Embers of Sword

Chapter 186 Thanks, Chen

At night, the bluestone slabs of the Da Chu Imperial City made crisp sounds as horses' hooves stepped on them.

The Black Scale Guard walked out of the gate, obediently came to the carriage and acted as the coachman.

"The master said that the young master Xie Shan had worked hard to come here through all the mountains and rivers... He deliberately found a house in a quiet area."

This Black Scale Guard was somewhat different from the one Xie Xuanyi had seen before.

Most of the Black Scale Guards we met in the past were taciturn.

But this guy is quite talkative.

This journey is a bit long.

On the way, the Black Scale Guard took the initiative to introduce the changes in the Da Chu Imperial City to Xie Xuanyi.

"The master also said that you have been on a mission outside and have not been back for a long time, so he asked me to introduce the structure of the imperial city."

"Over the years, the Dachu Imperial City has undergone many changes. Many of the original 108 wards have been repaved."

The carriage moved along the central axis of the imperial city.

The Black Scale Guard took out a newly revised map from his bosom and handed it to Xie Xuanyi. In addition, he also carefully and meticulously explained the changes in the imperial city in recent years... Because the Northern Border Guard was dismissed, the Holy Queen brought all these famous generals under her command. The "balance" in the Da Chu Imperial City has changed, and the 108 districts naturally have to be readjusted.

After the war subsided, those famous families in Northern County naturally fell into poverty, and being brought to the imperial city was actually a blessing.

Emperor Chu died.

It is a great calamity for the country.

The Holy Queen can call them back to the Imperial City... or she can choose another way to deal with them.

Xie Xuanyi held the map in his hands and compared it carefully with the imperial city in his memory.

There are indeed many differences.

He listened to the explanation silently and asked curiously, "Are you a 'Black Scale Guard' who specializes in the library?"

The Black Scale Guard was stunned. He didn't expect that this young Master Xie Shan would have such a peculiar focus.

"Many years ago, you saved my life and showed me a clear path."

He said softly, "Later, I was lucky enough to become a Black Scale Guard. Most Black Scale Guards serve the royal family, but the library has a special status. The master asked for me to come over, and I did some small jobs for the library within my ability."

This sentence sounds light.

But Xie Xuanyi knew that... the Black Scale Guards also had different ranks, and the number of dragon scales embroidered on the waist badge represented the rank of the Black Scale Guards.

The man in front of him was wearing a black jade token with nine dragon scales.

There are only dozens of Nine-Scaled Black-Scale Guards in the entire Da Chu Dynasty.

Even a royal palace of a different surname like the Qin family can only be equipped with one Nine-Scale Black-Scale Guard, which is a symbol of the close relationship with the Da Chu royal family. The realm of the Nine-Scale Black-Scale Guards is usually around the Cave Heaven Realm. Although they cannot be compared with the Yin God Venerable, their identity also means the majesty of the "royal family".

It is not easy to become a Nine-Scale Black Scale Guard.

It is by no means a fluke.

Put that aside.

The library would not "recruit people" casually. Given Chen Jingxuan's character, he would never just ask for a Black Scale Guard to work for the library.

From rescue, to guidance, cultivation, and finally to "success".

Chen Jingxuan had planned everything early on and personally trained such a trusted confidant of the Nine-Scale and Black-Scale Guards.

Xie Xuanyi smiled and asked, "What's your name?"

"A nameless person, not worth mentioning."

The Black Scale Guard smiled and shook his head.

"There are no such things as nameless people in this world..."

Xie Xuanyi shook his head and said seriously: "Even the Black Scale Guards have to take off their armor at some point."

"Why does this sentence sound familiar? I think the teacher said it to me."

The man rubbed his cheek, took a deep breath, and grinned, "My last name is Sang, and my given name is Zheng. I am responsible for running errands for the library and doing some trivial things like guarding the house. If Master Xie doesn't mind, just call me 'Guard Sang' and I'm here."

As soon as he finished speaking, the carriage stopped in front of an alley.

"Sang Zheng... I remember this name."

Xie Xuanyi lifted the car curtain with a complicated expression.

This is a spacious mansion, large enough to accommodate dozens of people, and the location is quite good, right at the end of the woods, with breezes blowing, making it very cool.

The lanterns were lit early and hung in front of the door plaque of the mansion. The gate was slightly opened, revealing a quiet courtyard.

The two stone lions sit majestically, welcoming their master's return.

Xie Xuanyi silently looked up at the mansion. The words on the plaque hanging on the door were blurred and mottled.

The two blurred words above are actually Chen Mansion.

This is where Chen Jingxuan himself lived many years ago.

Now... he is the national teacher, lives in the library for a long time, and usually keeps Hun Yuanyi company, so naturally he will not come back here.

But after all, it is the "former residence of the national teacher", and this mansion is often cleaned and remains as new as ever.

Xie Xuanyi wanted to carry Duan Zhao back home himself, but Sang Zheng was too diligent. Before he could even open his mouth, he carried the little guy off the carriage, moving briskly as if he were carrying a bag of rice… This Nine-Scale Black-Scale Guard should be over 40 years old, and he was at the fifth level of the Golden Body. Although his realm was not high, he was already a leader among the Black-Scale Guards.

For those who are truly capable of achieving the Yin God realm, who would be willing to condescend to be a Black Scale Guard?

"In this way, the accommodation for Master Xie Shan will be arranged properly."

Sang Zheng said in a deep voice: "Excuse me, I have to go back to the library to report."

"Hold on."

Xie Xuanyi said calmly: "Guard Sang, don't worry, take me with you."

Sang Zheng was stunned for a moment.

Xie Xuanyi put two fingers together and gently sent out a wisp of divine thought into Duan Zhao's heart, so that he would be able to see it when he woke up.

These are all necessary reminders.

The little guy was exhausted after the fight at the South Gate, but he was gifted after all, and had a thick skin and strong body. He might wake up in the middle of the night. Xie Xuanyi gave him a map of the Da Chu Imperial City and some precautions to prevent the little guy from causing any trouble after waking up.

However, even if he really got into trouble, Xie Xuanyi would not be worried.

This boy is the son of the master of Wangyou Island.

It created a huge hole.

It was also the Lord of Wangyou Island who made the repair.

……

……

"Sir, how long do I have to kneel?"

Jiang Qihu watched the teacher write one book annotation after another from dawn to dusk. He was a little numb from kneeling, but the teacher showed no intention of stopping.

This stupid tiger really couldn't understand. Others were grinding ink with red sleeves and adding perfume with white hands.

Why did the gentleman choose to let a rough man like me take charge of such a task?

He is a military general, not a civil official!
"almost."

Chen Jingxuan didn't look up, but just glanced outside.

It's getting dark.

It was dark on the jade table, too. The pile of books obscured the flickering candlelight.

"Guardian Sang should be back soon."

He said calmly, "Go get another cup of tea."

"……All right."

Jiang Qihu sighed. In the past, it was always Sang Zheng who poured tea for him, but this time it was really the opposite. However, he dared not disobey his master's words.

"After you make this cup of tea, you can leave."

Chen Jingxuan said, "Go to Qin's mansion to find Qin Baihuang and ask him everything you need to know before returning to the library."

Jiang Qihu heaved a sigh of relief when he heard this.

Finally I can go out!
At this moment, his heart was like that of thousands of ants crawling. His master didn't allow him to interfere in the fight at the South City Gate, but the more he thought about it, the more curious he became. He really didn't know how Xie Zhen would respond to this fight, and how this farce would end in the end... Thinking of this, Jiang Qihu wished he could grow a pair of wings and fly out of the library.

Finally, the new tea was prepared according to the tea-making etiquette taught by the teacher.

Jiang Qihu did not forget to salute and left quickly.

The moment he pushed the door open, he saw Sang Zheng... and a young man in a black robe.

"Xie Zhen?!"

Jiang Qihu was surprised and delighted, because it turned out that this cup of tea was reserved for Xie Zhen.

"Master Jiang."

Xie Xuanyi smiled and said, "We meet again."

"It was all Ye's fault last time!"

Jiang Qihu stepped forward and patted the young master Xie on the shoulder warmly, his eyes burning as he said, "When we drank that day, I wanted to invite you to go to the Imperial City with me. Perhaps we could have gone together..."

Xie Xuanyi smiled awkwardly.

Come to the imperial city with Jiang Qihu?

This is really a bad idea.

Fortunately, Benhu did not come to today's game, otherwise I can't imagine how much more trouble it would cause.

"Qi Hu!"

Chen Jingxuan's deep rebuke came from the jade desk in the library.

Jiang Qihu, who originally wanted to say something more, quickly tucked his tail between his legs and left in disgrace. Before leaving, he did not forget to gesture bye to Xie Xuanyi.

"..."

Seeing this, Sang Zheng explained in a low voice: "Little Master Xie, please don't mind it. Lord Jiang is always like this. He is not a bad person."

Xie Xuanyi smiled and nodded, indicating that he was used to it.

"Sir, I will withdraw now."

Sang Zheng was standing at the door, with no intention of entering.

He raised his hands, bowed, and then left this huge library to Xie Zhen.

Although we have passed the severe winter.

But after nightfall, the imperial city was still a little chilly.

Xie Xuanyi entered the library and saw a bonfire burning nearby. The thin Chen Jingxuan was writing notes at his desk.

He really didn't expect that at this time of year, the young imperial teacher would still be wearing a fur cloak on his shoulders.

"Please take a seat. The tea is ready."

Chen Jingxuan smiled and said, "You came earlier than I thought. I still have some things to do."

"Not urgent."

Xie Xuanyi slowly came to the jade table and said softly, "I have plenty of time."

Inject soul into Ruyi Order.

The library building will then appear, every detail of it clear and almost identical.

But there is still a difference between dreams and reality.

When he actually sat in front of the jade desk, Xie Xuanyi felt an indescribable sense of "vastness". This library was huge, with countless golden tablets hanging like stars, and jade orders arranged on them. It was really like a vast and long night. The lifeline of the Hunyuan Instrument was hung densely, holding up the golden tablets and jade orders.

It also supported the Da Chu Dynasty with tens of millions of people.

The great Chu imperial master of all dynasties.

They would sit in front of the jade desk in this library to read and review papers.

Xie Xuanyi couldn't do such a thing, even if he lived several more lifetimes.

The world is big and full of truths.

Xie Xuanyi's way of making things right was to pick up the sword.

Chen Jingxuan’s way of explaining things is to pick up a book.

Logically speaking, two people like this are destined not to have too many interactions in their lifetime... let alone the so-called "mutual appreciative" feelings.

But fate plays tricks on people.

The world is so big that some things are unreasonable.

"Thank you, brother. Sorry for the wait..."

I do not know how long it has been.

Chen Jingxuan stopped writing and gently exhaled the heavy and turbid air in his chest.

He noticed that the tea in front of the jade table was no longer hot.

The young imperial teacher stretched out his hand, hovered over the teacup, measured it, and said with a helpless smile: "The tea is already cold."

"The tea is cold, it's okay."

Xie Xuanyi withdrew his gaze from the golden thread of the Hun Yuan Yi and said calmly: "As long as the person is still here, the tea can still be warmed."

……

……

(It's a few minutes late, don't blame me. The third chapter will be out before 10 o'clock tonight.)
(End of this chapter)