Chapter 196: The Panicked Xiao Wan'er (Seeking Monthly Tickets)

Chapter 196: The Flustered Xiao Wan'er (Please Vote for the Monthly Ticket)

The next day, the sky was bright and clear.

As the cockcrow had just passed, the sun rose and revealed the might of the scorching summer.

The dazzling sunlight bathed the scene in brilliance, making the city of Shuzhou Prefecture a tapestry of radiant light.

The bustling markets, the elegant Kangning Street, the solemn bureaucratic offices of Tangnan Street, and the chirping of swallows in the flower-laden alleyways to the south of the city—all were alive with activity.

It was the approach of the Mid-Autumn Festival, and whether common folk, merchants, or officials, everyone wore smiles.

Little Fei was no exception.

That morning, she had woken early and made a modest preparation, then had a servant bring her to Kangning Street to invite a craftsman for framing.

The craftsman was no outsider; he was the shop's owner, along with his two assistants.

The owner's surname was Dai, given name Yichun.

To Chen Yi, a regular customer, he was not a stranger.

With gentle steps, Fei led him to the study in Spring Lotus Garden.

Dai Yichun examined the room's arrangement, praised it a few times, and asked, "Miss Xiao, which calligraphy pieces are to be framed?"

Fei pointed to the stack of pine paper on the table, "These."

"Quite a few, how many pieces?"

"Let me count..."

As she spoke, she counted them one by one, "One, two... Dai Laoshou, there are twenty-one pieces in total."

Dai Yichun wrote down the number, then opened each piece to measure its dimensions, preparing the necessary tools.

Each time he measured one, he recorded it, adding a remark about the fine brushwork of the 'Excellent Scholar' character.

Good or not, it was for Fei to judge.

She understood this perfectly.

But at that moment, her face was tight with worry, as if fearing Dai Yichun might do something improper.

It was clear she had not forgotten the incident where a calligraphy piece had gone missing during framing before.

Fortunately, Dai Yichun was unaware of her thoughts; otherwise, he would have pleaded desperately for justice.

After recording twenty pieces, he reached the last one.

The moment he began to handle it, he sensed something amiss, weighed it twice, and muttered under his breath, "This piece's dimensions are rather large."

But when he unfolded the pine paper and saw the bright ink and the artistic conception, his face froze in shock.

"This—this is..."

Dai Yichun opened his eyes wide, nearly burying his face in the calligraphy, and what lay behind him he could not bring himself to say.

Fei, too, saw the artistic conception on the poem, but she did not grasp its significance, only noting that the poem was beautiful and the image lovely.

Especially at the end, when she saw the figure of a person rowing through ten mountains, she couldn't help but smile and say, "My lord, the poem is indeed splendid, and the characters are beautifully written."

"And he even managed to paint his own likeness into the poem."

Dai Yichun, pretending not to hear, trembled and asked, "Miss Xiao, is this... your lord's writing?"

Fei looked at him curiously, "Of course it's my lord's writing."

As she spoke, she became alert and asked, "What are you planning to do? Are you going to swap a defective one for a good one again?"

Dai Yichun's hands shook, nearly dropping the calligraphy.

Lord, this was a calligraphy piece of the 'Complete Understanding' level. With his life in his hands, he wouldn't dare lay a finger on it.

Even if he had such an idea, he would need the skill to execute it.

Not to mention him; there were few in the entire Wei Dynasty who could pass off a fake as genuine, let alone replicate such a piece.

Dai Yichun thought of these things, trembling as he rolled up the calligraphy, and assured her earnestly, "You may rely on my head as a guarantee, I absolutely, absolutely will use the finest materials and the best techniques to frame this piece."

After all, his master, his master's master, and so on up eight generations—there had never been a calligraphy piece of the 'Complete Understanding' level framed in his family's history.

To frame such a piece in his lifetime would not be in vain.

Fei was relieved and nodded, "That's good."

"Most importantly, you must not make any mistakes. If you damage it, I... there are legal officials who will punish you."

"Rest assured, rest assured..."

By noon.

Chen Yi, under Fei's service, had risen, dressed, and washed. Hearing the sounds from the study below, he casually asked, "How many pieces have been framed?"

Fei, seeing him ask, smiled and said, "Just finished framing one piece."

"My lord, this person is rather strange."

"Why?"

Fei chattered on, and at the end said, "When I invited him this morning, there were two assistants with him, but when they started work, only he was handling it. What do you think, strange or not?"

Chen Yi laughed silently, guessing it must be the shop owner who had seen the artistic conception in 'Moved by the Rain' and was pretending to act as if he were someone else.

"Take your time, as long as it's finished before the Mid-Autumn Festival, that's good enough."

"My lord, I'll keep an eye on him."

"There's no need to be so tense..."

As they chatted, Chen Yi had dressed neatly.

For that day, he was to accompany Xiao Wan'er to Fengchun Tower, so he had put on a set of fine robes.

The dark blue silk long robe hung lightly, as if weightless, layered over a pure white inner shirt, with a golden jade sash and dark blue boots.

It suited him with a certain elegance.

But Chen Yi was usually lazy and idle, and even when carrying a tray, he seemed somewhat weak and unassuming.

Fei glanced left and right but couldn't tell.

She only felt that her lord looked like the most handsome man in the world in those clothes.

So when she looked at him, her face flushed without realizing it, and she quickly said, "My lord, please take a seat. I'll prepare some food for you."

Chen Yi saw her say that and walked over, slightly puzzled, but didn't think much of it.

However, after glancing at the brass mirror a few times, he hesitated briefly, then drew a deep breath, his expression settling into a calm, composed countenance.

In the next moment, the languor clinging to him vanished entirely, his noble bearing surged forth, and the delicate, scholarly aura he’d once worn was all but shed.

Like a gentleman of noble lineage, a refined young master.

Chen Yi glanced at him again, a slight smile touching his lips. "Well, that does count as a talent, doesn’t it?"

It was simply his nature.

Whether it was his current demeanor or the careful guise he’d worn when impersonating Liu Five, Black Tooth, and others—every gesture, every glance, every movement was so perfectly mimicked that no one could spot a flaw.

He ate two pieces of the pastry and then checked the progress in the study room, where the second calligraphy scroll had just been framed.

When the boss of the shop saw him approach, he was suddenly transformed from his earlier vulgar self—bowing respectfully, speaking with solemnity, as though he were attending to a matter far more critical than mere framing.

Most likely, he was thanking him for handling that scroll.

Chen Yi smiled, offering some reassuring words, then instructed little Butterfly to assist him before leading Xiao Gun to the Garden of Prosperity.

Xiao Gun walked reluctantly.

Clearly, he hadn’t forgotten being rejected by Xiao Wan’er and Chen Yi the day before.

"Brother, may I come with you to Fengchun Tower?"

Chen Yi dismissed him outright. "No."

Xiao Gun could only pout. "Brother, you used to favor me before. Why not help me this time?"

He just wanted to take it easy, not study law and rituals.

Chen Yi patted his head and smiled. "It’s not that I’m not helping—it’s just that the circumstances are unusual."

"What’s unusual? Is there a problem with the Liu family’s sister who came from Jingzhou? Their people are indeed bad."

When Xiao Gun guessed close to the mark, Chen Yi offered only a vague reply, soothing him with: "In a few days, it’ll be the Mid-Autumn Festival. I’ll take you out then."

"Really?"

"A gentleman’s word—once spoken, a horse won’t follow it."

It seemed that Xiao Wan’er, who had been waiting at the Garden of Prosperity, heard their conversation and, upon seeing the two, smiled and asked:

"What kind of gentleman’s word?"

Before Chen Yi could answer, Xiao Gun’s tiny servant blurted out, "This is my secret with my brother, isn’t it?"

Chen Yi nodded with a smile and gestured toward Xiao Wan’er. "The young lord commands—how could I refuse?"

Xiao Wan’er, hearing this, glared at Xiao Gun and asked in annoyance, "You always followed your brother before. Why aren’t you doing that now?"

"My elder sister, these days are different."

"Different how? In the past, I was your elder sister. Today, am I not?"

"Not…"

"Hmm?"

"Yes, I mean… Ah? My elder sister, pulling my ears will tear them off. Brother, help me…"

The siblings’ bond was deep, but Chen Yi, being an outsider, couldn’t possibly intervene. After Xiao Gun followed the instructor to the study room, Xiao Wan’er finally led Chen Yi outside.

Not long after, a carriage rolled out of the Garden of Prosperity, veering away from the Hou family estate toward Kangning Street.

Chen Yi and Xiao Wan’er sat side by side in the carriage, with Shen Huatang and Xiao Stopyun in the front.

It was nothing.

Because of the odd circumstance of being alone together, Xiao Wan’er had lowered her head immediately after climbing in. Beneath the red canopy, her hands clasped tightly in her lap, she unconsciously twisted them together.

She knew she ought to say something.

The carriage was too quiet—if she remained silent, Chen Yi might notice something, and it didn’t suit her usual demeanor. But when she tried to speak, her words felt awkward.

Perhaps she hadn’t prepared herself, fearing her tone would sound unnatural. Or maybe the topic was too dry, fearing it would only make the atmosphere more strained.

At that moment, Xiao Wan’er pressed her head even lower, her bright eyes fixed on the ground ahead.

After a while, she took a breath and subtly turned her head, glancing sideways at Chen Yi. He was gazing out the window, and she felt a little relief.

At least her small movements hadn’t drawn his attention.

But even in relief, she harbored some resentment.

Why wasn’t this person saying anything?

Chen Yi, unaware of her thoughts, lifted the curtain to inspect the scenery outside.

He wasn’t deliberately avoiding conversation—rather, as the carriage rattled along, he noticed some oddities in the street.

Like the city guards meting him at the gate, twice as many as usual.

Like the executioners standing watch outside Kangning Street, eyeing passersby.

And various clerks and officials, stopping people here and there for questioning.

Gradually, as he passed, he caught snippets of conversation:

"...The executioners from last night were beaten back again—the Duke of Thousands is furious..."

"...Several evil spirits reported outside the West Market—detaining them to prevent escape..."

"...The Mid-Autumn Festival approaches—heightened security!"

Chen Yi understood, his brow furrowing in thought as he lowered the curtain.

He had a rough idea of what was happening.

Just as he was about to say something, their eyes met—Xiao Wan’er’s glare still hot with indignation—and he hesitated.

"My elder sister, you’re..."

Xiao Wan’er, startled by his sudden gaze, quickly turned her head away, flustered and interrupting hastily:

"I-I was just looking at all the people on the street."

"The Mid-Autumn Festival is coming, right? Sister, you should return home—your grandfather, Xiao Gun…"

She didn’t even realize what she was saying.

She was trying to act as if nothing were amiss.

But fate had other plans. After a few more words, her face flushed crimson, and she wished desperately she were under the carriage instead of sitting in it.

Chen Yi smiled faintly, though not truly smiling. Yet when he saw her flushed face, he knew that if he said nothing more, she would surely break out in a fresh bout of shame.

“Let us not speak of the Mid-Autumn Festival for now. Tell me, older sister, what gifts did you prepare for Miss Liu? What are they?”

These two simple questions seemed to jolt the blankness from Xiao Wǎn'er’s mind.

She paused briefly, halting her earlier ramblings, and replied softly: “Some items from the chambers—things like lacquer boxes for cosmetics.”

No sooner had the words left her lips than Chen Yi let out a soft “Wow.”

“Older sister truly has grace in her appearance and wit in her words, knows her books and manners, and attends to all the proper customs. Such thoughtfulness…”

He had no choice but to praise her sincerely.

Yet the effect was undeniable.

Xiao Wǎn'er’s flushed cheeks faded visibly before the eyes, and she muttered, slightly embarrassed:

“Brother-in-law, what are you talking about?”

Chen Yi gestured toward the front and added, with a sly smile: “I imagine that dear Miss Liu would not be so thorough as my older sister.”

Xiao Wǎn'er understood his meaning and gave him a playful tap on the shoulder.

Though she did grasp his intent—using a bit of flirtation to steady herself—she responded with a rare gesture: a playful, exaggerated eye-roll.

“Sister Zhāozhě, you understand proprieties well. That time earlier…”

They chatted idly.

Xiao Wǎn'er resumed her usual composed demeanor, though some lingering traces of shame remained in her heart.

After all, she felt she had shown a different side of herself before Chen Yi, and naturally carried a touch of the complex emotions of a little daughter.

Chen Yi paid it no heed. He merely thought that this version of Xiao Wǎn'er felt more genuine.

If she had remained like the fairy who never partakes of earthly pleasures, how could she truly appreciate the bustling world around her?

Not long after, the carriage came to a stop outside Fengchun Lou.

Chen Yi followed Xiao Wǎn'er down, scanning the area, and soon noticed two carriages parked to one side.

Both bore golden canopies and ornate bodies, with banners displaying family emblems.

When he identified the emblems as belonging to the Liu family, Chen Yi raised an eyebrow in silent curiosity.

“Two carriages from the Liu family…”

“Besides Liu Zhāozhě, Liu Wén has come as well?”

“Or perhaps it’s the second mistress of the Liu household, Liu Yù?”

Chen Yi surveyed the bustling scene at Fengchun Lou, his expression calm but his heart alert.

He hadn’t checked the morning’s horoscope, but feared this afternoon banquet might prove rather peculiar.

Xiao Wǎn'er paid it no mind.

She was never one to dwell on such matters, so she merely glanced around and stood beside Chen Yi, waiting for Shen Huàtáng and Xie Pǔyún.

At that moment, a joyful voice rang out from nearby:

“Sister Wǎn'er, forgive me! I’ve just arrived, but I failed to greet you in time.”

Chen Yi and Xiao Wǎn'er turned to see Liu Zhāozhě emerging from Fengchun Lou.

She wore a yellow gown and had a fresh, natural complexion. Clearly, she had been waiting there all along.

Xiao Wǎn'er bowed slightly and replied warmly: “I’ve only just arrived myself.”

Liu Zhāozhě bowed in return and approached her familiarly, taking her hand with a smile: “After all, it’s an honor for younger sister to invite elder sister to visit. We must observe proper etiquette.”

She then noticed Chen Yi and smiled: “This gentleman should be the celebrated swimmer of Shu, should he not?”

“I’m honored that the swimmer has deigned to come. Should I have offended him in any way, I pray you forgive me.”

Chen Yi nodded calmly. “No need for such courtesy.”

“It’s I who should be more polite. I’ve heard that in recent days, many have come from across Shu to seek an audience with you, though few have succeeded.”

“I scarcely deserve such attention. Your presence today is more than enough.”

Liu Zhāozhě smiled and gestured: “There are many people here. Shall we go upstairs?”

Xiao Wǎn'er glanced at Chen Yi and nodded: “Forgive the intrusion.”

“Elder sister, you need not apologize. This place in Shu…”

As the two entered Fengchun Lou, Chen Yi glanced up at the upper floors and followed Shen Huàtáng and Xie Pǔyún.

Indeed.

When they pushed open the door to the inner chamber, they found Liu Wén standing to one side.

Xiao Wǎn'er’s foot halted, her smile frozen in place—she hadn’t expected him to be here. She looked rather flustered.

Liu Wén approached her gladly, bowing respectfully and smiling: “Ah, sister Wǎn'er, it’s been a while.”

Liu Zhāozhě noticed Xiao Wǎn'er’s uneasy expression and explained: “Brother Liu just happened to be hosting a small gathering of friends here at Fengchun Lou. He’ll be leaving shortly.”

Xiao Wǎn'er hesitated, then bowed: “Lord Liu.”

Liu Wén smiled and beckoned, giving Liu Zhāozhě a approving glance.

But when he saw Chen Yi standing behind them, his expression darkened slightly.

Yet he said nothing, and followed Xiao Wǎn'er and Liu Zhāozhě to take their seats.

Chen Yi observed their demeanor and Liu Zhāozhě’s, then stepped forward and sat beside Xiao Wǎn'er.

Liu Wén’s foot shifted, his face growing troubled: “You…”

Liu Zhāozhě noticed the tension and smiled: “Brother Liu, please take a seat. Let’s have a chat.”

Liu Wén glanced at her, then moved to sit beside Chen Yi, across from Xiao Wǎn'er.

As the four took their seats, Shen Huàtáng and Xie Pǔyún remained by the door.

Inside, Liu Wén’s voice rose: “Sister Wǎn'er, I was but a mere wanderer back then. I pray your forgiveness.”

“Yet I must say, since that day I first saw you, I’ve found myself utterly captivated…”

(The chapter ends here.)