Chapter 195: Who I Am Is Not Important (Seeking Monthly Tickets)

Chapter 195: Who I Am Doesn’t Matter (Please Vote for the Moon)

Shameless wretch?

Liu Lang glanced at Chen Yi with a smile. “Boss, she’s blaming you.”

Chen Yi, who had also heard it, stared at the group around Fang Hongxiu, a faint smile playing on his lips.

“They say, after one life, two lives, three lives, one bed, one pillow.”

“Fang Baozu, we’ve met three times now. Let’s make this simple.”

“If I take that man away, you can pretend this night never happened. How about it?”

Fang Hongxiu glared at him, bared her teeth. “You bastard, you won’t get away with this!”

Yet she knew her people weren’t a match for the men before her. She added, “Old Liu, take the man to the office first. The rest of you follow me.”

The moment she finished speaking, Fang Hongxiu drew her long blade from her waist and charged forward.

The other three executioner-officers followed closely behind.

Only one older executioner-officer lingered behind, leading the man in black with a detour in mind.

When Chen Yi noticed this, he shook his head, saying nothing more.

As he raised his hand to signal Liu Lang to seize the prisoner, he strode forward alone to meet Fang Hongxiu and her companions.

His cultivation had now reached the middle of the sixth grade, his fists, feet, and gun all perfected, and even his blade technique at a minor perfection stage, surpassing Fang Hongxiu and the others by a vast margin.

With just a single clash, Chen Yi unleashed his “Dancing Dragon and Phoenix Steps,” cutting through four men, turning his hands into blades, and slashing their throats one by one.

Fang Hongxiu and the others didn’t even manage to gasp before collapsing directly to the ground.

On the other side, Liu Lang fared no better, knocking out Old Liu and carrying the man from the Xiao Mansion’s secret guard with him.

“What now?”

Chen Yi surveyed the scene and said, “First, let’s go home. We’ll talk later.”

He then led Liu Lang back to the residence on West Street in Chengdu.

Liu Lang set the man in black on the table, took a quick look, and saw he was just an ordinary middle-aged man, then checked his wounds.

“This man’s life is worth a lot.”

“Three wounds piercing through his body—one in the chest, one in the lower back, one in the thigh—ouch, ouch, ouch.”

Chen Yi didn’t have time to fuss over him. He called for Zhang Daobao to fetch some silver needles, then instructed him to pull the man’s clothing aside.

After observing his condition with the “Breathing Technique,” he cleanly applied four needles.

In the flow of spiritual energy, he used his qi to control the needles, quickly completing the tasks of stopping bleeding, repairing meridians, and stimulating the wounds to heal.

It took about half a hour.

When Chen Yi finally set down the needles, he ordered, “Bandage him up.”

Zhang Daobao quickly grabbed a cloth and bandages to assist.

Liu Lang, noticing this, curiously asked, “Boss, do you know this man’s identity?”

Chen Yi put away his needles, leaned back in his chair to rest, and examined the unconscious middle-aged man. “A Xiao family secret agent.”

Liu Lang was slightly surprised.

A secret agent, in common terms, was a Xiao family-trained death disciple.

Perhaps their cultivation wasn’t high, but their identity was certainly obscure.

Ordinary people wouldn’t even recognize them, let alone know their names.

It seemed the boss held a high position within the Xiao family.

Liu Lang mused, then asked, “If he’s a Xiao family agent, wouldn’t he be safer in the hands of the executioner-officers?”

Chen Yi shook his head. “Unless something unexpected happens, the ones chasing him are evil cultivators and demons.”

“Black Teeth?”

“If Black Teeth were involved, he’d already be dead.”

“Indeed.”

After a moment of thought, Chen Yi frowned slightly and ordered, “Go to the Spring Rain Building later and wait there.”

Liu Lang blinked. “The Spring Rain Building?”

“You just convinced me to stop spending money there last night. How come you’re sending me back now…”

Chen Yi glared at him. “The Xiao family’s secret agent was pursued by those evil cultivators and demons. He must have learned some secrets.”

“If it’s Black Teeth and Lou Yusnow, they’ll attack by tomorrow—or at the latest, the day after.”

“So you help me keep watch at the Spring Rain Building. If there’s any news, let Wang Ji inform me immediately.”

Liu Lang understood and nodded in agreement.

Before Chen Yi could say more, he noticed the middle-aged man’s eyelids twitched, realizing he was regaining consciousness. He said nothing further.

“If there’s a chance, try to find out where that 300,000 taels of silver is hidden.”

“Remember to be careful, don’t let them find out.”

“Don’t worry.”

After letting Liu Lang leave the residence, Chen Yi turned his gaze to the seemingly unconscious middle-aged man.

After a moment’s thought, he took a bottle of “Immortal’s Wine” from his sleeve, slowly unscrewed the cork, and smiled.

“As for me, I have no ill will toward the Xiao family. In fact, we’ve been on the same side all along.”

“But to avoid letting those people panic and jump the gun, this matter can’t be revealed to Mr. Hou yet.”

The middle-aged man, realizing he’d been seen through, suddenly opened his eyes and stared at him.

Chen Yi had anticipated this. He placed a hand over his face, the bottle of wine in tow.

The middle-aged man realized something was wrong, but under the influence of the wine, his already seriously wounded body grew even weaker.

He struggled briefly, then managed to ask, “You, who are you—”

Chen Yi smiled. “Who I am doesn’t matter.”

After a pause, he said no more, soothingly, “Sleep a while.”

“When you wake up, this matter will have settled itself.”

The middle-aged man seemed to hear his words, then fell into a deeper unconsciousness.

This man, this man… how could it be like this?

After all, it was a matter of great consequence—the burning of summer grain in the Three Cities!

Chen Yi was unaware of his own thoughts, but now his schemes and plans had all been set in motion, and it was unfortunate that the old marquis needed to be kept from intervening too soon.

Subsequently, he summoned Zhang Da Bao and commanded, “Tomorrow, find a place unconnected to the Bai Caotang where you can settle him.”

Zhang Da Bao bowed in response, moving forward to remove the facade of his face.

Chen Yi let him busy himself, but in his mind, thoughts were drifting. He then commanded, “Tell Wang Ji to find several other residences in the city.”

“Also, the residence in the East Market, whose owners need to be paid some silver by Wang Ji to arrange for their temporary departure from Shu Zhou.”

Zhang Da Bao wrote down all this, yet the young man could not help but hold things in, hesitating to ask, “Boss, there’s something I don’t know whether to ask.”

“Say it.”

“You’ve done so many things for the Xiao family, why do you need to hide yourself?”

Chen Yi smiled, “Some things are not easy to explain.”

Without the identity of the hidden guard’s “chick,” he could have acted more openly.

Otherwise, if the old marquis and Xiao Jinghong knew of his actions, it would inevitably invite suspicion.

Even if he had not intended to cooperate with the hidden guard, the Xiao family would still be wary of him.

Regardless of trust.

Human nature is such.

Chen Yi changed his clothes, instructed Zhang Da Bao to wait for two days at the residence for further instructions, and then proceeded to the Xiao family.

Zhang Da Bao watched him walk away, still puzzled on his face.

After some thought, he scratched his head, walking toward the main hall building, muttering to himself:

“The master’s words were right.”

“People of merit in the Great Wei Dynasty emerge, some of them possess skills far beyond what outsiders imagine.”

“If you encounter them, either you dare not offend them, or you cling to their skirts, and you’ll be guaranteed a lifetime of honor and wealth.”

Zhang Da Bao muttered a few more sentences, then began to laugh.

“Looks like my luck is better than the master’s.”

After a while.

Chen Yi returned to the Spring Lotus Garden, removed his hemp cloth and black robe, and changed into a light nightgown, lying on the bed.

He was unaware of Zhang Da Bao’s thoughts, but took out the “plan” signed and sealed by Xiao Dongchenn and read it twice.

Looking at it, Chen Yi laughed once.

“Now it remains to see whether the lady and I are in harmony.”

As long as Xiao Jinghong was cautious, he was certain that Hei Ya and others would not succeed.

The only worry was whether the tiger girl had delivered the letter.

If not, he would concede defeat. Fortunately, the three cities’ summer grain had truly been burned, and the Xiao family had received thirty thousand taels of silver from Xiao Dongchenn, enough to handle subsequent troubles.

In fact.

From the beginning, Chen Yi had merely intended to obtain some silver from Hei Ya at the Mingyue Tower to lure Xiao Dongchenn into a trap.

Who would have thought that before he could even execute his plan, the Liu family of Jingzhou had arrived.

Moreover, Liu Wen and others had also plotted against Xiao Wanyue.

In the end, Chen Yi had to think more carefully, devising this “one stone, three birds” plan.

First, to trap Liu Wen and lead him into a net.

Second, to trap Xiao Dongchenn and lead him into a trap.

Third, to leave the Xiao family with a safeguard, so that if his plan failed, he could make up for it.

Chen Yi thought this through, sat cross-legged on the bed, and practiced the Four Symbols Technique.

Subsequently, streams of spiritual energy from all directions surged into his body, transforming into rushing spiritual power.

Gradually strengthening his cultivation.

In the midst of this, Chen Yi’s heart stirred slightly, “It’s time to end.”

……

Canglang Town.

Located south of the prefecture city of Shu Zhou, bordering the Meng Water Pass, it was the military town built to quickly support the Meng Water Pass in resisting barbarian tribes.

Under it were 32 wards, totaling 160,000 troops, more than the combined forces of Xuan Jia and Tiebi two towns.

It was of utmost importance.

Therefore, as the commander of Canglang Town, the border defender Bao Xuan had known since taking office that his responsibility was great.

Every day, he rose at dusk and went to sleep at midnight.

He oversaw the training of new and old soldiers, managed agricultural affairs, supervised defensive construction projects, inspected the warehouse armaments, and patrolled all corners of the military town.

He never dared to slack off.

However, in recent days, nearing the Mid-Autumn Festival, and with summer grain stored in the warehouses, the pressure in Canglang Town had eased, and Bao Xuan could not help but relax somewhat.

Sleeping an extra half hour compared to before.

Until the fourth watch of dusk, he finally rose to prepare for patrolling the main camp.

Bao Xuan was neatly dressed. On one hand, he polished his beard and hair in the copper mirror, on the other, he commanded outside, “Liu Lin, bring a pot of hot water.”

Soon enough.

A man entered, placing the ceramic basin on the stand, taking a cloth, wetting it, squeezing it twice, then handing the cloth to him.

Bao Xuan took the cloth and wiped himself, but his movement suddenly stopped, “You’re not Liu Lin?”

Liu Lin was his personal guard, a chatterbox, who would never be so quiet.

Seeing no response.

Bao Xuan tightened his body, carefully on guard, then slowly removed the cloth, looking through the copper mirror at the person behind him.

He only saw a figure in a long robe, a long sword at the waist, wearing a bamboo hat.

“Who are you?”

“What do you think?”

When the cold voice came from behind, Bao Xuan saw the person remove the bamboo hat, revealing a face with a half-mask, and turned around in surprise:

“General Xiao Jinghong?”

The person was none other than Xiao Jinghong, who had left the U Mountain market two days prior.

Seeing Bao Xuan recognize him, Xiao Jinghong didn’t pretend to be mysterious, and sat directly at the desk, placing his identity badge on the table.

Bao Xuan looked at the badge, confirmed her identity, then immediately approached, kneeling on one knee and bowing.

"Late General Pang Xuan arrives to pay respects to General Jinghong!"

"Take a seat and speak."

"Yes!"

Pang Xuan sat carefully across from him, his mind inevitably stirring with questions.

Why had Xiao Jinghong sent a letter saying she would patrol the three towns after the Mid-Autumn Festival, yet here she was in Cold Wolf Town at this very moment?

And why was she dressed in the garb of a commoner, as if trying to hide her identity?

Such circumstances could only mean one thing—there was urgent news!

Pang Xuan had served as the commander of Cold Wolf Town for many years; his vigilance was still sharp.

Xiao Jinghong, naturally, had noticed his unease. She removed her badge, her voice growing calm as she spoke:

"I have come here only for one purpose."

She reached into her sleeve and withdrew the note she had received from Pei Menglu, placing it upon the table before him:

"I have learned that someone intends to burn the summer grain of the three towns."

"What? Burn the summer grain?"

Pang Xuan’s face froze instantly. Without a word, he took the note and read it carefully.

After finishing, he suppressed his anger, repeatedly recalling the arrangements of the grain storehouses within Cold Wolf Town.

He now understood Xiao Jinghong’s covert arrival—she was clearly seeking to uncover the traitors hidden among the towns’ forces.

Silence lingered for a moment.

Pang Xuan found no flaws in Cold Wolf Town’s grain storage, his conscience somewhat at ease.

"General, is this message reliable?"

"After all, that ‘Blade Madman’ is but a wandering figure, surely unaware of the three towns’ importance of their supplies."

"Even if it were some vile bandits, planting such chaos in these stores would not be easy, not even within the towns themselves."

Xiao Jinghong, of course, knew this. She then recounted the rationale given by the so-called Blade Madman, Liulang.

At last, she said: "Though I have spent the past two days secretly inspecting the three towns, I have found no signs of trouble, yet I prefer to believe it is true rather than false."

"If the three towns’ supplies are compromised, we are all implicated."

Upon hearing this, Pang Xuan nodded. "I shall strengthen our defenses accordingly."

To his surprise, Xiao Jinghong shook her head. "The outer perimeter must remain loose."

Pang Xuan instantly grasped her meaning. He straightened and said, "Understood, my lord!"

He comprehended Xiao Jinghong’s plan—to identify those hiding within the military ranks and ensnare them all at once.

Thinking it over, he added, "The Mid-Autumn Festival is near. Perhaps you might wait a while?"

Xiao Jinghong inclined her head slightly. "That is precisely what I intended."

Cold Wolf Town held the largest garrison and most abundant supplies. As long as no disaster struck here, the other two towns, even if thrown into chaos, would have room to recover.

Though before arriving, she had spoken with Li Changqing and Ma Kui—but there had been a lapse in discipline!

In the course of idle chatter.

Xiao Jinghong had Pang Xuan secure a lodging near the summer grain storehouse.

After a brief rest.

She sat cross-legged on the bed, leaning on her ear to listen to sounds emanating from the storehouse’s vicinity, while pulling out several letters from her sleeve to peruse.

Over the past few days, she had hurried between the three towns without pausing to read the letters from Xiao Wanyue and Chen Yì.

Fortunately, none of the three towns’ commanders showed any signs of rebellion, which eased her worries slightly.

Xiao Wanyue’s letters were much as before, detailing the capital’s affairs.

The only noteworthy point was her mention that Sun Fu, the elder, had set out for Nanjing, and that Chen Yì had written him a poem before his departure.

[However, she had not received the full poem, only recalling one line: “Do not fret if no confidant awaits you on the road ahead—none in the world recognizes you.” It was likely Sun Elder was pleased.]

Xiao Jinghong muttered the line several times, her eyes flickering slightly.

Even without knowing the full verse, this single line revealed everything—undoubtedly a masterpiece.

She then opened Chen Yì’s letter, reading line by line with meticulous care.

[My lady, do not blame me for the haste of time, this hurried scrawl is but a token of my affection:

Summer Night Musings.

Scorching suns and cicadas drone in frenzy, willow leaves curl in the noon’s shade.

I long to cut bamboo mats and offer fish delicacies, yet fear you have no such coolness nearby.]

After reading it.

Xiao Jinghong carefully folded the letter, a faint smile touching her lips: "Compared to previous entries in ‘Summer Night Musings,’ these lines are indeed rather hasty."

Yet her mood was undeniably lighter.

This chapter was a continuation of yesterday’s leave chapter; there would be more tonight.

Also, I humbly request votes for the month—please vote for the month, please vote for the month, please vote for the month!

This month I aim to push forward, so I ask all senior brothers to lend their support.

What I can do is little; I can only strive to update with quality and consistency.

That concludes this chapter!

(End of chapter)