Chapter 136: One Hundred and Forty-Three: Chenjun Xie Chenjun Xie Lingjiang: Big Brother Is So Good to Me

One Hundred and Forty-Three: Chenjun Xie Chenjun Xie Lingjiang: Big Brother Is So Good to Me

About half an hour earlier…

Yan Yan Liulang felt he had accomplished a great deed.

Especially when he saw Ming Fu and Miss Chenjun Xie walking out side by side from the East Forest Temple's main gate.

He and his young constables exchanged a knowing glance at the faint "red mark" on the wrists of the two.

Outside the gate, in the pavilion, the constables all wore expressions of profound relief.

It was worth enduring the northwest wind for so long at the gate.

Little Yan, the constable, had thought ahead—not bringing them all inside.

The entire constable squad exchanged silent glances, as if a heavy stone had finally been lifted from their hearts.

Facing the admiration of his subordinates, Yan Yan Liulang, knife in hand, puffed out his chest, barely missing the urge to stand with hands on hips.

It was no wonder everyone was so astonished.

These past days, in the Longcheng County Office, apart from the young County Magistrate who had thrown himself entirely into flood control and only cared about seizing assets for disaster relief, everyone had noticed something off about the new female Private Secretary.

Previously, a diligent clerk had tallied: whenever Ming Fu stayed in the office to handle documents,

Miss Chenjun Xie, the female Private Secretary, would come seeking him at least thirty times a day, asking, "Where's Big Brother?" or "Where's Big Brother?"

Thus, certain rumors spread like wildfire, becoming the main topic of gossip over tea and meals.

After all, the trope of handsome man and beautiful woman, the lady chasing the man, and the man being clueless—no matter where you put it, it always drew attention, sparked longing, and invited blessings.

So, the question of when the young County Magistrate would suddenly snap out of his daze, sacrifice himself for the greater good, and take responsibility by accompanying his lonely junior sister into marriage,

became the unspoken shared hope of everyone in the Longcheng County Office.

At this moment, outside the East Forest Temple gate.

Facing Ming Fu and Miss Chenjun Xie, their wrists bound by the same red cord, Yan Yan Liulang kept his face calm, yet sighed inwardly.

Phew, thank goodness it was me who came along—if Brother Ashan, that dull blockhead, had been here, he'd have just followed Ming Fu inside, standing awkwardly between him and Miss Chenjun Xie like a giant red lantern… he thought.

But once the two groups met, Yan Yan Liulang noticed something odd.

Ming Fu's steps seemed hurried.

He moved with even more urgency than usual, dropped a single line, and led the way down the mountain:

"Let's go—down the mountain to meet Commissioner Shen and Commissioner Wang."

Yan Yan Liulang and the others froze, then hurried after him.

Chenjun Xie Chenjun Xie Lingjiang, now dressed once more in a crisp male outfit, paused, turned back to glance at the East Forest Temple, and whispered:

"Big Brother."

"Hmm?" The Jade Vase Immortal did not turn her head.

Chenjun Xie Chenjun Xie Lingjiang's eyes were no longer as red as before; after the recent emotional upheaval, she had grown noticeably quieter.

Now, she couldn't help reminding him:

"You haven't retrieved your skirt-knife yet."

The Jade Vase Immortal frowned inwardly—women in love were such a nuisance; they fixated on the tiniest things.

She adjusted her chin, smiling warmly:

"When you changed clothes, I told the temple monks to fetch it. For some reason, they haven't brought it yet.

"Little Sister, priorities first—let's go meet the two commissioners. The monks will deliver the skirt-knife to Lu Ming Street soon. Don't worry, it won't go missing."

"Alright…"

Facing Chenjun Xie Chenjun Xie Lingjiang's unwavering gaze, the Jade Vase Immortal forced a smile, yet inwardly seethed at the sluggishness of Liu Liu and Liu Qi in retrieving the knife.

The Jade Vase Immortal subtly glanced at the sky.

Her time impersonating Magistrate Ouyang Rong was limited; her spiritual energy couldn't sustain it much longer. Delaying risked complications.

She decided at once to leave without further delay.

In a businesslike tone, the Jade Vase Immortal gave a few orders to Yan Yan Liulang and the others, then turned and led them down the mountain.

Behind them, Chenjun Xie Chenjun Xie Lingjiang turned her gaze away from the East Forest Temple, looked at the red cord on "Big Brother's" sleeve-wrist, then down at the one on her own wrist.

The Chenjun Xie noblewoman pressed her lips together, lifted her head, and strode forward to rejoin the group.

At this moment, Chenjun Xie Chenjun Xie Lingjiang could not sense the skirt-knife.

So she did not know its approximate location.

Because earlier, in the dark alley, when she had gifted the skirt-knife to Big Brother,

Chenjun Xie Chenjun Xie Lingjiang had locked onto his unique spiritual signature, then activated a corresponding mental incantation from the artifact-nurturing technique, silently severing most of the skirt-knife's psychic tether to her.

The single thread of her consciousness nurtured within the skirt-knife now remembered only Big Brother's unique spiritual signature.

Only when it detected his signature—meaning only when the skirt-knife was in Big Brother's own hands—could it establish a psychic bridge to her, transmitting subtle feedback across distance.

Beyond that, anyone else who touched the skirt-knife could not form any psychic link with Chenjun Xie Chenjun Xie Lingjiang.

She would feel nothing—calm as a still lake.

She did this because Chenjun Xie Chenjun Xie Lingjiang had strong psychological scruples—though, of course, she made an exception for one person.

The skirt-knife had been gifted to Big Brother, and she trusted he would wear it properly.

But inevitably, others close to him might touch it—like that strange silver-haired foreign maid.

Would she really want to sense something and mistakenly think Big Brother was thinking of her?

Chenjun Xie Chenjun Xie Lingjiang couldn't bear the embarrassment…

The Jade Vase Immortal, disguised as Magistrate Ouyang Rong, led Chenjun Xie Chenjun Xie Lingjiang, Yan Yan Liulang, and the others down the mountain.

At the foot of Mount Mount Dagu, they boarded their carriages again and raced toward the Ten-Li Pavilion on the city's outskirts.

The appointed time for receiving the guests was fast approaching.

Everyone knew waterways were faster than land routes—saving both time and effort.

Yet Commissioner Shen and Commissioner Wang, the Jiangzhou superiors, had not come directly by water to Longcheng.

Because their journey was not merely a direct boat trip from Jiangzhou to Longcheng.

Visiting Longcheng for the ribbon-cutting ceremony was merely their final stop.

Along the way, they had paused twice to inspect other disaster-stricken counties before arriving in Longcheng by carriage.

Moreover, the itinerary of such high-ranking officials was kept secret.

For safety, the official document sent to the Longcheng County Office, which Magistrate Ouyang Rong and his men had received, only specified the arrival time and the designated reception point.

Otherwise, had they planned the most convenient route,

Magistrate Ouyang Rong would surely have chosen Songlin Ferry as the reception point.

That is, the new ferry that would serve as the starting point of Zhe Zhe Yiqu.

First, because Songlin Ferry was close to Mount Mount Dagu, making it convenient to pass by.

Second, after receiving the Jiangzhou officials at Songlin Ferry, they could immediately board a boat and sail straight to Die Gong Dam in Yue Nü Gorge—fast and efficient.

Instead of, as now, traveling all the way to the Ten-Li Pavilion, then doubling back to Peng Lang Ferry to board a boat.

But as things stood now, the "unnecessary detour" had not cost much time.

Because for various reasons, Zhe Zhe Yiqu had not yet been fully opened.

Even if they had boarded at Songlin Ferry, they would still have to follow the original winding route through Butterfly Creek.

They would still have to circle the entire city of Longcheng.

It saved little time.

Only if the new canal were fully completed would it truly save time and effort.

Zhe Zhe Yiqu ran from Ye Du Wharf in Shao Family Village in the south to Songlin Ferry in the north.

The entire canal was straight.

No need to detour around Longcheng City.

That would be true efficiency.

Unfortunately, after the first phase was completed, the young County Magistrate abruptly halted construction—and it has remained idle ever since…

The Jade Vase Immortal did not dwell on these thoughts; disguised as Magistrate Ouyang Magistrate Ouyang Lianghan, she kept her head down and pressed forward.

Throughout the journey, she spoke as little as possible to Chenjun Xie Chenjun Xie Lingjiang, Yan Yan Liulang, and the others, to avoid exposure.

Finally, the group arrived at the Ten-Li Pavilion. After waiting less than a quarter hour, they spotted a line of carriages slowly approaching along the official road.

The greeting between the two groups was unremarkable.

Just the usual polite formalities between superior and subordinate officials.

Inspector Shen Shen Xisheng still wore his crimson official robe, plainly dressed with sharp, austere features.

The newly appointed Jiangzhou Inspector Wang Wang Lengran, roughly the same age—mid-forties to fifties—also wore a similar crimson robe.

He had a handsome beard but preferred to glance sideways at people, his demeanor cold and haughty, speaking little.

Perhaps because outsiders were present, no one lingered in conversation; they immediately boarded the carriages and departed.

The young County Magistrate smiled politely: "Commissioner Shen, Commissioner Wang, please board!"

"Commissioner Wang, after you," Shen Shen Xisheng turned.

Wang Wang Lengran nodded and entered the carriage first.

Shen Shen Xisheng followed, but before boarding, he took a curious second look at the famed young County Magistrate of Longcheng—though he said nothing immediately.

A rather unexpected twist: the young County Magistrate did not join Chenjun Xie Chenjun Xie Lingjiang and Yan Yan Liulang in the same carriage.

Instead, he boarded the carriage with Commissioner Shen and Commissioner Wang.

Behind them, Chenjun Xie Chenjun Xie Lingjiang and Yan Yan Liulang exchanged a glance.

The former remained silent.

The latter, Yan Yan Liulang, noticed that after receiving the guests, the young county magistrate seemed colder toward them.

It was as if he had switched into official mode; upon this thought, Yan Yan Liulang found it not particularly strange.

After all, past experience had proven that the magistrate's decisions, though perhaps absurd before implementation, always yielded visible results.

But what happened next plunged Yan Yan Liulang into confusion once more.

The group arrived at Peng Lang Wharf.

A boat, long prepared, was moored in a prominent spot along the shore.

Yan Yan Liulang, who had long been accustomed to boarding boats here for Peng Lang Wharf, gave orders to direct the crew on shore.

He was about to turn and follow the two Jiangzhou superiors and the magistrate, leading his men aboard.

But two clerks immediately stepped down from the boat to stop him.

"Captain Yan, please stay," the clerk said politely.

"What's going on? What's this about?" Yan Yan Liulang asked curiously.

"The magistrate has ordered that you and your constables remain in the county, fulfill your duties, and guard the government office—today you are not to accompany us to Digong Dam." The clerk delivered the message.

Yan Yan Liulang froze, then opened his mouth in disbelief. "Did the magistrate say that?"

The clerk nodded.

Yan Yan Liulang opened his mouth to speak, but his upward gaze immediately met the frowning eyes of the young county magistrate on the bow.

The magistrate was currently chatting idly with the two superiors on the bow, occasionally glancing sideways, keeping watch over Yan Yan Liulang and his men below.

"Fine… alright."

Accustomed to obeying the magistrate, Yan Yan Liulang reluctantly nodded and said to the clerk with resignation:

"The magistrate's arrangements are never wrong… then let Chenjun Xie Gu be the one to go."

The blue-clad captain was utterly baffled inside: wasn't the magistrate planning a major move at Digong Dam today? Why not bring any men? Wouldn't Ashan and his men be enough?

The clerk who gave the order heard his muttered words, shook his head slightly, and said nothing.

Under Yan Yan Liulang's puzzled gaze, the clerk turned and walked straight to Chenjun Xie Ling, who was also preparing to board.

She, too, froze in surprise, halting her steps.

"Miss Chenjun Xie, please stay."

The clerk delivered the same order from the young magistrate: that this female secretary remain in the county.

Seeing both Chenjun Xie Ling and Yan Yan Liulang momentarily stunned without protest, the two clerks hurried back to report.

A short while later.

At Peng Lang Wharf, a large boat slowly set sail toward Yue Nu Gorge.

On shore, only the frowning Chenjun Xie Ling and Yan Yan Liulang remained.

They turned to look at each other.

The air fell silent.

Yan Yan Liulang walked off with a bitter smile.

Chenjun Xie Ling suddenly turned her gaze eastward.

Yan Yan Liulang, curious, followed the direction of her furrowed brow.

That was the direction of the outskirts' Mount Mount Dagu.

…

A quarter-hour later.

On Butterfly Creek.

On the bow of a large boat stood a young county magistrate, arms behind his back, catching the wind, occasionally lifting a hand to adjust his chin.

The Jade Vial Immortal slightly narrowed her eyes, feeling unusually light.

Though she wore a heavy Shen beast mask on her face, and wearing it always gave her the subconscious illusion that it might slip off.

Hence she habitually reached up to steady it.

But having just rid herself of the two most likely threats to expose her, this smooth progress still lifted the Jade Vial Immortal's spirits.

That lovesick Chenjun Xie woman and the Yan constable truly obeyed Magistrate Ouyang Magistrate Ouyang Lianghan—they were dismissed so easily, and all her prepared excuses went unused.

Too bad the real Magistrate Ouyang Magistrate Ouyang Lianghan was already dead, probably already devoured by willow.

The Jade Vial Immortal, temporarily assuming Magistrate Ouyang Magistrate Ouyang Lianghan's identity, didn't know whether to laugh or sigh.

But now, having finally dealt with Chenjun Xie Ling and the others who knew Magistrate Ouyang Magistrate Ouyang Lianghan best, the risk of violence during the ribbon-cutting ceremony dropped by more than half.

Those beside her now—Shen, Wang, and others—were unfamiliar with the original, so she no longer feared slipping up with careless words.

"What are you thinking about, Magistrate Ouyang Lianghan?" At that moment, a voice came from behind her.

The Jade Vial Immortal turned to see Shen Shen Xisheng, who had inexplicably grown casually familiar with her.

"I'm thinking about the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Master Shen. I've arranged everything perfectly for you—wait and see."

"Oh? Then I'm even more eager," Shen Shen Xisheng said, as if recalling something, his tone laden with meaning.

The Jade Vial Immortal smiled and nodded, then gave the now-dead Master Shen another long look before making an excuse to withdraw.

As the Jade Vial Immortal turned away from the bow, heading toward the cabin to rest, halfway there she heard a loud "thud" from the stern.

Her expression instantly changed: "Chenjun Xie… uh, little sister, you… how did you get here?"

Ahead, a red-clad figure leapt lightly onto the stern—Chenjun Xie Ling, her expression calm.

Behind the large boat, a smaller lan-boat was moored and tied up.

Chenjun Xie Ling said directly: "Big Brother, I still think I should come with you."

The Jade Vial Immortal's eyelids twitched violently inward, but her face remained solemn, showing a hint of displeasure at being defied:

"No. Didn't I just send someone to tell you? How can you act on your own? Little sister, are you disobeying your big brother?"

Chenjun Xie Ling stared at the person before her and said seriously: "Of course I obey. But that day in the carriage, you promised me—these days in Longcheng are unstable, the Liu family might panic and lash out, and you said you'd let your little sister stay by your side. Big Brother… you haven't forgotten, have you?"

Was that even true? Was it real? The Jade Vial Immortal frowned inwardly, silent for a moment.

"Why won't you let me come, Big Brother?" Chenjun Xie Ling suddenly asked.

The Jade Vial Immortal forced a smile: "I'm worried about you. You were hurt recently by your own mistake—I saw how pale you looked, how quiet you were on the way back—I thought you needed rest in the county."

Chenjun Xie Ling did not reply immediately. Her gaze settled on the face before her—so familiar. After a moment, she suddenly smiled:

"Big Brother is so kind to me… never this kind before. But we've both tied the red string. Little sister must stay by Big Brother's side—I'm deeply, deeply worried for your safety… it's settled!"

With that, Chenjun Xie Ling stepped forward and fell in closely behind her.

"..." The Jade Vial Immortal's smile froze.

(End of Chapter)