Immortal Travel of Longevity

“That’s all?”

“Nothing more, really nothing!”

Moyuan shot Yun Li a suspicious glance and asked, “Did you come empty-handed on purpose because you knew you might run into me?”

Yun Li’s heart skipped a beat. “No, no, how would I dare?”

But in truth, Moyuan was absolutely right.

Yun had come prepared for the worst, bringing nothing this time. As for Merit, he barely had any left anyway after Moyuan had repeatedly conned it out of him over previous encounters. How much less could he possibly have?

Seeing this, Moyuan could only sigh helplessly and wave his hand. “Fine, fine. Hand over whatever Merit you’ve got left, then you can leave.”

Yun Li’s lips trembled slightly. “I… I only have fifty years’ worth left…”

“What, am I not menacing enough?”

“…” “Next time you step out, remember to carry more stuff. Got it?”

“…”

Yun Li felt utterly miserable, on the verge of tears. He’d never encountered anything like this before.

This was outright robbery.

He couldn’t recall ever offending this Black Dragon.

Next time… next time, he swore he wouldn’t take any task, any duty that had even the tiniest connection to Moyuan. He wouldn’t come near him again!

After swindling three hundred years’ worth of Merit, Moyuan ambled unhurriedly back to the banquet.

Hu Junhan noticed his slightly sour expression and asked, “Who annoyed you?”

“Ran into an old acquaintance. Pity I couldn’t get much stuff.”

“…”

Hu Junhan listened, said nothing more, and went back to eating.

Moyuan was never predictable anyway.

Little did anyone know, more unexpected guests were arriving.

Suddenly, the sharp clatter of galloping horses echoed through the air.

“Clip-clop, clip-clop, clip-clop…”

The rhythmic pounding of hooves grew louder and sharper, finally coming to an abrupt halt right before the Tong family wedding feast gates.

Leading the group was a figure clad in palace robes, face powdered, looking neither male nor female. Behind them stood several dozen soldiers encased in iron armor.

The banquet guests fell silent in surprise. Those chatting and drinking stopped mid-action.

“Who are these people?”

“Haven’t seen them before.”

Residents of this remote region were largely unfamiliar with such a display, and a wave of unease rippled through the crowd.

The androgynous eunuch stepped forward.

“Is this the residence of Physician Tong?”

The eunuch’s sharp, shrill voice instantly snapped everyone back to alertness.

Tong Zhihuan, wine cup still in hand, hurried forward.

He knew exactly who these visitors were, and his heart tightened with worry.

Moyuan glanced over and chuckled lowly. “He actually came.”

Tong Zhihuan approached and bowed slightly. “This humble commoner Tong Zhihuan greets Chief Eunuch. I apologize for failing to welcome you properly on such a long journey.”

The previously stern-faced eunuch suddenly broke into a benevolent smile.

“Physician Tong, you flatter me.”

The eunuch spoke these words, then continued purposefully, “This one comes bearing important business.”

A knot of tension twisted in Tong Zhihuan’s chest. “Might I inquire… what business?”

Guests at the feast didn’t dare whisper. They exchanged glances. The conversation unmistakably revealed these visitors came from the Imperial Court.

The eunuch gestured casually. A soldier stepped forward immediately, respectfully presenting a brocaded box.

“Tong Zhihuan of the Autumn Moon Market, receive this Decree!”

Tong Zhihuan froze for a moment. His eyes fell upon the Imperial Decree in the eunuch’s hands. At a glance, he knew it was authentic.

The eunuch smiled kindly. “Physician Tong, aren’t you going to kneel and receive the decree?”

Tong Zhihuan opened his mouth, then hesitated. “Chief Eunuch… dare I ask… does this decree bring good tidings… or sorrow?”

The eunuch reassured, “It is joyful news, of course! Tidings of grand fortune! Physician Tong, set your heart at ease.”

A wave of relief washed over Tong Zhihuan, only to be replaced by profound confusion.

For years now, he’d avoided any entanglement with court affairs. Why would an Imperial Decree reach this remote Autumn Moon Market?

Tong Zhihuan knelt down.

The eunuch unfurled the Imperial Decree and spoke in a clear, resonant voice:

“We obey the Mandate of Heaven. The Emperor proclaims: Tong Zhihuan, commoner of Autumn Moon Market, travels the land to practice healing. Innumerable lives saved. Peerless skill in the healing arts. Boundless merit accumulated. He is hereby appointed Chief Grand Imperial Physician, Second Rank. Bestowed with one set of Antique Golden Acupuncture Needles.

“His wife, Tao’er, virtuous and prudent by nature, diligent and gentle, harmonious in her purity, warm and benevolent in character, diligent and well-versed in household duties, her kindness holding innate grace. She is hereby ennobled as Prefecture Lady, granted the title ‘Peach Blossom’. Additionally bestowed with one pair of Auspicious Ruyi Hairpins and one statue of Child-Granting Guanyin. So decreed.”

Tong Zhihuan listened, stunned.

He pressed his forehead to the ground.

“This humble commoner… Receives the decree!”

The eunuch smiled warmly. “Chief Physician Tong, rise quickly! As for your honoured wife, there’s no need for her to kneel. Furthermore, Chief Physician Tong is required to reside in the capital. You retain your freedom of movement. None may compel you otherwise.”

Tong Zhihuan felt dazed. “This…”

“This is also His Majesty’s personal directive.”

“Thank your Majesty for his boundless grace.”

The eunuch nodded. He immediately directed his attendants to carry the imperial rewards inside.

The jaws of the onlookers nearly hit the floor.

“Chief Grand Physician of the Second Rank!!!”

“Little Miracle Doctor Tong truly is incredible!”

“Wonderful! Wonderful news!”

Tong Zhihuan tried to invite the Chief Eunuch to stay.

But the eunuch simply waved a dismissive hand. “This humble eunuch shan’t soil your feast. Congratulations on your union and gaining a virtuous wife, Physician Tong. This servant must return to deliver his report, so I dare not linger.”

Without another word, he mounted his horse and flicked the reins.

Tong Zhihuan hastily clasped his hands together and bowed deeply. “Honorable journey, Chief Eunuch!”

The procession, having arrived with grand display, proclaimed their decree and deposited their rewards, then hurried away as swiftly as they had come.

They had ridden tirelessly, covered in the dust of the road, just to make it on time these past days.

High up on his horse, the Chief Eunuch finally released a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding. Thank goodness they’d reached it.

“Congratulations Physician Tong! Congratulations!”

“From now on, we must call him Chief Physician Tong!”

“We should call him ‘Your Excellency’!”

Seeing the crowd’s celebratory chatter, Tong Zhihuan felt a little shy. “I prefer ‘Physician Tong’, really.”

“We dare not! We dare not!”

Tong Zhihuan raised his wine cup. “Today marks double happiness descending upon my door! I, Tong Zhihuan, offer a toast to all my distinguished guests and dear friends!”

“Here!”

“Drink together, this cup!”

Over in a corner, a little girl in red robes clutched a wine pot and shouted gleefully.

“Cheers!”

Yu Hongjin guzzled the wine directly from the pot.

Gulp, gulp, gulp!

It gurgled straight down her throat into her belly.

After finishing, she felt her stomach bulge painfully.

“Ungh… I’ve had way too much… I’m done for… burp…”

She swayed unsteadily, then flopped down onto the ground, stone dead drunk.

Just that day alone—not to mention all the days prior—she had easily polished off well over ten pounds of wine, pilfered from nearly every table.

Right then, a gentle breeze swirled into the courtyard.

Chen Changsheng sat quietly at his table. Miss Yun, beside him, looked puzzled.

Yun Xiang asked softly, “Sir, does Brother Tong… have some connection with the Prince of Xiang?”

“Some grudges,” Chen Changsheng answered simply.

“Ah?” Yun Xiang blinked, startled. “Then this decree…”

Chen Changsheng said, “Later, you can ask Moyuan. He should be able to explain. Likely, Zhao Zhen had to confer these honours.”

“I see…” Yun Xiang pondered, making a mental note to ask later.

Meanwhile, Chen Changsheng turned his gaze towards the distance. “Another gift should arrive today. Let’s hope it doesn’t make too grand an entrance.”

“Another gift?”

“Yes. I expect it to be… rather substantial.”