Golden Carp, like a beauty from ancient poetry, had concealed her exquisite face with an illusion.

Her true face was no less stunning than that of Yin Ni, who was one of the Ten Beauties of Haoran, renowned alongside Song Pin and Nie Cui’e.

In the Great Sui Dynasty, from royalty and nobility to the prominent families in the capital and local gentry, debauchery was commonplace. Acquiring one or two beautiful concubines or maids was a source of pride; far from keeping them hidden away, they feared the world would not know.

Earlier, when they left the mountains, skirted the imperial city, and chose this wine shop located in the bustling market district, they constantly saw drunken men in the streets, red-faced and shoulder-to-shoulder, calling each other brothers. Daughters of official families also strolled through the streets without any restrictions of boudoir etiquette, displaying themselves grandly with various fans and lanterns in their hands. Vendors who had closed their stalls pushed their carts, their faces showing a hint of fatigue. Smelling the aroma of wine or braised meat, their eyes were somewhat conflicted, and they could only lower their heads and quickly push their carts past. A horse doesn’t grow fat without night feed, you see. The lazy yamen runners made some shady extra income and could even find time to enjoy themselves with the dark prostitutes in their area, hiking up their trousers as they walked to the alley where business was being shouted, and then complaining to the madam at the door about the lack of fresh faces lately… The Great Sui Dynasty, even if it was an empty shell, was still a shell, and the world here generally appeared to be peaceful and prosperous.

Only occasionally would one see some tough men in casual clothes, their eyes sharp and vigilant, hurrying back and forth on the streets.

The Great Sui Dynasty wasn’t about to change; it had already changed. Among the aristocratic families who had warmed the cold stove of the Imperial Tutor Liu Rao over the past hundred years, some were secretly delighted, believing that their family’s descendants would rise rapidly. Some were filled with deep hatred, feeling blind for having associated with Liu Rao. Some were indifferent, thinking that no matter who held power in the Great Sui court tomorrow, they, the aristocratic families and scholar-officials, had nothing to fear.

Liu Cha drank from a large bowl, enjoying it to the fullest. Coming out of the Wen Miao’s Merit Forest, he felt extremely refreshed. As for being assigned by the Wen Miao to be a personal扈從 for the young Hidden Official for a few years, it was not a humiliating matter.

Chen Ping’an held his bowl and took a sip of wine. Looking at Wang Zhu across from him, he asked, “Acting so rashly, how many realms did you fall?”

Wang Zhu said, “It’s okay, I kept my Immortal realm.”

Golden Carp couldn’t help but defend her Princess a few times. She went to save him out of good will, so why did she get blamed for acting rashly? Scholars, scoundrels!

Wang Zhu knew her temper and disposition and signaled her with her eyes to speak less and drink more. Golden Carp then picked up a piece of braised meat with fermented grains, a specialty of the capital, for her Princess.

Chen Ping’an nodded and said, “The Wen Miao will most likely give a result of功過相抵 (merits and demerits offsetting each other).”

Wang Zhu said, “If that’s truly the case, it exceeds expectations.”

Unauthorized deployment of a water navy was a serious crime. In ancient times, it was a capital offense, punishable by execution on the Dragon Slaying Platform, suffering the agony of having tendons pulled, skin peeled, and head severed, with the remains then thrown into the Dragon Transformation Pond.

Chen Ping’an said, “The human touch of those in power has always been a double-edged sword. You are not just a Water Lord of the East Sea, but also a model for the billions of water creatures in the world. Reflect deeply on this principle.”

Golden Carp fully agreed. These words had some merit. Their Princess was now the backbone of countless dragons and related creatures. No mistakes could be made, and the Wen Miao must not find any excuse to act against her.

Wang Zhu said, “I understand.”

Chen Ping’an smiled and said, “How do you understand? Tell me.”

Wang Zhu snorted, “Have you gotten addicted to being a schoolteacher?”

Golden Carp echoed, “Imperial Tutor Chen is being too meddlesome. It’s one thing to manage the vassal Great Sui, but why is he interfering with our Water Palace as well?”

Chen Ping’an chuckled, “If I didn’t intervene, Fellow Daoist Golden Carp wouldn’t know which path you’d be on right now.”

Golden Carp was momentarily speechless. Indeed, there were quite a few extraordinary individuals who had graced the Jade Heaven Palace on the mountaintop just now. It was also fortunate that the Princess arrived in time. If she had acted impulsively, wouldn’t she have implicated the East Sea Water Palace?

Chen Ping’an raised his wine bowl and said, “Besides, I’ve managed matters in the heavens. Can I not manage a mere East Sea Water Palace?”

Far from being angry, Golden Carp gave a thumbs-up to this outspoken young man. “I only dare to rebel against the Wen Miao, but you dare to rebel against the Heavens! I’m inferior to you!”

Chen Ping’an shook his head. “What is Zhou Mi? He’s not the Heavens. I just did it in passing.”

Golden Carp smiled charmingly. “Since the Princess has subdued me, this Di-ranked rebel, shouldn’t the Wen Miao credit the East Sea Water Palace with a merit?”

She was self-aware. Zhou Mi was the Tian-ranked rebel.

Liu Rao’s personal disciple, the young girl Jinli who was about to become the new empress of the Great Sui, had merely been touched by some of her Dao aura through chance.

And that female mountain lord, Yin Ni, she was indeed the reincarnation of the Weaver Girl of the ancient Heavenly Court. Golden Carp had left a gift of the Dao on each of them.

Consider it a farewell gift for her temporary stay in someone else’s dojo and for leaving the Great Sui Dynasty, like paying rent. She, Golden Carp, was clear about grievances and favors, acted cleanly, and held righteousness above all else!

Thinking back to when the water tribes were at their peak, the tangible benefits all went to her brothers and sisters. When their efforts failed, she alone bore the brunt of the blame and consequences.

If Wang Zhu hadn’t come looking for her, she wouldn’t have dared to show her face and actively seek her out at the Water Palace. A rebel hidden among the common people visiting the mansion of a vassal king – what else could it be but plotting rebellion?

She was quite surprised when the Princess regained her true dragon identity and was formally recognized by the Wen Miao as the Water Lord of the East Sea. What she feared most was that the Central Plains Wen Miao would ostensibly grant the Princess her freedom, but then have the sages overseeing the celestial curtain watch her every move, nitpicking, and waiting for the right opportunity to strike with the pretext of acting on behalf of Heaven… She didn’t trust the Wen Miao, nor did she trust the Embroidered Tiger of Great Li who was skilled at maximizing benefits. However, she trusted a scholar who was willing to fight to the death to protect the mortals of the entire Li Zhu Cave Heaven, and she also trusted an unlettered accountant who was caught in a ghostly maze in the Book Scroll Lake, a young mountain lord who personally built the Luopo Mountain and appointed the little spirit as a mountain guardian, and a foreign sword cultivator whose character was recognized by Chen Qingdu and given important tasks.

Chen Ping’an said, “When Fellow Daoist Golden Carp goes to the Water Palace, don’t keep thinking about inciting Wang Zhu to rebel.”

Golden Carp pouted and smiled, “Imperial Tutor Chen, your words are shallow and ignorant. Looking at the histories of past dynasties, which human dynasty that perished wasn’t due to the emperor rebelling against himself? What kind of rebellion can others incite, and what kind of rebellion can they achieve?”

Chen Ping’an smiled, “A muddle-headed ruler and a treacherous minister always complement each other to achieve infamy in history, hand in hand.”

Golden Carp was stunned. She struggled for a long time but couldn’t find a reason to retort. She said resentfully, “That’s also a bit of twisted logic.”

Wang Zhu couldn’t help but chuckle. Suddenly, she felt that Golden Carp, this annoying chatterbox, wasn’t entirely without merit.

Liu Cha looked up and saw a furtive old Daoist priest lurking around the corner of the street. He glanced at him and didn’t look again, continuing to drink.

Chen Ping’an waved his hand, “Senior Xiancha, come over and drink with us.”

The old Daoist priest rubbed his hands. It felt awkward to sit next to Wang Zhu or Golden Carp. It would easily cause gossip and make Madam Gui suspect that he was being fickle.

So Gu Qingsong reached out and pushed the heavily bearded wandering swordsman sitting cross-legged on the long bench. Liu Cha remained unmoved. The old boatman then began to use his innate ability, yelling at Liu Cha, “Did you get stool on your trousers and it stuck to the bench? Did you read a few days in the Wen Miao’s Merit Forest and learn etiquette and shame, fearing you’d stink up the wine shop and pay for your suffering? With such remarkable effect, if they kept you locked up for a few more days, you wouldn’t sit on a cold bench and then go eat pig’s head meat, would you? If that day ever comes, I’ll definitely go to the Wen Miao’s in various places to kowtow to Liu Cha’s portrait a few times, slap myself a few times, and wonder how I had the audacity to drink at the same table with the sage Liu Cha back then…”

Liu Cha couldn’t possibly beat him up. As for the act of arguing with this person on the street, Liu Cha couldn’t bring himself to do it. He had no choice but to shift his bottom and drink a bowl of wine in silence.

As soon as Gu Qingsong sat down, he said, “Chen Ping’an, I don’t need to say anything sentimental to you. I’ve shamelessly come over tonight, not for drinking, but to discuss something.”

Chen Ping’an smiled, “Don’t worry, when I get to the Savage Wilderness, I will definitely visit Lu Chen.”

Gu Qingsong asked, “Just visit? Can’t you help him out of righteousness and save him?”

Perhaps this was the first time Gu Qingsong spoke to someone so cautiously, without any arrogance, aside from Madam Gui.

Chen Ping’an said, “I will definitely act within my means. Don’t have too high expectations. Be sure to lower your anticipation in your heart.”

Gu Qingsong understood perfectly. This verbal promise was enough! Young friend Chen always spoke and acted so meticulously. No wonder he was skilled at understanding women’s thoughts. Swaggering types like Jiang Shangzhen and Mi Yu, who were supposed to be seasoned veterans in the world of romance, were nothing compared to young friend Chen. The gap was more than a thousand miles… The old boatman was in a good mood and planned to ask Chen Ping’an for a few more brilliant strategies. His good marriage with Madam Gui had been delayed by the world for too long. Although things had begun to take shape after Chen Ping’an’s guidance, it still lacked a little something. The old boatman had a plan in mind and raised his arm, “Shopkeeper, bring some good wine!”

The old Daoist priest soon got drunk, shedding tears and snot. But strangely, the old Daoist, despite his drunken state, was as silent as a mute, only drinking one bowl after another.

Chen Ping’an tried to persuade him to drink less several times without success. He had no choice but to use his trump card and said, “If you keep drinking like this, I’ll complain to a certain someone…” The old Daoist priest shivered and immediately stood up to leave, not forgetting to pay the bill with the shopkeeper who was leaning on the counter enjoying the view.

The old man, without his bamboo pole, staggered along the ground, extremely stubborn, refusing to dissipate the smell of wine or let the effects of alcohol wear off. He gradually disappeared into the noisy and bustling streets of the market.

Once upon a time, in the sunset, the west wind whistled, and a young Daoist priest who would one day say that Daoist magic would split the world, leading a thin, old, and weak horse, slowly and unsteadily walked on the ancient road leading to the sea.

From the land to the coast, he let the horse return to the mountains. The penniless Daoist hired a boatman on credit and went out to sea. He had seen the brightest moon and stars, witnessed the most spectacular and beautiful sunrise over the East Sea and the sunset clouds in the sky, and had also eaten countless bowls of hard-to-swallow stewed sea fish. Therefore, when the Daoist left his hometown under the wind, it was like a bright moon rising over the sea in the human world. The boatman who failed to become his disciple wept bitterly, heartbroken.

When Gu Qingsong finally reluctantly left the table and took a seat, a white-clothed young man sneaked over, exclaiming, “Wow, Liu Cha! A living person!”

Liu Cha didn’t even look up. Cui Dongshan lightly wiped the table with a snow-white sleeve and asked with a smile, “Liu Cha, if I asked you to eliminate Yang Zhi, would you do it?”

Liu Cha said, “I’m just a护院 (guardian), not an assassin who takes money to do things. I believe Chen Ping’an would also not commit such an act of hiring murderers.”

Cui Dongshan tilted his shoulder and leaned towards Liu Cha, blocking his mouth with his hand and lowering his voice, “Let me correct you, neither you nor Yang Zhi are human.”

Liu Cha twitched the corner of his mouth. He didn’t bother to argue with this white-clothed young man who was spouting nonsense. If he was truly capable, why didn’t he sit at the same table with Gu Qingsong?

Golden Carp likewise didn’t mind the “Embroidered Tiger’s” insinuations. She just sighed, “If you had been born three thousand years earlier and rebelled with me back then, whether we succeeded or failed is truly up for debate.”

Wang Zhu said angrily, “Is ‘rebellion’ the only thing in your head?”

Golden Carp said seriously, “It seems I should examine myself thrice daily, like a gentleman.”

Cui Dongshan exclaimed, “The capital of the Great Sui is truly a treasure land of geomancy! Seeds of scholars can be seen everywhere!”

Golden Carp remembered that the young man across the table was also a counterfeit Cui Chan, so she endured Cui Dongshan’s provocation. She was just curious and asked, “Is old man Han really at ease with me going to the Princess’s Water Palace?”

That was her starting point in the East Sea region! It wasn’t that she was boasting about her achievements and reputation, but the Daoist traditions and incense offerings in the five lakes and four seas were relatively more stable than the mountain immortal mansions and sects. How many underwater palaces and sects ruled by water creatures secretly hung her portrait as an ancestor in their secret chambers today?

Chen Ping’an said, “Of course he’s not at ease.”

Golden Carp became even more confused. She squinted at the heavily bearded man and tentatively asked, “Is the Wen Miao fishing for a big fish here?”

Liu Cha smiled. Cui Dongshan clapped his hands in admiration. “If your trousers are covered in yellow mud, it doesn’t matter if it’s not mud.”

Chen Ping’an held up his wine bowl and said, “As long as you don’t overstep your bounds, the Central Plains Wen Miao won’t intentionally cause trouble and play those malicious games to eliminate future problems. Similarly, as long as the Wen Miao doesn’t trouble you, don’t make rash moves and treat the Wen Miao as fools. Fellow Daoist Golden Carp, whether it’s a toast or a penalty drink is all up to your decision.”

Golden Carp was silent for a moment, then suddenly smiled brightly and raised her wine bowl, “Come, I dare to ask Mr. Chen to toast me.”

Chen Ping’an smiled and handed over his wine bowl. They lightly clinked them together and each drank it dry. Golden Carp poured herself another full bowl of wine. “Whoever toasts me, I will toast them even more. Chen Ping’an, I’ll drink three in a row.”

Wang Zhu said with a faint gaze, “Do you think I’m just a decoration, only to be incited and played with by Golden Carp?”

Golden Carp said with a look of trepidation, “Your Highness, those words are heartbreaking. How dare this humble servant presume to act out of line.”

Chen Ping’an said calmly, “Fellow Daoist Golden Carp, the reason the Wen Miao was willing to let you return to the firmly established East Sea waters, and is not at ease with you, is simply because they are at ease with me. In short, I am the guarantor for the East Sea Water Palace with the Wen Miao. If one day, you choose a penalty drink instead of a toast, and make me feel that I cannot shirk responsibility and must go to the Wen Miao to apologize profusely, then I will definitely hang a head on the荆条 (thorn whip) first.”

Golden Carp raised her hand. Chen Ping’an was startled. She laughed loudly, “Why are you愣著 (愣著 -愣著 means “愣著”, “愣著” means “愣著”). Strike the palm to swear!”

Chen Ping’an had no choice but to raise his hand and strike palms with her. To his surprise, Golden Carp squeezed his hand and laughed heartily, “Just taking a little advantage.”

Cui Dongshan kept his eyes lowered, pretending he didn’t see anything. This woman was truly a natural-born talent for the business of rebellion.

Seeing that his teacher seemed to be contemplating something, Cui Dongshan asked, “Teacher, what are you thinking about?”

Chen Ping’an said, “The candidate for the next Imperial Tutor of Great Li.”

Cui Dongshan felt a little awkward.

Chen Ping’an’s first choice in his mind was naturally Cui Dongshan.

Cui Dongshan said to make up for it, “Teacher, what do you think of Cao Qinglang?”

Chen Ping’an shook his head. It wasn’t that Cao Qinglang absolutely had to be the next Sect Master of the Qingping Sword Sect. It was just because this favorite student of his had the most hope of becoming a first-class refined Confucian scholar.

Cui Dongshan offered two more names, “Cao Gengxin, or Yuan Zhengding?”

These two figures, who were rivals in both family and officialdom, were originally cultivated as potential prime ministers in their early years. In fact, some other young people had also been silently eliminated.

Chen Ping’an said, “Are there any young officials not from Great Li, around thirty-five years old?”

Cui Dongshan asked, “Does Rong Yu not have similar files?”

Chen Ping’an shook his head, “No.”

Cui Dongshan said, “I’ll discuss it with that Grand Governor later. He and Liu Qingfeng have always had a good relationship, so they might have some insights or opinions.”

Old Deafless, bringing his newly taken, temporarily unregistered disciple Zhang Ying, found them here. He sent a message with his heart voice to their mountain master that this group of sword cultivators led by Lu Zhi had already set off to return to the Dragon Elephant Sword Sect in Nanposuo Continent.

Qi Tingji had already hurried to the Guixu Ferry, waiting for Mi Yu to meet up there and travel to the Savage Wilderness together.

Among them, Huang Ling and Xuanyang, based on the clues provided by the Stinky Chinaberry Daoist of the Xie Feng Palace, planned to go to the ancient ruins of Mang Mountain in Jinjia Continent together in the near future to secretly search for the female ghost immortal whose Daoist name was Qingmiao and given name was Zhou Song. If they could also trick the famous “Sword Immortal Xu Jun” into joining the Dragon Elephant Sword Sect, that would be best.

Wang Zhu stood up and said, “Let’s go.”

Golden Carp followed suit, stretching lazily. The world was vast, with boundless blue waves. She was determined to assist the Princess in making the East Sea Water Palace the foremost water magic dojo.

Chen Ping’an nodded, “A scholar cannot be without broadmindedness and perseverance, for his burden is heavy and his road is long.”

Golden Carp, with her bright eyes and white teeth, her autumn eyes flowing, gracefully performed a curtsy and smiled charmingly, “Young Master Chen, please take care. Remember to visit the Water Palace often as a guest. Your humble servant looks forward to it immensely.”

Chen Ping’an’s face darkened, pretending not to hear.

Liu Cha found it amusing to drink and watch the show without paying. He thought, even you, Hidden Official Chen, have your moments of embarrassment.

By the wine table.

The young master from the aristocratic family, with a mind full of schemes and thinking all the way about how to first learn the immortal’s invisibility technique and then the mountain’s wall-piercing technique, became timid when he saw a proper virtuous beauty.

An old man who looked like a steward arrived, bringing several burly young house servants. Seeing the young man by the street-side wine table, he quickly approached with hurried steps, “Yingguan’er, we finally found you! Hurry home. The master is already furious and has told us that if we don’t bring you home within an hour, he will break your three legs.”

However, Zhang Ying knew that the mad Imperial Tutor Liu Rao was going to make the capital of the Great Sui without the enchanting night scenes under the flowers and moon for the next ten or even decades.

The young man also couldn’t guess the identities of the strange people at the table. He introduced them to the family steward, “I’ve just recognized a master and will follow him to the mountains to cultivate immortal techniques.”

The old steward didn’t listen to these unreliable words. He just urged, “Yingguan’er, it’s a good thing to recognize a master and learn immortal techniques, but you should come back to the mansion with us first.”

Old Deafless glanced at the mountain master. Chen Ping’an smiled, “You go back home with the young man and reassure his family, believing that leaving home to go to the mountains is a visit with purpose. If they truly don’t believe you and fear that the young man might go astray and not only delay his prospects for the imperial examination but also harm his life, you can reveal your identity as a second-ranked供奉 (offering, referring to a high-ranking figure in a sect or family).”

The high officials and nobles of the Great Sui Dynasty, regardless of how deep their family’s foundation was, always had a high level of insight. Old Deafless nodded, “Seeing Zhang Ying’s behavior reflects his family’s style. It’s likely they are shrewd people who won’t act without seeing results. Without revealing this identity, it’s impossible to take him away from the Great Sui.”

Zhang Ying was extremely curious, which dojo or sect’s second-ranked供奉? However, the young man was inevitably disappointed. A Earth Immortal could serve as a second-ranked供奉. That mountain, it must not be very high?

Maybe I shouldn’t go after all. I heard that cultivating immortal techniques in the mountains is both idle and boring, and very uninteresting. How can it be as fun as letting the older sisters take advantage of you down the mountain? The young master from a well-off family had a peculiar hobby. When he went to a brothel, he would definitely call for an older sister whose business was the most desolate and pay to suffer. Therefore, at a young age, he had earned the reputation of “Timely Rain of Brothels, Calling for 保義 in Hook Houses.”

The old steward, accustomed to welcoming and seeing off guests, had long cultivated a pair of sharp eyes. With just a glance earlier, he had seen that the dignified man in the green shirt was the spokesman for this table of drinkers. While thinking about how to build relationships with the City Patrol Yamen and check the credentials of this group of immortal masters to determine their籍貫 (籍貫 -籍貫 means “籍貫”, “籍貫” means “籍貫”) and identities, he bowed with cupped hands and said respectfully, “Forgive me, esteemed immortal masters, for the poor hospitality. Our mansion will definitely hold a banquet to entertain distinguished guests tomorrow. The matter of Yingguan’er’s fortunate apprenticeship is, after all, of great importance. The head of the family would never dare to treat it lightly, but it requires careful consideration.”

Chen Ping’an stood up and smiled, “There’s no need for a banquet. I need to return to the dojo tonight. Just let Gong奉 Gan accompany your Yingguan’er back to the mansion. As for whether they can become master and disciple and when they will learn mountain-climbing techniques, it all depends on the fate of both parties.”

Liu Cha stood up. From now on, he would always be seen wandering around Chen Ping’an.

The old steward winked, and a house servant went to the counter to pay the bill, but was told that someone had already paid.

The young man suddenly made up his mind not to go to the mountains to be an immortal.

When the troubled times came, what could those poor women do? He could take care of one when he could. But the young man himself was also wondering, with the clash of swords and shadows, the clang of armor and the sound of horses’ hooves, countless plaques of wealthy and aristocratic families might be smashed to pieces. Even the rich and noble sons have no place to stand. Could he really take care of them? With his fair skin and handsome face, he might end up selling his backside… Perhaps it’s better to follow his half-way master to the mountain to avoid the chaos? The young man was extremely conflicted. He poured himself a bowl of wine from the table and bravely drank this bowl of rarely consumed local liquor. He really wanted to get drunk like this, and when he opened his eyes and woke up, it would be a prosperous time of peace and prosperity again.

Cui Dongshan smiled, “Old Deafless has good luck. He’s taken a good disciple.”

Old Deafless smiled without saying anything. It seemed that besides teaching and imparting the Dao in the mountains, he should also often walk around down the mountain.

Chen Ping’an said, “Zhang Ying, you should stay with Liu Rao for a few years first. When you will follow Gan Tang to the mountain truly needs careful consideration.”

The old steward was startled by these words. The current scams in the Jianghu were not clever. Zhang Ying, however, asked, “Which Liu Rao?”

Chen Ping’an smiled, “The Liu Rao you think is crazy. He has just returned to the Imperial Tutor’s mansion. If you go to him now, it will be beneficial to yourself, your family, and the Great Sui.”

Zhang Ying said helplessly, “You really talk without feeling the pain in your back. How can I, a mere good-for-nothing young master, cross the threshold of the grand Imperial Tutor’s mansion? If I’m beaten out with sticks, who will pay for the medical expenses?”

Chen Ping’an didn’t explain anything. He used the Three Mountains Talisman and directly left the capital of the Great Sui with Liu Cha. Cui Dongshan and Old Deafless needed to stay for a while and return to Luopo Mountain later.

Old Deafless’s eyes became more benevolent. This disciple was straightforward in speech, just like his master. Indeed, not a family of people don’t enter the same door.

Cui Dongshan burst into laughter and pointed towards the Imperial Tutor’s mansion. “Liu Rao’s threshold is this high? He doesn’t even know it himself! Liu Rao, Liu Rao, stop playing deaf and mute! Hurry here to greet the bravest person in your Great Sui Dynasty! You’ve found a treasure, don’t let it slip away to outsiders…”

When the stern-faced Liu Rao actually appeared on the scene, the intelligent young man suddenly realized that the gentle-mannered man in the green shirt who was drinking wine was the Great Li Imperial Tutor Chen Ping’an who had been in the Golden Throne Hall earlier!