You Promised to Be an Idle Son-in-Law, How Could You Become a Land Immortal?

Chapter 78: Chapter 78: ”Sword Madman” Liu Lang

Yanhua Lane in the rain was arguably the most charming place in Shu State City.

It was even a cut above Kangning Street in North City.

The originally gaudy red lanterns and green-lacquered wooden buildings, washed clean by the rain, seemed to have put on new clothes and taken on a fresh look.

Inside and out, they exuded an air of refreshing elegance.

Amidst the faint scent of cosmetics, Cultured Courtesans, wearing little makeup, saw their overnight guests out of the building, their eyes full of longing as they hoped for their return.

The sound of their twittering and whispering carried far through the curtain of rain, and one could make out the reluctance in their voices.

But it was clear the guests, now fully dressed, either couldn’t hear it or didn’t care.

Most left in a hurry, without a hint of reluctance.

Some even covered their heads with their sleeves, as if not wanting to be recognized.

There were exceptions, however.

Chen Yunfan was one of them.

Last night, he had slept in the Spring Rain Building, the most famous establishment in Yanhua Lane, and had come to appreciate the differences between the Qin and Chu Brothels of Shu State and those of Jinling or Jiangnan Prefecture.

It had a bit of exotic flair and a bit of Jiangnan charm.

It looked like a hodgepodge, but in reality, it had a unique style of its own.

Although the Cultured Courtesans in the Spring Rain Building were mediocre at Music, Chess, Calligraphy, and Painting, he had played along. While not exactly pleased, he wasn’t disappointed either.

If his brothers from the clan and his school friends from Jinling had been with him, he figured he would have had a much better time.

”Alone I sit in the Spring Rain Building, with barely a soul I know.”

As two Cultured Courtesans saw Chen Yunfan out of the Spring Rain Building, he was suddenly struck by poetic inspiration.

It lacked proper meter and structure, but the sentiment was at least worth a listen.

”What a fine poem, sir! Might you leave us with your calligraphy?” a Cultured Courtesan said flatteringly.

Chen Yunfan straightened his robes, the smile on his face vanished, and with a wave of his hand, he walked into the rain.

’Calligraphy, you say? I’d have to actually be good at it first.’

’With my meager skills, whether in Poetry or Calligraphy, I’m far inferior to Chen Yi.’

’Showing it off would just be an embarrassment. Better not.’

’I have to say, though, that Cultured Courtesan last night who specialized in Melody sang that birthday ode with quite a bit of spirit.’

’Devouring ten thousand li like a tiger, devouring ten thousand li like a tiger... In the countless miles of the Great Wei Dynasty, how many Marquis Xiaos are there?’

’But the Old Marquis is truly old now. Relying on decadent songs in the brothels of Shu State to spread his fame... it’s a bit of a decline, a sad sight to see.’

Muttering to himself, Chen Yunfan turned into a small alley outside the Spring Rain Building, preparing to board a nondescript carriage and quietly return to his temporary residence.

But to his surprise, Chun Ying, who had heard his voice, lifted the carriage curtain and stepped down, asking calmly:

”Young Master, did you enjoy yourself last night?”

Chen Yunfan was startled to see her and nearly choked on his own spit. He coughed his way to the carriage, shot a glare at the driver, and replied:

”Let’s not talk about whether I enjoyed myself or not. You didn’t write a letter back home to tattle on me, did you?”

Chun Ying shook her head. ”Forgive me, Young Master, but I am merely a humble servant and dare not disobey the Madam’s orders.”

Chen Yunfan asked dryly, ”So, the letter... has it already been sent?”

Chun Ying shook her head again. ”Not yet. It’s still in your study, Young Master.”

Overjoyed, Chen Yunfan pulled her into the carriage. ”Then what are we waiting for? Let’s go, let’s go! Back to the residence!”

After the two got in, the driver in the front seat expressionlessly cracked his whip, steering the carriage out of the alley.

Faintly, their cheerful conversation could be heard from inside.

”Chun Ying, tomorrow I take up my post. Do you think I should make a bold start and shake things up?”

”Young Master, you’ve only just arrived. You should be cautious and keep a low profile.”

”Low profile? It’s the Shu State Governor’s Office that should be keeping a low profile.”

”Left Envoy Liu Hong throws his weight around Shu State, relying on the Liu Family’s power. Right Envoy Yang Ye is old and decrepit. Who else is left?”

”Have you forgotten Xiao Dongchen of the Xiao Family and the Third Place Scholar, Li Huai’gu, Young Master?”

”Them? Heh... They’re not even on Brother Yi’s level. They’re just seat-warmers.”

As Chen Yunfan spoke, he pulled back the carriage curtain to look at Yanhua Lane, shrouded in the rainy mist.

His words were full of ridicule and condescension, yet he spoke with such confidence, perhaps genuinely believing that Chen Yi was stronger than both that Assistant Governor and Advisor.

Chun Ying’s tone was serious. ”Young Master, you shouldn’t be so high-profile. It will invite their attacks.”

Chen Yunfan naturally understood what she meant and waved his hand dismissively. ”They’re just grasshoppers in late autumn. They won’t be jumping for much longer.”

Before Chun Ying could continue persuading him, a look of surprise suddenly appeared on his face. He waved her over.

”Come, come, take a look. Isn’t that Brother Yi and his men?”

Chun Ying paused, then leaned over to peer into the distance, her expression turning strange. ”Young Master, Young Master Yi actually came to Yanhua Lane?”

”It really is him! Hahaha...”

A delighted look on his face, Chen Yunfan reached out and slapped the front of the carriage. ”Uncle Ma, stop, stop! Let’s see which Qin Building Brother Yi is going to.”

Just as Chun Ying was about to try and dissuade him, the carriage slowly pulled over to the side of the road.

Chen Yunfan moved to the other side, pulled the curtain open a crack, and pressed his whole face against it, revealing only one eye as he grinned and peeked out.

”Brother Yi already has such an otherworldly wife, yet he still comes to Yanhua Lane. He’s truly... a role model for our generation.”

”Oho, and he’s going to the Spring Rain Building! Tsk tsk tsk, going over this early in the morning... all that’s left are the less... enthusiastic Cultured Courtesans.”

Chun Ying couldn’t see, but from the back of the figure disappearing inside, it wasn’t hard to tell that Young Master Yi, who had married into the Xiao Family, had likely entered the Qin Building.

’Which of their elders did these two brothers take after?’

’Their father, the head of the Chen Family, Chen Xuanji, wasn’t like this at all.’

’Even the Second Master, Chen Xuandu, was a great Confucian scholar who was strict with himself and never set foot in places outside of official circles.’

’So why were both the Young Master and Young Master Yi so fond of Yanhua Lane?’

Chun Ying really didn’t understand.

In fact, Liu Si’er and Ge the Third, who were following Chen Yi into the Spring Rain Building, were also feeling bewildered at that moment.

However, their points of concern were clearly different.

Ge the Third just thought the Cultured Courtesans at the Spring Rain Building were too expensive, and not as good a deal as the Li Hong Courtyard they had visited last time.

Liu Si’er, on the other hand, found himself understanding Chen Yi less and less.

’Before, when Xiao Jinghong hadn’t returned, it was one thing; after all, her attitude was unknown.’

’But after the last birthday banquet, the two of them had appeared as a perfectly united couple. So why was the Fledgling still acting like this?’

’Was he planning to just coast by at the Jishi Medicine Hall for the rest of his life, waiting to die?’

’Or was he choosing to humiliate himself in order to avoid suspicion?’

Liu Si’er just felt that something was strange about the whole situation.

However, regardless of their thoughts, Chen Yi had already led them into the Spring Rain Building.

At the moment, although he was dressed in fine robes and a Jade Belt, there were no markings identifying him with the Xiao Family. He merely looked elegant and respectable.

The madam at the door, who had just seen off a group of customers, was a woman of about thirty, dressed in vibrant colors and quite voluptuous.

Her discerning eyes briefly sized them up, and seeing that Chen Yi’s party of three must have come from a wealthy background, she was naturally overjoyed.

”No wonder the magpies were chirping so merrily today! Distinguished guests have graced our doors.”

Chen Yi glanced at her and shook his head. ”We’ve come so early in the morning, but we’re not here to patronize your business.”

The madam wasn’t disappointed and continued to smile warmly. ”Your presence alone makes you a guest, sir. Why not have a seat and we can talk?”

Chen Yi shook his head again, smiling. ”My wife at home keeps a tight rein. I came out without any silver. This time, I’m just looking for someone.”

”Who are you looking for?”

Before Chen Yi could answer, a cry of alarm came from a private room on the second floor. ”Someone, quick! A customer refuses to pay!”

The madam’s expression changed slightly. Forgetting about Chen Yi, she bounded up the stairs to the second floor.

Her previously soft and gentle voice was gone, replaced by a high-pitched shriek. ”Let’s see who dares to skip out on their bill at the Spring Rain Building!”

Chen Yi looked up, but didn’t follow.

Liu Si’er looked like he wanted to say something but held back. He wasn’t paying attention to the fool upstairs; rather, he was wondering who the Fledgling was looking for.

Ge the Third, however, couldn’t resist and wanted to go forward to get a better look.

But before he could move, a man burst out of the private room upstairs.

The man had decent features, with thick eyebrows and large eyes. He had a strong build, wore a set of blue robes, and a long blade hung at his waist.

The moment he rushed out, he leaped directly down from the second floor.

As he ran for the exit, he laughed boisterously. ”I’ve traveled the land, visited all the Qin and Chu Brothels, and I’ve never once paid a single piece of silver!”

But the madam had no intention of letting him go. She followed him out and shouted to the pimps nearby, ”Stop him for me!”

In an instant, the elegant tranquility of the Spring Rain Building was gone, replaced by a noisy and chaotic chase.

Guests who had stayed the night heard the commotion and ran out, their clothes in disarray.

The brightly dressed women also ran out to watch the brawl below.

No one paid any attention to Chen Yi and his two companions, who were watching the show from the side.

Before long, the blue-robed Swordsman reached the entrance. Instead of rushing straight out, he turned his head and grinned.

”It’s worth mentioning, the girls at your Spring Rain Building are really... supple.”

”Next time someone comes here to cause trouble, you have my permission to use my name! I am he who never hides his name—Liu Lang!”

The moment his voice fell, the pimps were upon him, brandishing stools.

He scrambled away, shouting as he ran, ”Remember to use my name! The people in the Jianghu will give me some face!”

The madam was still furious. ”You broke bastard! Face? My ass!”

This caused the entire Spring Rain Building to erupt in laughter.

The guests were naturally contemptuous; if you don’t have money, why come to the Spring Rain Building?

The Cultured Courtesans, however, covered their mouths and giggled. They probably found it amusing and novel; having spent so long at the Spring Rain Building, a guest like this was a rare sight.

Chen Yi glanced at the notification he had just received, then waved to Liu Si’er and Ge the Third. ”Let’s go. It seems we won’t find who we’re looking for today.”

[Witnessed ’Sword Madman’ Liu Lang’s ’Farewell My Concubine.’ Reward: Big Spear Pile Skill upgraded from Profound Tier to Earth Tier. Opportunity +60.]

[Evaluation: Person arrived, voice heard, scene witnessed. First encounter with Jianghu People. Did not throw a single punch or kick. Most likely out of fear.]

’?’

’I was just watching the show,’ Chen Yi thought. ’What was there to be afraid of?’

’It’s not like I was supposed to help the Spring Rain Building stop Liu Lang, was I?’

’The name ”Sword Madman” is as famous as a clap of thunder, huh?’

With that thought, Chen Yi turned to Liu Si’er and Ge the Third behind him and asked, ”Have you ever heard the name Liu Lang?”

Liu Si’er and Ge the Third exchanged a glance and shook their heads. ”Never heard of him.”

”Oh,” Chen Yi said. ”Well, I guess we’ve heard of him now. Famous as a clap of thunder, indeed.”

Meanwhile.

Chen Yunfan, who had been ready to enjoy the show, also saw Liu Lang run out, and the smile on his face froze.

Then he made way for Chun Ying and asked, ”Take a look. Who is that?”

Chun Ying stared, her eyes suddenly filled with confusion and bewilderment. ”Him? W-what is he doing in Shu State?”

Chen Yunfan confirmed his suspicion, but his gaze fell on Chen Yi, who was behind Liu Lang. ”That’s what I’d like to know.”

”Sword Madman” Liu Lang, also known by the moniker ”Desert North Mad Blade.”

’For him to travel ten thousand li to Shu State... no matter how you look at it, this can’t be a good thing.’

’Especially with Chen Yi showing up here as well...’

After a moment of thought, Chen Yunfan signaled for the carriage to move on and said, ”In a few days, it will be Brother Huai’gu’s wedding. Prepare a modest gift from me.”

”Yes, Young Master,” Chun Ying replied, then added with some surprise, ”But didn’t you look down on him before?”

”I have a higher opinion of him now. He’s a Third Place Scholar, after all. For now, let’s just consider him an idiot who’s only two steps weaker than me.”

”Young Master, please don’t say that to his face...”