Chapter 213: The Emperor's Arts of the Mind

Chapter 213: The Emperor’s Schemes

The person who came was no ordinary one.

It was none other than Pei Gōnglǐ, dispatched by Chen Yì on an urgent errand to inform Xiao Jīnghóng of the raid on the summer grain supply in the three towns of Wū Mountain.

He had supposed that the little tiger cub would not return until after Mid-Autumn, yet here she was, back at this very moment.

So many things left him momentarily taken aback.

At that instant, Pei Gōnglǐ lifted her small head, looking up at him with a pitiable expression: “Brother, it hurts…”

Chen Yì blinked, his fists still clenched, and smiled: “When did you return?”

“This time, you didn’t knock everyone out at the manor, did you?”

Pei Gōnglǐ felt the weight on her body ease, and she scrambled to her feet.

“No, no, Brother, I was careful when I came in this time.”

Chen Yì glanced at her—she wore only a nightgown, a satchel slung over her shoulder, her knees bare. He nodded.

“Good, good.”

“Otherwise, they’d have alerted the manor’s elite guards and the prison officials. You’d be in for a beating this time.”

These days, the prison at Hou Manor was under Xiao Sūxiáng’s control, quite different from when the second mistress had overseen it.

In some ways, the first mistress’s uncle, Xiao Wàng, was even less approachable than the old fellow.

Pei Gōnglǐ brushed dirt and leaves from her body, chuckling as she said, “If they dare lay a hand on me, I’ll make sure they regret it.”

“I brought a lot of goodies with me.”

Chen Yì reached up to pluck a leaf from her hair: “What kind of goodies?”

She patted her satchel: “Gu insects and poison.”

“Grandmother said the regions around Shu are unsettled lately, so I brought extra for protection.”

Chen Yì’s heart stirred slightly. He recalled the recent events—the arrival of the Poison Sect in Shu—but had never passed that information along to the mountain folk.

He couldn’t help but wonder whether Grandmother’s remark about Shu’s unrest referred to the Poison Sect or Xiao family affairs.

For now, he let the matter drop and asked, “When you returned, did you meet the Lady?”

“The Lady Jīnghóng? No, no.”

Pei Gōnglǐ lifted her head proudly, her round face breaking into a sly smile.

“While the Lady was away rescuing the three towns, I slipped back to the village.”

“Then, once the timing was right, I slipped out again.”

“By the time I reached the city, I heard the Lady wasn’t here, so I came to find you, Brother.”

Chen Yì touched her smooth forehead: “You’re clever enough.”

Pei Gōnglǐ covered her face with her hands, her expression suddenly shy: “Brother, I really messed up this time.”

“When I…”

She recounted, in full detail, the encounter she’d had with Xiao Jīnghóng at the market.

“Brother, do you think the Lady will suspect you?”

Chen Yì thought for a moment, then shook his head: “Not yet.”

“But she’ll probably be more convinced of your letter’s authenticity now.”

Given Xiao Jīnghóng’s sharp mind, she’d surely deduce something when she noticed Pei Gōnglǐ was deliberately avoiding her.

Pei Gōnglǐ looked downcast, whispering softly: “Brother, I’m sorry, I really botched it.”

Chen Yì patted her head, smiling warmly: “It’s not your fault, Brother. This time was my oversight.”

In such a crisis, finding Pei Gōnglǐ and successfully alerting Xiao Jīnghóng was no small feat. How could he have accounted for everything else?

Thankfully, Pei Gōnglǐ had handled it well—she hadn’t met the Lady, buying him time to recover.

Pei Gōnglǐ looked up at him: “Really?”

Chen Yì nodded: “If you’d been caught by the Lady this time, that would’ve been the worst case.”

He didn’t believe the little tiger could withstand Xiao Jīnghóng’s interrogation.

Even if she were clever, without confronting her directly, she’d never clear things up.

Pei Gōnglǐ let out a hearty laugh: “Actually, I owe it all to Grandmother’s warning.”

“Grandmother? She knew about this?”

“Oh, Grandmother’s sharp. When she saw me coming back with Elder Brother, she figured I’d gotten into trouble outside, so…”

Pei Gōnglǐ paused, sticking out her tongue: “But I swear, I never mentioned Brother to her.”

Chen Yì shrugged: “Whether or not you did, it hardly matters now.”

A woman like Grandmother, just like Xiao Jīnghóng, wouldn’t be easily fooled by ordinary means if she harbored suspicions.

“You’ve traveled so far, I’m sure you’re tired. Rest for a while.”

“By tonight, there’ll be a poetry gathering at the academy. We should go together, just for fun.”

“Poetry gathering? Alright, I’m in.”

“Brother, I’ve been cooped up in the village all this time, it’s driving me mad.”

“Grandmother insisted I learn to mix poisons and raise new gu insects…”

Not long after, Pei Gōnglǐ rested in Xiao Jīnghóng’s pavilion.

After such a short journey, she fell into a deep sleep almost immediately.

Chen Yì quickly tidied up, then remembered Xiao Jīnghóng’s letter mentioning he should write some calligraphy to frame and hang in his room. A smile tugged at his lips.

“The Bridge of Birds to Paradise, Summer Night’s Thoughts, Summer Night’s Second Thoughts, and Summer’s Thoughts…”

“How many poems… I wonder if the Lady will spare me once she learns the truth.”

It was unlikely.

Xiao Jīnghóng was magnanimous, but she had her reasons.

If Chen Yì had been kept in the dark like this, he’d have felt just as aggrieved.

A beating was nothing compared to being whipped from morning till night.

In his mind, he suddenly saw Xiao Jīnghóng suspending him in the prison, the whip cracking across his back—he shivered involuntarily.

“Never mind. I’d better think of a way to keep this hidden for now.”

“At the very least, I need to bide time until the turmoil settles, and the Lady is in a good mood.”

At that time, perhaps I’ll be beaten up even worse…”

Chen Yi mused on such thoughts, and seeing that the time was already late, he abandoned his practice of the Four Symbols technique and returned to the courtyard to continue cultivating the Six Symbols Art.

…

At the hour of yin, the sky had not yet brightened.

The night was dim and sparse with stars.

Even on the eve of the Mid-Autumn Festival, the moon was still a full one.

The pale moonlight spread across all corners of Shu Zhou,

casting a faint, hazy glow—different yet beautiful.

In the streets and alleys of the prefecture city, a commotion began to stir.

As the noise rose and fell, one could faintly hear the sound of women praying to the moon.

“Pray for fair weather and rain…”

“Pray for the safety of our families…”

The scent of mooncakes and wine drifted on the breeze, tempting even the youngest girls to the point of drooling.

Xiao Bei was among them.

Though she had no right to join Xiao Wan’er in praying to the moon, she had risen early to help set up the offering table, arranging dishes and chairs.

Busy for an hour, she felt her stomach, now empty after last night’s meal, growl.

Both Ci Er and Juan Er heard it clearly and whispered, laughing:

“Xiao Bei, didn’t Brother Xiao leave you unfed last night?”

“Haven’t you eaten in a while since you just finished digesting?”

Xiao Bei blushed, trying to defend Chen Yi, though she admitted her own hunger.

After all, she was hungry.

Shen Hua Ting, hearing the commotion, glanced back and murmured softly:

“Hold on a little longer. Once Young Mistress finishes her moon-worship, we’ll eat something soon.”

Xiao Bei blinked, then asked: “Hua Ting Sister, are you hungry too?”

Shen Hua Ting opened her mouth, deciding to retract her earlier comforting words.

As a martial artist who had refined her bones, muscles, and skin, she knew that enduring hunger was fundamental.

Not to mention a few hours without rice and water—even days without food or drink, she could bear it.

Seeing she remained silent, Xiao Bei shyly tucked her head behind Ci Er and Juan Er.

She wasn’t so foolish as to miss the fact that Shen Hua Ting wasn’t prone to hunger.

Fortunately, the moon-worship would end as dawn approached the time of the cock’s crow.

When dismantling the offering table, Xiao Wan’er distributed mooncakes and fruit to each household, letting everyone partake in good fortune.

Xiao Bei received a full load.

Several mooncakes, two packets of pastries, half a roasted duck, and some wine and tea.

She couldn’t carry it all, so she strung everything together with a rope, winding it around her body and hugging it to her chest, panting as she hurried back to the Spring Lotus Garden.

Only when she had placed all the food on the table did she finally exhale, wiping the sweat from her brow.

“Time to fetch the Young Master. Brother Xiao has risen.”

Yet as she spoke, her eyes never left the mooncakes, pastries, and such.

She swallowed her saliva and, after a moment’s hesitation, resolved herself.

Glancing left and right to ensure no one was watching, she casually snatched a mooncake and shoved it into her mouth.

“Delicious…”

Just then, a voice called from behind her:

“Xiao Bei Sister!”

Startled, she jumped, covering her mouth and turning to greet the speaker—“Ah!”

Peering over, she saw Pei Nan Lu staring at her with wide eyes.

He noticed her odd behavior, turned, and grinned: “Well, well, Xiao Bei Sister, you’re sneaking food. I’ll tell Brother to know about this.”

“Wah, wah…”

Xiao Bei shook her head, hands over her mouth, chewing furiously.

The filling in the lotus-paste mooncake was too much, and she choked.

Her face flushed red as she struggled to swallow.

Seeing this, Pei Nan Lu abandoned his teasing and hurriedly poured her a cup of water.

“Eat slowly, eat slowly… I’m just teasing you.”

After finally getting the food down, Xiao Bei patted her chest and calmed herself.

She’d been startled, choked, and surprised all at once.

“You, when did you return?”

“Last night.”

Pei Nan Lu, seeing her recovered, sat down and took a pastry, placing it in his mouth as he spoke:

“Let’s talk later. I’ll just eat something first.”

“You don’t know how careful I’ve been these days, fearing someone might catch me.”

Xiao Bei stared at him, puzzled: “Careful? Are you being followed?”

“Of course…”

Pei Nan Lu quickly added: “No. I just didn’t want to miss the Mid-Autumn Festival with you all, so I rushed back without eating.”

Xiao Bei looked at him half-convinced, about to say more, when Chen Yi’s voice floated up the stairs.

She quickly nodded and ran upstairs.

Pei Nan Lu sighed in relief, muttering something about having an elder brother like that.

Not long after,

Chen Yi and Xiao Wu Ge descended the stairs, their robes and sashes neatly fastened.

For tonight’s poetry gathering, they were dressed in splendid attire.

Both wore long black robes with crossed collars and jade belts.

The difference lay in Xiao Wu Ge’s collar, embroidered with golden threads, and the jade pendant bearing his surname “Xiao” at his waist.

Pei Wanli glanced left and right, raised his oily thumb, and declared, “Brother, handsome.”

Xiao Wugou coughed once, then asked, “Wanli, what about me?”

“You’re a bit behind him,” Pei Wanli replied.

Pei Wanli had expected Xiao Wugou to be upset.

But Xiao Wugou laughed heartily upon hearing it. “Then I’m not bad either.”

Chen Yi patted his shoulder, smiling. “Don’t try to keep up with your sister Wanli; you’ll turn silly.”

Pei Wanli puffed his cheeks. “Brother, I’m not foolish.”

“Then I’ll change my tune.”

“Wugou, don’t try to keep up with your sister Wanli; you’ll become dull-witted.”

“I’m not dull, I’m smart! You old devil!”

Leisurely days were always leisurely and joyful.

Though a mere trifle, it was the very reflection of Chen Yi’s mood at that moment.

With the Liu family of Jingzhou having departed, and the hidden Wei forces lying in wait, he had, for once, found a rare moment of respite. So he spent the entire morning coiled up in the Spring Lotus Garden, not venturing anywhere else.

After breakfast, he retreated to his study to rewrite those four poems for Xiao Hong anew.

The profound mastery of the Way of Books rendered those four poems even more dazzling.

As they unfolded in sequence, the four images emerged one after another.

At times, a woman clad in red would appear within those ethereal scenes.

Not someone else—indeed, it was his wife, Xiao Hong herself.

Pei Wanli and Xiao Wugou, among others, watched with moist eyes, clamoring for him to inscribe himself into the verses.

Chen Yi rejected them all, and upon finishing, called it done.

After instructing Xiao Duo to retrieve the old landlord Dai, who had been told to fetch him after the autumn equinox, he strode straight to the pond carrying his homemade fishing rod.

Today was the Mid-Autumn Festival, a day of family joy.

This son-in-law of his should behave properly.

But just as Chen Yi had hooked his bait, a frantic voice came from outside.

“Master, master—there’s news!”

Chen Yi glanced back, seeing her face etched with anxiety, and asked, “What’s the matter, so panicked?”

Xiao Duo panted heavily, finally steadying her breath, and stammered out, “The imperial court has issued an edict—Master, they’re going to punish you! They want to halve your salary for a year!”

Chen Yi’s brow relaxed.

It must be the news of the hidden Wei forces’ fortress falling and the grain stores in Summer being burned, along with the conflicts with the Xiao and Liu families, that had reached the capital.

The emperor, upon learning the truth, thundered in righteous fury—natural enough.

“The edict only mentions the salary cut—any other penalties?”

Xiao Duo nodded. “They also demand the collection of all the grain from the three towns of Summer, to be sent to the capital.”

All the grain.

Chen Yi paused, then suddenly realized.

All of it, neither more nor less, just within the normal range of taxation for border garrisons.

Yet this punishment didn’t feel like punishment.

More like a warning, a balancing act.

In the conflict between the Xiao and Liu families, the Xiao family had gained thirty thousand silver taels to compensate for the losses at the Iron Wall Fortress—not to mention the surplus.

Meanwhile, the Liu family of Jingzhou had died over Liu Wen, losing thirty thousand silver taels, and were forced to withdraw from Shuzhou.

On the surface, the Xiao family had achieved total victory.

But now, the emperor had punished them thus.

All that grain—three hundred thousand sheng—valued at roughly eighteen thousand silver taels at market price.

Plus the grain from the burned Iron Wall Fortress…

The thirty thousand silver taels the Xiao family had gained had just dwindled to seven or eight times that amount.

So, in the conflict between the Xiao and Liu families, the Xiao family had, aside from forcing the Liu family of Jingzhou to withdraw from Shuzhou, gained almost nothing.

In other words…

All his scheming, all this time, had merely settled the Xiao family’s debts?

Thinking this, Chen Yi’s face darkened.

Damn it.

If he hadn’t had those twenty-nine thousand silver taels he’d looted from Lou Yuxue, this time would’ve been all for nothing.

Xiao Duo, seeing his expression, couldn’t help but grow tense herself.

“Master, will there be… will there be trouble in the capital?”

“When I returned just now, there were so many people—like the sky had fallen in.”

Chen Yi came to, and replied gruffly, “What’s the big deal?”

“The salary, the taxes—well, they’re just spending more silver, won’t there be trouble?”

Xiao Duo, hearing this, brightened a little, clutched her chest in relief, “Ah, it’s fine, it’s fine—I knew there’d be no trouble.”

Chen Yi thought a moment, then asked, “Besides these, is there anything else?”

“Oh, there’s more.”

“The emperor also awarded Master a suit of armor, saying it was fitting for the Mid-Autumn Festival, citing some law about honoring virtue.”

Armor…

Chen Yi recalled that day when the old patriarch had met Liu Hong, he’d worn a full set of armor.

Now the emperor had bestowed such armor upon him—what did that signify?

The meaning was clear.

The emperor, after all, knew exactly what the old patriarch had done in Shuzhou.

Impressive—ruling an empire is impressive.

But the emperor’s words, soft as silk on the lips, had undone half of the plans Chen Yi had spent a month devising.

And in doing so, he’d also struck a blow at the old patriarch.

“Furthermore, the emperor also gave Younger Sister some items—a sword, he said, a divine weapon, a treasure to match a hero.”

Upon hearing this, Chen Yi scoffed, “A fistful of dates and a sweet plum—how the emperor plays with hearts!”

What he meant to say was, “They’re just gifts, nothing more.”

It was, without a doubt, because Xiao Jinghong’s slaying of He Yiyang had exposed his prowess, drawing the attention of the one in the capital.

What sword is worthy of a hero? It’s all just empty talk.

If Xiao Jinghong’s cultivation were not high, Shu Zhou would be even more chaotic than it is now.

By that time, no matter how many divine swords were sent, they’d be like a bride’s dowry for someone else.

At that moment, Xiao Wan’er arrived at Spring Lotus Garden, accompanied by Shen Huatang and others.

“Brother-in-law.”

Upon hearing that, Chen Yi rose, noticing Xiao Wan’er’s equally anxious and solemn expression. He guessed she had only a vague understanding of the Xiao family’s current predicament.

Thinking this, Chen Yi bowed politely and greeted her with a smile:

“It’s still early for the Poetry Meeting. Why are you here so soon, Elder Sister?”

Xiao Wan’er shook her head, her voice tinged with worry: “The Sage Emperor just issued a decree punishing Grandfather, and I… I don’t quite understand…”

Chen Yi did not immediately offer comfort. Instead, noticing the sword case in Shen Huatang’s hand, he raised an eyebrow:

“Is that the Sage Emperor’s gifted divine blade?”

Xiao Wan’er paused, glanced behind her, and hesitantly nodded: “The Sage Emperor bestowed it upon my younger sisters.”

“Let me see it.”

Without further ado, Chen Yi snatched the sword case from Shen Huatang’s hands and withdrew the long sword within, examining it closely.

“Not bad. Indeed, it’s a divine weapon.”

At this season, weapons were crafted by renowned artisans of thejianghu. Describing them as “having whiskers that stand on end” might be a bit cliché, but not entirely inaccurate.

Yet, as with all martial arts, the true worth of a divine weapon lay in who wielded it.

Like the long sword in Chen Yi’s hand—three chi in length, thirty liang in weight, as wide as three fingers, slightly thicker and broader than ordinary blades.

In Xiao Jinghong’s hands, such a weapon would naturally allow him to strike fear into the hearts of his enemies.

But in Chen Yi’s grasp, it might at best serve as a long knife.

Xiao Wan’er noticed him scrutinizing the blade, realizing he had already learned of the imperial decree. Her expression dimmed slightly:

“Grandfather said that after this incident, the family’s funds are rather tight. The Medical Academy’s affairs may have to be delayed.”

Chen Yi paused, then smiled at her: “I think there’s no need to postpone it.”

“Huh?”

“Soon enough, the money from selling tea and refreshments at the pharmacies will arrive. Based on last month’s figures, it should be at least ten or twenty thousand liang.”

“Even after deducting expenses, the family should still have plenty left. That’s exactly what we need to build the Medical Academy, isn’t it?”

Xiao Wan’er opened her mouth, but hesitated: “But Grandfather… He’s…”

Chen Yi sheathed the long sword, waved dismissively: “The patriarch doesn’t need another ten or twenty thousand liang. He doesn’t expect the family to provide it.”

“He, like my wife, has all his thoughts fixed on the Imperial Market.”

It was like a man owing a massive debt to a moneylender.

When the news first broke, relatives and friends still hoped to contribute a little here and there.

But upon learning he owed a colossal sum, those people didn’t even bother to gather—how could they? It was all in vain.

The Xiao family’s warehouse was in a similar situation.

Even if Xiao Wan’er took all the silver, it couldn’t fill the vast gap left by the Dingwu Army.

Instead of doing that, it would be better to invest the money elsewhere.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Wan’er didn’t know whether to feel relieved or concerned.

After careful thought, Chen Yi’s reasoning made sense.

Yet she still hesitated to spend the money on building the Medical Academy.

She feared that in the future, the family might run short again, and she wouldn’t be able to provide the funds. Or worse, that the academy would be built in vain, squandering the silver.

Chen Yi, sensing her thoughts, continued to reassure her: “Money is earned, not saved.”

“The Medical Academy’s initial costs are indeed significant, but once established and prosperous, the benefits will be greater.”

Xiao Wan’er fixed her gaze on him, her eyes hopeful for more words.

“Consider this—those who come to study medicine and herbs will have to pay tuition.”

“If a martial arts master of the Medical Arts were to oversee it, the fees would naturally double. That’s reasonable.”

“It could generate a profit here.”

“Moreover, the academy could research new formulas, collaborate with other pharmacies, or even let the Xiao family’s pharmacies manage it.”

“And another thing…”

To allay Xiao Wan’er’s hesitations and convince her not to hoard the money, Chen Yi had thought carefully.

At this time, most people were like that.

They lacked the awareness—and the means—to understand that “money is earned, not saved.”

If Chen Yi were the patriarch, controlling the Xiao family…

He had countless ways to make the Xiao family gain vast sums in a short time.

Bai Caotang was living proof.

Fortunately, Xiao Wan’er still trusted him. After several persuasions, she reluctantly nodded: “I’ll follow your advice.”

Chen Yi’s mouth was dry as he said this, then signaled Little Butterfly to fetch tea, and invited Xiao Wan’er to rest in the pavilion.

“How is the patriarch’s mood? Is his health unaffected?”

Xiao Wan’er nodded lightly: “Grandfather is fine.”

“He said he had anticipated the loss of supplies in Tiebing to summer grain, and the responsibility lay with Dingwu Army. His minor punishment was deserved.”

“He just didn’t expect the Sage Emperor to be so severe.”

Chen Yi nodded: “Indeed, quite severe. Including the burned supplies, both inside and outside, half the provisions were lost.”

“If Liu Buzheng were to learn of this, he’d probably laugh out loud.”

Xiao Wan’er paused at this, her expression strange: “Brother-in-law, you’re not aware of something.”

“Huh?”

“Liu Buzheng was also punished by the Sage Emperor today.”

“They say Chancellor Feng Gonggong publicly announced the decree before Liu Buzheng’s subordinates, the wording was harsh—almost as if implying they might be plotting rebellion.”

Upon hearing this, Chen Yi fell silent, then let out a hollow laugh.

Well then.

It seems the Sage Emperor doesn’t play with sand in his eyes after all.

He clearly knew that the Xiao and Liu families had been conspiring in secret, so he decided to call their bluff outright, dealing both families a double blow.

By confiscating the Xiao family’s gains and ruining the Liu family’s attempt to cover up their crime of burning three towns and hoarding summer grain,

this time, the Xiao and Liu families no longer had any cover to hide behind, and everyone in the world could see the farce for what it was.

Thankfully, the Xiao family were the victims here, at worst suffering from negligence.

With Xiao Jinghong’s one victorious battle to establish his reputation, those people would not mock them too loudly.

As for the Liu family in Jingzhou, it was a different matter altogether.

Their mastermind behind the arson of the border town’s supplies was tantamount to treason.

Without being sentenced to the extermination of nine clans, it was only because the Son of Heaven showed mercy.

Under such circumstances, one could surmise that the Liu family would face endless troubles ahead.

Even just those who had thrown stones at them would be enough to make the Liu family drink a whole pot of bitterness.

Chen Yi thought of these things, and an involuntary smile began to creep across his face.

“In everything, comparison is the culprit.”

“Compared to the Liu family, Grandpa and Mrs. Xiao only lost some silver—how fortunate they were! At least their reputation remained intact.”

Xiao Wan’er naturally understood the difference in these matters, and nodded slightly: “Grandfather said the same thing.”

Without the Medical Academy’s backing, her expression lightened considerably, and she relaxed:

“The Poetry Gathering is approaching. Shall we prepare early?”

“Prepare what?”

“The poetry, or perhaps musical instruments like qin, chess, calligraphy, and painting—I think it would be nice to bring them to the academy and share the appreciation with others.”

“No need, then… Sister Xiao, you know how to play the zither?”

Xiao Wan’er met his eager gaze and hesitantly nodded: “I did study it for a while, but…”

“I suppose it’s been a long time since I last played.”

Chen Yi became immediately interested: “Why don’t we, before the Poetry Gathering begins, have Sister Xiao show us a piece?”

“Just right—I happen to have a few excellent tunes…”