Haoqi Tower.

Jiang Lvzhong sat at the table, holding the tea brought by the clerk, blowing a breath of hot air, sipping it, and sighed:

"I remember drinking tea here at Wei Gong's place last year. It was refreshing, leaving a lingering fragrance on the lips and teeth, and it lasted for three hours."

Wei Yuan, who was flipping through books in front of the bookshelf, with his back to him, said lightly, "That's the tribute tea from the palace. It only produces three catties in three years, and His Majesty usually doesn't want to drink it."

No wonder... Jiang Lvzhong suddenly realized, curious, "Where does this magical tea come from?"

"It comes from the capital."

"The capital has such good tea? I've never heard of it." Jiang Lvzhong nodded, not asking more. Although the tea was good, he, as a martial artist, was not particularly interested in it. He came to Haoqi Tower this time with a clear and definite purpose.

"Today, Ning Yan mentioned something. He is like a fish in water in the Official Brothel Sector, deeply loved by the courtesans, and there is a reason for it," Jiang Lvzhong said.

"Beautiful women love poetry, especially the courtesans," Wei Yuan smiled.

"Not only that," Jiang Lvzhong shook his head, "In addition to poetry, there are two other secrets, namely 'superficial conversation with deep meaning' and 'ultimately, is it feasible.' I have pondered for a long time, but gained nothing... Of course, it's not that I want to become that kind of person, I'm just purely curious."

"Wei Gong is knowledgeable and versatile, well-versed in astronomy and geography, so I came to ask for advice. I believe Wei Gong should be well aware of it," Jiang Lvzhong said.

After speaking, Jiang Lvzhong saw Wei Gong turning around and gazing at him deeply.

After gazing for more than ten seconds, Wei Yuan withdrew his gaze and said casually, "Lvzhong, you have been with me for nearly ten years, right?"

"Yes."

"In these ten years, you have been diligent and conscientious, and I have seen it all. I am very pleased." Wei Yuan took out a book and said, "Alright, I want to continue reading. You may leave."

Jiang Lvzhong left somewhat bewildered and returned to his own hall.

Before he could even sit down properly, a clerk came in and bowed, saying, "Jiang Lvzhong, Wei Gong has given orders."

Didn't he just drive me away? Jiang Lvzhong asked, "What's the matter?"

"Wei Gong said that Jiang Lvzhong has been diligent and conscientious, and should continue to maintain it. For the next month, the night shift will be handed over to you."

After a pause, the clerk continued, "Wei Gong also said that he hopes Jiang Lvzhong will pack up and move to the yamen. Don't go back home for the time being."

"???"

Is this the order that a diligent and conscientious subordinate should receive? Is this human language? Guarding all night for a month, doesn't that mean that for the next month, I can't go to the Official Brothel Sector, and I can't even touch a woman?!

Jiang Lvzhong was dumbfounded.

..............

For Xu Qi'an, this wait lasted for an hour, a whole hour.

Fortunately, he didn't drink too much water when he arrived, otherwise it would have been embarrassing... The sun wasn't strong enough, it couldn't fully bring out my desolation... He waited patiently, without complaining or urging.

However, Xu Qi'an noticed that every fifteen minutes, a palace maid would stand in the courtyard and look towards the door sneakily.

Xu Qi'an pretended not to notice.

The sun was shining, the spring breeze was warm, and after the spring, the back garden of Shaoyin Garden began to wake up, gradually revealing its beautiful and charming side.

Similarly, with peach blossom eyes and a charming and affectionate temperament, Princess Lin'an sat sulking in the pavilion, directing two close palace maids to play Go.

After playing for a while, she began to enjoy teaching others how to play.

The two palace maids had no experience in playing games, but they didn't dare to defy the princess's temper.

"Princess, Mr. Xu is still waiting outside," the little palace maid reported regularly.

Lin'an gave a reserved "Hmm" and said nothing more.

The little palace maid stepped back.

After a quarter of an hour, she went to check the situation again and saw Xu Qi'an still there, feeling somewhat moved.

Our princess always throws tantrums. Isn't she just driving someone as outstanding as Mr. Xu to Princess Huai Qing's place... the thought flashed through her mind, and she saw Mr. Xu suddenly sway and fall straight to the ground, fainting.

"Oh no..."

The little palace maid rushed over in a panic to check the situation, only to see Xu Qi'an's face turn pale, frowning in pain.

"Mr. Xu, Mr. Xu?" The little palace maid pushed and shook him anxiously, looking like she was about to cry.

Xu Qi'an "woke up" and, covering his chest, coughed a few times, waving his hand, "It's okay, I'm fine. It's just that the injury from the fight was too severe, and I stood for too long, so the injury recurred. I just need to rest for a while."

The little palace maid was both distressed and moved, and advised, "Mr. Xu, you should go back first. Princess is still angry and won't see you."

"The princess is angry?"

Xu Qi'an was surprised and asked, "What's wrong with the princess? Who made the princess angry?"

The little palace maid was at a loss for words for a moment, thinking that the person who made the princess angry was none other than him.

She said in a low voice, "The guards at Shaoyin Garden saw Mr. Xu enter the palace and go to Dexin Garden."

Xu Qi'an fell silent.

The little palace maid, seeing that he didn't explain, felt disappointed and urged, "Mr. Xu, go back. Come back when the princess is no longer angry."

After speaking, she left Xu Qi'an and entered the courtyard.

Hurrying all the way, she came to the pavilion in the inner courtyard and said urgently, "Princess, Mr. Xu just fainted."Lin'an suddenly looked up, a surprised and nervous expression flashing across his face, then he suppressed it and said lightly, "Fainted?"

"Master Xu said he stood for too long, and the injury from yesterday's fight recurred," the little palace maid said with her head down.

"I didn't ask him to wait... he can't even play chess, you two fools."

Lin'an scolded irritably, then turned to the little palace maid and said, "If he's not leaving, then let him in."

..........

Xu Qi'an was taken to a side hall, had a sip of hot tea, and waited for a long time before he saw the figure in red coming in, with a round face, beautiful features, and a cold expression, forcing a look of indifference in her charming eyes.

"I said I didn't want to see any guests. Why did you let him in?" Lin'an reprimanded, then his gaze fell on Xu Qi'an. After a careful look, he seemed to relax a bit and ordered, "Master Xu has contributed to the court, so I won't let you leave empty-handed. He, bring in the things."

The palace maid who Xu Qi'an had patted on the butt stepped back, and soon, with a palace attendant from the garden, came in carrying some elixirs and nourishing herbs.

"These elixirs and herbs were taken from the imperial pharmacy. Take them with you, Master Xu," Lin'an said proudly.

"It was only after His Highness begged for a long time that His Majesty reluctantly gave them up," the maid added.

"Shut up!" Lin'an's eyebrows furrowed, taking a deep breath. "He, escort the guest out."

Xu Qi'an didn't leave.

After a moment of stalemate, Xu Bai Piao brazenly said, "I have studied the game of Go for a long time and have come up with a set of secrets. I am invincible in the world. Does Your Highness dare to challenge me?"

Xu Bai Piao's trick worked, and she nodded in agreement.

So, the maidservant brought in the chessboard and pieces, and she and Xu Qi'an battled three hundred rounds in the hall. Xu Qi'an lost three times in a row and had to admit defeat.

"Your Highness is indeed exceptionally intelligent. I admire you," Xu Qi'an flattered.

Xu Bai Piao raised her chin slightly, gave a very dignified "Hmm," and suddenly remembered that this was an unfamiliar white-eyed wolf. She snorted, "The game is over, and I won't keep Master Xu here."

"Don't be hasty. I've thought of a new game. If Your Highness is interested, I can teach you," Xu Qi'an's trick was like an old sow putting on a bra.

The quiet Shao Yin Garden suddenly became lively, with Xu Bai Piao directing the guards to chop wood, and Xu Qi'an chopping the wood into sections.

"Not long ago, Your Highness was so angry that she smashed a cup, and her eyes were red with anger... You say this Master Xu really has some ability. He didn't even say anything nice, and yet Your Highness forgave him," the two maidservants exchanged as they walked.

"Your Highness was just throwing a tantrum. She didn't really care about Master Xu. Let me tell you, if he leaves, then Your Highness will truly be heartbroken."

"Cough!"

A deep cough came from behind, startling the two maidservants, who jumped like startled deer. They turned around to see Xu Qi'an.

"Master Xu, you're really overbearing, scaring us like that," complained He'er.

Xu Qi'an bantered with the two pretty maidservants for a few words, then got to the point:

"I have a question for you. Those elixirs are priceless. When did Your Highness prepare them?"

"Those elixirs were taken by His Majesty himself to nourish his vitality. It is said that only twenty-four pills are made in one furnace, and it takes twenty-four furnaces to make one successful furnace. Yesterday, His Highness made a fuss with His Majesty for a long time, and His Majesty couldn't bear it and rewarded him with a pill," He'er said.

"And then this morning, he immediately sent someone to invite you, Master," the other maid added.

"Go on!"

Xu Qi'an patted their buttocks and sent the two maidservants away.

He then returned as if nothing had happened, doing his own work, carving the wood into flat shapes and then carving on them.

In the process, Lin'an also helped with the carving. She had read books and practiced martial arts, although she was not proficient in either, her foundation was solid enough.

Carving the wood into a flat shape was no problem.

Unconsciously, as the sun moved westward, Xu Qi'an's new chess set was ready - Chinese chess!

Looking at the two sets of Chinese chess that he and the dog slave had made with their own hands, Xu Bai Piao showed a sincere smile, and for a moment, all the flowers paled in comparison, and there was only the charming smile in her eyes.

"It's getting late. I'll explain the rules to Your Highness, and it's almost time to leave the palace," Xu Qi'an said, dismissing the maidservant.

Xu Bai Piao looked at the sun and gradually retracted her smile, giving a faint "Hmm."

Xu Qi'an explained the rules of Chinese chess seriously, but Xu Bai Piao was not paying attention. She was very angry today. Xu Bai Piao had to admit that she had originally forced Xu Qi'an to join her purely to snatch something from Huai Qing.

But slowly, she grew to like this dog slave more and more, finding ways to give him money, and treating him with all her heart. She never asked him to do anything for her, as long as he took the time to come and play with her, Xu Bai Piao was very happy.

But there was always a thorn in her heart, that Xu Qi'an and Huai Qing always maintained an "improper" relationship.

Clearly, he had promised to serve her, to get rid of Huai Qing, but secretly, he still came to play with Huai Qing. It was indeed an improper relationship.She pretended not to see, once, twice, three times... until today finally erupted. In order to ask for the elixir, she was scolded and reprimanded by the emperor. She brazenly resisted. The next day, she sent someone to invite Xu Qi'an, eagerly waiting.

What she got was a guard's words: he went to Dexin Garden.

For a moment, she felt that she had lost her dignity, feeling like she was being ignored by Xu Qi'an. No, he treated her like a fool.

She felt so sad that she wanted to cry.

"Alas!"

Suddenly, Xu Qi'an sighed deeply and said softly, "Your Highness, I went to Dexin Garden first."

Her face instantly fell, turning away. "I don't know anything about Dexin Garden. You came to me after entering the palace."

"No, I went to see Princess Huai Qing first."

"Xu Qi'an!"

She shouted, turning back, her eyes slightly red. Did he have to expose my self-deception and not consider my feelings?

Xu Qi'an sighed again, his gaze turning deep and profound as he looked at the setting sun in the west, as if hiding countless stories and life experiences.

Word by word, he said slowly, "Your Highness, have you ever heard a saying?"

She fell silent.

"In life, you will encounter many sceneries and many people, but the choice you make in the end is what you truly desire in your heart."

She stared at him in a daze.

"Today, both Your Highness and Princess Huai Qing invited me. I didn't hesitate and went to see Princess Huai Qing. Why? It's not because she holds a higher place in my heart than you."

Xu Qi'an stood up, looking somewhat excited. "If I had come to Shao Yin Garden first, I would not have been able to stay long. I would have to leave after a few words and go to Dexin Garden to see her. Heh, if Princess Huai Qing invited me, can I ignore it?

"But if I had gone to Dexin Garden first, I could have stayed here with you until the palace gates closed. Who holds a lighter place in my heart between Your Highness and Princess Huai Qing, isn't it obvious?"

Her gaze softened gradually, her expression changing from cold to gentle.

Xu Qi'an sat back down, gazing deeply at Lin An with the same profound look he had when watching the sunset, and said softly, "Because I know that Your Highness needs companionship."

This statement touched the softest part of Lin An's heart. Yes, she was lonely and lonely.

After the Crown Prince was confined, the Empress Dowager cried to her all day, instilling suspicions about the Empress's intentions. The attitudes of her brothers and sisters also grew increasingly cold.

The Emperor was still the Emperor, but Lin An was no longer the same Lin An as before. At least she realized that the Emperor's favor towards her was purely because she was harmless.

A princess who appeared charming and proud, but inside lived a lonely and lonely girl.

Xu Qi'an glanced around, confirming that the palace maids who had been dismissed were not nearby, and boldly took Lin An's soft hand, speaking sincerely:

"Your Highness, I will always be with you."

The warmth from the back of her hand was somewhat scorching, and Lin An's cheeks blushed, feeling a warm current in her heart.

Time slipped away quietly, and Xu Qi'an held her hand without letting go, an ambiguous atmosphere fermenting and brewing between the two.

"Your Highness, it's getting late. I'll go back first. If you want to see me every day, you can move to Lin An Mansion and don't have to live in the palace." Xu Qi'an said softly.

.................

In the afterglow of the setting sun, Xu Qi'an led a young mare, walking through the imperial city.

"Young mare, based on my years of experience in wooing girls, if I can hold Lin An's hand this time, I can hug her next time... Girls need to be pursued. If you don't pursue her, she's not yours.

"I heard a joke before, a scumbag said to his girlfriend: Your parents are good to you because you are their daughter. Only I treat you well, that's true love and care for you.

"Although it's a twisted theory, I think twisted theories are also theories. Lin An treats me well, it's true that she treats me well, without much manipulation and self-interest. Of course, the latter may be the world of adults.

"Although she's a bit foolish, she's a beautiful vase, but this vase has emptied herself to treat you well.

"If we talk about who is most suitable to be a wife, it's still Chu Caiwei. Her soft food tastes the best and has the least aftereffects. Lin An and Huai Qing, the danger is too great.

"Actually, at my current position, I don't have many requirements for women. I just hope they can be strict with themselves."

At this point, the young mare nudged him with her head and snorted twice.

"Do you want me to make demands of you too?"

Xu Qi'an thought for a moment and said, "In your case, hmm, don't be content with mediocrity!"

.............

In the Wang Mansion, after returning home from his duties, Wang Zhenwen had his dinner and then went to his study to review documents. At his age, women were already optional.

Perhaps it was the stimulation of Emperor Yuan Jing's reversal of his white hair to black, the court officials were not very close to women, emphasizing health preservation.

But Emperor Yuan Jing had someone to guide his cultivation and refine elixirs for him, which was a treatment that the court officials could not enjoy.

Wang Simu came in with a nourishing and beautifying soup, and then, under the pretext of tidying up the desk, peeked at her father's documents and annotations. Sometimes she even dared to ask questions.

"I heard from the people in the mansion that the top scholar from Yunlu Academy came to the literary gathering today?" Wang Zhenwen asked.

"Yes, and she had a conflict with Minister Sun's niece."

Wang Simu recounted the incident to her father in detail, and he snorted."Dad, I thought Xu Huiyuan was talented, so I invited him. Who knew he's just an impulsive guy who doesn't understand restraint. He's useless. Dad, you need to teach him a lesson for what he did to Yan'er."

The Prime Minister Wang didn't take things at face value and pondered, "The student from Yunlu Academy follows the Confucian cultivation system, and his character is not bad."

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"To be able to win the title of Huiyuan as a student from Yunlu Academy is indeed a rare talent. As for the conflicts among you younger generation, it's not something to be brought to the table."

Miss Wang raised her eyebrows and immediately said, "So it seems that my thoughts align with Dad's. Do you think there's a possibility of recruiting him?"

"Recruit him? Why should we recruit him? Even if he's talented, there's no need to rely solely on him. It's unwise to offend the civil officials who graduated from the Imperial College for this. Besides, I am the Prime Minister, a role model for the civil officials," Prime Minister Wang shook his head.

"Exactly because you are a role model for the civil officials, your intervention would meet the least resistance. If we can recruit him, it would not only suppress the arrogance of Yunlu Academy but also gain a good general. It's a win-win situation," Miss Wang said with an air of "I'm analyzing the situation for Dad's sake."

"Without a special reason, the disadvantages of recruiting him outweigh the benefits," Prime Minister Wang shook his head.

Miss Wang wanted to say more, but she was glared at by her father and immediately dispelled the thought.

Enough said.

No special reason... perfect, I also need to observe him for a while longer... Wang Simu thought happily.

......

Nancheng, Yangsheng Hall.

In the firewood room, the golden light slowly dimmed, and Monk Jingchen comforted the "Black Dog," letting him fall into a sweet dream.

"Namo Amitabha!"

The middle-aged monk with thick earlobes said with compassion, "It's a miracle that this child has survived until now."

"The sorcerer from the Bureau of Heavenly Masters treated him, yes, it was due to Mr. Xu's connections," Heng Yuan said beside him.

"I've traveled through the world for years, witnessing countless ups and downs, and all living beings suffer. I often wonder why there are countless Buddha lamps, yet they never illuminate the layers of darkness in the world.

"It wasn't until I realized the Mahayana Buddhism yesterday that I understood that pursuing ranks and the taste of Arhat and Bodhisattva is self-serving, it's Hinayana. The true Mahayana Buddhism is to save all living beings. If everyone has compassion in their hearts, does the world still need Buddha lamps? It doesn't."

Monk Jingchen sighed.

Heng Yuan nodded, clasping his hands together, "Mr. Xu is truly extraordinary."

Monk Jingchen clasped his hands together, "He is a born Buddha, a precious gift bestowed upon the Buddhist sect by the heavens. I believe that one day, he will achieve enlightenment and enter the Buddhist path."

"I am looking forward to that day," Heng Yuan's heart burned with passion.

Monk Jingchen nodded and continued, "This child is physically weak and mentally damaged, and cannot recover in the short term. He cannot withstand the fatigue of travel. My suggestion is to send him to the Orient Loong Temple. As for you, it's time for you to head west.

"You know, after the eighth rank comes the third rank, which is called Vajra. If you don't cultivate the Vajra Divine Art, you will never be able to become a Vajra."

Heng Yuan hesitated for a long time and shook his head slowly, "Just now, Master Uncle, you said that self-cultivation is Hinayana, and saving all living beings is Mahayana."

Monk Jingchen was taken aback and bowed his head in shame, "Master Uncle is right, you do have great wisdom. Very well, very well."

Although he realized the Mahayana Buddhism, self-cultivation had been a habitual thought for decades, and it wasn't so easy to change.

This was the difference between enlightenment and no enlightenment. Arhat Du'e had achieved enlightenment, and he would no longer have such habitual thoughts.

"Master Uncle will take us back to the Western Regions tomorrow," Monk Jingchen said.

"So soon? Aren't we going to investigate the matter of the evil creature?"

"The evil creature has been free for several months, there's no need to rush. Master Uncle wants to return to the Western Regions first to promote the Mahayana Buddhism," Monk Jingchen explained.

After seeing off Monk Jingchen, Heng Yuan was about to turn around when he suddenly saw an old Taoist standing in the darkness of the courtyard, smiling at him.

"Taoist Master Jin Lian?"

......

Xu Mansion.

The setting sun had only a corner left in the west, not yet completely set, and the crimson glow was magnificent and colorful.

Xu Qi'an rode back to the mansion on a small mare, threw the reins to the gatekeeper, and stepped into the mansion. The timing was just right for dinner.

At the dinner table, Xu Xinnian mentioned his participation in the literary meeting today and briefly mentioned that no one pushed Lingyue into the pool.

"What? Lingyue fell into the water?"

Xu Qi'an looked closely at his sister, asking with concern, "How are you feeling? Any headaches or fever? Will you catch a cold?"

Xu Lingyue spoke softly, "I'm fine, big brother, don't worry. I took medicine after returning to the mansion, so I won't catch a cold."

"What happened?" Xu Qi'an looked at Xu Erlang, waiting for his explanation. "What's the use of you taking care of your sister? She fell into the water just by attending a literary meeting. What's the use of you?"

Xu Erlang glanced at Xu Lingyue, who hurriedly said, "It's not Erlang's fault. Erlang can't watch over me all the time, and after I fell into the water, Erlang was the first to save me.

"The person who pushed me into the water is the niece of the Minister of Punishments, and she has already apologized and compensated me."

The niece of the Minister of Punishments... Xu Qi'an raised his eyebrows and sneered, "Alright, I'll send someone to stake out the Sun Mansion. When her niece comes out, we'll drive and crash into her. If she dies in the crash, so be it."

After speaking, he looked at Lingyue with a guilty expression, "Sister, I've implicated you."

Lingyue pouted and said unhappily, "What are you talking about, big brother? We're family, there's no need to be so formal."

This sister is really good!After dinner, Xu Qi'an embarked on the long journey of cultivation, practicing breathing exercises, visualization, comprehending the Heart Sword, nurturing the mind, and understanding the Vajra Invincible Divine Skill.

It gave him the feeling of being back in his school days, overwhelmed with heavy coursework.

Suddenly, mist filled his vision, and he saw layers of fog, entering the world of the monk Shen Shu.

Passing through the mist, he arrived at a dilapidated temple and saw a handsome monk sitting cross-legged.

Monk Shen Shu looked at him with gentle eyes and said, "I am about to fall into a deep sleep and will not be able to awaken for some time, thus I cannot look after your life and death. I bestow upon you another drop of my essence blood for the cultivation of the Vajra Invincible."

His blood could be used to cultivate the Vajra Invincible? Xu Qi'an was startled.

Monk Shen Shu smiled and said, "You should understand the foundation of my immortal body. This skill is difficult and slow to progress for others, but for you, you can reach a profound level in a short period of time. This way, you will have sufficient ability to protect yourself."

After speaking, he flicked a drop of essence blood, which struck Xu Qi'an's forehead.

Immediately after, Xu Qi'an was ejected from the world of mist and opened his eyes in his room.

"Crack, crack, crack..."

With loud popping sounds, his skin surfaced with bulging muscles and veins, which then became coated with a layer of golden paint, shining conspicuously in the candlelight.

A big "Holy shit!" flashed through Xu Qi'an's mind.

His Vajra Divine Skill had reached a new level of mastery. Now, if he were to engage in close combat with Monk Jing Si, it was uncertain who would win or lose.

Of course, he couldn't let the Buddhist sect catch wind of this.

Xu Qi'an dispelled the Vajra Invincible and sat at the table, holding a teacup, lost in thought.

Monk Shen Shu was a member of the Buddhist sect, an immortal existence... Then, he must have also cultivated the Vajra Invincible, and the Chief of the Bureau of Heavenly Masters agreed to the Buddhist contest, specifically naming me to represent the Bureau...

Why is the Chief paving the way for me? And doing it so obviously? No, why do I feel like he's just fattening me up like a leek...

At that moment, there was a gentle knock on the door.

"Who is it?"

Xu Qi'an got up, opened the door, and in the night stood an old Taoist with white hair, holding a whisk, smiling.

Behind him was the green-robed swordsman Chu Yuanzhen and the burly and towering Lu Zhishen.

"You guys..."

Xu Qi'an was astonished; why had they suddenly come to his house?

"One of my young friends has encountered trouble, and I would like to ask for Master Xu's assistance," Taoist Master Jin Lian said.

...

PS: Seeking guaranteed monthly votes.

Last month, I updated 290,000 characters, averaging 9,400 characters per day. Not bad. At the same time, the quality has been stable, not only did it not collapse, but it also improved quite a bit. Overall, I am quite satisfied.