When they arrived at the place, Xie Chongyue did not take him into Prince Qi's Mansion, knowing that Xu Shiqing did not like that place - even though Chen Sheng's grudge had been resolved a few years ago, things were not so easy to let go. It had nothing to do with the person, but no one would like a place that constantly brought back unpleasant memories.
He took Xu Shiqing to the house on the other side.
It was a courtyard not far from Jinling, where they planted a small patch of cucumbers. Xie Chongyue originally wanted to plant exotic flowers and plants, but Xu Shiqing wanted to eat pickled cucumbers, so he turned to it.
Because of the grand reward in the capital, Xu Shiqing was extremely famous. Of course, he didn't dare to go back to Bian Jing, and it was even more impossible for him to be careless and wander around the world as if nothing had happened.
What's more, the imperial court was in the process of vigorously rectifying the martial arts world. Almost all people in the martial arts world changed their previous style and became low-key. It was even less likely that Xu Shiqing would deliberately go out to show off.
So he decided to rest for half a year before setting off again.
Xie Chongyue then proposed to go to Jinling. Firstly, that was where the Prince Qi's palace was located, and it would be easier for him to mobilize forces and resources. Secondly, he also wanted Xu Shiqing to meet his mother, the Princess of Qi.
When in the capital, Xie Chongyue found an opportunity to tell Liu Xiangsheng about him and Xu Shiqing. He guessed that his father must have informed him in advance, because Liu Xiangsheng just smiled at him sinisterly and didn't say anything.
So when Xu Shiqing later went to confess to him, he found that his master had no reaction at all, and he held Xie Chongyue's hand in a panic, trying helplessly to prove that he was not deceived or carried away by the moment, and that he really liked Xie Chongyue and hoped to continue together, and so on.
Hearing Liu Xiangsheng speechless, Xie Chongyue's face turned red.
Xu Shiqing couldn't help but realize he had misunderstood. Having already spoken, he could only blush and stumble over the question again. Liu Xiangsheng was left with only amusement, and told Xu Shiqing he was already 25 years old.
The implication is that you can do whatever you want.
Needless to say, if Princess Qi didn't agree, Xie Chongyue wouldn't let them meet, so this matter went as smoothly as if Xu Shiqing was just invited over for a meal.
At the end, the Princess of Qi stuffed a handful of banknotes and the so-called gift list into Xu Shiqing's pocket, then walked away leisurely, with a calm demeanor as if she was leaving after the task was done.
Xu Shiqing looked at the money and gift list in his arms in surprise.
"Keep it. Mother has scolded me many times for not giving you all the money from the farm."
Xie Chongyue smiled. They both had their own considerations on this matter. Not to mention the Demon Cult, Xu Shiqing couldn't just ignore those people from Jianmen who didn't join the Jinyiwei and chose to continue to venture out.
Shili Pavilion is now an official institution and cannot act as arbitrarily as before. Moreover, taking care of the disciples of the original sect also involves the flow of money.
Therefore, Xu Shiqing, the eldest brother who was apparently enjoying himself, needed more attention. His money was naturally spent without a trace. As for Xie Chongyue, the Demon Cult's expenses couldn't be shouldered solely by the Cult Leader. They would simply starve. But don't forget that the Lingnan defenders had fought a single battle the previous summer, and Xie Chongyue's money had almost all gone into compensation for the soldiers killed in the battle.
The government did provide pensions, but the amount was far from satisfactory. Some local officials even embezzled the money—a common occurrence throughout history.
The two paupers had their own reasons for being poor this year, and it was hard not to suspect that they stayed in Jinling out of necessity rather than willingly.
The yard was quiet and there was not a single servant.
The two men were used to the world and lived a casual life, not caring about the pomp or having someone to serve them. For Xie Chongyue and Xu Shiqing, since they could make a living on their own, they were too lazy to let other people appear in their lives.
As time went on, Xie Chongyue began to worry. He discovered that Xu Shiqing was not gaining weight.
The sword immortal is just like a jade spirit, once it takes shape it will not grow any longer.
Xie Chongyue was so worried that he considered going to the palace to borrow a chef from the imperial kitchen to learn more. He suspected that his cooking was not tasty.
Xu Shiqing was unaware of the twisted thoughts in his mind. He was strolling through the streets and alleys of Jinling, excitedly thinking about what sights there were to see around.
Xie Chongyue said there was a mountain and there was a temple on the mountain.
The temples in Jinling were extremely popular and bustling with people. The dignitaries from all around would light eternal lamps here to accumulate merits, pray for blessings and ward off disasters, or seek benefits for their afterlife.
Besides, the mountain is also a beautiful place to visit.
After listening to his introduction, Xu Shiqing nodded, then thought of something and said, "Since we're going, let's light a few lamps."
"Who is this for?" Xie Chongyue turned his head to look at him and asked.
Xu Shiqing lowered his eyes and looked at their clasped hands: "...light a candle for the soldiers and civilians in Guandong."
"..." Xie Chongyue knew that he was thinking about what happened on the battlefield. Those were not good memories. They never mentioned their feelings about such situations. They just tacitly took care of the soldiers to the best of their ability.
They are always worried and never seem to have a moment to truly relax. These worries are burned into wine, rolled into their throats, and are full of helpless sadness.
The world of martial arts, the world of martial arts... there is never a shortage of tragedy.
Xu Shiqing said that the wine in Guandong is too strong, so strong that it can make people cry.
At that time, the army led by Xie Chongyue was barely able to supply food and fodder, but someone sent him a jar of wine.
How could this wine not be strong? It is filled with the tears of the people and the blood of the soldiers.
"Light a candle for the soldiers in Lingnan and Huaibei," Xie Chongyue said. "The border is tough, let them come and see the prosperity of Nanjing."
This chapter is not over yet, please click on the next page to continue reading!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
