Chapter 215: A Presumptuous Request

Chapter 215: A Piteous Plea

Poetry White wasn’t too bad in his youth; he merely bullied people with his fists.

Now that he’s older, his martial arts prowess has grown, yet he’s become disrespectful to the elderly.

He meddles in everything, stirring up chaos across the land.

As if recalling old grievances, the old woman’s voice grew heavier, rising in pitch:

“In my many years, I’ve seen his Storm and Rain Building’s name befitting—he’s always stirring up trouble in the world.”

While the old woman ranted and raved about Bai Da Xian, Xiao Jinghong couldn’t help but show a rare smile.

That immortal was indeed an oddity in these lands.

His cultivation was supreme, his deeds upright, yet every action carried a sinister edge.

I wonder if he was born a broom star, or truly capable of deciding life and death with a single word.

In any case, those who had his fortune told never met a happy end.

In truth, not just the old woman held a grudge against Bai Da Xian.

Even Xiao Jinghong’s own master—the Sword Immortal Li Wudang—had muttered curses about him behind his back.

Not with vulgar words, mind you.

“Jinghong, some ancient sects and old schools owe me a favor.

But there is one person—Bai Da Xian of Storm and Rain Building—you must remember to avoid him.

Run as far as you can if you meet that old dog. He’s bound to bring you misfortune.”

Combining his father’s words, Xiao Jinghong understood the old woman’s fury toward Bai Da Xian.

Yet after listening a moment, she couldn’t help but feel a twinge of doubt—had the old woman truly held a grudge against Bai Da Xian in her youth?

The subtext made her feel as though he were the one who refused to yield.

At that moment, the old woman noticed Xiao Jinghong’s gaze, realized her words had gone too far, and paused:

“Child, in any case, try not to involve yourself with Bai Da Xian.”

Xiao Jinghong smiled gently: “I’ll heed your warning, respected aunt.”

The old woman adjusted the pendant bottle at her chest, shifted her posture, and continued:

“Bai Da Xian’s return must be for some reason that lured him here. That man… coughs. I need to see where he’s made his appearance.

He’s been pursued by those who seek his company; hiding his whereabouts must be difficult.”

Xiao Jinghong nodded: “The letter I received mentioned some elders have also returned.”

After the old woman’s endless chatter, she needn’t have supposed Bai Da Xian would stay at Storm and Rain Building.

Just as her own master, the Sword Immortal, never lingered long with those elder masters.

Their ways couldn’t be judged by ordinary eyes.

“Child, let them chase their own people; we’ll attend to our own affairs.”

After giving her charge, the old woman then asked:

“Recently I heard from Uncle Da that the progress of the Muti Market has been delayed due to rain?”

Xiao Jinghong nodded: “Before I came here, I’d already instructed them to accelerate the work, hoping to finish within two months.”

The old woman slightly bowed her head, smiling: “You’re diligent; I feel assured.”

“Not like the mountain people, who are all rough and unlettered, charging headlong without thought.”

“If Uncle Da and others go to the Muti Market, please let me know if any trouble arises.”

Xiao Jinghong agreed, not feeling unduly honored by the request.

The old woman then inquired further about the Muti Market’s arrangements—who the merchants were, what goods they’d trade.

In truth, according to the Xiao family and Li Wudang’s agreement, the Muti Market existed solely to serve the ethnic groups living in the Gobi Mountains.

Named “Muti Market,” it was more accurately a “marketplace.”

After all, whether Xiao family, the Linghou Army, or the mountain clans, all were subjects of the Dali Dynasty.

For the Xiao family, it was a way to earn silver and supplement the Linghou Army’s funds.

For the mountain clans, it made their lives more convenient, sparing them the long journeys they once took for salt and grain.

A bit of idle talk.

As evening approached, the old woman invited Xiao Jinghong to stay the night.

“Child, since you’re not returning to the capital city, stay with me tonight.”

Xiao Jinghong thought a moment, declining the invitation: “I’ll stay here, then return to the Muti Market at dawn.”

The old woman smiled: “No need for such courtesy.”

“This Muti Market has been of benefit to you and me, but I know your Xiao family faces great pressure.”

“The governor of Kyoto hasn’t spoken, and the commissioner in Shuzhou has also been somewhat… restrained.”

Xiao Jinghong spoke calmly: “Since neither commissioner has appeared, there’s no need for me to worry.”

“I’m not concerned for the mountain people; I fear it will add to your family’s troubles.”

“This time, your timely rescue averted the disaster in the three towns; who knows if similar calamities won’t strike the Muti Market in the future.”

Her words hung in the air, and the old woman’s weathered face bore a grim smile:

“If you struggle to handle things later, speak to me. I’d like to see who in this Shu region might escape.”

Xiao Jinghong nodded, smiled, and donned his mask.

He bowed respectfully and left the bamboo hut.

The old woman watched him depart, then sighed softly.

“How hard pressed that child must be.”

“If Xiao Fengchun hadn’t died young, why burden her with the weight of the entire Xiao family?”

Xiao Jinghong seemed to hear her words, yet continued walking without pause.

From childhood, he knew his life would be marked by upheavals, never as tranquil as his master Li Wudang’s.

Even if Xiao Fengchun were alive, as a Xiao family member, he’d still have to contribute to the family.

Now, he simply elevated his duty from partial to complete.

Thinking this, Xiao Jinghong entered the familiar bamboo hut, his eyes settling on the sky.

The pale moonlight through the bamboo window slit fell upon him, casting a faint shadow—slender, delicate, yet as upright as a sword.

He swept his gaze away, silently took several letters from his chest.

One finger held a letter, like a fan, and he fanned it before his face, letting the setting sun’s glow touch its surface.

The black ink seemed to have been suffused with a layer of gold, gleaming brightly.

"My lord, I beg your forgiveness—Honghong has once again failed to keep her promise."

Xiao Honghong had indeed pledged to Chen Yi that she would return home before the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Yet now, circumstances had turned dire, and she could find no choice but to remain away.

"When two hearts have long been bound, does it hinge on every dawn and dusk?"

"Hope."

……

The prefectural city of Shu.

As the hour of Shi passed its midpoint, the daylight remained fairly bright, and the streets were already teeming with people.

The markets for east and west goods had opened their stalls long since, stretching along the thoroughfares.

Especially the taverns and restaurants, where visitors came and went without pause.

In addition to the patrons, tables had been hastily erected within the establishments.

Performers of singing, dancing, and music filled every corner, leaving no art form unrepresented.

After all, they needed to invite some renowned stars, beauties, and at the very least, the leading artists from the fireworks lanes.

It was to warm the crowd with festivity, and also to shun being overshadowed by others.

Meanwhile, along the street, wooden carts stood in pairs on the cobblestones, their backs propped up to form a stall.

Most of these stalls displayed a few items meant to be sent away, each corresponding to a note with cramped writing.

They were proudly named "Guessing Lantern Riddles."

Men and women of all ages wandered through them, wearing bright smiles, their laughter mingling with the chatter of the crowd.

The most excited were the children, who had already hoisted their lanterns early, waiting for the darkness to light them up.

It all seemed like a scene of bustling prosperity.

Yet within the walls of Shu Zhou, the most vibrant and lively place of the day remained Kangning Street in the north.

Wherever gathering of scholars and fair maidens had taken place in past years, it always drew a crowd of well-wishers.

One would observe which tavern had summoned the most beauties, whose performances were finest, and which patrons were most generous in rewarding faces.

Poetry gatherings held on boats, in taverns, or in pavilions often sparked fierce competition.

Which poet had produced a masterpiece, which scholar had shone brightest—these would be whispered far and wide. In short, the maidens vied for beauty, while the scholars sought friendship through literature.

So, too.

As the gathering place of scholars and maidens with the most attendees that night, the Scholarly Cloud Academy had already attracted visitors early.

Carriages arrived from the ranks, and those who recognized the familiar faces of the first two would spark talk among the surrounding onlookers.

"Has Commissioner Liu arrived so early?"

"Early? He shouldn’t be late—he must be waiting for the Governor of Affairs and the Censors to join him."

Upon hearing this, some who were well-informed shifted the topic carefully.

"They say Commissioner Liu was demoted by the Emperor today—will he still appear as planned?"

"Hard to say."

"Liu, being a younger kin of his clan, must have brought this misfortune upon himself."

"Indeed, who could have guessed that Liu Wen would dare ally with evil forces to burn the three towns of summer grain?"

"Even if he hadn’t been guilty of the crime of exterminating the nine tribes, the Emperor had already shown him mercy…"

As they spoke, several more carriages approached, their paintwork splendid and their decorations resplendent.

"Whose carriage is this?"

Among the crowd, some with keen insight and fondness for making friends recognized the emblem on the carriage, and whispered with a smile:

"Vice-Premier of the Administration Bureau, Chen Yunfan."

"Also the top scorer of this year’s imperial examination."

Others glanced around, recognizing the crest of the Chen family of Jiangnan, and could not help but offer remarks, either scornful or mocking.

"In the founding of the Dali Dynasty, none of the top scorers in successive exams have been mere clerks. Their writings are commendable, and their characters and natures are all modest and steady."

"But this one, since arriving in Shu, has shown no sign of such steadiness."

"They say he’s not only a regular at the fireworks lanes, but also caused quite a commotion during the tax collection outside the city."

"Raising scales high, swapping axes for tools—he’s done it all, earning the ire of many common folk."

"Hah? I heard that incident wasn’t his doing, and some were investigated afterward."

"Yet it was Master Xiao Dongren who uncovered it, and after questioning, the credit was given to him?"

"Truly, officials protecting one another…"

Chen Yunfan caught wind of the murmurs around him, shook his head without saying a word.

He had indeed caused a commotion earlier, and through his own oversight, had allowed others to manipulate things behind his back.

Though it had little impact on him, knowing many were aware of it, the whispers had spread, and his reputation—already in tatters—became even more chaotic.

Some even paired him with the newly arrived Chen Yi, mockingly calling them the "Chen family twins."

Others joked, "Before, a runaway bridegroom turned back; now, a top scorer testing his fate."

None of it was complimentary.

Cui Qingwu had also heard some of the talk, and smiled warmly:

"Yunfan, there’s no need to worry. When they see your talents, they’ll soon shut their mouths."

"Just as your brother Chen Yi, who now enjoys a good reputation and respect."

Chen Yunfan waved his hand dismissively. "Nonsense. I’ve heard plenty of such things over the years."

"Let them speak—if they want to, let them. Just don’t linger too long."

As he spoke, Chen Yunfan lifted the curtain and peered outside, muttering:

"Yiru doesn’t seem to have arrived yet…"

Cui Qingwu glanced at him, then smiled softly: "Your brother can arrive a bit later, can’t he?"

"Indeed, it’s the same. Come, come—let’s go in and see which maidens and scholars await us."

Cui Qingwu pretended not to hear, and followed him down from the carriage, entering the Scholarly Cloud Academy.

The attendants Ring and Chunqing followed suit.

The four servants and the carriage driver Ning Yu were rather understated in their attire.

In contrast, the delayed arrivals like Chen Yi and Xiao Wan’er, along with their entourages—including Xiao Er, Shen Huatang, Pei Wengl, and four bodyguards from Hou Prefecture—were numerous and influential.

The black ink seemed to have been suffused with a layer of gold, gleaming brightly.

"My lord, I beg your forgiveness—Honghong has once again failed to keep her promise."

Xiao Honghong had indeed pledged to Chen Yi that she would return home before the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Yet now, circumstances had turned dire, and she could find no choice but to remain away.

"When two hearts have long been bound, does it hinge on every dawn and dusk?"

"Hope."

……

The prefectural city of Shu.

As the hour of Shi passed its midpoint, the daylight remained fairly bright, and the streets were already teeming with people.

The markets for east and west goods had opened their stalls long since, stretching along the thoroughfares.

Especially the taverns and restaurants, where visitors came and went without pause.

In addition to the patrons, tables had been hastily erected within the establishments.

Performers of singing, dancing, and music filled every corner, leaving no art form unrepresented.

After all, they needed to invite some renowned stars, beauties, and at the very least, the leading artists from the fireworks lanes.

It was to warm the crowd with festivity, and also to shun being overshadowed by others.

Meanwhile, along the street, wooden carts stood in pairs on the cobblestones, their backs propped up to form a stall.

Most of these stalls displayed a few items meant to be sent away, each corresponding to a note with cramped writing.

They were proudly named "Guessing Lantern Riddles."

Men and women of all ages wandered through them, wearing bright smiles, their laughter mingling with the chatter of the crowd.

The most excited were the children, who had already hoisted their lanterns early, waiting for the darkness to light them up.

It all seemed like a scene of bustling prosperity.

Yet within the walls of Shu Zhou, the most vibrant and lively place of the day remained Kangning Street in the north.

Wherever gathering of scholars and fair maidens had taken place in past years, it always drew a crowd of well-wishers.

One would observe which tavern had summoned the most beauties, whose performances were finest, and which patrons were most generous in rewarding faces.

Poetry gatherings held on boats, in taverns, or in pavilions often sparked fierce competition.

Which poet had produced a masterpiece, which scholar had shone brightest—these would be whispered far and wide. In short, the maidens vied for beauty, while the scholars sought friendship through literature.

So, too.

As the gathering place of scholars and maidens with the most attendees that night, the Scholarly Cloud Academy had already attracted visitors early.

Carriages arrived from the ranks, and those who recognized the familiar faces of the first two would spark talk among the surrounding onlookers.

"Has Commissioner Liu arrived so early?"

"Early? He shouldn’t be late—he must be waiting for the Governor of Affairs and the Censors to join him."

Upon hearing this, some who were well-informed shifted the topic carefully.

"They say Commissioner Liu was demoted by the Emperor today—will he still appear as planned?"

"Hard to say."

"Liu, being a younger kin of his clan, must have brought this misfortune upon himself."

"Indeed, who could have guessed that Liu Wen would dare ally with evil forces to burn the three towns of summer grain?"

"Even if he hadn’t been guilty of the crime of exterminating the nine tribes, the Emperor had already shown him mercy…"

As they spoke, several more carriages approached, their paintwork splendid and their decorations resplendent.

"Whose carriage is this?"

Among the crowd, some with keen insight and fondness for making friends recognized the emblem on the carriage, and whispered with a smile:

"Vice-Premier of the Administration Bureau, Chen Yunfan."

"Also the top scorer of this year’s imperial examination."

Others glanced around, recognizing the crest of the Chen family of Jiangnan, and could not help but offer remarks, either scornful or mocking.

"In the founding of the Dali Dynasty, none of the top scorers in successive exams have been mere clerks. Their writings are commendable, and their characters and natures are all modest and steady."

"But this one, since arriving in Shu, has shown no sign of such steadiness."

"They say he’s not only a regular at the fireworks lanes, but also caused quite a commotion during the tax collection outside the city."

"Raising scales high, swapping axes for tools—he’s done it all, earning the ire of many common folk."

"Hah? I heard that incident wasn’t his doing, and some were investigated afterward."

"Yet it was Master Xiao Dongren who uncovered it, and after questioning, the credit was given to him?"

"Truly, officials protecting one another…"

Chen Yunfan caught wind of the murmurs around him, shook his head without saying a word.

He had indeed caused a commotion earlier, and through his own oversight, had allowed others to manipulate things behind his back.

Though it had little impact on him, knowing many were aware of it, the whispers had spread, and his reputation—already in tatters—became even more chaotic.

Some even paired him with the newly arrived Chen Yi, mockingly calling them the "Chen family twins."

Others joked, "Before, a runaway bridegroom turned back; now, a top scorer testing his fate."

None of it was complimentary.

Cui Qingwu had also heard some of the talk, and smiled warmly:

"Yunfan, there’s no need to worry. When they see your talents, they’ll soon shut their mouths."

"Just as your brother Chen Yi, who now enjoys a good reputation and respect."

Chen Yunfan waved his hand dismissively. "Nonsense. I’ve heard plenty of such things over the years."

"Let them speak—if they want to, let them. Just don’t linger too long."

As he spoke, Chen Yunfan lifted the curtain and peered outside, muttering:

"Yiru doesn’t seem to have arrived yet…"

Cui Qingwu glanced at him, then smiled softly: "Your brother can arrive a bit later, can’t he?"

"Indeed, it’s the same. Come, come—let’s go in and see which maidens and scholars await us."

Cui Qingwu pretended not to hear, and followed him down from the carriage, entering the Scholarly Cloud Academy.

The attendants Ring and Chunqing followed suit.

The four servants and the carriage driver Ning Yu were rather understated in their attire.

In contrast, the delayed arrivals like Chen Yi and Xiao Wan’er, along with their entourages—including Xiao Er, Shen Huatang, Pei Wengl, and four bodyguards from Hou Prefecture—were numerous and influential.

Two carriages bearing the banner of the Dingwu marquis’s mansion halted outside the academy, their presence impossible to overlook.

“The Xiao family has sent messengers—aside from the gentle scholar of the light boat, I didn’t expect the young lord and lady to come as well.”

“Miss Xiao Wanzhen—truly as the rumors say, she possesses a beauty fit for the ages.”

As the chatter swirled around her, Xiao Wanzhen adjusted her flowing robe with a slight frown and murmured, “Lead the way inside.”

Chen Yi nodded, and under the escort of Wang Li-xing and others, they entered the academy.

Inside, a broad stone-paved path lined with red lanterns stretched before them, flanked by students summoned to assist. At its head stood the famed scholars Ma Guan and Ma Ming.

Upon seeing Chen Yi and his companions, Ma Guan hurried forward to bow. “Sir, the director instructed me to guide you to him.”

“The director said to show you here first,” Ma Guan added.

Chen Yi paused, glancing at Xiao Wanzhen, who remained silent. He offered, “Shall we go together?”

Xiao Wanzhen nodded, pulling Xiao Wu-ge along behind him.

As they walked, her initial curiosity had long since faded. The bustling crowd outside the academy and the opulent scenes within stirred a sense of distance in her heart.

Compared to this, the time she’d visited before—during the poetry gathering—had seemed unremarkable. Even she had been excited to recount her previous visit’s sights.

But when the little butterfly slipped and dropped her calligraphy scroll, her round face fell into disgrace.

“It was just an accident… Brother Xiao, it was your elder brother who accidentally poisoned me.”

As she spoke, Chen Yi’s footsteps halted. He turned to greet the approaching figures and blinked in surprise.

There—standing before them were the Liu family of Jingzhou, led by Liu Zhaoxue and her guards.

Even Xiao Wanzhen froze, her hand lifting in a hesitant greeting. “Zhaoxue, sister.”

Liu Zhaoxue’s eyes swept over the two, a faint smile touching her lips. “Xiao Wanzhen, Chen Yi—I’ve met you before.”

She bowed slightly. “I meant to visit you in a few days to apologize, but meeting you here today seemed a suitable opportunity.”

“For my brother’s actions, I offer my forgiveness.”

“I ask not for forgiveness—only that this not sour our relationship.”

Liu Zhaoxue avoided mentioning the Xiao-Liu families’ strife, framing it as a light matter between herself and Xiao Wanzhen.

Xiao Wanzhen stared at her for a moment, her expression softening. “Zhaoxue, I forgive you.”

Liu Zhaoxue blinked, clearly unprepared for Xiao Wanzhen’s direct acceptance. Her rehearsed words faltered.

At that moment, Chen Yi stepped forward, ignoring Liu Zhaoxue entirely. “Come, let’s go.”

“The Duke of Yue invited us—there must be urgent matters.”

Xiao Wanzhen inclined her head and followed him into the mansion.

The others had no desire to engage with the Liu family. Only Pu Wen-lu muttered a sycophantic remark as he passed Liu Zhaoxue.

When they were gone, the door closed.

Liu Zhaoxue inhaled deeply, steadied her expression, and departed.

Beside her, a towering guard whispered under his breath. “That mountain girl—surely she’s the granddaughter of the mountain mother?”

Liu Zhaoxue nodded instinctively. Upon realizing his words, she turned to face him, her blood-red eyes gleaming with malice.

“Yan Fusha, you…”

“Zhaoxue, Lady, I have a request.”

“Ha—would you allow Yan to test that girl as well?”

Liu Zhaoxue: “…”

The situation was grim. I can only write up to this point today.

Apologies, apologies.

(End of chapter)