting slightly sideways, with their backs almost to the door. So focused were they that they didn't notice the figure stepping over the threshold.
It wasn't until the Grand State Preceptor stood up with a smile that they snapped out of it. It seemed a guest had arrived, but the "honored guest" and the Grand State Preceptor had already sat down.
Song He made a slight downward motion with his hand, signaling the two officials not to stand, and said with a smile, "Continue your business. I'm just here to sit for a bit."
The Wei brothers, who had just started to relax, froze completely when they saw the Emperor smilingly sitting nearby. Their minds went blank.
Song He also sat casually, like the Grand State Preceptor, crossing his legs at will. He asked, "Your son, the one nicknamed Wei Pangzi, it's Wei Juan, right? I heard he opened a restaurant on Calamus River? How's business?"
It seemed like casual small talk.
Wei Yi braced himself and replied, "In reply to Your Majesty, my son's restaurant business is... okay."
Song He hummed in acknowledgment.
Chen Ping'an made up a story. "Earlier, they encountered Vice Minister Cao outside. He said he had done some finger-math and calculated that Your Majesty would come to the residence, so he told them to drink some wine to bolster their courage."
"Wei Hong has a thick face and a lot of courage. He asked Vice Minister Cao for any points to note. Vice Minister Cao said there were none, just to remind themselves not to cross their legs when speaking to Your Majesty."
Song He patted his own knee and laughed heartily. "There's no taboo about that. I sit like this, and the Grand State Preceptor does too. You all, feel free."
They chatted with the Emperor and the Grand State Preceptor about truly trivial matters, like a few books, the grand incense festival at the Golden Summit Temple...
So when they walked out of the Grand State Preceptor's Residence, the two brothers seemed dazed.
Wei Hong didn't see that fellow Cao Gengxin, which made him feel a bit down. Right now, he really wanted a few drinks.
After reading the contents of the two booklets, Song He shook his head regretfully. "What a pity."
Their statuses were so disparate, with so many official ranks between them, that Chen Ping'an summoning them to the residence was itself a clear statement of granting some recognition.
To put it bluntly, if the Grand State Preceptor's Residence wanted to reprimand an official and was going to target the Ministries of Works and Rites first, they would call in a Minister to take the scolding. Would it be the turn of a Director or a Gentleman-attendant?
Wei Hong, the Gentleman-attendant of Works, was slightly better. His writing was concise, but he wasn't bold enough. Wei Yi, the Director of Rites, had written an entire piece in rhythmic prose, filled with platitudes. If that wasn't nonsense, what was?
Song He said suspiciously, "Has Wei Yi gone stupid from being in the Ministry of Rites? Doesn't seem like someone from a hereditary official family."
Chen Ping'an smiled. "He did it deliberately. It's like choosing between two options. He chose to give way to Wei Hong. That way, there's a slight chance of getting both. He's gambling. If he loses, the Yichixiang Wei family doesn't lose. If he wins, everyone wins."
Song He picked up the booklet again and nodded with a smile. "I see. Then this is a very clever, good piece of writing."
When they walked out of the Grand State Preceptor's Residence and reached the Thousand-Step Corridor, Wei Yi suddenly said softly, "Big brother, since you're getting promoted, you can be bolder in your words and actions. As for me, I'll continue being a 'pure critic.' A Director of a ministry is not a small post. I know my own limitations. I'm indecisive and would find it extremely difficult to be the head of any department. I lack the authority. I've always been better at writing than at official business. I may be able to see some things, but I often can't do them well. You're different. You still have a chance."
Wei Hong was stunned. "What do you mean?"
Wei Yi cupped his hands and said with a smile, "Offering my congratulations in advance."
---
Longquan Sword Sect, Youyi Peak, the current sect leader's Dao site.
Grand Sword Immortal Liu was sitting cross-legged on the cliff edge, chewing on a piece of grass. Seeing Gu Can's absent-minded look, he teased, "Who's the groom here? What are you so anxious about?"
Gu Can said, "Didn't you think the commotion at Xielong Terrace last night was extraordinary?"
Liu Xianyang supported his knees with his hands and laughed. "Since Chen Ping'an has attended the morning court, what are you worried about? What you should be worried about now is how to help me fend off drinks at tomorrow's wedding feast."
Setting aside those unregistered disciples for now, their Longquan Sword Sect had: the previous sect leader, Blacksmith Ruan; the current sect leader, Sword Immortal Liu; plus three sect brothers and sisters: Dong Gu, Xu Xiaoqiao, and Xie Ling. Truly a large sect with many people.
Gu Can cursed, "You heartless bastard."
Liu Xianyang chuckled. "Wait until I marry my wife. Then you'll know what it means to forget friends for a wife."
Gu Can laughed. "Just wait. Watch how I drag him into the bridal chamber to disturb you."
Liu Xianyang said, "Isn't listening at the wall fine? It's not a bad custom anyway."
Gu Can asked, "Will it be lively enough?"
Liu Xianyang said, "Not lively? Blacksmith Ruan even called in the True Martial Mountain group of old friends, the bride's family, to back up my future wife. I also invited a group of kiln worker friends from back in the Longquan kiln days, asking them to bring their families and kids. Tomorrow, Dong Hu and Xie Ling will be responsible for transportation."
Gu Can asked, "Won't you hold another ceremony in the town? It wouldn't cost much."
Liu Xianyang shook his head. "No need for that trouble. We'll do it all together on Youyi Peak."
Sheyue—recorded in the household registry of the Great Li Huaihuang County yamen as "Yu Qianyue"—the bride, was currently on the main peak. Tomorrow, she would be carried in a sedan chair to Youyi Peak.
Xu Xiaoqiao and Gu Can's "maid," the Spring Night Dream Daoist named Zi Wumeng, were also with the bride Yu Qianyue. Actually, what did they know about preparations? What rituals were appropriate? They had only heard things by ear. The problem was, if they didn't understand this, did Blacksmith Ruan, Dong Hu, and the others know? Xu Xiaoqiao had consulted the neighbor mountain god and land god. Zi Wumeng had looked for clues in those scholar-beauty novels. Anyway, it was all a flurry of activity, without any method. They always felt something was missing.
Fortunately, Sheyue didn't care about these things. For a woman's marriage, having the groom was enough.
Besides, she had two bridesmaids.
Gu Can said, "Ning Yao has arrived."
A streak of sword light neared the Longquan Sword Sect territory, slowed down as if greeting, then abruptly entered the Ancestral Mountain territory. Ning Yao found Sheyue. Her room was filled with large red satins and various colorful dowries. At the dressing table, Zi Wumeng was practicing on Sheyue's face—applying eyebrow makeup, sticking on floral ornaments, matching hairstyles with hairpins... all meticulous work. Ning Yao rubbed her forehead at the sight. It was too flashy. But Sheyue asked if the color on her cheeks was too light. When she spoke, powder fell off her face... Xu Xiaoqiao suppressed a laugh. She had zero intention of being a critical friend. Sheyue looked quite nice like this, very festive.
Shortly after Ning Yao arrived, a female mountain lord, Huai Lu from Luan Mountain, arrived as ordered. She was to personally dress the bride and also teach the two bridesmaids some experience. It wasn't an order from the Divine Lord's Mansion or the Grand State Preceptor's Residence, but a personal request from Luopo Mountain's Master Chen. Huai Lu was happy to oblige. She came rushing to Longquan Sword Sect without hesitation. She could share in the joy and also form a good karmic bond with the couple. Why not?
Huai Lu was led into the room by Xu Xiaoqiao. As she crossed the threshold, she saw the elaborately dressed bride sitting before the dressing mirror, asking a bridesmaid to find this and that. She even complained to the bridesmaid, "Miss Ning, can you be a bit more attentive? So clumsy. Even the wedding candy wasn't wrapped properly. Your turn will come soon..." When the bridesmaid turned around, Huai Lu saw it was... Ning Yao, her face slightly red, with a look of embarrassed annoyance.
An old, travel-worn Daoist priest arrived at the archway of the Longquan Sword Sect's Ancestral Mountain. The mountain gate silently paid respects without further words, holding only a sense of reverence in his heart.
Marriage was the most important event. How many times in a life could it happen? The elaborate ceremonies couldn't be lacking. No matter, since the impoverished priest was here, he would make sure everything was done properly and lively.
Soon, an old chef arrived at the mountain foot on time with his gear by wind, meeting up with the old immortal Jia.
Old Immortal Jia was usually very particular about formalities. But now, he was putting on great airs, hurriedly asking if certain ingredients were ready, which main dishes for the wedding feast were prepared, and saying nothing was indispensable.
Ruan Qiong personally descended the mountain to welcome them, thanked them, and then led them slowly up the mountain. Listening to the old Daoist priest's non-stop chatter and Zhu Lian's skillful responses, so expert that Ruan Qiong couldn't get a word in edgewise, Ruan Qiong's expression gradually softened, and a hint of a smile appeared.
---
Grand State Preceptor's Residence.
Emperor Song He and Chen Ping'an walked to the pine shade in the second courtyard. There was an unfinished chess game left by one of the secretaries. Song He looked down at the board situation for a moment.
According to the Grand State Preceptor's Residence's plan, after the three rounds of scrutiny—open and secret—were completed, they would rectify the mountain-and-water officialdom of the fiefs. After that, they would crack down on the mountain forces. Then, the Great Li Song clan could turn its attention to the south of the Great River... Once these steps were completed in accordance with the plan and met their expectations, they would shift their focus to the Barren Wastes battlefield and compete with the Cao clan of Great Duan, even the Chenguan Dynasty, for the first position among the Righteous dynasties.
Song He couldn't help but laugh suddenly. "The fourth-ranked Yin clan of Great Sash paid tribute to the third-ranked one, and both sides confirmed the lord-vassal relationship within a single day. Who could have imagined that?"
He pressed his hand on the edge of the stone table engraved with the chessboard, gently tapping it, his heart surging with emotion. "Song He has indeed done right by my Song clan's ancestors."
Chen Ping'an smiled. "Consider it picking up a bargain. Picking up money on the road is something I've done often since I was a kid."
Song He asked curiously, "Really found copper coins?"
Chen Ping'an nodded. "Occasionally."
A gentle breeze that brushed over green mountains and stirred white clouds must have also passed through bustling cities, silent and desolate countryside, and ethereal, misty Dao sites, stirring up countless young people's dreams.