Chapter 132: Brother Yi, You're Being Too Distant

Chapter 132: Yi Di, a Rival?

Ge Lao San looked at him enter Fengchun Lou, and at the same time let out a sigh of relief, but also felt a bit puzzled.

The implication in Xiao Niao's words just now was clearly to go back to the mansion with them, so why did he suddenly change his mind?

Although this was in line with his and Xiao Dongchen's wishes, he still felt that Xiao Niao had been acting strange lately.

In addition, from the night before, he had smelled a stench of blood on Xiao Niao, and that strange feeling had become even stronger.

It seemed he still had to find an opportunity to test her.

At the same time.

Chen Yi had entered Fengchun Lou but didn't know Ge Lao San's thoughts.

Of course, he was aware that his attention was focused on the people around him at the moment, and he had no time to pay attention to Ge Lao San.

Since it wasn't Ge Lao San and Xiao Dongchen discussing matters in Fengchun Lou, it meant there was a third guardian here.

In addition, the time taken was less than half a minute, even shorter, so it was easy to deduce that Xiao Dongchen's discussion with another guardian was not extensive.

Or, exchanging intelligence would be more appropriate.

Chen Yi thought about these things, and his face remained calm.

Having taken a look around, he saw that most of those seated in the hall were rich merchants and martial artists, so he sent for a young waiter.

"Sir, how many are you?"

"I'm not staying, pack two orders of iced millet cakes to go."

"Alright, please wait a moment here, it'll be ready soon."

The young waiter took Chen Yi to his seat, calling out for two orders of iced millet cakes to go to the kitchen.

Chen Yi sat at the table, glancing around with his eyes, and his mind was all on the ears.

The Xuanwu Breathing Technique was released.

One breath, two breaths, three...

Chen Yi suddenly had a slight change in expression, and then again applied the Xuanwu Breathing Technique to hide his own aura.

Though the time was brief, he had already discerned several familiar voices from the rooms upstairs, as well as more unfamiliar auras and sounds.

Among them were Xiao Dongchen's laughter, Chen Yunfan's lazy and casual remarks, and a low whisper:

"My lady, the maid has already discovered that Master Ma Liang was originally a renowned physician from the Wu Meng Mountains, later found by Bai Caotang and signed a contract."

"Later, due to Xiao family's connection, he set up a clinic at Ji Shu Pharmacy."

"Oh? So he does have some skill?"

"Should... hmm? There's a familiar martial artist who has arrived at Fengchun Lou!"

Having only heard this much.

Chen Yi had already determined the person's identity—it was the same as the girl from Cui family he had seen the day before, along with her maid.

Setting aside the reason for her investigation of Ma Liang.

Xiao Dongchen was clearly entertaining Chen Yunfan today, his words full of congratulations and flattery, seemingly nothing special.

So it wasn't him?

Were there other guardians discussing matters in Fengchun Lou?

Chen Yi couldn't help but frown, thinking, "If so, my previous guess was completely wrong."

At that moment, a light footstep sounded nearby.

Chen Yi's spirit instantly calmed, maintaining his original appearance, as if he was just an ordinary customer waiting for his iced millet cakes.

Not long after.

He glanced at the corner of his eye and saw a petite woman coming down from the upstairs to the hall, as if investigating the surroundings.

It wasn't someone else—it was one of the maids he had seen the day before following Cui Miss.

That maid also saw Chen Yi, paused, and then showed a look of disgust, immediately heading back upstairs.

By his ear alone, Chen Yi could only hear vague sounds:

"My lady, perhaps the maid was mistaken, there's no such warrior here before. However..."

"However what?"

"The maid saw Xiao family's son-in-law downstairs."

Before Cui Miss could speak, Chen Yi heard a clear voice, seemingly surprised:

"Xiao family's son-in-law? Is Yi Di downstairs?"

"...Yes."

Then Chen Yi heard the sound of tables and chairs moving, clearly indicating that Chen Yunfan was heading downstairs.

Chen Yi muttered to himself, "My older brother seems to be very concerned about me."

At that moment, the young waiter came with the cake, "Sir, your iced eight treasures millet cakes, total one or two silver dollars."

Chen Yi stood up and took it, taking out some silver coins and handing them to the waiter.

Before the waiter could take them, Chen Yunfan laughed and approached, "Wait, Yi Di, you don't need to give this money, let's settle the bill together."

Chen Yi paused, looked at him, and feigned surprise: "How could your brother be here?"

After Chen Yunfan came over, he smiled and pushed aside his hand, indicating the waiter to record it on the bill in the upstairs room, and then said:

"You're asking on purpose like this." "I've been in a coma for so many days, today I went to the police station for a day, and in the evening I'll celebrate with my colleagues."

"Oh right, Xiao Dongchen is also here, shall we pay him a visit?"

Chen Yi shook his head, gesturing to the cake in his hand: "No need, there are people waiting for me at home."

Chen Yunfan smiled and asked: "Your wife isn't in Shu Zhou, when you go back there's only a maid with you, who's waiting for you?"

Chen Yi glanced at him, and without wasting more words, bowed slightly: "Your brother should go back soon to take care of those colleagues, I'm just a commoner and dare not intrude."

There were many people waiting for him to eat at home: Xiao Xiao, Pei Wenlu, Xiao Wugou, and Xiao Wan'er and others.

But these things obviously didn't need to be explained to Chen Yunfan.

After speaking, Chen Yi turned and walked out.

Chen Yunfan saw this, and no longer insisted, "Yi Di, thank you for rescuing me yesterday, the medical fee, I've already had someone send it to Ji Shu Pharmacy."

Chen Yi waved his hand and left Fengchun Lou.

After arriving at the outside where Ge Lao San was still waiting, he didn't mention going back to the mansion with the carriage.

"This time it seems I couldn't investigate the guardians' discussions."

"I wonder who the other guardian is in Fengchun Lou, besides Xiao Dongchen and Ge Lao San."

Chen Yi thought about this, greeted Ge Lao San, and then went to Xiao family's residence with an umbrella.

It seemed he would have to use a few methods to pry open the mouth of either Third Master Ge or Xiao Dongchen.

Once he had gone far away.

Third Master Ge looked into the Fengchun Pavilion, his gaze falling upon Chen Yunfan, who had already returned upstairs, his brow furrowing slightly.

This top scholar seemed entirely too enthusiastic about the fledgling girl.

Yet upon closer thought, this ought to be considered a good thing.

Perhaps when the east remains dark, the west will light up instead.

At the very same time.

Chen Yunfan returned to the private room, and just as he was about to speak, he noticed Xiao Dongchen was absent, so he casually asked, "Consultant Xiao left?"

Cui Qingwu shook her head, "He said he ran into an acquaintance and went over to beg a cup of wine."

Chen Yunfan gave an "oh" in response, "He certainly has many acquaintances; he's already stepped out several times before. I wonder if he is hosting this young master or hosting someone else."

With that, he ceased to bother about Xiao Dongchen, took his seat, and began eating with his chopsticks quite contentedly.

As he ate, he muttered to himself, "Brother Yi is still so distant with me. Asking him to come have a meal, yet he makes all kinds of excuses."

"He doesn't stop to think, how could an elder brother ever harm him?"

"Consultant Xiao just happened to be here today. If I had him come over to make a connection, his days in the Xiao family might be a bit easier in the future."

Cui Qingwu looked at him with her slightly narrow eyes, "Yunfan is still so full of brotherly affection toward Chen Yi."

"Of course, blood is thicker than water."

"Furthermore, it was thanks to him bringing a physician over yesterday to wake me up, otherwise it almost ruined a major affair."

Chen Yunfan grumbled continuously, "Only when I arrived at the yamen today did I learn that Left Envoy Liu of the Provincial Administration Commission had already made arrangements yesterday."

"Everyone has to go to the various counties and towns to collect the grain tax, and I actually have an assignment as well."

"Fortunately, he only had me take charge of the towns and villages around the prefectural city; at least I don't have to run off to the military garrisons like that unlucky Li Huaigu."

A faint smile appeared on Cui Qingwu's face, "I do not understand the official business of the Provincial Administration Commission, so it is inconvenient for me to say much."

"My only concern is the powder that caused you to swoon previously, as well as finding that person."

Chen Yunfan glanced sideways at her, curling his lip as he said, "Worrying about matters that are none of your business; I will find them myself."

"You are now a Counselor of the Provincial Administration Commission and busy with official duties. A minor matter like this can be left to me."

"You? You had better just go back to wherever you came from."

"I don't know if you're just idle, or if the Cui family of Qinghe isn't feeding you or what, that you actually ran all the way to Shuzhou alone."

Cui Qingwu pursed her lips, then quickly revealed a smile, "There is no need for me to worry much about things at home, and with nothing else to do, coming here to keep Yunfan company is quite nice."

"...I think you are just idle."

But idle she could not be, as Cui Qingwu well knew.

In any case, she simply would not leave Shuzhou just like this.

When Xiao Dongchen returned, a few jokes were shared, and then Chen Yunfan rose to take his leave.

Not long after.

A carriage bearing the emblem of the Chen family of Jiangnan Prefecture traveled ahead, while a carriage bearing the emblem of the Cui family of Qinghe followed closely behind.

"Miss, since Young Master Yunfan does not appreciate your kindness, why must you..."

"Slap your mouth!"

Slap, slap!