Misty Rain of the Old Times

How could a young girl hide her feelings? Especially a young girl in the throes of first love. Guo Qingxue's little thoughts were practically written all over her face. Everyone present could see it, but they just chose not to point it out.

That being said, apart from Xia Mei, that mature old aunt, all the women had already considered themselves Chen Xuan's women. However, to this day, only the little princess and Du Juan have shared a bed with Chen Xuan, and Du Juan was arranged by the little princess herself. Otherwise, given Chen Xuan's personality—that he's already his and won't run away—it would be a long time before he took the initiative.

In fact, if you calculate it this way, even though Chen Xuan has always said that he is not a good person and is lustful, he is fully worthy of the title of being virtuous and self-disciplined.

Putting aside other things, take Xiao Gao for example. Back when he was studying in Mo City, he was 'unsealed' at the age of eighteen, and he took Xiao Cai and Xiao Ye into his room within a few days.

Well, people are all judged by comparison.

The instinct to be attracted to beauty is ingrained in our genes. As long as you don't hurt others, you don't need to care what others think or think.

The little princess patted Guo Qingxue's hand with a smile and said, "Then it's settled. It's good to travel together so we can look out for each other. The world is not peaceful these days, especially after such a big incident. I'm afraid the Yuhua Kingdom won't be able to stay calm for a while. Besides, more people means more company and more fun."

"Okay, then I'll be sorry to bother you. Don't worry, I won't cause any trouble," Guo Qingxue nodded like a chick pecking at rice, her cheeks slightly flushed as she secretly glanced at Chen Xuan, thinking to herself, "Wouldn't the rest of the journey count as spending every day with Brother Chen? That's wonderful."

At this moment, the little princess was also making her own plans. Her voice could be heard throughout Yang County. Last time in Yinlong County, Zheng Wanqian was won over by her husband after spending a few days together. Now that Xiaoxue has come south with her, how could she possibly run away after a while?
'It has to be me, otherwise when will this family ever get lively?' The little princess thought to herself with a touch of pride. If it weren't for the fact that there were so many people around, she would have liked to put her hands on her hips for a while.

Before they knew it, the meal was almost over. Chen Xuan, who had no habit of wasting food, finished the last bite of his food, most of which went into his bottomless stomach, saving him a lot of trouble washing the dishes.

Although he was eating at home, he occasionally kept an eye on the commotion outside. The entire city of Yu was in turmoil. The usually bustling and dazzling city was now ablaze with firelight as night fell. Cries, shouts of arrest and killing could be heard everywhere. The commotion was so great that almost all shops, entertainment venues and homes were closed and trembling with fear.

Noticing the commotion, he put down his chopsticks, somewhat bored. "This Jade City is unbearable. It's ruining my mood. Since we've decided to head south, let's leave tomorrow. Otherwise, if we stay a few more days and see something that's affecting our mood, we might end up meddling in other people's business."

As the head of the family, he had already said so, so naturally no one else objected, and that's how it was decided.

Xia Mei, who got up to clear the dishes, nodded and said, "I will arrange it."

Chen Xuan didn't need to worry about these things. After a hearty meal, he rinsed his mouth with Yun Lan's attentive care, stretched, and said listlessly, "The moonlight is just right tonight, and it's still early. I'm going to the flower hall to enjoy the midsummer night breeze. Do you want to come along?"

The bright moon rises in the east, which is certainly not a good time for murder and arson in the current situation in Yucheng, but that does not prevent people from living their quiet lives behind closed doors.

"Alright, let's go together, little Xue. It's been months since we last met. Let's have a good chat later," the little princess invited.

Guo Qingxue nodded and followed. Although she was currently a guest, she wanted to integrate into the family and naturally wanted to spend more time with them.

Walking along the path to the flower hall, Chen Xuan suddenly remembered something and turned back to say, "By the way, Aunt Mei, later arrange for someone to go to the Cold Mountain Sword Sect's headquarters to let them know that Miss Guo is a guest here, so they won't worry if they don't see her soon enough."

Xia Mei nodded and went to make the arrangements. They weren't just traveling with these few people; they were also accompanied by many palace maids and eunuchs, so there were plenty of people to run errands for them.

However, Xia Mei couldn't help but laugh and cry. She thought to herself, "Young master, it's more worrying for Miss Guo, an unmarried young woman, to stay out all night here."

However, Guo Qingxue felt a warmth in her heart. "Brother Chen is so thoughtful. I didn't even think of that myself," she said softly.

The nights of this era could normally be described as pitch black, but Chen Xuan and his group had no shortage of such things. Lanterns were hung high throughout the courtyard, illuminating everything inside and out. Moreover, there were no mosquitoes to worry about during this season, and a slight release of their innate energy was more effective than any insect repellent.

"Xiao Lan, Xiao Xin, you just put down your bowls, don't bother with this anymore, take a rest. You're acting like you're in a cozy retreat, and we're leaving tomorrow," Chen Xuan said, shaking his head as he entered the flower hall and saw the Yun Lan and Yun Xin sisters busy again.

They arrived here first and are burning incense in every corner of the incense burner.

"Please have a seat, sir. We'll be done soon. This incense is calming and refreshing, and it also repels mosquitoes. The imperial physicians have examined the incense and confirmed that it has no side effects," Yunlan said with a sweet smile, without stopping what she was doing.

He let them go their own way. There was no need for him to specifically remind Guo Qingxue to prepare a guest room. He lay down on the rocking chair that had been prepared in advance in the pavilion, relaxed completely, and felt extremely comfortable in the warm night breeze.

Holding Guo Qingxue's hand, the little princess sat down next to Chen Xuan. She had somehow acquired a round fan and was gently fanning Chen Xuan while tilting her head slightly to Guo Qingxue, saying, "Sister Xue'er, what brings you to Yucheng? You left in such a hurry last time. I was so happy to see you and your husband return together."

Guo Qingxue glanced furtively at Chen Xuan, who was leisurely enjoying himself like a salted fish. Too embarrassed to admit that she had recently come out to clear her head because she was feeling stupid, she stammered, "My martial aunts have something to do here, so I came to join in the fun..."

Chen Xuan didn't participate in their chatter. He quietly retrieved the raw materials for the Concealment Array from a distance and began to work on them. He had gone out today, visited the Illusion Array, and experienced Qin Ruyu's mental attack. He had gained some insights and estimated that the Concealment Array, which he had been working on for a long time, would soon achieve a breakthrough from zero to one.

Du Juan and the little maid arrived one after the other, each carrying a tray with tea and fruit snacks, respectively. After pouring the tea, Du Juan came behind Chen Xuan and gently massaged him. The little maid, with her delicate white hands, held a piece of jade-white fruit to Chen Xuan's lips and said, "Master, try this. It's called Jade Pear. It's a specialty from around Jade City, and it was even a tribute item. One pear costs more than thirty taels of silver. It's so expensive! I wish I could keep the peel I peeled as an offering."

A single pear costs over thirty taels of silver? It seems that a regular pear, depending on the yield, could be bought for more than a pound for just one copper coin. Are tribute items really this unreasonable?

Muttering to himself, Chen Xuan opened his mouth and ate it. Apart from being slightly crisp and sweet, it was really no different from an ordinary pear. Did they already have fruit assassins in this era? Also, since it was a tribute, how did you manage to buy it?
After tasting it briefly, Chen Xuan joked, "Where did you buy it? It's not bad. I'll take a whole cartload when we leave tomorrow. My Roujia has really made something of herself, actually willing to spend money now. That's progress!"

"It was Sister Yunxin and the others who bought it. I can't bear to part with it. Master, are you really going to buy a whole cartload? How much will that cost?" the little girl said, sticking out her tongue and widening her eyes.

Back when she first started dating Chen Xuan, she was incredibly frugal. She spent half a year growing mushrooms and only earned a few taels of silver. If she hadn't been away this time, she probably would have started growing them at home long ago. Although her horizons have broadened now, the thought of spending so much money on fruit still makes her feel the pinch. "If you like it, just buy it," Chen Xuan said with a smile, patting her head.

It's not like he can't afford it; wasting food and forcing himself to endure hardship are two different things.

At this moment, the Yun sisters, Yunlan and Yunxin, also came over after finishing their work. Seeing that there was no room for them next to Chen Xuan, they felt it was a pity, but they did not intend to be idle. Yunlan thought for a moment and said, "Master, the moon is bright and the stars are few, and the evening breeze is gentle. I dare to suggest that my sister and I play the zither and dance to entertain you."

"That's great! Xiao Lan and Xiao Xin, your talents are truly captivating!" Chen Xuan said with great interest, his spirits lifting considerably.

Having received his approval, Yunxin quickly prepared to leave, while Yunlan said regretfully, "Being away from home is never as good as being at home. Otherwise, with opera troupes, dance groups, and music troupes taking turns performing, it wouldn't be so quiet. I'm sorry to have troubled you, Master."

Hearing this, Chen Xuan blinked and asked in confusion, "Wait, Xiao Lan, do we still have these at home?"

The little princess, with a curious expression, smiled and said, "Husband, of course we have them. There are a couple hundred talented people in total, all of them top performers. But they're all rehearsing there every day. That's right, why should you concern yourself with such trivial matters? It's normal that you don't know about these things."

Chen Xuan opened his mouth but was speechless. So our family has a song and dance troupe? Why didn't you say so earlier? It's usually only used for rehearsals. Isn't that a bit of a waste?

"It's because I'm too shallow," Chen Xuan said, speechless. He thought he had gotten used to a life of luxury, but it turns out he was still lacking something. No wonder he couldn't integrate into the circle of the powerful and wealthy.

“My husband doesn’t care about these mundane things, so he didn’t call them here to disturb our peaceful life,” the little princess said, and then went back to chatting with Guo Qingxue.

Chen Xuan clicked his tongue inwardly, wondering if it was possible that he was just an ordinary person.
Soon, the Yunlan and Yunxin sisters were ready. One played the zither with her delicate hands, and the music lingered in the night. The other danced gracefully with her clothes fluttering. It was truly a beautiful sight. Surrounded by beauties, Chen Xuan enjoyed this scene all to himself.

Compared to the leisurely enjoyment inside the courtyard, and the tense and solemn atmosphere outside the Jade City, the inside and outside of the walls are like two different worlds...

The next day at noon, the sun was shining brightly. With Xia Mei, a top-tier expert, around, the sweltering heat of midsummer was nowhere to be found. The little princess and her friends were drinking tea and chatting in the courtyard. After spending a short time together since yesterday, the little princess and Guo Qingxue had become inseparable best friends, as if they had known each other for many years. It was the same when she and Zheng Wanqian were together.

It's not about being cunning; once a little princess accepts someone, treating them sincerely makes it easy to bridge the gap between them.

As the sun rose higher, Guo Qingxue kept glancing towards the backyard. She remembered correctly; they had agreed to leave for the south today and were all packed and ready to go, but there was still no sign of them setting off.

There's a saying that goes, "Don't think you're the first to set off; there's always someone who'll set off earlier." When traveling a long distance, you have to start early. If you wait any longer, it's uncertain whether you'll even be able to leave Yucheng before dark.

Seeing her thoughts, the little princess smiled and explained, "Sister, don't be confused. Your husband is still taking a nap. We're not in a hurry. He'll get used to it. There's no need to rush or remind him. He's known for being grumpy when he wakes up."

When the words "morning grumpiness" were mentioned, the pregnant princess seemed to think of something, and a shy, sweet smile flashed across her face.

"Oh, so he was taking a nap. I saw Brother Chen moving around when it was light out, and I thought he was exhausted yesterday," Guo Qingxue said with relief, thinking to herself that this is how Brother Chen usually lives, sleeping until he naturally wakes up.

What was said in jest was taken seriously by the listener. When no one was paying attention, Du Juan blushed and lowered her head even further, secretly pulling up her collar an inch to cover some lingering marks on her neck.

She had been unwell for a while, and last night, the little princess and Guo Qingxue had a long talk by candlelight. Chen Xuan went to her room. Thinking about the ordeal last night, and how the sheets had been changed twice, Du Juan felt her legs go weak. She was a dignified master of the Innate Realm, so you can imagine how intense the battle was last night.

Just then, the little maid came skipping out, cheerfully saying, "Madam, Master is coming out soon. If there's nothing else you need to tell us, we can set off right away."

"Yes, everything is ready. Let's go when my husband arrives," the little princess said, getting up.

In the time it takes to say two sentences, a sleepy-eyed Chen Xuan swayed over, his clothes loose, revealing a bit of his muscular chest. Seeing everyone waiting, he said with a little embarrassment, "Sorry, I overslept. Um, let's go."

As he spoke, he yawned again, as if he were still half asleep.

The little princess stepped forward to straighten his collar, and after she was satisfied, she turned around and waved her sleeve to indicate that they could set off.

Yunlan and Yunxin supported the pregnant princess. The two sisters looked at Dujuan's increasingly swaying and voluptuous figure, especially the charming look between her brows that made even girls blush and their hearts race. Their eyes were filled with envy and anticipation.

Noticing their gazes, the little princess gave them a reassuring look, saying softly, "Don't worry, I will arrange everything for you as soon as possible."

Her cheeks flushed slightly, and Yunlan nodded almost imperceptibly, saying, "It's entirely up to Your Highness."

As the group went outside, a long line of carriages was already waiting. One of them was carrying a whole cart of jade pears that Chen Xuan had mentioned the night before. Each one was stored separately and kept fresh with ice. In fact, there weren't that many in the cart.

After staying there for several days, the little princess couldn't help but look back at the locked courtyard. Without much reluctance, she turned around and got into the carriage.

Ultimately, this place was just a temporary stop for them on their journey, no different from an inn.

Chen Xuan glanced casually in all directions. The stench of blood in the air was strong. After a night, the tense and murderous atmosphere had not diminished but had become even stronger. Therefore, he couldn't stay in Jade City any longer; it would ruin his mood. He needed to rest... (End of Chapter)