Immortal Travel of Longevity

Since Mr. Chen had spoken, the Old Dragon King would absolutely not give a meager gift. The only question was what exactly he would send.

After all, receiving “The Path of Divine Incense” was a huge favor owed.

Chen Changsheng was curious what treasures the Old Dragon King, dipping deep into his coffers, would bestow. After all, the Riverbottom Dragon Palace hid treasures rare within the mortal world.

Chen Changsheng looked over and saw a graceful figure approaching from a distant street.

As Chen Changsheng had guessed, it was Dragon Princess Ying En.

Seeing the lively commotion in the courtyard, Ying En couldn’t help but laugh. “Such liveliness…”

Her gaze swept the banquet, as if seeking a particular figure.

She finally spotted Mr. Chen at the main table in the hall.

Once Ying En entered the banquet, villagers guided her to Mr. Chen’s seat.

Ying En spoke: “Uncle Chen, my father has some minor tasks to attend to today, so he asked me to come on his behalf. He hopes you won’t mind.” Chen Changsheng looked at her and smiled. “He didn’t send you instead because he couldn’t come up with a suitable gift, did he?”

The Dragon Princess laughed. “I suspect that might be the case.”

“Hmm?”

Chen Changsheng blinked. “So what did he send?”

Ying En replied, “My father said I should hand these to you, Uncle Chen, for you to pass one along to Physician Tong and the other to Miss Tao’er.”

As she spoke, she extended her hand, revealing two ornate brocade boxes which she handed over together.

“And he won’t let us see the contents now?” Chen Changsheng chuckled.

“If Uncle Chen wishes to look, we can open them right now.”

Chen Changsheng shook his head. “No need, they aren’t for me. Later, when they open the boxes, I’ll have to ask if I got the worse end of the deal.”

He glanced at Ying En. “Still, this really doesn’t seem like the Dragon Lord’s usual style. He normally goes for a grand display.”

Ying En answered, “Perhaps what’s inside these boxes isn’t meant for wide attention.”

“Is that so?”

Chen Changsheng looked at them, then nodded and carefully stored both boxes away.

Indeed, they likely held two precious treasures.

Only after Ying En left did the woman seated nearby, Miss Yun, ask.

“Sir, that lady just now…”

Chen Changsheng said, “Her? I have some acquaintance with her father.”

Yun Xiang replied, “Sir, your niece’s face seemed very familiar, as if I’ve seen her somewhere before.”

“You recognize her?” Chen Changsheng asked.

Yun Xiang thought hard, then suddenly it dawned on her. “She looks like… like the Goddess of Tianjiang! That Water Deity of Tongtian River!”

Chen Changsheng gave a slight nod. “She is that Goddess of Tianjiang.”

“Ah?”

Yun Xiang was stunned, frozen in place for a long moment.

The sir’s niece…

That meant the one Mr. Chen was so familiar with was none other than the Dragon Lord of Tongtian River!

Chen Changsheng said, “Try to remember to visit the Dragon Lord’s temple sometime later, light three joss sticks, and maybe even try getting some favors out of that old dragon.”

Yun Xiang heard this and said, “Sir, how could I even think of such a thing?”

Chen Changsheng replied, “Mention it was my idea. Though it’s mostly a jest, if you ever truly run into trouble, you might give it a shot.”

Yun Xiang thought for a moment, then said, “Yun Xiang will remember.”

…

As the sky darkened, a joyful air filled the Tong family courtyard. Many guests had left by the afternoon, but some close relatives and friends would stay until late into the night.

Tong Zhihuan, overwhelmed by the wine, sat down to eat some food and rest for a while.

Chen Changsheng took this opportunity to hand him the brocade box.

“Sir, this is…?” Tong Zhihuan asked.

“A gift from the Dragon Lord,” Chen Changsheng answered.

Tong Zhihuan had known the Dragon Lord’s name since his youth. Years ago, the Dragon Lord had gifted Mr. Chen with fine wines.

Tong Zhihuan, regaining his focus, said, “Did the Dragon Lord come today?”

Chen Changsheng shook his head. “He was otherwise occupied, so asked me to pass this to you.”

Tong Zhihuan received it reverently with both hands, studying the exquisite box.

Chen Changsheng said, “I myself am quite curious what he chose to give. Why not open it?”

Tong Zhihuan nodded, then reached out and opened the brocade box.

Contrary to Chen Changsheng’s expectations, the item inside seemed surprisingly plain – just an unassuming letter or document.

Tong Zhihuan focused, lifting the document with both hands.

His expression changed dramatically as he turned to Mr. Chen.

“Sir, this…”

Chen Changsheng glanced over it, and a flicker of surprise passed through his eyes.

“So that’s it…”

Chen Changsheng took a deep breath. “Well now, seems like I got the short end of the stick after all…”

The writing on the document said:

“The Winds and Rains of the Mortal Realm. When the skies are dry, rain will fall. When the waters rise flood-high, they shall retreat. The Dragon Lord proclaims: henceforth for three centuries, he shall protect Autumn Moon Market. No drought shall scorch the land, no flood shall drown the earth. Let this document stand as proof.”

Chen Changsheng couldn’t help but shake his head with a sigh. “That Old Dragon King, he certainly knows how to play his hand.”

He truly couldn’t find any flaw in this gift.

Chen Changsheng then handed the other brocade box. “This box is for Tao’er from the Dragon Lord. Please deliver it to her for me.”

Tong Zhihuan was still somewhat lost. “Ah… yes, Sir…”

He bowed his head lost in thought before suddenly looking up again.

“Sir…”

“Is what this document says… truly possible?”

Chen Changsheng smiled. “The Dragon Lord’s own handwritten decree. It won’t be false.”

Tong Zhihuan was deeply moved.

“Three centuries without drought or flood…”

He murmured, “This will bring untold blessings to all the people.”

He then earnestly said, “Sir, if you see the Dragon Lord, please thank him deeply on behalf of the people of Autumn Moon Market for this immense kindness.”

Chen Changsheng agreed with a nod, then said, “Once you’ve sobered up a bit, go tend to things. Remember to head back early; don’t make people wait anxiously.”

Hearing this, Tong Zhihuan blushed again. He hastily agreed and took his leave.

Chen Changsheng smiled softly, shaking his head.

Miss Yun remarked, “Brother Tong is still just like he’s been in years past.”

Chen Changsheng said, “He has the Heart of a Child.”

Miss Yun nodded in agreement, then added, “Young Master Tang had intended to come today as well, but he’s been overwhelmed with business matters recently and couldn’t get away. Otherwise, he would have sought out Brother Tong long ago.”

Chen Changsheng inquired, “How extensive is the Tang family’s business these days?”

Yun Xiang answered, “In the southwestern regions, the Tangs are now ranked among the very top families.”

Chen Changsheng understood, “It hasn’t been an easy journey to get here.”

Yun Xiang nodded. “Since getting married, Young Master Tang has become much steadier. In many decisions, even the Master defers to Tang’s judgment.”

Chen Changsheng looked at her. “Is that so?”

Seeing Mr. Chen’s expression, Yun Xiang quickly added, “Yun Xiang merely gives the occasional suggestion. Most matters aren’t fit for a woman like me to voice opinions on.”

Chen Changsheng gave a slight nod. “The coming years might bring some difficulties for business. It would be best for you to stay out of it as much as possible.”

Yun Xiang startled at these words.

She pressed her lips together, a warmth stirring within her at Mr. Chen’s solicitude.

“Yun Xiang will listen to you, Sir.”