Chapter 50: Chen Yan’s Troubles
Beneath the overcast sky, Chen Yan made his way to the eastern quarter of Jin Ling Prefecture, where the ancient market of relics and folklore thrived. He stepped into a woodcraft shop specializing in traditional artifacts, the air heavy with the scent of aged timber and lacquer.
A shop assistant, clad in a simple tunic, approached with a welcoming smile. “Greetings, sir. What might you be looking for?”
Chen Yan hesitated for a moment before speaking. “Do you take custom orders?”
“Of course! We have our own workshop and seasoned craftsmen. What kind of item would you like crafted?”
Chen Yan’s voice was measured. “A memorial tablet. Can you make one?”
The assistant remained unfazed—years in this trade had exposed him to all manner of requests. Crafting memorial tablets was not uncommon. Seeing Chen Yan’s clear purpose, the assistant’s smile grew more sincere. This was a solid business prospect.
“Absolutely, sir! We have various designs and sizes to choose from, as well as different wood types based on your budget.” With that, he produced a tablet device and displayed an album of samples.
Chen Yan scrolled through the options, eventually selecting a modest and traditional design. He opted for a mid-tier wood, paid the fee, and left his contact information.
As he was about to depart, the assistant, ever keen on customer needs, inquired with casual curiosity, “Are you preparing for an ancestral offering with the new year approaching? We also have a selection of ceremonial goods for such occasions.”
“No need,” Chen Yan replied flatly. “It’s not for an ancestor.”
The assistant blinked. “Oh?”
Chen Yan’s lips curled into a wry smirk. “It’s for a wedding.”
The assistant’s mind stuttered. His mouth opened, but no words came. Before he could recover, Chen Yan had already stepped out, leaving behind a stunned figure rooted to the floor.
—
With the New Year recently passed, the Lunar Festival loomed near, and the streets swelled with travelers and merchants alike. After a leisurely stroll, Chen Yan purchased incense and ritual candles before stopping by a bridal boutique.
Inside, he approached the shopkeeper and asked, “Do you offer custom tailoring for traditional Dragon Nation bridal gowns?”
The shopkeeper, an experienced woman in silk robes, appraised him with a sharp gaze. “Of course, but it’s best if the bride comes in for precise measurements. If that’s inconvenient, we can send a tailor to your home—for an additional fee.”
Chen Yan took her contact details, planning to discuss it with Little Madam Gu later. As he turned to leave, the shopkeeper made a final pitch. “We also provide complete wedding services—officiants, carriages, venue arrangements, photography—everything needed for a seamless ceremony!”
Without missing a beat, Chen Yan waved a hand in dismissal. “Not necessary.”
A ghostly marriage… What wedding service could possibly handle such a thing?
Had he told her the truth, she’d likely mistake him for a lunatic.
—
Stepping out of the boutique, Chen Yan stood at the busy crossroads, sighing heavily.
[Is this really my fate?]
He was but twenty-two, still a young man, and yet the first wedding he had to organize in his life was not his own—but for his deceased father!
Who would believe such a tale? And to whom could he even complain?
—
“Boss, Elder Zi has arrived.”
Assistant Yan entered the office, his tone steady. President Fang, seated in his grand leather chair, rose with deliberate grace. “Show her in.”
Moments later, Elder Zi entered, a vision of poise and mystery. She wore a fitted cheongsam, hand-embroidered with elegant patterns. High heels clicked against the marble floor, and behind her glasses, her eyes gleamed with quiet wisdom.
Though President Fang still harbored grievances, his natural instincts as a man couldn’t help but linger on her figure for an extra moment. His previous eagerness to cultivate this connection wasn’t solely due to her mystical prowess—her allure played its part.
Of course, a man like Fang knew better than to make advances on someone of true ability. Still, a striking, refined woman like her… who wouldn’t enjoy the sight?
“President Fang,” Elder Zi greeted smoothly, offering a handshake.
Fang, moving with an affected limp, smiled and gestured toward the guest seating area. He prepared the tea with practiced ease, but before he could present it, Elder Zi produced a small object from her handbag and slid it across the table.
Fang narrowed his eyes. “Elder Zi, what is this?”
“A token of atonement,” she answered mildly. “My sect suffered a disgrace. Luo Qing acted recklessly and disrespected you. He committed many offenses. Since I was the one who introduced him to you, I bear a portion of that responsibility.”
Fang’s smile faded. His expression became neutral as he studied her.
She continued, “I only returned to Jin Ling Prefecture last night and interrogated him thoroughly. He has been severely punished. I’ve ordered him into isolation for reflection, and as for Falling Cloud Retreat, it will be closed for half a year. I imagine you are still displeased, and rightfully so. To make amends, I have prepared this—though I’m unsure if it’s sufficient. If not, please name your price.”
Elder Zi had entered with a clear mind, but upon seeing the transformed office, her suspicions solidified.
The change was evident. All furniture, shelves, and décor had been replaced—even the golden toads and fortune charms were gone. She had known President Fang for years, and he was not one to waste money without reason.
Most telling of all… the incense burner was missing.
When she had arranged for this meeting through Assistant Yan, his tone remained respectful, but that previous eagerness to curry favor was noticeably absent.
The clues aligned. Someone had struck at Luo Qing, either physically or through mystical means—and President Fang was undoubtedly involved.
Fang set the teapot aside, slowly wiping his hands with a cloth before picking up the item before him.
A bank note—three million.
“Elder Zi, I fail to understand your meaning.” He leaned back against the sofa, meeting her gaze directly.
Elder Zi’s smile remained unchanged. “Does this compensation displease you?”
“Not at all. But we have known each other for some years. You’ve aided me before… I’m merely uncertain why you feel the need to apologize.”
“There’s no need for subterfuge, President Fang.” Elder Zi’s tone softened, but her words held weight. “I came today with sincerity. Luo Qing’s actions were not condoned by me. After years of acquaintance, I trust you understand my character.”
Fang nodded, raising a thumb in acknowledgment. “No argument there. You’ve always conducted yourself with principle.”
“Flattery aside,” Elder Zi continued, “he remains a disciple of my sect. I cannot ignore his misdeeds. Publicly, he has violated the path of honor, and as his senior, it is my duty to discipline him.”
Amidst the veiled undercurrents of Jin Ling Prefecture, where the mystic arts intertwined with the ambitions of the powerful, a confrontation brewed like an impending storm.
Elder Zi, clad in flowing purple robes, lowered her gaze in feigned humility, her voice steady yet carrying the sharpness of a well-honed blade. “In the realm of personal honor… I have been deceived by one in whom I placed trust. And now, he has wronged you, President Fang. As a disciple of the path, I must come to your doorstep to offer my apologies.”
President Fang gave a measured nod. Now that is how one should speak.
One could not merely offer apologies in vague platitudes, hoping to sweep matters under the rug. Words, like weapons, must be wielded with precision.
This woman was adept at speech. Though she had come to plead for Luo Qing, her words were arranged with such finesse that it seemed as if she stood on President Fang’s side.
Truly formidable.
No wonder, over the years, in this treacherous terrain of Jin Ling Prefecture, among those who practiced the mystic arts, her name shone the brightest. Not only did she possess genuine skill, but her wisdom in handling people was unparalleled. Her connections with high officials and wealthy merchants ran deep, her methods flawless. And, of course, she was a beauty well-versed in the art of seduction.
President Fang exhaled, his expression turning solemn. “Elder Zi, we have known each other for years. In times of uncertainty, I have sought your counsel. But this time… Luo Qing has gone too far.”
He gestured toward his leg, still encased in plaster. “As you can see, I am still paying the price.”
Elder Zi nodded. “I understand.”
“And that is not all. Just last month, I fell inexplicably ill, my life hanging by a thread. Business took a turn for the worse—an entire shipment overturned, costing me millions.”
At these words, President Fang cast Elder Zi a penetrating glance. “Make no mistake, Elder Zi. It is only out of our past camaraderie that I agreed to meet with you today.”
Elder Zi remained unruffled, nodding gently. “Considering the losses you have endured, you have already shown great magnanimity, President Fang.”
She pondered for a brief moment before reaching for the bank note on the table. Without hesitation, she tore it apart. Then, retrieving a calligraphy pen adorned with intricate cloisonné designs, she wrote down a new figure on a slip of paper and slid it across the table.
“Does this number meet your expectations?”
President Fang’s lips curled into a faint smile as he glanced at the sum.
Elder Zi inclined her head. “Tomorrow, the funds will be transferred to your company’s account through Falling Cloud Retreat. It will be classified as a consultation fee—does that arrangement suit you?”
“Agreed. I will have Assistant Yan liaise with Falling Cloud Retreat to issue the invoice.”
“Very well.”
Elder Zi let out an imperceptible sigh of relief. If he was willing to accept the compensation, then the matter was settled.
Yet, inwardly, she felt a pang of regret.
She had probed him just now, ever so subtly.
Had he suggested the transaction be conducted through a private account, it would have signaled that their personal relationship still held weight.
But President Fang agreed at once and insisted on official invoicing.
That meant—
This was the end. From this day forward, there would be no more personal dealings between them. The road before them now diverged.
A pity…
Among her many patrons, President Fang was neither the wealthiest nor the most powerful. Yet, he possessed unique resources and connections that others lacked. Over the years, she had benefited greatly from his network.
Most importantly, he was deeply superstitious and had placed unwavering trust in her, unlike her other clients, who sought her services more as a formality than out of genuine belief.
He had been, in all aspects, the easiest to manipulate.
A wasted opportunity.
Elder Zi rose gracefully, her voice as composed as ever. “Then I shall not impose on you any longer, President Fang. Should fate allow, I shall arrange a banquet to express my gratitude.”
“You are too kind.” President Fang stood as well, though he did not move to see her out. “My injury prevents me from escorting you. Forgive me.”
Elder Zi turned to leave but suddenly paused. Her gaze landed upon an object on the ancient artifacts shelf—a crude, bronze-colored compass.
She took a step closer, her brows furrowing slightly.
“Oh?”
Its craftsmanship was unremarkable, its material mediocre.
Yet—
She could sense faint ripples of spiritual energy emanating from it.
“President Fang, it seems you have recently acquired quite the treasure.”
President Fang let out a hearty laugh, his demeanor deliberately nonchalant. “A gift from a friend. Compared to your collection, Elder Zi, mine is nothing but a humble display. If you ever wish to part with one of your exquisite pieces, I would be more than willing to make a generous offer.”
Realizing she would gain nothing from further inquiry, Elder Zi chose not to press the matter. With polite farewells, she departed.
Once she was gone, President Fang settled back into his seat, his eyes gleaming with undisguised delight.
Master Chen… truly remarkable!
With but a single maneuver, he had forced the most revered mystic in Jin Ling Prefecture to personally visit, offer apologies, and make amends.
And more astonishingly—
Elder Zi had instantly recognized that the compass left by Master Chen was no ordinary object.
Master Chen, without a doubt, was a figure beyond compare!
Carefully, President Fang retrieved the compass, wrapping it in a pristine white cloth before meticulously wiping it clean.
Moments later, Assistant Yan entered.
“Boss, Elder Zi has been escorted out.”
“Good. Tomorrow, when the funds arrive, issue the invoice as discussed.”
“Understood.”
Assistant Yan did not question further, his nature one of quiet competence.
President Fang then turned to him, lowering his voice. “Tell me, what is your impression of Master Chen?”
Assistant Yan pondered for a moment before replying, “He is undoubtedly skilled… and surprisingly easy to deal with.”
“Oh? Easy to deal with? Elaborate.”
Assistant Yan chose his words carefully. “Boss, over the years, I have observed many so-called ‘masters’ you’ve consulted. Most of them speak in riddles, shrouding their words in mystery.”
“But Master Chen is different. Perhaps it is because he is young—he is direct. He states plainly what he wants, what he dislikes, and what he is willing to do. There is no need to second-guess him. Such a person makes for an effortless ally.”
President Fang mulled over these words, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. “Effortless… An interesting choice of words.”
Assistant Yan continued, “Master Chen values wealth, as do all of his kind. But unlike others who feign detachment, he states his price openly. He dislikes unnecessary formalities. If you wish to build rapport with him, Boss, be direct. Show him goodwill, and he will remember it.”
President Fang slapped his forehead. “Yes! I have been dealing with these mystics for too long, accustomed to their cryptic ways! But with Master Chen, sincerity is key!”
Checking his phone, he issued an immediate order. “Prepare the New Year’s gift package from the warehouse—the one meant for Chairman Zhao! Load it into the car! We are paying a visit to Master Chen!”
“What of the gift’s specifications?”
“Give him the exact set prepared for Chairman Zhao. We can arrange another later!”
This novel is translated and hosted on Bcatranslation