Upon receiving Lin Youxie’s message, Jiang Wang had only recently returned to Linzi. He was in the midst of deliberating how to approach Chong Xuan Sheng about the news from the offshore islands – though, in truth, no words were needed. The moment Chong Xuan Sheng saw him, he understood.

The news transmitted through the blue tile channels was a true lifeline.

Jiang Wang immediately activated his Tianfu body, soaring magnificently into the high heavens, carrying Chong Xuan Sheng directly from Linzi to Lukang County.

Lukang County lies northwest of Linzi, the territory of Jiang Wuqi’s maternal clan, the Lei family. It is separated from Linzi city by only one other county, Le’an.

Who could have expected that Fourteen, after quietly slipping away for several days, would still be turning about within the borders of the Qi Kingdom, never having left the country’s frontier? No wonder there had been no news from the border counties or various cities; no wonder Jiang Wang, despite his personal search at sea, had found no trace of her.

Chong Xuan Sheng and Jiang Wang had mobilized all their connections, drawing a vast circle across the expansive territory of the Qi Kingdom, yet Fourteen had merely circled within it…

For so many years, Fourteen had always followed Chong Xuan Sheng. Where he went, she followed.

This could be counted as her first truly independent action… and it was clearly a mess.

Fortunately, it was a mess.

Jiang Wang landed within a forest, leaving the undisturbed reunion and the heartfelt exchange of two gazes to the two individuals.

Lin Youxie at this moment was seated on a horizontal branch, her feet dangling and swinging unconsciously.

Sometimes, she seemed like a single leaf, or perhaps a corner of this very forest.

“Thank you very much this time,” Jiang Wang said as he landed.

“A small matter,” Lin Youxie replied casually.

Jiang Wang settled on another horizontal branch, just intending to begin cultivating. Who knew how long Chong Xuan Sheng and Fourteen would need to whisper and coo to each other over there? He also found it inconvenient to eavesdrop.

“I recall you and Lei Zhanqian didn’t have any real enmity?” Lin Youxie suddenly asked.

“Due to youthful impetuousness on both sides, there were some minor conflicts… but they were resolved long ago.” With Fourteen found, Jiang Wang’s mood had also brightened considerably. He smiled, “Why do you ask?”

Originally, the legacy gift Jiang Wuqi had bestowed upon Jiang Wang, along with the instruction for Lei Zhanqian to deliver the invitation, was intentionally meant to foster reconciliation between the two. Although Lei Zhanqian’s heart was cold as ash at the time and he left without a word, Jiang Wang was still willing to accept the intent behind it.

Ultimately, he and Lei Zhanqian had no fundamental conflict. And in each confrontation, he had been the one who held the advantage; there was truly no need to hold onto the past.

“Nothing, it just suddenly occurred to me that the Lei family is the local power in Lukang County,” Lin Youxie said.

The Lei clan was not originally a top-tier family. Its rise was due to Concubine Lei, and frankly, there was no essential difference between them and today’s Jinghai Gao clan. At most, the Lei clan had a more extraordinary history, and their foundation was a touch stronger than that of the Jinghai Gao clan.

After Concubine Lei’s death, the Lei clan should have declined.

However, though Concubine Lei died, she left behind Jiang Wuqi in her womb.

Jiang Wuqi, whose destiny was entwined with the cold poison, was doted upon by the emperor from a young age and possessed extraordinary talent, securing the foundation of the Changsheng Palace. Despite his frail health, he gained the possibility of contending for the throne.

The Lei family thus stabilized its foundation.

And it just so happened that the Lei Zhanqian generation was very competitive. Lei Yikun was already excellent, but Lei Zhanqian even surpassed Lei Xi, becoming the hope for the Lei family’s next few centuries, with the possibility of truly pushing the Nine Heavens Lei Yan Jue to its peak.

With favorable celestial timing, earthly advantage, and harmonious human relations, the Lukang Lei clan had only the momentum of growing prosperity.

But once Jiang Wuqi died, the Changsheng Palace was sealed forever. When the tree falls, the monkeys scatter, and the Lei clan also returned to its proper position.

In the hundred years that followed, it remained to be seen whether Lei Zhanqian could emerge from the shadow of being repeatedly suppressed by Jiang Wang. If he truly could not, he should silently fade away.

Throughout history, declining families and clans were not limited to the Lei clan alone.

“My impression of Lukang County is limited to Lukang wine,” Jiang Wang said. “Perhaps I should find an opportunity to share a drink with Lei Zhanqian. I just don’t know if it would be appropriate.”

Due to Jiang Wuqi, Jiang Wang did indeed intend to help Lei Zhanqian overcome his state of emotional desolation.

With his current identity and status, he truly possessed the qualifications to let go of past grudges with a smile. However, Lei Zhanqian was a person of excessive self-esteem; rashly appearing at his door might be counterproductive.

Lin Youxie was silent for a moment, then suddenly said, “I will leave the Qi Kingdom tomorrow and depart for the Three Punishments Palace.”

She, of course, did not care about Lei Zhanqian, the Lei family, or even Lukang County.

This sentence had absolutely no connection to the previous one.

But it precisely indicated that this was the true purpose of her words today.

So, the leaving she spoke of was not an ordinary departure. The journey to the Three Punishments Palace she mentioned was not the ordinary study of Legalist disciples at their sacred land.

Instead, it was a complete severing of ties with this country, a shedding of all identities related to Qi. From this day forward, she would be solely a disciple of the Three Punishments Palace.

Lin Kuang was already dead, Wu Lie was also dead, and Li Youjiu was subjected to the thousand knives and ten thousand cuts. The four great blue tile families, who had once made immense contributions to the stability of the Qi Kingdom, had already vanished like smoke and dispersed like clouds.

But Lin Youxie, within the blue tile system, still had an inheritance. She would still receive care in various aspects.

Her ancestors had lived in this country for generations, and she too was born and raised here. She held the deepest familiarity and the most sincere emotions for this place.

Making this decision was not easy.

But Jiang Wang could, of course, understand.

If there was anyone in this vast empire who could understand Lin Youxie’s feelings, it was likely only Jiang Wang. He had witnessed the countless torturous nights and the anticipation that vanished before the same dawn.

He was silent for a moment, then asked, “Won’t you attend the wedding feast of Chong Xuan Sheng and Fourteen?”

“They’re getting married?” Lin Youxie showed a slight surprise, but not too much emotion.

“It might not be very easy, but it will certainly happen.”

Lin Youxie said, “Then offer them my congratulations on my behalf.”

Jiang Wang nodded, then added, “After you go to the Three Punishments Palace, you won’t need to examine corpses often, will you?”

Lin Youxie said lightly, “The various countries under heaven have their own legal systems, and there aren’t so many cases left for the Three Punishments Palace to handle. Moreover, I shouldn’t be entering the Punisher Palace.”

“That’s good,” Jiang Wang nodded again, then said, “I hope you live happily there and achieve success in your studies.”

Lin Youxie actually laughed this time.

She looked at Jiang Wang as she laughed, “Just now, when I was sitting here alone, I was thinking, what will you say when I tell you I want to leave the Qi Kingdom?”

Jiang Wang asked, “Then what did you think?”

“Exactly like this,” Lin Youxie laughed. “These are the words you would say.”

Without waiting for Jiang Wang to say anything further, she leaped down from the horizontal branch and waved her hand. “I’m off!”

Jiang Wang thought for a moment, then called out behind her, “Didn’t you say you were going tomorrow?”

Lin Youxie’s figure had already gone far.

Only her voice remained in the forest—

“I said it wrong. It’s today.”

Jiang Wang said nothing more. He sat alone on the horizontal tree branch, gazing at the light filtering through the gaps in the forest, listening to the wind rustling the leaves.

Meanwhile, Chong Xuan Sheng and Fourteen held hands, talking outside the forest.

They talked until the sky was dark, then until the sky was bright again.

*Ding ding ding ding chuo chuo*

Wind has different forms. Wind blowing through the forest is different from wind blowing through roof eaves.

Beneath the roof eaves of Yi Fu’s mansion in Linzi, hung a wind chime with intricately carved flying birds.

The sound of the wind was therefore more concrete.

The grand sedan arrived at the doorstep and lowered. The central gate of the mansion belonging to the Chao Yi Dafu swung open.

Jiang Wang was formally dressed today, adorned with a jade pendant, a sword, and splendid robes.

Deerskin long boots, a green jade hair crown.

He exuded a distinguished air and walked with graceful steps.

This was because he was making a formal visit and presenting a calling card.

Yi Xingchen personally stood in the courtyard to welcome him. Given his identity, this was already showing considerable courtesy.

Jiang Wang quickly approached several steps and offered his respects. “How dare I trouble you to welcome me personally?”

“What wind blows today that Wuan Hou has come to the door!” Yi Xingchen said with a hint of complaint. “I thought you should have come much earlier.”

Jiang Wang naturally offered some humble words, explaining how busy he had been and how he hadn’t been free.

Yi Xingchen also naturally understood, and stated that coming now was perfectly fine.

Some courtesies are tedious but necessary.

The connection between him and Yi Xingchen still stemmed from the case of Cui Zhu assassinating the emperor the previous year.

The selection list for the Heaven’s Chosen at the Yellow River meeting was always prepared by the Political Affairs Hall. At that time, Cui Zhu’s name was the last one Yi Xingchen had selected.

This matter could be considered significant or insignificant; sometimes, it truly depended on a single thought.

Although Yi Xingchen couldn’t possibly be brought down to dust because of this matter, if it had been thoroughly investigated, he would inevitably have suffered some losses. The commander of the Imperial Electric Army, Xiu Yuan, had suffered significantly because of Cui Zhu.

Jiang Wang had at that time spoken out to advise the emperor to restrain his thunderous wrath, avoiding a potential investigation. Yi Xingchen had later reciprocated. In the case of Zhang Yong’s public plea, through his disciple, the Deputy Envoy of Patrol, Yang Weitong, he had given Jiang Wang support. Furthermore, during the troop review before the Yellow River meeting expedition, he had given Jiang Wang very careful guidance.

Thus, they had developed a friendship.

Under Chong Xuan Sheng’s management, the DeSheng business firm would send gifts to Yi Xingchen’s mansion in Jiang Wang’s name during every major festival, thus maintaining this relationship.

However, a deeper friendship had not yet developed.

No, the disparity in strength and position was too great.

Distance would lead to alienation, while excessive flattery would lead to being looked down upon. Chong Xuan Sheng had measured this balance very well.

Now, things were different.

Now, Jiang Wang was already the Great Qi Empire’s youngest military merit Hou, with a three-thousand-household fief. He was an existence who could rightfully walk into the Political Affairs Hall and listen to political discussions.

Although he couldn’t be said to be on par with Yi Xingchen, he had the qualification for equal dialogue. Having casual tea, smilingly drinking wine, and discussing state affairs and family matters were all acceptable.

The two walked into the central courtyard and took their seats.

Naturally, there was a round of reminiscence first, followed by a few sentences about the world situation, and a discussion of Dao techniques and skills… Yi Xingchen was a top-notch expert in magical techniques within Linzi city.

After this pleasant exchange, Jiang Wang finally remembered the purpose of his trip. He stopped seeking further guidance, looked left and right, and suddenly asked:

“Why don’t I see your sons?”

Yi Xingchen had two sons, one in his twenties and one in his thirties. Their talents were all very ordinary, far inferior to Yi Xingchen’s personal charisma.

The saying goes, “Few in the world are jade gentlemen, rarely seen is Yi Xingchen.”

This refers precisely to the youthful demeanor of Li Zhengshu and Yi Xingchen.

People often say that it is precisely because Yi Xingchen is so rare that he absorbed more of the Yi family’s talent, making it difficult for later generations to achieve greatness.

Of course, this was merely idle chatter.

Yi Xingchen shook his head, saying somewhat helplessly, “My eldest son, Huaiyong, is dull in talent. He should still be in the Ministry of Revenue checking accounts at this moment. My second son, Huaimin, is restless by nature and difficult to control. He is likely sleeping in some pleasure pavilion right now. In a few days, I plan to send him to Xuansha to dig mines, saving myself the sight of him.”

Regardless of Yi Huaiyong or Yi Huaimin’s flaws, they were not topics he would casually discuss with others. Discussing them with Jiang Wang was a form of closeness. He would not, however, let them become friends, as they were destined to be figures on different levels. Just as Yi Xingchen’s words at this time carried an attitude of casually discussing younger generations with Jiang Wang.

He himself currently intended for Yang Weitong, the Deputy Envoy of Patrol, to inherit more of his political resources. After all, the transmission of a political outline doesn’t depend on blood relations; talent is what matters. Even if it was to pave the way for his later generations, he would only arrange for Yang Weitong and Jiang Wang to build a good relationship.

Jiang Wang, of course, would not presume too much. He merely said, “Both of your wise brothers have excellent character; this point I know deeply. Walking in the world now, character is the most important thing. As for other matters, they are not very important.”

Yi Xingchen didn’t know what Jiang Wang was trying to convey. He took a sip of tea and simply said, “Their natures are indeed not bad.”

Jiang Wang added, “Both of your wise brothers each have their duties, and normally they are definitely too busy to accompany the Doctor.”

Yi Xingchen actually laughed.

What made Jiang Wang claim that Yi Huaimin had duties? Didn’t he know his own son clearly? That fellow was almost as useless as Chong Xuan Mingtu, just eating and waiting to die.

But his face remained impassive. He simply looked at Jiang Wang, quietly waiting for him to state the main point.

Jiang Wang was indeed not a person who could beat around the bush. Having reached this point, he felt the groundwork had been laid sufficiently, and so he said, “I suggest you adopt a daughter.”

Even Yi Xingchen, with his vast experience and knowledge, was somewhat stunned. “Your meaning is, if your sons are not competitive, you just give up on them?”

Given Yi Xingchen’s identity and position, adopting a daughter might not be a simple matter. It couldn’t just be a casual decision. She would have to be properly recorded in the Yi clan genealogy, her name registered after Yi Xingchen’s. She would need to be recognized by the law of the Qi Kingdom and truly have the qualification to inherit Yi Xingchen’s family property.

“No, no, no,” Jiang Wang quickly said. “I mean, a daughter is more intimate than a son, wouldn’t you say?”

Yi Xingchen sipped his tea and smiled with interest, “I am becoming more and more confused. What are you selling in this gourd? Are you only just understanding about sons and daughters, Wuan Hou?”

The Doctor Yi’s answer completely deviated from the expected script.

Jiang Wang was momentarily speechless.

After a moment of stifled silence, he said, “I truly feel that there is a girl who is very suitable to be your adopted daughter.”

Yi Xingchen said with a contained smile, “I seem not to be at a stage where I need a daughter to take care of me. Even if that day truly comes, there are still many servants at home.”

“What if this adopted daughter of yours is the future Madam of Bowang Hou?” Jiang Wang asked.

Yi Xingchen finally became a little more serious. He lifted his eyes and looked at Jiang Wang. “Oh, is that so?”

Jiang Wang said solemnly, “And this adopted daughter of yours is my closest friend.”

Yi Xingchen raised his head slightly. “Uh – the future Madam of Bowang Hou, and the friend of the current Wuan Hou.”

Jiang Wang said, “As if it were a false exchange.”

Yi Xingchen looked at him meaningfully. “To me, the latter point is particularly important.”

Jiang Wang lowered his head and bowed. “This junior would not presume to be honored.”

Yi Xingchen sighed softly. “I think perhaps I am indeed growing old. I fear loneliness greatly. If I could have a daughter to accompany me, I think it would be much better.”

“It certainly will,” Jiang Wang said. “Your daughter is very kind. Your son-in-law is very lively.”

He looked around the courtyard, then added very seriously, “This entire courtyard will have difficulty containing that liveliness.”

“Have some tea,” Yi Xingchen said.

*Ding ding ding ding chuo chuo*

The wind chimes beneath the eaves seemed to already be celebrating in advance.

This was the 3rd day of May, in the year 3921 of the Dao Calendar.

The summer in Linzi city was very lively.