Chapter 165: In Short, He Is Very Powerful

Chapter 165: In Short, He’s Amazing. Longing…

Xiao the Elder smiled, though his eyes held a measure of recognition.

The Xiao family had reigned over Shouzhou for years—not only wielding mighty armies but also commanding vast networks of influence.

And within their ranks, aside from those who entered the distant military, there were numerous scholars serving in official capacities: Xiao Dongchen of the Border Affairs Office, Xiao Ziqi of the Military Office, and others.

Combined with the marriage alliance between the second son of the Xiao clan and the Qinngong of Guangyue under Zhang’s family, their collective power loomed like the dominion over the entire southern realm of Wei.

To outsiders, such a behemoth of a house could be likened to a self-proclaimed Emperor of the Earth in Shouzhou.

Had the Xiao family remained ever strong, had Xiao FENGchun and others not perished, the noble clans of nearby circuits—Shouzhou, Jingzhou—would never have dared emerge.

Yet reality stood different: the Xiao clan had now slipped into decline, their strength at its nadir, making it all the more understandable that the Liu family of Jingzhou might sense an opportunity to encroach.

Xiao the Elder grasped these truths, and thus for years he had moved with utmost caution, treading lightly as if on thin ice.

He did not foresee that Chen Yi would discern these threads, or that Xiao Wanguo would voice such thoughts.

After a brief pause, Xiao the Elder glanced at Xiao Wan’er and asked, “Wanguo, why did your brother-in-law speak to you this way?”

“I asked him myself.”

Xiao Wanguo did not linger. “That day while fishing, he mentioned our family had lately lacked silver, adding that the eldest had pawned some jewelry.”

“I then inquired, ‘Why did Lingnanlou take over the pharmacy business?’ My brother-in-law replied offhand with those words.”

“Ah…” Xiao the Elder nodded, his expression thoughtful.

At that time, Lingnanlou had only just opened, and Liu Jing had not yet emerged.

As for Chen Yi…

Chen Yi seemed to have barely left his residence then.

Had he uncovered the truth through someone’s tip—or through his own deduction?

If the former, all was well. But if the latter…

It would mean Chen Yi was not, as he appeared, one who ignored matters beyond his windows.

The Elder mused on this, silently noting it before turning his gaze to the quiet Xiao Wan’er beside him. With a gentle smile, he asked, “Still pondering matters from earlier?”

Xiao Wan’er hesitated, nodding, her lips parted with a touch of regret.

“Grandfather, just now we met Liu Wen at the East Market. He isn’t as outstanding as your description of Uncle Liu.”

Xiao the Elder shook his head. “Whether he excels or not, our family and the Liu clan could never form a marriage alliance.”

Upon hearing this, Xiao Wan’er exhaled in relief, her face brightening.

Before she could offer thanks, the Elder continued, “Yet you’re not young anymore.”

“For some time, your frailty kept me from pressuring you, but now that your strength seems to be returning, perhaps it’s time to consider marriage.”

Xiao Wan’er’s smile faltered. She quickly shook her head.

“No, no… Grandfather, I’m still unwell. I haven’t seen improvement.”

“A great illness struck me recently, a wind-cold invasion…”

“Wind-cold?” Xiao the Elder’s face darkened. “When did this occur?”

Xiao Wan’er stammered, her lips trembling. “It’s resolved now.”

“The afternoon of that day, the wind had blown, so it should’ve been cured then.”

Xiao the Elder studied her intently, confirming she was unharmed. His expression softened.

Just as he was about to speak, Xiao Wanguo interjected, “Grandfather, my sister is indeed cured.”

“Thanks to my brother-in-law, who examined her that day, her illness vanished.”

Xiao Wan’er’s cheeks flushed slightly, recalling that moment.

But Xiao the Elder marveled, “Wanguo, does your brother-in-law also treat illnesses?”

He did not believe Chen Yi could heal Xiao Wan’er.

For years, only that Daoist nun atop Mount Wumeng had managed to subdue her extreme cold constitution. Others, those so-called “divine physicians,” had been helpless.

Xiao Wan’er also wore an odd expression.

She wasn’t surprised Chen Yi practiced medicine, but visions flooded her mind: herself, drenched in sweat upon a bed, Chen Yi pressing a silver needle into her skin—bodily contact, intimate and unthinkable.

Even the thought of it made her cheeks burn.

Xiao Wanguo, unaware of their shared thoughts, spoke on, “He does much more than acupuncture—he treats illnesses, plays Go, writes poetry, and composes exquisite calligraphy. He understands many things…”

“In short, my brother-in-law is extraordinary.”

Upon hearing this, Xiao the Elder patted his head fondly. “It seems Wanguo holds your brother-in-law in high regard.”

“Of course. I think he’s the most remarkable—better than the second brother, hmm… though he can’t surpass or defeat the second brother.”

The Elder chuckled. “A husband follows his wife’s lead. Your second sister wouldn’t dare lay a hand on him.”

Though Xiao Wan’er’s face remained flushed, she too smiled at their exchange.

After a moment of lighthearted chatter—

Old Master Xiao spoke again, soothingly, "Wan'er, you need not worry too much about the Liu family; everything is under my care."

"Yes, thank you, Grandfather," she replied.

"We shall not speak of matters outside the family."

After a pause, the old master continued, his voice sharp, "For that Liu family showed no sincerity, daring to propose marrying your second son to you—this is an insult."

"Setting aside the Xiao family, if it were just you, Wan'er, it would be no different than if the head of the old Liu household came to ask for your hand."

Xiao Wan'er felt a little shy, saying, "Grandfather—"

"I speak the truth," he insisted.

Seeing his resolve, Xiao Wan'er quickly led Xiao Wugou to bid their farewells.

The old master, his thoughts still lingering, nodded once more, then watched them leave, his smile slowly fading.

A moment of silence passed.

He tapped the table nearby and ordered, "Keep a close eye on the Liu family’s men—see what schemes they hatch."

A faint voice echoed from the corner, "Yes, Lord Zhou."

"And… never mind that. Attend to these matters."

The old master had intended to let the guards follow Chen Yi, but upon reflection, deemed it unnecessary.

After all, Chen Yi had performed well lately.

He had shown no desire to seek official posts or pursue military campaigns, nor had he meddled in the Xiao family’s affairs or aligned with the second or third rooms.

A man of integrity, indeed.

Of course, Chen Yi knew some things—it was only natural.

After all, he came from the Chen family of Jiangnan Prefecture, and from childhood, his horizons and grasp of affairs had long surpassed ordinary people.

As for medical skills…

Hmph. Even he, accomplished in medicine, could not cure the Xiao family’s current plight.

…

Chen Yi didn’t realize he’d nearly exposed his secret with Xiao Wugou’s few words.

At that moment, he had already changed into his attire, waiting in the courtyard for Liu Lang to arrive.

The rain drummed against the windows.

Chen Yi stood at the window, gazing at the modest courtyard. His face remained calm, but his mind churned with thoughts.

One by one, ideas surged and faded, like tides in endless repetition.

"The Liu family of Jingzhou, in securing their territories in Shu, would naturally seek to unite with Liu Hong—only by leveraging the governor’s authority could they hope to restrain the Xiao family."

"Meanwhile, among those arriving was Liu Yu, the elder overseeing the Liu family’s affairs, who must still intend to linger in Shu."

"The wooden tablet they gave to Ma Liang, the divine physician, also confirms this speculation."

"Thus, the key lies with Liu Hong and Liu Zhen, while Liu Wen and Liu Zhao, the siblings, come afterward."

As Chen Yi pondered these points, he also grasped how to handle what came next.

If the Liu family targeted the medicinal herb business, it would strike directly at his heart.

As for the rest—it depended on circumstances.

In any case, they would not let the Liu family’s schemes succeed.

Just as Chen Yi was lost in thought, Liu Lang finally arrived, bowing politely,

"Lord Zhou."

"No need to bow. Tell me in detail about the Black Tooth affair."

Liu Lang nodded, speaking, "The Black Tooth group has been active these past few days."

"Besides mentioning the client you spoke of, tonight I’m to meet several others—participants in this mission."

"Additionally, there’s a minor matter: last night, many people died on the street where Black Tooth operates. They say these victims were likely from the Xiao family."

Chen Yi paused, "Xiao family members?"

Liu Lang nodded, "Perhaps imperial guards or their retainers."

Chen Yi mused, "They must be trying to prevent leaks, fearing the Xiao family would discover their plans."

"Indeed, you’re astute. I’ve pondered this long before understanding it."

"…Proceed."

"That’s all he told me."

Liu Lang shook his head, adding, "However, I believe we’ll uncover more detailed intelligence tonight."

"Though I’m unsure if there’s anything else you’d have me do."

Chen Yi thought a moment, then smiled faintly,

"Actually, there is one thing."

"Speak."

"Tonight, bring me along!"