Chaotic World Book

When they returned to the Capital City, it was just in time for the Spring Festival.

There had already been a stop to the snow in Chang'an when they left, but upon arriving in the Capital, there was a light snow falling. It wasn't much, and everywhere children were running around wearing adorable tiger-head felt hats, building snowmen in the snow, while the sound of fireworks could be heard all around, creating a festive atmosphere.

The three of them did not disturb the city's defenses; instead, they chose a secluded place from the sky to land, leading their horses through the Capital City while smiling and observing its scenery.

It had been some time since their last visit to the Capital. Back when Lu Jianzhang and his cohort met their demise, the Capital was rather deserted, but now it was beginning to show signs of spring warmth and revival. Although it was still not as prosperous as Chang'an, it was, at least, starting to display some liveliness.

During that battle, many were implicated, but under Tang Wanju's management, the repercussions weren't extended. Even Qin Dingjiang and others were released without it affecting the common folks. Despite the apparent bloodshed, it might be said that ninety-nine percent of those killed were nuisances.

This proved that the prosperity of the human world was created by the people and not by those rich and powerful households.

"Oh!" A little girl stepped into the snow and lost her balance, falling with a "plop" but landed on a slender leg, avoiding a face-plant in the mud.

The little girl looked up in bewilderment and saw a very beautiful and gentle older sister squatting down to pick her up, smiling and saying: "Watch the road... Where are your parents?"

"My mom is calling me back to eat dumplings."

Huangfu Qing cheerfully carried the child into a nearby alley: "Is it here?"

"Yes, yes~ Miss, you're so pretty~ and you smell nice too."

"...Not too long ago, others called me the little girl from the Capital. You should call me sister."

The little girl gave her a glance and chose not to call her that.

Huangfu Qing gritted her teeth: "Why is there Buddha worship in this alley...?"

"Some people worship Buddha, some worship the Four Symbols."

"Which do you prefer?"

"Buddha's better, he's cute and chubby."

"The Four Symbols are better. I'll tell you, the Vermilion Bird is as pretty as a sister, and you don't need firecrackers for fireworks." Huangfu Qing secretly passed a bald top toy: "Look, this is Buddha."

The little girl took the top toy with great delight: "Thank you, sister."

"Eh? Didn't you say you'd believe in the Four Symbols?"

Zhao Changhe and Yue Hongling followed behind, dumbfounded, and their heads turned in unison to watch Huangfu Qing carry the girl into the alley. They exchanged looks, and both still held the posture of wanting to help the child. They didn't expect Huangfu Qing to beat them to it, nor the subsequent unexpected turn of events.

One wonders, if this child's family knew that it was the Empress Dowager who brought the child back, what expression would they have? Moreover, she used a toy to mock Buddhism, tricking the child to believe in the Four Symbols. When did she secretly hide the bald top toy...

Is this still the Vermilion Bird Venerable who once shook the world? Let alone the past, just ten days ago she was wreaking havoc in Jinzhong, with countless lives at her hands, who would have known she was like this?

"Uh... Is my understanding of sister Vermilion Bird mistaken in some way?" Yue Hongling was caught in self-doubt and turned to ask Zhao Changhe: "I heard she's a Great Demon, but since I met her, I haven't felt that way..."

"What, did you originally think she would tear you apart?"

Yue Hongling tilted her head: "Yeah, I initially wanted to tear her apart too, and thought she would be fierce. But it turned out she's quite easy to get along with."

Zhao Changhe hesitated, hoping Chichi and Wanjhuang would agree with your perspective.

Moreover, I think the one who might be the fiercest with you would probably be Chichi.

During the conversation, Huangfu Qing cheerfully emerged from the alley. Seeing her rare aunt-like expression, Zhao Changhe couldn't help but laugh: "What, successfully recruited another little believer?"

Huangfu Qing laughed and said: "No need for recruiting. The Capital is basically already believing in the Four Symbols. I took a look at the so-called Buddha worship, which is just a formality, a fat statue there. When asked what Buddha it is, they all said Tathagata, but it's actually the Medicine King Buddha. They aren't as familiar with it as I am. In contrast, every household has a carving of the Four Symbols, and everyone can recite some of its teachings. It seems they're doing well, and the Tang family's bad influence hasn't come into play."

In high spirits, she scratched Zhao Changhe's chin, teasingly saying: "It's not good for this palace to walk down the street with you, so I'll head back to rest first, and won't disturb you and your lady knight's civil investigation visits. Xiaoche~ See what you can do tonight."

With that, she transformed into starlight and disappeared into the palace.

Zhao Changhe was about to say there was no intention of conducting any civil investigation visits, but Huangfu Qing had already dashed off, still as spirited as ever without much change.

Yue Hongling laughed: "Then take me for a tour of your home?"

Zhao Changhe: "..."

"What's wrong?"

"Now that you mention it, it only just occurred to me, I don't even have a residence."

Yue Hongling's first reaction was that this was truly selfless for the nation, to have fought and labored for the Great Han until now, and yet not even have a house... Then she realized, he indeed wasn't selfless at all. He must be staying in the Imperial Palace while in the Capital, and who knows how absurd it might be! He probably doesn't even have his own palace room, just sleeps wherever he pleases.

Yue Hongling kicked him irritably and stomped off in a huff.

Zhao Changhe hopped along while holding his calf, grinning to make amends for her.

Yue Hongling squinted at him: "Where to now? Back to the palace, Xiaoche?"

Zhao Changhe originally wanted to say they could stay at the Tang family, but seeing Yue Hongling's sour expression, he had to grin apologetically: "Nowhere special, just wandering. Uh, how about we go buy a house?"

Yue Hongling laughed: "Can you afford it?"

Zhao Changhe's face stiffened; he truly couldn't afford it. No matter where he went, even though both the Imperial Palace and the Spirit Clan allowed him to take things at will, he never took much money, traditionally just taking a few lumps of silver for his ring, just enough to get by on the way. After all, everyone is short of money, and Zhao Changhe himself had barely any desires.