Chapter 177: Great Accomplishment in the Dao of Chess, Gifting a Blade and Scheduling a Meeting

Chapter 177: Mastery of the Chess Way, the Gift of the Blade, and an Appointment

Chen Yì, though unaware of the precise contours of Xiao Wǎnróu and the Patriarch’s negotiations, discerned the general tenor of their discourse when he laid the charter before them.

On one hand, the expansion of Bǎocǎo Táng would ease the Xiao family’s fiscal burdens, resolving in part the pressures from the court, the Dìngyuǎn Army, and other noble houses.

On the other, the matter itself required no sacrifice from the Xiao clan. Indeed, with the Xiao family’s years of cultivated connections in Shǔzhou, a mere gesture of goodwill and a modest portion of profits would suffice to shield Bǎocǎo Táng from all entanglements.

It offered them a means to monetize their networks, a chance to deepen ties with the noble houses of Shǔzhou’s prefectures and counties. A boon, doubly so.

Thus Chen Yì found no grounds to oppose the scheme. His sole uncertainty lay in the Patriarch’s designs on Bǎocǎo Táng. After all, though the Xiao family retained five of the ten parts, their actual holdings—three or four—seemed a paltry recompense beside Bǎocǎo Táng’s full share. Such an imbalance would stir disquiet in any heart.

Nor could he ignore the inclinations of certain Xiao kin—Xiao Wàng, Xiao Shēn, and the younger branches. When the Xiao apothecary, buoyed by Bǎocǎo Táng’s newfound wealth, sought to supplant Xiao Wǎnróu as head of their household, or to carve out favors for their respective chambers, Chen Yì anticipated their machinations. Yet these concerns, trivial though they were, could be met with equal cunning.

For now, however, Bǎocǎo Táng’s ascent remained unstepped, and his thoughts were elsewhere. The fires of the Ming Yue Tower and the “Fire That Devoured the Summer Grain of the Three Towns” blazed too fiercely to permit distraction.

After departing the Xiao estate, Chen Yì rode straight to the mansion in Xīshì, commanding Wang Jì and Zhang Dàbǎo to dispatch Liu Róng posthaste. Yet he knew the latter’s inquiries into the Liu family’s whereabouts would demand time—time he could not spare.

Instead, he settled onto the ancestral throne in the hall, eyes fixed on the rain lashing the courtyard, mind already elsewhere. In his mind’s eye, black and white stones clattered, their patterns shifting, the board alive with possibility.

Outside, the storm gathered force. Rain hammered the tiles and stones, a staccato rhythm mingling with the hiss of water splashing in puddles. The sky darkened, heavy with clouds, casting the hall into deeper gloom. From the distance, thunder rumbled, then lightning split the gloom, illuminating Chen Yì’s profile—sharp, composed, his gaze piercing the gloom like a blade through silk.

Half an hour later, he tapped twice on the chair’s back, murmuring to himself:

“So it shall be done.”

He had untangled the web. Some must pay, others must hesitate. A blade offered to the Patriarch, to let him display the Xiao family’s prestige. This was more than mere relief—it was a sanctuary, secured.

After all, he had not fished in nearly five days.

Glancing toward the rain-soaked courtyard, he strained his ears. Liu Róng had not yet arrived. He flicked open the luminous screen, checking his tally:

[Fate: 138]

In recent days, he had witnessed Liu Wén scheme with Ma Liáo and Hei Bá, trading rare artifacts—yellow-grade treasures and regional middle-grade wares—with great profit. His fortune had surged past a hundred, elevating his chess mastery to “Great Completion.” Yet his current skill remained “Small Completion,” needing no further deliberation.

Without hesitation, he ascended to “Great Completion.”

Before the arcane techniques of the thousand-move path could settle into his bones, he reached for the crimson cloth beside him, drawing forth a long blade. His repertoire now included the esoteric “Sewn Spring Blade Method,” a qin melody from the *Drifting Thoughts* scroll, and the paths of blade and string.

Seizing the moment, he drew the blade and began to practice the Sewn Spring Method in the dim hall.

Half a liang of incense had barely burned away when he completed the form, a message materializing in the air:

[Practiced Blade Art · Sewn Spring Blade Method (Esoteric): Success. Level: First Glimpse of the Way.]

[ martial path · blade: Uninitiated 0/1 (can allocate points)]

No pause. Sheathing the blade, he retrieved a seven-stringed qin from another tray, attempting the *Drifting Thoughts* melody.

Alas, he had overestimated his musical gift.

His martial foundation lent him grace to the blade, yet the qin’s strings eluded him. The melody, meant to soar, stumbled and lurched, its discord so vile it would have driven listeners to clutch their ears.

After a few futile attempts, he abandoned the effort. Relief—he need not face ridicule.

With a heavy sigh, he stowed the qin, resolved to seek instruction later. The blade path, now at “Small Completion,” settled into his being.

Even as his cultivation reached the sixth grade, his mind still ached from the dual influx of chess and blade arts. He rubbed his temples, pausing to steady himself.

Only then did peace return to his thoughts.

Since the previous time he had achieved a great breakthrough in the martial arts, he had not felt the intoxicating allure of the Dao's mysteries for quite some time.

Not long after, Liu Lang hurried over.

Seeing his appearance, he couldn't help but ask with some bewilderment, "Boss, you look like you haven't slept in days."

Chen Yi paid him no mind, rubbing his forehead as he inquired, "Have we found where the Liu family is hiding?"

Liu Lang sat down and nodded, saying, "We've located them."

"Liu Wen and Liu Zhao Xue are currently residing on Kangning Street in the city's northern district, and they are not living together with Liu Hong."

"Only that Liu Ay is staying under Liu Hong's roof."

"Furthermore, aside from their initial visit to Liu Hong upon arriving in Shuzhou, the two have spent the past few days wandering around the prefecture city."

"Meanwhile, Liu Ay has remained at Liu Hong's residence since his visit to the Duke of Qingduan's manor, never leaving."

Upon hearing this, Chen Yi slightly arched an eyebrow. "So, Liu Ay and Liu Wen and his sister came to Shuzhou for different purposes?"

He distinctly remembered the initial information Liu Wen had relayed—seeking to arrange a marriage with the Xiao family.

For this, Liu Ay, the second wife of the Liu family, had even gone to the Xiao household himself to mention it to the old patriarch.

But the old patriarch had outright rejected him.

Now, Liu Ay was lodging at Liu Hong's home, while Liu Wen and Liu Zhao Xue were wandering outside, clearly having different objectives.

After a moment of contemplation, Chen Yi mused internally: "Liu Ay must be colluding with Liu Hong, or urging him to resolve the dispute with the Xiao family."

"His proposal to the Xiao family may have been merely incidental, or perhaps a step taken on Liu Wen's behalf."

"As for Liu Wen and his sister... their intentions remain unclear for now."

Thinking this over, Chen Yi commanded, "In that case, deliver a message to Liu Wen tonight, under the name of Hei Ya."

Liu Lang paused, pointing at himself, "Me? Under Hei Ya's name?"

"Indeed, it's quite simple—inform him that Hei Ya will visit him the following evening to discuss matters."

"But Hei Ya..."

Chen Yi saw he hadn't quite grasped it, raised his hand to interrupt, "I'll be there myself."

"Or do you think you should also deliver a message to Hei Ya, asking him to meet Liu Wen?"

Upon hearing this, Liu Lang quickly caught on, though slightly embarrassed, he chuckled twice, still not fully comprehending the reasoning.

"Boss, I understand how to proceed."

"But could you tell me why you're making such a roundabout effort to meet Liu Wen, rather than doing so under Hei Ya's name?"

Chen Yi glared at him, his tone sharp, "When the time comes, you'll accompany me, and you'll understand."

It wasn't that he couldn't share the details with Liu Lang.

It was simply that Liu Lang's mind wasn't equipped to handle too much information.

If he were to go deliver the message to Liu Wen and inadvertently let something slip, it would cause far greater trouble.

Liu Lang considered this and nodded in agreement.

"Any other instructions?"

Chen Yi was about to say he was done when he suddenly recalled something, pointing to the long sword covered with a red cloth on the table, "The thing I promised you."

Liu Lang hurried over, lifting the cloth, his eyes lighting up, "A sword?"

Gazing at the ancient, imposing long blade in its scabbard, he could barely contain his excitement, drawing the sword with a swift motion.

A sharp blade flash gleamed in the air.

Liu Lang immediately smoothed his brows, unfastened his waist knife, and eagerly sheat the new sword at his side, testing its balance with delight.

"Many thanks, Boss, for the gift."

"You're welcome."

Seeing Liu Lang extract and resheathe the long sword without further ado, Chen Yi waved him away.

Before departing, he reminded him of the evening's task, "Be sure not to linger with Liu Wen—simply deliver the message."

"Also, remember to conceal your identity well, lest you encounter Hei Ya, which could lead to grave consequences."

Liu Lang nodded in agreement and, with the sword at his side, made his way out.

Chen Yi watched him leave, shaking his head inwardly, hoping he would handle the matter as skillfully as one handles a fine sword.

If Liu Wen were not drawn into the scheme, it would indeed be a regrettable outcome.

When the household returned to quietude, Chen Yi removed his disguise, donned his long robe, and lifted his oil-paper umbrella to head back to the Xiao family.

Though it was raining, his spirits had lightened considerably after settling several matters.

On his way back, he not only purchased some food to fill his stomach but also, with deliberate care, visited a music shop to buy two qin sheets, intending to later find a teacher to instruct him in the art of playing.

After all, someone with his obsessive nature either didn't begin at all or did so with utmost thoroughness.

He couldn't let that copy of *The Journey to the West* gather dust unused.

Taking his time, stopping and walking at leisure, it took him an hour before he finally returned to the Spring Lotus Garden.

Before he could summon Xiao Duo to fetch water, comb his hair, and change his clothes, Shen Hua Ting arrived.

"The young master and miss would like you to dine with them this evening."

"..."

Chen Yi patted his nearly full stomach, replying, "We need not go."

Shen Hua Ting hesitated, bowed respectfully, "Please, young master, do excuse me."

"Very well, I'll change first..."

Had he known the young master wouldn't be eating outside, he might not have had such a feast.

(Chapter Complete)