I come to see Bai Yujing today

Chapter 65: Twenty-two on the Tiger Cub Monument, Meeting an Old Friend in the Moon-Lan Tower

For Chen Zhian, there is actually no difference between Qihuang Street in Sunan Prefecture or Fosang Street in Xuantianjing.

For four consecutive days, Chen Zhian did not go out and only practiced in the mansion. Even his meals were delivered to him by the deacon.

Logically, the eunuch steward who was in charge of Princess Shangqiu's property on Fusang Street would not be so attentive.

Even if Chen Zhian stuffed him with two taels of gold, for a deacon with some power, two taels of gold was not a small amount, but it was not enough to make him serve like this.

The reason is that there is profit in the business of delivering meals.

Princess Shang Qiu had previously instructed that Mr. Chen's requirements should be met as much as possible. In addition, there was no standard for daily meal delivery. Meals could be delivered to Cheng Chiju, Jinyi Ke, and Lanruofang, as well as to some ordinary shops.

How much silver he gave was just a casual remark of his own.
Therefore, Chen Zhian had eaten very well these days, with five or six different dishes for each meal, which made him sigh that it was no wonder that people often said, "There is a gilded den in the capital, and a hundred taels of gold are enough for a beautiful woman."

In Xuantianjing, one of the most prosperous cities in the world, as long as you have gold in your hands, you can live as high a life as you want.

Around evening of the fourth day, the doorman knocked on the door again.

Chen Zhian had no intention of opening the door, but starting from the third day, there were always some stewards or young masters and ladies who came to visit him, apparently to ask him to paint.

Chen Zhi'an was naturally not a self-righteous person who would not bow to money and gold. It was just that the pigments he brought back from Sunan Prefecture were gone after painting a few paintings, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs had not yet made new pigments, so he could not paint even if he wanted to.

So he had already instructed the concierge that if any guests came in the next few days, he would use the excuse that he did not have enough paint to paint.

But today, the doorman knocked on the door a little anxiously, so Chen Zhian thought about it and opened the door.

"Mr. Chen, a guest is coming..." The doorman glanced at Chen Zhian and whispered, "The person who came is holding the Xiezhi token of the Inspectorate. We dare not neglect him."

"Inspectorate?" Chen Zhian leaned his head out to take a closer look and saw a familiar figure.

A smile appeared on his face, and after thinking for a while, he carefully closed the gate and arrived at the intersection of Fossan Street.

"Chen Zhian." Jiang Taiping was probably on a day off today, wearing casual clothes. It was unknown whether he had brought the Guijin long sword at his waist or whether he had some Xuanmen Qiankun treasure on him.

"It's only been a month since we last met, and you're already living in this small courtyard in the imperial city." Jiang Taiping was amazed. He spoke slowly, but it made him cough repeatedly.

Chen Zhian couldn't help but ask: "Brother Taiping, are you injured?"

Jiang Taiping waved his hand and said, "It's okay. Since you are in Xuantianjing, I am the host and I will take you to have tea."

Chen Zhian smiled and said, "Originally, when you came to my house, I should have entertained you in my courtyard, but my courtyard is just a place you are staying in, so even if I wanted to entertain you, it would not be convenient."

Jiang Taiping patted him on the shoulder and said, "I didn't know that besides your extraordinary talent in cultivation, you are also a great painter. When you first came to Xuan Tianjing, you were able to work in the inner court and suddenly became a court painter."

Chen Zhian asked curiously, "Brother Taiping, how did you know that I came to Xuantianjing, and how did you know that I became a court painter?"

He asked aloud, and suddenly remembered that Jiang Taiping was the Xiezhi envoy of the Inspectorate, and the Inspectorate was responsible for supervising all officials and keeping track of the entire Dayu.

It would be strange if they didn't know about this.

When Jiang Taiping saw Chen Zhian's expression, he knew that Chen Zhian had guessed the answer, so he stopped explaining.

The two walked out of Fusang Street side by side, crossed two long streets, and arrived at the southern city of Xuantianjing.

“Many dignitaries lived in the 32 alleys of the Eight Streets of the Imperial City, with the Xuantian Palace as its center, but there were few shops and even less atmosphere of life.

The most prosperous place in Xuan Tianjing is actually the South City."

The two walked down the street, and Jiang Taiping introduced them casually.

Chen Zhian looked around and couldn't help but sigh at the prosperity of Xuantianjing again.

It was already evening, the dusk was thick, the lights were just coming on, the city was bustling with noise, red buildings and embroidered houses were lined up on the long street, silks and satins fluttered in the wind among the carved beams and painted buildings, and many lights and shadows flickered in it.

The crowds were bustling and jostling each other. From time to time, dignitaries would sit high in luxurious carriages, surrounded by people. But at the same time, there were many ordinary people walking through the streets, either lingering to watch or working for a living.

There are many wine shops and tea houses, all filled with guests. Men of letters recite poems and write essays, discussing the past and present. Businessmen and travelers gather here, and the sound of laughter and conversation is endless.

The aroma of delicious food permeates the world, attracting many people to stop and look.

"The most prosperous place in Dayu is Xuantianjing, and the most prosperous place in Xuantianjing is the southern city of the capital."

Jiang Taiping asked with a smile: "Do you have any acquaintances in Xuantianjing?"

Chen Zhian thought of Shen Haohao and nodded, saying, "There is an acquaintance, but she has reached a bottleneck in her practice and is now in seclusion to break through. It may take another seven or eight days to meet her."

He and Shen Haohao had been communicating with each other for a long time. Shen Haohao had entered the upper realm of divine essence for a long time and had already condensed six divine essences. If he took another step forward, he would be able to condense the seventh divine essence.

In the realm of divine essence, one refines the true essence and condenses divine essence.

Condensing a divine energy is already considered the entry into divine energy.

After condensing the fourth path, the divine essence will undergo a qualitative change, which can be regarded as the upper realm of divine essence.

The seventh divine essence has been completed, which means that one has entered the realm of perfect divine essence, which is enough to reach the fifth level [unpolished jade] realm.

This is also the reason why Chen Zhian has not seen Shen Haohao in Xuantianjing for several days.

"I have a day off today, so I'm looking for a restaurant. Let me do my job as the host."

The two came to the bank of the Huanglong River and went to a rather famous restaurant called Lanyueju.

The Lanyueju stands on the bank of the Huanglong River. Not to mention its magnificent appearance with its flying eaves and arches.

As you step in, you can see that the tables and chairs in this restaurant are all made of sandalwood with exquisite carvings, and the tablecloths are fine silk embroidered with delicate cloud patterns.

The elegant rooms on the second floor are separated by carved screens, which are covered with calligraphy and paintings.

Chen Zhian and Jiang Taiping went up to the second floor and sat at the railing of the restaurant. They could see the bright moon just appearing above and the beautiful scenery of the Huanglong River below. The lake was sparkling, the painting studio cruise ship was passing by leisurely, and the green mountains were rolling in the distance.

"It must cost a lot of money to have a meal here."

Chen Zhian asked curiously, Jiang Taiping smiled at him and said, "I don't need much money to come to eat, I have leverage over the boss of Lanyueju."

Chen Zhian's mouth twitched, and he said, "You are harming merchants like this, is there still any law?"

Jiang Taiping laughed and said, "Even if you are a Xiezhi Envoy, your salary is not that much. If you brothers don't find some other ways, how can you support yourself?"

“Of course, there are established rules in the Inspectorate. As long as you don’t act too arrogantly, it’s not a big deal to find some leverage to control the big merchants in the capital or the bureaucrats in other prefectures.

Besides, it is better to take advantage of these wealthy people than to exploit the common people.”

While Jiang Taiping was talking, the shopkeeper came over to pour tea for the two of them and bowed, "Master Jiang, shall we continue as usual?"

"Bring some good things today. I have guests coming." Jiang Taiping paused and said, "Don't worry. I will pay for the extra money myself."

The shopkeeper bowed and left.

Jiang Taiping explained, "Although we have caught someone with evidence, the boss of Lanyueju is also a famous person in Beijing and has made friends with many dignitaries.

So even if you are blackmailing someone, you have to know when to stop. If you go too far, and a high-ranking official comes to negotiate peace, you won’t be able to blackmail them anymore.”

"You're still knocking on the door?" Chen Zhian couldn't help but give him a thumbs up: "But... Brother Taiping, I see that you are out of breath, pale, and speak weakly. It's obvious that you are seriously injured."

Jiang Taiping took a sip of tea and said with a smile, "Didn't I steal a strand of acquired energy from Si Hougui, the son of the Si family? It just so happens that the two top-ranking Xiezhi envoys of the Inspectorate are from the Si family."

Chen Zhian immediately understood and looked at him with some concern.

Jiang Taiping shook his head casually: "Although I am just a fisherman, I have worked in the Inspectorate for many years, and I have Lord Chu to look after me, so they dare not kill me."

Chen Zhian looked him up and down and felt that his breath was like a candle flame, swaying in the wind. He was indeed seriously injured.

"You've been injured so badly, yet you're still stubborn." Chen Zhian thought for a moment and took out eighteen or nineteen pieces of red ginger from his sleeve. "Brewing tea with this will greatly benefit the circulation of your true essence. Compared to ordinary medicines, taking ginger tea every day is not too much and its effectiveness will not be compromised... Brother Taiping should heal his wounds as soon as possible, otherwise if you get beaten up again, you'll probably die."

Jiang Taiping was not polite, but a little surprised, and said with a smile: "You and I just met by chance, how could you be willing to give up such a treasure?"

I have as many treasures as you want like this.

Chen Zhian thought so in his heart and said, "Uncle Chu saved my life. Since Uncle Chu trusts you, it's not a big deal for me to give you a few slices of red ginger."

Jiang Taiping sighed and shook his head at this time: "Living in the capital is not easy! This sentence is not just for ordinary people, but also for officials in Xuantianjing.

Each level is oppressing the others, and one level after another is looking down on others. If you want to gain opportunities, you have to take risks.

For example, in the Sunan Mansion, Si Hougui happened not to bring his Dou Ji Sword, and happened to have the opportunity of acquired Qi.

I took the risk...Now that I have acquired the energy of the world, I will be fine even if I get beaten up a few times, as long as I don't die."

"Moreover..." Jiang Taiping said this, with an inexplicable brilliance flashing in his eyes: "It's impossible for those two Xiezhi with the word 'tian' to always sit on the top."

Chen Zhian pretended he didn't hear it, and the two of them drank tea, ate food and enjoyed the scenery.

About half an hour later, a man suddenly came into the private room where the two were leaning against the railing. He was dressed as a scholar and was middle-aged. He came to the table where the two were sitting and bowed to them.

"Mr. Chen." The man had a casual smile on his face, but he was not polite at all. He said directly: "My master wants to ask Mr. Chen to paint for him. I wonder if Mr. Chen could do it for him?"

Chen Zhian also recognized the person.

When he stuck his head out yesterday, he saw this middle-aged scholar standing next to the Si family's carriage?

Painting for the Si family?
Chen Zhian smiled in his heart, shook his head and said, "It's really unfortunate that the paints needed for Chen's painting are not yet ready..."

"Mr. Chen, you don't have to worry about this." The middle-aged scholar said politely, "My master has already asked the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the paint will be ready tomorrow. If you have time, the government will send a carriage to pick you up."

"If the painting is good, I will also trouble Mr. Chen to paint another one for my wife during the imperial court ceremony."

The middle-aged scholar said this with a brighter smile on his face, and said, "Please rest assured, sir. I am a court painter and I am also the painter for Princess Linglong. My pens and ink are very precious.

My master is not unreasonable. Sir, the fee for painting for my old lady is negotiable."

Chen Zhian also smiled and nodded, saying, "Even in Xuan Tianjing, the Si family is a truly wealthy family. I naturally won't worry about the fee for writing."

"It's just that... I have important things to do these days and have no time to paint. Please go back and report to your master."

"Three thousand taels of silver." The middle-aged scholar still had a smile on his face, his eyes full of confidence: "Sir, even if the court ceremony only takes place once every ten years, it is extremely expensive. In this court, apart from the Zhongshu Sheren and Xiayuan Pavilion attendants, there are very few painters who can get such a fee.

Mr. Chen has achieved success at a young age, and his paintings are quite to my old lady’s liking, so this price is a courtesy from our company to him.”

"Three thousand taels of silver?" Jiang Taiping's eyes twitched and he looked at Chen Zhian, but saw that Chen Zhian remained indifferent.

Dayu has a vast landform and many silver mines.

The overall productivity of this world is much higher than that of the ancient dynasties that Chen Zhian remembered in his previous life.

The amount of silver in circulation was also much higher than that of the ancient dynasties in Chen Zhian's memory.

However, the gap between the upper and lower classes has been infinitely widened.

Even in the wealthy southern Jiangsu province, many families only had a dozen or twenty taels of silver for living expenses a year.

But these wealthy families can offer three thousand taels of silver for a painting...

For Chen Zhian, the appeal of money is actually not very high.

He already had more than 700 taels of gold on him, and the medicinal herbs he needed for his practice were all produced in Kunlun Lake.

There is no shortage of skills and weapons, so even if Chen Zhian asks for money, it won't be of much use.

And... in this world, there are many things that cannot be bought without status or origin of a noble family.

For example, heavenly powers, supernatural powers, mysterious treasures, and swords that have been forged thousands or even tens of thousands of times.

So Chen Zhian shook his head again.

The middle-aged scholar finally frowned and said, "Mr. Chen, do you know the identity of my master?"

"My mistress was born in the residence of the Minister of War, and is the legitimate daughter of General Rongtian! Speaking of family background, apart from the six surnames of Dayu, there are few families in the entire Xuantian Capital with higher family backgrounds than our Si family!"

Chen Zhian knew what the middle-aged scholar meant, but he still shook his head.

The middle-aged scholar lowered his head and thought for a moment, then politely bowed and left.

Jiang Taiping, who was standing by, was stunned. He waited until the middle-aged scholar left before he whispered, "Why not agree to his offer? That's three thousand taels of silver."

Chen Zhian thought for a moment and said with a smile, "I once bowed down for two hundred taels of gold. I needed the two hundred taels of gold at that time.

Now I have enough gold and silver to live on, I will not do the business of the Si family."

As he spoke, he thought of what Chen Shuijun had written on a piece of paper: "I have someone I miss, who is far away in a distant place." He thought of the pear tree that Chen Shuijun had planted in the yard and had taken care of for more than ten years. He also thought of the condescending look in Si Hougui's eyes when he first met him.

All these made him very uncomfortable.

Jiang Taiping turned his head, looked at Chen Zhian seriously, nodded and said, "Yes, you have a temper. In today's world, those who have temper are all the sons of wealthy families. There are not many common people like us who have temper.

I just hope that when you come to Xuan Tianjing, your temper won’t be wiped out.”

He paused for a moment, then added: "Don't let your temper cost you your life, leaving your body exposed in the wilderness."

Jiang Taiping's personality is quite compatible with Chen Zhian. He nodded and smiled, "You took away Si Hougui's acquired energy and didn't die. How can I, a court painter living in the imperial city who is going to paint a portrait of Princess Linglong, die so easily?"

While the two were chatting, the middle-aged scholar came again from the private room not far away, and walking side by side with him was a middle-aged man in luxurious clothes.

The man had a face as white as jade, was elegantly dressed, and had an extremely transparent jade pendant on his waist. He walked slowly towards them.

The scholar from the Si family came again. This time he did not greet them, but just smiled and said, "Mr. Chen, you have only been to Xuan Tianjing for a short time, and you live in Fusang Street, so I guess you have never been to the Imperial Palace Painting Academy of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

This person is a doctor of the Imperial Household Department, a scholar of the Jixian Academy, a waiting official of the Painting Academy, and a waiter of the Imperial Household Department’s Palace Painting Academy… Chang Weigu.”

[Zhihou] is like a senior official and is the head of the court painters.

Moreover, this Chang Weigu was not just a waiter in the palace painting academy, but also a doctor in the Imperial Household Department. The Imperial Household Department had a general minister, two general doctors, and six doctors.

The doctor has great power.

When Chen Zhian saw the person coming, he knew what this scholar from the Si family was planning.

At this moment, the doctor from the Ministry of Internal Affairs was looking up at Chen Zhian, but he did not speak.

It seemed as if he was waiting for Chen Zhian to salute him.

Chen Zhian was about to speak when he suddenly heard the Huanglong River become much noisier.

A few people leaned over the railing and saw forty or fifty soldiers walking in armor and carrying swords. Walking in the front were two captains on horseback, and in the middle of the forty or fifty soldiers, there were two sedan chairs.

Chang Weigu turned his head to look at the scholar beside him when he saw the sedan chair, and sighed, "Shafohou followed the order of the saint and went to Old Sword Mountain, but I wonder if he has invited Jiang Xiangshu, the mountain master of Old Sword Mountain, who is known as the sword of the cold wind."

The Si family scholar glanced at Chen Zhian and said with a smile, "The Marquis went there in person. Even though he did not invite the mountain master Jiang Xiangshu, he invited the young sword master from Old Sword Mountain. The person in the second sedan chair was Li Xushi, who was ranked 22nd on the Young Tiger Monument."

"Twenty-two on the Tiger Cub Monument..."

Chen Zhian and Jiang Taiping looked at each other and couldn't help but look at the second sedan chair.

But the curtain of the sedan chair was lifted up, and a young boy who looked about seventeen or eighteen years old was looking at the prosperous scene of the southern city of Xuantianjing with curiosity, with some amazement in his eyes.

Soon after, their eyes were attracted by the young man riding a horse in front of them.

The young man rode past on horseback, but looked up at them with eyes as sharp as a knife.

Chen Zhian raised his eyebrows.

Si Hougui...

At this time, Si Hougui had a knife on his waist. There was a fierce aura emanating from the knife, which then dissipated, and was filled with murderous intent.

"Is this the [Douji] that Si Hougui and I bet on?" Chen Zhian thought to himself, "It's really an excellent sword."

A smile appeared on Jiang Taiping's pale face, and he grinned at Si Hougui from afar.

When the chariot of the Buddha-killer passed by, the scholar of the Si family said with a smile, "Mr. Chen, you have not yet saluted the doctor of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, your immediate superior."

Chen Zhian turned around and suddenly felt a little annoyed.

Even a leisurely job like that of a court painter is not free from the intrigues and shabbiness of the profession.

Literary men like the Langzhong of the Imperial Household Department and the Bachelor of the Jixian Academy could not avoid being tainted by the foul bureaucratic air.

Chen Zhian suddenly understood why Chen Shuijun wanted to resign.

He was about to get up and go back when a strong laugh suddenly came from the door.

"Hmm? Chen Zhian?"

Chen Zhian turned his head and saw an old man standing at the stairs on the second floor with his hands behind his back looking at this place.

It was that day on the bank of the Huanglong River that he mistook for the old man Prime Minister Song.

Chang Weigu, the scribe of the Si family and the doctor of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, also turned around and looked, his expression suddenly changed drastically.

ps: Sorry, the timer was set for six o'clock tomorrow. Fortunately, the author discovered it early.

(End of this chapter)