Chapter 118: Madam, One Needs an Umbrella on a Rainy Day

Chapter 118: My Lady, One Must Carry an Umbrella in the Rain

Amidst the pitter-patter of raindrops, Xiao Jinghong spoke in a calm, measured tone.

"Bringing you back was merely an afterthought."

"Later, I must pay a visit to the Engineering Office, then race back."

Pei Mawang let out a soft "Hmm," her expression untroubled.

She then noticed the hot pot on the table and, without further ado, settled herself nearby.

"May I eat?"

Xiao Wan'er smiled gently.

"Of course."

She instructed the maid to fetch two bowls and sets of chopsticks, then pulled Xiao Jinghong to his seat.

"The younger sister returned from the rain without hurry. First, eat something to warm your body. This hot pot was prepared specially by your husband."

Xiao Jinghong made no objection, her gaze fixed on the steaming pot, unwilling to look away.

It was clear that Pei Mawang’s words had left her feeling somewhat awkward, especially after seeing Chen Yi’s enigmatic smile.

A wave of unease stirred within her heart.

It seemed her decision to bring Pei Mawang back had been hasty.

Chen Yi took his seat, his smile unchanged.

"Try it, the flavor is quite good."

He wiped his hands on a napkin, then lifted a piece of meat and offered it to Xiao Jinghong.

She took it without hesitation, eating with her own chopsticks and bowl.

After a night of chasing, she had eaten nothing, and now hunger gnawed at her.

Xiao Wan'er watched her pale, fragile face and saw a flicker of something complex in her eyes.

After a moment of silence, she spoke as usual, recounting every detail of their recent days.

"I intended to write you a letter today, explaining everything. Since you’ve returned, perhaps you could ask your grandfather about it."

Xiao Jinghong ate some meat and vegetables, feeling a warmth in her belly.

"That’s convenient. I’ll tell him about the market affairs as well."

The group lingered in the pavilion, chatting idly.

Mostly, Xiao Wan'er and Xiao Jinghong conversed.

Xiao Woge, never one to be left out, earnestly offered her food.

Chen Yi remained mostly silent, speaking only occasionally.

He sat quietly, listening, occasionally nodding.

Still, he couldn’t help but wonder about Xiao Jinghong’s purpose in returning.

At times, his thoughts mirrored those of Liu Si’er and Ge Lao San.

—The patriarch intended to act against the Liu family, so he summoned Xiao Jinghong back.

But upon reflection, it wasn’t quite the time yet.

And Xiao Jinghong, or the Xiao family, would not act against the Liu family with Pei Mawang in tow.

After much thought, Chen Yi concluded Xiao Jinghong had come to visit Pei Mawang, not as a husband.

In the meantime, Xiao Wan'er introduced Xiao Mawang to Ye Tingyun of the Tian Shan Sect.

She explained how the Bai Caotang had remained safe last night, thanks to her efforts.

Xiao Jinghong nodded.

"Thanks to Tingyun Xianzi’s assistance."

Ye Tingyun waved his hands dismissively.

"Not at all, not at all. I was only there for Master Jia. Though he escaped in the end."

These polite words from the refined Ye Tingyun made Shen Huatan glance sideways.

She hadn’t expected her usually carefree, unrefined senior to be so courteous.

Yet Shen Huatan didn’t realize that Ye Tingyun’s heart was churning with turmoil.

He was a towering figure, but for the first time in his travels, he felt his hands and feet trembling from fear.

Xiao Jinghong, only a four-level cultivator?

A hammer!

She must have broken into the upper three levels!

Though each had their own thoughts, their faces remained bright and cheerful.

Xiao Jinghong had filled her stomach and seen that Xiao Manor was unharmed, and Chen Yi’s apothecary shop too.

She felt relieved.

After a while of idle chatter, Xiao Jinghong spoke.

"The sky is growing late. I’ve already met with Grandfather, then returned to the market."

Xiao Wan'er was surprised.

"So eager?"

"After surveying and finalizing the plans, the market is ready to begin construction. I’ll return then."

"Then I shouldn’t keep you long."

Hearing their conversation, Chen Yi looked at the rain outside the pavilion and said nothing before rising and retreating inside.

Xiao Jinghong watched him leave, puzzled yet still greeting Xiao Wan'er and the others as usual.

Just as she was about to leave, Chen Yi emerged with an oil-paper umbrella.

"My Lady, it’s chilly on a rainy day. An umbrella would be better."

Xiao Jinghong paused, her eyes softening, then took the umbrella, her face brightening slightly.

"Thank you, my lord."

Chen Yi nodded.

"My lady, it’s my pleasure."

Xiao Jinghong saw his smiling face and recalled the two poems she’d received, her expression growing a little awkward.

Thankfully, the silver mask concealed her features, so no one could see.

Thinking this, she opened the oil-paper umbrella over her head and turned to leave.

After taking a few steps, she remembered something and turned back.

"My lord, Master Yue Mingshi invited you to become a teacher at Guiyun Academy—how do you consider it?"

Chen Yi, hearing her revisit the matter, sighed helplessly.

"My lady, I’m not qualified for such a role."

"Then I won’t let you mislead the students."

If she knew he couldn’t beat her, he’d wrest the umbrella back no matter what.

Xiao Jinghong met his gaze steadily.

Seeing his earnestness, she nodded.

"Then I won't advise you anymore."

"After I'm done with the market affair, I'll come back and find you a place more to your liking."

What?

Another place?

Chen Yi's smile faltered, "Umm..."

Before he could speak further, Xiao Hong had already turned away, pushing her oil-paper umbrella into the distance.

"My lord, I do believe he's learned quite a bit."

"To let him waste his time here in the Xiao family is unbearable to me."

With such thoughts, that tall figure vanished into the Spring Lotus Garden, disappearing into the rain.

As if a fairy was about to depart, her steps light and buoyant, hard to suppress the joy in her stride.

But Chen Yi wasn't in the mood to admire. After all, he only wanted to stay at the mansion as an idle and superfluous son-in-law.

Xiao Wan'er noticed his expression and knew he probably didn't want to go.

Though she should offer some consolation, saying one thing or another, she couldn't help but feel a bit complex after recalling what she had just seen.

The younger sister and her husband must be a pair made in heaven.

Xiao Wan'er sighed softly in her heart and didn't linger in the Spring Lotus Garden any longer, bidding Shen Huatang and others to return to Jiaxing Yuan.

After everyone had left, the Spring Lotus Garden was left with only Chen Yi, Xiao Wuhou, Pei Menglu, and Xiao Die.

Xiao Die immediately got to work, sending servants from the kitchen to clear the remaining dishes and leftovers in the pavilion, and then cleaned it up thoroughly.

Then she escorted Xiao Wuhou to his room for a midday nap.

Chen Yi also wanted to return to consider his next steps. Given how seriously Xiao Hong had spoken today, he figured she'd surely find him another position after handling the market affair.

The army garrison, the command office, or others? All possible. But honestly, when comparing the options, Chen Yi found that the prestigious Yun College was quite a good choice.

While Pei Menglu didn't go anywhere, she stayed beside him, glancing left and right.

That pair of bright eyes was full of curiosity.

"Brother, was that person last night...?"

Before she could finish the sentence, Chen Yi's heart lurched, directly covering her mouth, then making a gesture to be quiet.

Grandmother, you truly don't understand the might of martial artists.

Xiao Hong was still at the mansion, after all.

If Pei Menglu revealed to him that he was the mysterious figure from last night, how could he possibly survive?

He didn't need to wait for Xiao Hong to return from the market; tomorrow, he'd be dispatched to the pharmacy hall to the army garrison.

Pei Menglu saw his serious expression and understood.

"The one who was injured last night."

"We met him on our way back to the mansion just now."

"I think his name was Liu Si'er."

Chen Yi sighed in relief. "Yes, it's him. You've seen him before."

"But last night's matter has nothing to do with you. Don't pry into it."

This girl was truly fierce.

...

Xiao Hong left the Spring Lotus Garden, pushing her umbrella all the way to Qingming Residence. Upon entering, she heard the voice of the second elder, Xiao Wang, expressing annoyance: "Baron Xiao, how much longer must you wait? If you're worried about drawing the ire of Liu's family, I'll take the Criminal Department with me!" Hearing this, Xiao Hong's expression calmed, and she entered immediately.

"Second Uncle..."