You Promised to Be an Idle Son-in-Law, How Could You Become a Land Immortal? : Chapter 229: Brother-in-Law, You Are Good at Painting, Right?

Chapter 229 Brother-in-law, you are skilled at painting, right?

Thoughts were but thoughts.

Chen Yi was not in such a great rush.

After all, he had overheard quite a great deal from the conversation between Jiang Xing and Lou Yuxue tonight.

Ultimately, he could deduce certain matters and prepare some defenses in advance.

This was just as he had always believed—everything known was never terrifying; what truly bred dread were those unknown troubles and schemes.

The unexpected assault by the Five Poisons Sect that one time had indeed left him somewhat disheveled.

Yet, on the path back to the Xiao manor, after careful deliberation, Chen Yi's brow furrowed slightly.

"The Golden Banner Official of the Hidden Guard has arrived in Shuzhou, and he is secretly in league with Lord Landu, who is suspected to be from the Poshipo Kingdom. Their designs are evidently immense."

"I am afraid the plan must be adjusted further."

"Fortunately, these three variables have emerged early enough..."

Within a single day, three variables had arisen, causing Chen Yi to lament that his fortune was rather favorable.

"The old master's attempt to purchase provisions for the three towns was obstructed; it can be inferred that the 'benefactors' hiding in the shadows are behind this malice."

"The Hidden Guard intends to test me, so I must find a way to utterly dispel that Pavilion Master's suspicion."

"Lastly, Jiang Xing's purpose in coming to Shuzhou..."

"Tsk, what a true mess."

Amidst his lamentations, Chen Yi returned to the Autumn Lotus Garden, changed into a set of clean garments, and came to the study to brew a cup of hot tea to warm his body.

He immersed himself in contemplation for a long duration.

Eventually, his expression relaxed considerably.

"Compounded by the Liu family of Jingzhou and the Five Poisons Sect... though it is a bit chaotic, it is not without an opportunity for resolution."

Chen Yi understood clearly.

The more chaotic the situation, the more one needed to unravel the silk from the cocoon; sorting out the crucial threads would grant a sliver of opportunity.

Particularly now when he was fighting single-handedly, he absolutely could not strike blindly and alert the enemy.

Only in this manner could he silently dissolve these troubles.

"In the final analysis, the Liu family of Jingzhou must be dealt with first."

The Liu family was like a boulder blocking the path before the Xiao family, with countless individuals of treacherous intent hiding behind it, rendering things obscure yet demanding vigilance.

Conversely, eliminating the Liu family would serve to beat the mountain and frighten the tiger, causing the likes of the 'benefactors' and those within Shuzhou who harbored double-mindedness toward the Xiao family to feel apprehension.

Looking at the falling rain outside the window, a trace of a smile appeared on Chen Yi's face. "I suppose this counts as taking the enemy general's head from amidst the chaotic army."

"Xiao Jinghong, if you learn of your husband's deeds in the future, you must stay your hand gently."

After watching for a brief moment, Chen Yi tidied the study, rose, and returned to the side chamber.

Just as he was about to sit cross-legged to cultivate, a line of large golden characters drifted before his eyes:

[Daily Intelligence · Yellow Grade High Superior: At the seventh quarter of the Xu hour, the barbarian slaves will riot at the Eastern Market Grain Firm. A minute amount of fortune can be obtained.]

Chen Yi glanced at it, his face freezing in surprise.

"A riot of barbarian slaves?"

This was indeed a rare occurrence.

He was naturally aware of the origin of these barbarian slaves—most were captured by the horse bandits of the Poshipo Kingdom and sold into the territories of Shuzhou.

Those who purchased the barbarian slaves were mostly aristocratic clans and great families, utilizing them specifically to till the fields and perform hard labor.

In his memory, Chen Yi had also heard of barbarian slave riots a few times.

It was said that every riot resulted in casualties.

Yet he had never witnessed one himself.

Contemplating for a moment, Chen Yi closed his eyes and began to cultivate the Four Images Technique.

"Yellow Grade or not, I shall go see what those barbarian slaves look like when they riot; it is good to broaden my horizons."

"And it happens to be the grain firm of the Eastern Market..."

...

The following morning.

The dark clouds above Shuzhou had dissipated considerably.

The fine rain drizzled continuously.

Xiao Wuge uncharacteristically rose quite early, crawling out of bed long before Xiaodie came to knock on his door.

He dressed and washed.

By the time Xiaodie carried the hot water over, Xiao Wuge was already neatly dressed, though his hair still hung loose.

Ruffling his slightly disheveled black hair, he said bashfully, "Sister Xiaodie, I do not know how to bind my hair."

Xiaodie set down the basin, murmured an apology for the young master's indulgence, and quickly hurried over to have him sit properly, combing through his long hair.

People of this era, whether male or female, all possessed a head of long hair.

The only distinction lay in the hairstyle.

For men, the hairstyle differed according to their status and age.

As the young heir of a Marquis's domain who had not yet reached capping age, Xiao Wuge only needed it combed neatly and tied with a brocade ribbon.

Thus, Xiaodie quickly smoothed it into order, helped him adjust the garments on his body, and said with a smile:

"Young master rose so early because you are heading to the martial training grounds?"

Xiao Wuge chuckled softly. "Nothing escapes Sister Xiaodie."

Originally, he had felt some resistance toward martial cultivation, but after yesterday's training and Chen Yi's consolations last night, his interest in the martial path had greatly increased.

Though it was indeed exhausting, upon careful comparison, cultivating martial arts was far better than reading books in the Jiaxing Court.

Simply because the martial training grounds were relatively livelier.

Aside from the presence of Second Uncle Xiao Xuanshuo and others, there were also children from the collateral branches; during breaks from cultivation, Xiao Wuge could frolic with them for a time.

Xiaodie naturally remained unaware of Xiao Wuge's thoughts, knowing only that his willingness to cultivate martial arts was a matter worthy of rejoicing.

"As long as the young master likes it."

"This way, the old

Xiao Ungu’s face still bore a smile as he replied, “So I see.”

“Then I’ll go ask the elder sister to prepare more for me.”

“Rest assured, young master, Miss had already instructed the kitchen staff to prepare the fried dumplings you love…”

When Chen Yi heard their conversation from downstairs, he rose, washed, and dressed with care.

Today he was to visit the academy, so he had taken care to don a fresh blue robe, its cuffs embroidered with deep indigo patterns.

He looked clean and refined, his bearing carrying the quiet dignity of a scholar.

Descending the stairs, he encountered Xiao Ungu and Pei Mulu engaged in idle talk.

He sauntered out of the wooden building, feigning ignorance. “What are you two discussing?”

Xiao Ungu glanced up, chuckling, “Brother-in-law, Mulu-sister is teaching me how to cultivate the martial way.”

“Is that so?”

Chen Yi glanced at the sprightly girl, his previously proud head now bowed.

“Brother-in-law, I’ve studied martial arts for years—surely I can teach young Ungu.”

“Very well. You’re skilled in martial arts. From now on, you just teach Ungu.”

“Really?”

“Of course not. You’d only make a good target for him.”

Pei Mulu’s lips puckered. “Brother-in-law, you look down on people…”

Chen Yi didn’t explain further. He smiled, tapped her pristine forehead, and tugged Xiao Ungu’s arm, leading the way to Jia Xing Yuan.

As they walked, he called back, “I dare not look down on you, Grandmother, or you’d have skinned me alive.”

Pei Mulu clutched her head, turning from scolding to delight, and rushed forward to embrace his other arm. “Grandmother wouldn’t.”

“Perhaps…”

In no time, the group arrived at Jia Xing Yuan under the light rain.

Xiao Wan-er had already waited outside. Seeing them, her gaze lingered on the sprightly girl’s hands.

She said little in formalities, her soft, water-like eyes fixed on Chen Yi. “My brother-in-law, hurry. While you’re still not at the academy, stop Qing and Hua-tang have matters to discuss with you.”

Chen Yi nodded, pulling Pei Mulu’s hand away, loosening Xiao Ungu’s grip, and walked a few paces ahead, smiling. “Has Wang had his meeting with Qing and Hua-tang?”

“Yes, Wang’s managed to keep the family’s reputation. Yesterday afternoon, he arranged everything for the Tian Shan disciples.”

“Though the Bai Caogang tent hasn’t expanded yet, they’ve temporarily lodged the others in the inns.”

They entered the living room, chatting as they ate.

Except for Xiao Wan-er, Qing Chun spoke most thoroughly, repeatedly thanking Chen Yi:

“Thanks to you, young master, Wang the merchant said he’d give me ten taels of silver monthly for your sake.”

“For those of high cultivation, like my sixth and seventh disciples, they receive fifty taels a month, and sometimes extra during festivals.”

Chen Yi shook his head with a smile. “It’s not much to do with me.”

“The merchant simply knew Tian Shan is a respected sect in the martial world. Your peers are skilled, so he’s generous with silver—it’s only right.”

In truth, Tian Shan’s 127 disciples were mostly low-ranking cultivators. Normally, five taels a month was considered generous.

It was all due to Chen Yi’s influence that Wang offered ten taels.

Those few Tian Shan disciples of mid-third rank, receiving fifty taels monthly, were indeed well-compensated.

At least compared to Liu Liang, a mid-third rank expert.

At that moment, Shen Hua-tang also expressed gratitude: “Young master, my elder sister’s freedom this time owes to your support.”

Chen Yi paused. “Freedom?”

Before Shen Hua-tang could continue, Qing Chun stepped forward, covering her mouth, chuckling. “No, no. Sister Hua-tang misunderstood—there was no punishment.”

Tian Shan, being a prestigious sect, rarely assigned disciples as guards.

This time, Qing Chun had quietly brought so many disciples, they should face disciplinary action.

But given Bai Caogang’s generosity, the elders of Tian Shan likely wouldn’t be too upset.

Cultivating martial arts required more than just sect inheritance—it also demanded food, lodging, medicine, and alchemy materials. Silver was naturally necessary.

After some idle chatter, the disciples’ arrangements were settled.

Chen Yi recalled the news from yesterday, turning to Xiao Wan-er. “Heard grain prices have risen?”

Xiao Wan-er’s smile faded slightly. “Yes, they have.”

“But this morning, the Clear Home Messenger came with news. I needn’t mix in or use storehouse silver—Grandfather is handling it.”

“He also asked me to continue preparing the Medical Arts Academy per protocol.”

Chen Yi thought, Grandfather understood Xiao Wan-er.

Like him, he worried she might pawn her jewelry or delay the Medical Arts Academy.

Reflecting, Chen Yi said, “In a few days, Bai Caogang’s profits should arrive. Then we’ll have surplus silver.”

“Also, if Grandfather needs it, I have some silver to spare.”

Xiao Wan-er’s lips curled, though her eyes blushed.

“I know you have silver, but the amount needed for grain is vast—we can’t use yours.”

“Even if I agree, Grandfather wouldn’t either.”

“It depends on the situation.”

Chen Yi replied, saying nothing more, as if merely offering courtesy.

Yet in his heart, he knew the grain price hike was an outsider’s scheme.

Spending silver based on others’ schemes risked further hikes.

Other means were needed.

But Xiao Wan-er, hearing Chen Yi’s words, was greatly relieved.

She thought—her brother-in-law was willing to share hardship, willing to offer silver. Here was truly her home.

At least, she needn’t fear Chen Yi would leave Xiao’s family again.

Though long ago, she’d stopped worrying.

Thinking this, Xiao Wan-er smiled brightly. “Today, my brother-in-law is at the academy teaching the Way of Books. I’ve prepared things at home.”

“Tomorrow early, we’ll set out for the outer city’s territory.”

“If all goes well, we’ll return before nightfall tomorrow.”

Chen Yi couldn’t help but press forward. “What if it doesn’t?”

The translation maintains the original line count, uses a literary tone, and preserves the narrative flow while ensuring cultural and contextual nuances are respected.Xiao Ungu’s face still bore a smile as he replied, “So I see.”