Chapter 104: Zhai Xing Laoren Celebrates His Birthday, and the Imperial Decree Arrives Again (Seeking Monthly Votes)

In the morning, Pei Shaoqing opened his eyes, felt a breeze brush his face, and subconsciously looked toward the window.

Xie Qingwu's black hair was draped like a waterfall, and she was standing at the window looking out. She was covered only by a layer of water-blue light gauze, and under the sunlight, her alluring body was partially visible, her hip and leg lines being particularly graceful.

Seeing this, Pei Shaoqing could not help but stand on one leg.

No matter how strong the sunlight was, it could only remain on the surface when shining on Xie Qingwu, yet he was able to flow inside.

"Autumn has arrived," Xie Qingwu said softly.

Pei Shaoqing got out of bed to embrace her and took a breath in the crook of her neck, "So what if it's autumn?"

"Autumn is the most beautiful; does my husband like autumn?"

"That goes without saying; I love an autumn of wind and you the most." Pei Shaoqing pressed her against the window.

Xie Qingwu understood in a second, turned her head back to give him a helpless yet charming glance, then used her slender jade hands to support herself on the windowsill, leaning down and sticking her hips out to make it convenient for Pei Shaoqing.

A poem says: In the depths of the chaotic mountains lies a small peach blossom spring; recalling the years past, I knocked on the door to beg for porridge. — Song Dynasty, Lu You, "West Village"

After the morning exercise, the couple washed up under the blushing service of the maid Qiu Ye and went to the main hall to eat breakfast.

After the meal, Pei Shaoqing rode Black General, walking slowly on the road to the Hundred-Household Office; the effect was comparable to a luxury sports car cruising the streets, drawing many people to stop and watch.

He also discovered one thing: the number of martial artists appearing in his line of sight was significantly higher than usual.

There were also more beggars on the street.

Looking at the beggars gathered in twos and threes, Pei Shaoqing sighed. He was kind-hearted and couldn't bear to see people begging for food; he would have Old Wang drive them away later.

After arriving at the Hundred-Household Office, Pei Shaoqing summoned Chen Zhongyi and asked, "Flag Chief Chen, do you know why there are so many martial artists in the city these past two days?"

"Replying to the Lord, the brothers below have long been paying attention to this situation. We inquired and learned that Zhai Xing Laoren of Zhaixing Mountain outside the city is celebrating his birthday at the end of the month, and these people are all going to offer their congratulations," Chen Zhongyi answered respectfully.

Pei Shaoqing knew of Zhaixing Mountain; it faced Phoenix Mountain across the river. There was a Zhaixing Sect on Zhaixing Mountain, and the sect leader called himself Zhai Xing Laoren, usually keeping to himself.

He said with some surprise, "According to what this official has heard, this Zhai Xing Laoren does not have a prominent reputation in the martial arts world."

How could there be so many people going to congratulate him on his birthday?

There weren't even that many people who came to give gifts when he was ennobled.

"The Lord may not know, but although the Zhaixing Sect is not strong and its reputation is not prominent, regardless of which sect or faction in the surrounding area has a happy event, as long as he hears of it, Zhai Xing Laoren will take the initiative to send disciples to deliver gifts.

For this birthday celebration, he began sending out invitations last month. The people who came don't necessarily have a deep friendship with the Zhaixing Sect; most of them just sent disciples to return a favor," Chen Zhongyi said with a light laugh and a shake of his head.

Pei Shaoqing suddenly realized. Look, the martial arts world really isn't just about fighting and killing; it's mostly about human relationships and worldly wisdom.

Those who mix in the martial arts world care most about "face," just like those in the underworld who open their mouths to say, "Give me some face."

After receiving Zhai Xing Laoren's invitation, they go back and check their gift ledger, finding that he had visited them before. Even if they don't know the other party at all and don't want to know them, if they don't return the favor, wouldn't they be ridiculed if it got out?

It's nothing more than sending two disciples to bring some gifts and make a trip to Tongzhou, so they just go. That is what created this lively scene in Tongzhou City today.

"This Zhai Xing Laoren is an interesting person," Pei Shaoqing laughed. This old man could be considered to have boosted Tongzhou's GDP with his own strength, benefiting the merchants in the city.

He then put on a stern expression and said, "Tell the brothers to be careful. 'The knight uses martial arts to violate the prohibition'; with so many martial artists in the city, friction is easy, and they might start fighting at any moment. This official does not want to see such things."

These people in the martial arts world—you have a grudge against me, I have a grudge against him, he has a grudge against someone else—with so many people coming this time, who knows when enemies might cross paths.

Enemies are especially jealous when they meet; once they start fighting without regard for the occasion, they will inevitably harm innocent civilians.

Then the Jing'an Guard would have to step in and make arrests.

"Yes, the Lord can rest assured. These two days, this subordinate will arrange for the brothers to strengthen patrols on the streets to deter those martial artists," Chen Zhongyi said solemnly.

Pei Shaoqing waved his hand to dismiss him.

But he didn't expect that Chen Zhongyi, who had just left, would return again, "Lord, the Imperial Decree has arrived!"

"What?" Pei Shaoqing was startled, stood up abruptly, and walked out, "Quickly, prepare the incense table to receive the decree."

"Yes!" Chen Zhongyi immediately went to arrange it.

Pei Shaoqing arrived at the front courtyard of the Hundred-Household Office first.

"Baron of Pingyang, we meet again." The leading eunuch revealed an enthusiastic and bright smile after seeing him.

Pei Shaoqing also laughed, "I didn't expect it to be you again, Eunuch. This is truly fate. Last time you left in such a hurry, I didn't get to ask how to address you."

"This servant is Chen Zhuo, serving in the Directorate of Ceremonial. The Baron of Pingyang can just call this servant Little Zhuozi." The eunuch's eyes were always filled with smiles, and he spoke in a delicate voice while pinching his fingers into an orchid gesture.

"So it is Eunuch Chen before me." Pei Shaoqing cupped his hands in a salute and then said, "You have come back so quickly this time, catching me off guard."

"The Emperor was in a hurry this time. Thanks to the Baron of Pingyang's blessing, this servant is also fortunate enough to have ridden a Dragon Blood Treasure Horse," Chen Zhuo giggled, his voice shrill.

At this moment, Chen Zhongyi led two Jing'an Guards carrying the offering table and incense burner for receiving the decree.

Chen Zhuo restrained his smile, shook his sleeves, turned around, and took the Imperial Decree from a brocade box held by an attendant.

"The Emperor has a decree, the Baron of Pingyang, receive the decree~"

"This subject is here." Pei Shaoqing lifted his official robes and knelt down.

Behind him, Chen Zhongyi and the others also knelt down in unison.

Chen Zhuo slowly unfolded the Imperial Decree and read aloud:

"By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees:

We have inherited the mandate of Heaven, governing all directions, cautious day and night, mindful of the hardships of our ancestors in founding the dynasty... Now there is the Yan clan of the Shu Faction, who have bathed in imperial grace for generations, enjoying the support of the Nine Tripods, yet harboring the heart of an owl or a jackal, rebelling against human ethics, and presumptuously coveting the divine vessels...

Baron of Pingyang, Pei Shaoqing, your loyalty and courage shine like the sun... your merits are for the nation... promoted to Jing'an Guard Hundred-Household, rewarded with one Lower Grade Dragon Blood Treasure Horse, one set of Qilin Robe, and granted a seat at the Mid-Autumn Imperial Banquet to enjoy the bright moon with Us on the fifteenth festival...

For rebellious subjects and traitors, even if they hold princely titles, they cannot escape the axe; for loyal and righteous men, even if they start as commoners, they can be ranked among the high officials. All my ministers should take this as a warning, strictly observe their duties, and do not fail my expectations!

Let this be proclaimed to all, both inside and outside, so that all may know.

The 28th day of the 8th month, the 30th year of Jingtai of the Great Zhou."

"Subject Pei Shaoqing receives the decree, kowtows to thank the imperial grace, and wishes our Emperor peace and a reign of ten thousand years!" Pei Shaoqing pressed his hands to the ground and kowtowed, his voice sounding like a great bell.

The commoners and martial artists watching the excitement outside the gate of the Hundred-Household Office had already exploded into a buzz of discussion.

"So the horse Lord Pei rides is called a Longxue Horse!"

"Lord Pei is a good official with clean hands, and the Emperor is also a holy monarch who knows how to use people well!"

"With such a wise monarch, the Shu Prince actually still wants to rebel and start a war! Fortunately, Lord Pei took the lead in exposing him, otherwise our Shuzhou would surely be devastated."

"Congratulations, Baron of Pingyang. How deeply the Emperor favors you," Chen Zhuo said with a smile as he handed over the Imperial Decree.

Pei Shaoqing stood up to receive it, held it respectfully with both hands to pass to Ye Hanshuang, and then said, "I can only serve with diligence and conscientiousness to live up to the Emperor's favor. You have worked hard, Eunuch Chen. You left in a hurry last time, but this time you must stay and enjoy yourself for a few days; I will have people host you properly."

"Easily said, easily said. Then we shall trouble you, Baron of Pingyang," Chen Zhuo replied with a hearty laugh.

"We are all working for the Emperor, so what trouble is there to speak of?" Pei Shaoqing turned his head to look at Song Youcai and said, "You are responsible for hosting Eunuch Chen and his party."

Mooncakes with lentil paste filling must definitely be arranged.

"This subordinate obeys!" Song Youcai stood up, walked before Chen Zhuo, and said with an innocent smile, "I will first find a place for you gentlemen to stay. Please, this way."

"You are a thoughtful young man," Chen Zhuo flicked his handkerchief in front of him, swayed his waist, and walked out.

After the eunuchs left, Chen Zhongyi and the others immediately surrounded Pei Shaoqing, "Congratulations, my lord, congratulations, my lord."

"Congratulations to all you brothers as well. The old rule stands: tonight, put it on my tab at Qunfang Yuan, and everyone have a good time," Pei Shaoqing said loudly, looking around at everyone.

"The lord is mighty!"

"We wish the lord many more new achievements."

The subordinates were all beaming with joy and cheering in unison.

Returning to the office, Pei Shaoqing had Ye Hanshuang close the door, and he couldn't wait to change into that Qilin Robe.

The overall color was a vibrant bright red, embroidered with a Qilin pattern, exuding an imposing air of nobility. Especially since Pei Shaoqing was already tall and sturdy, it looked even more oppressive once he put it on.

Qilin Robes, Bull-Fighting Robes, Flying Fish Robes, and Python Robes were not among the standard official uniforms; those not specially bestowed could not wear them.

The Emperor bestowing the robe was, in fact, equivalent to bestowing upon him the right to use the Qilin pattern; in the future, when he had clothes made, he could choose to have the Qilin pattern embroidered on them.

"Sister Shuang, how is it?"

Pei Shaoqing spun around in front of Ye Hanshuang.

People rely on clothes, and horses rely on saddles; Pei Shaoqing's appearance improved by at least +1 after putting on the Qilin Robe. Ye Hanshuang nodded with shimmering eyes and said, "Big Brother looks truly handsome in it."

"Haha, let's go, to the County Government." Pei Shaoqing had no heart for work anymore; he wanted to go out and show it off first.

The Imperial Decree had only just been delivered, and Wang Xianling had not yet received the news. He was stunned for a moment upon seeing Pei Shaoqing in the Qilin Robe, "Brother Pei, this is..."

"Old Wang, how did you know so quickly that I was promoted by the Emperor to a Centurion and bestowed a Longxue Horse, a Qilin Robe, and a seat at the Mid-Autumn Imperial Banquet?" Pei Shaoqing interrupted him directly and spun around with a cocky look.

Wang Xianling: "............"

The moment he thought about how the Xuanhuang Sect had half the credit for that Qilin Robe on Pei Shaoqing, he felt it was incomparably eye-piercing.

He immediately sneered and said, "Hmph! Brother Pei has quite the means, using me and the Saint Envoy to help you earn merit."

"Otherwise? Should I have told you directly that the person we caught that night was the Shu Prince Heir? That the Shu Prince is planning to rebel?" Pei Shaoqing retorted righteously, then added, "Our friendship is our friendship, but our positions are our positions. Public and private matters must be kept separate."

Wang Xianling was rendered speechless by anger, yet he could not refute it, because he also agreed with those words.

"By the way, Old Wang, has your Saintess been found yet?" Pei Shaoqing asked, feigning ignorance.

Wang Xianling's eyes flashed, "No. As things stand, I fear the Saintess is in grave danger."

You sly old Wang, you're even guarding against me on this.

"Then are you going to hold a funeral banquet? I can contribute a gift. I'll sit at the table with the widows. Are there many widows in your Xuanhuang Sect?" Pei Shaoqing asked seriously.

Wang Xianling snorted coldly, "Brother Pei, instead of worrying about the Saintess, you should worry about yourself. The Saint Palace will certainly send someone again to avenge the Saint Son Kaiyang."

I just can't stand seeing this guy so smug; I'll scare him a bit so he lives every day in fear.

The smile on Pei Shaoqing's face slowly faded.

Seeing this, a smile slowly appeared on Wang Xianling's face, "Brother Pei, your complexion doesn't look too good. Is something uncomfortable? You must take care of your health."

"I'm uncomfortable looking at you right now." Pei Shaoqing snorted coldly with a dark face, turned around, and flicked his sleeves as he left.

Wang Xianling was all smiles, tiptoeing as he shouted at Pei Shaoqing, "Brother Pei, leaving already? Why not sit for a while longer? You haven't even had a sip of tea."

He couldn't see the smile on Pei Shaoqing's face. Old Wang, oh Old Wang, you're still a bit too green to fight with me.

After walking out of the County Government, Pei Shaoqing suddenly remembered one thing: he forgot to teach Old Wang how to eliminate poverty and the low-end population: drive all the beggars in the city away.

"Forget it, those beggars begging for food is also a way of making a living by their own skills, self-reliance after all. I won't drive them away. I'll just have people collect income tax from them later; those who can't pay the tax will be taken back to help me expand my residence."

Pei Shaoqing let out a breath and muttered to himself.

The original stable was too small, and Xiao Douzi said the Black General felt cramped, so he decided to simply buy the neighbors' properties and expand the residence as a whole.

Since he had been ennobled, he had to live in a big mansion!

Although those beggars were dressed in rags, they looked like they had hands and feet and plenty of energy; they should be good at manual labor.

(End of chapter)