Misty Rain of the Old Times

Chapter 787 Feeling Guilty

The chirping of birds outside the window disturbed Chen Xuan's sweet morning dream. He woke up as usual, his hands covered in a warm fragrance. The Yunlan and Yunxin sisters were fast asleep on either side of him, their faces filled with happy smiles in their sleep. Their skin was as white as jade in the morning light, and there were faint red marks on many parts of their bodies, the marks left by their restless sleep last night.

Now, he has a deep bond with four people: Princess Dujuan, Yunlan, and Yunxin. Princess Dujuan is pregnant and needs care, but he doesn't show favoritism and always stays with Dujuan. Fortunately, he is energetic and physically strong, so his family members can handle things easily.

He had actually thought about the whole family living together, but it was too early now. The girl was shy. No rush, it would happen one day. After all, his family members were always willing to grant his every wish.

The two sisters had incredibly keen senses; they would wake up from their sleep at the slightest movement from Chen Xuan.

Knowing Chen Xuan's habits, Yunlan propped herself up, her body still a little sore, ignoring the thin blanket slipping and revealing the room, and looked at Chen Xuan gently, saying, "My husband is awake. I'll help you get dressed right away."

"I'll go get water for my husband to wash up," Yunlan said, getting up as well.

They were almost identical from head to toe, and Chen Xuan often had difficulty distinguishing them. In particular, the twins were of one mind, which made their interactions even more interesting.

Reaching out, Chen Xuan gently pinched Yunlan's cheek and patted Yunxin's shoulder, saying softly, "My ladies, you must have been exhausted last night. Why don't you get some more sleep? I can just tidy up a bit; there's no need for all that trouble."

Thinking of their playful antics the night before, the two sisters blushed, but said in unison, "How can that be? Serving our husbands is our duty. Let's get up now."

"Listen to me, rest now, it's settled then," Chen Xuan said without hesitation, kissing them both and gently pushing them back onto the bed to continue resting.

He immediately got up, put on some clothes, tied his hair back, put the undergarment he had left on the floor sometime last night back on the table, gestured for them to rest, and then pushed open the door and went out.

"You still say you're not ashamed?"

"Alright, alright, I won't say anymore. Sister, when do you think we can conceive our husband's child like His Highness?"

"I don't know either. As long as we serve our husband regularly, it shouldn't take long."

"Yes, I'm really looking forward to it. It seems I should ask His Highness for permission to bring Wanqian and Xue'er into the family as soon as possible, so that even if we get pregnant, there will be someone to take care of the house."

"Yes, but be careful with your words. My husband doesn't like this kind of talk. Speaking of which, if nothing unexpected happens, given Wanqian's family background, your household will probably have one or two maids accompanying her, right?"

"I think it's more than that. Don't forget Zhang Yu, who is like a sister to her. Although she seems to be at odds with the master, what kind of good person wouldn't mind having some inappropriate contact with their husband?"

"Isn't this like buying one and getting one free? Let's not worry about these things, His Highness has his own arrangements..."

After leaving the house, Chen Xuan did not notice the two sisters' whispers. As dawn broke, he came to the courtyard and began practicing the meditation exercise that he had been practicing for many years with smooth and graceful movements.

This was the first martial art that Chen Xuan had come into contact with in this world that wasn't really a martial art. He had persisted with it for many years and it had become a habit. At his current level, this Qi-cultivating exercise was no longer a simple exercise to loosen muscles and bones. Although its essence remained the same, it had evolved into an extremely profound skill, no less than some top-level martial arts. However, ordinary people simply could not appreciate its wonders. It looked so ordinary yet perfectly natural.

Chen Xuan has already walked his own path and has long since passed the stage of 'learning'. This calming and health-preserving exercise is the embodiment of his path. Others' paths have an end, but he will use it to walk his own path. He is still on the way. When he has completely perfected his natural way, this simplest exercise will surely reveal its true profoundness.

His path is never earth-shattering or dazzling, but rather as quiet and silent as nature, changing and progressing every day...

"Good morning, sir. Are we alright?"

Almost as soon as Chen Xuan got into position, the little girl and Du Juan arrived at his side. While greeting him, they also practiced the Qi-cultivating exercise with Chen Xuan. Their movements were exactly the same, but the subtle charm they conveyed was completely different. If an outsider were to see it, Chen Xuan's movements wouldn't even be as standard as theirs.

"It's still early, why don't you sleep a little longer?" Chen Xuan said casually, still busy with his work.

"I'm used to it. If I can't sleep, I do some activities with the master every morning, and it keeps me energized all day," the little girl chattered.

Du Juan didn't say much, but silently followed the rhythm. Her figure was voluptuous and graceful, and every movement seemed to exude a fatal attraction, causing Chen Xuan to frequently glance at her. Gradually, her ears turned a little red.

On a quiet morning, the three of them relaxed and at ease, their spirits at ease and in harmony.

In a daze, Chen Xuan seemed to have returned to a few years ago. Back then, whenever he returned from the academy, he would practice the Qi-cultivating exercise in the courtyard every day without fail. However, at that time, he was all alone. Xiao Gao was focused on his studies, and Xiao Cai and Xiao Ye had no interest in it. Now, however, he had Du Juan and Xiao Ya to keep him company.

Before they knew it, the sun had risen, and by the time it had completely risen above the horizon, Chen Xuan and his friends' morning activities were coming to an end, and the streets outside were gradually becoming noisy.

Just like countless times before, when Chen Xuan and the others finished their practice and stopped, two figures walked in from outside the courtyard, passing by the gate in a very ordinary manner.

Xiao Miao looked over the fence and waved to Chen Xuan, saying, "Good morning, Brother Chen! Getting up early again?"

She had said this simple greeting countless times, and had passed by the door countless times. Now, just like then.

"Xiao Miao, Fu Gui, good morning to you too. Are you heading to the shop to get ready to start work?" Chen Xuan replied with a smile and a wave.

Nodding, Xiao Miao smiled and said, "Yes, I got a big job a few days ago, I'm going to be busy from now on."

"It's good that you're busy. Have you had breakfast yet? Would you like to come in and have something to eat with us?" Chen Xuan nodded and asked.

Xiao Miao politely declined, saying, "I've already eaten, so I won't bother you any longer, Brother Chen. The shop's busy, so I'll be leaving now."

"It's not a big deal if it takes a little more time. Do as you please. We're planning to go out and explore Mo City at noon. Do you want to come along, Xiao Miao?" Chen Xuan didn't insist and asked again with a smile.

Despite being incredibly tempted, Xiao Miao thought for a moment and shook her head, saying, "I'd better not bother Brother Chen and the others. I need to finish the job I've taken on as soon as possible, otherwise they'll deduct my wages for being late."

She knew that Chen Xuan had a habit of taking a nap after waking up, so it wasn't strange that he didn't go out until noon.

"Alright, be careful on the road."

"Okay, goodbye Brother Chen..." It was an ordinary morning, and the usual greetings were something I had experienced many times before. Over the years, everyone seemed to have changed, yet it also seemed that nothing had changed.

The others had also gotten up and tidied up one after another. Breakfast was ready and on the table. After a warm breakfast filled with everyday chatter, Chen Xuan started to feel sleepy again. He called out and went to take a nap. The little princesses were already used to it.

Sometimes they couldn't understand why Chen Xuan could get up early without fail, only to go back to sleep until noon shortly after waking up. Was it really necessary? They were truly puzzled.

While half asleep, Chen Xuan felt a familiar fragrance approaching. His mind was still dreaming, but his hands had already subconsciously tightened around a soft, delicate body. He held her in his arms, adjusted to a comfortable position, and continued to sleep.

Du Juan blushed and looked out the window. She had only come to check if the master had covered himself with the blankets properly, but she ended up being pulled into his arms and laid on the bed. She didn't want to disturb him. If she didn't go out for a long time, she would probably be teased. But being with the master was really relaxing and happy.

Lost in thought, she spent several hours on this trip.

Chen Xuan, who had just woken up feeling refreshed, felt the delicate body in his arms. His hand was on her back, which he patted gently. Du Juan moved slightly and let out a soft moan.

"When did Sister Juan arrive?" Chen Xuan asked in her ear.

Before Du Juan could answer, he sensed something, silently sealing the room with a burst of true energy. He sat up straight, leaning close to her rosy, smiling face, and said, "Sister Juan, you've been wanting to? Let your husband check if your martial arts have improved. I've recently come up with a move that I'll teach you now."

"Sir, no, it's only noon. Let's practice in the evening..."

When they came downstairs, one looking refreshed and the other with a rosy complexion, the little princess, who was discussing flower arranging with Yunlan and the others in the pavilion, couldn't help but roll her eyes and said with a wry smile, "Practicing in broad daylight, as if you haven't practiced enough. Didn't you practice enough at night?"

These words caused Yunlan and Yunxin to blush, their eyes darting away as they chuckled softly.

Du Juan lowered her head in embarrassment, not daring to look at anyone. She knew that practicing in broad daylight wouldn't take that long, but since the master wanted to teach her, of course she had to learn seriously.

Chen Xuan was somewhat embarrassed, so he coughed and changed the subject, saying, "Well, if there's nothing else, let's go out for a walk, as we agreed."

"Husband, do you still remember? We've been waiting for so long. Who would go out for a stroll in the scorching midday sun? Alright, let's go. We're not worried about the blazing sun anyway," the little princess said with a satisfied smile as she put the trimmed flower branches in her hair.

Besides her love of writing storybooks, she also possessed many other skills that traditional Chinese ladies were well-versed in, such as playing the zither, chess, calligraphy, painting, flower arranging, and tea ceremony. These skills had all been carefully taught by masters, but she rarely demonstrated them.

Looking at her simple yet elegant work, Chen Xuan gave a thumbs up and said, "It's really beautiful. I'll put it in front of my window later."

Put it in a room? Which room?

Without dwelling on these things, everyone left chatting and laughing.

They visited several major attractions in Mo City, eating lunch and dinner out. By the time they returned, the sun was already setting. Along the way, they bought a lot of local specialties. The most famous local specialty of Mo City is, of course, various ink sticks. The top-quality ones are even tribute items, with each stick worth a thousand gold pieces. Chen Xuan rarely writes, so the ink sticks he bought will probably last him for decades. Hmm, he'll get a few for Xiao Gao later. That kid's salary is probably only enough to smell the ink. These little gadgets even have gold powder added; it's truly extravagant.

After strolling around for half a day, when they came back to rest and cool off in the yard, the figures of Xiao Miao and her brother passed by the gate again in the setting sun. They exchanged greetings as usual as in the morning. The difference was that the siblings, who had just returned from work, sat inside for a while before going home.

As dusk fell, Chen Xuan stood up and said, "We're leaving early tomorrow morning to head south home. See if there's anything you need to pack, or if you'd like to buy anything, please arrange it as soon as possible. I'm going to pick up Xiaoxue; the appointed time is approaching."

"Okay, husband, go ahead and come back soon," the little princess waved her hand and yawned lazily. She had been strolling around for half a day and, although she wasn't tired, she wanted to rest early. As time went by, the little life inside her belly would occasionally move, which was so interesting.

After exchanging greetings, Chen Xuan disappeared in a flash, quickly arriving at the agreed-upon location with Guo Qingxue, where she was already waiting.

Under the shade of a large tree, she stood there gracefully, dressed in white, looking around every now and then.

She was all alone there. Chen Xuan had originally thought that someone from the Cold Mountain Sword Sect would be following her. After all, she was going home and would be running off with him, so her parents would have to keep an eye on her. But Chen Xuan sensed that there was no one in the surrounding dozens of miles.

"Xiaoxue, have you been waiting long?" Chen Xuan came directly to her side.

Upon seeing him appear, Guo Qingxue excitedly rushed into his arms, hugging his waist tightly and looking up at him joyfully, saying, "Brother Chen, you're here!"

He hugged her, patted her pert bottom amidst her reproachful gaze, and asked curiously, "Did you all agree on this? Your uncle and aunt are willing to let you run off with me?"

Taking the opportunity to hug his arm, Guo Qingxue didn't mind her ample chest pressing against Chen Xuan's arm, and nodded happily, saying, "Of course, Father and Mother are reluctant to let me go. I've already told them that as long as I'm happy, they will support me. From now on, I can be with Brother Chen openly and naturally. But, but..."

"Just what?" Chen Xuan asked curiously.

She thought for a moment and then said truthfully, "Father and Mother just hope that Brother Chen can visit our Cold Mountain Sword Sect when he has time. They would also like to meet you, their future son-in-law. If he really can't make it, that's fine, they understand. After all, Brother Chen's time is very precious. And... and they told me to try not to get pregnant before I marry into the family. The sect still needs to be mindful of gossip. If I really can't control myself and get pregnant, it's okay. Mother said that young people are like that, she understands, it's not a big deal, and I don't think anyone would dare to gossip."

This means that Guo Qingxue has been completely handed over to him. As the head of a prestigious sect, Guo Qingxue may not have thought much about it because she was so devoted to him, but Chen Xuan knew that his father-in-law must be very conflicted about this, probably wishing he could beat him to death.

But what could they do? Their daughter was completely devoted to Chen Xuan, and Chen Xuan was so outstanding that people could overlook all his flaws, so they could only grit their teeth and accept it.

Children and grandchildren have their own blessings. Being able to follow Chen Xuan, even as a concubine, is an honor that is almost impossible to obtain.

Upon hearing this, Chen Xuan said earnestly, "I'll accompany Xiaoxue back home when I have some free time. We need to give the elders an explanation to put their minds at ease."

"Thank you, Brother Chen," she smiled sweetly, her eyes practically overflowing with happiness.

Guo Qingxue had clearly regulated her emotions beforehand, and everything seemed normal. However, Chen Xuan keenly sensed that she had definitely cried. He put his arm around her waist and said, "Let's go back. I've never considered myself a good person. Apart from not being able to be devoted to you, I would never let you suffer any injustice."

"It is my greatest honor to have Brother Chen say these words. I would die without regret. I will try my best to be a good wife from now on. If there is anything I do not do well, I hope Brother Chen will forgive me."

"Silly girl, I feel guilty. I should be the one being careful..." (End of Chapter)