Chapter 161: Traveling with a Beauty

Chapter 161: Journeying with a Beauty

After a night had passed, the skies above Shuzhou remained heavily blanketed with dark clouds.

The continuous drizzle ceased for a brief spell, only to pour down even harder afterward, as if Heaven itself could not bear to see too many people walking abroad.

Regrettably, in this sort of weather, not many would remember His benevolence.

Far more common were those who spat out curses like "thieving old heaven," clearly exasperated by the days of incessant rain.

Yet there were also many who remained unaffected by the weather, wearing smiles upon their faces and appearing utterly delighted.

For instance, certain idlers could use it as an excuse to sleep late.

Or those shopkeepers who sold oil-paper umbrellas and straw rain-capes.

Smiles were invariably fixed upon their countenances.

Chen Yi was among them.

However, he was not pleased because of the rainy day, but due to a breakthrough in his cultivation realm.

At half past the hour of the Tiger in the morning, he had concluded his cultivation and instantly detected the surging true essence within his body.

Since then, the smile on his face had never faded.

If last night Chen Yi had only vaguely sensed it—that after receiving the blessing of the spiritual essence from the Four Images Method deity seat, the power of all his techniques would increase.

Then at this moment, that intuitive feeling of grasping a galaxy had already flooded his mind and body.

Whether it was his stance work, fist techniques, footwork, or the Descending Dragon Spear Technique, under the enhancement of his true essence, the power they exerted all saw an increase of ten to twenty percent.

And this was without even factoring in the blessing of his martial dao intent.

If he were to exert his full strength, not to mention anyone else, even if he were to cross paths again with Cui Qingwu, who had severely wounded him that night, she would find it exceedingly difficult to gain any advantage.

Chen Yi indulged in his grand imaginings for a moment before calming his mind and glancing at the light screen:

[Opportunity: 128]

[Daily Information · Yellow Grade Upper Rank: At the first quarter of the hour of the Horse, at the Ji Shi Pharmacy in the Eastern Market, Ma Liangcai shall receive a "Divine Physician" plaque. A trace amount of opportunity can be obtained.]

After reading this, Chen Yi raised his eyebrows slightly, "Ji Shi Pharmacy?"

Old Ma had certainly come up in the world.

To think he could actually receive a "Divine Physician" plaque gifted by others.

Yet upon closer reflection, the smile on Chen Yi's face diminished somewhat.

He knew all too well the standard of Ma Liangcai's medical skills.

Even with his guidance, he was merely a bit stronger than Old Li and the others.

How could such a physician cure those suffering from rare, complicated, or terminal illnesses?

Pondering back and forth, Chen Yi decided to go and have a look.

After all, he could not entirely put his mind at ease.

Once his decision was made.

Chen Yi glanced once more at the opportunity and dao intent on the light screen.

After a brief hesitation, he raised his spear dao to the realm of Grand Accomplishment.

By this point, among the eight daos he practiced—calligraphy, medicine, chess, as well as the martial body, fist, footwork, and spear—only his chess dao remained at the realm of Minor Accomplishment, while all the rest had reached Grand Accomplishment.

Among his various techniques, only the Descending Dragon Spear and the Thousand Hands Chess Manual remained at the Proficient level, whereas all others could be raised no further, having reached the pinnacle of the Mastery level.

In addition, there remained an Embroidered Spring Blade Technique and a "Carefree Excursion" zither manual, which he left to practice later when it was convenient for him.

"Many skills do not burden the body."

"Perhaps by practicing more, and by validating them against one another, I might find another chance for sudden enlightenment."

Though he said this, sudden enlightenment was indeed an opportunity that depended heavily on luck.

Thus far, it was only his calligraphy dao that had achieved a sudden enlightenment and risen to the realm of Grand Accomplishment because he had written a lyric poem for Xiao Wan'er.

As for the others, despite practicing them for so long, none had brought about sudden enlightenment.

With these thoughts in mind, Chen Yi waited until the profound mysteries of the Grand Accomplishment spear dao had integrated into his mind, and then he summoned Xiaodie to wash and dress him.

"Young Master, are you going out today?"

"Yes, I am going to the pharmacy today. I haven't been there in quite a few days, and I'm afraid of being lectured by Eldest Miss."

Seeing him so solemnly poking fun at the Eldest Miss, Xiaodie could not help but laugh merrily:

"Young Master is joking again. Eldest Miss would never blame you for that."

"Not only would Eldest Miss not do so, but the various Masters in the manor wouldn't either. They never will in the future."

Chen Yi adjusted his robes, walked downstairs ahead of her, and casually replied, "Is that so?"

Xiaodie followed closely behind him, nodding with a smile, "Young Master hasn't stepped out of the house these past few days, so you haven't seen how those people in the manor have been praising you."

"How are they praising me?"

"They all say that the Masters of the various courtyards have been, these past few days..."

When all was said and done, it was still because he had taught several calligraphic masters who achieved success in the calligraphy dao at the Guiyun Academy.

People had been paying constant visits to the door.

Under such circumstances, when facing their guests, the various Masters of the manor naturally could not speak ill of him.

Even Xiao Xuanshuo and Xiao Wang, who had always disliked him, spoke a few good words on his behalf.

"Qingzhou? This old man saw long ago that his talent and scholarship were profound. Otherwise, on the day of the Marquis's birthday feast, the Emperor would not have specially granted him a few verbal edicts."

"Qingzhou's scholarship is decent, and his characters are written very well, though it is useless for you to seek me out."

When such words were overheard, they would inevitably spread throughout the manor.

Xiaodie possessed a pure disposition and loved hearing these words of praise directed at him, as though she shared in the glory.

Chen Yi, however, felt nothing at all.

When one sought favors from others, such words of praise were not true praise, nor were they heartfelt compliments; flattery would be a better description.

Instead, they were far less genuine than Xiaodie's "Young Master is truly a good person," or Pei Guanli's "Brother-in-law is a decent man."

When they finished breakfast, Pei Guanli and Xiaodie said exactly that.

Chen Yi enjoyed it immensely, completely omitting to mention his promise to bring them some things back when he returned to the manor today.

Xiao Wuge wanted some too.

Yet before he could open his mouth, Xiao Wan'er arrived in the hall, accompanied by Shen Huatang.

Compared to before, her complexion looked much better, no longer bearing a pale, sickly look, but rather possessing some color.

Her originally thin and gaunt face had filled out slightly, making her appear all the more radiant and breathtaking.

Out of habit, Chen Yi cast a glance using his Qi Observation Technique, and upon confirming that her body was maintaining its condition well, he invited her to take a seat.

"In this gloomy and rainy weather, Eldest Miss should venture out less, lest you catch a cold."

It would be better not to mention it at all, but when the subject of Feng Han came up, Xiao Wanz'er was suddenly reminded of that experience, as if it had just happened moments ago.

She blushed slightly and shot him a glance.

"I keep my clothes tidy and drink medicinal soup every day; my health has improved considerably."

Chen Yi nodded with a smile, then offered several compliments.

These remarks, though within the realm of flattery, made Xiao Wanz'er beam with joy.

Even the praise made her a little shy.

She quickly shifted the subject: "I finished compiling a gift list for Chen Yu last night. I was thinking of going out shopping today—would you like to come?"

"Me?" Chen Yi hesitated slightly, as if wanting to decline, but seeing Xiao Wanz'er's earnest expression, he nodded.

"Actually, I need to visit the herbalist's hall anyway. Let's go together."

Before Xiao Wanz'er's smile could fully bloom, Xiao Huguo had already raised his hand.

"Count me in, count me in!"

"Older brother, let me come too—I've been cooped up at home for so long. Take me along!"

Seeing his pitiable face, Xiao Wanz'er hesitated, then nodded: "I'll have someone notify the professor in charge of teaching him the art of medicine to take the day off."

Xiao Huguo immediately beamed with joy, grabbing Little Butterfly and racing upstairs to change his clothes.

In that moment, Chen Yi turned to Huo Xiaotou: "What about you? Staying home or coming out?"

To his surprise, Pei Wengl's face flushed, and she shook her head repeatedly.

"With the clinking of coins, she said, 'No, no, I've had enough of going out lately. It's been several days already.'"

She then turned to Shen Huatang: "Sister Huatang, you must have the same thoughts, right?"

"No."

In front of Xiao Wanz'er, Shen Huatang could not possibly voice her true feelings.

What should she say? The three of them had spent several days strolling through the streets of Shuzhou Fu, covering every corner.

They had taken a modest rest.

Shen Huatang and Xie Stopyun then called for a carriage.

Chen Yi followed Xiao Wanz'er, while Xiao Huguo and Little Butterfly sat inside the carriage—though not exactly crowded.

After a while, the carriage rolled out of Hou Fu, heading straight for the northern Kangning Street.

It was already past dawn.

A light rain fell, and the streets were fairly busy with passersby.

Especially on Kangning Street, where scholars and noblewomen often strolled.

In the distance, they saw many people under oil-paper umbrellas.

Xiao Wanz'er glanced out the window, then withdrew a slip of paper from her sleeve and handed it to Chen Yi.

"This is the list I compiled. Could you check if it's appropriate?"

Chen Yi took it and glanced over it; it was filled with scholar's paraphernalia, calligraphy, paintings, or antique curios.

"How does it look?"

"It should be fine, though there are quite a few items."

"Gifts are no trouble at all. With that much silver, buying some extra presents is only natural."

Upon hearing this, Chen Yi nodded: "It's good to have a plan, sister Xiao."

Xiao Wanz'er pouted: "Should I add anything else?"

Chen Yi thought for a moment; besides a fishing rod, he couldn't think of anything else he particularly desired.

After a moment's reflection, he came up with an idea: "Perhaps a guqin or a dao sword would be suitable."

Xiao Wanz'er paused: "Is that appropriate?"

At this time, many scholars were skilled in music and martial arts.

However, unless one knew the recipient's preferences in advance, such uncommon gifts were rarely given.

"I heard from Wang Ji that their boss is quite skilled in swordplay and also plays the guqin. If the price is reasonable, having one on hand would be good."

Xiao Wanz'er had no objections and nodded: "Then let's get a guqin. There are many fine dao swords in the arms depot, all masterpieces. I'll have Huatang select one for me when we get back."

Chen Yi would never refuse.

Though, in his heart, he harbored some different thoughts.

Mostly, he imagined the awkward scenes that would arise when Xiao Wanz'er eventually discovered the truth.

He figured that Xiao Wanz'er would either be annoyed or flustered, but in any case, it would be a relief for him.

Thinking of such a scene, Chen Yi couldn't help but show a smile.

Xiao Wanz'er noticed his expression and felt a slight stir in her heart:

"Speaking of which, that Mr. Chen seems to have some similarities with your husband's hobbies."

Chen Yi's smile faltered: "Er, no, right?"

Xiao Wanz'er looked at him with a half-smile, her beautiful eyes reflecting his slight unease:

"Your husband is well-versed in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, and he also enjoys fishing. That Mr. Chen is fond of fishing and skilled in playing the guqin, isn't he?"

Chen Yi nodded, his expression returning to calm: "Well, he's probably just a scholar who likes these things."

"That's true."

After some idle chatter, they finally moved past this topic, and Chen Yi felt a weight lift from his shoulders.

After all, women's intuition is sharp—one had to admit it.

Xiao Wanz'er naturally did not think Chen Shi was Chen Yi; she merely connected the two based on their interests.

She then spoke of the visit from the Soup Family's lady the previous night.

"They say the gates of Fei Yun Academy have been nearly broken through these days, with people from the city, as well as from neighboring prefectures and counties, arriving."

"Master Yue Ming and Master Zhuo Ying, along with a fellow named Ma Guan, have been writing several copies of calligraphy each day."

"Even the calligraphy you left at the academy, which they're displaying for others to see."

Chen Yi smiled: "The headmaster must be quite pleased."

Xiao Wanz'er nodded with a smile: "The Soup Lady said, 'Thank goodness we'd already established a study hall in their residence early on, or else the people coming later might have resorted to all sorts of tricks to grab a spot.'"

"Tricks?"

"Yes. After the rules set by Master Yue Ming were spread, the number of students admitted couldn't exceed one hundred. The later arrivals had to find ways to get in."

"They say someone offered a thousand taels of silver for that spot, but no one accepted. Then another offered five hundred taels of gold, which Master Yue Ming firmly rejected."

Chen Yi: "Five hundred taels... gold?"

If they sold a hundred spots, wouldn't one easily get fifty thousand taels of gold?

Hope the director can withstand such temptations.

It took half a day, and only a few people had finished strolling down Kangning Street.

Not only did they buy Chen Yu plenty of gifts, but also picked up several useful items for Xiao Wugou.

Mostly books and the like.

Chen Yi noticed the carriage was nearly full, so he suggested they first pay a visit to Ji Shi Pharmacy.

Xiao Wanzhen naturally wouldn't refuse. "There's a restaurant in the eastern market that's quite good. I remember my father took me and my younger sister there when I was a child."

Chen Yi nodded with a smile. "Then I suppose I'll go give it a try..."

(End of chapter)