Xu Chang'an was somewhat reluctant to take Yun Qian out.
The reason wasn't because it had been raining earlier, but because Beisang City is currently unstable, with too many Immortal Sects from various clans and factions… it might spell trouble.
Xu Chang'an still remembers the strange moment when the system suddenly warned him of impending danger and rewarded him with fifty thousand Celestial Dao Points.
Besides matters related to Yun Qian, the system hasn't made any mistakes.
However, when Yun Qian reached out her hand to him, he ultimately found himself unable to refuse her and intertwined their fingers as they stepped over the threshold together.
...
Inside Beisang City, streams trickle, and where little creeks converge into rivers, there's a flat central lake and crisscrossing small tributaries.
In the pavilion, Yun Qian reclined on a bamboo chair resting, watching Xu Chang'an, who was similarly lying beside her, and asked, "Why did you bring two chairs out with you?"
"Why not use the storage pouch if I have one." Xu Chang'an half-laying, replied, "I also anticipated it, Miss, that you would call out wanting to go out, but after a few steps, you'd definitely say you wanted to rest… see, now it's come in handy."
"It's because the residence is a bit far from the city, not my fault." Yun Qian tilted her head toward Xu Chang'an, setting off a ripple on her veil.
It was evident her breathing was a bit hurried.
"It's okay, rest when you're tired." Xu Chang'an turned his head, admiring the facial contours beneath Yun Qian's veil, and said, "It looks quite pretty this way."
Yun Qian casually responded, lifting her left leg atop her right leg, the red tip of her embroidered shoe moving toward Xu Chang'an.
"..."
After the rain, there's a freshness, with quite a few young masters and misses sailing near the lake.
After all, Beisang City is renowned for its red-light districts in Qing Province, and irrespective of the weather, this place is never short of young masters and misses enjoying outings together.
Xu Chang'an noticed Yun Qian watching those strolling by the lake and couldn't help but sigh.
In reality, he should be focusing on practical matters now, not leisurely lounging here with his wife.
But...
He truly hadn't properly accompanied Yun Qian to enjoy Beisang City, and once the two ascended to the Sect and began their individual cultivation, such leisurely days would become even rarer.
Though it doesn't count as compensation, at least before ascending the mountain, he strives not to pressure Yun Qian, letting everything move a little slower.
Xu Chang'an closed his eyes.
At this moment, Yun Qian suddenly got down from the bamboo chair, walked to Xu Chang'an's bamboo chair, held his head, and gave him a quick kiss on his cheek.
When Xu Chang'an opened his eyes, what met his view was a patch of whiteness, a hint of alcohol aroma mixed with the milky smell of soap root wafting over.
Eyes met.
Her eyes were like a clear pool.
The wind stirred Yun Qian's hair; her gaze was serious and serene, causing Xu Chang'an to helplessly ask, "What's wrong?"
This was the first time Yun Qian had sneak-attacked him in public.
Xu Chang'an looked at the young masters and misses having fun on the lake in the distance and twitched his eyes slightly, "Miss, you've seen them, but don't mimic them."
These young masters and misses are shameless, where have the dignity and virtue gone, kissing brazenly in public…
Isn't this leading my Miss Yun astray?
"Just trying it out." Yun Qian gently poked Xu Chang'an's face and said, "No more resting, let's go."
Then, Xu Chang'an held Yun Qian's hand and headed into the city to shop for items.
Life in Beisang City is rich in various meanings; the bustling atmosphere gradually unfolds, streets and alleys adorned with large red lanterns, more girls opening shops and setting up stalls, bathing the whole city in a festive mood.
Chaoyun Sect welcomes guests from all directions; common people continue with their daily routines, unaware of hidden agendas.
Xu Chang'an bought some essential life supplies for Yun Qian, during which the famously mismatched elderly wife and young husband of Beisang City drew many gazes.
But as Xu Chang'an predicted, Yun Qian seemed indifferent towards the city's vibrancy or the bizarre stares.
Throughout the journey, she merely followed him, occasionally speaking a few words.
Finally, Xu Chang'an couldn't help but ask, "Miss, you stay at home all day, seeing so many interesting things here, haven't you thought… about playing?"
"Interesting?" Yun Qian asked puzzledly, "What's interesting about it."
"...Nothing." Xu Chang'an sighed.
Can he be blamed for not taking Yun Qian out for fun?
The alleys of Beisang City are complex, unsuitable for carriages, and Yun Qian can't walk more than a few steps without getting tired.
She has no interest at all in activities like listening to music or boating.
Hence, with this much time to go out, it's better spent enjoying a couple of wine cups at home, reading, and being a little tender.
...
He accompanied Yun Qian to a slightly secluded tavern, intending to buy some wine, but hadn't approached before noticing something amiss.
Ahead were many people, not mere onlookers but a dozen guards… Perhaps a family's young master encountered a conflict here, prompting this block-off with fierce expressions, leaving bystanders to detour.
A maiden anxiously watched the besieged tavern, only to be roughly pushed away by the layered guards once she approached.
"Get lost."
"Young master handling matters here, take a detour."
The girl's weak constitution was no match for such shoving; she retreated several steps and stumbled to the ground.
Xu Chang'an frowned, noting they were merely regular guards, lacking any cultivation.
Beisang City's public order was generally good; rarely did such incidents occur… but they couldn't be completely prevented.
Xu Chang'an recognized the girl pushed out; during a previous visit to Zhu Pingniang, this maiden had rowed the boat to Flower Moon Building.
Rowing as a boatman is the girl's job.
Xu Chang'an intended to have Yun Qian move further away, but when he turned around… he discovered Yun Qian's expression was tranquil, entirely unbothered by the "bullying" incident in front of her.
"Are they not letting people in to buy wine?" Yun Qian blinked.
Her implication being her husband's admired Wine Lady was currently surrounded inside the tavern.
"Miss, you wait here, I'll go check it out."
"Go ahead."
A silver glint flashed in Xu Chang'an's eyes, allowing him to see the scene inside the tavern.
The Wine Lady sat at the table, her complexion slightly pale.
In front of her was a well-garbed young man, with a Yellow Contract on the table.
No hands-on or improper actions were occurring.
"Miss, are you alright?" Xu Chang'an walked over, extending his hand to the rowing maiden on the ground.
"Young Master Xu!" The maiden sat on the ground, and upon seeing Xu Chang'an, her previously strong visage instantly softened, tears welled up: "Young Master, Sister Liu's shop has been blocked by them, the man leading…"
"An Xin, nothing will happen." Xu Chang'an spoke gently.
"Okay." Although the maiden remained very worried, she still chose to trust the currently calm Xu Chang'an.
Xu Chang'an helplessly glanced toward the direction of Flower Moon Building.
Ridiculous.
The Wine Lady used to be Zhu Pingniang's Artiste-Courtesan; Zhu Pingniang is remarkably resourceful, who could harm her girl in her territory?
Then why does Zhu Pingniang permit this?
Would it be because he's here?
...
After signing, he dropped from the new book chart to the new star chart instead… It's Monday, unclear if the list will refresh, begging for votes, begging for investment, begging for recommendations, (o゜ω゜o), love you all!