Chapter 180: Brother-in-Law, Don't Think of Wicked Ideas

Chapter 180: The Brother-in-Law's Unlikely Scheme

It was out of the question to attack him naturally.

Yet Xiao Wan'er did find herself a touch troubled by the persistent visits of the aristocratic young mistresses seeking an audience.

Though their status, family background, and prestige paled in comparison to the Xiao family's, they possessed certain connections and were all linked to the Xiao clan in countless ways.

Among them, only Madame Tang's presence was genuine, for her son had taken to studying under Chen Yi, coming to the Xiao household to draw closer to their circle.

The rest merely sought to open doors, hoping that Chen Yi, the Xiao family's key figures, would grant permission for their younger kin to study under him.

That much was easily dismissed; Xiao Wan'er had her ways of turning them away.

She could simply tell Chen Yi his energies were limited.

Or perhaps blame Xiao Jinghong, claiming her younger brother had not yet returned, and that the brother-in-law should keep his distance from others.

But these people kept returning with gifts.

Those from modest backgrounds brought trifling items—handwoven, locally made blankets or ivory, things of little value.

Those from affluent families arrived in carts laden with rare treasures, including numerous pieces of jewelry.

These gifts were neither to be kept nor discarded.

Xiao Wan'er had even gone so far as to consult the Old Matriarch, who instructed her to accept them all, leaving her at a loss for how to proceed.

She briefly explained the situation.

Xiao Wan'er gazed at Chen Yi, her voice soft: "This can't go on like this. What do you think?"

Chen Yi met her gaze, thought a moment, then said: "Indeed, we must find a solution that lasts a lifetime."

A slight tremor stirred in Xiao Wan'er's heart. She felt compelled to remind him: "These visitors come often because they're closely connected to the Xiao family."

"There are those who are the Old Master and Father's former retainers, some close to the second or third wives, and many are women—perhaps..."

"Perhaps their methods were improper, but their intentions were for their offspring's sake, not those of outright villains."

Upon hearing this, Chen Yi found himself at a loss for words, a mixture of amusement and exasperation in his tone: "Where on earth are you heading with this?"

"Am I the sort who would take advantage of them?"

Yes.

Xiao Wan'er mentally added that single word, and couldn't help but recall the several incidents involving Chen Yi.

The night of their wedding, he had fled.

After being placed under restriction, he went to the Flower Lane.

And to help the suitor, he feigned seizing a commoner's woman.

Not to mention the verses he composed for her...

Each of these acts was a betrayal of propriety.

Thus, Xiao Wan'er feared Chen Yi might concoct some mischievous scheme to keep those visiting from approaching.

"Can't be too careful. We shouldn't offend them, lest they spread rumors."

"Rest assured, rest assured."

Chen Yi assented wholeheartedly. As dusk approached, he led Xiao Wan'er and Xiao Wugou out of the Xing Court, heading straight for Qingming Hall.

Xiao Wan'er watched them disappear in the distance, then slowly lifted her gaze, a faint smile touching her lips.

Her companions, Cuier and Juaner, exchanged glances and asked: "Miss, should we accept all these visit cards?"

Xiao Wan'er nodded, then summoned her resolve, commanding: "Accept them all."

"But stagger the timing. Some people should be separated."

"The Xiao family's younger mistress and Li's younger mistress should be grouped together; Madame Tang and Madame Xie, being of equal standing, should also be paired..."

Until Chen Yi found a solution, she had to be careful, lest those people spread tales about Chen Yi's idle talk.

After all, they dared not speak ill of the Xiao family.

Meanwhile...

Chen Yi had, in a way, guessed at Xiao Wan'er's thoughts, and felt a measure of gratitude toward her.

For this predicament was of his own making.

He couldn't very well keep the Xiao family and the esteemed scholar Yi Ming of the Feiyun Academy in the spotlight indefinitely.

But matters had their degrees of urgency.

For now, his priority was to resolve the issue with Hei Ba and others; the matter of the aristocratic young mistresses seeking an audience in Shuzhou could wait a while longer.

Not long after, Chen Yi and Xiao Wugou passed through the courtyard gates and entered a long corridor.

Scanning the area, he spotted the respected uncle Guo sweeping the courtyard's open space, raking fallen leaves.

It seemed he hadn't seen Guo in a long time.

Nor had he seen Geo Lao San or Liu Si Er. They seemed to be deliberately avoiding him, not meeting his gaze for quite some time.

But upon reflection, Chen Yi understood—this group of hidden guards each had their own duties.

Guo Lao San was working in concert with Xiao Dongren and Lou Yuxue to plan the burning of summer grain in the three cities.

Liu Si Er, his injuries just beginning to heal, was now accompanying Wang Lixing on patrol through the Xiao family's five apothecaries.

Xiao Dongren was stationed in the Ministry of Civil Affairs, handling the collection of summer grain taxes in various regions of Shuzhou, much like Chen Yunfan and Li Huigu.

Only Uncle Guo remained in the capital.

Chen Yi found himself glancing at him twice. When Guo looked up and met his gaze, he seemed caught off guard. After a moment, he lowered his head.

Chen Yi noticed his movement and continued walking through the corridor with a composed expression.

Soon, he and Xiao Wugou arrived at Qingming Hall.

The armored guards outside hesitated slightly, then bowed respectfully: "Welcome, Young Master, Brother."

Seeing Xiao Wugou's foot still moving, Chen Yi gave a gentle tug, smiling: "Is the Old Matriarch free?"

One of the guards didn't answer immediately but glanced at Xiao Wugou and said: "The Deputy Director of the Ministry of Civil Affairs visited earlier. Lord Xiao is receiving him now."

"Oh? Who came to pay respects?"

"The Deputy Director Yang Ye, and the Statesman Chen Yunfan."

Chen Yi arched an eyebrow, surprised to see these two. Perhaps it was related to the grain taxes in the three cities.

It must have been.

Yesterday, Li Huaiwu came by letter and mentioned that the new edict from the Censorate was to collect the summer grain from the three prefectures according to the "one tax for ten" system.

It seemed likely that Yang Ye and Chen Yunfan would visit the old patriarch today to explain the matter.

"The Censorate official Liu Hong certainly knows how to make himself indispensable," Chen Yi thought, feeling a slight stir in his heart.

Since Yang Ye and Chen Yunfan had come to explain the grain tax, it could be inferred that the envoy from Liu's family in Jingzhou would be here for other matters.

A marriage proposal?

Heh.

Xiao Woge, however, paid no heed to such things. Upon hearing that officials from the Censorate had arrived, he quietly stood outside the courtyard with Chen Yi, waiting.

Yet his feet twitched with restlessness, and he occasionally moved his fingers within the silk box, clearly eager to deliver the gifts the old patriarch had selected as soon as possible.

After waiting nearly half a day, just past the time for the afternoon audience, two footsteps approached from the pure and clean mansion.

In the distance, Chen Yi could still make out his younger brother Chen Yunfan's muttered complaints.

"...I knew this would be the outcome."

"Liu the Censor had us come here to deliver this message, and we weren't driven out by the old marquis—well, that shows his kindness at heart."

"Yunfan, keep your temper. Liu the Censor has things arranged; you just do as you're told."

"Yang the Gentleman, you live comfortably, but I'm only a low-ranking official just starting out. I'll be here in Shu for several years—how could I afford to offend the old marquis?"

"Heh, let's not dwell on it. I'm sure Xiao Hou won't hold it against you."

"I hope... hmm? Yi's younger brother?"

When he rounded the corner and saw Chen Yi's figure, Chen Yunfan's irritated tone faded, replaced by a smile.

He remembered Xiao Woge was present, so he gave Chen Yi a knowing look while formally bowing to Xiao Woge:

"The low-ranking official bows to the young master."

Xiao Woge's face tightened, then replied, "The official Chen respectfully bows."

Then he followed Chen Yi in greeting Yang Ye.

Chen Yi stood, glanced around, and patted Xiao Woge's shoulder, signaling him to enter the pure and clean mansion first.

Similarly, Chen Yunfan did the same, patting Yang Ye's shoulder.

"The Censor's gentleman has shown leniency; the low-ranking official will speak with you briefly."

Yang Ye nodded, agreeing.

Yet he clearly recalled the earlier conversation between Chen Yi and Chen Yunfan behind Chen Huaiwu's wedding, and so frowned, reminding them:

"Whatever you say, mind the occasion and keep proper decorum."

Chen Yi and Chen Yunfan exchanged a glance, smiled, and nodded.

When Yang Ye walked away, Chen Yi led his brother to the pavilion by the pond outside the courtyard, and naturally inquired about his recent whereabouts.

As for that, Chen Yunfan had a mouthful of complaints.

"This fool of an official is truly a bore. Every day he's either collecting grain tax in the eastern part of the city or patrolling the western side."

"Not only does he have to collect it on time, but he can't afford the slightest carelessness."

"Any mistake or oversight, and both Censors would beat him down—God knows what would happen to him!"

Chen Yi, seeing his brother's worried expression, couldn't help but smile: "Brother, your complaints are none of others' business to hear."

But upon closer inspection, he did notice that Chen Yunfan had grown paler in the few days since he'd last seen him.

Clearly, he had been traveling widely in recent times.

Chen Yunfan heard this and sneered: "I'd rather those 'others' push me out of a job."

He paused, then turned his gaze to Chen Yi with a smile: "Though I'd forgotten, Yi, you've been quite the figure lately."

"What makes you say that?"

"These days, Yi, your mastery of books and Dao has drawn several students to your academy. How could anyone else compete with that?"

"I've heard from others that students from across Shu are already on their way, eager to study under you."

Chen Yi shrugged and laughed awkwardly: "It's just hearsay, nothing so grand."

Chen Yunfan didn't believe him.

He chattered on about Yi's current life, full of envy, and all the things he wished he could swap places for.

Chen Yi politely agreed with a few remarks, and their conversation didn't feel as sharp as it once had.

After some idle chatter, Chen Yunfan's smile faded slightly, and after glancing around, he leaned in close, lowering his voice:

"Don't forget to visit your academy often in the coming days."

"If possible, staying there would be better."

Chen Yi understood what he meant. "Is this related to your visit to the old patriarch today?"

Chen Yunfan nodded without hesitation: "The Censorate has made up its mind to collect the grain tax from the three prefectures."

"You know the stakes better than I do."

Chen Yi nodded, realizing the matter wasn't about the Censorate's edict, but about Liu's family in Jingzhou seeking to settle scores with the Xiao family.

"Brother, are you in a bind?"

"Not exactly. This matter has nothing to do with me. If that old man wants to drag me in, I can simply lose my seal and walk away."

Upon hearing Chen Yunfan's blunt words, Chen Yi smiled and shook his head.

"Thank you for the heads-up. I know how to handle it."

"That's right. You're now a teacher at the academy; it's none of the court's or officials' business. Just teach honestly."

By then, the sky was growing late, so Chen Yunfan didn't linger, bowing and leaving.

At that moment, they noticed several figures emerging from the courtyard. The leader was Liu Yi, the second son of Liu's family in Jingzhou.

Chen Yunfan hissed, "How the hell did this scoundrel end up in Shu?"

(Chapter Complete)