Immortal Travel of Longevity-Chapter 141: Immortal Amidst the Mortal World of Huai Xu

Dynasties changed; it was now a time of unrest.
Zhao Zhen acted swiftly, dealing with all visible obstacles in the shortest time possible. This emperor never beat around the bush.
Currently, the biggest problem was the displaced people.
Back then, many had fled south to escape the war, becoming refugees. If this continued, the nation’s economy would surely collapse.
Zhao Zhen, while integrating Beixiang merchants into various regions, also urged these displaced people to return to their homes and resume their former trades, hoping to gradually restore peace to the troubled land.
Perhaps because of the fall of Great Jing, the perpetually unstable Northern Mang suddenly quieted down. This gave Zhao Zhen more energy to handle state affairs.
Ultimately, he still intended to reclaim the lost territories.
Compared to before, his methods were much more moderate. Perhaps learning a lesson from what happened with Northern Mang, Zhao Zhen eased taxes and punishments, and even the construction of Chuangyuan Palace was halted.
The people of Beixiang breathed a sigh of relief, thinking their ruler had changed.
But in reality, this was only temporary.
Zhao Zhen was still the same Zhao Zhen, like a tiger in the forest. While resting, it might seem harmless, but undoubtedly, it remained a tiger.
Leopards never change their spots.
Once the affairs regarding fallen Great Jing were settled, countless new issues would surely arise.
Nansiang and Beixiang merged with the remnants of Great Jing to form Da Xiang. The reign name was proclaimed as Xinglong.
Xinglong First Year, late winter. The refugee issue eased. People gradually returned to their hometowns and resumed their former businesses. The livelihoods of the common people stabilized.
In the Autumn Moon Market,
Flowing Cloud Temple reopened its gates. Tong Zhihuan remained at the Taoist temple from then on, becoming a physician of the mountain wilds.
Every day he studied medicine. Occasionally, he descended the mountain to examine patients.
The name of “Little Miracle Doctor Tong” had spread throughout the surrounding hundred miles years ago. Learning of his return, people began traveling up the mountain seeking medical help.
Tong Zhihuan, as before, accepted one stick of incense as payment for consultation, examining and treating anyone who came.
Wispy smoke drifted upwards within the temple.
Years later, this quiet place bustled with life once more.
Miss Tao’er often sat beneath a tree watching Tong Zhihuan diagnose patients. Occasionally, she’d smile and call him a fool.
Tong Zhihuan could only grin foolishly. Before Miss Tao’er, he couldn’t muster any stern words at all.
Late winter brought fewer patients climbing the mountain.
Light snow began to fall from the sky.
Miss Tao’er lifted her head to look at the snowflakes swirling within the courtyard.
“It’s snowing!!”
Miss Tao’er walked around the yard. Snow settled on her, yet unlike before, it didn’t pass right through her.
Tong Zhihuan, wrapped in a padded jacket, emerged from the temple hall.
He walked up behind Miss Tao’er and draped the cloak he carried over her shoulders.
Miss Tao’er paused, then said, “I don’t feel cold.”
“You should still wear it,” Tong Zhihuan insisted.
Miss Tao’er smiled. Her gaze traveled towards the distant mountain stream, now a vast expanse of white.
Suddenly, Miss Tao’er thought of their master. “I wonder when Master will be back.”
“Perhaps he’ll return next year,” Tong Zhihuan said. “I heard from Junior Minister Chang that when he went to Jingbei, Master was still in Shangjing. If Master left that year… he should return next Huai Xu season.”
He paused, his voice trailing off. “But Junior Minister Chang, he…”
“Ah…”
Tong Zhihuan sighed.
Miss Tao’er looked at him. “Why sigh? He’s not dead.”
“Huh?” Tong Zhihuan stared blankly.
Miss Tao’er explained, “I recognized him. The reason I didn’t save him then was because someone else already intervened.”
“Who?” Tong Zhihuan asked.
Miss Tao’er said, “You’ve probably seen her. It was Zi Su.”
Tong Zhihuan recalled. “Junior Minister Chang’s junior sister?”
Miss Tao’er nodded. “Yes. And she’s no longer just a mortal now.”
“Ah…” Tong Zhihuan breathed a sigh of relief. “Truly, everyone has their own fate.”
As they spoke, a sudden knock sounded from the temple gate.
“Knock knock…”
Tong Zhihuan was startled. “On such a snowy day, who would come this early?”
“I’ll get it.”
Tao’er went to the temple gate and opened the door.
“Creak…”
Standing before the gate was a young woman draped in a cloak, accompanied by two guards and a maid.
The young woman’s cheeks were unexpectedly flushed red, likely uncomfortable from the bitter cold.
“Dare I ask…”
Her lips, painted crimson, parted as she spoke. “Is Mr. Chen here?”
Tao’er paused, scrutinizing the visitor.
This maiden at the gate looked young, barely over twenty, but strikingly beautiful. The flush on her cheeks gave her an air of youthful innocence.
“The Master has gone traveling and is not at the temple,” Miss Tao’er replied. “Do you know him?”
The young woman offered a graceful smile and nodded slightly. “I do.”
A jade pendant hung at her waist.
She was none other than Yun Xiang, the former maid. Now, she was the adopted sister of the Tang family’s Young Master, Tang Mingjing.
Tao’er invited her into the temple.
Once seated in the main hall, the maid beside Yun Xiang passed her a small brazier.
Yun Xiang warmed her hands, then addressed them, “Yun Xiang greets you both. May I have the honor of knowing your names?”
“Just call me Tao’er,” Tao’er said softly.
Tong Zhihuan offered a simple, “Tong Zhihuan.”
“Master Tang has spoken of you before,” Yun Xiang said.
“So,” Tong Zhihuan paused, “Your brother is…?”
“Tang Manor,” Yun Xiang clarified, “Tang Mingjing.”
“Oh, him!” Tong Zhihuan remembered. “You’re his sister?”
“His sworn sister,” Yun Xiang corrected. “After Master left Yan County back then, Brother Tang accepted me formally.”
“You knew Master?” Tong Zhihuan pressed eagerly. “Would you tell us about it?”
“Of course.”
Yun Xiang recounted Master Chen’s brief stay in Yan County a few years prior. There wasn’t much to tell, however, as he had only stayed a couple of days.
“That was five whole years ago…” Tong Zhihuan mused thoughtfully.
Zhao Zhen efficiently managed state affairs after the chaotic transition.
Miss Tao’er noticed snowflake patterns settling uniquely on her tangible form now.
“Indeed… Five years ago… To think Master has been away so long.”
“When I first met Master, I was sixteen,” Yun Xiang said. “Now, I’m twenty-one. I came hoping to see him again, only to find he hasn’t returned…”
“Next Huai Xu season,” Tong Zhihuan offered, “perhaps come then. The Master might be back.”
“Next Huai Xu season?” Yun Xiang seemed confused.
Tong Zhihuan confirmed. “Master only comes during Huai Xu time.”
Miss Tao’er nodded in agreement. “He never moves among the mortal world outside of Huai Xu season.”