In the twenty-third year of Great Yan Yong'an, the Yong'an Emperor changed the era name to Fengjing; five years later, the Yong'an Emperor passed away, and his descendants honored him as the Grand Ancestor, illustrious Emperor, Yin Qian, bestowed Mandate, expansive fortune, solemnly martial, radiant and benevolent Holy Grand Emperor.
Thereafter, the Great Yan Crown Prince Zhu Chengsi ascended the throne, changing his title to Hongcheng.
To this day, more than twelve years have passed since Emperor Hongcheng ascended the throne, exactly marking one cycle.
Calculating carefully, Great Yan has reached fifty years since its founding.
In these fifty years, Jin Sect has been constantly evolving, with fishing, hunting, farming, and countless industries thriving. Truly, it is full of vitality.
Beyond these, Jin Sect's funeral industry has also excelled remarkably. Not only within Great Yan, but even looking across the world, it is a dominating presence among many nations.
The name Xu Qing is well-known in the Capital City and Jin Sect areas; in Jin Sect, Shopkeeper Xu is famed for assisting the widowed and solitary, ensuring they have proper burials in their old age; in the Capital City, Shopkeeper Xu is renowned for presiding over the grand funeral of the founding Emperor and the funeral of the two distinguished members of the Wu Family.
Today, Xu Qing is nearing a century old, and once the ninth day of the ninth lunar month passes, he will be exactly a hundred years old.
Although his birthday is still half a month away, the esteemed 'Old Mr. Xu' has already become widely regarded as a living Immortal.
People say this is because of Shopkeeper Xu's compassion in helping the elderly and weak, so their bones don't wither away exposed in the wilderness, and this accumulated virtue has manifested.
Some even claim that Old Mr. Xu is already a Demi Immortal body, and once his birthday on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month passes, he will ascend immediately, becoming an Immortal.
These claims had no basis initially; Xu Qing had the Transmission Hall investigate the source of rumors and found that it was the storyteller from Rongsheng Hall who 'exaggerated' and fabricated the popular tales.
At its essence, it's simply because neither Guo Baolin nor Guo Congwen, father and son, could outlast Xu Qing.
With Xu Qing promising Guo Congwen the original of Dongyang Travelogue after his death, naturally, the promise came to nothing.
At this point, watching their goals unfulfilled and realizing they may not live longer than Shopkeeper Xu, the descendants of the Guo family decided to let go of their grievances.
After all, it wasn't the Guo family failing to prosper; it was Shopkeeper Xu inherently not a mortal!
This release, paradoxically, brought comfort to their hearts.
Xu Qing had nothing to say. His original plan was to 'depart' at a hundred years old, as Jin Sect did respect his age.
Like Zhang Xiaozui, whom Xu Qing just helped cross over recently.
Zhang Xiaozui was originally the shopkeeper and head chef at Zhang's Eatery on Xinping Street.
But when it came to tasty dishes, people only recognized Zhang Xiaozui's father, Zhang Dazui.
Zhang Dazui had also been farewelled by Xu Qing.
More than thirty years ago, Zhang Dazui was imprisoned for two years for wounding someone during an argument with a kitchen knife.
During those two years, Zhang's Eatery was taken over by Zhang Dazui's son, Zhang Xiaozui.
Even though Zhang Xiaozui learned his father's true culinary skills and made dishes identical to his own father's, people just felt Zhang Xiaozui's food was not as good as Zhang Dazui's.
Later, when Zhang Dazui returned after completing his sentence and went back to the kitchen to cook, diners said, "Why is your culinary skill declining, Xiaozui?"
The patrons, speaking one after another, criticized Zhang Xiaozui.
"You say your cooking isn't as good as your father's, but how could you have regressed?"
Zhang Xiaozui widened his eyes, feeling aggrieved and puzzled, and couldn't help but say, "My father just returned; today's food was made by him, so why do you criticize me?"
Hearing the commotion, Zhang Dazui came out from the kitchen to ask what was going on.
Everyone saw, indeed, Dazui had returned!
"I wonder what happened? Seems like Dazui's cooking hand has slipped, otherwise how could the taste be even less than Xiaozui's..."
Zhang Dazui puzzled, saying, "What do you mean by my skill failing? Although sent to prison, I was doing kitchen work over there too; how could my hand slip?"
Zhang Xiaozui felt wronged in his heart; over those two years, he continuously improved his culinary skills and refined the dishes to prove himself.
But the public's impression of him never changed.
Xu Qing's funeral business is similar; if Jin Sect's funeral industry changes its leader someday, the reputation won't be as prominent as it is now.
Xu Qing, contemplating living each day to its fullest, set his 'departure' seven days hence, on his birthday, the ninth day of the ninth lunar month.
On the Jin Sect side, Xu Qing just set the date. In the Capital City, the aging Emperor Hongcheng also chose the day to tour Jin Sect.
"I respect Buddha and Dao, yet hold no obsession with seeking Immortals or Dao."
Having managed state affairs for many years, and already both physically and mentally exhausted, Emperor Hongcheng had begun planning for the future.
He coughed several times, forcing his energy, saying, "Unfortunately, my descendants lack the brilliant talents like the former Emperor. Now, I see two paths."
Emperor Hongcheng raised his eyes to look at the ninety-year-old Duke Zhen and continued, "First, I was always focused on state affairs, neglecting the responsibility of educating the Crown Prince. If I could find a way to extend my life, even for three more years..."
Three years, though short, is enough for him to conclude all transitions.
If unable to see the Crown Prince himself, Emperor Hongcheng in death would find it hard to rest in peace.
"Second, find a sage to assist the Crown Prince, someone with great talent and strategy, capable of fulfilling this..."
Wang Liang, eyeing his nose, nose to heart, said nothing.
Since the successive deaths of the Wu family brothers and Gu family Shaoyang, the old Wang Liang became the only elder minister near the Emperor.
Possessing high honor, granted nine imperial seals, entering with sword and boots in hand, exempt from greeting etiquette, praised without being named, granted Duke Zhen title...