Chapter 414: Riding in the Chariot

Seeing Pei Ye faithfully brought the girl to the Taishan Herbal Lodge's grand medical hall in Shaolong, saying not another word.

Yet the others at the Herbal Lodge remained gentle and courteous, easing Seeing Pei Ye's tension; he followed the magistrate's advice and took lodging there for care.

The Herbal Lodge gave him a splendid room on the top floor, facing the wind and moonlight. After taking his medicine, he sat on the bed, gazing out the window: countless rain-washed eaves, dark and green, rose and fell in uneven rows, stretching nearly beyond sight beneath the clear sky.

The black cat crouched on the windowsill, suddenly murmuring softly: "Autumn's moon fills the sky, city walls cloaked in night's thousand folds. Travelers long for drunkenness, reluctant to part lest dawn's bell ring."

"What does that mean?" Seeing Pei Ye stared at it, baffled—this beautiful little cat had never seemed the type for such melancholy.

The black cat turned its clear, emerald eyes toward him: "You're starting to pretend at elegance, aren't you? I'm cultivating you, so you don't keep embarrassing yourself."

"."

Seeing Pei Ye grabbed it by the nape and lifted it to eye level.

The cat's limbs dangled limply: "Those four lines suit the girl in the white dress better—fitting for the scene and mood, and she probably hasn't even read them."

"You don't understand. We give sincerity."

"Oh."

Seeing Pei Ye placed it beside his pillow, and in the clear wind and bright moon, he fell asleep.

When he awoke, the magistrate's men were already waiting downstairs.

Seeing Pei Ye hastily finished his meal, wiped his mouth, and stepped out: "Commandant Cheng, what's the matter?"

He was a middle-aged man with pale, fine cheeks, his face as lovely as jade, eyes gentle yet bright.

Last night he had led the group to greet them at the city gate; Seeing Pei Ye had asked, and after counting on his fingers for a long while, he didn't fully grasp rank or authority, but he was indeed only half a rank below the Bo Wang Inspector.

Yet this man bowed first in greeting, smiling humbly: "Young Master Pei, call me Cheng Yuanqi—did you sleep well last night?"

"Fine, fine," the sight of this "Zhao Zhang" bowing so respectfully startled the boy—he dared not speak his name—"Commandant Cheng, what's the matter?"

Cheng Cheng Yuanqi still smiled gently, stepping back to clear the way: "The magistrate's office and the Immortal Platform have agreed: tomorrow, before sunset, we will hold your investiture on the Jade Sword Terrace. We ask you to first come to the magistrate's office for preparations."

"Oh, yes, yes, I'll follow your arrangements."

He had come here solely to settle matters with Great Kongdong; after wrapping things up, he would head to the Divine Capital. Seeing Pei Ye did not delay, stepping out with him.

But as soon as he stepped onto the street, he froze in shock.

—Two full rows of thirty armored soldiers stood in perfect formation; before them, a black chariot, neither flashy nor lavish, yet radiating awe at a single glance, waited at the gate. Two snow-white, majestic steeds stood silently, each a full head taller than ordinary horses.

Seeing Pei Ye didn't recognize it, but this was the "Immortal Huntling Steed," a rarity supplied only to the imperial court, its blood diluted with the essence of Bi'an—ten Uyün Tàxuè carriages from Luoying Mountain couldn't buy one.

In the morning street, countless eyes cast hidden, curious, envious, or feigned-indifferent glances—Seeing Pei Ye suddenly realized he knew these looks well.

Cheng Cheng Yuanqi walked to the chariot, bowing to lift the curtain for him.

Seeing Pei Ye instinctively gripped his sword at his waist, stepped out from beneath the eaves' shadow, boarded the carriage without thanking him, and Cheng Cheng Yuanqi followed, closing the door, sitting quietly opposite him.

Seeing Pei Ye suddenly realized this angle was deeply comfortable—he knew someone sat there, yet never felt their gaze. Peripheral, yet present—as if, so long as he chose silence, they would never disturb him.

Yet the sense of rudeness lingered; Seeing Pei Ye smiled apologetically: "This display is too grand—we could just ride horses or walk."

Cheng Cheng Yuanqi smiled: "We didn't know your preferences. This time we arranged it this way; next time, we'll keep it simple."

"."

Seeing Pei Ye very much wanted to say he had legs of his own and didn't need such preparation just to leave the house, yet he sensed this treatment surpassed mere reward for merit, so he stayed silent.

The carriage was lighter and steadier than any he'd ridden before; he relaxed against the backrest—it was unprecedentedly comfortable.

They arrived quietly at the magistrate's gate; the sun had risen slightly. As Seeing Pei Ye stepped down, Cheng Cheng Yuanqi stood behind him, holding a large black umbrella.

"."

Seeing Pei Ye smiled. He no longer felt conspicuous, for everything here matched the chariot's grandeur: a broad, flat, quiet white-stone avenue; the imposing magistrate's office loomed beside it. Unlike Bo Wang Prefecture, which blended into the street, Seeing Pei Ye had sensed sparse voices half a quarter-hour ago; here, it felt like another world entirely.

"The office handling civil affairs lies behind," Cheng Cheng Yuanqi, sensing his confusion, explained gently. "This is the grand office serving the entire Shaolong Circuit."

"Oh."

Occasionally, elegantly dressed figures entered or exited; everyone carried an umbrella, yet this chariot and retinue remained the most striking. Seeing Pei Ye followed Cheng Cheng Yuanqi's gesture and stepped into the majestic office.

Ancient trees cast only a small patch of shade; beyond them, all structures were clearly arranged, solemn and imposing. Seeing Pei Ye didn't understand architectural forms or official rituals, yet he felt something invisible regulating everything.

Whether it was a subjective illusion or an actual array.

Seeing Pei Ye gazed curiously at the uneven eaves; Cheng Cheng Yuanqi led him to a small, independent courtyard. Neither large nor small, it exuded antiquity: ordinary flowers and herbs grew on the ground; in the corner, an ancient pine curved gracefully.

Cheng Cheng Yuanqi closed his umbrella beneath the eaves, raising his hand respectfully: "Young Master Pei, please."

Seeing Pei Ye studied the door as he pushed it open: "Commandant Cheng, what is this place?"

"The daily resting quarters of the Chief Secretary."

"Oh!"

Cheng Cheng Yuanqi entered: "I just inquired with the Taishan Herbal Lodge. They say your injuries won't improve significantly in the short term, but the healed portions have stabilized."

"Yes, it still hurts, but movement isn't hindered."

Cheng Cheng Yuanqi nodded, asking: "The Chief Secretary says you may be called upon to fight on the Jade Sword Terrace tomorrow. What do you think—"

Seeing Pei Ye blinked: "Yes, yes."

His prepared reply didn't match the tone of the question at all.

He added: "It's fine—I often fight injured."

Cheng Cheng Yuanqi smiled, then said seriously: "Young Master, never mistake necessity for habit. You must cherish your body."

"Thank you."

"The Chief Secretary's first request: he has retrieved a 【Green Emperor Pill】 from the treasury—it's right here." Cheng Cheng Yuanqi moved a simple, precious jade box onto the table before the boy. "Generally, take it directly. Young Master Pei may consult the Taishan Herbal Lodge first for advice, but take it before noon tomorrow—your body will no longer be injured by drawing your sword."

"Oh, thank you, Secretary Sui." Seeing Pei Ye had never heard the name, but knew it must be priceless—"This pill—"

"Not from any sect. It's an imperial pill."

"Oh."

"Second matter: please review the rewards to be conferred." Cheng Cheng Yuanqi handed the boy a slip of paper with seven or eight items written on it. "The most important are the Immortal Platform's Pei Yanjian qualification and Shaolong's recommendation eligibility."

"You travel the martial world; the Immortal Platform's authority will be very convenient. We'll first assign you a nominal post in the magistrate's office, then transfer you to the Immortal Platform—this way, you'll face fewer assignments." Cheng Cheng Yuanqi explained. "The latter—the 'Jia Shang' recommendation—is the only one available. The Chief Secretary believes you'll likely wish to stay in the Divine Capital for a few years. Once there, if you desire any position, we'll negotiate with the Northern Bureau. Of course, if you wish to remain in Shaolong, we can secure you an even better post."

Cheng Cheng Yuanqi spoke calmly beside him, but Seeing Pei Ye had already frozen before the paper. When he said "the most important are Pei Yanjian and recommendation," Seeing Pei Ye's eyes locked onto the very last line.

"One hundred taels of gold, plus the Guanshan Sword Tower on the main street of northern city."

"There's also eligibility for the Sword Academy—useless to you, perhaps, but better than nothing." Cheng Cheng Yuanqi noticed the boy's gaze and added apologetically: "Yes, you see—the rest are merely filler assets. But Secretary Sui has converted most of the unclaimed rewards into your Sword Selection Tournament share. He persuaded many people these past days."

"."

Cheng Cheng Yuanqi smiled gently at him: "He called it 'the wind of lofty ambition.' I believe it won't disappoint you."

"No, no disappointment—not at all."

"Good. The Chief Secretary has been too occupied these past two days, but he told me last night he'll speak with you tonight. Whatever you wish to say, discuss it with him then."

"Alright."

"Third matter…" Cheng Cheng Yuanqi paused mid-sentence. Seeing Pei Ye heard footsteps outside the wall, then a light knock at the courtyard gate.

Cheng Cheng Yuanqi stepped out, adjusting his robe: "Fuyun, what is it?"

A young man's respectful voice: "Chief Clerk, Mingzhu Water Pavilion has sent another invitation, requesting to meet you."

"Not possible. Refuse them."

"How?"

"Same as Luoying Mountain."

Cheng Cheng Yuanqi returned, shaking his head with a smile: "They all want to connect with the Chief Secretary. We've had no contact with any faction—Shaolong's Sword Golden Register is absolutely impartial and solemn. But they don't understand, suspecting the worst, terrified of falling behind."

Seeing Pei Ye nodded, half-understanding.

"Third matter… still about tomorrow's Jade Sword Terrace." Cheng Cheng Yuanqi said. "You'll likely face eight or so opponents: Xiang, Nan, Cui, and others. The Chief Secretary says you probably don't know them, so I've gathered some materials from the Immortal Platform for you to review—all proper, respectable information. I know you'd never stoop to underhanded tricks."

"Oh, thank you, thank you." At the mention of sword duels, Seeing Pei Ye came back to himself. "I was planning to visit the dueling platforms today—such a grand sword gathering, I've never seen one."

Cheng Cheng Yuanqi nodded eagerly: "Observing the preliminaries is essential. Today is the finals of all ten platforms; the winners will be entered into the Golden Register and compete on the Jade Sword Terrace tomorrow. I'm sure you won't find it dull."

"Not at all—I'm just here for the spectacle."

Cheng Cheng Yuanqi smiled and shook his head: "Young Master Pei, your humility and calmness are unlike any I've ever seen. I've kept you too long—these are all the matters. If you wish to watch the duels, I'll escort you. If you'd rather rest or stroll within the magistrate's office, feel free."

"Ah, I'll be off then—thank you so much for your hospitality."

Cheng Cheng Yuanqi smiled again, but said nothing, still holding the umbrella as he walked out with him.

"Truly no need to see me off, Commandant Cheng! I'll find my way!"

Cheng Cheng Yuanqi smiled: "Then I'll see you to the magistrate's gate."

The two walked side by side out of the courtyard, the boy leading, the calm man following with his black umbrella, retracing their path out of the magistrate's office.

"Then farewell, Commandant Cheng."

"Mm. Go slowly. We'll meet again."

Seeing Pei Ye bowed and departed, then heard the man behind him call: "Young Master Pei."

"Hmm?"

"Others see the magistrate's office as distant and imposing, but you may treat it as your home. In Shaolong's city, any matter—just say the word."

"Oh."

Seeing Pei Ye walked down the wide, straight street, still dazed. He stopped among the crowd, suddenly realizing he remembered only politeness—and had forgotten to ask where the dueling platforms were.

He was about to ask a man dressed as a martial traveler, when a cool, icy voice spoke beside him: "Young hero, over here."

Seeing Pei Ye turned and saw Qu Xin sitting inside a magnificent chestnut-yellow carriage, motioning to him with no expression.

". Qu Miss, how are you here?" Seeing Pei Ye was now extremely polite to her.

"I wanted to watch the duels, so I got in."

". Is this the carriage to the dueling platforms?"

"Yes, Young Master Pei. Last night I saw you arrive with that girl. I just saw her here and asked."

"Ah!" Seeing Pei Ye now realized the young man on the carriage's bench was the voice named "Fuyun"—"You are…?"

"Just now, Clerk Cheng said you'd likely want to watch the fighting arena, so I've prepared a carriage and a good viewing spot," the young man said with a smile. "This one's quite modest—please step aboard."

"Thank you, thank you."

Seeing Pei Ye climbed into the carriage, still finding the comfort unsettling; he thought, a person must use their mind and legs—how utterly spoiled one would become if someone truly lived every day with everything already prepared for them.

"How comfortable," said the black cat, curled on his shoulder.

"How useless!" Seeing Pei Ye rolled his eyes and leaned back comfortably against the cushion.

He turned to Qu Xin and smiled: "So this is someone else's carriage—you're really not being polite, Miss Qu—"

He cut himself off just in time, refraining from the teasing remark, and sat upright, gazing straight ahead.

Too late—he'd already been caught.

Qu Xin looked at him: "You slept in our building last night without paying."

"How much is it, anyway?"

"Seven taels per night."

"Why the sudden interest in watching the arena, Miss Qu?" Seeing Pei Ye asked, intrigued. "Will there be any medical texts involved up there?"

"I want to see how they break bones and pierce bodies."

"..."

Seeing Pei Ye fell silent.

A moment later, it struck him—this was indeed a legitimate question. He asked earnestly: "Miss Qu, does Mount Tai Pharmacy cultivate martial arts?"

This girl could wield the Mystic Needle—she was at least a sorcerer—and he could sense her abundant True Qi. Yet wielding True Mystery and being able to fight were two different things. Given her age and medical skill, she should be like Ming Niang: raised from childhood to study medicine, with no serious training in spiritual arts or martial techniques.

"Yes."

"You train too?"

"Yes."

"Oh?" Seeing Pei Ye was surprised. "So you fight? Do you know swordplay?"

He looked at the girl.

Qu Xin regarded him calmly: "A little."

(End of Chapter)

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