Chapter 192: Reflections After the Rain

Chapter 192: A Feeling After the Rain

Not long after.

Chen Yi arrived at Guiyun Academy, heading straight for the rear courtyard.

As he had not yet reached the day of his scheduled lectures, Master Yue and the others were somewhat surprised to see him arrive.

But it was merely the first glance of surprise; afterward, they all rose to greet him.

Master Yue smiled and beckoned him: "A light boat has arrived; do take a seat."

Chen Yi scanned the room, noting that besides Master Yue and Master Zhuo, there was also Ma Guan present. He relaxed and took his seat.

He had been serving as a teacher at Guiyun Academy for some time now, and was well-acquainted with Master Yue and the others, so he could sit with ease.

"Master Yue, He Ming has finally been removed from the academy by you, has he not?"

Master Yue's smile faltered slightly, glancing at Ma Guan, who stood respectfully nearby, and awkwardly replied:

"Indeed, it was a bit of a burden for He Ming."

"So I discussed it with him and decided to let him assist you in your lectures."

Chen Yi arched an eyebrow. Was this not just an assistant?

He glanced at Ma Guan, then at the sharp-eyed Master Yue, and muttered with a shake of his head: "Master Yue knows how to manage people well."

"Well, to begin with, He Ming can remain in the academy in this capacity, but he shouldn't just idle away; at least he should be given some silver."

Master Yue nodded: "That's only right. Each month, give He Ming a coin of silver, though a bit less than you."

Upon hearing this, Ma Guan looked toward Chen Yi, bowed, and said: "He Ming thanks Master for his kindness in allowing him to stay."

Chen Yi waved his hand: "The term 'allowing him to stay' is not quite right, nor is it appropriate."

"Now that you've achieved success in your studies, even if you're not staying in the academy, you could still earn silver by writing and copying for people each day."

Ma Guan paused, "I hadn't considered that as a student."

Chen Yi replied noncommittally: "You can think about it now."

"Since you've acquired these skills, you should put them to practical use—don't just endure hardship without purpose."

"Think not only of yourself, but also of your family's needs. After all, you can't subsist on coarse grain and water every day."

Ma Guan nodded thoughtfully: "I will remember your teachings, Master."

At this, Chen Yi chuckled inwardly, knowing he valued propriety and rules, and said no more.

He then explained his purpose to Master Yue.

"Originally, when I set the academy's rules, I guessed there would be many people coming to visit the Xiao family or the academy, but I didn't expect such a large number."

"So I thought of a way—let those with aspirations in literature and martial arts not come to disturb, and at the very least, reduce their numbers."

Master Yue and Master Zhuo sighed in relief: "Visitors to the academy here would only be more than those to the Xiao family."

"Not just in Shu region, but academies in nearby prefectures and counties also send students; indeed, we should find a solution."

"A light boat, what ideas do you have? Do speak freely."

Chen Yi then recounted his ideas, of which there were two.

The first was to increase the academy's rules, introducing regulations for elimination and withdrawal.

For instance, students like Ma Guan, who have achieved success in literature and martial arts, could be considered graduates.

For instance, those with improper attitudes or conduct, or whose progress in literature and martial arts is too slow, could be removed from the academy.

Most importantly, within the academy, a special place should be found to construct a venue for observing calligraphy.

"Displaying one's literary achievements may seem boastful, but it is the most effective way to resolve the current troubles."

Chen Yi paused, looking at the thoughtful expressions of Master Yue and Master Zhuo, and smiled:

"So to both of you, the calligraphy sheets I left behind from my previous lectures—would you kindly place them in that 'exhibition hall'?"

Master Yue and Master Zhuo exchanged glances and both shook their heads.

"Not suitable, not suitable."

"Since it is meant for those from afar who come to admire your calligraphy, it should be done with dignity and proper arrangement."

Master Zhuo agreed: "Master Yue is right."

"There are scholars here who wish to study at the academy; some calligraphy sheets related to the curriculum would not be appropriate to display in advance."

The two agreed without needing to be told, dismissing the idea of the "exhibition hall" and the rules for selection and withdrawal, and instead insisting that Chen Yi rewrite the calligraphy sheets.

Clearly, in their view, these two rules would indeed reduce some troubles.

Chen Yi understood their intentions and, after considering, did not object.

"However, in addition to me writing some calligraphy sheets to place there, you, Master Yue, Master Zhuo, and He Ming—you all need to write some as well."

Upon hearing his proposal, not only Masters Yue and Zhuo, but also the straightforward Ma Guan seemed taken aback.

"Master, um, I can also do it?"

"Of course you can."

"This is to showcase the academy's teaching results; you three are all accomplished in literature and martial arts, after all."

Upon hearing this, Master Yue humbly said: "I, I may not be able to, compared to Chen Yi's achievements."

Master Zhuo, though with a thicker face, directly agreed.

"If they are unwilling, then we shall not do it; it would suffice to have just me and my calligraphy sheets."

Master Yue paused, then glared at him: "Slow down, slow down. What kind of intentions do you have stored in your heart? Who says I don't want to do it?"

"I just hadn't thought of what to put in there."

Ma Guan, too, could not refuse, fearing he might miss such an opportunity to gain recognition.

Seeing that all three had agreed, Chen Yi added: "I said it before, I'm only responsible for writing the calligraphy and making suggestions; after that, the arrangement of what goes where would be up to you all to handle with care."

Master Yue readily agreed.

"Later, I'll have Master Zhuo and I draft a set of regulations together, so as to avoid any disturbances from visitors to the Xiao family and the academy."

After some idle chatter.

Chen Yi did not linger.

As he was about to leave, Master Yue thought to say: "During the Mid-Autumn Festival, the academy will hold a poetry gathering."

"At that time, I wonder if Chen Yi would be able to attend?"

Chen Yi shook his head: "Not able to."

After saying that, he didn't wait for further urging and signaled Ma Guan to accompany him. Poetry gatherings were even more troublesome than the Xiao family's banquets—he wouldn't attend such events, which were both elaborate and carried a competitive undertone.

Seeing him go, Master Yue sighed: "Indeed, Chen Yi has a rather reserved nature."

Master Zhuo looked at them walking away and said: "Chen Yi is not like ordinary scholars; he doesn't seek fame or gain much."

Master Yue nodded: "Yes, indeed."

These years, the old man has dwelt in the academy, witnessing countless scholars who pride themselves on their extraordinary talents. There are those like He Ming, who revere Confucianism and Daoism, studying the virtues of ancient sages; there are also those like Huaiyu, young men who rose to fame in their youth.

Most of them harbor ambitions to pursue officialdom, eager to apply their learnings in the bureaucracy.

Yet upon the boat, the old man sees none of this.

After all, the fellow possesses remarkable talents—solid scholarship and practical acumen. Were he to enter officialdom, he would surely benefit the realm.

Mr. Zhuo Ying withdrew his gaze and said, “Perhaps it has to do with his background.”

“A son-in-law, or a son-in-law from the Xiao family—if he were to take office, it would inevitably invite the Xiao clan’s suspicions.”

“We both know, with the Xiao family’s current standing, they are already overburdened. They likely do not wish to stir up trouble in the palace again.”

Mr. Yue Ming sighed upon hearing this, bowing his head in regret.

“Earlier, the old man learned from Ju Yi that Qingzhou, in his youth, had grand ambitions, modeled after his father, Chen Xuanji.”

“Now, to find himself in such a plight—truly a pity.”

Mr. Zhuo Ying mused, “In truth, I have long harbored doubts about Qingzhou’s marriage into the Xiao household.”

“After all, he was born to the Chen family in Jiangnan Prefecture, gifted from childhood. How could he have been sent to Shuzhou?”

“Even if the Chen family intended a marriage alliance with the Xiao clan, they could have chosen someone less outstanding.”

Mr. Yue Ming paused, then said, “Jiangnan Prefecture is distant from Shuzhou by thousands of miles. We fear we cannot discern the true reasons behind it.”

“However, I shall send a letter to Ju Yi later, inquire further.”

“It should be so…”

Chen Yi did not overhear their conversation; had he done so, he would have scolded the two old men for meddling in others’ affairs.

Even if he uncovered the reason for Qingzhou’s marriage, what could he do? Run to Jiangnan Prefecture to question the Chen family, or persuade the Xiao clan to grant him an official post? Clearly, it was impossible.

Chen Yi and Ma Guan departed from the academy.

Before parting, Chen Yi smiled and said, “Since you have agreed to assist me in teaching, I cannot let you idle.”

“Please do as you see fit, Master. The students will strive wholeheartedly.”

“The calligraphy practice sheets of those students, you may first assess them, then present them to me.”

Ma Guan hesitated, “I have no objection to reviewing the practice sheets, though the students fear they may face disapproval.”

Chen Yi glanced at him sideways, smiling, “The path of the learned is often like this—those who seek the highest excellence are few.”

“Should you not understand this, having studied the ways of ancient sages and gentlemen?”

Upon hearing this, Ma Guan paused briefly, then inhaled deeply, “The students receive instruction.”

Chen Yi nodded, “Do not concern yourselves with such matters. Whatever arises, I and the Dean shall stand by them.”

“I have said enough. You attend to your duties. I hope to see your name on the examination list next time.”

Ma Guan bowed gratefully, “Student, thank you, Master.”

Chen Yi patted his shoulder and smiled, departing from the academy.

Ma Guan watched him leave, stood still for a long moment, then bowed and returned to the academy.

If Qingzhou and Ma Guan failed to place on the examination list, they would surely fail to honor the master’s teachings.

Time to strive, then.

……

After leaving the academy, Chen Yi did not linger outside but returned directly to the Spring Lotus Garden.

The entire day passed without him venturing forth.

Not even the intelligence report from the previous night, detailing a third-grade discovery in the southern city’s Fireworks Lane, was examined.

Seizing this rare opportunity,

Chen Yi copied various articles from the Great Achievement Canon, preparing for the academy’s exhibition, while also planning the aftermath of the “Burning of the Three Cities’ Summer Grain” incident.

From the current situation,

At the Ming Yue Tower, He Ya trusted Yu Xue Snow enough to entrust her with the entire operation.

It stands to reason that Yu Xue Snow, He Lao San, and others would launch an attack on the Three Cities’ summer grain within five days.

Tomorrow, or at the latest the day after, news would arrive from there.

Then, at Xiao Jinghong’s.

She should have already received the message.

And from the current silence within the Xiao household, it can be inferred—Xiao Jinghong had likely gone directly to the Three Cities.

To investigate the hidden Iron Banner officer, or perhaps make prior arrangements.

Of course, it was impossible to remain indifferent.

There were also plans and arrangements on Chen Yi’s own side, concerning Xiao Dongchen and Liu Wen.

All in all, he had formed judgments in his heart.

The only uncertainty was—on the day of Ming Yue Tower’s operation, whether he should accompany them.

Chen Yi pondered these matters, gazed at the dozens of calligraphy pieces written on the desk, then paused.

In the next moment, he dipped his brush into the inkstone and began writing on the newly unfurled cloud-pine paper.

“Moved by the Rain.”

“Departing from Bai Di, among the colored clouds, a thousand miles to Jiangling in a single day. The monkeys on both banks continue to cry, the light boat has already passed ten thousand mountains…”

(Chapter Complete)