Chapter 211: Just a Small Favor, No Need to Thank Me (6K Seeking Monthly Tickets)

Chapter 211: A Favor Done, No Thanks (6K Requesting Monthly Vote)

Ma Guan’s boundaries were still quite flexible.

Although he indeed did not favor things that were expensive but not beautiful.

Yet he could accept anything that required little in the way of silver,

Even if it was not beautiful at all.

And when the word “free” was not tied to the notion of “charity,”

When it did not touch upon his fragile scholar’s pride,

Lou Yuxue in his eyes became as celestial as a legion of divine beings.

So kind, so beautiful… a soul.

It was this very feeling that made Ma Guan, on his first visit to this “Cloud-Bound Noodle Shop,” feel as though he had found home.

“Mrs. Lou, may I have two more bowls of noodles?”

Lou Yuxue smiled and nodded, then instructed a server to bring more.

Ma Guan glanced cautiously at Chen Yi, his face flushing with a hint of embarrassment.

“Sir, forgive me, but last night the students stayed up all night studying, so my appetite this morning was rather… generous.”

“There’s no harm in eating heartily when hungry.”

Chen Yi, after all, knew Ma Guan had little silver, and understood his meaning.

Having no money at home, no money on his person, liking some free things was all too normal.

Yet how few realize that some things, when done without cost, are the most precious of all.

Chen Yi did not press further, lest Ma Guan should blush and scurry off to some crevice to hide.

Instead, he turned toward Lou Yuxue, smiling: “Mrs. Lou, this shop just opened today, and you’ve already gifted noodles for free. Such a wise approach, and the business will surely flourish.”

Lou Yuxue looked into those gentle, water-like eyes and murmured to herself, *How different a scholar’s heart is.*

After all, even though Master Lou had faced countless hardships in his family in Jiangnan, and upon arriving in Shu had been shunned by the Xiao family,

He had, through his own merit, slowly turned his circumstances around,

Until now he was respected by scholars across Shu, and even the Nine Prefectures of Dai Wei.

His heart and mind were strong, truly resolute.

As Lou Yuxue felt this way, he smiled and said, “To be granted Master Qin Che Zhou’s kind words, I hope this little shop can help us eke out a living.”

Chen Yi, upon hearing this, feigned ignorance: “You know me?”

“The common folk overheard your conversation and realized you were the renowned Master Qin Che Zhou of recent fame in Shu.”

“Fame is too much to ask for, mere modest recognition at best.”

“Master Qin Che Zhou, your kindness is overwhelming. If a regular scholar were in your position, he would surely have drifted away by now.”

They chatted idly.

Chen Yi still could not fathom why Lou Yuxue had approached him of her own accord.

Other than flattery, it seemed Lou Yuxue had simply come to pay him a visit.

It was only after half past the second watch that Lou Yuxue, with the aid of two stout women bringing more noodles, climbed the stairs to the second floor.

Chen Yi watched her silhouette and thought, *She must be going to collect the hidden letter from the Brotherhood of Shadows.*

But upon seeing the two stout women standing before the Brotherhood members, he decided against following to read the letter’s contents.

After all, he was a familiar face; there would be other chances to extract intelligence from her later.

Chen Yi then picked up a noodle, inspecting it thoughtfully.

The skin was thin and translucent, the filling plump and generous, far superior in appearance to ordinary noodles.

He took a bite, then glanced at Ma Guan, “The flavor is excellent.”

All the senses were satisfied. Should he comment on the skill of the noodles?

Ma Guan was devouring his bowl with gusto.

Only when his mouth was empty did he manage, “Sir, if you like it, perhaps… perhaps more?”

Chen Yi shook his head, continuing to eat, his eyes sweeping the room.

Strange,

From the time he entered this noodle shop until now, a full minute had passed, yet the shop remained empty save for himself and Ma Guan.

The business was surely in a dire state.

Any other merchant would have begun shouting from the doorway, drawing passersby in to sample their wares.

Yet neither Lou Yuxue nor the several servers seemed to care.

It was clear they cared little for the shop’s livelihood.

Or perhaps, profit was secondary; they treated it merely as a temporary refuge.

Thinking this, Chen Yi’s gaze flickered, and he asked softly, “Have they brought paper and ink?”

Ma Guan hesitated, not understanding, then nodded: “Students have brought them.”

“Then good. Later, you see…”

Chen Yi whispered a few instructions, then bowed his head and finished his noodles, rising to gather his bundles of books and brushes, heading toward the Bai Yun Academy.

Ma Guan respectfully watched him depart.

After finishing two more bowls, he did not rush to leave, but, following Chen Yi’s orders, drew from his bag some ink, paper, and an inkstone.

Under the surprised gazes of the servers, he ground the ink, took up his brush, and, in the Wei Qing style, wrote with humble scholarly skill:

“The Number One Noodles in the World.”

Below in smaller characters: “Recommended by Master Qin Che Zhou and Ma He Ming of the Bai Yun Academy.”

As he wrote, faint golden light shimmered across the paper.

A fragrant aura soon emanated, attracting passersby outside.

Especially the students of Bai Yun Academy,

Who had naturally noticed the scholarly imagery Ma Guan had inscribed,

Curious about the new shop, they had already begun to gather.

Even those who had no intention of entering the noodle shop before,

Now stepped inside, drawn by the calligraphy.

“Brother Ma, is this yours?”

Ma Guan lifted the scroll, brushed off the ink, and recounted Master Qin Che Zhou’s instructions:

“The noodles are delicious, the price is low. Business is hard to sustain, so one cannot simply give them away for free.

Thus, Master Qin Che Zhou asked me to leave this inscription, to express our gratitude and our sentiments.”

Everyone understood, their eyes lingering on the scroll, reading it over and over.

Without needing Ma Guan to say more,

They took seats here and there, inviting the servers:

“Bring me a bowl of noodles; let me taste the flavor.”

“And one for me as well.”

"Even Mr. Qian Qingzhou said it was good after having a bite; there must be some unique recipe here. I should give it a try."

"It's only half a period away from the start of today's class; there's no rush..."

A sturdy woman of imposing build, upon seeing the situation, quickly instructed the others to take care of the guests, while she hurried upstairs.

Dong, dang.

In the room, Lou Yuxue was translating the contents of a script into a secret letter when she heard the sound and, slightly annoyed, asked, "What is it?"

"The... casino master, there's been some trouble at the shop."

"What kind of trouble?"

"So many guests have come."

Lou Yuxue frowned upon hearing this, leaned in to listen for a moment, and then roughly understood the situation, and couldn't help but mutter under her breath, "Chen Yi's meddling again."

Just as Chen Yi had speculated, Lou Yuxue had opened this "Cloudy Edge Noodle Shop" merely as a temporary stopover.

Once the affair of the "Summer Grain" in the three cities burned by fire in Shu was settled, and once a new elder arrived at the Moon Palace, she would return to her proper path.

She had never intended to operate this noodle shop normally.

Otherwise, she wouldn't have chosen such a peculiar name for the shop.

But now, due to Chen Yi and Ma Guan's unnecessary fuss, the noodle shop had just opened and attracted the attention of some students from the Sacred Cloud Academy.

The business was starting to pick up, which contradicted Lou Yuxue's plans, leaving her both surprised and displeased.

After thinking it over, Lou Yuxue calmly commanded, "Operate it normally."

The sturdy woman nodded and left.

Lou Yuxue listened for a while longer, noticing more guests arriving, and shook her head with a headache.

"That little bird, she really meddles in too many affairs."

She didn't think about it further and returned to translating the letter's contents.

Not long after, three short lines appeared on the paper:

[Investigate whereabouts of the "Little Bird" on the night of the "Summer Grain" incident in the three cities.]

[Contact the bandit leader Lan Tu Wang in the Peach Blossom Valley and arrange a meeting time; I intend to go myself.]

[Closely monitor the movements of Huan Fu, report every detail.]

Lou Yuxite looked at the paper's contents, her expression slightly changing.

Three tasks, though different in nature, each surprised her in its own way.

The first one was especially strange—seeking the "Little Bird's" whereabouts on the night of the "Summer Grain" incident.

With just this single line, Lou Yuxue deduced the Patriarch and the Golden Banner officer's intentions.

"They suspect the 'Little Bird' did something that night?"

"Impossible!"

"That 'Little Bird' has always kept to herself, never even venturing out of Xiao's family residence. How could she have done anything that night?"

Lou Yuxue realized, however, that this task was actually quite simple.

She only needed to go through the talons of the hawk—through the iron-flag officer hiding in Xiao's family—to determine the "Little Bird's" whereabouts that night.

As for the remaining two tasks—contacting "Lan Tu Wang" and investigating "Huan Fu"—there were traces to follow.

The former, though a bandit, had deep connections with the Peach Blossom Valley royal family. The Golden Banner officer's initiative to meet him must be to plan what came next.

The latter, Huan Fu's arrival in Shu was abrupt, naturally causing the Patriarch and the Golden Banner officer's displeasure.

Lou Yuxue thought this through, silently memorized the tasks in her mind, then burned the paper to ashes.

The tasks weren't complicated, yet they left her with a few questions...

"First, regarding the silver stolen by Liu's family in Jingzhou and 'Liu Wu,' neither the Patriarch nor the Golden Banner officer gave any instructions."

"Second, Xiao's family managed to escape that ambush, Xiao Dongchen died, and the market wasn't affected either... any plans to follow up and disrupt them?"

Lou Yuxue's heart stirred slightly. Could it be that the bandit from Peach Blossom Valley, Lan Tu Wang?

It was possible.

"It seems 'Liang Xing' and the Patriarch have made detailed plans for Shu already."

"Hmm... to avoid detection by Xiao's family, they'll probably wait until after the Mid-Autumn Festival to act."

Lou Yuxue thought of this, steadied her spirit, and gathered her belongings to head downstairs.

Scanning the area, she suddenly stopped in her tracks.

There, in the empty "Cloudy Edge Noodle Shop," the main hall was filled with people.

Students from the Sacred Cloud Academy, scholars and beauties from the street of Kangning, and passersby—all were eating noodles while watching Ma Guan holding a scroll inscribed with "The First Under the Sky."

"I've traveled south and north for years, and I've eaten noodles everywhere, never thought I'd taste such flavor in Shu."

"Indeed."

"'First Under the Sky' is a bit of an exaggeration, but the taste is good."

"The characters are good."

"Though not written by Mr. Qian Qingzhou himself, as his student, Ma and Ming's calligraphy and teachings are quite rare."

"Not a wasted trip..."

Lou Yuxue heard the scattered chatter in the main hall, her eyes flashing with irritation.

"Little Bird, you'd better not have done this on purpose, or I'll definitely let you off the hook!"

...

Chen Yi had obviously done it on purpose.

He couldn't stand seeing Lou Yuxue laboring to earn silver.

So he hatched a plan to make the "Cloudy Edge Noodle Shop" more prosperous.

But perhaps.

He estimated that Lou Yuxue might not catch on.

Chen Yi looked at the [Opportunity+4] that had just passed, and with some malice, smiled.

"Consider it compensation for the loss of not obtaining a higher-level opportunity." Then he handed the merit and reward one by one to Yu Ming and Zuo Ying and others.

After briefly reviewing the progress of the "Exhibition Hall," he headed to the study hall for class.

Having taught several sessions before, Chen Yi was now more adept.

He began from the basics, teaching the changes in characters and the corresponding profound principles of the paths.

It took one period to explain the transformations in writing and the profound mysteries of the corresponding realms.

"Even Mr. Qian Qingzhou said it was good after having a bite; there must be some unique recipe here. I should give it a try."

"It's only half a period away from the start of today's class; there's no rush..."

A sturdy woman of imposing build, upon seeing the situation, quickly instructed the others to take care of the guests, while she hurried upstairs.

Dong, dang.

In the room, Lou Yuxue was translating the contents of a script into a secret letter when she heard the sound and, slightly annoyed, asked, "What is it?"

"The... casino master, there's been some trouble at the shop."

"What kind of trouble?"

"So many guests have come."

Lou Yuxue frowned upon hearing this, leaned in to listen for a moment, and then roughly understood the situation, and couldn't help but mutter under her breath, "Chen Yi's meddling again."

Just as Chen Yi had speculated, Lou Yuxue had opened this "Cloudy Edge Noodle Shop" merely as a temporary stopover.

Once the affair of the "Summer Grain" in the three cities burned by fire in Shu was settled, and once a new elder arrived at the Moon Palace, she would return to her proper path.

She had never intended to operate this noodle shop normally.

Otherwise, she wouldn't have chosen such a peculiar name for the shop.

But now, due to Chen Yi and Ma Guan's unnecessary fuss, the noodle shop had just opened and attracted the attention of some students from the Sacred Cloud Academy.

The business was starting to pick up, which contradicted Lou Yuxue's plans, leaving her both surprised and displeased.

After thinking it over, Lou Yuxue calmly commanded, "Operate it normally."

The sturdy woman nodded and left.

Lou Yuxue listened for a while longer, noticing more guests arriving, and shook her head with a headache.

"That little bird, she really meddles in too many affairs."

She didn't think about it further and returned to translating the letter's contents.

Not long after, three short lines appeared on the paper:

[Investigate whereabouts of the "Little Bird" on the night of the "Summer Grain" incident in the three cities.]

[Contact the bandit leader Lan Tu Wang in the Peach Blossom Valley and arrange a meeting time; I intend to go myself.]

[Closely monitor the movements of Huan Fu, report every detail.]

Lou Yuxite looked at the paper's contents, her expression slightly changing.

Three tasks, though different in nature, each surprised her in its own way.

The first one was especially strange—seeking the "Little Bird's" whereabouts on the night of the "Summer Grain" incident.

With just this single line, Lou Yuxue deduced the Patriarch and the Golden Banner officer's intentions.

"They suspect the 'Little Bird' did something that night?"

"Impossible!"

"That 'Little Bird' has always kept to herself, never even venturing out of Xiao's family residence. How could she have done anything that night?"

Lou Yuxue realized, however, that this task was actually quite simple.

She only needed to go through the talons of the hawk—through the iron-flag officer hiding in Xiao's family—to determine the "Little Bird's" whereabouts that night.

As for the remaining two tasks—contacting "Lan Tu Wang" and investigating "Huan Fu"—there were traces to follow.

The former, though a bandit, had deep connections with the Peach Blossom Valley royal family. The Golden Banner officer's initiative to meet him must be to plan what came next.

The latter, Huan Fu's arrival in Shu was abrupt, naturally causing the Patriarch and the Golden Banner officer's displeasure.

Lou Yuxue thought this through, silently memorized the tasks in her mind, then burned the paper to ashes.

The tasks weren't complicated, yet they left her with a few questions...

"First, regarding the silver stolen by Liu's family in Jingzhou and 'Liu Wu,' neither the Patriarch nor the Golden Banner officer gave any instructions."

"Second, Xiao's family managed to escape that ambush, Xiao Dongchen died, and the market wasn't affected either... any plans to follow up and disrupt them?"

Lou Yuxue's heart stirred slightly. Could it be that the bandit from Peach Blossom Valley, Lan Tu Wang?

It was possible.

"It seems 'Liang Xing' and the Patriarch have made detailed plans for Shu already."

"Hmm... to avoid detection by Xiao's family, they'll probably wait until after the Mid-Autumn Festival to act."

Lou Yuxue thought of this, steadied her spirit, and gathered her belongings to head downstairs.

Scanning the area, she suddenly stopped in her tracks.

There, in the empty "Cloudy Edge Noodle Shop," the main hall was filled with people.

Students from the Sacred Cloud Academy, scholars and beauties from the street of Kangning, and passersby—all were eating noodles while watching Ma Guan holding a scroll inscribed with "The First Under the Sky."

"I've traveled south and north for years, and I've eaten noodles everywhere, never thought I'd taste such flavor in Shu."

"Indeed."

"'First Under the Sky' is a bit of an exaggeration, but the taste is good."

"The characters are good."

"Though not written by Mr. Qian Qingzhou himself, as his student, Ma and Ming's calligraphy and teachings are quite rare."

"Not a wasted trip..."

Lou Yuxue heard the scattered chatter in the main hall, her eyes flashing with irritation.

"Little Bird, you'd better not have done this on purpose, or I'll definitely let you off the hook!"

...

Chen Yi had obviously done it on purpose.

He couldn't stand seeing Lou Yuxue laboring to earn silver.

So he hatched a plan to make the "Cloudy Edge Noodle Shop" more prosperous.

But perhaps.

He estimated that Lou Yuxue might not catch on.

Chen Yi looked at the [Opportunity+4] that had just passed, and with some malice, smiled.

"Consider it compensation for the loss of not obtaining a higher-level opportunity." Then he handed the merit and reward one by one to Yu Ming and Zuo Ying and others.

After briefly reviewing the progress of the "Exhibition Hall," he headed to the study hall for class.

Having taught several sessions before, Chen Yi was now more adept.

He began from the basics, teaching the changes in characters and the corresponding profound principles of the paths.

It took one period to explain the transformations in writing and the profound mysteries of the corresponding realms.

In the second watch, he had already composed two calligraphy pieces, allowing the students to study them and freely explore on the sand table.

The afternoon passed swiftly.

Chen Yi had merely given Ma Guan a few instructions before departing from Xuejia, taking no heed of the students pleading for a glimpse of his completed mastery of the written way.

The exhibition was about to open, and he saw no need to linger.

Moreover, having discussed with Yue Ming earlier about implementing a last-place elimination system for Xuejia in the future, he had no desire for close contact with these students.

Lest he should find it difficult to muster the resolve when the time came to issue his judgments.

Yet as he approached Yue Ming’s courtyard and surveyed the grounds, his mood shifted like that of Lou Yu Xue upon spotting a crowd gathered in the hall.

The modest courtyard was packed wall-to-wall.

There were Han Zhangping and Pei Zha, whom he had met before from Yueyu Academy; a scholar of some repute in Shuzhou’s Confucian circles who had attended the old master’s banquet; and several prominent families from the provinces, unmistakably outsiders by their attire.

They clustered in the courtyard in small groups, all eyes fixed on the main hall, clearly awaiting Yue Ming.

When Chen Yi noticed this, he was about to slip away quietly, when a voice came from beside him:

“The course on the light boat has ended? Come, come—let’s all go find the director together.”

He glanced sideways and saw it was Zhuo Ying, who, with a final, futile struggle, muttered, “The Mid-Autumn Festival is near; I must deliver festive gifts to my wife this afternoon and cannot stay long.”

Zhuo Ying, unmoved, pulled him into the throng.

As they walked, he made way for the gathered guests.

Once inside the hall’s study room, he lowered his voice:

“Light boat, it’s not that I’m forcing you—things have been rather unusual these past few days.”

“You’ve seen those people outside, haven’t you? Strictly speaking, they’ve all come seeking you.”

“You may not sympathize with the director, but consider the academy.”

“These folks are either renowned scholars from various provinces or nobles of standing—let them feel respected.”

Chen Yi thought to himself that these people merely wished to study his art, and if they sought courtesy, it was they who were being courteous to him.

Still, he remained seated in the study room, sipping tea and greeting the guests—Yue Ming, Zhuo Ying, and others—as they arrived.

Yet he spoke little, save for a few perfunctory words: “Long live the meeting,” “Your son’s foundation in literature is solid; with time, he’ll surely succeed,” or “All matters are the director’s to decide.”

He did not let Yue Ming and the others down.

When the afternoon waned and the guests had departed one by one, Chen Yi finally set down his cup and said plainly:

“The daylight is still early; I must return.”

Yue Ming hurriedly waved him off. “Not yet, not yet.”

“There are two matters I’d like your opinion on.”

“Do tell.”

“Did you hear from Recluse Past that you might attend tonight’s poetry gathering?”

“If I could decline, I’d be glad to.”

“Declining won’t be easy.”

“The gathering tonight isn’t just for our academy—Governor Liu of the Affairs Bureau and others will attend as well.”

Chen Yi arched an eyebrow. “Governor Liu? Liu Hong?”

“….”

Yue Ming and Zhuo Ying exchanged glances, both sensing his skepticism.

Yet upon reflection, given the current state of affairs between the Xiao and Liu families, Chen Yi’s attitude was understandable.

“Besides the Affairs Bureau, there are other offices, and various nobles and scholars from Shuzhou and the outer provinces will come too.”

“But we’re merely observers; how the gathering unfolds will depend on the young ones.”

Chen Yi realized they were setting him up as a scapegoat again.

“In truth, it would be simple—just display the piece I wrote, *Moved by Rain*, at the gathering, and it would bring honor to the academy.”

Yue Ming waved dismissively. “Not suitable, not suitable.”

“Your *Moved by Rain* has already spread throughout Shuzhou, and many have seen your perfect style of calligraphy—it can’t be used again.”

Chen Yi considered it and decided to decline for the evening.

Though he had no real objection to going.

After all, he had already promised Chen Yunfan and Li Huaiyu he’d attend the gathering.

Yue Ming and Zhuo Ying ceased pressing further.

They understood Chen Yi’s nature and knew his decisions were firm; once made, no one could sway him.

So they merely reminded him:

“The Mid-Autumn Festival has long been a grand occasion for scholars and writers; if your light boat essays are up to the task, do write them down so we may see.”

Chen Yi gave a noncommittal reply: “What about the second matter?”

Yue Ming paused, then spoke:

“The exhibition is set to open tomorrow. We’ve discussed it and hope you’ll attend to preside.”

Zhuo Ying chimed in: “Your calligraphy and writing have reached the pinnacle, even surpassing the new script—rare to find in the three prefectures of Dashi.”

“Many will come tomorrow.”

“If you attend and meet them, it will only benefit you in the end.”

Chen Yi did not answer at once.

He understood the advantages such a meeting could bring.

To him, it meant gaining recognition among scholars.

On a grander scale, it would cement his reputation as a master of the written way, elevating his name and status.

Knowing him would mean more people would know him; those who sought to oppose him would hesitate to act.

This, too, was one of the few benefits bestowed by fame and fortune.

Chen Yi nodded thoughtfully and agreed: “After the gathering, I’ll arrive early at the academy.”

“Yet I must say, if my wife returns within these two days, I won’t stay long even if I come.”

Yue Ming smiled. “Of course.”

“The time is set for tomorrow at the twelfth hour, ample enough—you needn’t stay past noon.”

A few casual words.

Chen Yi stood to bid his farewell.

As he stepped out of the academy, he instinctively glanced at the sign reading "A Pan-Fried Dumpling Shop by the Clouds' Edge."

Seeing the shop already adorned with the scroll titled "The Number One Pan-Fried Dumpling Shop in the World," penned by Ma Guan, and the steady stream of customers, he couldn't help but smile.

The Tigress and the Jade Snow Lady.

Perhaps you should stay here and tend to your dumpling shop with care.

Heh... No need to thank you.

As Chen Yi thought this, a faint smile touched his lips, and he made his way back to the Xiao family.

Now that the Hawk had departed, the Wolf had taken its own life, and the Phoenix had remained by Chen Yunfan's side, it seemed the best way to learn of the Shadow Guard's next moves was to strike at the Tigress.

"Thankfully, I had spared the Jade Snow Lady's life earlier; otherwise, the Shadow Guard might have slipped into hiding, which would have been troublesome."

Unbeknownst to Chen Yi, once he had walked a distance away, a cart emerged from the curve of the pond nearby.

The horse was a common short-stride mare, the carriage plain and unadorned.

At that moment, a corner of the curtain was lifted, revealing a pair of eyes, slightly bewildered, fixed on Chen Yi's retreating figure.

"His—he hasn't died?!"

"After I personally struck him down and confirmed that the Xiao heir had drowned in the pond, how could he have survived?!"

Upon hearing this, the young cart driver glanced curiously.

"Master, might it be that Xiao Jinghong arrived in time to rescue him?"

"They say that day, Xiao Jinghong herself had personally escorted Chen Yi back to the Xiao family's detention hall, and with her abilities, it was possible to save him."

"Possible, though..."

"Heh, the boy's luck is truly remarkable!"

...

Back at the Xiao residence.

Unluckily, he had been correct in his words.

That afternoon, he was to deliver festive gifts to the various households in his stead, as Xiao Jinghong had confirmed she would not return home before the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Chen Yi carefully read through the letter, his expression growing complex.

Though he had not often met Xiao Jinghong, he recognized her handwriting, knowing this letter was not written by her.

"It seems the mistress feels some remorse and has not penned a reply herself."

Xiao Wanyan also sensed the implication, saying, "The Younger Sister must have had other matters delaying her, so Pillow Moon wrote the reply on her behalf."

Chen Yi nodded, tucking the letter away, smiling: "In recent days, the three towns' grain supplies were burned, so the mistress's wariness was quite understandable."

After a pause, he continued: "Later, I'll go deliver the festive gifts to the various households, after all, we must not neglect our duties."

Xiao Wanyan hesitated, then suggested, "How about I go with my brother-in-law?"

Chen Yi thought it over and did not refuse, bowing slightly: "You're welcome to come, Lady Xiao."

"No trouble at all. I was already planning to visit the prefecture, and it's not far on foot."

"Then let's go, better to leave early and return early..."

Xiao Jinghong's absence from Shu Zhou was not as Chen Yi had anticipated.

Beyond the earlier-mentioned instability of the three towns' grain supplies, their mutual trade with the mountain clans at Wuyan was of utmost importance, leaving no room for negligence.

Additionally, with the Patriarch's plans, Xiao Jinghong could now oversee the military and horses of the three towns from afar, better safeguarding the Xiao family.

Yet Chen Yi, having deduced these things, felt a certain melancholy.

He had presumed that eliminating Xiao Dongren would force the Xiao family's second wife to leave, allowing the Patriarch and Xiao Jinghong to find peace relatively easily.

Now, seeing the situation, he realized how heavy the burden truly was.

The entire afternoon.

Chen Yi and Xiao Wanyan traveled through the streets of Shu Zhou, delivering festive gifts.

Most were for the officials of Shu Zhou's various offices, and some for the longstanding noble families.

The gifts were few, but the sentiment mattered most.

Yet what made him both laugh and cry was that despite sending out half a cartload of festive gifts, when they returned, the cart was still brimming with the reciprocal gifts.

The families and officials received their gifts with no hesitation in returning the favor.

Had it not been for Chen Yi and Xiao Wanyan declining many of the returned items, the cart would have been even more overloaded.

Approaching evening, they had finally completed the gift deliveries and headed back to the manor.

On the way.

Xiao Wanyan looked at the silent Chen Yi and hesitated: "Tomorrow, for the Mid-Autumn Festival, what are your plans?"

Chen Yi glanced at her, then looked out the window: "If there's nothing at the manor, I'll take Xiao Bie to the academy to attend the poetry gathering."

"A poetry gathering, I—I'd like to come too?"

Outside of dysentery, kidney stones had also plagued him.

He had been in pain all day and night.

So the leave request he had submitted yesterday was still pending, to be settled once he recovered.

(Chapter Complete)