I am about to die of old age, and I have awakened the character of longevity.

Chapter 123 Assigning Incense Masters
Demon Suppression Office.

In a secluded yard.

The bright sunshine poured down, illuminating Yuhe's beautiful face, highlighting the delicate skin lines and crystal-fine sweat hairs.

Her clothes were open, and Su Yuqing stood beside her, bending down to apply medicine to her.

Yu He stared blankly, her eyes reddening. "Miss, I'm really fine. I was just pressed by a branding iron. It's nothing serious!"

Su Yuqing glared at her, and Yuhe didn't dare to move.

"As a girl, you should pay more attention to your appearance. If you don't handle it well and leave a scar, it will not be very pretty. How can I find you a good husband in the future?"

Yuhe blushed, "Miss, you only know how to tease me."

Su Yuqing applied the ointment evenly to the wound with gentle movements, then carefully wrapped gauze around Yu He and tied it tightly. "From the capital all the way to Nanyang Prefecture, twenty years have passed. Only you have always been by my side and never left me. If it weren't for the seriousness of the matter at Dayin Mountain, I wouldn't have let you go."

Yu He thought of the past and her voice choked. "I know, this is because the young lady trusts me."

"Okay, you can rest in the city for two days before setting off again."

Yuhe said, "No, I'm really fine. Just leave immediately."

Su Yuqing chuckled, "Are you rushing to celebrate the New Year?"

Yuhe stopped talking.

Su Yuqing said, "I will also need to set off in two days. Although the incident at Dayin Mountain in Qingwu County is serious, most of the remnants of the Changsheng Sect have fled to the Nanyang Prefecture area. There are some things I still need to explain properly. Otherwise, the demons will take advantage of my absence and take advantage of the opportunity."

Yu He finally breathed a sigh of relief and said, "The reason Nanyang Prefecture has been safe and sound for the past twenty years is because of the young lady's presence here. If anyone knew that the young lady had gone to Qingwu County, I'm afraid the remnants of the Changsheng Sect outside the prefecture would be ready to make a move. However, I do have a plan."

"Oh?"

Yuhe said, "Do you remember Miss Wen Zaiqing, the magistrate of Qingwu County?"

"Remember, he was a Jinshi in both civil and military studies in the ninety-sixth year of the Jingtai reign. He was a student of the prefect and was sent to Qingwu County to gain experience and gild himself."

"Young lady, you have a good memory. Wen Zai Qingzhi County is well-versed in literature and has just expanded the Military Academy. This will provide an opportunity for further study for all the students of Qingwu County, both civil and military. Young lady can go there as a teacher to give lectures. In addition, Nanyang Prefecture will not know that you have left, and the demons in the Qingwu County Corpse Refining Hall will not know that you have left either. Isn't that the best of both worlds?"

Su Yuqing weighed the options for a while and said, "Yes."

……

However, after Yuhe left, Xie An always felt that something was missing and was somewhat uncomfortable.

For example, no one massaged my feet, no one rubbed my back, no one served me tea or water, and no one made my bed... Without the chattering girl around me, it felt a lot quieter.

I'm not used to it!
Fortunately, Xie An had experienced hardships and was open-minded. He did not think that he was born to be rich.

Back to the days when I was alone.

Shortly after Yuhe left, Xie An sat alone in the central courtyard for a long time. Feeling a little depressed, he had no intention of sweeping up the treasures left by Fang Baiyu and planned to go out for a walk.

As soon as I went out, I saw Chen Qing waiting outside the door.

After meeting Xie An, Chen Qing was polite and did not have the arrogance of a young man.

"Congratulations, Master Xie!"

Although Xie An was not in high spirits, he still cupped his hands and said, "Thank you, Master Chen Xiang, for reminding me!"

This is the truth.

Although Xie An's strength has reached the astonishing Five Internal Organs Realm, if he comes openly... he is naturally not afraid of Fang Baiyu. But if Fang Baiyu leads his men to assassinate him, relying on the heavy bow and other insidious tactics.

Maybe Xie An would really be in danger.

Although you won't be killed, you may be injured.

Xie An was old and all he wanted was a stable life. He took great care of his body and didn't want to get hurt.

Chen Qing chuckled softly and said, "I also can't stand Fang Baiyu's actions. He has deliberately extended an olive branch to me many times before, and I sensed that he might have second thoughts. I just didn't expect... he would dare to collude with the evil spirits of the Corpse Refining Hall. If it weren't for Hall Master Xie's timely intervention, I'm afraid the consequences would be unimaginable. Who knows how serious the crisis would be for our hall. If this had incurred the wrath of the higher-ups, they might even sack the entire hall in a rage."

Xie An understood.

Although Chen Qing's action was a kind reminder, he also had his own considerations.

For example... if Chen Qing had just come to gain experience, and the hall was disbanded due to a major incident, or the incense master was dismissed... there would be a stain on his resume. It would be difficult for him to achieve any results in the future.

It was clear that this young man truly treasured this opportunity and wanted to prove himself in front of his father, Chen Qinglang.

Xie An couldn't help but look up to the young man.

Be humble, know how to deal with people, know how to judge the situation, and be diligent and hardworking.

In the future, perhaps there will be success.

"Master Chen Xiang is very thoughtful. Now that I have just taken the position, I still need Master Chen Xiang's help."

"Of course." Chen Qing agreed immediately.

Compared to serving Fang Baiyu, the hall master, Xie An was much easier to get along with. Furthermore…how could Chen Qing not see that Xie An had a much brighter future than Fang Baiyu? If he had to choose someone to be the hall master of Baiyu Hall, Chen Qing would choose himself first.

However, he knew he didn't have the ability.

Apart from himself, his first choice was Xie An.

"Also, with the deaths of Wang Liuhe and Xu Bin, we need to immediately assign someone to take care of these two areas of business, otherwise the daily operations of the hall will be disrupted." Chen Qing mentioned this casually, and then changed the subject, "I think it would be more appropriate for Master Xie to use his own people to avoid any accidents."

Ok?
Xie An's heart skipped a beat.

Could it be that Chen Qing is here to show his goodwill?

With Tang Qingyun's connections, Xie An, now the hall master, could naturally arrange for his own people to replace Wang Liuhe and Xu Bin. Tang Qingyun had expressed this intention the last time he came. However, Xie An also had to consider the opinions of the other incense masters, and further consultation was needed to determine the most appropriate solution.

If this led to discord among his subordinates, and he lost the support of the major incense masters, resulting in internal disunity, it would be difficult for him to be the hall master. Wouldn't that make him no different from Fang Baiyu?
Thinking of this, Xie An felt that today might be an opportunity to finalize the vacant position of Xiangzhu, so he asked: "What suggestions does Chen Xiangzhu have? Feel free to tell me."

Chen Qing seemed to have made up his mind long ago. Without a second thought, he spoke bluntly, "Wang Liuhe is in charge of the gambling business. I think your subordinate Zhang Lin is a good fit. He's old and has served the Tiger and Wolf Sect for many years. It's time for him to have a quieter job."

Xie An also thought it was reasonable.

Now there are two vacant positions for incense masters: one is in charge of the gambling business; the other will take over Xu Bin's job of training cavalry to defend Dayin Mountain. This is dirty and tiring work, and it is also very dangerous. Although this job is very challenging...

Lin Yun and Zhang Lin, who will go to the gambling house and who will go to the military training... Xie An was worried.

At that moment, Chen Qing suddenly bowed and said, "Thank you, Master. I have a request..."

Xie An said, "Master Chen Xiang has helped me a lot. If you have anything to say, please feel free to speak."

I thought Chen Qing wanted to ask for some benefits, but his next words really surprised Xie An.

"I request to resign from the management of the Water Lantern Wharf. Thank you, Master, for allowing me to take over Xu Bin's duties, train the cavalry, and defend against the bandits and monsters of Dayin Mountain."

Xie An's pupils shrank slightly, and he looked at the young man in front of him seriously.

In order to gain Chen Qinglang's approval, Chen Qing was willing to give up the safe and prosperous Shuideng Town Wharf and instead train cavalry, do dirty work, and face the bandits and monsters of Dayin Mountain.

Very youthful and vigorous.

"Master Chen Xiang's desire to gain his father's approval is commendable. However, this job is not only hard and tiring, but also very dangerous. Have you really thought it through?"

Sensing the admonition in Xie An's voice, Chen Qing said, "Over the past year, I've seen countless flower boats and red lanterns at the Loi Lantern Wharf, and revelry every night. Although it's comfortable and there are beautiful women to be found, this is not the life Qing wants. Qing is afraid that if he continues to stay, he will lose his mind and it will be difficult to turn back.

Getting my father's approval is what Qing wants most.

Please thank the Hall Master for your help."

"Master Chen Xiang has such ambitions, and I admire you. It's up to you. If you discover any unusual activity by the bandits, please report it to me at any time. I will do my utmost to help you."

"Thank you, Master."

"It is Xie who should thank you on behalf of the hall."

After some greetings, Chen Qing took office. Xie An even took the initiative to come out of the hall to see him off and gave him extremely high treatment.

"This is what a passionate youth story looks like."

Xie An couldn't help but sigh.

If I were thirty years younger, I would probably have this kind of passion.

Now that I’m old… ?
Why am I not interested in many things?

Or are the ambitions of the elderly just so mediocre?

Xie An was too lazy to make a comparison, so he asked the groom to bring a horse. Then he stepped on the stirrup, jumped on the horse, and headed straight for the Xueling black market.

It was already 3 p.m. when we arrived at the Xueling black market.

As soon as I entered the entrance of the canyon, I saw more than 30 young men standing in a neat row at the entrance, and a red carpet was laid on the ground.

Wang Xiang was waving and shouting from a distance, "Master Xie is here, everyone quickly stand up. Call the Master." "Greetings, Master Xie."

They had received the news a long time ago, and the reason they didn't rush to the hall was simply because they thought Xie An was busy with many handover matters in the hall, so they didn't go to cause trouble.

Seeing these old friends again, whom he had known for nearly two years, Xie An did not act superior just because he was the head of the hall. Instead, he dismounted early and took the initiative to greet everyone cordially, not leaving anyone out.

"The boss is really amazing. He's the incense master one year and the hall master the next. It's unparalleled."

"I've known for a long time that being the leader is no small feat. And sure enough..."

"You can pull him down..."

Xie An treated his subordinates well, and his subordinates naturally reciprocated his kindness. The atmosphere was extremely harmonious, and they called him "boss" very eagerly.

Perhaps it was the atmosphere that warmed Xie An's heart as he looked at the familiar smiling faces. The slight sense of loss he felt after Yu He's departure was also diluted.

Lin Yun suggested holding a grand celebration banquet, and everyone agreed.

Xie An couldn't bear to dampen everyone's enthusiasm, so he readily agreed, "Let's do it."

……

A lively celebration banquet ended.

The gift money was two thousand taels.

It is nearly twice as long as the incense master’s celebration banquet.

Xie An had little interest in the glitz and glamour of the celebration banquet, but the money he received was still a delight.

He thought that from now on, he would do nothing but hold a banquet in the name of the hall master at the end of the year, and that would be enough...

This money comes from...

However, Xie An also understood that although it looked like a lot, it could not withstand long-term consumption.

A dose of Five Organs Decoction, four hundred taels.

That's the money for five sets of medicine...

hiss!
Thinking of this, Xie An felt a tingling sensation on his scalp.

The cost of martial arts training becomes increasingly exorbitant as time goes on. No wonder many masters in the Five Organs and Blood-Crossing Realms still need to undertake quests to earn rewards. They're all overwhelmed by the cost of training.

Fortunately, Xie An had the big tree of Hulangmen to lean against and enjoy the shade.

According to the rules, the hall master can receive a set of Five Organs Decoction for free every three months. Moreover, he can also buy it at cost price, which saves a lot of money.

If a lone swordsman outside were to buy the Five Organs Soup, he would need to ask someone for help and find connections.

It can be seen that staying in the Tiger and Wolf Gate has many benefits and saves a lot of trouble.

After nightfall, Xie An called Lin Yun and Zhang Lin and talked about replacing the gambling house and the water lantern wharf.

After learning about what Chen Qing had done, both of them admired him very much.

"Chen Qing actually voluntarily gave up the fat piece of meat of the Water Lantern Wharf and went to train his troops..."

"It seems he's determined to push himself this far. Being young is great. If I were a few decades younger, I'd try this too."

Xie An said softly, "Brother Zhang, please don't be impulsive. Young people have their own drive, and old men have their own stability. Time is not something that can be forced."

Zhang Lin's face flushed. "The Hall Master is right. Even if I were to go back to my twenties, I wouldn't necessarily be as ruthless as Chen Qing."

Lin Yun said, "Chen Qing's willingness to fight is a good thing for the Tang. The Tang is in need of improvement now, and it desperately needs a brave warrior like Chen Qing who is willing to fight."

Xie An agreed. "Brother Lin is right. To maintain the stability of a hall, both the older and younger generations must contribute, each with their own strengths. Since Chen Qing has taken over Xu Bin's job, then...Brother Zhang, you will take over Wang Liuhe's gambling business. I'll go to Tangjiabao in a few days to confirm your position as the incense master."

Zhang Lin was shocked, "Xie, this..."

After saying this, Zhang Lin stood up and bowed in thanks. Being the incense master... this was something he had never dared to think about in his life. But now, because of Xie An's words, he had gained immense wealth.

Xie An hurriedly helped Zhang Lin up. "Brother Zhang, there's no need for this. The gambling house's business is easy, and there are many conflicts. We need to coordinate. It's more suitable for an older person to take on this position. Brother Zhang is cautious, careful, and responsible. He's the best fit."

Zhang Lin's eyes were red, and he immediately said, "Don't worry, Brother Xie, I will manage the gambling house perfectly. If there are any mistakes, I, Zhang Lin, will be beheaded."

"Brother Zhang, that's too much. You just need to follow the rules and regulations."

"Brother, you are my great benefactor. In this life... Zhang Lin doesn't know how to repay you."

Xie An helped Zhang Lin sit down, then said to Lin Yun, "Brother Lin, you will take care of the work in Shuideng Town. Shuideng Town has a complex population, with many outsiders involved in the canal transportation industry and many wanderers. The person in charge of the dock must be someone with strong strength. Brother Lin has already reached the minor success of the Jingrou realm and is about to reach the major success. Brother Lin is the most suitable person to take on this task."

Of course, with Brother Lin's current strength, he can become the incense master of the Blood Ridge Black Market. Everything is up to Brother Lin to decide."

Lin Yun stared at Xie An, his eyes a little moist.

He knew that the choice given by Xie An was already a great favor to him, and he was still somewhat grateful for Wei Dian's kindness.

After weighing the pros and cons again and again, Lin Yun was still hesitant, "I..."

Xie An understood, "Then Brother Lao Lin will take charge of the Blood Ridge Incense Master. I will take care of the work at the Water Lantern Wharf."

Chen Qing said that place is full of pink flower boats and revelry every night, which can easily make people lose themselves... I, an old man, just don't believe it...

But before that, let Wang Xiang, the tough guy, take the lead and test his strength...

……

After finalizing the appointment of the new incense master, Xie An had free time again.

In order to make it easier for Lin Yun to do things, Xie An decided to be a good person and moved out of the Xueling black market and temporarily lived in the courtyard of the hall in Shuideng Town.

During this period, I visited the place where Chen Qing was training cavalry several times, and everything went smoothly.

Lin Yun has long been the chief steward of the Blood Ridge Black Market, so it is natural for him to be in charge of the Blood Ridge Black Market now.

Zhang Lin is suitable for leisurely work and is happy to run a gambling house.

And Wang Xiang, this tough guy, worked as the chief deacon at the Shuideng Town Wharf. He stayed true to his original aspirations, worked diligently, and did not make any mistakes.

Xie An, the hall master, had nothing to do, so he just worked hard practicing martial arts in the hall.

Even without Yuhe by my side, I would always call her name out of habit without realizing it.

For example, every time I get up, I ask Yuhe to fetch some water, but when I turn over I find that Yuhe is not there.

After each practice session, I would ask Yuhe if the rice was ready...

Or if I prepare a meal myself, I will instinctively call Yuhe to come over to eat...

Habits are sometimes terrible things.

If you're used to staying at home all year round, you'll miss home when you go out. If you've been traveling for years, you'll feel uncomfortable returning home suddenly...

Time quickly arrived at the eighth day of the twelfth lunar month. Xie An went to the town early in the morning and bought some candied haws and sugar men. He also packed a portion of Wufangzhai cakes and rode his horse to Tangjiabao in the county town.

Today is Xiao Hongtang’s birthday, and Xie An has always remembered it.

In the past year, during every festival, Xie An would bring some gifts to visit his elder brother at Tangjiabao. One reason was as a courtesy, and the other was to exchange martial arts and share some health-preserving tips.

Xie An's martial arts progressed rapidly, which was inseparable from the guidance of Brother Tang.

The gatekeepers of Tangjiabao were also familiar with Xie An, so they naturally would not stop him.

Xie An came to the Rose Garden with gifts, but he didn't see Xiao Hongtang, but he saw Tang Linshi.

"Thank you, sir. It's a great honor for you to bring such a gift." Tang Lin was flattered and bowed quickly.

Xie An raised his hand, "Madam, there's no need to be so formal. I remember today is Xiao Hongtang's birthday. Where is she?"

Tang Lin expressed her gratitude again before saying, "Little Hongtang turned five today and started learning. She went to the Military Academy in the county town. Old Master sent her there early in the morning... She even insisted on going only when Little Grandpa sent her. It was only when Old Master bought her a handful of nougat that she reluctantly agreed..."

When she talked about the latter part, Tang Lin felt embarrassed and veins bulged on her forehead.

Xie An hurriedly helped Xiao Hongtang calm down, "It's normal for children to make a fuss. Then I'll go visit my elder brother first, and then go to the Military Academy to see Xiao Hongtang with gifts."

"The old man went to the Military Academy early this morning and hasn't returned yet. He said he hired a teacher from out of town. Even the county magistrate went to the Military Academy to listen to the lectures, and the old man also went to listen to the lectures... I don't know the details."

"Thank you, ma'am, for telling me."

Xie An said goodbye to Tang Linshi and went straight to the Military Academy with the gifts.

But in my heart I was muttering:
Why is the teacher so exaggerated?
Even the sky of Qingwu County and the magistrate... have to go to attend the class?

It's a bit outrageous...

(End of this chapter)