Chapter 210: There's a Wonton Shop by the Clouds

Chapter 210: A Mantou Shop by the Clouds

Evening fell.

The grounds of Juexing Garden lay silent and still.

A warm breeze, faintly scented, swept up fallen blossoms and leaves, twirling them until they scattered across the vast courtyard.

Red lanterns, hung beneath the eaves of two wooden buildings to welcome the Mid-Autumn Festival, swayed gently.

Their glow painted the structures in a hazy red hue.

At this hour, nearing the time of Hai (the twenty-third hour of the night),

The croaking of frogs boomed loudly, echoing through the garden.

Yet within a room upstairs, Xiao Wanyan seemed unmoved, her pen still scratching upon some document.

Two oil lamps illuminated the cypress wood desk.

To her left, stacks of ledgers; to her right, a map of the capital of Shu.

She paused in her writing, flipping through a ledger or tracing a location on the map, then jotting notes.

Her characters were small, one after another,

Sentences long and short, yet never fragmented.

She wrote, "The academy requires quiet; the northern part of the city is best,"

"Medical arts demand skill; teaching and examination must proceed together,"

"Silver money cannot be spent lavishly, but should be planned gradually."

Some lines were Chen Yì’s dictations, others his inspirations, her own understanding woven in.

Not long before she filled three pages of cypress and pine paper.

Yet she felt no fatigue; her brow even held a trace of joy.

Lost in it, she reveled in it.

Beside her, Cuier and Juan exchanged a glance, then moved silently from the room.

One went to prepare silver ear soup, the other to fill the bath.

They pitied Xiao Wanyan.

When both had prepared themselves, the sound of evening prayers drifted from outside Juexing Garden—past the second watch.

Cuier knocked on the door, holding the soup. "Master, rest awhile."

Xiao Wanyan lifted her head from beneath the fur trim of her large-sleeved robe, her face still dreamy.

That exquisite countenance bore a hint of drowsy charm.

Clearly still absorbed in matters of the medical academy.

When she saw the bowl of soup, she came to, setting down her brush. "How many watches have passed?"

"Almost the third."

"Oh, it’s this late?"

Juan, carrying Xiao Wanyan’s nightgown, smiled. "Master, you’re too diligent."

"If it weren’t for midnight, you’d still need to deliver festival gifts to the heads of households tomorrow morning. We can’t bear to disturb you."

Xiao Wanyan glanced at the pages of cypress and pine paper, hesitated, then nodded. "Indeed, I should rest. I’ll continue tomorrow night."

These days, her time was full.

From dawn till dusk, little leisure remained; she could only wait until guests departed, then return to her room to think and write.

After all, she had earned the Old Master’s approval, studied under Chen Yì so often—if she failed to apply herself or botched it, she’d surely feel ashamed.

Cuier could not help but complain: "Those people! They want their young master and mistress to pay respects to Second Uncle, yet they come to us instead, saying they’d rather speak with you."

Juan nodded, agreeing. "They see Master’s kindness and wish to test her; they probably figure if they succeed, they’ll gain much."

Xiao Wanyan smiled faintly. "It’s not so complicated. They’re women; going to Brother-in-law is more convenient."

"But they’ve already politely declined, yet they still don’t leave."

"They’re guests, and..."

Xiao Wanyan paused, her gaze drifting to the smiling Spring Lotus Garden.

"And Brother-in-law has visitors today—two outstanding officials from the Office of Border Affairs, with urgent matters."

Cuier and Juan opened their mouths, wanting to say their uncle and second uncle had nothing pressing, spending the afternoon discussing whether there’d be a flower maiden at the Mid-Autumn Poetry Contest.

But seeing Xiao Wanyan’s expression, they swallowed their words.

Xiao Wanyan said nothing further, drinking a few sips of soup, feeling warmth spread through her body.

She bathed and dressed, donning a pink silk nightgown, and lay down on her bed.

Before sleep, she ordered, "After delivering the festival gifts tomorrow, remember to remind me to visit Spring Lotus Garden."

"I have a few questions I still need to ask Brother-in-law."

Cuier and Juan both agreed, and when she closed her eyes, they quickly tidied the desk and left the room quietly.

Outside, Shen Huatang, who had been standing guard beyond the building, heard the commotion, glanced back, and resumed his post.

Still, faint murmurs drifted through the air.

"They were just discussing who’d be the flower maiden at the poetry contest."

"Not Second Uncle—his elder brother, the newly minted top scorer of the current exams, was talking about some odd poem like ‘A small room, listening to spring rain at night.’"

"Exactly, but the Plum Rain Tower was already occupied by Second Lady and her entourage, so they couldn’t go there."

"Those cunning women slipped into the academy for the contest..."

Shen Huatang, hearing this, realized they were talking about Chen Yì, and glanced toward Spring Lotus Garden.

Leaning close, she could only catch the wind’s whisper. She didn’t linger.

If possible, she hoped Second Uncle would focus on seeking flowers and tracing willows, rather than...

Regarding these matters,

Chen Yì remained unaware.

He had quietly retreated into the purple bamboo grove to cultivate his martial arts.

Since Zhang Tingyong returned from Mount Tian to persuade his peers to descend as guardians of Bai Caogong, Chen Yì could finally practice in peace.

Two days—more precisely, two nights.

Though brief, he had mastered the Collapse Mountain Fist and the Hundred Flowers Palm to their pinnacle.

These two styles had already reached their limit long before.

Only the Falling Dragon Spear Art and the Embroidered Spring Blade Art still needed refinement.

Especially the Falling Dragon Spear Art.

The profound mysteries of the great spear way had not yet been fully integrated, and the four new spear techniques emerging at the Heavenly Steps level—he had only reached proficiency, needing more time to master.

That being said.

The Heavenly Grade Falling Dragon Spear Technique was indeed significantly stronger than the Earthly Grade.

Particularly when combined with his mastered intent of the spear, its destructive power was magnified immensely.

The four newly manifested forms of the spear technique required no elaboration; they were inherently devised to merge with the subtle mechanics of Heaven and Earth, possessing a truly terrifying might.

Even the eight techniques he had previously practiced, such as the Dragon Raises Its Head and Illuminating the Green Mountains, had seen no small measure of improvement.

Yet Chen Yi harbored no illusions regarding his own true capabilities.

Though his mastery over the Martial Dao—spanning the physical body, fist, footwork, spear, and blade—had all reached the realm of grand accomplishment, and each technique belonged to the upper tiers of the Earthly Grade with most practiced to a state of thorough proficiency, the deficiency in his cultivation remained glaringly apparent.

Only last night had he barely managed to break through to the upper stage of the Sixth Rank.

All things considered, he could at best hold his own against Liu Lang, perhaps securing a victory by a narrow margin.

Should he find himself in a duel or a struggle of life and death against martial artists above the Fifth Rank, or those of the Fourth or Third Ranks, he would have to resort to a few minor expedients.

Such as the Clear Wind Intoxication or the Immortal's Drunken Sleep.

It was hardly a glorious path, yet it ensured his life remained unthreatened.

"I must elevate at least one path to the realm of perfect consummation before I can possess a modicum of self-preservation."

"An epiphany, an epiphany... either the fist or the spear would suffice."

"The blade or the footwork would not be amiss either."

As midnight drew near and the epiphany Chen Yi so ardently anticipated showed no sign of arriving, he could only bring his evening of cultivation to a close.

After clearing away all traces within the purple bamboo grove, he returned to his chambers, wiped himself clean, changed into a fresh set of clothes, and sat cross-legged upon his bed.

However, he did not begin his practice of the Four Symbols Technique; instead, he emptied his mind, gazing quietly out the window.

He watched the distant starlight glimmering like scattered dust, watched the fallen leaves drifting in dance close by, and watched the golden characters floating before his eyes—

[Daily Intelligence · Profound Grade, Low Rank: At the sixth quarter of the hour of the Rabbit, at the wonton stall on Kangning Street, a hidden guard shall retrieve a secret missive. A minor opportunity may be obtained.]

"Profound Low, is it."

Chen Yi offered a faint curl of his lips; having tasted the finest delicacies of fate, he looked upon this Profound Grade opportunity with a touch of disdain.

Yet as he perused the details of the message thoroughly, he could not help but raise an eyebrow.

"Kangning Street, a wonton stall? How is it I never knew a wonton stall existed on that street?"

"And it serves as a place for a hidden guard to retrieve a secret missive."

Chen Yi had spent a considerable time in Shuzhou, and while he might be unfamiliar with other locales, he remembered every detail of Kangning Street and the West Market, the places he frequented most.

"Could it be the owner of the tailor shop has changed his trade?"

He muttered a few words to himself.

Chen Yi thought no further upon it.

It happened that he was to journey to the Guiyun Academy on the morrow to teach the art of calligraphy, so it would do no harm to pay a visit to that wonton stall.

Thereupon, he closed his eyes and began to cultivate the Four Symbols Technique.

His mind gradually sank into the void.

In the midst of that profound obscurity, a solitary thought drifted faintly across his mind.

"Even an epiphany that brings the physical body to perfect consummation would be welcome; I am truly not one to pick and choose..."

...

Whether he picked or chose mattered little.

Early the following morning, Chen Yi brought his cultivation to a slow conclusion just as he always did.

He rose to stretch his limbs, glanced to his left and right, and smacked his lips, saying, "The wish has fallen through; I can only resort to the second plan."

What plan?

Naturally, it was to slowly accumulate opportunities, and when they reached a thousand, he would select a single path to break through to perfect consummation.

After washing and dressing, he arrived at the living room downstairs.

Chen Yi swept his gaze over the breakfast on the table, uttering a soft exclamation of surprise, "Are we eating mooncakes already today?"

Xiaodie nodded her head, though her eyes remained fixed unblinkingly upon the mooncakes, evidently harboring a craving.

"The kitchen made a few mooncakes especially; this morning they only sent a few pieces to each residence for a taste. Tomorrow evening, after the Eldest Young Lady leads the ladies of the household to set up the incense altar and worship the moon, more will be distributed."

"Not only mooncakes, but there will also be pressed duck, braised duck, and osmanthus wine."

Chen Yi nodded, saying with a smile, "You certainly understand these matters thoroughly."

This season adhered to the ancient rites—men do not worship the moon, women do not sacrifice to the Kitchen God. Thus, the Mid-Autumn moon worship was invariably conducted by the female members of the household setting up incense altars to pray for peace and prosperity.

As the legitimate daughter of the first branch, Xiao Wan'er naturally stepped forward without hesitation.

It seemed the manor would be quite lively tomorrow.

For one, there were many guests delivering festival gifts; for another, there were numerous tedious rituals, and it was estimated they would not be able to venture out to admire the moon and amuse themselves until around the hour of the Monkey.

Xiaodie, however, did not trouble herself with such thoughts; her eyes held nothing but mooncakes.

Seeing this, Chen Yi motioned for Xiao Wuge and Xiaodie to take their seats and eat.

He casually reached for a piece, took a bite, and immediately froze where he sat.

He chewed twice, turned to Xiaodie, who was currently taking small, delicate bites of her mooncake, and inquired, "What filling is this?"

"It is salt and pepper hemp cake filling, Young Master-in-law! Eat quickly, eat quickly, it is so fragrant."

Fragrant?

Chen Yi finished the mooncake in his hand with a face that was almost entirely wooden.

Even though he had witnessed many strange and peculiar fillings in his past life, this was the first time he had tasted a mooncake completely filled with ground Sichuan peppercorn.

The salt and pepper hemp cake filling indeed... made his mouth go numb.

"In truth, I still prefer five-nut filling mooncakes."

Mindful that he still had to investigate the wonton stall on Kangning Street this morning, Chen Yi resolutely refrained from touching a second piece.

After hastily downing a few mouthfuls of porridge, he carried the festival gifts prepared for Master Yue Ming and the others and departed from the Spring Lotus Garden.

With a slight turn of his head, he caught sight of Xiao Wan'er leading Shen Huatang and several others out of the Jiaxing Courtyard, her hands also laden with large and small bundles, a mirror image of himself.

Chen Yi offered a peculiar, formal bow and asked, "Is Big Sister delivering festival gifts so early?"

Xiao Wan'er nodded her head, and seeing the several parcels in his hands, she knew he was bound for the Guiyun Academy today, offering a smiling caution:

"It is inconvenient for Brother-in-law to carry these festival gifts alone. It would be better to have the front courtyard prepare a carriage to convey you shortly."

Chen Yi naturally declined, "The items are few; I shall consider it a manner of physical exercise."

Xiao Wan'er murmured her assent and pressed no further, gesturing for them to speak as they walked.

She had risen at the first quarter of the hour of the Tiger, and by this time, over half an hour had passed during which she had already finished delivering gifts to the several residences in the rear courtyard.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Xiao Wan'er spoke with an expression that carried a slight touch of strangeness, "The second branch is to depart from the manor this very day."

Chen Yìwēi paused, turning his head slightly to look at her, his heart clear that she was somewhat reluctant. After a moment's thought, he said:

"The patriarch and the matriarch's decision must have been the result of careful consideration."

"If the second household and others could be left behind, I think the patriarch would not disregard old affections."

Xiao Dongchun's death inevitably affected the second household as well.

It was not a matter of Xiao Wang and others seizing control of the prison department, having considerable designs on the main household.

Even if the people of the second household and the main household were united, they would still need to take some necessary precautions.

In such circumstances, no matter who held sway in any clan could act with humanity toward women.

Especially when facing the Marquis of Qingyan, Xiao's family, plagued by internal strife and external threats?

Xiao Wanz-er, upon hearing this, nodded lightly, murmuring softly: "I know my grandfather and second sister will not act thoughtlessly."

"So when I learned of this news that morning, I did not go to the Four Brothers' Temple to deliver it."

She clearly understood these matters, yet as the person departed and the tea cooled, her heart was inevitably moved.

Chen Yìwēi comprehended this, then laughed hollowly: "Not going either is fine, lest you be seen as making a joke of the past."

"How could that be?"

"The second brother and his wife—they're all right."

Seeing that she did not wish to think ill of him, Chen Yìwēi said no more, and after a couple of remarks, he inquired about the medical academy.

Xiao Wanz-er immediately suppressed her melancholy, her eyes bright and radiant: "My grandfather has already agreed, and even said he'd give me some silver."

"I calculated, and there's no need for too much upfront."

"As long as the academy is established within the estate's grounds, roughly five thousand taels of silver would suffice to build it."

"A good idea."

"Right? Besides that..."

Xiao Wanz-er had indeed given considerable thought to the medical academy.

Placing the academy within the Xiao family's territory not only saved the cost of purchasing land deeds but also allowed them to enlist local help in constructing the academy.

Compared to finding a place and people within the manor, the expenses could be halved.

Moreover, the method of aligning teachings with examinations, drawing more from the approach of doctors taking apprentices in the pharmacy, was reasonable and fitting.

Chen Yìwēi, upon hearing this, praised: "I now begin to look forward to the day the medical academy is completed."

Xiao Wanz-er's face flushed slightly, lowering her voice: "Most of the regulations were your ideas."

"I merely spoke, but you are different—you are the founder of the first medical academy in Shuzhou and all of Dawa. Perhaps the eldest sister might become its headmistress."

"Ah, you shouldn't say such things..."

"I, I spent some silver, becoming headmistress is not possible."

"Why not? Xiao Wanz-er, headmistress?"

Before he could finish, Chen Yìwēi burst into laughter and ran off, leaving the blushing Xiao Wanz-er glaring after his retreating back.

"My brother-in-law would cause trouble."

"I, how could I become headmistress of the medical academy?"

Nearby, Shen Huatang watched all this, his expression tinged with concern.

"Miss, actually..."

"What?"

"Actually, the second brother is right—your becoming headmistress... is suitable."

"Huatang, why are you also saying that?"

"..."

Shen Huatang tried his best.

He had nearly ground his teeth to powder over the "second" part, yet Xiao Wanz-er remained unmoved.

She didn't know whether her heart at that moment leaned toward "headmistress" or "Chen Yìwēi."

Meanwhile, Chen Yìwēi had no complicated thoughts, and in a good mood, he went to the courtyard.

Scanning the area, he noticed that besides some officials, several men in black robes had gathered. He took a second look.

The prison department?

Chen Yìwēi knew the prison department was now under Xiao Xuanqiu's temporary administration. He hadn't expected Xiao Xuanqiu to bring the prison department's guards alongside the armed officials to protect the estate.

Was this an attempt to make the prison department a hidden pillar?

Chen Yìwēi paid a little attention, lest he be noticed by the prison department when sneaking out later.

After greeting a few familiar officials, he left the manor.

Heading east along the Xi Chu Street, then north onto the Nan Chu Street, he quickly arrived at the Kangning Street.

It was already morning, the street bustling with people and traffic.

As if everyone had found leisure time.

Chen Yìwēi squeezed into the crowd, walking toward the Guanyun Academy while scanning the shopfronts along both sides of the street, searching for the noodle shop.

After walking a long time without finding it, he noticed a plaque near the entrance of the Guanyun Academy reading: "Cloudside Noodle Shop."

Chen Yìwēi examined the sign, then looked at the cold, empty doorway of the shop. A smile touched his lips:

"Cloudside Noodle Shop... interesting."

He couldn't help but wonder which bodyguard had such cleverness to choose such a name, incongruous with current merchant practices.

Was this a shop openly selling at a loss?

Not knowing this, he carried a few packages of festival gifts and entered the shop.

He was about to call for the waiter to serve noodles when he noticed a familiar figure sitting in the corner.

It was none other than his student Ma Guan.

Thinking it over, he approached and sat across from him, smiling: "Héng, is the noodle good?"

Ma Guan blinked, too preoccupied to continue eating, and quickly rose to bow: "Student, I have the honor of meeting Master Lightboat."

Chen Yìwēi waved his hand, signaling him to sit: "This is not the academy—no need for such courtesy."

Ma Guan sat down awkwardly, hesitating over his response:

"Expensive isn't beautiful."

"Oh?"

"Like, like a black shop..."

Chen Yi couldn't help but chuckle when he saw Ma Guan's flushed face, and without asking any more questions, he nodded at the server: "Bring me a bowl of noodles; I want to taste what they're like."

He had no idea whether it was a reputable or disreputable place.

But he did notice that the staff all had distinctive features.

The two servers were plump and round, yet undeniably women.

Behind the counter stood a plain-clothed woman with a yellowish complexion, and she had been staring at him the moment he entered.

At first glance, Chen Yi didn't recognize her.

But upon closer inspection, his smile brightened.

—The mighty white tiger guardian officer, silver flag official Lou YuXue, who was supposed to be hiding in Flower City, had somehow come to Kangning Street and opened a noodle shop.

She'd even gone and made herself look as plain as possible.

Hmph. What kind of logic is this?

Like Wei Shi's frown?

Lou YuXue hadn't caught his thoughts, but after scanning him for a moment, she finally identified his identity.

—The Xiao family's internal nickname "Jiao Niao," the extraneous son-in-law Chen Yi, also known as Chen Qianzhou.

How had he ended up here?

Eating noodles?

Hadn't heard he was starving in the Xiao household.

Lou YuXue mused silently, and when that sturdy woman disappeared into the kitchen, she stepped away from the counter and approached Chen Yi and Ma Guan with a warm greeting:

"Ladies and gentlemen, our shop just opened today—our noodles are free, no charge."

When she spoke, Chen Yi hadn't said much, but he saw Ma Guan finish his noodles with two quick bites and swallow them down, raising the bowl in a hesitant gesture:

"Madam, the noodles are delicious, really good—let me have another bowl."

Chen Yi: "..."

What had he just said?

(The chapter ends.)