Cultivation Begins with Caring for Sister-in-law

Early the next morning.

Outside the government posthouse.

"Check the equipment, two soldiers at a time put on armor for each other." Sun Meng stood in front of Chen Mo, hand gripping the handle of his horizontal saber, loudly proclaiming.

"Yes." The soldiers kept their hands busy, responding in unison, meticulously inspecting the crossbows and round shields they wore.

It's not an exaggeration to say that Chen Mo's personal soldiers are equipped as well as any army in the world, and their fighting ability is among the best, after all, they've been forged in the harshness of the battlefield.

Arriving in a foreign land, instead of feeling fearful, their morale was even higher than it had been in Linzhou.

Their equipment and the leading commander emblematized bravery—the fully equipped Bright Armor, and hand crossbows ready to fire with a pull of the trigger, coupled with the presence of someone as formidable as Chen Mo, kept the soldiers' spirits high.

Furthermore, being away from home, they felt a sense of honor and wanted to display their military prowess as Divine Brave Guards to outsiders.

Seeing the soldiers properly equipped, Chen Mo waved his large hand and said, "Set out."

"Set out," Sun Meng shouted loudly, leading more than thirty personal soldiers in close succession.

"Keep up," a centurion shouted similarly, leading a hundred soldiers from his squad to follow.

One team of personal soldiers after another streamed out in single file, swords and spears gleaming, armor glistening, heading down the main street, towards the Qingfeng Temple on the mountains outside the city.

Several villagers stepped out to watch.

The clanging of armor leaves, the synchronized footsteps, just watching caused their gaze to become stern.

...

At the foot of the mountain, Wu Yanqing, Wu Changlin, Ye Xibao, and others were waiting again, chatting casually as the important guest hadn't arrived yet.

Clop! Clop! Clop!

The crisp sound of horse hooves and uniform footsteps came from afar, causing their hearts to tense.

In the distance, a tall figure rode a white horse approaching, accompanied by two riders on either side, followed by a group of well-equipped armored warriors.

Wu Yanqing and the others exchanged glances, each frowning slightly.

"Is that Chen Mo riding the white horse?" Wu Yanqing asked Wu Changlin.

Wu Changlin nodded.

Fortunately, Chen Mo was not wearing armor, clad in a profound robe, coming before Wu Yanqing and the others; he dismounted.

"Marquis."

Wu Yanqing and the others bowed in greeting, simultaneously casting discreet glances at Chen Mo.

Though Chen Mo came for a wedding, and Wu Yanqing was technically his elder, hence need not show such respect.

But since the marriage was not yet concluded, and Wu Yanqing held no official post, whereas Chen Mo was an actual County Marquis, both in rank and title higher than the others.

Wu Changlin saw Chen Mo's strong presence, unsure whether due to guilt or something else, he already felt fear within.

Wu Yanqing scrutinized him more deeply; he believed in physiognomy, the idea that one's face reflects one's heart.

This has some basis—one's appearance and demeanor change with their experiences, circumstances, and mindset.

For instance, long-term maintenance of certain expressions will inevitably lead to changes in facial muscles and skin.

Seeing these traces gives an idea of what state a person usually is in.

Observing Chen Mo's tall, heroic, masculine stature, although smiling, he exuded a daunting aura, especially since here was his domain, and yet he came with so few people without fear, showing confidence in his eyes.

Wu Yanqing had met many people, and it was the first time he felt such "calm despite the collapse of a mountain" charisma in a young man.

"What a youthful hero," Wu Yanqing thought to himself.

"Thank you, Elder Wu, for the warm welcome," Chen Mo said, clasping his hands, first glancing at Wu Yanqing's forehead.

The red numbers "1809" were particularly conspicuous.

Chen Mo's eyes flickered slightly.

"No need for formalities, Marquis, please come inside," Wu Yanqing gestured invitingly.

"Elder Wu, please."

"Marquis, please go ahead."

Upon hearing this, Chen Mo didn't insist, taking the lead to walk up the mountain.

It was more like a small hill than a mountain, with the Daoist temple established on this slope.

Sun Meng intended to lead his men up, but was stopped by Lv Tong, who smiled and said, "General Sun, this way please."

Sun Meng didn't move, his gaze fixed on Chen Mo.

Hearing the commotion, Chen Mo turned back and said, "Why are you standing there? Go with Lord Lv. The temple is a place for cultivating tranquility, strictly avoiding swords and spears. What would others think if you followed?"

"But your safety, Marquis..."

"Nonsense, I and Elder Wu are soon to become relatives, would Elder Wu really harm me?" Chen Mo rebuked, then immediately looked at Wu Yanqing.

Wu Yanqing's lips twitched slightly, he could hear the underlying meaning in Chen Mo's words, it seemed the other party was well aware of what his foolish son had done.

Wu Yanqing turned around to a military general clad in armor behind him and said: "Without my permission, no one is allowed to disturb us."

The word "disturb," was particularly emphasized by Wu Yanqing.

"Yes, sir."

...

"Please." Wu Yanqing said once more.

They proceeded together towards the Daoist temple.

Qingfeng Temple was privately built by Wu Yanqing, not open to the public. Although called a Daoist temple, it was actually a quiet retreat Wu Yanqing used for cultivation and meditation, with very simple decorations reflecting a fresh and elegant atmosphere.

As they entered the hall, they were greeted by a benevolent-looking statue of the Celestial Venerable, with incense burning in offering.

Wu Yanqing invited Chen Mo to take the main seat, but Chen Mo declined, sitting beside Wu Yanqing instead, while the others took their seats as well.

Soon, plates of exquisite dishes and fine wine were brought to the table.

Lifting his wine cup, Chen Mo toasted Wu Yanqing, "To the good health of Elder Wu."

"Good health to you, Marquis." Wu Yanqing cupped his hands in response.

Chen Mo's gaze then shifted towards Ye Xibao, "To the good health of Ye Shaobao."

Ye Xibao accepted the toast and, having a good impression of Chen Mo, also lifted his cup with a smile: "The Marquis has the demeanor of a divine figure, unmatched talents, and benevolence that spreads across the land. Councilor Yanqing is fortunate to have such an outstanding son-in-law, truly a great blessing."

Chen Mo's actions in the Three States, such as tax reductions, establishing county schools, teaching literacy, and distributing land so people could eat and farm, were well-recognized over time, even spreading as far as Jiangdong.

Some might not want to acknowledge it, but the facts couldn't be ignored.

Sitting beside Ye Xibao, Wu Changlin's face turned dark.

Wu Yanqing smiled but remained silent.

"Ye Shaobao overpraises me." Chen Mo cupped his hands, inwardly thinking he didn't misplace the favor.

Meanwhile, in the secret chamber behind Wu Yanqing.

This secret chamber was Wu Yanqing's place for meditation and cultivation, with small openings allowing a view of the main hall and being well soundproofed.

Ye Clan and Wu Mi peered through these openings, secretly observing Chen Mo in the hall.

Looking at Wu Mi, Ye Clan softly remarked: "I initially thought Chen Mo, who became famous young, captured Liang Song of Yu State, attacked Linzhou, and, before turning twenty, governed three states and commanded a force of a hundred thousand, would be arrogant and prideful. But he seems to understand how to treat others."

Wu Mi, dressed in a pale white gown, with a simple green belt around her willow-like waist and lips tinted naturally red, smiled faintly at her mother's comment without making any further remark.

The two women continued observing.

Wu Yanqing had a reasonably good impression of Chen Mo. After sipping a few drinks, he intended to probe Chen Mo's ambitions and said: "Does the Marquis understand the transformations of a dragon?"

"Please enlighten me, Elder Wu." Chen Mo responded.

Wu Yanqing said: "A dragon can become large or small, visible or invisible, changing at will, like a contemporary hero traversing the seas. Does the Marquis know who the contemporary hero is?"

Chen Mo pondered and said: "Prime Minister Xu Guozhong."

Wu Yanqing sneered slightly, "Holding the Emperor, moving the capital to Luonan, he's already a declining figure in the tomb, bound to be captured sooner or later."

"Prince Huai, a royal relative with support from noble families across the land, has numerous troops and generals, is he the hero?"

"Prince Huai dares significant deeds yet cherishes his life, indecisive, otherwise he wouldn't have let Xu Guozhong escape, with multiple forces breaking the alliance, he isn't a hero."

Chen Mo continued, "King Chong from West River, with abundant troops and provisions, is he not a hero?"

"King Chong is a man with a reputation but no substance, not a hero."

Chen Mo mentioned Xiliang.

Wu Yanqing said, "Tempted by small gains, unworthy of being called a hero."

Chen Mo referred to King Anping and Shu Residence's Captain Yang.

Wu Yanqing claimed they weren't and then pointed at Chen Mo, "Currently, the hero of the world is none other than the Marquis."

Finishing, Wu Yanqing intently stared into Chen Mo's eyes.

Yet, Chen Mo remained composed at Wu Yanqing's words, instead raising his wine cup with a smile, "It seems Elder Wu has low tolerance for alcohol, just a few drinks, and he's drunk."

Wu Yanqing lowered his eyes, then lifted his hand to touch his forehead, "Getting old, low tolerance indeed."

As he spoke, he moved his hand to the back of his head for a moment.

The Ye Clan in the secret chamber understood and said to Wu Mi, "Mi'Er, it seems the Lord is favorably impressed with Chen Mo, now seeking your opinion?"