Daqian Martial Saint

After leaving Pear Blossom Lane, Chen Ping’an wandered leisurely around Weishui County City for a while longer.

Come to think of it, despite having been in Weishui County City for so long, he had never properly explored it.

At first, he had the time but not the mood. Later, he had neither the time nor the mood. And just when he finally had both, he found himself being suppressed by the Fang Family.

Now, on a rare trip back to Weishui, his business was mostly concluded. Chen Ping’an could finally quiet his mind and properly take a look around.

Inside Weishui County City, streets paved with bluestone slabs crisscrossed in a sprawling network. Shops lined both sides, with people constantly coming and going, creating a lively scene.

The shops on either side were varied, including jewelry stores, artisan workshops, weapon smiths, and even a Treasure Pavilion.

Chen Ping’an strolled along the bustling street, admiring the prosperity of the mortal world.

”Tanghulu! Get your tanghulu here!”

The cry came from a corner of the street, and Chen Ping’an couldn’t help but smile.

’If Nannan were here, she’d definitely be clamoring for tanghulu again.’

That little girl... If you called her immature, she’d gravely inform you that she wanted to learn the Kingdom and Tyranny Technique. But if you called her mature, she’d be rooted to the spot at the sight of food.

Picturing Chen Erya’s face, Chen Ping’an broke into a small smile.

He happened to be passing a Treasure Pavilion and decided to go in.

”Young Master, welcome. Please, come in.” A maid greeted him respectfully at the entrance.

Although Chen Ping’an wasn’t wearing his Garrison Commandant’s Office uniform, he was well-dressed and had the air of someone wealthy or noble. The maid leading him was naturally cautious.

”What might the Young Master be looking for?”

The shop was quite large, filled with a dazzling array of treasures.

Chen Ping’an didn’t answer the maid, instead letting his gaze sweep across the room.

His eyes were drawn to a bracelet woven from colorful silk threads not far away.

A small golden charm with an exquisite pattern engraved on it adorned the bracelet.

’This bracelet is nice!’

Chen Ping’an’s eyes lit up.

According to custom, when a baby in the family turned one, a pair of silver rings were forged and placed on their ankles. It was said to prevent the child from getting lost.

Poorer families used less silver for the rings, while wealthier ones used a more solid amount.

When Chen Erya turned one, Old Chen was still around, and the family was well-off. He had a solid pair of silver rings made for the little girl, with a delicate little bell attached to each one.

Wherever the little girl went, she would make a JINGLE JINGLE sound.

But later, Old Chen was gravely injured and had to retire from the Garrison Commandant’s Office. To secure Chen Ping’an a position as a temporary constable, he pawned the silver rings.

He still remembered how the little girl’s eyes were red, her lips pressed tight, trying so hard not to cry. Chen Ping’an remembered her pitiful expression to this day.

Later, after he was promoted to Constable, he tried to buy the silver rings back. But too much time had passed, and Nannan’s rings were long gone.

...

When Chen Ping’an left the Treasure Pavilion, he was carrying an exquisite gift box. Inside was that very bracelet.

Nannan was older now, so silver rings were no longer needed, but this bracelet made a perfect gift.

’Come to think of it, I’ve really been a derelict older brother! In White Stone City, I was considered something of a giant, yet I never once gave Nannan a proper gift.’

’I’ll make up for it! Make up for it! I’ll make up for it all!’

Chen Ping’an smiled and shook his head.

Next, Chen Ping’an bought some other trinkets. When he passed a bookstore, he went in and bought several books, deciding to give them to Nannan as gifts as well.

’Speaking of which, it’s been a while since I left White Stone City. I wonder how Nannan is doing at home?’

’An older brother is like a father!’

A wave of paternal worry washed over Chen Ping’an.

’After I see Commander Liu, I’ll head back to White Stone City immediately!’

...

Chen Ping’an spent another night at the inn. It wasn’t that he had nowhere else to stay in Weishui County City. In fact, many of his colleagues from the Weishui Garrison had invited him to stay at their homes for a few days. Some even mentioned they had vacant residences he was welcome to use anytime.

Chen Ping’an had refused every one of these invitations. In this world, any debt could be repaid, but a debt of gratitude was the hardest of all.

Early the next morning, Chen Ping’an went to the Weishui Garrison again. He walked through the main gate amidst the respectful greetings of numerous constables.

His luck was good today. After drinking tea for a while in Zhao Lianzhi’s office, he was informed that Commander Liu was available.

In a bright, spacious, and luxurious office, Chen Ping’an once again met with the great personage of the Weishui Garrison.

”This subordinate pays his respects, My Lord!” Chen Ping’an bowed his head and clasped his hands, his posture perfectly appropriate.

”Ah, Ping’an, you’re here.”

Seeing Chen Ping’an again, Liu Yuanhua acted very gently, presenting the image of a kind and amiable elder. It was as if he had forgotten that Chen Ping’an had rejected his attempt to recruit him last time.

Although Chen Ping’an didn’t know what Liu Yuanhua was plotting, since the man was acting amicably, he was happy to play along.

The two of them had a rather smooth conversation. Liu Yuanhua asked Chen Ping’an for his thoughts on patrolling the periphery of the Trade Route, as well as his assessment of the Trade Route’s situation.

Since he had taken the position of Vice Inspector of Trade Route, Chen Ping’an had given these matters some thought in his spare time. He answered Liu Yuanhua’s questions fluently.

”I heard you paid a visit to the Mu Family a couple of days ago?” Liu Yuanhua said, seemingly at random.

’Here it comes!’

Chen Ping’an tensed inwardly.

’I knew it wouldn’t be that easy!’

”Reporting to Lord Liu, since my humble beginnings, this subordinate has been on quite good terms with Mu Wanjun, the direct daughter of the Mu Family. The night before last, I attended a banquet at Wan Jun’s invitation,” Chen Ping’an replied.

”I see.” Liu Yuanhua nodded. ”I didn’t expect you to have such a connection with the Mu Family.”

’Old fox!’

’As if you didn’t know!’

Chen Ping’an complained inwardly.

’For Liu Yuanhua to hold his position, how could he possibly be unaware of such simple information? Asking this question must have a deeper meaning.’

Sure enough, Liu Yuanhua continued, ”There are countless young men in our Weishui County City, but only you and my Liu Family’s prodigy, Liu Ziming, have made it onto the Canglong Province’s Rising Star Chart. Since you are both prodigies, it stands to reason that you should be well-acquainted and on good terms.

I wonder if Ping’an would be interested in attending a banquet at my Liu Family’s home to get to know our family’s prodigy?”

Liu Yuanhua didn’t state it outright, but the meaning behind his words couldn’t be clearer.

’The day before yesterday, you went to the Mu Family’s banquet. You said it was because you’re good friends with their daughter, Mu Wanjun. I accept that reasoning.

So, when it comes to my Liu Family, shouldn’t you also pay us a visit on the grounds that you and Liu Ziming are both prodigies on the Rising Star Chart?

Furthermore, Liu Ziming is not someone Mu Wanjun can compare to. Naturally, my Liu Family is not someone the Mu Family can compare to, either. In all of Weishui County City, only my Liu Family has the qualifications and power to recruit you!’

Compared to his last attempt, Liu Yuanhua’s recruitment effort this time was undoubtedly more subtle.

Chen Ping’an naturally understood Liu Yuanhua’s meaning as well.

”If Lord Liu invites me, Ping’an will certainly attend. However, this subordinate only wishes to serve the Garrison Commandant’s Office faithfully, one step at a time. As for the title of ’prodigy,’ Ping’an is unworthy. I must ask Lord Liu not to praise this subordinate so excessively.”

Oh?

The moment Chen Ping’an’s words fell, Liu Yuanhua looked up to meet his gaze, a hint of malice in his eyes.

’He’ll attend the banquet, but I’m not to mention recruitment again!’

’So... he’s refusing me!’