Chapter 477 - 383: The Eve of Parting, a Night Tour of Weishui (Part 2)

They were all old neighbors from Pear Blossom Lane, and many had watched him grow up. Back when Old Chen was still around, some people had even joked with him. The gist was that with his impressive bearing, he had a limitless future and could become a Chief!

Wealth and glory without a trip home is like wearing brocade in the dead of night!

Although Chen Ping’an had no such interest, his little sister was about to leave Weishui, so it was only right to let her experience it. Whether she liked it or not, it was a life experience, one way or another!

Study ten thousand scrolls of learning, and savor the hundred flavors of life!

The layout of the small courtyard was exactly as it had been.

A small courtyard, a single bedroom, and half a kitchen—that was the entire place. It was also the safe harbor for the two siblings after Old Chen passed away.

Returning to the small courtyard this time, the little lass wasn’t as cheerful as she once was and didn’t hop and skip about. A distinct wistfulness had settled over her. She walked quietly around the courtyard, taking in the familiar furnishings and layout.

After this trip to Canglong State City, who knew what year it would be when she returned. On the eve of her departure, the air was heavy with the reluctance of their farewell.

...

After leaving the small courtyard, Chen Ping’an’s second stop with his little sister was the Nanquan Alley Town Patrol Office. This was where he had served back in the day, a place that held so many of his memories.

With his little sister about to leave, he felt he had to show her where her big brother used to work.

Nanquan Lane was full of Chen Ping’an’s old acquaintances, so his visit with such a grand entourage naturally caused a stir too great to describe. Chen Ping’an walked through the Nanquan Alley Town Patrol Office, carefully explaining things to his little sister. Tian Fuliang accompanied them the entire time, following behind them with his head humbly bowed. Besides him, many high-ranking officials from the Urban Garrison Command also trailed close behind, matching their every step.

At the Nanquan Alley Town Patrol Office, Chen Ping’an saw a few more old acquaintances. But now, their statuses were worlds apart, and they all seemed extremely reserved. One person was even trembling slightly, though it was impossible to tell if it was from nervousness or excitement.

The only one who held his composure slightly better was Mr. Qin, who was about to retire. Upon seeing Chen Ping’an, Mr. Qin’s eyes filled with a trancelike wonder.

’Who could have imagined it? A mere street patrol constable under my command, one who wasn’t even on the official register, has reached such heights today! His station is so high now, completely beyond the wildest limits of imagination!’

Staring at the familiar, almost impossibly young face before him, he felt as if he had been transported back in time.

’The Qilin Child of the Chen Family!’

...

After leaving the Nanquan Alley Town Patrol Office, Chen Ping’an’s third stop with his sister was the South City Prison—a place where he had once been the one in charge.

The deferential welcome Chen Ping’an’s carriage received upon arrival at the South City Prison goes without saying. What is worth mentioning, however, is that here Chen Ping’an ran into his old confidant and follower from those days, Zeng Jihe, also known as Xiaozeng!

Among their group back then, Xiaozeng’s talent for the Martial Dao was the best. Thanks to his connection to Chen Ping’an, he had also flourished in the South City Prison over the past two years.

Today, he was already the Leader with the most actual power in the South City Prison.

He was in charge of six squads and over twenty strong, spirited men, all of whom had to address him respectfully as "Leader Zeng" whenever they saw him.

In front of Chen Ping’an, however, Xiaozeng was still the same old Xiaozeng, and still saw himself as a loyal follower.

After their tour of the South City Prison, Chen Ping’an offered Xiaozeng a few words of encouragement, then left with his sister for their fourth stop: the South Town Garrison Command.

Years ago, at Chen Ping’an’s request, Mu Wanjun had transferred Monkey Head and Da Shan from Nanquan Lane to the South Town Garrison Command. And so, at the South Town Garrison Command, Chen Ping’an was reunited with his two old brothers.

With Chen Ping’an looking out for them, his two old brothers were also doing well at the South Town Garrison Command. Monkey Head, for instance, had already become a Leader in charge of four squads. ’Dressed in the Inspector’s Cloak,’ Chen Ping’an wondered, ’has he finally achieved his old dream? Has he gotten his heart’s desire?’

Da Shan’s career hadn’t progressed as far as Monkey Head’s. Still, he had now become a Preparatory Constable, with two squads under his command.

Even though both had Chen Ping’an’s support, Monkey Head’s roguish, devil-may-care personality had undoubtedly made it easier for him to get ahead.

When they met again this time, there was a certain distance between them. With Chen Ping’an’s high rank, their vastly different stations, and the long time since they’d last met, it was only natural that Monkey Head and Da Shan seemed a bit constrained.

However, Chen Ping’an took the initiative to reminisce about old times, which helped dissolve much of the awkwardness. By the time he left, they had all managed to recapture a bit of their old camaraderie.

"Monkey Head, Da Shan, keep up the good work. As long as you remain diligent and dedicated to your duties, your superiors will take notice." Chen Ping’an patted each of them on the shoulder.

This gesture from Chen Ping’an was naturally noted by the many people around them. As for what arrangements would follow, that was something only Monkey Head and Da Shan would find out.

After leaving the South Town Garrison Command, Chen Ping’an’s mood seemed to lighten. Influenced by his cheer, the melancholy in his little sister’s heart also eased considerably.

Having finished their tour of the Weishui Outer City, Chen Ping’an took his little sister to the Weishui Inner City. Night had already fallen, but the Weishui Inner City was still ablaze with light, dazzlingly brilliant, as if it were a completely different world from the Weishui Outer City.

All manner of lanterns hung high on both sides of the street, casting a soft, warm glow. Amid the bustling streets, the periodic cries of vendors caused passersby to stop and look.

Chen Ping’an and his little sister sat in their carriage, eating pastries and other delicacies while they admired the nightscape of the Weishui Inner City.

Amid the vibrant prosperity, there were also quaint, antique-styled Brothels. Two large red lanterns hung before their doors, illuminating the silhouettes of beautiful women standing at the upstairs windows. They were dressed in lavish clothes, their light veils dancing in the breeze. Every gesture revealed their allure and charm, drawing the sideways glances of passersby.