Chapter 181: Peacefulness, Distant Vision, Examination

Chapter 181: Tranquility, Distant Horizons, Examination Hall

Bastard?

Chen Yixi’s heart stirred slightly upon hearing Chen Yunfan’s curse just now; it was clear he recognized Liu Wen and understood him to some extent.

“Ah, had forgotten that tidbit,” he muttered.

The Chen family of Jiangnan Prefecture and the Liu family of Jingzhou were both prominent families of the current golden age; naturally, they were acquainted.

Moreover, several elders from both families served in the same bureaucracy, so it was quite normal for the younger generations to visit or pass by each other.

It was likely they had encountered one another on several occasions.

Chen Yixi mused on these matters, yet he also realized this was not the time for idle chatter, so he said nothing.

When Chen Yunfan cast his gaze toward Liu Wen and his party, Liu Wen and the others likewise noticed them.

Their footsteps halted abruptly.

Liu Wen’s mouth twisted into a slight, surprised smile. “Chen Yunfan?”

After a brief hesitation, Liu Wen gestured to those behind him and walked forward, his handsome face displaying a faint, sly smile.

Yet in those narrow eyes, there was no trace of Chen Yixi—only a piercing focus on Chen Yunfan alone.

From far away, he smiled and spread his arms, “Yunfan, brother, it’s been too long. Have you come to pay me a visit?”

Chen Yunfan glanced at him sideways and snorted, “This brat… this official isn’t one to be familiar with.”

He then straightened, hands clasped behind his back, chin lifted, his voice dripping with disdain: “How dare you approach this official without kneeling?”

Liu Wen’s smile faltered, his steps slowing, hands trembling slightly.

“Yunfan, this need not be done, must it?”

“What? You Liu Wen, even without a single scholarly title, merely a commoner—when you meet this official, you should show the utmost reverence. Should I not teach the Liu family of Jingzhou proper conduct?”

Liu Wen’s eye turned cold, his narrow gaze flashing with fury.

“Chen Yunfan, do not think you, now a top scorer, can overlook the Liu family!”

Chen Yunfan scoffed, “Nonsense. I merely did not deem you worthy of notice.”

“You…”

At that, Liu Wen erupted, his earlier feigned warmth evaporating like mist.

His face, grimacing with the discomfort of having had fly swatted upon him, made Chen Yixi laugh outright, silently giving Chen Yunfan a thumbs-up in his heart.

In matters of venomous tongue and driving one to madness, Chen Yunfan was second to none—likely no one could claim the top spot.

At that moment, Liu ZhaoXue, waiting in the distance, bowed respectfully from afar:

“ZhaoXue has the honor to present himself before Lord Chen. Please, Lord Chen, consider the long-standing bond between the Chen and Liu families, and spare a thought for my younger brother.”

Upon hearing her voice, Chen Yunfan’s eyes brightened.

He quickly composed himself, smiling warmly, “ZhaoXue, you worry too much. I was only jest with your brother.”

“Indeed, Lord Cheng?”

Liu Wen paid no heed, glaring at him before turning on his heel and departing.

Moreover, after reuniting with the Liu family, he scolded Liu ZhaoXue: “Must you speak so much?”

“…Brother, forgive me.”

“Hmph. When we return, I’ll teach you proper conduct.”

With that, Liu Wen’s face darkened, and under the escort of the second gatekeeper of Xiao Fu, they proceeded toward Qingming Hall.

Seeing this, Liu ZhaoXue hesitated briefly, then bowed respectfully to Chen Yixi and Chen Yunfan before hurrying after them.

Once they had departed, Chen Yunfan’s smile faded, his brow slightly furrowed:

“This Liu Wen isn’t one to be trifled with. His visit to Shu Zhou surely portends ill.”

Chen Yixi mused, then asked, “Compared to Liu Jing, how is he?”

“Who is Liu Jing?”

“…”

Chen Yunfan clearly did not recall such a person, racking his brains for a moment before shrugging it off:

“In any case, Liu Wen isn’t someone to be trusted. Keep your distance from him, Yixi.”

Chen Yixi nodded with a smile, though a sigh escaped him in his heart.

He did wish to keep away from Liu Wen, yet the man was not merely a pushover—he was also a softie, after all.

A bit of idle talk.

Chen Yunfan did not linger further, remarking he’d join them for dinner at Lingyu Pavilion later, then hurried on his way.

Chen Yixi bid him farewell, watching him disappear into the distance.

Standing still for a moment, he quickly adjusted his attire and made his way toward Qingming Hall without haste.

Since some matters were unavoidable, he would not shy away from them either.

After a short while,

Chen Yixi arrived at Qingming Hall and spotted Xiao Wuge seated in the pavilion awaiting him, prompting an eyebrow raise.

The Liu family had arrived, yet the elder had not left Xiao Wuge in the main hall?

He thought this over, then looked toward the main hall.

Indeed, the door that should have been wide open was now shut, the scene suggesting they were discussing some secret matter.

“How peculiar.”

After all, at this season, formalities were observed; one should not speak freely with others.

When guests arrived for a visit, unless they were close relatives or attending a banquet, the host would typically open the main door.

This was meant to signify propriety.

Yet the current situation clearly demanded further thought.

At that moment, Xiao Wuge noticed him approaching and rose to his feet, waving him over, “Brother, brother, come this way.”

Chen Yixi snapped back to himself, nodded with a smile, and joined him in the pavilion to wait.

After a moment's thought, he asked in an offhand tone, "Has the gift been delivered to Grandfather?"

Xiao Wugou hummed in acknowledgment, then smiled and said, "Grandfather was delighted, and even praised me for being sensible."

Yet after his smile faded, he grimaced and said, "But a few bad men arrived afterward, so I couldn't chat with Grandfather any longer."

"Bad men?"

"Indeed, the scoundrels who came before—those who were supposed to escort the eldest sister, with faces stretched thin and unseemly. They're no good, I tell you."

As he spoke, Chen Yi laughed softly, his eyes drifting toward the courtyard.

He likely could hear their conversation, judging by Liu Wen's martial arts cultivation.

After a pause, Chen Yi smiled and said, "They do seem untrustworthy."

"Still, you needn't worry. Grandfather has a mind as clear as a mirror and would never be deceived."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Wugou nodded earnestly. "Indeed, Grandfather had already rejected that Liu uncle before. If these scoundrels bring it up again, the outcome will be the same."

"After all, we can't indulge their whims."

"Right..."

As Chen Yi and Xiao Wugou went about their business as if nothing had happened, Liu Wen, who had already been uneasy in the courtyard, caught their conversation. His fists clenched instinctively.

What nonsense!

Xiao Wugou, and—his brother-in-law?

Xiao Wugou's brother-in-law was Xiao Shenghong, the son-in-law of the Xiao family—a mere stepchild!

His name was Chen Yi, from the Chen family in Jiangnan Prefecture. Who was he, exactly?

Liu Wen's irritation flared anew. Just moments ago, he had been humiliated by Chen Yunfan, and now this disreputable stepchild was mocking him behind his back.

They truly treated him like clay under their feet!

If it weren't for the matter at hand demanding his attention, he would have let that stepchild pay the price!

Yet Liu Wen's emotions churned beneath the surface, his expression remaining composed.

He sat quietly in the hall, a faint smile playing on his lips, gazing toward the head seat where Xiao Lao, the elder, sat.

At that moment, the elder was calmly reviewing a letter, his face serene. Yet if one looked closely, a flicker of surprise crossed his cloudy eyes.

After a long while, Xiao Lao set down the letter, carefully folded it, and turned to ask Liu Wen and Liu Zhaoxue, "Has your father brought any other messages besides this letter?"

Liu Wen smiled and shook his head, then nodded. "My father said nothing, but before arriving, Uncle Two and Uncle Three had already given instructions."

"Jingzhou and Shuzhou are neighboring regions. If the Xiao and Liu families unite, they both benefit. Though not without conflict, it is regrettable."

"As Uncle Three put it, the southern barbarians are increasingly turning against themselves, leaving no time to tend to the north."

"But once they resolve their internal strife, they may rise again. When that happens, the elder and Uncle Three will inevitably be at the forefront."

Speaking thus, Liu Wen paused, noticing the elder's calm demeanor, he continued, "You and Uncle Three's involvement means the Xiao and Liu families will both be caught in the war's crossfire."

"If we join forces, our chances of repelling the barbarian invaders would be far greater."

His words were not without merit.

Indeed, they struck directly at the Xiao family's interests—as well as those of the elder's household.

Yet the elder understood the true intent behind Liu Hong's words, and knew the Liu family's schemes in Jingzhou.

After some thought, the elder's face brightened with a smile, and he shook his head. "Unacceptable. One must prove oneself worthy."

To Liu Wen's surprise, the elder then said, "I should take a nap now. I won't let you two dine here. Please return."

"Um—"

Liu Wen hesitated, glanced at Liu Zhaoxue, and bowed awkwardly. "If the elder has any other requests, we shall carry them back."

But the elder merely waved dismissively, and with the help of two attendants, rose and walked toward the residence.

As he walked, he muttered to himself, "Hmph, hmph..."

Seeing this, Liu Wen's temper flared. He clenched his teeth and bowed again. "The elder, please forgive us. Our elders had already given instructions before we left, asking us to deliver the elder's words."

"Please, on behalf of our father and brother, do not leave us in this predicament."

Liu Zhaoxue felt her heart race at his words.

Before she could recover, Xiao Lao halted mid-step, his back turned to them. "Why would I cause you trouble?"

"Even if my relatives came all the way, I must eat and sleep as I please. They couldn't add much to the conversation."

Liu Wen's irritation surged again, but realizing his mistake, he bowed politely. "The elder, forgive us. In my haste, I spoke without thinking..."

Before he could finish, the elder took another step forward.

"Tell Liu Hong to consider whether his position lies with Shuzhou or Jingzhou."

Just as Liu Wen was about to speak, two words echoed from ahead:

"Get out."

"..."

Those two simple words struck Liu Wen like thunder, making his eyes widen as he bowed his head, his face shifting through various hues.

Clearly, he had truly spoken without thinking this time.

Liu Zhaoxue understood that news of this encounter would inevitably bring discontent among the Liu elders.

Yet she also knew that speaking now would be futile.

When one is angry, no amount of persuasion will sway them.

And this man, the Duke of Dingyou of the great Wei dynasty, was no one to be swayed by others' words.

A lifetime of warfare, he would not be easily influenced.

The matter had reached its conclusion.

Liu Zhaoxue could only step forward, speaking softly: "Second brother, we should speak of this another time."

Liu Wen, hearing his voice, came back to himself. A slight movement in his body, and when he lifted his head, his face had already regained its calm composure.

He said nothing more, turned, and walked directly outside.

The others followed suit.

A creak.

The moment the door opened, Chen Yi and Xiao Hou looked over.

Seeing Liu Wen and Liu Zhaoxue emerge in a hurry, their faces showed no indication of distress, nor did they seem to notice what had happened.

Yet when the group reached the courtyard, Liu Wen cast a glance back at them.

His narrow eyes suddenly turned cold and calculating, his mouth seeming to squeeze out words between his teeth:

"Liu Wen had met the young lord before, had met... this kind brother!"

Chen Yi slightly arched an eyebrow, his mind forming a judgment about their visit, and a smile tugged at his lips:

"Chen Yi."

"Chen Yi... we shall meet again soon."

After that, Liu Wen fixed his gaze on him with deep intensity, then led the group out of the Pure Mansion.

Liu Zhaoxue hesitated for a moment but, unlike before, offered no apology in greeting, and followed the group as they departed.

Once the Pure Mansion was restored to tranquility,

Xiao Hou furrowed his brow. Though young, he could discern the discord in Liu Wen’s expression.

"Brother, I told you he was a bad man!"

"He just now nearly killed me—his face is so terrifying!"

"And that’s not all—he even dared to think of becoming my elder brother? Forget it entirely."

Chen Yi nodded with a smile, patting Xiao Hou’s head.

Though he didn’t know what the old lord had discussed with the Liu family, the outcome was clear, and the process no longer mattered.

In that moment, two lines of characters flashed before his eyes:

[Fate+4.]

[Evaluation: A person arrives, yet the voice has not been heard, the scene not yet witnessed. To forgo such destiny is the mark of a naturally lazy soul.]

Chen Yi glanced at it once, cast it aside, and led Xiao Hou into the main hall.

At that moment, the old patriarch emerged from the side room, smiling warmly:

"Xiao Hou, the little boat has arrived—do sit down."

Xiao Hou nodded, smiling as he helped him to his seat, speaking at length about their recent encounter, mostly recounting Liu Wen’s villainy.

The old patriarch merely soothed him a few words, saying nothing about Liu Wen.

Chen Yi took his seat as well, saying nothing, placing the embroidered box on the table beside the old patriarch.

"What’s this?"

"A leisurely creation—please don’t find fault."

The old patriarch shook his head, praising with a smile: "Two days ago, Sun Fu Baozi brought that calligraphy scroll, clutching it like a treasured toy. I’ve already seen the style of the little boat’s writing."

"Now that you’ve mastered the Way of writing, it’s as if you simply scribbled a few characters, yet they’ve driven many to tear their heads apart."

With that, he opened the box, taking out the calligraphy scroll and slowly unfurling it.

Suddenly, a misty radiance emanated from the pine paper.

Just as the artistic conception that Chen Yi had written moments before, the old patriarch absorbed it fully into his eyes.

"Tranquil, far-reaching..."

As the old patriarch gazed upon those four characters and the serene, distant scene they depicted, the resentment stirring in his heart over the Liu family gradually dissipated.

Xiao Hou, unable to grasp the nuances of literary mastery, yet was moved by the scroll’s conception, puckered his lips and wore a slight smile.

"My brother’s writing is the best."

Hearing this, the old patriarch instinctively nodded, his eyes fixed on the calligraphy in admiration: "Indeed, it is fine writing."

"Even if I’m not fond of the Way, I’m still moved by it—this proves the little boat has truly reached the pinnacle of literary achievement."

Chen Yi smiled, accepting the praise.

Just as he was about to speak further, the old patriarch lifted his gaze and regarded him with uncommon seriousness:

"Tell me, little boat—you’re also a scholar, I have a question I cannot answer—would you care to solve it for me?"

Chen Yi hesitated, "Of course, sir, speak freely."

"What do you think of the situation in Sichuan under the lord’s rule?"

"What aspect do you mean?"

"Speak as you see fit."

(End of chapter)