Chapter Twenty-Seven
With the sound of the gavel striking the table, a famous teahouse specialty makes its appearance, beginning to tell a story that only those with a special destiny can hear.
"It is said that many years ago, an 'immortal' appeared in this place. He had a magical pill that, once ingested, could cause miraculous changes to the body, such as gaining immense strength, flying through the air, or turning stones into gold..."
"Many people didn't believe in this 'immortal' at first, until one person appeared. He had been diagnosed by doctors as weak since birth and needed to rest and avoid overexertion. He had to do everything slowly. But he was fed up with this slow and leisurely lifestyle, so he went to the 'immortal' and asked for a pill. He took it on the spot, then walked to a large water vat in the courtyard. He bent his knees, squatted down, and hugged it with his arms. After taking a deep breath, he lifted the large water vat, which usually required many people to lift, with ease. It was no exaggeration to say that it was effortless!"
"Later, many people sought out the 'immortal,' some wanting to be surrounded by gold and silver treasures, others wanting to acquire martial arts skills..."
"Gradually, more and more people realized their wishes and obtained what they desired through the 'immortals,' but later all of these people disappeared... without exception."
The storyteller's tone gradually became terrifying and sinister, then he stood up and made a sweeping gesture with his pen.
"By a stroke of luck, I met an immortal. The immortal gave me a pill, which I swallowed. After the pill took effect, it disappeared and could not be found again!"
"Good! Good! Good!" Everyone in the hall clapped their hands in unison.
"Sir, what is the title of the poem?" someone asked.
"Medicine is life-threatening!" The storyteller slammed his gavel.
"To find out what happens next, if you're destined to hear it, keep listening; if not, don't worry about it!" The storyteller stroked his beard and then left the famous teahouse.
——
Private room on the second floor.
"Mumu, this storyteller is really good. He speaks eloquently and even uses the rhetorical device of 'anaphora'. He's brilliant!" Cat clapped.
"Indeed talented!" Xiao Liunian agreed with Maomao's opinion, but reserved his opinion on the applause and cheers from the crowd.
“This teahouse is nice, the dim sum is delicious. We should also go back and see what General Yang’s decision is,” Xiao Liunian said.
"Mumu, what if Yang Ying doesn't agree?" The system was a little worried, but only a little.
"If a person is dying of thirst in the desert, with only one breath left, and suddenly a cup of water appears in front of them, do you think that person will drink it?" Xiao Liunian did not answer Thirteen's question, but instead asked Thirteen another question.
"Drink!" He was about to die, and drinking might allow him to live a little longer. Why not drink? For Yang Ying, the Instructor's Manual was like a cup of water on his deathbed.
"Let's go, it seems our connection with this gentleman isn't too short! We can try other teas and snacks next time!" Xiao Liunian rubbed Thirteen's fluffy little head.
At the Prince of Zhenbei's mansion, Xiao Liunian returned to the courtyard, where he and his cat took a wonderful afternoon nap. When they woke up, the sun was already setting.
"Greetings, Miss Liu. The Prince and the General request your presence!" the steward said.
"Please lead the way!" Xiao Liunian said.
"Your Highness, General, Miss Liu has arrived!" the steward reported.
"You may all leave now!" Zhenbei King Cen Jin waved his hand in greeting.
"Greetings, Prince Zhenbei, General Yang!" Based on seniority, Xiao Liunian considered whether to stage a family reunion, but then thought better of it. Prince Zhenbei's seniority was a bit too high. Although it wasn't for no reason that he would become a grandson, he still didn't really want to be a grandson.
"Your Highness!" Yang Ying quickly stepped forward and supported Xiao Liunian's arms. The person in front of her was Princess Chang Le, and she felt she couldn't accept her bow.
“Your Highness, General, my name is Liu Nian,” Xiao Liunian said.
"Miss Liu, please take a seat!" Although Cen Jin addressed him as His Highness, he was still very polite.
“You can sit, but there’s no need for the seat of honor!” Xiao Liunian sat down and pulled out a chair for Thirteen as well. Cat jumped off Xiao Liunian’s shoulder and sat down in a human-like manner.
Upon seeing this, Prince Cen Jin of Zhenbei and General Yang Ying had no choice but to take their seats.
“Young lady, you have come from afar. My husband and I will offer you a cup of tea instead of wine.” Cen Jin and Yang Ying raised their teacups with both hands.
"I should thank you both. I'm new here and have caused you any trouble!" Xiao Liunian picked up his teacup and took a sip.
"What do you think of General Yang's career plan? I wonder if I, Liu, might have the honor of securing a position as an instructor in the army?" Xiao Liunian asked, while simultaneously using his chopsticks to pick up a piece of roasted lamb chop and hand it to Thirteen. You could see the furry man gnawing on the bone. Good!
"With your talent, young lady, you could be a military instructor, or even a general!" Yang Ying praised sincerely.
"General? Let's forget it! The position of instructor is most suitable for me right now." Xiao Liunian indirectly accepted Yang Ying's praise. Cat, who was gnawing on lamb chops nearby, thought to himself, "Just as I thought. My host is completely illiterate when it comes to the word 'humility,' but it suits my taste perfectly."
If bystanders knew what this person and cat were thinking, they would probably say, "The cat follows the person, and the person follows the cat; they are in the same boat!"
"When does the young lady plan to begin training the troops?"
“Your Highness, please decide. You are the Grand General of the Wuzhou Army, and military affairs should be decided by you. I am merely an instructor in the army,” Xiao Liunian said.
“I heard from Madam that Miss wants to go horseback riding on the grasslands. Tomorrow morning I will have someone take Miss to the horse farm to choose a horse. After that, Miss can choose whatever she likes. The day after tomorrow, Miss will officially begin taking on the role of instructor and start the training program! I wonder what Miss thinks?” Cen Jin asked.
"Thank you, Your Highness. The general's arrangement is very suitable!" Xiao Liunian raised his teacup to express his gratitude.
“It is on behalf of the people that we thank you for your kindness, young lady!” Cen Jin said.
"No need, I'm just an ordinary citizen, doing my part!" Xiao Liunian said.
"Meow!" Thirteen was shoveling food into his host's hands. It's so late, and he's still talking without eating. Isn't he hungry? This system is understanding, so I'll feed my host this time too.
"My husband and I have failed to provide adequate hospitality, young lady, please!"
"These are all local specialties, young lady, please try them."
"good!"
A loving couple, a cat who loves food, and a host who is indeed very hungry—all three of them and the cat are very satisfied with today's meal.
After finishing his meal, Xiao Liunian declined the offer of Zhenbei Prince Cen Jin and General Yang Ying to see him off and returned to his courtyard on his own.
“Yingzi, I don’t want to get involved in all that stuff in Jinling City, but now…” Cen Jin didn’t finish his sentence, but Yang Ying already understood what he meant.
"She saw the crisis that the northern border of Jinling would face and the calamity that the people would suffer, and then she chose to come here to do her part. From this, it can be seen that she is also a person with a great sense of righteousness." Yang Ying thought of her family members who died in the war when she was young. In her opinion, no matter why this Princess Chang Le came, it was enough that she could strengthen the Wuzhou army.
"Yes, given my position here, there are some things I can't avoid. But after so many years of relative peace, I've inevitably become a little lazy!"
"Thanks to your understanding, Madam!" Cen Jin turned and head towards Yang Ying.
"Meeting you, Madam, is the greatest blessing of my life!" Cen Jin said, taking Yang Ying's hand in his.
Just as the two were about to indulge in their sweet marital bliss, they heard a chattering sound coming from outside the door. Cen Jin and Yang Ying exchanged a glance, silently wondering to themselves, "Did we make a mistake arranging for Arou to ride with the princess tomorrow?"
The person who came was Cen Jin and Yang Ying's second daughter, named Rou. The couple originally named her Rou because of the idea of "overcoming strength with gentleness," hoping that their youngest daughter would think things through and not rush headlong into things. However, Cen Rou was the opposite of the idea of "overcoming strength with gentleness," which could be seen from the approaching footsteps and chattering voice.
“Father, Mother, the steward said that Xiao Mo recommended someone to join the army. He must be a hero. I wonder where this hero is?” Cen Rou walked steadily and powerfully to Cen Jin and Yang Ying.
"It just so happens that this heroine wants to enjoy the scenery of the grasslands and ride horses tomorrow morning. You should take her to the horse farm to choose a horse first thing tomorrow morning. If she needs one, you can go with her!" Yang Ying arranged.
"Very well! I want to meet this hero!"
"Did you eat before you came back? Would you like some late-night snacks?" Cen Jin asked.
"I've already eaten. Since Father and Mother don't intend to say anything more, I'll go and rest first. Father and Mother too!" Cen Rou came quickly and left quickly, all in a flurry.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
