Chapter 498: Unable to Bear Seeing a Hero’s Twilight

A flurry of hurried footsteps echoed within the Chang residence.

The young noble who had once been in his early twenties had now reached his thirties. After the passing of the old Grand Commander, he became the head of the Chang family. Yet at this moment, his face was filled with panic and confusion.

Just moments ago, Steward Liu had rushed to find him, his expression deeply anxious. However, the steward was mute, and Chang Yin himself was deaf. In such urgency, neither had the time to slow down and communicate through writing.

He had no idea what could have caused the steward to be so distressed, but the man had grabbed his hand and pulled him outside without explanation—so forcefully that he had been yanked from his bed, barely managing to put on his shoes before being dragged away.

After all, the Grand Commander’s residence had once been a noble estate, and it was vast.

Chang Yin was half-stumbling as he was pulled along, nearly tripping several times as they crossed the courtyard. Frustration surged within him—he wanted to lash out and reprimand the steward, but there was no paper or brush in sight for communication, and he could not speak.

However, upon seeing the steward’s face drenched in sweat from urgency, he forcibly suppressed his rising anger and confusion.

Not until they reached the entrance did he finally see what lay beyond.

Inside the gate stood two household guards, while outside was a young Daoist priest, clad in a simple yet immaculately clean, faded-white robe. By his feet sat a calico cat, its gaze fixed upon them.

Chang Yin froze at once, nearly stumbling to the ground. Steward Liu also stood rooted to the spot in shock.

Both their eyes instinctively drifted downward, landing on the calico cat.

The cat was strikingly beautiful.

Its proportions were flawless, with a luxuriously soft and glossy coat, gleaming as if woven from the finest silk. The colors on its fur were evenly distributed—not chaotic, but arranged in a way that made it look exquisitely refined.

But what was truly astonishing were its eyes—bright, intelligent, almost as if they could speak. There was an unmistakable sense of spirit and emotion in them.

Anyone who laid eyes on this cat would surely be unable to resist its charm.

Yes, it was this Daoist priest. Yes, it was this cat.

Everything that had happened all those years ago had started because of this very cat.

The two men slowly lifted their gazes once more, looking at the young Daoist.

Their expressions turned complicated.

Excitement and exhilaration surged within them—the long-awaited result was finally within reach. Yet, at the same time, unease crept in. Would things truly unfold as they had hoped? Anxiety and fear intertwined in their hearts.

For years, they had longed for this day.

Now that it had finally arrived, they found themselves at a loss.

Just as the master and servant exchanged a glance, preparing to kneel and bow to the immortal, they suddenly saw the Daoist outside the door raise his hand first.

Instead of accepting their reverence, he inclined his head slightly and addressed them, “I have heard that over these past years, you have not only sincerely repented but also devoted yourselves to acts of kindness, aiding many in need. Since you have now become virtuous men, allow me to offer you my respects.”

His voice was not loud, his tone light and calm, yet it was enough to carry from the entrance into the house.

The steward, Liu, didn’t think much of it, but the man beside him suddenly froze. His eyes widened, his body trembling violently.

The words had reached his ears.

Not only that, but the surrounding sounds—once muted—began to return.

The faint rustling of the wind in the courtyard, the footsteps of the servants, even the sound of his own anxious breathing—all slowly came back.

A dull pain pricked at his ears.

“

Ah...

”

Chang Yin opened his mouth, his voice hoarse and strained.

“Your hearing is only just beginning to recover—you’ll need time to adjust. I only hope that from now on, both of you will continue walking the path of righteousness, doing good and accumulating virtue. Hold steadfast to your newfound kindness, and do not fall into past misdeeds again.”

The Daoist had no intention of stepping inside. After finishing his words, he simply offered a slight bow, then turned and walked away.

Behind him, two voices called out in excitement.

There were also murmurs of confusion from the servants, who did not understand what had just transpired.

A cat turned back to glance at them a few more times before quickly trotting after the Daoist.

She knew this road well.

As Song You walked, leaning on his bamboo staff, he murmured, “One more unfinished business settled.”

“Unfwinished bwusiness!”

“Where to next this afternoon?”

“I will follow you.”

“Lady Calico, you’ve grown a lot. You can start making your own decisions now.”

“I've already made my decision.” The calico cat turned her head to look at him. Seeing someone approaching ahead, she abruptly fell silent, drawing closer to his feet with small, careful steps.

Only after they passed the stranger did she glance back cautiously to confirm that they were out of earshot. Satisfied that no one could hear, she lifted her head and continued, “This is my decision.”

“I see...” A faint smile appeared on Song You's lips.

“We seem to be near the Marquis of Wu'an's residence. Since we have some time to spare, why not pay a visit?”

“Alright!”

And so, they stopped for lunch first, using the opportunity to ask for directions to the Marquis of Wuan's estate. After their meal, they slowly made their way there.

The Marquis of Wuan's residence was close to the imperial palace, situated in one of the city's prime locations. It was among the finest estates in Changjing, second only to a few grand gardens.

However, it was not in the absolute best district, nor was it an imperial garden. This was because the Great Yan dynasty had stood for too long, and Changjing itself was only so large. The number of imperial gardens was limited, and much of the prime real estate had already been claimed. Over the past two centuries, most of these estates had been assigned, their ownership fixed.

Even though General Chen had achieved legendary military feats, shaking history itself, and even though the emperor wished to reward him handsomely, the most prestigious estates and gardens had long been bestowed upon others. Even if those families had since fallen into decay, the properties could not simply be reclaimed.

This was one of the many contradictions within the Great Yan Dynasty.

Still, the Marquis of Wuan's residence was not difficult to find.

Before long, Song You arrived at its entrance.

The gates of the Marquis of Wuan's residence were now bustling with visitors. High-ranking officials and noblemen came and went, their carriages forming an unending stream. Silk, gold, and precious treasures were continuously being sent inside.

Song You paused by the side of the road, not stepping forward.

Ever since General Chen had achieved unparalleled military merit, he had gone through three distinct phases.

At first, despite his legendary achievements, he was met with the emperor’s suspicion. Though his name resounded across the land, few in the court dared to visit him, fearing they might be implicated.

Then, when the emperor conferred upon him the title of Marquis of Wuan, the civil and military officials of the court understood that he had struck some sort of agreement with the emperor, and thus, they began visiting in droves.

Now, after his campaign south to aid the king, he had once again earned unmatched military merit. Even though the officials all knew that the soon-to-be-crowned crown prince viewed him with deep apprehension, they still came bearing lavish gifts. Whether out of genuine respect or ulterior motives, one could only guess.

Compared to these officials arriving in carriages with entourages in tow, the Daoist and the cat standing to the side seemed utterly insignificant.

The cat tilted its head and looked up at the Daoist.

“

Meow

?”

“That is a good question.” Song You was also pondering whether to go in.

He had come intending to visit an old friend, having heard that General Chen had suffered grave injuries, wounds so severe they were life-threatening. But now that he was actually here, he hesitated.

Whether the injuries were accidental or intentional, they were real—too severe to be faked. Since the rumors outside claimed he was wracked with pain and on the verge of death, there was likely truth to them.

It was difficult to bear witness to a hero’s decline.

At the same time, since he had prepared for this outcome, Song You was not truly worried that General Chen would die. There was no need for him to visit just to “see him one last time.”

If he did go in, it might only cause trouble for General Chen.

“Excuse me, please make way...” someone called out, asking Song You to step aside.

He turned and immediately moved to the side of the road.

More people were arriving to visit the Marquis of Wuan. The queue ahead was already long.

Just then, a personal guard stepped out of the residence. He casually glanced around, his eyes sweeping past Song You—only to snap back in an instant, staring directly at him.

“Hmm?” The guard froze for a moment before hastily rushing forward.

“M-Mr. Song?”

Song You recognized him as well. This was one of General Chen's long-time personal guards, a man originally from the northern Changqiang Sect, known for his formidable martial skills.

This worked out well.

Even if he wasn’t going inside, there were still words that needed to be passed along.

“Greetings.”

“Mr. Song, have you come to visit my lord?”

“I was just wandering and happened to pass by.”

“Would you care to come in and rest for a while?”

“No need.” Song You smiled and shook his head. He then said to the guard, “However, I do have a few words I’d like you to deliver to General Chen. Do not share them with anyone else.”

“Please, sir, speak.”

“Beneath the realm of the living lies the realm of the dead—death is not the end. As long as fate allows, there will always be a day to meet again.”

Song You paused for a moment before continuing, “In Yizhou, Lingquan County, atop Yin-Yang Mountain, lies Hidden Dragon Temple. I descended the mountain in the first year of the Mingde era and will inevitably return twenty years later. No matter whether the general survives this tribulation or not, if he ever has the time in the future, he may come to see an old acquaintance.”

“...”

The personal guard froze for a moment before hurriedly mumbling the words under his breath, committing them to memory for fear of forgetting. After offering a brief farewell, he quickly ran back.

Song You, meanwhile, turned and left with Lady Calico.

Behind him, many people watched his departing figure. Their expressions shifted from confusion to contemplation—some seemed to recall old legends, their eyes gradually widening in realization. But by the time they fully grasped it, the Daoist had already disappeared into the distance.

The alleyway was somewhat dirty. Taking advantage of the momentary solitude, the Daoist casually swung his bamboo staff.

“

Swish

...”

The dirt and grime were instantly swept to the side of the road.

The cat turned her head and stared at him.

“

Meow

?”

“It's just a simple transposition technique, but very practical. With your current level of cultivation, Lady Calico, learning it would be quite easy.” Song You glanced at her. “Want to learn?”

“

Meow

!”

“I'll teach you once we get back,” Song You said. Just then, he heard the faint rustling of wind above. Looking up, he spotted a swallow perching on the rooftop ahead. He paused. “Let's see whether you or Yan An learns it first.”

“

Meoww

...”

The calico cat swayed her head as if she didn't particularly care. She trotted ahead but soon came to a stop, turning back to the Daoist with a puzzled look.

“Do you smell something?”

“What kind of smell?”

“...”

Lady Calico lowered her head, then lifted it again, carefully sniffing at different heights before finally declaring, “The scent of braised meat!”

“Braised meat?”

“Yes!”

“Well, since we have nothing pressing to do, let's go take a look.”

“Follow me!”

The man and cat followed the enticing aroma.

Before long, Song You caught the familiar scent as well—a rich, meaty fragrance mingled with layers of spices, tantalizing to the senses.

As they approached, they saw the source—a small street stall selling braised chicken.

The vendor had introduced a unique twist: instead of using large chickens, he selected young, half-grown ones, placing them in woven bamboo baskets before stewing them in a large clay pot.

The baskets were just the right size to hold the chickens snugly, with their handles—curled by the heat—hooking neatly over the rim of the pot. When a customer bought one, rather than wasting expensive oil paper or relying on the sometimes-unavailable lotus leaves or the too-fragile banana leaves, the vendor simply gave them the entire bamboo basket to carry it home.

It was called

zhulou

chicken[1].

The price was steep, far higher than regular roast chicken.

Even so, Song You bought one.

1. 竹篓鸡 (zhú lǒu jī) literally translates to "bamboo basket chicken." It refers to a traditional Chinese dish in which a whole chicken is typically marinated with seasonings, wrapped in lotus leaves or other coverings, and then steamed, baked, or roasted inside a bamboo basket. The method helps retain moisture and infuse the chicken with a fragrant, earthy aroma. ☜