Chapter 205: There Must Be an Expert in the Xiao Family (8K Seeking Monthly Tickets)

Chapter 205: There Must Be a Genius in the Xiao Family (8K Request for Monthly Vote)

In fact, it was the opposite.

Lou Yuxue had already grown numb.

She had absolutely no anger in her heart; on the contrary, after Chen Yi took away her twenty-nine thousand taels of silver, she quickly regained her composure.

She assessed the situation, weighed the pros and cons, and formulated a response.

Lou Yuxue not only withdrew from the Chunru Pavilion in advance but also dispersed and properly arranged her subordinates.

Including the hidden guard and some people from the Mingyue Pavilion.

She even completed one of the two cases assigned by the head of the Baihu Wei and the Jinqi officers—killing Xiao Dongchen.

It wasn’t until nightfall that she relaxed a bit and went to Kangning Street.

It was already the 10th hour of the day, with the sky growing dark.

Even though it was approaching the Mid-Autumn Festival, and the street had been adorned with colorful lanterns long in advance, the candles still flickered dimly in the drizzly weather.

Farther down, near the pool, there was little to see.

Only a few pavilions built along the pool’s edge were illuminated by red lanterns.

From a distance, they seemed to float in a haze.

In normal circumstances, when night fell, the pavilions were bustling with activity, a favorite meeting place for scholars and beauties.

Tonight, however, few figures were seen.

As if, overnight, everyone had found better places to go.

Lou Yuxue looked at the distant pool, confirmed there was no one around, and then quietly entered a pavilion.

She was no longer wearing the seductive qipao and skirt of old, but had changed into a coarse hemp outfit, deliberately tied up her hair into a bun, and smeared some tung oil on her face.

Dressed as a common peasant woman.

Even those familiar with her identity would probably not recognize her in this guise.

After wiping the side seat of the pavilion clean, Lou Yuxue sat down and gazed at the pool water disturbed by the rain.

The sound of raindrops pattering, never ceasing.

The commotion outside actually brought her tranquility, allowing her to contemplate future matters.

All the events of recent days had gradually come into focus before Lou Yuxue’s eyes like fleeting reflections.

At first, Gray Wolf contacted Hawk, seeking to burn the summer grain in the three cities over the matter of Xiao Jinghong and the mountain tribe’s joint construction project.

Hawk had no choice but to agree.

She, the female tiger, became involved.

She intended to enlist the help of Black Bullet and the Mingyue Pavilion to receive Hawk’s subordinates, thereby reducing losses.

By chance, Black Bullet received a deal from a major family in Shu Zhou, offering three ten thousand taels of gold, also for the summer grain in the three cities.

She received the information, thought it over thrice, and devised a four-pronged strategy.

One for Gray Wolf, two for silver money, three to receive Hawk’s subordinates’ iron flag officers, four to incite chaos in the Xiao family, thereby involving Shu Zhou and temporarily halting the joint construction progress.

So, when did this plan develop a flaw?

Lou Yuxue naturally thought of “Liu Five.”

Not only because “Liu Five” came so abruptly.

Or rather, “suspicious” would be more appropriate.

Because “Liu Blade” Liu Rong was the first to find Black Bullet and propose the deal to burn the summer grain in the three cities.

So Liu Five originally had no intention of taking action, just like that wealthy patron, hoping to reap the benefits of the fisherman’s toil.

But upon learning the identity of that wealthy patron, he began his own schemes, plotting against Liu Wen, plotting against me… No.

She shook her head with cold, clear eyes.

His initial target wasn’t me; he should have been plotting against Black Bullet’s money, and I just happened to be the closest person to that silver.

Why was he plotting against Xiao Dongchen?

Did he inform Xiao Jinghong?

When Lou Yuxue dealt with Xiao Dongchen, she had already understood the situation, knowing that Liu Five not only posed as Black Bullet to get close to Liu Wen but also posed as Liu Wen’s attendant to get close to Xiao Dongchen.

Moreover, Liu Five used thirty thousand taels of silver to gain Xiao Dongchen’s trust, deceiving him into signing and stamping documents.

So what he said last night wasn’t entirely false.

He did obtain Liu Wen’s silver, but it was to lure Xiao Dongchen into a trap, and he left that letter along with Liu Wen’s corpse for Xiao Jinghong…

Lou Yuxue paused, frowning and muttering, “The silver ultimately ended up in the Xiao family.”

As soon as she spoke, a flash of insight struck her.

She suddenly connected everything together.

So it was Liu Five who informed Xiao Jinghong, allowing her to prepare in advance.

That silver was also deliberately left for the Xiao family.

So he was… a member of the Xiao family?!

Lou Yuxue’s face showed a hint of doubt and surprise.

If he was a member of the Xiao family, why was he plotting against Xiao Dongchen, unless… he knew the Gray Wolf’s identity and plans…

However, the second son of the Xiao family’s plans were well-known; eliminating Xiao Dongchen was also possible.

And Old Duke Hou, unaware, might also be his scheme, to make us complacent?

Because his real killing move was outside Shu Zhou City, on Xiao Jinghong…

After thinking this through, Lou Yuxue’s expression became more complex. She suddenly realized that “Liu Five” had mentioned last night that he was a member of the Xiao family.

But at that time, her knowledge was limited; only now did she piece everything together. This made her frustrated.

What frustrated her further was—even knowing all that “Liu Five” had done, she still didn’t know who he was.

A hidden guard of the Xiao family? A collateral branch of the Xiao family? Both were possible.

It could never be the Xiao family's main residence.

"Xiao Wannu and Xiao Jinghong are both daughters, Xiao Wuge is still young, and Xiao Xuanhu is crippled. None of these people could possibly be Liu Wu."

"The only other person who might have any connection to the main house is the little nightingale. Ha, he's a weak scholar at best, and he's being watched by that eagle, so there's no way he could be Liu Wu."

After thinking it over,

Lou Yuxue deduced that that "Liu Wu" must be either a distant relative of the Xiao family or someone from another prominent family in Shu who had close ties to the Xiao clan.

"No matter who you are, this time I'll definitely find you and throw you into the inner prison!"

Just then, the sound of cart wheels echoed in the distance.

A soft clattering, breaking the silence of the rainy night, came to a stop on Kangning Street not far away.

Lou Yuxue looked in that direction.

Two shadowy figures dismounted from the cart in succession.

The first was a woman of fine features, phoenix hairpin and jade, with delicate, refined features.

The second was dressed in a yellow silk gown, a maid's attire, carrying two long swords in her hands.

It was Cui Qingwu and her maid, Huan Er.

The two of them approached the pavilion together.

Cui Qingwu raised his hand, and Huan Er, umbrella in hand, stood silently outside the pavilion.

Cui Qingwu examined Lou Yuxue, a faint smile playing on his lips.

"This time, you've lost badly, tigress."

Lou Yuxue stood up and met his gaze. "I'm here, so what's there to lose?"

"Even if I've been affected a bit, the eagle has fled far away, and the gray wolf is dead, you can just stay out of it?"

In other words—they were both Silver Flag officers stationed in Shu. The Ministry would punish them equally.

Cui Qingwu still smiled: "My business was settled yesterday, so it doesn't matter if I'm affected or not."

"You, on the other hand, your silver money has been hit hard, and you've been pointed at by someone like Spring Rain Tower. If you hadn't run so fast, you'd already be trapped inside by Xiao Jinghong."

"My people suffered only minor losses."

"What about the eagle?"

Lou Yuxue's voice hardened: "His mission is already complete. Even if he's lost more people, he won't be held accountable by the higher-ups."

Cui Qingwu asked without answering: "So this time, only some silver was lost? Twenty-nine thousand taels?"

Lou Yuxue pressed her lips together. Though she had been battered into numbness, thinking of that despicable Liu Wu, she still felt a bitter resentment.

A moment of silence.

"I came to find you today, not just to hear you mock me."

Cui Qingwu looked at her with a half-smile: "What is it you want to talk about? What brings you here?"

"The evil forces in Xicheng have been swept clean by Xiao Jinghong. Before the new abbot of Mingyue Tower arrives, there's no room for you to settle here, so I need your help finding a place to stay."

"Are you asking me for help?"

"Cui Qingwu, don't push me..."

Before Lou Yuxue could finish, Cui Qingwu's words shifted: "This matter, I can help."

"But I have a condition."

Lou Yuxue suppressed her anger. "Speak!"

Cui Qingwu smiled: "Before I leave Shu, you need to help me with three things."

Lou Yuxue furrowed her brow: "What else do you want?"

"This time you came to Shu on your own, the Ministry and the Golden Flag officers have already grown displeased. If you stay here much longer, you won't be safe from their questioning."

Cui Qingwu's smile lessened slightly: "That's my affair, nothing to do with you."

"And even if they're displeased, what can they do to me?"

Lou Yuxue paused, then looked at him deeply: "I can agree to your condition, but it must not conflict with the mission."

"Of course."

"After all, everyone in the White Tiger Guard knows you're a fierce tigress, loyal and unwavering to the Ministry. Right?"

"Hmph!"

Lou Yuxue let out a cold sneer and turned her head toward the pool, ignoring his scorn.

"I'll report the events here to the higher-ups, taking into account the Xiao and Liu families' circumstances. Until they reply, neither you nor I can take any action."

"Rest assured, I don't care much about affairs in Shu."

"Then why did you come to Shu? To help Chen Yunfan?"

Cui Qingwu looked at her with a bright smile: "Do you guess?"

In that moment, Lou Yuxue's eyes was immediately filled with the sight of that despicable face, her voice hardening:

"Whatever you want, just remember my promise, and try to do it best in the northern part of the city."

"Huh? What's that?"

"...The southern and western parts of the city have had Xiao family guards watching them recently. The eastern part is too far from the Xiao family."

She explained and turned on her heel, walking away.

Cui Qingwu watched her go, then let out a soft laugh, called to Huan Er, and had her open the umbrella, then climbed back into the cart.

Huan Er looked around, then drove the cart southward toward the Listening Rain Tower.

"Miss, that woman was too much of a troublemaker."

"Indeed, she's a bit difficult, but... never mind. Tomorrow, make sure to set up a shop on Kangning Street."

"A shop?"

"So she doesn't get too bored."

Cui Qingwu looked out at the night rain, his mood quite good.

After all, despite his earlier scorn for Lou Yuxue, he actually held her abilities in high regard. Otherwise, he wouldn't have made that request.

But even so, he recognized that Lou Yuxue was too rigid, too devoted to the Ministry.

He had to be cautious.

As the cart left Kangning Street,

A dark figure quietly appeared in the grass patch by the pool.

The dim lamplight illuminated his silhouette, revealing a thin, tall face and tall, lean frame.

It was the guard following Chen Yunfan, Ning Yu.

"Cui Lady and the Hidden Guard are also involved?"

“I’d better report to the young master at once…”

…

The fourth watch of the 11th hour.

Listening to the rain in the courtyard.

In the inner chamber of the court, Qingying stood by the window, gazing toward the rear garden, her delicate features softened with thought.

Ning Yu stood respectfully beside her, waiting in silence.

After a moment,

Qingying blinked, smiling, “Yue brother, you go rest for a while. I’ll find the young master and inform him.”

Ning Yu bowed slightly, “Thank you, Mistress Qingying.”

She nodded, and with a light step, departed to a deeper chamber.

She glanced at Chen Yunfan, who lay asleep, swaddled in a blanket, and after a pause, turned to fetch a basin of warm water.

Only after soaking a cloth did she approach his bedside, gently wiping his eyes with the damp cloth, murmuring softly,

“Young master, wake up…”

Chen Yunfan stirred, turning on his side, his voice thick with drowsiness, “What disturbance wakes the esteemed master?”

Qingying sighed, pressing his shoulder, “The matter from this afternoon has been resolved.”

“The fire that consumed the summer grain in three counties—this was orchestrated by Yin Wei from the shadows, while the villains of Ming Yue Tower merely acted as frontmen.”

“Oh.”

“Further, there’s been movement in Liu’s household. The young master you saw there—Liu Wen—has not appeared in a day.”

“Hmm.”

Seeing no change in Chen Yunfan, Qingying hesitated, “There’s also this: Cui Miss has just encountered the female tiger of the White Tiger Guard, Yin Fei.”

“Cui Qingwu?”

Chen Yunfan slowly sat up, rubbing his eyes, “What did Cui Qingwu discuss with the female tiger of Yin Wei?”

Qingying noted his calm, exhaled quietly, “Ning brother said she asked the tiger to take her in.”

“She agreed?”

“Likely so. She also set a condition—three tasks for the tiger to perform.”

Chen Yunfan lay back down, not resuming sleep, but leaned lazily on his pillow, asking,

“And then?”

Qingying recounted everything Ning Yu had seen and heard, “That’s all.”

Chen Yunfan yawned, “It’s not surprising for Cui Qingwu of the Qinghe Cui family to be in contact with the White Tiger Guard.”

“As long as she wasn’t involved in the burning of the three counties’ grain, it’s fine.”

Pausing briefly, he turned to Qingying, “What of the Xiao family?”

“Messages from them have also surfaced.”

“The second son of the Xiao household, Xiao Dongren, died by suicide. Xiao Wang and others were expelled from Shuzhou by Elder Lord, seeking passage to Guang-Yue Prefecture.”

Chen Yunfan blinked, surprised, “Xiao Dongren… dead?”

“Yes. The Xiao family hasn’t suppressed the news, though no cause for his death has been announced.”

“That’s peculiar.”

“This morning, Xiao Dongren still handed over a merit to me, so how could someone who worked so hard to please me take his own life?”

Qingying mused, “Could it be tied to the grain raid in the three counties?”

Chen Yunfan grinned, “Then he had no cause to die.”

“From the start, I saw the Xiao family’s second son had issues with Elder Lord. Didn’t expect him to be so bold.”

“No, more like he’s foolish.”

“The Xiao family has stood for two hundred years under the Great Wei dynasty. Even now, with current troubles, Elder Lord is still alive.”

“The second son’s reckoning—purely seeking death.”

Qingying nodded, continuing, “Young master, there’s another matter.”

“Today, Xiao Jinghong slaughtered the three non-Buddhist and nine non-Taoist sects in the western city, yet he left without returning home, departing the capital directly.”

Chen Yunfan pondered, “Xiao Jinghong must be heading to Ji Mi city.”

“Qingying shared the same thought.”

“This time, the loss of the three counties’ grain isn’t severe. Elder Lord in the capital can manage. Plus, the perpetrators have all been cleared…”

Before she finished, Chen Yunfan shook his head, “That’s only part one. Part two—and the most crucial.”

“With Xiao Jinghong absent from the capital, certain people can rest easy.”

Qingying caught on, “You mean, the Xiao family deliberately sent Xiao Jinghong to Ji Mi to guard against a potential upheaval?”

“Exactly. If internal strife strikes the Xiao family, Xiao Jinghong could muster the three counties’ troops. At that point…”

He paused, glancing at the rain outside, admiring, “Truly, who’s pulling strings behind the Xiao family?”

“Perhaps this time, the Xiao family averted disaster through his efforts.”

Qingying’s eyes flickered: “Recently, Sun Changming has been staying with the Xiao family. Could it be him?”

“You, in your white robes, wouldn’t know the Xiao family’s old foxes?”

“Young master, jest not. My white robes are but newly arrived.”

“Then go inquire. The Xiao family, though internally troubled, still manages to turn misfortune into fortune—they must have a sage advising them.”

Qingying nodded, “I’ll write to them at once.”

Yet Chen Yunfan fixed his gaze on her, “I want you to leave the capital.”

“…Young master, if my service displeases you, speak plainly.”

“Even the reason Xiao Jinghong stays outside eludes you, and yet you claim to be in white robes?”

“You don’t suppose Xiao Jinghong stayed outside merely to avoid my younger brother?”

Qingying opened her mouth, then paused, “I—I—”

Seeing her flustered, Chen Yunfan laughed heartily, “You’ve been duped!”

“Do you think I’d believe something I just said?”

Qingying, slightly vexed, couldn’t fathom which part he meant.

In her mind, Xiao Jinghong’s presence in Ji Mi indeed could stand as a bulwark against chaos, balancing the capital’s forces.

Military texts often speak of such a stance—“the strategy of mutual support.”

“Young master, you know something, then?”

Chen Yunfan let out a sudden laugh, muttered something unamusing, and rolled onto his side to lie down: "Hurry along, this little lord needs his rest."

"You…"

"What, you're going to give me a warm bed?"

"No, not that…"

Chun Ying fled in embarrassment.

Upon hearing the sound of the door closing, Chen Yunfan opened his eyes and stared at the corner of the bed, muttering to himself.

It was clear that despite the Xiao family suffering an attack on their backs, they had still managed to disrupt the Hidden Guard's plans and somehow regained their composure.

Now those who were waiting for the Xiao family to fall would have to suffer.

Thinking of this, Chen Yunfan let out two soft sighs and closed his eyes again.

But soon, he suddenly opened his eyes wide, "Damn it, it's ruined."

"If the Xiao family's situation keeps improving, then all those words I once warned Younger Yi about would be… would be nothing but empty words!"

"After that, I won't be mocked to death by him?"

Chen Yunfan muttered something indignantly, and resolved to find an opportunity to make amends.

"Mid-Autumn Festival?"

"This little lord is all alone in Shu Zhou, so Younger Yi must be moved…"

…

Meanwhile, in a residence near the Imperial Commissioner's office.

Liu Yu paced around the hall, occasionally lifting his head to glance at the night outside.

His expression was hard to mask the urgency.

On the nearby High Minister's chair sat a middle-aged man in black robes, holding a blue-and-white porcelain teacup to his lips.

"Shi, shi." The sound of the tea being sipped.

Perhaps the sound of him drinking tea had disturbed Liu Yu, who stopped in his tracks, frowning:

"Imperial Commissioner Liu Hong, you truly don't worry about Liu Wenxie's safety?"

The middle-aged man in black—Left Imperial Commissioner Liu Hong of Shu Zhou—set down his teacup and smiled.

"Younger brother, Wen'er is grown now; it's normal for him to be out late occasionally. What's there to worry about?"

"Under normal circumstances I wouldn't worry, but look at the current situation!"

"The armies at Ding Yuan, San Zhai, and Bi Town were attacked at night, the summer supplies in Tie Bi were burned. In this critical moment, Wen'er has gone missing—he…"

When Liu Yu paused, Liu Hong's square face showed a hint of seriousness as he asked.

"Are you worried this matter is connected to Wen'er?"

"Or do you know something?"

Liu Yu glanced at him, remained silent for a moment, then sighed: "Yesterday, Wen'er took out a silver ticket worth thirty gold pieces from the accounts."

Liu Hong furrowed his brow slightly and asked: "Younger brother, why didn't you mention this earlier?"

Liu Yu wanted to speak but stopped: "I... I thought Wen'er took the money to expand the Xinlin Tea House in Shu Zhou?"

"But I've already asked Zhao Shu, and Wen'er hasn't been seen all day, and several well-located shops haven't seen him either."

"Younger brother, do you think Wen'er might have... might have fallen into the Xiao family's hands?"

Liu Hong pondered for a moment and said quietly: "If so, we'll just have to wait for Old Lord Hou to come and question us."

"This…"

Before Liu Yu could speak, footsteps were heard outside the door.

Then Liu Zhao Shu rushed in, and after greeting the two, said: "Uncle Liu, Third Uncle Liu, the Xiao family just delivered a letter of submission."

Liu Yu and Liu Hong exchanged a glance, thinking, "Whatever it is, it's probably bad."

Liu Yu thought to step forward to take the letter, and upon opening it, his face changed drastically.

He quickly handed the letter to Liu Hong and said: "Old Lord Hou will personally come tomorrow morning to request an audience with the two of us."

Liu Hong glanced at it and placed the letter on the table without further words.

Liu Yu, seeing this, hurriedly said: "It's come to this, why not just say it?"

Liu Zhao Shu looked at both of them, realizing something had happened, and her face showed a hint of seriousness.

Could it be related to Younger brother?

Liu Hong ignored their gazes, tapping the armrest and lowering his head as he spoke.

"It's too late now; there's no use being hasty. Let's think of how to handle it."

Compared to Liu Yu and Liu Zhao Shu, he had spent many years cultivating in Shu Zhou and understood the Xiao family and Old Lord Hou well.

He knew well that Old Lord Hou was holding his breath, and had a knife in his hand, waiting for someone shortsighted to strike the blade.

Therefore, when Liu Jing's death occurred, even though he knew the culprit wasn't the guard from the Wanshang Pharmacy, he took the chance to ride off the slope, avoiding getting caught in the middle.

But this time is different.

Liu Hong thought of this, his face showing both calm and authority, taking a deep breath.

"Younger brother, you should immediately set out for Jingzhou and leave Zhao Shu here."

Liu Yu was surprised: "Why... why?"

Liu Hong looked at him: "Younger brother, you know Wen's character better than I do, so you should understand he could do something as foolish as burning the supplies of three towns."

"Besides, if Old Lord Hou comes personally, don't you see his intention?"

Liu Zhao Shu looked at the hesitant Liu Hong and whispered: "Uncle Liu, this time Old Lord Hou delivered a letter of submission…"

"Submission letter!"

Liu Yu reacted: "He... he's here to seek justice?"

Liu Hong nodded: "It must be so. Unless he has concrete evidence, Xiao Laoye wouldn't come personally. Besides, he delivered the submission letter in advance."

"Have you ever seen a lord so courteous?"

Liu Yu sat down beside him, his expression fluctuating, and whispered: "First courtesy, then war…"

"So you want me to return to Jingzhou to gather troops?"

Liu Hong glared at him: "I just want you to avoid it, so you don't anger Old Lord Hou and give him an opportunity to use you as a military advantage!"

Liu Yu opened his mouth, realizing: "Then... no, what about Wen'er? The eldest brother will definitely ask."

"You go back first. After I meet with Old Lord Hou, I'll write to the eldest brother to explain."

Liu Hong finished, sighed softly: "I just hope Wen'er is safe. Otherwise…"

Otherwise, the eldest of their family won't let it go easily.

Liu Zhao Shu also understood this, her beautiful eyes glancing at Liu Hong, then shifting to Liu Yu.

"Well then, I suppose I'll just head out of town and return to Jingzhou..."

Not long after.

Liu Zhaoxue returned alone to her residence on Kangning Street, standing at the window watching the rain fall outside, her brow deeply furrowed.

"Has he really fallen into the Xiao family's hands?"

A voice, dark and sibilant from her side, replied: "Perhaps he's already dead."

Liu Zhaoxue turned her head slightly, her tone calm as she said, "If he truly is dead, it would only bring worse misfortune."

Xiao Fushasha stepped out of the shadows, approaching her. "Why's that?"

"Because if he died under suspicious circumstances, his family would have many questions. In time, it would only draw more people into the net. Even I, I couldn't escape the consequences."

"So... does that mean I should hide myself for a while?"

Liu Zhaoxue gave a slight nod. "Wait a moment, perhaps the second brother has merely gone into hiding."

But it was unlikely.

Earlier, Liu Wen had left in a hurry, clearly plotting something.

And he had also withdrawn three hundred and ten silver dollars from the ledger.

After a moment of contemplation, Liu Zhaoxue turned to ask, "How's the investigation into that matter progressing?"

Xiao Fushasha glanced at her, then smiled and asked in return, "Are you certain there's a problem with him, Miss Zhaoxue?"

"I've looked into his actions since arriving in Shu, and he's merely a scholar named Meng Liang, no more than that."

"Even if he composed some fine calligraphy and was honored by the Cloud Court Academy, there's nothing particularly remarkable about him."

Upon hearing this, Liu Zhaoxue's mind drifted back to the scene with Chen Yi earlier that day.

She could not have been mistaken—Chen Yi was certainly no ordinary man.

"For now, you just keep a close watch on him. If you discover anything, report it to me immediately."

"Very well, I'll go take another look."

"But this time, Miss Zhaoxue, you must not interfere if I take action to test him."

"Do as you see fit..."

---

The next morning.

Daylight broke.

Chen Yi rose and dressed, only to learn from Xiao Fei that the time had already passed the hour of the rooster.

"How late it is..."

He had gone to bed early the previous night, after learning that Xiao Jinghong had departed from Shu.

After all, he had been busy and exhausted in recent days, and now, with the chance to relax, it was no surprise he'd fallen into a deep sleep.

Xiao Fei helped him straighten his collar, smiling as she said, "Master, I thought you slept too deeply, so I didn't wake you."

Chen Yi nodded, glanced out at the gray sky, and asked, "What news from the capital today?"

Xiao Fei knew what he was asking, and as if prepared, chattered on:

"Master, you surely couldn't guess what happened."

"Early this morning, the Patriarch set out with his men, claiming he was going to meet Governor Liu at the Administrative Affairs Office."

Chen Yi slightly inclined his head, thinking, "That's not particularly surprising."

With Xiao Jinghong dead, the clear skies over the Moon Palace and the West City had been cleared, and the "mastermind" behind the burning of three cities—aside from those unknown to the Xiao family—was only the Liu family of Jingzhou.

At this point, the Patriarch going to confront the Liu family was not unexpected.

Then Xiao Fei continued: "Moreover, you know—when the Patriarch left, he wore that armor."

Chen Yi paused. "What armor?"

"The armor he wore during his southern campaign against the Sui Kingdom, driving out the barbarians. Alas, Xiao Fei arrived too late to see the Patriarch in his full armor."

Hmph.

Chen Yi chuckled inwardly. The old Patriarch had clearly been holding back for a long time.

Once Liu Hong was confronted, it would be a show of force like this. He must have intended to make a bold statement.

It was likely that the second-ranked official, Liu Hong, upon seeing such a display, would lose a third of his confidence.

Fortunately, this time the Xiao family had the right on their side, and they also possessed Liu Wen's corpse, thirty thousand silver dollars, and a letter signed and sealed by Xiao Zhongchen. This should be enough to make the Liu family bow.

As Chen Yi was about to speak, he noticed two lines of text appear before him:

[Opportunity +4.]

[Evaluation: The Marquis of Quanshi, Xiao Yuan, confronted Governor Liu of Shu at his residence, forcing Liu to apologize, and petitioned the Emperor to make a ruling. Though the opportunity arose naturally, the man is one who is naturally lazy and indolent.]

Chen Yi's eyes narrowed. "..."

He had slept too late last night, missing what would have been an exciting event.

Though, upon reflection, even if he had seen this intelligence in advance, he might not have been able to accompany the Patriarch to the Administrative Affairs Office.

"Never mind. This matter is settled, and the outcome is good enough."

Though one "patron" still remained to be dealt with, the three cities had suffered little loss of summer grain, and the Xiao family's situation had been alleviated, at least temporarily.

Chen Yi thought this, and went to the study, instructing Xiao Fei to summon a carriage as he gathered up the calligraphy scrolls.

"Also, when you return, ask the Mistress if any elders need to prepare offerings for the festival."

Xiao Fei nodded and left.

Chen Yi finished packing the scrolls, and thought, "We should also send gifts to the Cloud Court Academy—Mr. Yue Ming, Mr. Zhuo Ying, and others."

He then took up pen and paper, making a list of items to purchase for Xiao Jinghong's festival offerings, intending to buy them all at once.

Not long after, Xiao Fei returned, and Xiao Wanyue also arrived, holding a blue-bound volume.

Chen Yi glanced at her, noting her calm demeanor—she seemed unaffected by Xiao Zhongchen's death the previous day.

"Why are you here so early, sister?"

Xiao Wanyue smiled gently. "I heard my husband was going to purchase festival gifts?"

Chen Yi smiled. "My wife asked me before leaving to prepare them properly."

Xiao Wanyue's smile faltered slightly, then nodded. "I need to prepare some as well. Let's do it together."

Chen Yi couldn't refuse, lifting the stack of scrolls and following her.

After instructing Xiao Fei to keep watch over Xiao Wuge, Xiao Wanyue and Chen Yi mounted their carriage.

The driver was still Xie Stopyun and Shen Huatang, the master and disciple siblings.

When the carriage had departed from the Xiao mansion, Xiao Wanyan finally spoke: "Brother-in-law, have you heard about the events at the mansion yesterday?"

Chen Yi nodded, "Heard it. A pity."

His tone was too casual, so Xiao Wanyan inquired, "What exactly do you mean by 'a pity'?"

"A pity... a pity that Uncle Xiao Dongren died as he should."

Xiao Wanyan paused, then glared at him with a sharp look.

"After all, he was an elder. It’s not proper to speak so."

Chen Yi merely nodded, then turned the question: "What do you think, Lady Xiao, about the incident yesterday? How does the eldest lady view it?"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Wanyan’s face tinged with unease, "I... I can only do what I can to soothe Second Uncle’s family."

"His family?"

"Yes. Yesterday, Grandfather ordered them to leave Shuzhou, and—he even said he would erase Uncle Xiao Dongren from the family records. Second Uncle fell ill."

Chen Yi’s first thought upon hearing this was that he deserved it. But glancing at Xiao Wanyan’s expression, he straightened his voice:

"Life and death are in Heaven’s hands. Surely Uncle Xiao Dongren, now in the afterlife, would understand Grandfather’s actions."

Xiao Wanyan nodded gently, "It’s a matter of military affairs. Grandfather and Jinghong made the decisive choice. Besides, he had done such a wicked thing."

"I merely feel a bit melancholy. When Father was still alive, Second Uncle and Uncle Xiao Dongren had been quite harmonious. The family was at peace."

"Didn’t expect... it turned out this way."

As she recounted their past, Chen Yi found himself understanding her sorrow.

Regardless of right or wrong, regardless of betrayal or not—simply in terms of blood ties, Xiao Dongren and the second wife both carried the Xiao family’s lineage.

That they had fallen into this situation today, Xiao Wanyan could not help but feel a touch of sadness.

As for Chen Yi...

He had himself brought about this very outcome, so naturally, he felt nothing.

Moreover, had he known there was another benefactor involved, perhaps this game of chess could have been played even more boldly.

Just as he was about to offer a few consoling words, Chen Yi suddenly heard a low, gravelly voice from outside the carriage:

"Shuzhou, still the same as always."

"I remember the last time I came here—still the wedding of General Jinghong."

(End of Chapter)