Chapter 134: Dormancy

January 30th, that morning, news spread that Zhuang Jin would leave Dongqiaowu next month and be reassigned to the east side of the city. Visitors came one after another to pay their respects.

At the same rank of town guardian within the same capital, several came in pairs or trios—six or seven in total—each bearing carefully prepared gifts, no longer displaying the previous aloofness or arrogance.

“Recent propaganda about Guardian Zhuang’s exploits—anticipating the enemy, covertly traveling by land, and consecutively defeating three leaders of the Medicine King Gang in Qijing... his name resounds like thunder!”

“Indeed, when others ask about it and hear I’m acquainted with Guardian Zhuang, they all feel proud just to know him!”

“Guardian Zhuang is going to recover from injuries in the east next month? Well deserved! With the current situation... we truly envy him!”

...

It was only today that Zhuang Jin realized those formerly haughty colleagues would now actively greet him, initiate conversations, and flatter him.

This sudden change made him somewhat uneasy; he almost wished they would return to their previous proud demeanor.

‘As I suspected before, in the martial world, strength commands respect. When one’s power surpasses theirs, they come to acknowledge reality... And in the future, when the gap widens enough, all those rigid rules of birth and status will be shattered to pieces!’

Zhuang Jin thought to himself. He didn’t show any displeasure, maintained full courtesy, and kept a polite yet somewhat distant attitude.

This was natural; it’s easier to add flowers to embroidery than to offer aid in times of hardship.

Those visitors were self-aware and didn’t hold onto any illusions of mutual support like Liu Licheng. Their visit was more to atone for their previous coldness and subtle isolation.

Translated, it was something like: We admit we spoke too loudly before... no, our attitude was a bit arrogant. But who would have thought that after reaching Qijing, you would break through realms as easily as eating and drinking? Two months to break through to Bajing, who knows what you’ll be like later... We recognize your strength and apologize now. When you reach Shijing, Shierjing, or even the higher Tongmai realm, don’t hold grudges or dwell on those past small matters!

Zhuang Jin naturally understood this and was not one to hold grudges over such things. To reassure them, avoid unnecessary enemies, and maintain his reputation, he accepted their gifts.

...

That afternoon, after leaving Dongqiaowu, Chen Yun, along with two maids, Song Lan and Yu Xiaoxiao, packed their belongings.

At the Bajing realm and as a two-mark guard, compared to Qijing, besides increased monthly allowance, food, and clothing supplements, he was entitled to two small male servants and two maids. However, due to the Min Shang incident, to avoid further pitfalls, they decided to forgo the male servants.

The Household Affairs Department was fairly straightforward; instead of male servants, the equivalent money was paid in silver.

As for the maids, having been in the outer courtyard for so long, Chen Yun was familiar with them and didn’t refuse. Choosing another maid to assist with chores and keep her company seemed wise.

By now, Chen Yun had become quite legendary as a maid in the outer courtyard. With keen insight, she had chosen Zhuang Jin. In just half a year, as Zhuang Jin broke through realms one after another, rapidly rising, his wife's status also soared with his.

Even the former deputy and chief managers of the Shen family headquarters now respectfully addressed Chen Yun as “Madam Zhuang” upon seeing her.

It was foreseeable that as Zhuang Jin’s potential continued to unfold and his realm and status rose, her sphere of influence would correspondingly expand. One day, the deputy and chief managers of the Shen family headquarters might bow before her.

Higher than that? Well, they dared not think that far yet.

In any case, because of Chen Yun’s example, other martial students recruited externally who reached the level of household retainers became more sought after, eagerly snapped up by maids in the outer courtyard, hoping to place their bets on someone like Chen Yun.

One day after a meal, Chen Yun even recounted this as a humorous story, and Zhuang Jin laughed, shaking his head.

Those people only saw Chen Yun’s current glory and not the quiet sacrifices she made: handling all trivial matters, carefully accompanying and taking care of him, maintaining relationships with colleagues... It could be said that Chen Yun had played no small part in Zhuang Jin’s rapid advancement.

This time as well, Zhuang Jin bore tremendous risks.

It could only be said: Success blooms in glory, but few see the sweat and blood behind it.

Returning to the matter at hand, the second maid’s position was also hotly contested, but the couple chose the familiar Song Lan after discussion.

...

“Husband, everything is packed. Shall we set off now?” Chen Yun asked as she approached.

“Mm.” Zhuang Jin nodded slightly and left together with them, heading eastward.

‘This trip is to avoid fierce subsequent battles and watch the situation unfold quietly. The Eighth Young Master hinted that this deployment would last at least half a year.’

Half a year, plus over twenty thousand battle merits, in such a safe environment, his strength was bound to see a massive leap!

‘At minimum, I can reach Shijing; possibly Shiyijing. If I’m optimistic and stay longer in the east, maybe even reach the Qiji realm with twelve complete meridians... though that’s unlikely, considering the escalating cost of refined beast meat for cultivation; my battle merits might not suffice!’

But no matter what, after this dormant period in the east, when Zhuang Jin reemerged, he would surely be a different person, stepping into an entirely new level.

Boom! Suddenly, the sky roared with spring thunder, rolling endlessly. At that very moment, it was the time of the Awakening of Insects.

...

In the Shen family inner courtyard, a small garden bloomed profusely with peach and plum blossoms in full spring splendor despite the season just being the Awakening of Insects.

Under a peach tree, a stone table and stools were set up. The Eighth Young Master, Shen Xuchen, sat across from a white-browed elder, playing chess.

A gentle breeze stirred, occasionally dropping petals that landed on them.

At this moment, Shen Xuchen’s eyes were fixed intently on the board, concentrating deeply, clearly under pressure.

Opposite him, the white-browed elder seemed to blend harmoniously with the surroundings. Each move he made was precise and deliberate, connecting his pieces into an invisible cage, locking the heavens and earth.

That elder was none other than Shen family patriarch, Shen Xianhong. As Shen Xuchen finally placed a piece after much thought, Shen Xianhong gently picked up a piece, responded with a move, and asked, “How is the Zhuang Jin matter progressing?”

An eighth-level martial artist wasn’t worth the patriarch’s direct attention, but this case’s background impact concerned the Shen family’s order and foundations, making it unavoidable.

“Zhuang Jin has agreed to compensate and will be transferred to the east next month... Zhao Bin and Miao Shao will be assigned to the southern city adjacent to the Medicine King Gang front line—the most dangerous place... Both their families are being watched closely; any small move...” Shen Xuchen made a vertical cutting gesture.

Shen Xianhong nodded slightly and asked for Shen Xuchen’s thoughts on how all parties should respond.

After some thought, Shen Xuchen answered, “Zhuang Jin is calm and rational, understands the situation, did not act rashly but reported it... Mu Sizheng and Li Sizheng handled the matter properly, following procedure without foolish actions.”

“This case has drawn great attention. Zhao Bin and Miao Shao are mid-to-upper class; there must be solid evidence...” He emphasized “solid evidence.” “Otherwise, judicial corruption would make everyone uneasy. If this escalates, Mu Sizheng and Li Sizheng would get into trouble too.”

“Finally, Zhao Bin and Miao Shao were somewhat foolish, unable to see the situation clearly, stubbornly relying on this point, offending both the Household Affairs and Enforcement Departments... They seem to have escaped for now but are under watch. If either shows disloyalty or moves out of line, they will be instantly killed along with their clans. If they remain loyal, they must serve the Shen family with blood and sweat... Zhuang Jin’s presence is also a torment to them, squeezing their value and binding their hearts. In my view, their entire families will likely face deserved punishment in the end.”

“Mm.” Shen Xianhong listened calmly, then placed a piece.

“Father, your chess skills are brilliant!” Shen Xuchen lamented as his large dragon of pieces was captured, surrendering defeat.

“You hid your intent and didn’t give your all.”

Shen Xianhong shook his head slightly. “What about the other matter I instructed?”

“The one about Zhuang JinI'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that request.