Dongshan Prefecture · Government Office.

Back office.

"Pei Rui!"

Pei Jian was working in the study when he suddenly saw a shadow flicker by the window. How could he not recognize his own wayward son?

"What does the lord of the prefecture wish to see me about?" Pei Rui walked in from outside with a grin, asking Pei Jian.

"Always so careless and idle, lacking any sense of propriety. If you were half as sensible as your elder brother, I’d be burning incense in gratitude." Pei Jian muttered while working on his papers. 𝓯𝓻𝓮𝙚𝙬𝓮𝙗𝒏𝙤𝒗𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝒐𝓶

"One elder brother in our family is enough. Is it not better for me to just eat, drink, and play around, as a carefree son?" Pei Rui continued grinning cheekily.

"You’re already twenty-two; children in ordinary families are running around at that age. Tell me, when will you start reining in your heart?" Pei Jian snorted coldly.

"Wait a little longer, let me play for another couple of years..."

"Your elder brother studies literature and prepares for the imperial exams, and you, when I let you learn martial arts, you loaf around all day and don’t train properly. Tell me, how many teachers have I found for you?"

"The martial arts of the teachers you found for me are all mediocre. No matter how much I learn, my upper limit is just that!" Pei Rui shrugged and said.

"Are you feeling wronged now? So if I find you a good teacher, you’ll study properly?"

"Mr. Pei, are you waiting here to set a trap for me?" Pei Rui chuckled. Both father and son were astute people; they understood instantly.

"Fahai from Shanglin Temple, a master of the Meridian Passage Realm. How about you become a lay disciple under him?" Pei Jian said.

"As a lay disciple, can I still drink, eat, and enjoy maidens?"

"During the learning period, you must follow Shanglin Temple’s rules. I never really bothered you with how you had fun before. Now you’re grown up, and should be responsible. I hope I won’t have to enforce family discipline?" Pei Jian looked up at his second son and said.

"Dad, can’t I live without following your arrangements?" Pei Rui understood well that when his father decided something, it was final. He might truly have to go to Shanglin Temple and live a celibate life, training with bald monks.

At the thought of this, his world felt incredibly bleak.

"You can, once your wings are strong enough to choose your own path. Then, you can live as you wish." Pei Jian said, "Your elder brother, I don’t interfere with him. He knows what he wants and advances step by step, solidly."

"Alright, I’ll do as you say. When should I go to Shanglin Temple?"

"Early tomorrow morning, your uncle Zhuo will accompany you."

"Okay."

"Have you seen Mr. Xue recently?"

"I’ve seen him a few times, but ever since he fell seriously ill, he’s changed completely. It’s odd. He replaced all the pretty maidens around him, and when I invited him out to have fun a few times, he wouldn’t come. He seems to have become as meek as a fragile woman." Pei Rui said.

"Alright, I got it. You can leave now, but tomorrow morning, don’t play any tricks!" Pei Jian reminded.

"Understood, Pei."

He’s truly a rebellious son. If he isn’t given some pressure, it might not work. It’s not possible to just ignore this son completely, is it?

...

"Mr. Dong, are you truly sending the second young master to Shanglin Temple to practice martial arts?" Zhuo Qingfeng emerged from behind the screen and asked.

"This child should be guided onto the proper path. Becoming a lay disciple at Shanglin Temple isn’t a chance just anyone can have." Pei Jian nodded.

"Indeed, the second young master is actually very bright, just overindulgent. If he commits to martial arts, his future could be promising." Zhuo Qingfeng commented.

"Any news from Marquis Lingyang’s Mansion?"

"Our insider reports that Marquis Lingyang has sent a letter urging Mr. Xue to return to the capital. It’s said the Marquis has found a teacher for Mr. Xue, hoping for him to shine during the Autumn Hunt!"

"The Autumn Hunt is the path to prominence for the noble offspring in our dynasty. If noticed by the Emperor during the hunt, the future prospects are limitless. Sadly, our Pei Family isn’t noble, and can’t even seize this opportunity." Pei Jian shook his head and sighed.

"There’s still a chance this year’s Autumn Hunt might differ. I’ve heard some rumors in Li Jing that sons of civil families ranked fifth grade and above, who practice martial arts, might also be allowed to register for the Autumn Hunt. But this hasn’t been confirmed yet; officials are still debating this, while military nobles collectively oppose it." Zhuo Qingfeng stated.

"I’ve heard of this too, but I believe the chances are slim for it to materialize." Pei Jian shook his head.

"Mr. Dong, there’s another matter. Recently, Marquis Lingyang’s Mansion has secretly purchased quite a lot..." Zhuo Qingfeng leaned close to Pei Jian’s ear and whispered.

"Are you sure?"

"Positive. The volume of medication purchased is large enough to raise suspicion." Zhuo Qingfeng nodded.

"Could Ye Shengyuan really have impregnated Mrs. He from Marquis Lingyang’s Mansion?" Pei Jian expressed with surprise, having heard about the large purchase of fetus-preserving medicine. If it’s not for Mrs. He, could it be for someone else?

Seeing Mr. Xue rendered impotent, could he still make someone pregnant?

"Mr. Dong, if Marquis Lingyang finds out about this, both Mrs. He and Ye Shengyuan will be finished..." Zhuo Qingfeng chuckled.

"Don’t spread such words. Until we have confirmed information, don’t leak a single word." Pei Jian instructed.

"Rest assured, Mr. Dong, I understand."

...

"Today is about the concept of Yin-Yang, the Five Elements, and the eight extraordinary meridians..."

Shi Yin had heard about this from her medical studies, but now it was from a martial arts perspective, which was drastically different.

Lin Mao and the others listened for the first time, having some basic understanding beforehand; approaching from a martial arts angle became more straightforward.

Lianxin and Liansuo, however, experienced a different sense, much like Si Miaoxue did in the past. Many unclear questions or concepts became enlightened.

Problems previously faced in martial arts practice now felt entirely understandable with this theory explained.

Various insights and realizations poured in, leaving the two girls flushed with excitement, eager to return to training as soon as the lesson concluded.

After a moment of enlightenment, Lianxin and Liansuo both advanced to the Middle Grade Blood Fusion Realm!

It should be noted that they only broke through to the Blood Fusion Realm half a year before going down the mountain, and now they advanced to the middle grade so quickly; their cultivation speed was much faster than on the mountain.

Apart from the fact that these experiences made them grow quickly (though they didn’t have many special experiences), the most important factor was Lin Miao’s guidance.

So, the two women came over together early in the morning to thank him.

"Young Master’s great kindness, Lianxin and Liansuo will surely repay it in the future!"

"What kindness? When did I ever show kindness to you?" Lin Miao was somewhat perplexed. After a night of meditative cultivation, he was also about to advance to the Blood Fusion Realm, only he was suppressing it for now.

"Young Master taught us the ultimate principles of martial arts and guided us to break through and advance. Isn’t this a great kindness?" Lianxin said.

"So that’s what you’re talking about. I merely taught you some basic theories casually. Understanding them depends on you, so it’s nothing special. Don’t worry about it," Lin Miao laughed "hehe" and waved it off carelessly.

"Young Master is noble," Lianxin and Liansuo exchanged glances, expressing their gratitude.

...

As soon as the morning came to the consultation point.

The parents of the boy who was saved yesterday brought the child, along with gifts, to thank Lin Miao for saving his life.

The child was the hope of the family.

To a family, this could be considered a second chance at life.

"Hu Zi, bow to your benefactor." The little boy was held down by his father to kneel and bow to Lin Miao, who couldn’t stop it even if he tried.

But he didn’t accept the gifts; saving lives was the duty of a doctor, after all, though accepting a small token wouldn’t be a big deal.

Yet, he dared not start doing so; once started, there would be an endless stream of gifts, and if he accepted one but not another, wouldn’t that offend others? So, he set a rule for himself: never accept gifts from patients.

This rule was known to all who tried to give him gifts.

After saving the drowned child, Lin Miao’s reputation grew even louder. Should anyone doubt his medical skills or character, the neighbors of Xiuyue Square would surely drown them with spit.

...

"Miss Miaoxue, what cargo are we carrying in the car? It feels quite heavy..." Yue Wu asked Si Miaoxue curiously after leaving the city.

Though he knew Yue Mei’Er and Si Miaoxue didn’t get along, they were all part of the Moon Worship Sect, and Yue Wu wasn’t averse to following Si Miaoxue’s orders.

After all, they were now all on the same boat.

"You’ll know when we arrive," Si Miaoxue, dressed in men’s clothing with a bamboo hat, replied, her face veiled and hidden.

Behind them followed four carts full of goods.

Leaving the city required no taxes; otherwise, paying taxes both entering the city and leaving it would be unbearable.

So, there was only an entry tax, not an exit tax.

Yue Shisan drove one cart, along with eight subordinates brought by Yue Wu, and the cart driver hired by Si Miaoxue.

Although the numbers were few.

But whoever had the gall to cause trouble was courting death.

Li Hen City.

If this could be taken, it would be far better than staying in the Moon Worship Sect, free and happy.

The nobleman’s ambition is quite sizeable.

A man with ambition is indeed alluring, but unfortunately, Yue Mei’Er, that seductive fox, secured him. If only, sigh...

...

Dongshan City, East Gate.

"Mr. Xue, do you remember what you were instructed?"

"I remember, Auntie!" A sharp, soft voice emanated from the luxurious carriage, quite different from the past Mr. Xue.

"You must remember, this is your chance, and also Auntie’s chance. We’re tied together for better or worse," Mrs. He said. "When you meet your father in Li Jing, you should know what to say and what not to say."

"Understood."

"Du Heng!"

"Madam." The Green Blade Sect expert, Du Heng, standing beside the horse, quickly saluted with cupped fists.

"Take good care of the little Marquis, know what to do?" Mrs. He asked in a low voice.

"Yes, Madam, rest assured, Patriarch Ye has explained everything clearly," Du Heng nodded, knowing that certain things had to be done this way.

The Green Blade Sect, although it depended on Marquis Lingyang, had the deepest connection with Mrs. He.

"Go, if the task is completed well, this madam will reward you."

"Yes, Madam."

Du Heng mounted his horse, accompanying Mr. Xue to the capital. Apart from the Green Blade Sect experts, there were people from Marquis Lingyang’s Mansion, various specialties, goods, dozens of carts in all, along with soldiers and guards of Marquis Lingyang’s Mansion, forming a procession that stretched over a hundred meters.

Such a spectacle was something only Marquis Lingyang’s Mansion could achieve.

However, hearing the news of Mr. Xue leaving Dongshan for Li Jing, the citizens of Dongshan City were overjoyed, as if it were a festival, just short of setting off firecrackers to celebrate.

This Mr. Xue really gave the people of Dongshan City a hard time.