I proved immortality through the imperial examination.

Chapter 142 Parties
In the still of the night, the eaves of Wei Yang's residence in Yong'an resembled a half-drawn sword.

The level has risen; the regulations for a prefecture-level official's office are quite extensive.
The Wei family has always had very few servants. The courtyard is large, and the wind chimes under the eaves echo back and forth when they ring or stop.

Inside the study, Wei Yang had not yet removed his court robes, the corners of which still carried the cool scent of sandalwood from the hall.

He sat quietly without lighting a lamp.

After an unknown amount of time, Madam Wei entered carrying a lamp. "Has there been a result in the case of Young Master Xue's unauthorized murder?"

Wei Yang remained expressionless and replied in a low voice, "He's fine."

"Wei Ping has been brought to court by them. What do they want with Wei Ping?"

Madam Wei stared straight at Wei Yang.

Wei Yang's heart skipped a beat, realizing that Madam Wei knew everything.

The study fell silent instantly, and a breeze slipped in through the crack in the door, flicking the candle flame in Madam Wei's hand.

After a long pause, Wei Yangfang said, "I have my reasons."

Madam Wei continued to stare at Wei Yang, her gaze utterly calm. "Your predicament?"
The reason I valued you back then was precisely because of your loyalty and sense of righteousness.

You said, "Be honest first, then be clever," and I still remember that.

Do you still recognize yourself now?

Using tricks to climb the ladder is perfectly harmless.

But who is Xue Xiang? He's your student.

Heaven, Earth, Ruler, Parents, and Teacher—how could you betray your own student in public? How could you do something so shameless?

"shut up!"

Wei Yang's brow furrowed, and her eyes turned cold. "Isn't your concern for Xue Xiang a bit excessive?"
Do you think I don't know what happened at the Peony Festival?

Madam Wei's finger, pointing at Wei Yang, suddenly tightened, and the veins beneath her sleeve bulged.

She tried her best to keep her voice steady, "Fine, fine, Wei Yang, Wei Zhongde, how dare you humiliate me like this."

Since things have come to this, our marriage is over. Write me a letter of divorce immediately.

Wei Yang's mind went blank for a moment, her face turned pale, and she took a step forward, almost kneeling. "Madam, please calm down. I spoke recklessly. I was blinded by anger. Madam..."

Madam Wei's family was quite powerful, and Wei Yang had always relied on them.

Besides, he was only provoked by Madam Wei's words, which is why he spoke without thinking.

He himself did not believe that Xue Xiang and Madam Wei had any private affair.

Madam Wei stopped speaking, put down the oil lamp, gave him one last look, and said coldly, "Upright and unyielding, righteous and incorruptible."

After saying that, she turned and left.

The gauze curtain was lifted, letting in the night air, and the lamplight flickered and lengthened.

Her figure paused for a moment on the threshold, as if putting down some old dream, before disappearing into the end of the corridor without looking back.

Wei Yang stood frozen in place, silently savoring Madam Wei's words: "Upright and unyielding, righteous and unscrupulous."

This line was the very poem he recited when he first met Madam Wei, in order to display his integrity.

Now it seems to have become a eulogy for burying this relationship.

………………

Before the morning mist had completely dissipated, the ridges of Shenjialingtian were already crowded with people.

Xue Xiang stood beside a blue stone boundary marker, holding a slender array flag. The flag was pale gold with array patterns faintly visible. With a shake of his hand, the array's base quietly lit up on the ground, emitting a warm white light.

Wherever the battle flags went, the measurements were precise, down to the last inch.

For every inch that extends beyond a zhang (approximately 3.3 meters), a white light flashes gently, and new numbers appear on the array plate.

On the surrounding ridges, more and more onlookers, including villagers and cultivators, gradually gathered. Some stood on tiptoe to look, some whispered among themselves, and most simply watched, their eyes filled with an indescribable fervor.

Above the mist, the sun gradually emerged, and sunlight streamed down through the thin fog, making Xue Xiang's clothes gleam.

Meanwhile, in the Shen family ancestral home, the atmosphere in the council hall was somber.

Shen Junyuan sat upright behind the desk, his expression indifferent.

There were seven or eight people gathered in the hall, all of whom were key members of the Shen family.

Someone slammed their fist on the table in anger, raising their voice, "Master! Xue Xiang's measurement of the spirit fields today is tantamount to confiscating our property!"

I think we should immediately mobilize the clan's troops and drive him out of the fields!

Another person chimed in, "With the help of a spirit array, we can create some smoke, causing the array flags to lose their accuracy. Then, we can take advantage of the chaos to launch a counterattack and cripple that guy surnamed Xue."

"I'm sure no one can find any fault with me."

Shen Junyuan's brow furrowed slightly, his head throbbing with pain.

Sitting at the lower end of the table, Shen Shoushan slowly shook his head. "A fool's dream."

"What do you mean by that, Seventh Uncle?"

Some people disagreed.

Shen Shoushan's gaze swept over everyone. "As I said before, some things are only worth four ounces when you put them on the scale, but once you put them on the scale, they weigh a ton."

After Xue Xiang caused that scene at Zhengyi Hall, the cleanup of our family's spiritual fields was like putting a heavy weight on a scale—it was impossible to control!

Suddenly, Shen Shoushan pointed to the sunlight outside the window, "Now, when he measures a spiritual field, it attracts thousands of onlookers."

This level of attention—like the blazing sun—kills all the dark secrets and shady dealings.

At this point, any underhanded tactics would be suicidal.

The hall was quiet, with only the rustling of the wind through the bamboo grove outside the courtyard, sounding like a sigh.

………………

In the afternoon, the mountain breeze of Lingyun Peak, carrying a faint fragrance of plum blossoms, swept along the bluestone plank road.

Xue Xiang rode slowly up in a carved carriage, the wheels rolling over fallen flowers, making a soft, crisp sound.

In the distance, the vermilion eaves and golden tiles on the mountainside are the newly completed Huanxizong Mountain Gate.

Several colorful flags fluttered in the wind, reflecting the sunlight, exuding a rather flamboyant air.

Today, it was Zhao Huanhuan who invited him here.

The carriage stopped in a newly paved white jade square. Zhao Huanhuan stood under the eaves in a light red dress with a very slender waist. Her long hair was tied up in a flying cloud bun, and her eyes and brows held a familiar smile.

Behind her, a grand hall under construction was beginning to take shape, with gilded bells hanging from the eaves, their clear sounds audible when the wind blew.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, the two walked side by side into a side hall overlooking the cliff.

The hall was covered with a newly made fine-textured carpet, and the fireplace was burning warmly.

Zhao Huanhuan first poured him a cup of Biluochun tea, then gently pushed it onto the table with her slender fingers. "Has the case of the Shen family's spirit field been completed, sir?"

Xue Xiang nodded. "More than 2,000 mu were seized, and the records have been filed and sent to the prefecture."

"You've really offended the Shen family this time."

Zhao Huanhuan smiled.

Xue Xiang laughed, "It's as if they'd find me agreeable if I did nothing."

If you're afraid of trouble, don't become an official; if you're an official, don't be afraid of trouble.

"Sect Leader Zhao, you didn't invite me here today just to hear my advice on how to be an official on the forum, did you?"

Zhao Huanhuan smiled freely, her smile as bright as a blooming flower, "Now that the adults have finished chewing the tough nuts, it's naturally my turn to take the stage."

I'd like to host a reception, and I'll send an invitation to every prominent family, sect, and gang involved in the case and awaiting investigation. What do you think?

"They might not come."

Xue Xiang's fingers slowly caressed the rim of the teacup, as if weighing the pros and cons.

Zhao Huanhuan leaned forward and lowered her voice even further, "They naturally won't give me face on my own, but I will hint that you will be there when I send out the invitations."

All you need to do is show up at the party, and everything will fall into place.

From now on, you will not need to meet with these people again; I will take care of everything.

You will receive what you deserve; not a speck of filth will stain your robes.

"what would you like?"

Xue Xiang stared at Zhao Huanhuan, and the more he looked at her, the more he felt that this woman was like a glass of wine laced with aphrodisiac.

"I want you……"

"Ok?"

"Hahaha……"

Zhao Huanhuan's laughter was clear and crisp like a bell, then her eyes softened and she said, "I need you to protect me. It's very hard for a young woman to support a sect."

Without the care of adults, this young lady would be like the potted plant in this hall, unable to withstand even a single storm.

"That's easy. Are there any other requirements? Please tell me them all at once."

Xue Xiang was still very grateful to Zhao Huanhuan.

Without her guidance, Xue Xiang would probably be worrying about where to get the Foundation Establishment Pill.

Zhao Huanhuan slowly put down her teacup, her eyes smiling but with a hint of hesitation. "Since you insisted I speak, I do have a request." "Speak."

“Someone approached me… wanting to use the water and fire spiritual veins of Lingyun Peak as a foundation-building training ground.”

Her voice was soft and gentle, with a hint of probing.

"Dual spiritual veins have this effect?"

Xue Xiang was overjoyed.

If it helps with foundation building, then when I build my foundation in the future, I won't need to search the world for a blessed land.

"Anyway, the spiritual veins that have been cleared out can't be moved. The higher-ups can't take care of them for the time being, so they've set up a large array to seal them off, and I have temporary control over them."

Xue Xiang thought for a moment, "How about this, you can build a small house next to the spiritual vein, and I'll put up a sign for you that says 'Spiritual Property Management Office.' You can sit here and act as the outer steward of the Spiritual Property Management Office."

I'll get you a receipt then.

Zhao Huanhuan's eyes lit up instantly. "You're so thoughtful, sir. It would be so convenient to have your badge."

Zhao Huanhuan stared intently at Xue Xiang, her delight growing with each glance, wishing she could give him a light peck on the cheek.

After all, what Xue Xiang gave was not just a signboard, but a super-sized gift package.

Previously, I guarded a dual spiritual vein, but I could only watch and not touch it.

Now things are much better. With official registration and a sign up, as long as we don't make a big fuss, we can practically openly operate for the public.

After all, a place where two spirits converge is naturally a blessed land suitable for foundation building.

One visit to a client could probably equal a month's income for the Joyful Sect.

…………

As the year draws to a close, the streets and alleys of Yong'an City are gradually becoming lively.

Red lanterns hung under the eaves of teahouses and taverns, and children crowded around the sugar painting stalls at the street corner. The air after the snow carried the aroma of cinnamon and cured meat.

Xue Xiang originally planned to return to Yunmeng for the New Year.

However, Song Tingfang stayed in Yong'an City for the New Year.

Liu Zhiwei and she were like sisters, and she visited her almost every few days.

Song Tingfang is Xue Xiang's uncle by marriage and had helped him when he was in trouble. If he were to let her spend the New Year alone, it would seem heartless and ungrateful.

Therefore, Xue Xiang decided that the whole family would spend the Spring Festival in Yong'an this year.

On the twenty-first day of the twelfth lunar month, as night fell, the Lingyun Terrace south of Yong'an City was brightly lit, as if it were daytime.

Zhao Huanhuan, dressed in a moon-white flowing gauze dress, greeted guests from all directions with a smile, her golden hairpin swaying, her every step graceful.

The party she hosted was packed with guests, the air filled with the aroma of wine and laughter. Xue Xiang was among them, being toasted and greeted round after round, accompanying Zhao Huanhuan through the entire event.

On the twenty-third day of the twelfth lunar month, Leng Cuifeng sealed off the government office.

Starting from the 23rd day of the twelfth lunar month, Xue Xiang's residence became lively.

Various New Year's goods and gifts were sent from Yunmeng and Suiyang, and there was no way to refuse them.

What moved Xue Xiang the most was that many people from Suiyang Town specially asked merchants to deliver cartloads of their homemade preserved meats, candied fruits, and dried fruits.

On the 28th day of the twelfth lunar month, the Xue family mobilized early in the morning.

Today is food preparation day; we need to prepare braised and steamed dishes for entertaining guests during the Spring Festival in advance.

Steam rose from the large wooden table under the eaves, filling the air with a fragrant aroma.

In the iron pot, pig's trotters and beef were being cooked in a thick, oily broth, and the aroma of star anise, cinnamon, and Sichuan peppercorns filled the courtyard.

In a large wooden basin on the other side, marinated pork cheek meat was quietly absorbing the flavors, sprinkled with fine pepper powder and minced scallions and ginger.

Rows of sausages hung in the kitchen, their bright red color and glistening oil shimmering warmly in the light and shadow.

The steamer was filled with the aroma of meat, which was the sliced ​​pork belly and ribs layered with glutinous rice and shiitake mushrooms. The steam, carrying the fragrance, rose gently from the gaps in the bamboo steamer.

Liu Zhiwei, wearing a faded blue apron, was so busy she barely had time to breathe.

He would occasionally check the heat in the pot, sometimes instruct Xiao Shi to fetch the seasonings, and at the same time keep an eye on the steamer next to the stove.

Xue Xiang was just picking up a piece of steamed pork with his chopsticks and putting it in his mouth when Fan Youyi arrived in his carriage outside the door.

He carefully helped Xue's mother out of the car.

It turned out that Xue's mother had been in a bad mood recently, and Xue Xiang was about to get involved in the situation again.

Xue Xiang then sent his mother to Yunmeng ahead of time, entrusting her to his uncle Song Yuan for care.

Sure enough, when Xue's mother returned to Yunmeng, she found a mahjong partner and they had a great time playing.

When we met again today, Xue's mother looked much better.

"My lord, it's getting late. We can go and call Sister Song now."

Liu Zhiwei deftly prepared the dressing for the cold dish.

The friendship between Liu Zhiwei and Song Tingfang was established when Song Tingfang helped Liu Zhiwei suppress her spiritual blood.

Even Xue Xiang didn't know how the two of them had become so close.

Half an incense stick later, Xue Xiang, carrying a carved sandalwood gift box, walked along the bluestone path to Song Tingfang's temporary official residence.

This house was allocated by the government office and was formerly the residence of an official who had been sent to a remote area. The courtyard was not large, but it had a square layout, and the eaves were covered with a thin layer of snow, making it appear cold and quiet.

When Xue Xiang arrived, the gate of the house was ajar.

Song Tingfang disliked outsiders, so he not only didn't arrange for a gatekeeper, but he also didn't hire a single servant.

Xue Xiang called out twice at the door, and when there was no response, he pushed the door open and went in.

I searched the front yard but couldn't find Man Ting Fang.

As Xue Xiang walked through the two corridors and arrived at the side hall, the scent of sandalwood mingled with the aroma of charcoal from the brazier.

Song Tingfang was leaning against the couch, her outer robe loosened to her waist, revealing a section of her snow-white inner garment, and her skirt was lifted high, revealing her fair and plump long legs.

She held a book in one hand, her eyes focused, while the other hand moved rhythmically.

Xue Xiang called out, and Song Tingfang was struck as if by lightning. Her body trembled, and the book in her hand slipped and fell onto the brocade quilt with a "thud," then fell to the ground.

Her expression changed slightly, and almost subconsciously she raised her hand and snatched the book back into her hand, quickly hiding it in her sleeve as if concealing something shameful.

However, Xue Xiang's gaze still caught the clear words "Huang Rong" on the page.

"hiss!"

Xue Xiang gasped inwardly. Wasn't this the erotic book he had written for Liu Zhiwei?

"What are you here for?"

Song Tingfang's face was flushed with an unnatural blush, but the panic in her eyes had subsided.

Xue Xiang bowed and said, "Uncle-Master, today is the 28th of the twelfth lunar month. My family is busy preparing New Year's dishes, so I have come to invite you to come and have a gathering."

Song Tingfang's expression softened a bit, and she looked up at him, "Okay, I'll go in a bit."

Xue Xiang got up to take his leave and was about to leave when he heard Song Tingfang ask, "Do you still have the Foundation Establishment Pill that the sect gave you?"

"exist."

"If you don't need it, give it to Liu Zhiwei first."

Seeing Xue Xiang hesitate, she added, "I've never heard of the Spirit Clan requiring two Foundation Establishment Pills to establish their Foundation."

Xue Xiang was overjoyed and quickly agreed.

…………

At 3:45 PM, red lanterns hung high inside the Xue residence, and the aroma wafted from the kitchen all the way to the outer corridor.

Half an incense stick later, Xue Xiang's family, along with Song Tingfang, sat together around the warm charcoal stove to enjoy dinner.

The steaming hot dish on the table had an especially rich aroma of steamed pork with rice flour—the rice flour coating was just right, and the pork was steamed until it was soft, flavorful, and not greasy at all.

Song Tingfang took a bite, her eyes brightened slightly, and she couldn't help but pick up a second piece with her chopsticks. "Your steamed pork is even more delicious than the ones I've had in Jiangnan."

Upon hearing this, Madam Xue beamed with joy, "It's delicious, little sister, have some more."

The Xue family had long since lost their way of addressing Song Tingfang.

Xue Xiang called him "Master Uncle," which is nothing special.

Liu Zhiwei and Song Tingfang were close friends, and she called Song Tingfang "elder sister".

At this moment, Xue's mother, standing on Xue Xiang's side, also recognized Song Tingfang as her younger sister.

By this calculation, Liu Zhiwei and Xue's mother are now of the same generation.

Song Tingfang also seemed to enjoy the festive atmosphere at the Xue residence.

After dinner, she left without saying goodbye.

When Xue's mother got excited, she started preparing to play mahjong. As soon as the mahjong table was set up, Song Tingfang sat down behind Liu Zhiwei and watched her play.

Song Tingfang was exceptionally intelligent and quickly grasped the rules of mahjong, eventually pushing Fan Youyi off the table and taking the game himself.

Xue Xiang was engrossed in reading when suddenly a dark figure rushed in front of the door.

(End of this chapter)