Chapter 204: Anti-Xiao Alliance (Seeking Monthly Tickets)

Chapter 204: Resisting the Xiao Alliance (Seeking Monthly Votes)

Wanting to return, Chen Yi could never show such an expression on his face.

Especially in front of Xiao Jinghong.

Chen Yi feigned to recall: "That girl left a few days ago, and she had been in seclusion for cultivation, so there was nothing unusual."

"However, before that, she went sightseeing in the manor city with Ting Yun and Hua Tang, purchasing many items for the clan."

He paused, a smile spreading across his face, and continued speaking:

"That girl, although somewhat peculiar and prone to being headstrong in her actions, had a good heart and was considerate. Before leaving, she even brought a cartload of things back."

Chen Yi didn't know how much Pu Wenlu had revealed, so he had to quickly make up for it.

Not to dispel Xiao Jinghong's suspicions, but to ensure she handled Pu Wenlu's interrogation lightly.

Xiao Jinghong nodded thoughtfully after listening, and didn't ask further, instead saying, "I'll come back to get some things and leave, there are a few things I need to do."

Chen Yi looked at her eyes and said, "Your Ladiness, you've already said that just now."

Xiao Jinghong met his gaze, her face slightly awkward.

Fortunately, the mask was in place, so she didn't worry about being seen by Chen Yi.

"I have a few things I'd like to ask you to handle for me."

Chen Yi smiled and said, "Your Ladiness, just say it. I'm currently a teacher at the prestigious Yun College, and also the manager of the Benevolent Pharmacy, but I do have some spare time."

His words seemed normal at first glance, but the underlying meaning was clear: "I'm so busy, so please excuse me from such troublesome matters."

Xiao Jinghong could certainly hear it, and a smile tugged at her lips.

Her husband was indeed the same as always. Despite his remarkable talent, he remained lazy.

No wonder Old Master had specifically instructed her to treat Chen Yi well in the morning, and to add some burdens at the appropriate time, telling her, "Your husband has now reached the pinnacle of the Way of Books and Arts."

Even though Xiao Jinghong was well-versed, hearing this news still surprised her.

After all, scholars' skills in qin, chess, calligraphy, and painting were on par with martial arts, with no difference in difficulty.

Chen Yi's mastery of the Way of Books and Arts was comparable to her martial arts perfection.

The only difference was that Chen Yi used written words to harm, requiring a mental approach. Emotions like sorrow, joy, anger, and fear, if expressed through the Way of Books and Arts, could harm without physical form.

While she could strike with a sword, her approach was more precise and decisive.

Of course, Xiao Jinghong understood that Chen Yi was unlikely to use the Way of Books and Arts for harm like she did.

Mostly, it was used for poetry, music, and expressing emotions.

These thoughts were rather a warrior's stereotypical view of a scholar.

"There's no need to worry, I just want you to rewrite these poems and have them framed to hang in the room."

Xiao Jinghong said, taking out several letters from her bosom.

There were "Summer Night Thoughts," "Summer Night II Thoughts," "Summer Thoughts," and the earliest one he wrote, "In the Heavenly Bridge of Magpies."

……

Chen Yi looked at her letters, his gaze shifting to her face, hesitantly asking, "Has Your Ladiness always carried these with her?"

Xiao Jinghong's eyes flickered, unsure how to answer, and simply thrust the letters into his hands.

Also, in these few days, help me prepare some gifts for Old Master, Uncle Er, Grandfather San, and the two commanders in the outer manor, the magistrate's office, the administrative commission, etc.

Prepare them in advance, so I don't return and miss any courtesy.

Chen Yi smiled upon hearing her rapid speech, nodded, and said, "The exact number of people, the eldest sister should have that, I'll ask her later."

But after saying that, he quickly added, "Your Ladiness, actually my memory isn't bad, I remember these poems, so you can just keep these letters."

Xiao Jinghong hesitated, then snatched the letters and shoved them into her sleeve, walking towards the inner wooden pavilion, her face subtly turning red with embarrassment.

She was probably ashamed of her foolishness, having forgotten this.

She could have directly asked Chen Yi to rewrite them, but now being found out by him for carrying the letters all along... embarrassed.

Chen Yi watched her quickly return to the wooden pavilion, having guessed her thoughts, and couldn't help but smile.

So the Lady also has times of shyness.

Thinking this, Chen Yi looked at the sky, figuring the heavy rain wouldn't stop anytime soon, and headed straight to the study.

The matter of the summer grain being burned in three cities was settled, now it was up to Old Master and Xiao Jinghong to handle it.

They should be able to use this opportunity to gain favor for the Xiao family, at the very least to shake the mountains and subdue the tigers, easing internal and external pressures.

These, Chen Yi had a general idea of, so he didn't intend to get involved.

At least he wouldn't act in the near future.

Entering the study.

Chen Yi looked around, seeing that the twenty-one calligraphy pieces he had previously written were all framed, he opened each to check, ensuring they were correct, then put them in a box.

The calligraphy was ready, just waiting for the Yun College's exhibition hall to prepare and hang them.

There should be a few days of leisure.

Meanwhile, Xiao Wuge, who had received the news, ran back with his little butterfly.

From far away, he could be heard calling for his brother.

Chen Yi put the box away, stepped out, and greeted him.

Xiao Wuge saw him and immediately smiled, asking, "Brother, when did you return?"

"Just returned a short while ago."

"Have you heard about what happened in the manor?"

Chen Yi noticed the "Quickly ask me" on his face, and couldn't help but smiled, "Haven't heard, what happened?"

"It's a big matter, brother, let me tell you..."

Listening to Xiao Wuge's excited account of the morning's events in the manor, Chen Yi nodded in agreement.

This time, Old Master and Xiao Jinghong finally didn't hold back like before, not in vain of all the things he had done.

Early in the morning, Xiao Jinghong intercepted Xiao Dongchen, who was heading toward the Grand Administrator's Office, and took him to the prison for questioning.

Though Xiao Dongchen refused to confess even under threat of death, once Xiao Jinghong and his men recovered the thirty thousand silver strings from the Si Fang Pavilion, he was imprisoned without a word.

Meanwhile, back at the old master’s residence, summons went out to several clan elders, household managers, and Xiao Wang and Xiao Shen.

Not only was the prison reclaimed from Xiao Wang, but it was declared that Xiao Xuanhu would take control, and he ordered Xiao Wang and all under his second household to leave Shuozhou immediately.

At first, Xiao Wang refused to submit, but when the old master produced the letter from Xiao Dongchen and the recovered silver, he could not find a single word to reply.

By this point, the entire second household was packing their belongings, said to be preparing to depart for Guangyue Prefecture to seek refuge with Xiao Qiuyun.

“Brother, why did Uncle Dongchen betray our family? After all, Grandfather and the Second Aunt and Second Sister treated the second household well, didn’t they?”

Xiao Wugou frowned, some anger flickering in his eyes.

It was the righteousness of youth, no doubt.

Chen Yi paused, gazing at the rain streaking the windowpanes, then smiled softly.

“The human heart, wanting enough, could swallow an elephant like a snake.”

“There are so many temptations in this world—fame, wealth, power, status, beauty, and more. Once one falls into their grasp, they slowly erode the spirit.”

“Good people may grow cruel and venomous, the strong may be drained of vigor, and even those with lofty ambitions and firm resolve may be led astray.”

Chen Yi set down his rod, his eyes catching Xiao Jinghong’s bundle. “When there is no desire, one can be resolute, I suppose.”

Xiao Wugou nodded. “Then I shall strive to be resolute in the absence of desire.”

Chen Yi let out a hollow laugh, glancing at him. “You cannot.”

“What? Why?””

“You are a young lord, so perfect in every way that you only invite more trouble.”

With the Xiao family in its current state, the more outstanding Xiao Wugou was, the more people would grow jealous.

It would be better for him to immerse himself in harmless pursuits—mountains, waters, and the like—to achieve a natural, unassuming effect.

Xiao Wugou did not quite grasp these things, nodding uncertainly. “Then, brother, what desires do you indulge in?”

Chen Yi blinked, almost inadvertently. “Me.”

“Probably daily fishing and chess, though having a wife and children to warm oneself by the fire would be even better.”

It was not because Xiao Jinghong was there, but rather that was his true thought.

No sooner had he spoken than footsteps echoed in the hallway, and Xiao Jinghong’s voice followed:

“My lord, Xiao Wugou, I have matters to attend to. I must take my leave.”

“Second Sister?”

Before Chen Yi could answer, Xiao Wugou rushed out, grabbing Xiao Jinghong’s arm and laughing.

“When did Second Sister return? Why didn’t she say a word? Won’t you stay? The Mid-Autumn Festival is coming soon. Just the other day, the First Aunt was still talking about you…”

A string of questions left Xiao Jinghong nearly at a loss, her composure already unraveling.

Especially when she saw Chen Yi following them, her gaze flickered away.

“Some very important matters need attending to. I’ll take my leave, my lord. I’ll return as soon as I can, before the Mid-Autumn Festival.”

Xiao Jinghong’s movements were stiff, her face flushed with heat.

The sensation was like when Old Master had pressed her and Chen Yi to the bedroom before—she felt utterly unprepared.

Yet as Xiao Jinghong prepared to leave, Wang Xinghng rushed in from the corridor.

“To the commander—something has happened!” Xiao Jinghong heard the words, and instead of tension, a sudden relief washed over her. “What is it?”

Wang Xinghng knelt, bowing. “Commander, it’s terrible! Xiao Dongchen… he’s died.”

Xiao Jinghong’s eyes narrowed, the faint flush of shame dissipating. Her voice grew grave. “I instructed you to guard him carefully. Didn’t I?”

Wang Xinghng bowed again. “Your servant’s failure in duty—grant the commander her punishment!”

Xiao Jinghong fixed him with a stern gaze, then bid farewell to Chen Yi and Xiao Wugou, and hurriedly led Wang Xinghng away.

“Brother, did you hear? Uncle Dongchen… he—”

“It concerns you not. If you’re idle, I can have a few gentlemen over by this afternoon.”

Chen Yi’s sharp retort made Xiao Wugou forget to inquire, shouting that it was unacceptable.

Chen Yi was merely joking, then added, “We’ll fish and play chess in the afternoon.”

A strange way to use a stick to hit a sweet date.

Yet Xiao Dongchen’s sudden death left him with lingering doubts.

In his mind, suicide seemed unlikely.

Most probably, it was an assassination.

“Old Master Ge, or Yu Xue?”

“Or perhaps another hidden within the Xiao household?”

Chen Yi mused on these possibilities as he led Xiao Wugou to the pond to fish, his mood lightened.

Regardless of the cause of Xiao Dongchen’s death, the Xiao family would strike back against Ge, Yu, and Liu’s forces.

Even he, the one operating from the shadows, was not exempt.

Fortunately, he had prepared everything in advance. As long as Liu Rong and Pei Wen kept their lips sealed, he was safe for now.

As for Xiao Jinghong’s whereabouts, Chen Yi could guess.

Beyond seeking refuge in the market to guard against vengeful spirits, he need not dwell on it.

After all, with the second household’s turmoil resolved, the Xiao family was now at peace internally. Old Master need only focus on the outside.

Soon enough, news arrived.

Precisely, it was brought by Little Butterfly from outside Spring Lotus Garden.

“Master, they say Old Master Xiao Dongchen committed suicide, leaving a confession letter.”

“They claim he was delirious, manipulated by Liu’s second son, and that he was directed by Ge Old Three—the veteran of the remote army—to incite the bandits to burn the summer grain in the three towns.”

Little Butterfly patted her now-noticeably-broad chest, sighing in regret. “Ge Old Three…”

“Master, before, Ge Old Three drove his carriage, taking Little Butterfly and Wenglu out to tour the estate. Who would have thought he was such a person?”

Chen Yi sat by the pond, staring at the empty hook, lost in thought.

He’d forgotten, after so long without fishing, not to have taken Xiao Wugou along.

Another day yielded nothing.

Yet Xiao Wugou didn’t see it that way. He tossed the golden carp back into the water. “Evil people hide too deeply, too wicked.”

Little Butterfly nodded. “Your lord is right.”

“But it’s a pity, Ge Old Three is missing. Though the Third Young Lady has already sent people to track him down.”

"Still, still—there’s been news in the city about the grain from Iron Wall Town being burned, though what exactly they say varies."

"Some claim it was an attack by foreign enemies, or barbarian tribes, or the scheming folk from Suohuo Kingdom. Others whisper it was bandits or mountain brigands from the borderlands of Shu and Jing."

"The most outrageous tale is that Miss Er was guilty of letting the grain rot in her post, trading it for silver to fund some market dealings."

Hmm?

Chen Yi lifted an eyebrow, turning his head slightly to ask, "How many people are spreading that last version?"

Xiao Die nodded solemnly. "Not many, my lord, but I heard from the young man in the courtyard that it’s circulating in the taverns and markets."

Chen Yi unconsciously furrowed his brow, a chill creeping through his chest.

Such rumors during major events were not uncommon, though most were mere exaggerations, empty boasts.

Like the tale that his own neighbor in Iron Wall Town had supposedly seen foreign invaders arrive in a heavy rain—stories meant to show off one’s resilience, to boast of having uncovered secrets others hadn’t.

These kinds of rumors rarely carried malice.

But the last one—the one pointing fingers so directly, so purposefully—had a closed, logical chain. It was clearly planted by someone with intent.

"Anyone who could devise such a plan and act so swiftly must have known in advance about the burning of the grain."

"Moonlight Tower, Liu’s household, the hidden guard, and me… or that shadowy patron?"

Moonlight Tower’s black tooth had died in Xiao Jinghong’s hands. Yu Shuxue hurriedly wiped away the traces of the hidden guard, while the others feared discovery by the Xiao family, too terrified to appear in public.

The hidden guard faced the same plight. In half a day’s time, they’d already pushed Xiao Dongren to the brink.

Even if they sought to sabotage the market dealings, they couldn’t have spread this rumor so soon.

And Liu’s family…

It was likely they were still in the dark, perhaps unaware that Liu Wen’s corpse was in the Xiao household’s possession.

Eliminating all other possibilities, the only plausible culprit—even if it seemed impossible—was the one lurking in the shadows.

After some thought, Chen Yi exhaled softly, silently giving thanks.

He had pieced together a few things.

"The rumor was likely prepared in advance by that patron."

"Thank the heavens, the grain losses in the three towns weren’t too severe, or Xiao’s troubles would’ve been worse."

If Moonlight Tower and the hidden guard had succeeded in burning the grain, that rumor would’ve shattered everything.

Then the Xiao family would’ve had to investigate the burned grain in the three towns, resolve the shortage of supplies for the army, and face scrutiny from the court and officials, not to mention punishment.

Most crucially, if the Xiao family became entangled in this mess, it would’ve crippled the market dealings.

With their shortage of people, grain, and funds, the Xiao family, facing threats from all sides—especially the court’s scrutiny from the rumor—they’d have nowhere to go but die slowly.

Even if the patriarch and Xiao Jinghong handled things well, leveraging connections and resources, they’d still be skinned alive.

Poison, truly poisonous.

This plan of theirs—three birds with one stone—was truly ruthless.

Chen Yi deduced this and that, shaking his head with a grudging smile. "They’ve certainly outwitted the common folk."

He’d assumed he’d accounted for everyone in his schemes, but hadn’t anticipated that shadowy patron’s cunning.

If they didn’t act, they would; if they did, they’d doom the Xiao family.

Far more ruthless and cunning than Xiao Dongren and Liu Wen.

Thinking this, Chen Yi gave a silent command:

"Xiao Die, go out and check again—see if there are any new reports."

"And pay close attention to the officials’ reactions—check the Bureau of Policy Affairs, the Censorate, the magistrate’s offices, and so on."

"Also, ask about grain and medicine prices."

"Understood."

Xiao Die nodded without hesitation and left the Spring Lotus Garden.

Xiao Wo followed up, asking quietly, "Brother, what’s wrong with those rumors? They’re just idle gossip."

Chen Yi gave a small shake of his head. "Fewer believers mean less trouble. But if too many believe, the rumor becomes truth."

"Could it affect us?"

"A little, not much."

"Then that’s good…"

About an hour later, Xiao Die returned.

But her face had lost its earlier curious expression, replaced by something strange.

"My lord, it’s odd."

Chen Yi set down his fishing rod, studying her intently. "How so?"

"It seems the rumors have vanished as if they never existed. Now the city praises Miss Er as a heroic figure, claiming she’s eliminated some… elder from a certain tower, reaching the third grade of cultivation."

"And they say she patrolled all three towns in a single night, thwarting the villains’ plans and saving the army’s supplies."

Chen Yi paused, then let out a hollow laugh. "And that’s all?"

Quick on the uptake.

It was likely that patron, having learned the truth from last night, swiftly reorganized everything.

"And the officials—some, like the Bureau of Policy Affairs and the imperial court, only sent people to verify with the patriarch."

"But the Censorate… someone had already drafted a memorial. If the Soup Elder hadn’t caught it in time, it would’ve been sent to the capital’s court."

Chen Yi thought to himself, indeed, tracing the chain, that patron had accounted for everything that followed.

Of course, the prices of grain and medicine must’ve fluctuated today, or there’d be shortages in the grain trade.

Hearing Xiao Die say, "Even stranger—the steward in charge of purchasing said this morning, several major grain shops in the city raised their prices, claiming this year’s harvest was poor, so grain is scarce…"

Chen Yi interrupted. "They raised prices?"

Xiao Die nodded. "Yes, they did."

Well, that patron wasn’t acting alone—they had allies.

No wonder they moved so swiftly, covered such a wide area, and got wind of things so fast…

But what was the purpose?

An anti-Xiao alliance?

"By the way, my lord, before Xiao Die returned, I saw Miss Er leaving with some soldiers, apparently having found a certain tower."

Moonlight Tower?

No, it was Spring Rain Tower.

Chen Yi blinked, realizing the other party was attempting to leverage Xiao Jinghong to eliminate that vile den at Chunyu Lou, lest they be pursued by Xiao's family.

Hmph. Poor Luo Yuxue.

She must have lost her mind by now, wouldn't you say?

(End of chapter)