A Pawn's Passage

Xu Jiaorong said, “Then it’s settled. I’ll go see Sage Donghua shortly and have this matter finalized.”

Xu Jiaorong came from the Quanzhen Sect and had known Sage Donghua for many years, though they had never been particularly close. Later, through Zhang Yuelu, she became well acquainted with Lei Xiaohuan. Through Qi Xuansu, she also became close to Pei Xiaolou. In addition, she had frequently interacted with Pei Xiaoyun due to the latter’s business dealings. Over the years, what had once been mere acquaintanceship gradually developed into a close relationship.

At such a critical juncture, not just anyone could secure an audience with Sage Donghua. Even if they did meet him, Sage Donghua might not necessarily agree to the request.

Calling in a favor of this magnitude was no small matter. Xu Jiaorong had truly done everything she could for her godson.

Qi Xuansu was a different matter. He was Sage Donghua’s personally chosen successor and was deeply involved in many of Sage Donghua’s affairs. On numerous occasions, Sage Donghua would even ask for Qi Xuansu’s opinion. It was not because Sage Donghua could not make up his mind but because he was deliberately using this method to cultivate Qi Xuansu’s authority within their faction. The fact that Sage Donghua considered Qi Xuansu’s views demonstrated that Qi Xuansu could influence Sage Donghua himself. Naturally, everyone else would treat Qi Xuansu with corresponding respect. Over time, his authority would establish itself naturally.

When the day came that Sage Donghua was no longer around, Qi Xuansu would inherit his position naturally. By then, out of respect for his late master, Qi Xuansu would still look after the Pei family in gratitude for the life-changing kindness Sage Donghua had shown him.

On the other hand, Yao Pei did not need Sage Donghua’s kindness. Even without him, she would still have been the distinguished daughter of the Yao family.

Naturally, Chen Jianchou was filled with emotion. His mindset was much the same as Hun Ahau’s, thinking that if Sage Qi had not personally chosen him, he would not have reached his current position.

Chen Jianchou attributed his success to 30% effort through his investigation into the Ancient Immortals, 60% good fortune of having Xu Jiaorong as his godmother, and 10% support from Qi Xuansu.

That 10% should not be underestimated. Sometimes, lacking just that support meant nothing could ever be accomplished. Yet it was also the hardest part to obtain. A powerful patron often had children, relatives, old friends, students, and juniors, so why should they favor him?

Only because Qi Xuansu had risen to prominence relatively recently was such an opportunity possible. Qi Xuansu had no parents, relatives, children, or juniors to look after. That was why he was willing to promote outsiders who had few connections, such as Ke Qingqing. Likewise, it was only out of consideration for Xu Jiaorong that he chose to make use of Chen Jianchou.

On the contrary, Li Changge was surrounded by members of the Li, Qin, Lu, and Shen families. Even those outside of those families were often related to the Li family through marriage. There was simply no room for true outsiders.

As a member of the Zhang family, Zhang Yuelu had not chosen her two secretaries at random either. Mu Jin was an old acquaintance from her days in Beichen Hall, who had shared hardships with her, making their bond exceptional. Ke Qingqing, on the other hand, came through Qi Xuansu.

Such were the countless intertwined relationships and tangled networks of influence. Some people get confused just trying to make sense of them, while others take delight in navigating these relationships, utterly absorbed by the game.

Thinking of all this, Chen Jianchou could not help but let out a sigh.

“Why are you sighing out of the blue?” Xu Jiaorong asked. “Sit down. We should have a proper talk.”

Puzzled, Chen Jianchou sat down and asked, “Didn’t we already discuss the important matter? I’ll follow whatever arrangements you and Chief Deputy Qi make...”

“Not that.” Xu Jiaorong cut him off. “I’m talking about your lifelong happiness. You’re not getting any younger. Sage Qi is about to be married, yet you still haven’t made any progress and remain all alone. How can I not be anxious? I have several friends here in Jade Capital who are also your elders. I’ll ask them to introduce you to a few young ladies from distinguished families. What do you think?”

Chen Jianchou froze for a moment. “Isn’t it a little early for that?”

“Not at all,” Xu Jiaorong replied. “We Daoists tend to take things slowly. It usually takes at least 4 to 5 years from the first meeting to becoming Daoist companions, sometimes 7 or 8. If you find someone now and get to know her gradually, you won’t be young anymore by the time you marry. If you wait too long, you may have difficulty having children.”

Chen Jianchou remained silent.

The smile gradually faded from Xu Jiaorong’s face. “What? Are you still thinking about Chen Jianqiu? She’s a member of the Ziguang Society. Even though Ziguang Society has now been legalized, she still can’t compare with a proper Daoist woman, much less a young lady from a prestigious family. If you intend to pursue an official career, you’ll need the support of your wife’s family. Just look at Chief Deputy Qi. It’s precisely because he is marrying the noble daughter of the Zhang family that both the Zhang family and the Cihang lineage stand firmly behind him. Without the support of the Zhengyi Sect, do you think people will still think that he possesses the bearing of a future Grand Master?”

Chen Jianchou replied, “It has nothing to do with Chen Jianqiu. I just feel that Daoist women are rather difficult to get along with.”

Xu Jiaorong’s expression darkened. “I’m a Daoist woman too.”

“I don’t mean you, or any of the elders,” Chen Jianchou hurriedly explained. “I just think that the Daoist women of our generation are a little...well, let’s just say they’re more than I can handle. So I’d rather admire them from a respectful distance.”

Xu Jiaorong said, “They’re young women. Some have simply been spoiled while growing up. Once they get older and learn how difficult life really is, they’ll mature.”

Chen Jianchou gave a few light coughs without commenting, clearly unconvinced.

Seeing this, Xu Jiaorong frowned. “Don’t judge the majority by a handful of exceptions. Most of them are perfectly fine. Chief Deputy Zhang is an excellent example. In terms of moral character, she’s arguably a cut above the others.”

Chen Jianchou replied, “Chief Deputy Zhang is indeed exceptional. But we can’t use a handful of exceptions to represent the majority.”

Xu Jiaorong raised an eyebrow. “Chou Zheng, you’re using my own words against me?”

Chen Jianchou shrugged helplessly. “But that’s the logic of it. The principle is the same, and you were the one who said it just now, Mother.”

Xu Jiaorong exclaimed in exasperation, “Out of everything I’ve said, that’s the one sentence you remembered? Are you trying to drive me to an early grave?”

“I wouldn’t dare, Mother.” Chen Jianchou lowered his gaze, fixing his eyes on the tip of his nose.

Xu Jiaorong rose to her feet and began pacing around the room. “You troublesome child! I knew it. You still haven’t forgotten about Chen Jianqiu, have you?”

Chen Jianchou neither defended himself, nor argued, nor yielded.

Xu Jiaorong finally experienced firsthand what it meant that a grown son no longer obeyed his mother. He was no longer the child who had once listened to her in everything.

Since her godson refused to give in, she had to be the one to compromise. Softening her tone, Xu Jiaorong said, “How about this? Your Aunt Sun knows a young woman who serves as a deacon in the Fengxian Hall. She’s good-looking and has a decent character. She also comes from an excellent family. I’ll ask Aunt Sun to arrange a meeting. The two of you can meet in Taiqing Square. If you get along well, you can take things slowly. If not, we’ll discuss it again.”

Chen Jianchou also stood up. “According to your arrangements and those of Chief Deputy Qi, I’ll soon be returning to Nanyang. Doesn’t that make this rather unnecessary?”

Xu Jiaorong’s tone became firmer. “I think it’s entirely necessary. If it truly works out, there’s nothing wrong with her marrying you and moving to Nanyang. We have flying ships now, so traveling back to Jade Capital is quite convenient, and our family can certainly afford it.”

Chen Jianchou now had a firsthand understanding of what it meant to be stalked by a tiger.

Daoist women were indeed tigers, and the older they got, the scarier they were. At home, they kept husbands and sons in line by turning every issue into a matter of principle, controlling the purse strings, restricting social interactions, enforcing ideological conformity, and crushing one’s dignity. Once these methods were unleashed, there were only two possible outcomes—either a cataclysmic confrontation in which both sides perished together, or the man’s quiet surrender, retreating into his shell like a timid turtle.

Although Xu Jiaorong was not normally like this, the slight edge she revealed at this moment was more than enough to strike fear into Chen Jianchou.

Knowing he could not continue resisting head-on, Chen Jianchou reluctantly gave in. “Fine then.”

Xu Jiaorong took a sheet of paper from her sleeve. “This is the young lady’s profile. Read it carefully. You’re a grown man, so be a little more proactive. As a secretary, you should know how to carry on a conversation. Surely I don’t need to teach you that.”

Unable to resist, Chen Jianchou quipped, “I thought men and women were supposed to be equal now. Why do I still have to make the first move? At work, I have to serve my superiors, and when I get home, I’ll have to serve my wife too? How is a man supposed to live like this?”

Xu Jiaorong wished she had a feather duster in hand so she could give him a good whack or two. She snapped, “You little brat! Are you trying to infuriate me on purpose? Where’s my sword?!”

Chen Jianchou quickly took two steps back. “Alright, alright, I’ll go meet that lady. But if she doesn’t fancy me, you can’t blame me for that.”

Xu Jiaorong’s expression softened somewhat. “People talk about families being well matched, but in truth, a man should marry a wife from a family slightly below his own, while a daughter should marry into a family slightly above hers. The Zhang family has no one above them anymore. The Li family is the only one of comparable standing, but they are long-time rivals, and they don’t care about such conventions. Our family is at best considered upper-middle class, so these things still matter. That young lady’s father is only a Deputy Hall Master, not on the same level as our family. So there’s no need for you to bow and scrape or let her walk all over you. Just as you mentioned, equality.”

Chen Jianchou said, “People always say that what comes too easily isn’t valued. You want me to make the first move while also insisting on equality. I’m not sure those two things go together.”

Xu Jiaorong replied, “Why wouldn’t they? Young ladies are simply more reserved.”

Chen Jianchou said, “That’s an outdated way of thinking. Since coming to Jade Capital, I’ve broadened my horizons. Male Daoists keep mistresses and father illegitimate children. Female Daoists are no better. Those with power keep handsome young lovers, while those without power eagerly become someone’s kept woman. Morals are declining and people’s hearts are no longer what they used to be. How is that reserved? Nanyang is much better, at least the people there are more straightforward and honest.”

Xu Jiaorong sighed. “To put it bluntly, it’s the people around you who are the problem, namely, Beichen Hall.”

Chen Jianchou replied, “The Quanzhen Sect isn’t much better either. Qi Muyu of the Qi family—”

“Enough!” Xu Jiaorong interrupted. “Don’t gossip about people behind their backs, and stop trying to change the subject. Just treat this as an assignment from me.”

Chen Jianchou replied listlessly, “Yes, ma’am. I’ll complete the assignment.”

Xu Jiaorong could not be bothered to say anything more and turned to leave.

Just as she reached the doorway, she suddenly remembered something and turned back to Chen Jianchou. Her tone was gentle as she asked, “Do you have enough money?”

Chen Jianchou replied, “The Beichen Hall covers my food, clothing, housing, and travel expenses. I hardly spend anything myself, and I’ve even managed to save a little. I have more than enough.”

Xu Jiaorong still took out a thick stack of cash notes from her sleeve and pressed them into Chen Jianchou’s hands. “Take it. Buy the young lady a few gifts. Even if things don’t work out, don’t neglect yourself. You don’t need to be so frugal all the time.”

Chen Jianchou was touched by the gesture and quietly acknowledged her with a soft hum.

“Alright, I’m leaving now.” Only then did Xu Jiaorong turn and walk away.

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