Chapter 212: Why Go to a Pleasure Boat and Not Call for Ladies?

Chapter 212 Why Doesn’t the Man Call Her by Her Maid’s Name?

Meeting the hopeful gaze of Xiao Wan’er, Chen Yi found himself unable to utter any refusal.

After all, the poetry gathering at the prestigious Guiyun Academy was already graced by the presence of a young lady from a noble Shu family, so what of one Xiao Wan’er?

“If the elder sister were to attend, the academy would surely bloom like a garden of peonies that night.”

Upon hearing this, Xiao Wan’er’s face lit up with joy, realizing she too could participate in the gathering.

But her joy soon gave way to a touch of uncertainty.

“Though I’m here for the first time at such an event… do I need to prepare anything?”

Chen Yi, sensing her lack of confidence, chuckled and said, “Elder sister, simply dress in your finest attire.”

“Even if you merely sit there and do nothing, your presence alone would outshine any performance by others.”

Xiao Wan’er blushed at his grand words.

“That’s too extravagant, really.”

“Is it not?”

“The evening is your first poetry gathering, Mr. Yue Ming and the others would be overjoyed to hear of it, let alone burden you.”

“Really?”

“Of course.”

Still half in doubt, Xiao Wan’er asked, “Then tell me, what usually happens at these academy gatherings?”

Chen Yi fell silent, then explained the general flow of the Mid-Autumn Poetry Gathering.

Luckily, Li Huiguang and Mr. Yue Ming had given him a rough outline, otherwise he couldn’t have detailed it so thoroughly.

“…It’s mainly about offering rites to the moon, admiring the moon, composing poems and pairing verses.”

“With so many attendees that evening, and so many women present, if elder sister has something to share, Mr. Yue Ming and the others would be pleased to appreciate it.”

Xiao Wan’er instinctively tucked her head back, her features not at all resembling those of a noble lady, but rather like the sweet, lively girl next door.

“I’m not skilled in poetry, so I’d rather not embarrass myself.”

“There’s no need to write anything. My elder brother will bring over Cao Qingwu, and the mistress of Li Huiguang will also be there. If you find yourself bored, you can keep them company.”

“They won’t be composing poetry either?”

“At least the mistress of Li Huiguang won’t be, I think…”

“Cao Qingwu comes from the Cao family of Qinghe. Perhaps she knows a thing or two.”

“Cao family’s young mistress? She’s been in Shuzhou?”

“Elder sister, you don’t know? She’s been here for some time now, staying close to my elder brother.”

“Speaking of which, they’re betrothed.”

“Is that so…”

Upon reflection, Chen Yi realized he’d never mentioned Cao Qingwu’s arrival in Shuzhou to Xiao Wan’er.

There were reasons for this—Cao Qingwu’s role as a guardian of the Linglong Pavilion, and her prolonged stay in Shuzhou without much action.

It was strange, indeed.

Chen Yi had never quite understood why Cao Qingwu had joined the Linglong Pavilion, nor why she had come to Shuzhou alone.

It seemed as though that woman had come for Chen Yunfan.

Was this a case of marrying a chicken with a chicken, or a dog with a dog?

Yet he’d once heard Chen Yunfan express dissatisfaction with their engagement.

“If elder sister has any reservations, bring along Wu Ge and Hua Teng and others, and we’ll have a lively gathering that night.”

Xiao Wan’er relaxed her expression and nodded.

“Wu Ge is here for the first time as well. I’ll need to watch over him.”

But just as she finished speaking, she noticed Chen Yi’s eyes growing sharp and his beautiful face flushing slightly.

He couldn’t bring himself to continue.

Since childhood, due to bodily ailments, she had rarely attended any festivities outside the Xiao family.

Poetry gatherings, the Yuanxiao Festival, the Mid-Autumn Festival, the Spring Festival—she had missed them all, year after year.

If not for her health improving somewhat, she would have stayed in Jia Xing Yard as before, her body still too frail.

Well then.

As Xiao Wan’er thought of these things, she couldn’t help but recall Chen Yi’s teasing, feeling a mix of irritation and amusement.

This man was quite the trickster.

Knowing full well she lacked experience in going out, he still teased her so boldly.

Chen Yi must have guessed at her thoughts, so he stopped teasing her further, pulling aside the curtain to look outside.

As evening approached, the daylight dimmed.

Yet the streets were bustling with activity.

Pedestrians crowded the roads, forming groups and pairs as they flowed into various shops.

Buying flowers and lanterns, purchasing new clothes, buying mooncakes… all preparing for the upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival.

Meanwhile, within the city of Shuzhou, government offices and officials were busier than usual.

Guards patrolled the streets and alleys.

Numerous law enforcement officers from the judicial department roamed the area, vigilant for any mishaps.

Especially on Zhennan Street, where government offices were located, the number of clerks and staff was several times higher than elsewhere.

After observing for a while, Chen Yi was about to close the curtain when his eyes caught a familiar figure—

Standing there, dressed in red, her features no less beautiful than Xiao Wan’er and Xiao Jinghong, was the true daughter of the Liu family, Liu Zhoxue.

She stood on Zhennan Street, not far from the Duke of Distant Thunder’s mansion, examining a shopfront.

Outside, the shop was adorned with colorful lanterns, the lanterns hung outside bearing the characters “Xinglin.”

Under the central eave, a red cloth covered a signboard.

Xinglin Pavilion?

The three characters echoed in Chen Yi’s mind, his gaze immediately settling on Liu Zhoxue.

Liu Wenshi had died, and Liu Zhoxue had come from Jingzhou to inherit the Liu family estate, yet she still found the time to manage Xinglin Pavilion in Shuzhou?

Chen Yi mused on this, feeling a strange sensation in his heart.

It seemed Liu Zhoxue had indeed made up her mind to achieve some distinction in Shuzhou.

Though, upon careful thought, her choice was somewhat understandable.

He had heard that the Liu family in Jingzhou intended to marry her to Xiao Sundo.

Perhaps this was what led her to disregard social conventions and remain in Shuzhou.

As Xiao Wan'er stood nearby, she too caught sight of Liu Zhao Xue’s figure, her smile gradually fading, as if recalling the unpleasant incidents that had recently transpired.

Even though she already knew that Liu Wen had perished and that it was connected to the burning of the summer grain in the three towns, she still remembered everything that had occurred at the Fengchun Building that day.

With Xiao Wan'er’s sharp mind, how could she fail to grasp the intention behind Liu Zhao Xue inviting her and having Liu Wen follow suit?

Now, upon seeing Liu Zhao Xue again, her mood was undoubtedly tinged with complexity.

It was not quite resentment, but rather the irritation one feels upon being deceived.

Especially that day, when Liu Wen had not only spoken insolently to her but also dragged Chen Yi into the matter.

Xiao Wan'er generally felt that she had invited Chen Yi to the Fengchun Building, and though she was displeased, she also felt somewhat at fault.

At that moment, Chen Yi closed the curtain and noticed Xiao Wan'er’s gaze, smiling and saying, “Never thought Liu Zhao Xue would still be staying in Shu Zhou.”

Xiao Wan'er slightly parted her lips, turning her head away and replying, “Two days ago, I heard Auntian saying so.”

“The Liu family in Jingzhou intends to expand the Xinlin Tea House throughout Shu Zhou, and has specially appointed Liu Zhao Xue to remain here temporarily to oversee it.”

Chen Yi’s heart gave a slight stir, “Temporarily?”

Xiao Wan'er hummed in agreement, “They said it was instructed by Lord Liu Hong and some officials of the Affairs Bureau.”

“Perhaps later, the Liu family in Jingzhou will send someone else to replace Liu Zhao Xue and continue expanding the Xinlin Tea House.”

Chen Yi unconsciously furrowed his brows.

He remembered correctly that in the previous meeting between the Old Master and Liu Hong, there had been a clear agreement that the Liu family in Jingzhou would not send anyone to Shu Zhou.

This temporary stay of Liu Zhao Xue in Shu Zhou was merely exploiting a loophole in the agreement.

If another Liu family member were to arrive, it would amount to openly offending the Old Master.

Thinking this through, Chen Yi slightly nodded and asked with a hint of meaning, “This time, the Xinlin Tea House’s expansion must not just target our few medicine shops, but all the medicine shops and pharmacies in Shu Zhou.”

“Does the eldest sister know how those at Bai Caobang intend to respond?”

Xiao Wan'er shook her head, “I have no idea.”

“Lately, due to the expansion of Bai Caobang and the Medical Academy, I haven’t paid much attention to the medicine shop side.”

After a pause, she turned to Chen Yi, “After the Mid-Autumn Festival, perhaps it would be good for Brother-in-law to inquire a bit?”

“Me?”

“Nodding, “Just to understand the Xinlin Tea House’s plans, so we can prepare in advance.”

Upon hearing this, Chen Yi thought for a moment and nodded, “That sounds good.”

The Xinlin Tea House’s expansion across Shu Zhou would likely follow their old methods.

Relying on the skill of the physicians, and the family’s recipes combined with the affordable medicinal herbs from the rear, they would succeed.

As long as the Xinlin Tea House did not interfere with Bai Caobang’s operations, there was little to worry about.

Xiao Wan'er saw him agree and a faint smile touched her lips:

“After the Mid-Autumn Festival, I’d like to visit the Forbidden Land. If Brother-in-law has nothing better to do, perhaps you could come with me.”

“Are you choosing a location?”

“Nodding, “Everything starts with difficulty. The Medical Academy must take its first step…”

Meanwhile, elsewhere.

Liu Zhao Xue glanced at the time and ordered her subordinates to make thorough preparations.

“Master Lin, after the Mid-Autumn Festival’s opening, be sure to let the physicians rest well.”

“And as for the matter with the Elder, you help me arrange things. If those masters of the Medical Academy don’t come, he is the face of the Xinlin Tea House in Shu Zhou.”

“Yes, Young Mistress.”

Liu Zhao Xue nodded and gave the next order: “Fu Bao, you arrange contracts with those medicinal suppliers as soon as possible. If delayed, it could cause trouble.”

That older merchant Fu Bao, upon hearing this, replied with a worried expression:

“There have been some unexpected developments.”

“What kind of unexpected developments?”

“The medicinal herbs that are both the cheapest and most in demand for the Xinlin Tea House, several suppliers have none available, claiming they’ve been reserved for Bai Caobang in the Western Market.”

“Additionally, several other valuable medicinals used for prescriptions have also been secured by Bai Caobang.”

Liu Zhao Xue slightly furrowed her brows, “None at all?”

Fu Bao shook his head, “Indeed, none.”

“Though I did focus on stocking those expensive ones earlier, I neglected the others.”

“But I’ve written a letter back to Jingzhou, and those major suppliers there still have considerable stock. It would take at most half a month to bring them to Shu Zhou.”

Liu Zhao Xue replied unhappily, “I can’t wait that long.”

“Arrange for those suppliers to come negotiate a new contract tomorrow morning, tell them Bai Caobang’s purchase volume, and we’ll triple the price.”

These were just ordinary, inexpensive medicinals. She didn’t believe those suppliers would let money slip through their fingers.

However, Fu Bao quickly urged, “Young Mistress, this is impossible, absolutely impossible.”

“Why?”

“Those suppliers said Bai Caobang had just signed a new contract with them, and the required medicinals are already stocked until the end of the year.”

Liu Zhao Xue’s brow was tightly drawn, “How much?”

Fu Bao hesitated, “I estimate it’s worth about twenty taels of silver.”

“Furthermore, they added a clause violating the contract, meaning if the Xinlin Tea House truly purchases at triple the price, they won’t agree.”

Upon hearing this, Liu Zhao Xue fell silent.

Three times twenty taels would be sixty taels—almost all the silver she had.

She had indeed overreached herself in her previous demands.

“I remember, Bai Caobang sells various teas, right?”

Fu Bao nodded, “Young Mistress is right, Bai Caobang doesn’t focus on physicians’ treatments.”

“They sell inexpensive medicinals and five teas with excellent effects.”

“It’s said that since their opening, they’ve made a substantial profit just from those five teas.”

Liu Zhao Xue slightly nodded, her gaze drifting toward the Western Market, and mused, “Buy some teas and bring them here. Let the physicians study them and see if they can reverse-engineer the formulas.”

Fu Bao paused, “This…”

“Do as I said.”

“Yes, I’ll go right away.”

After he left, Liu Zhao Xue took a deep breath, regaining her composure, and mounted her horse back to her residence.

Having heard Fu Bao’s words, she now understood clearly—

To expand the Xinlin Tea House across all of Shu Zhou, aside from competing with the Xiao family’s medicine shop and others, Bai Caobang was a key obstacle she couldn’t bypass.

If one does not prepare in good time, one will inevitably find oneself relegated to a lower tier in due course.

As Liu Zhaoxue was pondering these matters, a familiar, sibilant laugh echoed from ahead.

"Miss Zhaoxue, have you met with misfortune?"

Liu Zhaoxue snapped back to her senses and frowned at the cart driver before her: "Master Yan, how did you come here?"

The speaker was none other than Yan Fusha of the Five Poison Sect.

"Rest assured, Miss Zhaoxue, your driver merely fell asleep and is unharmed."

"Still, it would be best to ascertain whether any trouble has arisen. Addressing it promptly benefits both you and me."

Liu Zhaoxue’s eyes flickered with displeasure, yet her tone grew calm: "The affairs of the pharmacy require no concern for Master Yan’s efforts."

"Alas, Miss Zhaoxue, your words are misguided. The Five Poison Sect must lean on Xinglin Pavilion’s success to chart our path forward."

"After all, we are in the same boat."

Yet before Liu Zhaoxue could respond, Yan Fusha shifted his approach: "Still, I trust your prowess, Miss Zhaoxue. Xinglin Pavilion shall surely thrive in Shuzhou."

Liu Zhaoxue managed an explanation: "My younger brother has long since passed, and the family now eyes me with suspicion. I dare not indulge in further entanglements."

Yan Fusha chuckled softly: "I understand, Miss Zhaoxue."

"If you decline my assistance, I shall wait. There is no urgency."

"Indeed, these past few days I have unearthed intriguing details about the gentleman of the Light Boat. I intend to test his mettle soon."

Liu Zhaoxue’s heart stirred—Chen Yi?

"What have you discovered about him?"

"On the night the rice was burned in the Three Cities, he was not at Xiao’s residence, but aboard a painted boat moored at Quchi."

"Yet when I inquired at the boat, he did not summon any ladies that evening, nor even a serving maid."

Upon this, Yan Fusha inquired: "Is it not rather suspicious that this man of stature would visit a painted boat without the company of any women?"

Liu Zhaoxue hesitated, her tone edged with irritation: "Master Yan, pity me—I know not of such trifling matters."

Yan Fusha smiled: "Had you not repeatedly assured that gentleman of your understanding, I would not have entertained such doubts."

"How do you intend to probe him?"

"By taking him into custody, one shall see."

Liu Zhaoxue pursed her lips, realizing his decision was final, and ceased further persuasion.

"Take care not to reveal your identity."

"Rest assured, Mistress. Though I am but a commoner, I understand the stakes. I shall not jeopardize our cause."

"After all, he is merely a scholar unversed in martial arts. A man of such modest standing poses no grave threat."

"Indeed…"

……

Xiao Family, Spring Lotus Garden.

Upon learning of the Poetry Gathering at the Esteemed Yun Academy the following evening, Xiao Woge was overjoyed.

After dinner, he continued questioning Chen Yi with fervor.

Unlike Xiao Wuren, Xiao Woge harbored no inclination toward timidity; rather, he brimmed with eagerness.

"Brother, might I too compose a poem or verse?"

"Brother, if my verses were to win a standing ovation, would my eldest sister be so pleased as to grant me a few days' respite?"

"Brother…"

Chen Yi, exasperated, interrupted: "Tomorrow, do as I do—simply accompany me."

"Studying poetry isn’t so difficult. Even Fang Zhongyong wrote poems at five."

Xiao Woge’s face sagged: "May I follow my brother?"

"No. My sister has been somewhat anxious lately. Your presence may ease her mind."

"What troubles her?"

"Perhaps it is her first time attending such an event. She feels rather nervous."

Xiao Woge paused, then smiled: "My sister too has her fears."

Chen Yi patted his head: "Do not mention this in her presence, or you’ll earn a beating."

Xiao Woge nodded vigorously, chuckling: "Then I shall certainly look after my sister tomorrow."

"Go rest now. The mansion has many matters to attend to at dawn."

"Very well…"

After Xiao Woge retired to his room, Chen Yi also changed into light sleepwear and sat cross-legged on the bed, practicing the Si Xiang Gong.

Until the witching hour—

[Daily Intel Report: Supreme Quality. At the Dog Hour, Mid-Autumn Festival, the Poetry Gathering at the Esteemed Yun Academy. A few opportunities await.]

Chen Yi awoke from his cultivation, glanced at the golden characters, sighed softly, and rose to collect his five-feathered spear, heading to the Purple Bamboo Grove to refine his techniques.

Two hours later, Xiao Wuren would lead the mansion’s concubines in a moon-worship ceremony for their ancestors.

His time remained ample.

Yet upon arriving at the Purple Bamboo Grove, he sensed a disturbance nearby and furrowed his brow.

"Who is there?"

The intruder, aware of being discovered, let out a sharp cry: "Show yourselves!"

A tinkling, crystalline sound followed.

Chen Yi glanced at the assailant, barely blinking before delivering a crushing blow.

His force, sharp and domineering as towering mountains, sent the opponent sprawling.

A plea soon followed:

"Brother, it hurts, it hurts so much…"

(End of Chapter)