The Gift Was Far Too Precious

Shen Jingchuan was speechless for a moment; he simply couldn't explain the reason to an ordinary person.

But he dared not leave the elixir in Xu Jingting's hands. Such a thing would cause a great disaster if it got out, and he was afraid it would bring death upon the Xu Household.

After considering for a moment, Shen Jingchuan realized that he couldn't leave things unsaid, so he made his point clear.

"Uncle, did you know that there are cultivators in this world?"

Xu Jingting, who was holding a cup of tea, lit up at the words and sat up straight.

"I have heard of such a person," he said with a hint of curiosity, "But I've never seen one. I've heard there are such people in the palace, members of the royal family, but whether that's true or not, nobody can say for sure."

"It's true." Shen Jingchuan said calmly, "This pill is something that only exists in the world of cultivation."

"In that world, it wasn't anything special. But in the eyes of us ordinary people, it's an extraordinary treasure—anything that can prolong life is no ordinary object."

He looked at Xu Jingting, his tone sincere.

"The reason I made you take it in front of me is because I was afraid that if it got out, it would cause trouble."

"If you eat this, the food will be gone, and this matter will be settled. I hope you will understand, Uncle."

Xu Jingting then took it seriously, holding the pill in his palm and examining it over and over, but he was still somewhat skeptical.

Xu Mo spoke up from the side to offer some advice.

"Father, this was brought by Brother Shen. Please trust him." He said firmly, "How could your son misjudge someone? Brother Shen would never do anything to harm you."

Zhou Tong chimed in.

"Uncle, although my brother and I haven't known Brother Shen for very long, I trust his character." He scratched his head. "I can't say how effective he will be, but at the very least, he won't harm you."

"Given his character and the serious way he's taking it, I reckon this thing's effects are probably even more miraculous than he claims."

Zhou Tong's eyes darted around, and he grinned mischievously.

"Uncle, if you don't dare to eat it, then give it to me. I'll take it back to my grandfather."

Shen Jingchuan glared at him.

"Stop being so sarcastic."

"You dare to snatch Uncle Xu's?" he said irritably. "You and Brother Xu are both my good friends, how could I favor one over the other? I naturally had yours ready long ago."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Tong was overjoyed and opened his mouth in surprise.

"Then I'll go first for my father—"

He stopped abruptly halfway through his sentence, his eyes dimmed, and he swallowed back the words that were on the tip of his tongue.

He thought of his father, still imprisoned in Chang'an. No matter how good the medicine was, he couldn't get it in right now. He turned his head away sullenly and didn't say another word.

Xu Jingting saw this, sighed, but didn't ask any more questions, and nodded emphatically.

"Alright, I'll listen to you."

After saying that, he put the pill into his mouth.

The pill looked quite large, but it had a pleasant fragrance as soon as it entered his mouth. It melted before he could even chew it, turning into a warm current that flowed down his throat.

Then, things changed.

Xu Jingting was originally a scholar, and he took good care of himself, which was better than Yan Chongli's condition, which was caused by worry and indignation. Therefore, his changes were not as dramatic.

Even so, the wrinkles on his face visibly smoothed out, his complexion became rosy, and he looked at least ten years younger.

Small, dark mud spots slowly seeped out from his face, neck, and the back of his hands, carrying a faint fishy smell.

Shen Jingchuan didn't say anything, silently got up, walked to the shelf by the wall, took a basin, poured water, and then took a towel.

Xu Mo and Zhou Tong stared blankly, their mouths agape in astonishment.

Shen Jingchuan brought over a basin of water and placed it in front of Xu Jingting.

"Uncle, please give me a quick wash first."

Xu Jingting was full of doubts, but he still did as he was told to wipe his face. There was also mud on his arms, which he washed off.

After washing up, he looked up and was taken aback by the expressions on the three people's faces.

"What's wrong?" He touched his face. "Is there... something on my face?"

Xu Mo snapped out of his daze and quickly picked up a small mirror, which Shen Jingchuan had given him.

"Father, you look so young." He handed her the mirror, his voice full of surprise. "You look only a few years older than me. Look for yourself."

Xu Jingting took the mirror, looked down at it, and his hand trembled, almost dropping it.

The face in the mirror—the gray hairs at the temples were gone, the skin was firm, and the eyes were bright—clearly belonged to a man in his early thirties.

He stretched his arms and legs, and felt light and strong. The years of fatigue and heaviness were swept away, and he felt indescribably comfortable.

By this time, he finally understood that this was no ordinary pill, but a tremendous stroke of luck.

He put down the mirror, stood up, and looked at Shen Jingchuan solemnly, momentarily becoming somewhat incoherent.

"Nephew, this gift is far too much." He shook his head repeatedly. "I... I can't possibly repay this favor with my meager possessions."

Shen Jingchuan chuckled inwardly. If he couldn't repay it, that would be easy. He would immediately find something for his uncle to do.

He put down his teacup, his expression becoming serious.

"Uncle, I happen to have something I'd like to ask of you."

Xu Jingting's smile froze for a moment, his heart skipped a beat, but he still maintained his composure.

"Tell me."

He was inwardly puzzled. Just moments ago, this young man had been insisting on "not asking for favors," so why was he suddenly asking for a favor after only accepting the gift? Wasn't this a case of offering a gift first and asking for a favor later?

But the pill had already been swallowed, and there was no way to get it back. He inwardly cried out in alarm, but then thought again, surely someone like Shen Jingchuan wouldn't do that?

Shen Jingchuan didn't see through his thoughts and spoke respectfully.

"Uncle, do you know the Great Confucian Yan?" He leaned forward slightly. "Do you know him?"

Xu Jingting was taken aback for a moment, then nodded.

"Of course I know him." He stroked his beard. "I've served in the same court as him for many years, how could I not recognize him?"

"That's my master," Shen Jingchuan said.

Xu Jingting suddenly realized and slapped his thigh.

"Oh, I see." A smile appeared on his face. "My son has mentioned you before, and I've always envied him for having such a promising disciple as you. I've always admired his character and learning."

"As for your master's recent affairs, I know the general outline. Even if you don't speak up, I'm just about to contact a few colleagues to try and mediate on his behalf."

Upon hearing this, Shen Jingchuan realized he had misunderstood and quickly waved his hand to interrupt.

"Uncle, please wait a moment, you seem to have misunderstood." He was somewhat amused and exasperated. "I haven't finished explaining this matter yet."

He considered it for a moment before revealing his purpose.

"That's right, my master has already arranged for his daughter Yan Shuyao, to be betrothed to me."

"However, marriage is a major event that requires proper matchmaking and betrothal, and we, as juniors, have no elders in the Capital, so we really lack a respected matchmaker."

Shen Jingchuan stood up and bowed solemnly to Xu Jingting.

"I humbly request that you, Uncle, act as my matchmaker."

Before Xu Jingting could even process what he had just said, the two young men next to him erupted in anger.