Chapter 194: It's You, You Shameless Scoundrel!?

Chapter 194: Is It You, You Shameless Scoundrel!?

Three hundred thousand taels of silver!

Three hundred thousand taels!?

Even Xiao Dongchen, who had spent over a decade in the Bureau of Border Affairs, priding himself on his mastery of qigong, found his spirit shattered by that number.

Yet such a vast sum, not to mention it was he himself, even if the two commissioners themselves came, they too would struggle to contain their greed.

But that was not all.

In the moment Xiao Dongchen stood still in stunned silence, Chen Yi, unperturbed, produced a flame stick and ignited a brilliant light.

Then, from his sleeve, he withdrew a thick bundle of silver notes, holding them up outside the carriage.

Bathed in the faint glow of the flame stick, the luminous paper fluttered before Xiao Dongchen’s eyes.

"Provided you agree to join forces with my younger brother, these silver notes are yours."

Chen Yi spoke leisurely, one hand gently unfastening the bundle of bills.

One after another, the notes revealed the seal of the Wei Dynasty’s money shop in the top right corner, each bearing the mark of a thousand taels.

Under the flame stick’s light, the seal appeared as a dark, blood-red imprint.

It made Xiao Dongchen, who had been able to discern the authenticity of such bills with a single glance, blink, his eyes reddening instantly, his breath growing heavy and labored.

As a participant in the Bureau of Border Affairs, he had often overseen the collection of taxes from merchants and commoners in Shu, handling millions of taels in silver over the years.

He naturally knew how to spot genuine from counterfeit.

But merely a glance—yet in that instant, he murmured softly, "Truly… they are genuine…"

In that moment, his mind raced with thoughts.

The intentions of the Liu family from Jingzhou, their schemes to sway him, and above all, the insatiable greed of those who sought to claim those bills as their own.

Yet there was one certainty he could grasp—those on the carriage must surely be from the Liu family of Jingzhou.

After a long pause, Xiao Dongchen regained his composure and spoke in a low voice, "What do you wish my younger brother to do?"

Chen Yi did not answer at once.

Instead, he tucked away the bundle of silver notes, extinguished the flame stick, and the carriage fell once more into darkness.

Then, with a soft laugh, he said, "You know well what my younger brother desires."

"Throughout all this time, he has only wished to court your sister, Miss Xiao Wanyu."

"If you aid my younger brother in achieving this, not only are these silver notes yours, but my younger brother will also help you become the head of the Xiao family."

Xiao Dongchen furrowed his brow, hesitating, and replied, "I am afraid I cannot agree."

"Is it a matter of propriety, or inability?"

"Both."

"Miss Xiao Wanyu is the eldest daughter of the main residence, deeply cherished by Lord Hou. Moreover, she is ill, and if she herself does not consent, Lord Hou would not permit your younger brother to propose marriage."

Xiao Dongchen knew that if he were to intervene in this matter—directly or indirectly—it would draw Lord Hou’s attention, inevitably affecting his future schemes and arrangements.

Chen Yi, of course, understood this fully, and thus expected nothing less.

After a brief pause, he continued, "I believe there is a way. What do you think?"

Xiao Dongchen’s heart stirred slightly, and after careful consideration, he spoke, "If the Xiao family were to suffer a great upheaval, in dire need of silver, there may be a possibility."

What he had in mind was not something else.

Following the burning of the grain supplies in the three towns, internal strife would surely erupt within the Xiao family.

At that time, whether they could uncover the culprit, that was another matter. The foremost concern would be finding a way to secure the grain and supplies.

If the Liu family could provide a sum of money or provisions, perhaps Lord Hou would agree to the marriage, in order to stabilize the army at Dingguan.

Upon hearing this, Chen Yi’s lips curled into a cold smile.

He had been waiting for Xiao Dongchen to say exactly that.

"I always knew you were a man of great talent, and I never wished to disappoint you."

With that, Chen Yi dismounted from the carriage and beckoned Xiao Dongchen to step down.

Xiao Dongchen, feeling a slight relief, took a deep breath and approached.

When he was near, he saw Chen Yi’s face—handsome and youthful—and could not help but praise, "I’ve seen you must be a promising young talent. Your younger brother’s fortune would be all the greater for your assistance."

Chen Yi slightly bowed and smiled, "You flatter me."

"To ensure we sleep peacefully through the night, please come with me and Liu to another place for a more detailed discussion."

"Once we have concluded our arrangements, Liu will also be able to return swiftly to inform my younger brother of the good news."

Xiao Dongchen examined him thoroughly, his eyes sweeping past Liu, and took the lead, stepping onto the carriage.

When the curtains were drawn closed, Chen Yi glanced around and then sat beside Liu.

"East Market residence."

Liu, with a toothy grin and open mouth, nodded, cracking his whip against the horse’s flank, guiding the carriage toward the East Market.

As they rode, he kept glancing at the calm, composed Chen Yi, his mind a whirl of conflicting thoughts.

He questioned himself inwardly.

If he were in Xiao Dongchen’s place, faced with the temptation of three hundred thousand taels, even if he knew Chen Yi had ulterior motives, he would likely have agreed.

After all, Xiao Dongchen himself coveted the position of head of the Xiao family.

Yet this also clarified to Liu why Chen Yi had gone to such lengths to assist the Xiao family.

Had the timing not been right, he truly wished to inquire what Chen Yi’s identity was, and why he would go to such lengths to help the Xiao family.

Chen Yi paid no heed to Liu’s thoughts.

As they rode, he occasionally engaged Xiao Dongchen in conversation, not only to steady him, preventing him from overthinking or changing his mind, but also to find an excuse to speak well of Liu Wen—perhaps mentioning how deeply Liu Wen had fallen in love with Xiao Wanyu at first sight.

It was all part of the performance.

Not long after, the carriage passed through the East Market and arrived at a residence near the southern city’s flower and lantern district.

Chen Yi gestured for Liu to light the lamps and prepare paper and ink, while inviting Xiao Dongchen into the main hall.

Just as he was about to open his mouth, a few lines of words drifted past before his eyes.

[Daily Intelligence·Upper-grade Secret: At the witching hour, five intervals, in the western outskirts of Shuzhou City, the dark guard of Count Dingyan was ambushed and pursued by evil spirits and external forces. Only a small amount of fortune could be obtained.]

Chen Yi took a second glance, slightly surprised.

The Xiao family’s dark guard in the western outskirts being pursued by evil spirits?

Dark guard…

His first thought was the black-clad figure with a large spear he’d encountered in the Western Market earlier.

That man was now being pursued by evil spirits…

Connected to the Black Fang of the Bright Moon Tower?

He had already uncovered the matter of the “Burning the Summer Provisions of the Three Cities.”

Chen Yi subtly furrowed his brows, calculating the time while saying in a low voice:

“Lord Xiao, time is pressing. I beg you to speak plainly.”

Xiao Dongchen, equally concerned that delay might lead to complications, spoke according to the script he had prepared:

“The two most urgent matters for the Xiao family are as follows.”

“First, the Dingyan Army, its monthly stipends and supplies.”

“Second, the inter-market we have jointly built with the Mountain Tribes…”

Chen Yi listened quietly, recording his words on paper.

Though Xiao Dongchen harbored some doubts, he gave no further thought, assuming Chen Yi feared mistakes in reporting to Liu Wen.

Even after uttering the words “Burning the Summer Provisions of the Three Cities,” seeing Chen Yi’s eyes brighten, he didn’t dwell on it.

“If all goes smoothly, your son will be able to take advantage of the chaos in the Xiao family’s household to visit. I believe Lord Hou should be open to this marriage.”

Chen Yi finished recording, set down his brush, and clapped his hands, smiling:

“Not to be surprised, Lord Xiao. With such schemes and cunning, without my son’s assistance, you’d still rise to become the head of the Xiao family.”

Xiao Dongchen shrugged: “Lord Liu, you flatter me. I merely suggested a possibility.”

“After all, to set fire to the summer provisions of the three cities is no easy feat. My efforts… well, it’s not impossible.”

He knew well that joining forces with the Liu family of Jingzhou could involve alliances with Huo Pi and others.

But the matter had two sides.

To achieve it, he’d have to take some risks.

Chen Yi raised an eyebrow and asked: “Lord Xiao, if you have something to say, speak plainly.”

“I have some eyes in the Dingyan Army. If your son is willing, I could lend a hand. Only…”

Xiao Dongchen feigned reluctance: “The silver would need to be spent more.”

Chen Yi paused, half-smiling, half-serious: “Thirty thousand taels isn’t enough?”

Xiao Dongchen: “In truth, Lord Liu, those soldiers in the Dingyan Army haven’t seen silver in a long time. Their appetites are great.”

“Thirty thousand taels may seem like a lot, but spread across the three cities, it’s not much.”

“Besides, I myself need some silver to bribe officials and necessary people.”

Chen Yi: “How much silver does Lord Xiao need? Just say it.”

“Another thirty thousand taels.”

The words hung in the air, and the hall fell silent.

After a moment of silent gaze between them, Chen Yi nodded, then recorded the words on the paper.

At the end, he added: “This plan requires a total of sixty thousand taels of silver. A down payment of thirty thousand, and after success, Jingzhou’s Liu family must give Xiao Dongchen another thirty thousand taels.”

After writing it down, Chen Yi set down his brush, took the paper, and dried the ink with his hand, handing it to Xiao Dongchen.

“Lord Xiao, please review it.”

Xiao Dongchen took it, and his previously relaxed expression shifted.

He looked hesitantly at Chen Yi: “You, what do you mean by this?”

Chen Yi gestured for him to finish reading, then smiled: “Lord Xiao, you know what you’re asking.”

“My son has the silver and gold at his disposal, so there must be some guarantee. Consider it a petition. At the end, sign and stamp it. Tonight, you can take those silver notes.”

He took the thirty thousand taels of silver from his sleeve and placed them on the table.

In the flickering candlelight, the stack of silver bills glimmered faintly, shining brightly.

Even Xiao Dongchen couldn’t help but be drawn to the silver, and Liu Lang also stared intently at the pile.

Even the two could smell the faint fragrance of paper and the subtle scent of red cinnabar from the seals.

But Chen Yi paid them no mind, his eyes fixed solely on Xiao Dongchen.

As if those silver notes were nothing to him.

After a long silence, Xiao Dongchen finally looked away, pondering: “If so, I’ll comply.”

Chen Yi nodded: “That’s right.”

Then he handed his brush to Xiao Dongchen and took out the pre-prepared inkstone, pressing it toward him.

Once Xiao Dongchen had signed and sealed it, Chen Yi confirmed everything was correct, then folded the paper and pushed the silver toward him: “Lord Xiao, please keep it safe.”

Though Xiao Dongchen’s expression was somewhat subdued, seeing the silver before him, he couldn’t help but offer a slight smile:

“Thank you, Lord Liu. I’m in your debt.”

“After success, if it’s convenient for your son, I’ll surely visit in person.”

He spoke smoothly, but his hand pressed against the silver of its own accord.

He felt the paper’s smooth texture, and his smile grew more sincere.

With this money, he could do many things.

Breed private soldiers, or bribe some of Xiao’s relatives, all were possible.

If he could leverage the power of the Liu family of Jingzhou, connect with Governor Liu Hong, the path to office would be clear—he could even take Yang Ye’s place.

After all, as they say, this risk, he believed was worth a try.

Chen Yi didn’t probe into Xiao Dongchen’s thoughts, seeing the sky growing late, he stood and said:

“Lord Xiao, Lord Liu needs to report to his son. Would you like to return yourself, or shall we two escort you back?”

“After all, it’s thirty thousand taels of silver. If it’s stolen on the way, you might worry it’s my son’s doing, crossing the river and tearing down the bridge.”

Xiao Dongchen secured the silver, smiled and waved his hand: “Don’t trouble the two of you. I have my own way.”

Chen Yiwei raised an eyebrow, saying nothing further.

As Xiao Dongchen was escorted out of the courtyard, he and Liu Lang rode northward in their carriage.

Not long after,

the empty, silent courtyard saw Xiao Dongchen emerge from the shadows.

He glanced at the residence, then at the direction the carriage had vanished, his hand unconsciously brushing his chest.

Even now, a lingering unreality clung to him.

The thirty thousand taels of silver had come too easily.

But after a moment, seeing no one approaching, he exhaled in relief.

“It seems true.”

“Though the Liu family of Jingzhou must be quite formidable.”

At that moment, a clear, cold voice drifted from the side:

“Wolf, this is my second favor for you—don’t forget what you promised.”

Xiao Dongchen paused, then bowed politely: “Rest assured.”

“As I pledged to you, I shall not break my word.”

“Tomorrow at dawn, after I report to the Magistrate of Affairs, I will hand over those merits to Chen the Chancellor.”

“Then it’s settled. Let’s go.”

“Thank you.”

When the footsteps faded into the distance, Xiao Dongchen looked around, then followed suit back to the Xiao household.

After a while,

two figures in nightcloaks arrived at the spot where Xiao Dongchen had stood.

Their sharp, bright eyes scanned the surroundings, finally settling on the courtyard.

After some thought, one ordered: “Tomorrow, find someone to investigate this residence.”

“And send people to contact the two from earlier—see if Liu Wen has anyone nearby who fits the description.”

The other nodded, understanding: “You fear those two might be in trouble?”

“Hmm. I didn’t hear their conversation, but I know they struck a deal.”

She paused, then said: “I have a nagging feeling Xiao Dongchen trusted those two—and their identities—too readily. It’s too suspicious.”

“In any case, stay cautious.”

“Yes, mistress.”

……

Meanwhile, Chen Yiwei paid no heed to Xiao Dongchen’s affairs.

From the moment he received Xiao Dongchen’s signature and seal, Chen Yiwei had already deemed Xiao Dongchen and his household dead in his eyes.

That sum of thirty thousand taels of silver, he considered a grand gift to the Grandmother and the Xiao family.

Or, as a wedding gift for the Xiao family’s son-in-law.

As for whether Xiao Jinghong or others would eventually uncover the truth, that was none of his present concern.

Still,

Liu Lang, who had witnessed the entire affair, struggled to fathom his actions.

“Boss, you really gave him that money?”

“It was thirty thousand taels, after all.”

Even knowing Chen Yiwei had orchestrated Xiao Dongchen, if anything went awry and the silver vanished, it would be a tragedy.

Chen Yiwei offered no reply, glancing at the sky outside. He knew the Xiao family’s guards in the west market had already clashed with bandits.

After a moment, he commanded: “When we reach Chuanxi Street, let’s go to the west market.”

“……”

Liu Lang bowed to his boss, accepting the command. He’d long since revered him, understanding he couldn’t fathom his schemes. Still, he muttered under his breath.

The boss was undoubtedly a mystery wrapped in enigma.

Luckily, he’d already aligned himself with Chen Yiwei, never daring to oppose him. As for the doubts gnawing at him, he’d set them aside and pressed on with the task at hand.

When the carriage halted on Chuanxi Street, Chen Yiwei and Liu Lang hurried to the west market.

Yet before they’d even reached the market’s entrance, a flash of light glimmered nearby.

[Chance +2]

[Evaluation: A man who hasn’t yet arrived, whose voice hasn’t yet been heard, whose scene hasn’t yet unfolded—yet chance descends unclaimed. A creature of sloth and indolence.]

Chen Yiwei’s foot halted. Was it already over?

Before long, he saw several figures hurrying past the alley entrance.

Faintly, voices carried:

“Do you think that scoundrel who humiliated us is the one they’re after?”

Then a woman’s voice: “No, not him.”

“The man seems younger, and better with fistwork than gunplay.”

Another sighed: “Seems so…”

“Enough, forget that scoundrel. I’ll catch him eventually.”

“For now, take this man to the magistrate’s prison for detention, and fetch a physician to treat him—he must not die.”

“Xiao Hong Sleeve? The execution officer?”

Chen Yiwei blinked, then signaled Liu Lang to don a wrapper, trailing discreetly after those execution officers.

Liu Lang, though unaware of his master’s intent, caught snippets of their conversation. His eyes gleamed with restless anticipation.

Since time immemorial, the common folk harbored scorn for the eunuchs and dogs of court.

Especially those from the Execution Office, which courted martial artists and outlaws.

It was a place where one could trip others, kill a few if need arose—where grudges brewed between incompatible souls.

Liu Lang, naturally, was no exception.

"Also unaware the boss might be giving those execution officers some trouble, if he does… well, he’s truly someone I admire."

Soon enough.

Chen Yi led Liu Lang toward the group gathered near Fang Hongxi, spotting at once the man in black they had dragged forward.

And by the long spear gripped in one execution officer’s hand, he was certain—the black-clad figure must be one of Xiao’s hidden guards.

Though he knew not how this man had come into the execution bureau’s grasp, such matters were hardly worth pondering now.

Thinking this, Chen Yi vaulted into the air, blinking into existence before Fang Hongxi and his companions.

Liu Lang followed suit.

Fang Hongxi’s face darkened slightly, signaling his execution officers to halt, then fixed his gaze on Chen Yi and Liu Lang with a low growl:

"Who dares approach us?"

Chen Yi stood with his back to them, giving a half-turn to scan the surroundings with a light smile:

"Old man Fang still nagging me not long ago—how could he not know me now?"

Then, in a sing-song voice mimicking Fang Hongxi’s tone: "Enough, don’t bother with that scoundrel—I’ll catch him yet, one day."

"Ha! Old man Fang, who exactly do you intend to catch?"

Fang Hongxi’s eyes snapped shut for a moment, then narrowed into slits. "You… you wretch!" he spat, teeth gritted.

(End of chapter)