You Promised to Be an Idle Son-in-Law, How Could You Become a Land Immortal? : Chapter 208: The Lightness of the Boat Is the Lightness of the Heart (Seeking Monthly Tickets)

Chapter 208: The Lightness of the Boat and the Lightness of the Heart (Seeking Monthly Votes)

Chen Yi was naturally well aware of how many people held him in their thoughts.

He could count them easily on his fingers.

There was Chen Yunfan, Cui Qingwu, and Fang Hongxiu, the hundred-household officer of the Judicial Department, all of whom he had drugged and rendered unconscious.

There were the hidden guards of the Xiao family whom he had rescued, and even the old master of the Xiao family and Xiao Jinghong were looking for him.

There were also Lou Yuxue and the others from the Hidden Guard Mansion.

Fortunately, his identity had not yet been exposed, so for the short term, he need not worry about being targeted by them.

Thus, during the afternoon, he was able to cultivate his Four Elephants Skill in peace.

By now, he was not far from the upper segment of the sixth rank, estimating that he would break through in another day or two.

It should be just in time before the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Having assessed his own progress in cultivation, Chen Yi summoned the screen of light to take a look.

Passing over paths such as chess, calligraphy, medicine, and martial arts along with their corresponding technique realms, his gaze fell upon the very end:

[Chance: 488]

"488... The higher the domain of the path, the more chance points are required."

"Aside from the saber path, which is still at the minor accomplishment stage, and the calligraphy path, which has already broken through to the realm of perfection, all other paths are at the grand accomplishment stage."

"And wanting to elevate a single path to perfection requires a thousand chance points."

Chen Yi shook his head inwardly; relying solely on chance to advance, how long would it take him to raise all paths to perfection?

The fastest method remained sudden enlightenment, just like with the calligraphy path.

Yet sudden enlightenment required a catalyst, a rare encounter that could be sought but not forced, and it was not something he could control.

"I must still cultivate more to find an opportunity."

Chen Yi looked at the falling rain beneath the dusky sky outside the window and sighed softly.

Although Xiao Jinghong was not in the prefectural city at present, Xie Tingyun was still within the Jiaxing Gardens.

The commotion from his practicing of fist techniques, spear techniques, and saber techniques was far too great, making it utterly impossible to conceal from that eldest senior sister of the Tianshan Sect.

"It seems tomorrow I must have Wang Ji find another secluded residence specifically for practicing the martial path."

With these thoughts in mind, Chen Yi elevated his saber path to the grand accomplishment stage.

The profound and majestic nature of the saber path, like a surging river, instantly flooded into his mind, gradually settling down.

After a brief comprehension, a faint smile appeared on Chen Yi's face.

"If I can thoroughly integrate these profundities before the contest with Liu Lang, I shall test my blade on him then."

"I believe his expression at that moment will be quite magnificent."

Chen Yi smiled and then shook his head, putting this somewhat wicked thought behind him.

He well knew where the "madness" of the "Saber Madman" originated.

If Liu Lang were to find out that he too had reached grand accomplishment in the saber path, he would likely pester him every single day for a contest.

Just then, a flurry of footsteps echoed from downstairs.

Xiaodie knocked on the door and said, "Young Master, the Eldest Mistress requests your presence at Jiaxing Gardens for dinner."

Chen Yi replied, "I'll be right there," changed into a pair of lightweight long robes, and headed straight for Jiaxing Gardens with Xiao Wuge and Xiaodie.

During the meal.

Xiao Wan'er brought out the booklet she had supplemented that afternoon to ask for Chen Yi's opinion.

Chen Yi flipped through it, offering mostly praise.

"As it stands now, the regulations for the Medical Path Academy are already very comprehensive; the remainder can be adjusted once the relevant physicians are in place."

Xiao Wan'er wore a smile, carefully putting away the booklet before saying, "In a moment, I shall go discuss it with Grandfather to see if he agrees."

"The Old Master is open-minded and magnanimous; he surely will not refuse."

"I hope so. I am only afraid my preparations are insufficient and that Grandfather will catch me off guard with his questions. Actually..."

Chen Yi caught her meaning, thought for a moment, and shook his head, saying, "The regulations of the Medical Path Academy were compiled into this booklet by Eldest Sister alone from beginning to end."

"Even if the Old Master inquires about certain details, you need only answer truthfully. What is reasonable can be added to the regulations, and what is unreasonable..."

He paused, looking at Xiao Wan'er encouragingly, "I believe you will find a way to persuade the Old Master."

Meeting his gaze, Xiao Wan'er said hesitantly, "I shall try."

Chen Yi nodded and said with a smile, "While that academy has not yet taken shape, there is no harm in drawing upon a wide range of opinions."

"To listen to both sides brings enlightenment, after all."

"Furthermore, if a suitable grandmaster of the medical path cannot be found in the future, Eldest Sister can concurrently hold the position of principal first to get the academy running."

Xiao Wan'er, who already lacked confidence, shook her head repeatedly upon hearing this: "No, that will not do..."

With a flushed face, she said, "My knowledge of medicine is superficial at best; how could I serve as principal and mislead the students?"

Chen Yi's tone grew a bit more serious as he said, "Having a grandmaster of the medical path serve as principal is mainly to better recruit students who aspire to the medical path."

"The teaching-related matters are mostly carried out by the instructors."

"Just like Mr. Yue Ming of Guiyun Academy; his scholarship is passable, but he is proficient in neither the zither, chess, calligraphy, nor painting, and he understands even less about teaching students according to their natural talents."

"Even he can be a principal, so why not Eldest Sister?"

Seeing him speak of Mr. Yue Ming in such a manner, Xiao Wan'er could not help but let out a brief laugh. Sensing it was inappropriate, she hastily suppressed her amusement and said:

"Mr. Yue Ming is still a man of learning, otherwise how could those scholars vie to take him as their master?"

"His learning is merely so-so... Forget it, let us not speak of him. In any case, could Eldest Sister keep my suggestion as an alternative?"

"In the event that there truly is no grandmaster of the medical path to preside over the academy, it would not do to leave the principal's seat vacant."

After much persuasion, Xiao Wan'er nodded gently, "That is a matter for later; I shall first ask Grandfather for his opinion."

Having said that, she seemed to think of something and looked toward Chen Yi, saying:

"If this succeeds, I am afraid I will not be able to look after the medicine shops hereafter."

Chen Yi raised an eyebrow slightly, understanding that she was referring to the expansion of Baicao Tang.

"A few medicine shops holding down the prefectural city here, with those tea beverages available, should ensure a steady income regardless of drought or flood."

"As for the expansion of Baicao Tang, it should not require the estate's assistance in the early stages; that Proprietor Chen can manage."

"Only when encountering troubles that cannot be resolved will the estate need to step forward, and at that time Eldest Sister can make arrangements at your discretion."

Pausing, Chen Yi continued, "If Eldest Sister is uneasy, you could also have someone follow Baicao Tang. I see that the previous shop managers are all rather quick-witted people."

Xiao Wan'er pondered briefly and nodded, saying, "Brother-in-law is still the thoughtful one, it is just..."

She glanced at Chen Yi and did not continue, turning instead to urge the others, "Let us eat first, we can discuss this further afterward."

She had originally intended to suggest that Chen Yi go and coordinate with Baicao Tang, but on second thought, she feared that Chen Yi might find it troublesome.

Adding to that, the business at the Medicine Hall wasn't grand nor trivial, and the expenditure of silver up and down the Xiao family's ranks would have to be confirmed by the old patriarch first.

It was a fortunate thing Chen Yi didn't know her thoughts, otherwise this meal would have turned sour.

After all, he was Chen Yu, and Chen Yu was him.

Letting him play the part of "Chen Yu" was like having his left and right hands at odds—one man playing two roles.

Just thinking about it made him weary.

When Xie Stop Cloud saw the two fall silent, he finally cast a sideways glance at Chen Yi.

My lord, how about that matter?

Chen Yi gave her an affirmative nod, though he said nothing—within the short term, all the disciples of the Mount Heaven Sect would undoubtedly become a great help in expanding the Bai Caotang.

Xie Stop Cloud immediately lit up with a smile, and after pulling two mouthfuls of food into his mouth, he stood up and bowed:

"Madam, I... I have something I'd like to ask of you."

Xiao Wanyan smiled and nodded: "Stop Cloud need not be formal—speak plainly."

And then, under the surprised gaze of Shen Huatan, Xie Stop Cloud spoke earnestly:

"Master Gong, the late Grandmaster Jia of the Palace of Illusions has already perished beyond Wolf Town. I wish to return to the Mount Heaven Sect first."

"First, to deliver a gift for the Mid-Autumn Festival to my masters. Second, I'd like to bring some people down to the mountains for practice—they recently received a letter explaining their need for further training."

"After the Mid-Autumn Festival, I shall return to Shu Zhou to await deployment."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Wanyan did not refuse, and asked: "Is the gift sufficient? Do you need us to add anything from the mansion?"

"It's enough, enough. Earlier, I bought many things with Pei Xiaotou, and on the way back, I'll purchase some wine, rouge, and other items to send to the masters and mistresses."

Xiao Wanyan nodded, saying nothing further.

Chen Yi watched Xie Stop Cloud eating with a pleased expression, and couldn't help but wonder what he was thinking.

He had originally planned to have Wang Ji find a suitable place for him to practice martial arts, lest Xie Stop Cloud discover his scheme.

Now, though.

Xie Stop Cloud returning to charm... well, going to visit fellow disciples of the Mount Heaven Sect would indeed give him some peace of mind.

At that moment, Shen Huatan, unable to bear it any longer, gently tapped Xie Stop Cloud's arm and asked:

"Brother Si, I didn't know any of the sect's members were planning to descend to the mountains for practice."

"Their names are Xiaoxiu and others—they specifically wrote to me, coughing and spluttering... saying their understanding was shallow and they needed further training."

Xie Stop Cloud waved his hand dismissively: "Tomorrow I'll set out for the Mount Heaven Sect. Sister Si, you'd better take good care of Mistress."

"You don't need to say that."

Shen Huatan replied, though her eyes remained fixed on that brother of hers.

Something about this person felt off.

Thinking back to Xie Stop Cloud and Chen Yi's lingering glances, Shen Huatan felt a pang of suspicion.

Brother Si... and Second Uncle Xiao...

One unreliable, the other even more so—putting them together...

She hoped she was mistaken.

After dinner.

Chen Yi returned to the Spring Lotus Garden to continue practicing the Four Symbols Method.

Xiao Wanyan took the scroll containing the regulations of the Medical Academy to the Pure Mansion.

She explained her purpose.

The old patriarch gave a moment's thought, then nodded: "Not a bad thing for the benefit of the country and its people."

Xiao Wanyan beamed with joy: "Grandfather, you've agreed?"

"It's rare to see you think things through so thoroughly—go ahead then."

"Granddaughter, you do your utmost."

The old patriarch waved his hand, a faint smile touching his weathered face, and reminded her:

"Mind your health, don't overexert yourself."

Xiao Wanyan nodded, smiling: "I'll remember that."

"Thanks to Master Ma's medicine, my health has improved greatly."

"The Ma physician?"

"Yes, him."

"Also, it's all thanks to the Bai Caotang's Chen Boss—if it weren't for his support, those skilled physicians like Master Ma would never have come to our Medicine Hall."

Speaking of which, Xiao Wanyan recalled something:

"They say Chen Yu Boss is a master of the medical arts."

"Surely that Ma physician must have learned from Chen Boss, sharing the same roots—hence his remarkable skill."

The old patriarch's expression shifted slightly: "A master of the medical arts?"

Xiao Wanyan hesitated, then asked: "Grandfather, are you worried about Chen Boss's identity?"

The old patriarch shook his head: "His identity is fine, but..."

"But he does tend to avoid showing his face, hmm."

Xiao Wanyan didn't doubt it, smiling and nodding: "Indeed, Chen Boss rarely appears publicly."

"Originally, I wanted to ask Chen Boss to temporarily serve as head of the Medical Academy, but my brother-in-law said Chen Boss, upon descending, had set a grand ambition to travel the realm and cure all illnesses."

"So he spends most of his time treating people outside."

The old patriarch's pupils flickered slightly: "I see."

"Perhaps I should pay him a visit someday."

"If you wish, I can ask Chen Boss whether he's still in Shu Zhou."

"Not urgent..."

After some idle chatter, Xiao Wanyan noticed the time was getting late, so she prepared to leave.

The old patriarch rose to see her off, reminding her to rest well, and added:

"Now, our family doesn't lack silver for the time being. Once you've chosen a location for the Medical Academy, Grandfather will provide the funds."

From Xiao Dongchen, they had received thirty thousand taels of silver, minus the five thousand taels that Xiao Jinghong had taken away, the old patriarch still had twenty-five thousand taels left.

He set aside some for constructing the Medical Academy, and didn't mind parting with it.

Xiao Wanyan slightly moistened her lips, bowed, and said: "Granddaughter thanks Grandfather for his support."

"You're welcome."

"These years, I've owed you—both in public and private matters—Grandfather should support me."

"After all, such a matter that could secure our Xiao family a place in the annals of history—how could it be left to you alone?"

"Therefore, regarding the Medical Arts Academy's affairs, you may proceed as you see fit, and go even further."

Xiao Wan'er felt a warmth in her heart upon hearing this. "Granddaughter, remember this counsel." The old patriarch laughed heartily, offering her a few words of encouragement, then watched her depart with a satisfied smile.

Once the surroundings fell quiet.

The old patriarch sat in contemplation for a moment, his expression steady. "Could the one who saved you be him?"

Xiao Jing, dressed in black, emerged from the inner chambers. "I cannot say for certain."

"But from his demeanor toward me, toward Hou's household, and his identity as a master of the Medical Arts—everything aligns with the figure from that night."

"Then we must investigate further."

"A master of the Medical Arts has done so much for our Xiao family. I ought to summon him to explain things in person."

Xiao Jing nodded. "I will send someone to keep watch over Bai Caotang. Once there is news, I shall go myself to confirm."

The old patriarch said nothing more, leaned on his cane, and returned to the hall. He inquired, "How is Liu's side faring?"

"Liu Hong has been staying at the Administration Office since meeting you."

"Liu Yang, who left last night, returned to the city this afternoon. He is said to be bringing Liu Wen's remains back to Jingzhou."

Xiao Jing looked up at the old patriarch. "There is also Liu Zhao Xue, who seems unwilling to leave."

"Ah? Since her elder brother has perished, as the eldest daughter of the main household, shouldn't she return to mourn him?"

"I have not yet ascertained the reason."

"But reports from the ground say Liu Zhao Xue has been searching for a suitable location all day, likely intending to continue expanding Xinglin Pavilion in Shu Zhou."

The old patriarch nodded, musing, "Let her be. Keep a close eye on Liu Hong."

"This time, by leveraging Liu Wen's case, I intend to pressure the Liu family into paying a sum of silver far exceeding the losses sustained by burning grain in Tie Bi Town."

"Plus, both Liu Wen and Liu Jing have died in Shu Zhou."

The old patriarch paused, a flicker of grimness crossing his cloudy eyes. A cold snort escaped his lips:

"They will not simply let this pass!"

…

The following day, the skies above Shu Zhou began to clear slightly.

Though still tinged gray, they were less dark now. The rain had dwindled to a mere drizzle.

Fresh air permeated the streets of Shu Zhou.

Travelers no longer gathered to whisper about yesterday's events. Merchants went about their business as usual.

But the city guards, clerks, and the execution bureau grew busier still.

Especially in the western district.

Since Xiao Jinghong had driven away many evil cultivators and demons, the usual clerks, who had dared not come before, now scoured the streets and alleys, hunting down the remnants of malevolent forces.

Conflicts inevitably arose during this time.

Yet under the coordination of the execution officer and the city guards, the remaining three schools and nine folkways could not stir up any real trouble.

In just half a day, dozens of individuals were captured, scattered and haphazard.

The onlookers cheered, and the execution bureau and other offices shone with a sense of order, bustling with lively noise and celebration.

But after a day's reverberation, the commotion gradually settled into calm.

Especially after the details of the three border towns' grain being burned reached the capital, both officials and common folk in Shu Zhou came to understand the full story.

First, some grain in Tie Bi Town had been burned.

However, the exact figure was never publicly disclosed; most merely guessed.

Some said ten million sheng, others twenty million, and some even claimed a hundred million…

The claim that a hundred million sheng of grain had been burned was eventually debunked.

The second piece of news concerned the perpetrators who had burned the grain—all were evil cultivators and demons from Ming Yue Tower.

The involvement of Liu Wen, Xiao Dongchen, and others hidden behind them remained unspoken.

Even the mastermind behind Ming Yue Tower was rumored to be "barbarian forces" orchestrating it from behind.

It seemed they had crafted the most plausible explanation for this spectacle.

The third piece of news concerned Xiao Jinghong—this great general of Shu Zhou had now ascended to the third rank of martial strength.

His sword technique had reached the stage of completeness, capable of sweeping a hundred feet with a single strike, and slaying generals and enemies without difficulty.

This news naturally invigorated those in favor.

"It seems the barbarians must have suffered heavy losses in their retreat five years ago."

"Otherwise, they would not resort to such lowly means to trouble our armies."

"The barbarians have heard of internal strife; the old king is ill, and the crown prince and three princes are contending for the throne. They cannot easily advance north in the near future."

"How dare they plan to burn the three towns' grain under such circumstances?"

"They probably fear our Wei army might take advantage of their internal chaos to march south."

"That makes sense…"

Most of those who paid attention to the situation were scholars, who could piece together some plausible theories from scattered clues.

The news of the barbarian uprising came from the bandits and horse thieves who frequented the borderlands.

The details of the three towns' grain being burned were reported by Xiao's family and the authorities.

Some truths, some fabrications—but they managed to speak with authority.

Yet the scholars scoffed at such meddling.

However, as the dust settled over the burning of the three towns' grain, a story from Guiyun Academy shifted everyone's focus entirely.

"Chen Yi, Xiao's son-in-law, and Chen Qianzhou have both achieved mastery in the literary arts, and have created a new script style called 'Xingshu'!"

"Professor Yue Ming said, 'The term 'Xing' implies flowing clouds and water, with brushwork exquisite, vitality vibrant, and a natural rhythm.'"

"Chen Qianzhou's calligraphy brims with imagery, freely roaming across vast distances."

"Professor Yue Ming also stated that after the Mid-Autumn Festival, Guiyun Academy will display some of Master Chen's calligraphy, including his piece 'Xingshu Mastery' titled 'Moved by the Rain.'"

Some believed it, others doubted.

But in the capital of Shu Zhou, where Professor Yue Ming and Zhuo Ying were established scholars with families, there must be someone who could verify the truth of this tale.

"Is this true?"