Chapter Forty-Seven: The Taoist

"Master Cui, my young master invites you to Zuiyue Pavilion for a conversation."

Cui Xiu was waiting in the pharmacy for news from Guan Yuan. The token from the Yang Division had not been issued, making it difficult to proceed with the rest of the matters. Yet, while the issue with the Yang Division remained unresolved, Wu Yu sent Wu Xiu to extend an invitation.

"Let’s go then."

There was nothing in the pharmacy that required his attention; his main focus was on his own improvement. These past days, his thoughts had been consumed by the matter of the Yang Division, slowing his progress in other pursuits, so he found himself with plenty of free time.

Though the turmoil of the new emperor’s ascension had yet to settle within the court, common folk had already grown accustomed to the news. After all, it was merely a change of ruler; the toiling masses would not pay heed to such affairs for long.

As the year drew to a close, the county town grew lively. Red lanterns hung before every shop, and the festive atmosphere of the New Year was already palpable.

Business at Zuiyue Pavilion remained unaffected by the approaching holiday; its patrons were rarely ordinary townsfolk, and as things were in the past, so they remained now.

Led by Wu Xiu, Cui Xiu climbed to a refined chamber on the second floor, where he met Wu Yu.

After several days apart, Wu Yu appeared to have changed, becoming even more composed. Cui Xiu wondered what he had encountered recently.

“Brother Dongshan, you’re here.”

Wu Yu was evidently delighted to see him.

“Brother Zixing, I was planning to visit you in a few days. Did you call me here because there is news regarding the Yang Division?”

Cui Xiu could only think of this reason for Wu Yu’s invitation.

“That is indeed part of it.” Wu Yu invited Cui Xiu to sit, and Wu Xiu poured wine for them.

“Last time you asked me about the Yang Division. As you heard from Captain Guan, there has been a change.” Wu Yu sipped his wine and recalled, “I have a friend in Ganzhou Prefecture, with some connections in official circles, and he has heard whispers. Apparently, this concerns the new emperor’s accession…”

Cui Xiu listened, thoughtful. He remembered Wu Yu had once said that the current sovereign was a ruler of ambition.

Ambition was merely another name for desire.

Such an emperor’s intentions were not hard for Cui Xiu to discern.

Seeing Cui Xiu’s expression, Wu Yu nodded slightly. “Brother Dongshan, you are a man of understanding. This matter is connected to the affairs of the court, and changes may yet come. But for you, Brother Cui, this is a fortunate turn. In the past, the Yang Division stood aloof, nominally under the court’s jurisdiction but, in truth… ha. Now with unforeseen changes above, this is an opportunity—a stepping stone.”

“Not to mention involvement in extraordinary matters, even the status of a Yang Division member is no less than that of a scholar appointed to office after passing the imperial examination.”

Cui Xiu nodded upon hearing this.

Wu Yu’s news only strengthened his resolve.

Of course, he was curious about the cause of the Yang Division’s upheaval, but he knew those details did not concern him for now, so he did not inquire further.

“In that case, thank you, Brother Zixing. Should this come to fruition, I fear my work at the pharmacy…”

Cui Xiu did not mention that he had already agreed to Guan Yuan’s request and registered his name, only bringing up the matter of the pharmacy.

If nothing changed, once he became a Yang Division member, he could hardly remain at the pharmacy.

“That’s no trouble. Go ahead without worry, Brother Cui.” Wu Yu waved his hand, unconcerned.

Hearing this, Cui Xiu did not press further. He paused, recalling that Wu Yu’s invitation seemed to involve more than just the Yang Division, so he asked, “By the way, Brother Zixing, besides this, is there anything else you wish to discuss?”

“No rush—let’s eat first.”

Wu Yu gave a mysterious smile and urged Cui Xiu to enjoy the wine.

Cui Xiu was curious but refrained from asking, not noticing when Wu Xiu left the chamber.

After several rounds of wine and a hearty meal, Wu Yu signaled to Wu Xiu.

Soon, Cui Xiu saw Wu Xiu produce a neatly folded document from somewhere.

Wu Yu took it, and under Cui Xiu’s puzzled gaze, placed it on the table and pushed it toward him.

“Brother Dongshan, I’ve always collected martial arts manuals, but such inheritances are rare. My family is not a great clan of the martial world and lacks the means. So… this is a deed to a house…”

…

Cui Xiu had not expected that Wu Yu would gift him a residence.

He did not wish to accept, but could not refuse the generous gesture, fearing it would hurt their friendship.

Thus, he accepted, but the matter gave him new ideas.

If he could join the Yang Division and gain a certain status, a business partnership with the Wu family might become feasible.

Of course, this still depended on news from Guan Yuan, but Cui Xiu had already added the idea to his plans.

Beyond that, Wu Yu spoke of the upcoming imperial examination.

He mentioned that after the New Year he would go to Shengjing to prepare for the exams, and told Cui Xiu to contact Steward Xu if he needed anything.

Cui Xiu naturally agreed.

With Wu Yu away, his plans for business cooperation would need to be discussed with someone in the Wu household.

Leaving with the deed, Cui Xiu was not in a hurry to visit the new residence. It was not that he was indifferent, only that it was not urgent.

Lost in thought, he exited the tavern.

Unaware, he collided headlong with someone.

Cui Xiu instinctively reached out to steady the person.

Given his current skills, his reflexes were quite nimble. He should not have collided so easily; even if he did, he ought to have caught the person in time.

Strangely, not only did he bump into someone, but his hand grasped nothing.

He found it odd but attributed it to being distracted by his thoughts, so he did not dwell on it. The person he collided with was knocked down—he wondered if they were hurt.

Looking closely, Cui Xiu saw it was a shabby, itinerant Taoist.

The Taoist was small and thin, barely five feet tall. His robe was filthy, stained with black patches, and his hair was tangled, though loosely tied into a Taoist knot.

His beard appeared glued together by some unknown substance, and his long, donkey-like face bore several moles. Narrow eyes gave him a somewhat sly look, causing one to frown.

Of course, while Cui Xiu found the sight unpleasant, his worldly experience from his previous life, combined with the caution gained after encountering strange events in this one, kept him from showing any overt dislike toward the Taoist.

“Master, are you alright?” Cui Xiu bent to help, apologizing, “I was distracted just now and didn’t watch my step. Please forgive me.”

“Heh heh, it’s nothing, nothing.”

The Taoist rose with Cui Xiu’s help, his eyes darting as he glanced at Cui Xiu, stroking his greasy beard and waving off the apology.

With a chuckle, he ignored Cui Xiu, walked past him, and called out,

“Where’s the waiter?! A distinguished guest has arrived—why is no one here to attend to me?”