Strict with Oneself (Extended chapter)

Haoqi Tower.

Jiang Luzhong sat at the table, holding the tea served by the clerk. He blew on the hot tea, took a sip, and sighed:

"I remember having tea at Duke Wei's place last year; it was so refreshing and the fragrance lingered for three hours."

Wei Yuan, standing in front of the bookshelf browsing through books, with his back to him, said calmly, "That's tribute tea from the palace. Only three catties are produced every three years, and His Majesty usually can't bear to drink it."

No wonder. Jiang Luzhong suddenly realized, and asked curiously, "Where does such a magical tea come from?"

"Produced in Beijing."

"Such fine tea exists in the capital? I've never heard of it before."

"It was planted by a woman in the capital, so this tea is produced in the capital," Wei Yuan said in a gentle and mellow voice.

Jiang Luzhong nodded without asking further questions. Although the tea was good, he was just a martial artist and not particularly fond of it. He had a clear and specific purpose for coming to Haoqi Tower this time.

"I heard Ningyan mention something today. He's thriving in the Imperial Academy of Music and is very popular with the courtesans. There's a reason for that," Jiang Luzhong said.

"Beautiful women love poetry, especially courtesans," Wei Yuan said with a smile.

"No," Jiang Luzhong shook his head, "Besides poetry, there are two other secrets: 'speaking too intimately with someone you don't know well' and 'whether it's feasible or not.' I've pondered these questions for a long time but haven't gained any insights. Of course, it's not that I want to become that kind of person; I'm just curious."

"Duke Wei a learned and versatile man, knowledgeable in astronomy and geography. Therefore, I have come here specifically to seek your guidance. I am sure that with your erudition, Duke Wei should have a clear understanding of this matter."

After he finished speaking, Jiang Luzhong saw Duke Wei turn around and gaze at him intently.

After staring at him for more than ten seconds, Wei Yuan looked away and said casually, "Lu Zhong, you've been with me for almost ten years now, haven't you?"

"Yes."

"Over the past ten years, you have been dedicated and conscientious in your duties, which I have witnessed and am very pleased with." Wei Yuan pulled out a book and said:

"Alright, I need to continue reading. You may leave."

Jiang Luzhong left somewhat bewildered and returned to his own gang.

Before he could even sit down properly, an official entered, bowed, and said, "Jiang Jinluo, Duke Wei has some instructions."

"Didn't they just kick me out?" Jiang Luzhong asked. "What is it?"

"Duke Wei said that Jiang Jinluo is conscientious and diligent, and should continue to do so. For the next month, the night watch duties will be assigned to you."

After a pause, the clerk continued, "Duke Wei also said that he hopes Jiang Jinluo will pack up and move into the yamen (government office). He shouldn't go back home for the time being."

"???"

Is this the kind of instruction one should give to a dutiful and conscientious subordinate? Is this even human language? Staying on duty all night for a month—does that mean I can't go to the Imperial Academy of Music for the next month, and I can't even touch a woman?!

Jiang Luzhong was stunned.

Xu Qi'an waited for a full hour.

Luckily, I didn't drink too much water before I arrived, otherwise it would have been embarrassing. The sun wasn't strong enough to highlight my desolation. He waited patiently, without complaining or urging me.

However, Xu Qi'an noticed that every fifteen minutes, a palace maid would stand furtively in the courtyard, peering towards the gate.

Xu Qi'an pretended not to notice.

With bright sunshine and a warm spring breeze, the back garden of Shaoyin Garden begins to awaken after the start of spring, gradually revealing its beautiful and charming side.

Princess Lin'an, who also possessed captivating eyes and a charming and amorous temperament, sat sullenly in the pavilion, directing her two personal maids to play Connect Four.

After playing chess for a long time, she began to enjoy teaching others how to play.

The two palace maids had no enjoyment of the game at all, but they dared not disobey the second princess who was in a fit of anger.

"Princess, Lord Xu is still waiting outside," a palace maid reported regularly.

Lin'an gave a reserved "hmm," and that was the end of it.

The young palace maid stepped back.

Fifteen minutes later, she went to check on the situation again and saw that Xu Qi'an was still there, which touched her heart.

Our princess is always throwing tantrums; isn't this just sending a talented man like Lord Xu to Princess Huaiqing's side? The thought flashed through her mind, and then she saw Lord Xu suddenly sway, fall straight to the ground, and lose consciousness.

"Oops"

The palace maid was alarmed and rushed over to check on the situation. She saw that Xu Qi'an's face was pale and his brows were furrowed in pain.

"Lord Xu, Lord Xu?" The little palace maid pushed him anxiously, looking like she was about to cry.

Xu Qi'an slowly woke up, clutched his chest, coughed a few times, and waved his hand, saying, "It's nothing, I'm fine. I was just badly injured during the fight, and standing for too long aggravated my injuries. I'll be fine after a short rest."

The young palace maid, feeling both sorry for and touched, advised, "Lord Xu, you should go back first. The Second Princess is in a bad mood and won't see you."

Is Your Highness in a fit of anger?

Xu Qi'an was taken aback and asked, "What's wrong, Your Highness? Who's been so foolish as to anger you?"

The young palace maid was speechless for a moment, thinking to herself, "Isn't that the one who angered His Highness?"

She whispered, "The guards at Shaoyin Garden saw Lord Xu enter the palace and go to Dexin Garden."

Xu Qi'an fell silent.

Seeing that he didn't explain, the young palace maid was somewhat disappointed and advised, "Lord Xu, please go back. Come again another day when His Highness has calmed down."

After saying that, she left Xu Qi'an and went into the courtyard.

He hurried along and arrived at the pavilion in the inner courtyard, saying urgently, "Your Highness, Lord Xu just fainted."

Lin An suddenly looked up, a look of surprise and tension flashing across his face before he suppressed it and said calmly, "Unconscious?"

"Lord Xu said that he stood for too long, and the injuries he sustained in yesterday's battle have flared up again," the young palace maid said, her head bowed.

"I didn't make him wait. You two idiots can't even play chess."

Lin'an cursed irritably, then turned to the palace maid and said, "If he hasn't left, please let him in."

Xu Qi'an was led to a side hall, where he drank some hot tea. After waiting for a long time, he finally saw the woman in red enter. She had a round face, beautiful features, and a cold expression. Her charming eyes forced a cold look into them.

"Didn't I say I wouldn't receive guests? Why are you letting him in?"

Lin'an rebuked him for his blatant attempt to cover up his misdeeds, then his gaze fell on Xu Qi'an. After scrutinizing him, he seemed relieved and gave the order:

"Lord Xu has served the court well, so I won't let you get hurt for nothing. Hong'er, bring the things in."

The head palace maid who had been patted on the buttocks by Xu Qi'an withdrew, and a moment later, she returned with servants from the garden, carrying some pills and nourishing medicinal herbs.

"These medicinal herbs and pills were obtained by me from the Imperial Pharmacy. Lord Xu, please take them with you," Lin'an said reservedly.

"It was only after His Highness pleaded for a long time that His Majesty reluctantly parted with it," Hong'er added.

"Stop talking nonsense!" Biao Biao's eyebrows shot up, and she took a deep breath. "Hong'er, see the guest out."

Xu Qi'an didn't leave.

After a brief stalemate, Xu Baipiao shamelessly said, "I've studied Gomoku for a long time and come up with a secret technique that makes me invincible. Does Your Highness dare to accept the challenge?"

As expected, the woman fell for the trap and nodded in agreement.

So she had her maid bring over a chessboard and pieces, and she and Xu Qi'an fought a fierce battle in the hall for three hundred rounds. Xu Qi'an lost all three battles and had no choice but to admit defeat.

"Your Highness is indeed exceptionally intelligent; I am truly impressed." Xu Qi'an seized the opportunity to flatter him.

Biao Biao slightly raised her chin and gave a reserved "hmm," then suddenly remembered that this was an ungrateful wretch, and snorted:

"The game of chess is over, so I will not keep Lord Xu any longer."

"Don't rush, I've thought of a new way to play. If Your Highness is interested, I can teach you." Xu Qi'an's trick is like an old sow wearing a bra.

The quiet Shaoyin Garden suddenly became lively. Biao Biao directed the guards in the garden to cut down trees, while Xu Qi'an chopped the felled wood into sections.

"Go get the dye, go get the carving knife."

After directing the guards, she began directing the palace maids, a smile playing on her lips, full of energy.

The two palace maids accepted the order and left, exchanging words as they went:

"His Highness was so angry not long ago that he smashed a cup, and his eyes were even red. You tell me, this Lord Xu is really something; without even saying a kind word, His Highness forgave him."

"His Highness was just throwing a tantrum; he doesn't really hate Lord Xu. Let me tell you, if he leaves, His Highness will be truly heartbroken."

"Cough cough!"

A deep cough came from behind them, startling the two palace maids. They jumped back like frightened deer and turned around to see Xu Qi'an.

"Lord Xu is going too far, you scared me half to death," Hong'er complained.

Xu Qi'an casually exchanged a few flirtatious words with the two pretty palace maids before getting to the point:

"I have a question for you. Those elixirs are priceless. When did His Highness prepare them?"

"Those pills were taken by His Majesty himself to replenish his qi and nourish his essence. It is said that only twenty-four pills are produced in one batch, and only one batch is successful after twenty-four batches. Yesterday, His Highness made a scene with His Majesty for a long time, and His Majesty could no longer tolerate it and finally rewarded him with one pill," He'er said.

"Then this morning we immediately sent someone to invite you, Lord Xu, but who would have thought," another palace maid added.

Go!

Xu Qi'an slapped the two maids on the buttocks and chased them away.

He returned as if nothing had happened, continuing his work, carving sections of wood into flat, round shapes, and then engraving on them.

During the process, Lin'an also helped with the carving. After all, she had studied and practiced martial arts. Although she was neither good at literature nor martial arts, her foundation was still quite solid.

Carving the wood into a relatively flat, round shape is not a problem.

Before he knew it, the sun had moved westward, and Xu Qi'an's new chess set was finished—Chinese chess!

Looking at the two chess sets that she and her lackey had painstakingly made, Biao Biao revealed a genuine smile. In an instant, all the flowers paled in comparison, and all eyes were filled with the charming smile of the beauty.

"It's getting late. I'll explain the rules to His Highness, and then it's about time we leave the palace." Xu Qi'an finished speaking and waved the palace maid away.

Biao Biao glanced at the sun, her smile gradually fading, and she hummed in agreement.

Xu Qi'an explained the rules of chess seriously, but Biao Biao listened absentmindedly. She was very angry today. Biao Biao had to admit that she had tried to win over Xu Qi'an in the first place purely to take Huai Qing's things.

But gradually, she grew to like this lackey more and more, giving him money in various ways and treating him with all her heart. She never asked him to do anything for her; as long as he took the time to come and play with her, Biao Biao was very happy.

But she always had a thorn in her side: Xu Qi'an and Huaiqing maintained an "improper" relationship.

She clearly promised to serve her and get rid of Huaiqing, but she still secretly associated with Huaiqing, which is definitely an improper relationship.

She pretended not to see it, once, twice, three times. But today she finally snapped. In order to get the elixir, she was scolded and berated by her father, but she shamelessly endured it. The next day, she sent someone to invite Xu Qi'an and waited happily.

What they received was a single sentence from a guard: He went to Dexin Garden.

For a moment, Biao Biao felt utterly humiliated, realizing that she had been shamelessly clinging to Xu Qi'an, who hadn't taken her seriously at all—no, had treated her like a fool.

I feel so sad I want to cry.

"Well!"

Suddenly, Xu Qi'an sighed deeply and said in a low voice, "Your Highness, I just went to Dexin Garden."

Biao Biao's face instantly fell, and she turned her head away. "I don't know anything about Dexin Garden. You came here after you entered the palace."

"No, I went to see Princess Huaiqing first."

"Xu Qi'an!"

Biao Biao shouted, turned around, her eyes slightly red. Was he going to expose even my self-deception? Couldn't he even consider my feelings?

Xu Qi'an sighed again, gazing at the sun hanging in the west. His eyes became deep and profound, as if they held countless stories and life experiences.

He spoke slowly, word by word, "Your Highness, have you ever heard a saying?"

The framed woman remained silent.

Life will bring you many beautiful sights and many people, but the choice you ultimately make is the one your heart truly desires.

Biao Biao was stunned and stared at him blankly.

"Today, both His Highness and Princess Huaiqing invited me, and I went to see Princess Huaiqing without any hesitation. Why? It's not because she is far superior to His Highness in my heart."

Xu Qi'an stood up, his expression somewhat agitated. "If I had come to Shaoyin Garden first, I certainly wouldn't have been able to stay long. I would have had to take my leave after only a few words and go to Dexin Garden to see her. Ha, do you think I can ignore Princess Huaiqing's invitation?"

"But if we go to Dexin Garden first, I can stay here with Your Highness until the palace gates close. Isn't it obvious to me which is more important to me, Your Highness or Huaiqing?"

Biao Biao's gaze softened, and her expression changed from indifference to tenderness.

Xu Qi'an sat down again, gazing intently at Lin'an with the same profound look he had just given while watching the sunset, and said softly, "Because I know that what Your Highness needs is companionship."

These words struck a chord with Biao Biao, revealing her deepest vulnerability. Yes, she was lonely and isolated.

After her elder brother, the Crown Prince, was placed in confinement, her mother would constantly visit her, crying and telling her about the Empress's treacherous intentions. Her brothers and sisters also grew increasingly distant.

Her father was still her father, but Lin'an was no longer the Lin'an of the past. At least she realized that her father's affection for her was entirely because she was harmless.

A princess with a charming and proud appearance, but a lonely and isolated girl living in her heart.

Xu Qi'an glanced around, making sure the dismissed palace maids weren't nearby, then boldly grasped Lin'an's soft little hand, his tone sincere:

"Your Highness, I will always be with you."

The warmth emanating from the back of her hand was almost burning hot, and Lin'an blushed, feeling a warm current melting in her heart.

Time slipped away quietly. Xu Qi'an held her hand tightly, and an ambiguous atmosphere fermented and brewed between them.

"Your Highness, it's getting late. I'll head back now. If you wish to see me every day, you can move to Lin'an Prefecture; you don't need to live in the palace," Xu Qi'an said in a low voice.

In the afterglow of the setting sun, Xu Qi'an led his mare, clattering along through the imperial city.

"Little mare, based on my years of experience picking up girls, if I can hold Lin'an's hand this time, I can hug her next time. Girls are meant to be pursued; if you don't pursue them, they're not yours."

I once heard a joke where a jerk told his girlfriend, "Your parents are good to you because you're their daughter. Only when I'm good to you do I truly love and cherish you."

"Although it's a fallacy, I think fallacy is also a kind of truth. Lin'an was good to me, genuinely good to me, without much ulterior motive or self-interest involved. Of course, the latter might be more in line with the adult world."

"Although she's a bit foolish and a pretty vase, this vase has emptied herself out to be good to you."

"If we're talking about who's the most suitable to be a wife, it has to be Chu Caiwei. It's the easiest way to live off someone without any problems. Lin'an and Huaiqing are too dangerous."

"Actually, now that I'm in this position, I don't have many requirements for women. I just hope they can be strict with themselves."

At this point, the mare nudged him with her head and snorted twice.

"You want me to make demands of you too?"

Xu Qi'an thought for a moment and said, "What you mean, 'Don't neglect something just because it's a small eel!'"

After finishing his duties and returning home, Wang Zhenwen had dinner and, as usual, went to his study to read memorials. At his age, women were no longer of any use to him.

Perhaps inspired by Emperor Yuanjing's hair turning from white to black, the officials in the court became less interested in women and paid great attention to health preservation.

However, Emperor Yuanjing had a lineage that guided his cultivation and a lineage that refined elixirs for him, a privilege that the officials of the court could not enjoy.

Wang Simu brought in a nourishing soup, then, under the pretense of tidying her desk, secretly peeked at her father's notes and annotations. Sometimes, she would even ask him all sorts of insolent questions.

"I heard from the servants that the top scholar from the Cloud Deer Academy is here at today's literary gathering?" Wang Zhenwen asked.

"Yes, and they even had a conflict with Minister Sun's niece."

Wang Simu recounted the entire incident to his father, then snorted:

"Father, I invited Xu Huiyuan because I thought he was a talented person, but who would have thought he'd be such an emotional fellow, lacking any sense of restraint, a complete mediocre man. Father, you must teach him a lesson and avenge Yan'er."

The chief minister, Wang, was not so superficial in his thinking. He pondered and said, "Students from the Cloud Deer Academy have followed the Confucian School cultivation system, so their character is not too bad."

"To be able to achieve the top rank in the provincial examination as a student of the Cloud Deer Academy is truly remarkable. As for the conflicts among you juniors, they are not worthy of being discussed openly."

Miss Wang raised the corner of her mouth and immediately said, "Then it seems that my thoughts coincide with yours, Father. Do you think it's possible to win him over?"

"Win him over? Why should we win him over? Even if he is a talented person, there is no need to do without him. It would be unwise to offend the civil officials from the Imperial Academy for this. Besides, your father is the Grand Secretary, a role model for civil officials." Grand Secretary Wang shook his head.

"Precisely because Father is a model civil official, your efforts to win him over will encounter the least resistance. I believe that if we can recruit him, we can both curb the arrogance of the Cloud Deer Academy and gain a capable general—a win-win situation."

Miss Wang acted as if she were "analyzing the situation for my father's sake."

"Without a special reason, recruiting this person would do more harm than good," Wang Zhenwen shook his head.

Miss Wang wanted to say a few more words, but after being glanced at by her father, she immediately gave up the idea.

That's enough.

"It's fine if there's no special reason. I also need to observe him for a while longer," Wang Simu thought happily.

South City, Health Center.

In the woodshed, the golden light slowly faded, and the monk Jingchen soothed the "black dog," lulling him into a sweet dream.

"Amitabha!"

The middle-aged monk with thick earlobes looked compassionate and said in a deep voice, "It's a miracle that this child has survived this long."

"The Warlock from the Bureau of Astronomy treated his illness; yes, it was through Lord Xu's connections," Hengyuan said from beside him.

"Over the years, I have traveled through the mortal world and witnessed countless joys and sorrows, and all living beings suffer. I often wonder why, even with thousands of Buddhist lamps, they can never illuminate the layers of darkness in the world."

"Only yesterday, after gaining enlightenment in Mahayana Buddhism, did I realize that pursuing higher ranks, the fruits of Arhatship and Bodhisattvahood, is self-cultivation, the Hinayana path. The true Mahayana path is to Mahayana beings. If everyone harbors compassion, would the world still need Buddhist lamps? No, it wouldn't."

Monk Jingchen sighed.

Hengyuan nodded and clasped his hands together, saying, "Lord Xu is truly a divine being."

The monk Jingchen clasped his hands together and said, "He is a born Buddha, a great gift bestowed upon Buddhist School by Heaven. I believe that one day he will attain complete enlightenment and enter the monastic life."

"This humble monk eagerly awaits that day," Hengyuan thought, his heart burning with anticipation.

Monk Jingchen nodded and continued, "This child is physically weak and his mind is damaged. He cannot recover in the short term and cannot withstand the hardships of travel. My suggestion is to send him to Qinglong Temple. As for you, you should continue your journey west."

"As you know, after the eighth rank comes the third rank, and the third rank is called Vajra. If you don't cultivate the Vajra Divine Skill, you will never be able to become a Vajra."

Hengyuan hesitated for a long time before slowly shaking his head. "Just now, Uncle-Master, you said that saving oneself is Hinayana, while saving all sentient beings is Mahayana."

Jingchen was taken aback, then lowered his head in shame and clasped his hands together. "Grandmaster Uncle is right, you do indeed have greater potential. So be it, so be it."

Although I have come to understand Mahayana Buddhism, the habit of self-cultivation is a mental inertia that has existed for decades and is not so easy to change.

This is the difference between sudden enlightenment and non-sudden enlightenment. The Arhat Du'e had sudden enlightenment, and he would no longer have similar thought patterns.

"Our grandmaster uncle will be taking us back to the Western Regions tomorrow," said Monk Jingchen.

"So fast? Aren't you going to investigate the matter of the evil object?"

"The evil spirit has been freed for several months, so there's no rush. My grandmaster intends to return to the Western Regions first to propagate Mahayana Buddhism," explained Monk Jingchen.

After seeing off Monk Jingchen, Hengyuan was about to turn around when he suddenly saw an old Daoist priest standing in the darkness of the courtyard, smiling at him.

"Master Jinlian?"

The Xu Residence.

The setting sun was just a sliver in the west, about to disappear completely, its crimson glow a magnificent spectacle.

Xu Qi'an rode his mare back to the manor, tossed the reins to the gatekeeper, and stepped inside. The timing was perfect; it was just time for dinner.

At the dinner table, Xu Xinnian talked about attending the literary gathering that day, briefly mentioning that Lingyue hadn't been pushed into the pool.

"What? Lingyue fell into the water?"

Xu Qi'an looked the girl over carefully and asked her with concern, "How are you feeling? Do you have a headache or fever? Are you worried about catching a cold?"

Xu Lingyue said softly, "No, don't worry, brother. I took my medicine after returning home, so I won't catch a cold."

"What happened?" Xu Qi'an asked Xu Erlang, "How could you take care of your sister? You fell into the water while attending a literary gathering, what use are you?"

Xu Erlang glanced at Xu Lingyue, who quickly said, "It's not my fault, Second Brother. You can't watch me all the time, and you were the first to save me after I fell into the water."

"The person who pushed me into the water is the niece of the Minister of Ministry of Justice; she has already apologized and compensated me."

Xu Qi'an, the niece of the Minister of Ministry of Justice, raised an eyebrow and sneered, "Fine, I'll send someone to stake out the Sun residence later. When her niece comes out, we'll drive our carriage into her and run her over."

After saying that, he looked at Lingyue with a guilty expression. "Little sister, it's my fault for dragging you into this."

Xu Lingyue puffed out her cheeks, displeased, and said, "What are you saying, brother? We're family, why are you being so formal?"

This girl is so nice!

After dinner, Xu Qi'an began his long journey of cultivation, practicing breathing exercises, visualization, comprehending the Heart Sword, cultivating his mind, and comprehending the Vajra Invincible Divine Skill.

This gave him a feeling of being back in his school days, with heavy coursework.

Suddenly, clouds and mist filled his vision, and he saw layers of fog, arriving in the world of the monk Shenshu.

Passing through the mist, I arrived at a dilapidated temple and saw a handsome monk sitting cross-legged.

The monk Shenshu looked at him gently and said, "I am about to fall into a deep sleep and will not be able to wake up for a while, so I cannot attend to your life or death. I will give you a drop of my Essence Blood to cultivate the Vajra Invincible."

"His blood can cultivate the Vajra Invincible?" Xu Qi'an was taken aback.

The monk Shenshu smiled and said, "You should understand what my indestructible body is based on. For others, this skill is difficult to cultivate and progresses slowly, but for you, you can reach a high level in a short period of time. In this way, you will have sufficient ability to protect yourself."

After saying that, he flicked out a drop of his Essence Blood and sent it into Xu Qi'an's brow.

Immediately afterwards, he was ejected from the misty world and opened his eyes in the room.

"Click click click"

With a series of loud popping sounds, his muscles bulged and veins stood out on his skin, and then they were all coated with a layer of gold paint, shining brightly in the candlelight.

A huge "Holy crap!" flashed through Xu Qi'an's mind.

He's already mastered the Vajra Divine Skill; now, if he were to engage in hand-to-hand combat with Monk Jingsi, the outcome would be uncertain.

Of course, this matter cannot be exposed to the Buddhist School community.

Xu Qi'an dispelled his invincible power, sat at the table, held his teacup, and fell into deep thought.

Since the monk Shenshu is a Buddhist School and an immortal being, he must have also cultivated the Vajra Invincible Technique. And the Director of the Imperial Observatory agreed to the Buddhist School contest and specifically named me as the representative of the Bureau of Astronomy to participate.

Why is the supervisor paving the way for me? And doing it so obviously? No, I feel like he's just trying to exploit me.

Just then, there was a gentle knock on the door.

"Who?"

Xu Qi'an got up, opened the door, and in the darkness stood an old Daoist priest with gray hair, holding a whisk in his hand, and a smile on his face.

Behind him stood Chu Yuanzhen, the swordsman in green robes, and Lu Zhishen, a tall and imposing figure.

"You."

Xu Qi'an was taken aback. Why did they suddenly come to my house?

"A young friend of mine is in trouble, and I would like to ask Lord Xu for help," said Master Jinlian.

PS: Requesting guaranteed monthly votes.

Last month I updated 290,000 words, averaging 9,400 words per day. Not bad. At the same time, the quality remained stable; it not only didn't drop, but it actually increased significantly. Overall, I'm quite satisfied.