Chapter 230: To Untie the Bell, One Must Find the Person Who Tied It (6K Seeking Monthly Tickets)

Chapter 230: The Bell Ringing Requires a Bell Ringer (6K for Monthly Vote)

He had a hearty breakfast.

Each went about their own affairs.

Xiao Wu Ge followed Xiao Xuan Hua to the Martial Arts Arena, practicing martial arts.

Xiao Die and Pei Mang Lu returned to the Spring Lotus Garden.

Xiao Wan'er, with her daughters Juan Er and Cui Er, packed their belongings, preparing for tomorrow's assignment to take over a plot of land outside the city.

Chen Yi, holding an oil-paper umbrella, made his way to the courtyard.

This time, he did not choose to go to the prestigious Cloud Academy alone. Instead, after greeting several elite guards, he instructed Liu Si'er to prepare a horse-drawn carriage.

Liu Si'er quickly brought the carriage. Once he settled in, he drove straight toward the Cloud Academy.

"Young Master, you haven't used a carriage in a long time. Is there something else you're planning today?"

Since Geolu Three left, he had been keeping a close eye on the Sparrow's movements, and he understood the Sparrow quite well.

Unless necessary, this Young Master rarely left the Zhou Family's manor.

Even when he did go out, it was only to two places—Bai Caotang or the Cloud Academy.

Most of the time, he went there alone, and the number of times he took a carriage was few.

Chen Yi lifted the curtain, glancing at the outside while replying:

"I haven't been to the Jishi Pharmacy in a long time. Today I'm going to take a look."

Liu Si'er had no doubts and smiled, saying, "You haven't been to the East Market in a while."

"Just a few days ago, Liu Zhangbao was telling me, saying that if you were to write a calligraphy piece for the Jishi Pharmacy, their business would be even more prosperous than now."

Chen Yi nodded silently, chuckling, "He's got a sharp mind."

A calligraphy piece of perfect achievement would have an effect like a court edict announcement at this time of year.

Just as a noodle shop that had studied Ma Guan's calligraphy could be seen as an example.

If Chen Yi were to write a calligraphy piece for the Jishi Pharmacy, spreading it widely, even scholars would be able to draw a crowd around the pharmacy, blocking the streets.

Not to mention the common folk who loved to watch such events.

Even if only a fraction of them needed to purchase medicinal ingredients or tea, the Jishi Pharmacy would be able to fill their bowls and buckets with customers.

Liu Si'er smiled and said, "Zhang Zhangbao told me that recently, a fierce tiger from Jingzhou has arrived in Shu, taking away a lot of business from the pharmacies."

"Do you know which tiger it is?"

Chen Yi knew it was Xinglin Pavilion, and he also knew that not only the Xiao Family's pharmacy and Bai Caotang were affected, but he pretended not to know.

"Young Master, why don't you just say it directly?"

"The tiger from Jingzhou, Xinglin Pavilion, that's a shop with a history of several hundred years. They say they have several immortal doctors in the field of medicine."

"I've heard of that name. They've come to Shu?"

Chen Yi replied casually, his gaze falling on the passersby outside.

The autumn rain was chilly.

At this time, most people had put on heavier clothes, even the scholars who prided themselves on their refined appearance had added undergarments beneath their robes.

Only the wandering warriors from the south to the north wore their clothes carelessly, carried weapons on their backs, and were unafraid of the weather changes.

Liu Si'er looked down the six roads, driving the carriage while saying, "After the Mid-Autumn Festival, Xinglin Pavilion opened several stores in our Shu region."

"After that, it would affect the business of the pharmacies in our manor, and I wonder if our funds are sufficient."

"Oh? Funds?"

"Young Master, you don't know, do you? On the day of the Mid-Autumn Festival, the Duke was reprimanded by the Heavenly Mandate, not only to fill the grain depots of the Iron Wall Town, but also to pay grain taxes."

"The original amount the Duke had taken from the old master of Dongcheng was thirty million taels of silver, enough to handle the situation. But who would have thought that recently, the grain merchants in Shu had gone mad, driving up grain prices by more than double."

"The Duke was worried about this matter and had sent three elderly men to the Ministry of Revenue yesterday, hoping the local officials would take action to control it."

Chen Yi's heart stirred slightly: "How did the officials respond?"

Liu Si'er spoke with a hint of dissatisfaction, saying, "They made excuses, saying there was a justifiable reason for the grain price increase."

"They said this year's harvest in Shu was poor, and even the grain tax was only sixty percent of previous years. What about those grain merchants?"

Chen Yi thought for a moment, "Do you know which region had a poor harvest?"

"I don't know the specifics. I only heard it from the manor's officials..."

Chen Yi mused internally, knowing that those people had an interest in maligning the Xiao Family, so they couldn't reveal any obvious flaws.

—There must be regions in Shu with poor harvests, and there must be areas with reduced grain tax payments.

In his memory, after the summer of the three cities were burned, the grain prices had risen once before, but they quickly dropped again.

But if there were no regions in Shu with crop failures?

Then the forces behind the grain merchants would rise even higher.

In addition to the rumors of Xiao Honghong's governorship being corrupted, the matter was reported immediately to the Censorate in the capital, and the Ministry of Revenue would also need their people to cooperate.

"Officials and merchants colluding, huh."

"And their reckless actions would not just add more trouble to the Xiao Family."

Chen Yi thought this, displaying a slight, helpless smile on his face.

If the Xiao Family were even slightly bad, he could just become the Emperor of Shu himself and not have to work so hard.

But well.

He had worked so hard to help the Xiao Family precisely because of the Xiao Family's kindness and integrity.

Not long after, the carriage stopped in front of the Cloud Academy.

Chen Yi instructed Liu Si'er to find a place to rest, then lifted his umbrella and entered the academy.

Liu Si'er looked around, parked the carriage in front of a noodle shop nearby, and went into the shop.

"Server, bring me a bowl of noodles."

The counter attendant, Lou Yu Xue, glanced at him, recognized his identity, and his eyes turned toward the Cloud Academy.

She knew that Liu Si'er was temporarily replacing Geolu Three in watching over the Sparrow, so she guessed the Sparrow had come to the academy today.

After thinking it over, she went to the second floor, wrote a secret letter, and summoned a young servant boy, instructing him:

"Give this letter to the iron-flagged official."

"Understood."

After the man left, Lou Yu Xue looked through the window at Liu Si'er downstairs, his face filled with contemplation.

"The Master's letter requests further investigation into the Sparrow. It would be best to test him. The best course is to have the iron-flagged officials from the Xiao Family take action."

Lou Yu Xue had too many affairs on her plate. It would be inconvenient for her to personally intervene.

In addition, she had to complete the task assigned by the golden-flagged official first.

Liu Si'er, and that official named Guishu bearing the iron banner, they must have some means.

……

Since the exhibition opened, the number of visitors to the Guiyun Academy had increased noticeably.

Even now, just before the third watch, many still came.

Some from Shuzhou, others from beyond Shuzhou.

Thus, along Chen Yi’s path, the mere act of returning gifts consumed him an hour and a half.

More still, those who had never met him before, pointed and chattered about hearsay.

“Is that Master Qinzhou?”

“He looks so young.”

“I’ve heard he’s only twenty years old—indeed a remarkable fellow.”

“Yet he married into the Xiao family; his prospects in life are bleak.”

“In that case, all the better—his teachings here grant us the chance to learn from him.”

“Yes…”

Chen Yi pretended not to hear, and after meeting Ma Guan, he hurried straight to the study hall.

Two hours passed swiftly.

Within the study hall, a hundred students plus Chen Yi and Ma Guan, the atmosphere was even more relaxed than before.

First, Chen Yi’s understanding of the profound truths of the Way had deepened, and his teaching of the classics was effortless.

Second, unlike other masters, he did not drone on point by point, but spoke the essence of the Way with concise clarity.

Yet these students, raised on Wei Qing’s style, could not, in a moment, compose characters rooted in their nature.

Thus, after so long, no one had yet mastered the Way like Ma Guan.

Thankfully, several students had taken to calligraphy, lest one doubt Chen Yi’s ability to teach.

Among them was Tang Ye of the Tang family.

At the end, as was his habit, Chen Yi offered his assessment:

“Tang Ye’s characters show early promise; practicing six hundred strokes daily, he’ll master the Way within a month.”

Tang Ye heard this and beamed, rising to bow: “Thank you, Master.”

Chen Yi nodded, gestured for him to sit, and smiled:

“The Way is fundamentally simple. Whosoever finds the right path, comprehends the heart, and unites knowledge with action, may traverse the Way.”

“Such is the Way of calligraphy, and likewise for qin, weiqi, painting, and even martial arts.”

To ordinary folk, such words are hard to articulate.

Yet in Chen Yi’s case, who embodied qin, weiqi, literature, medicine, and martial arts, there was truth to his words.

Yet the scholars in the study hall listened with half-belief.

For a path already arduous to master, to divide one’s mind to other paths—even the gifted would struggle.

Chen Yi surveyed them, discerned their doubts, and smiled:

“Write down these words; do not overanalyze.”

Then he instructed Ma Guan to remain to answer the students’ questions, and departed the study hall.

Just outside, the guardian, Ling Cheng, bowed slightly: “Master Qinzhou’s teachings have bestowed upon me great benefit.”

“Perhaps I’ll try it myself later—maybe I’ll achieve mastery in calligraphy, like the Dean and Zuo Ying.”

Chen Yi bowed in return: “One’s own efforts determine success.”

After a pause, he asked: “Did you purchase those calligraphy sheets today?”

Ling Cheng flushed: “The Dean’s regulations—I dare not refuse.”

Chen Yi nodded, gestured toward the study hall, and departed to find Yu Ming.

Ling Cheng watched him go, pondered for a moment, then shook his head and entered the study hall to retrieve the calligraphy sheet Chen Yi had left behind.

Meanwhile,

Chen Yi arrived at Yu Ming’s residence, only to find Li Huigu there.

He laughed: “Brother Li, what brings you to the academy today?”

Li Huigu wore a bitter smile: “Forgive me, Master Qinzhou, I come with urgent matters.”

Chen Yi raised an eyebrow, seated himself beside him, and asked: “Any troubles at the prefecture?”

Yu Ming, irritated, replied: “That Liu Pu’s ink—truly, he intends to make me the deputy examiner for this session.”

“Is that so?”

Li Huigu nodded, sighing: “Without this, the Governor would not have sent me to the academy.”

Chen Yi frowned inwardly. Though the prefectural examination need not tie to imperial exams, it still tested a region’s scholars.

Traditionally, the imperial censorate dispatched examiners to oversee, preventing local fraud.

No deputy examiner was appointed.

Usually, the education official and his aides handled the exam, while local officials merely assisted—providing pavilions, lodging, maintaining order.

In idle moments, the magistrate would step in.

“Is this the Governor’s command?”

Yu Ming shook his head: “Liu Pu dares not. This must be the idea of Ma Shuhan, the education official of Shuzhou.”

“Indeed, I’ve had past dealings with Ma Shuhan.”

“He once sent word inviting Zuo Ying to serve as his grading master— I refused him outright.”

“This time, asking me to wade through the mire—surely to make me look foolish.”

Chen Yi smiled: “If so, the Dean should simply refuse.”

“But Liu Pu wishes me to act as gatekeeper for Shuzhou’s scholars.”

“Is he seeking to roast me on a spit?”

Chen Yi pondered briefly, already understanding Liu Hong’s intent.

He sought to have Yu Ming appease the Shuzhou education official, thereby securing favorable results for the examination.

The scheme was simple, even without fraud.

Should Ma lower the exam difficulty, Shuzhou’s candidates would soar.

Should Ma, out of spite for Yu Ming, raise the difficulty, Shuzhou’s candidates would falter.

Clearly, Liu Hong, as ruler of a region, would not permit such an outcome.

He governed the land, and its prosperity, education, and infrastructure were all metrics of his success. Whatever means necessary, he would employ.

Li Huaiwu took a deep breath and said, "Teacher, there's no need for you to worry about the students. Though they came here on orders, everything is still under your control."

Mr. Yue Ming waved his hand dismissively. "This matter has nothing to do with you."

After a pause, he turned to Chen Yi and asked, "What do you think, Chen Yi?"

Chen Yi spread his hands and replied, "As for things that merely show off for others' benefit, if it were me, I'd simply dismiss them outright."

Mr. Yue Ming nodded wryly. "Indeed, I've been thinking the same thing—about dismissing Liu Cheng's arrogance."

"But if it's truly because of my grudge against Ma Shuhuan that the entire Shuzhou cohort failed the annual exams, I can't bear it."

Chen Yi subtly shook his head, thinking to himself, "Ah, Mr. Yue, you're just the type to say things like that."

Even if Mr. Yue Ming never held official office, spending his days teaching countless students in the academy, he would still be weighed down by reputation and gossip.

Perhaps that Liu Hong had noticed this very point, which is why he sent Li Huaiwu to persuade him.

After a moment of contemplation, Chen Yi said, "To unfasten a bell, one must first secure the rope."

Mr. Yue Ming blinked. "You mean asking me to settle this privately with Ma Shuhuan?"

Chen Yi shook his head. "No, that won't do."

"With the annual exams approaching, no one—not even you—should meet Ma privately, lest it cause trouble."

"What I mean by 'securing the rope' is Liu Bu Zhi, the imperial censor."

"All one needs to do is break his jade tablet, and the matter will no longer concern the academy director."

Li Huaiwu's spirit seemed to flicker, and he quickly asked, "Brother Qiu Zong, if you have something to say, please speak plainly."

Facing both of their gazes, Chen Yi softly uttered two words: "Yang Ye."

Li Huaiwu paused. "The Right Magistrate?"

Mr. Yue Ming suddenly understood, then let out a hollow laugh. "You're asking me to leave Liu Cheng no room for mercy at all."

This matter would be best resolved by Yang Ye.

First, he and Liu Hong were of the same rank, so they could speak freely and, afterward, avoid causing the scholars to blame Mr. Yue for the failure.

Second, Yang Ye was older and more cautious.

As long as it didn't cross a certain line, Yang Ye would be easier to persuade than Liu Hong.

Plus, with Li Huaiwu and Yang Ye connected, Mr. Yue felt he could enlist Yang's help.

Chen Yi looked at him calmly. "Does the director have any grounds to speak with him?"

"Well... I suppose not."

"Exactly. The exams are just for the year, and it doesn't affect their eligibility for further exams. What harm if the students don't do well?"

Li Huaiwu glanced at both men, still uncertain but convinced that the teacher wouldn't be appointed as an examiner.

"Sir, would you like me to tell Yang the Magistrate?"

Mr. Yue Ming met his gaze and sighed softly. "Huaiwu, if only you were as perceptive as Qiu Zong, perhaps you'd have the chance to display your talents in official matters someday."

"...Sir, I fear I've disappointed you."

Chen Yi laughed. "Brother Huaiwu, your straightforwardness and kindness will surely make you a blessing wherever you serve."

Mr. Yue pointed at him and scolded, "You've ruined my chance to correct him! All my words have been spoken by you!"

After some banter, he turned to Li Huaiwu and said seriously, "This matter doesn't require your involvement. I'll speak with Yang the Magistrate myself."

Li Huaiwu exhaled in relief. "Then the students can rest easy."

As the conversation wound down, Chen Yi was about to leave when Mr. Yue stopped him. "This year's exams, Qiu Zong, you're participating too, aren't you?"

Chen Yi hesitated, then scoffed. "I'd rather not, but circumstances force me to."

Liu Hong had issued several important proclamations lately, and I suspect he's up to something.

If I don't participate, I'll surely lose all chance at fame.

Mr. Yue nodded slightly. "The exams shouldn't be difficult for you, and they affect your standing as a student official. Don't be reckless."

Chen Yi murmured, "Understood," and rose to leave.

Li Huaiwu, seeing this, also bowed to Mr. Yue and followed him out of the courtyard.

"Brother Qiu Zong, thank you for your guidance. Otherwise, I'd never have the courage to face the teacher again."

Chen Yi smiled. "The director is right, as always."

"Brother Huaiwu, you're far too honest and kind-hearted. In official matters, that makes you vulnerable to exploitation."

Seeing Li Huaiwu's embarrassed expression, he continued, "You work alongside my brother, Chen Yunfan, in the Magistrate's Office. You should know his character."

"Though he appears indifferent, he has a keen sense of what he can and cannot do."

"Like last time when we went to the three towns to collect winter grain, my brother knew it was a touchy subject, so he declined to take part."

Li Huaiwu, recalling the incident, suddenly realized, "He feigned illness?"

Chen Yi replied dryly, "Whether he was ill or not, he wouldn't have gone anyway. He always found a way to dodge it."

Though that time, my brother managed to escape by having someone knock someone out with poison.

In other words, Li Huaiwu's trip to the three towns was indirectly caused by him.

Thinking this over, Chen Yi added, "In any case, be more cautious and low-key in the Magistrate's Office."

"I'll remember, Brother."

After walking a while, they reached the academy gates.

Chen Yi suddenly recalled something and asked, "I heard this year's winter grain harvest in Shuzhou wasn't good, and tax collection is incomplete?"

Li Huaiwu nodded. "Yes, that's right."

"The heavy rains a few days back caused over half the crops in the lower reaches of Chi Shui River to be damaged. The harvest will barely suffice to feed them."

"Liu the Magistrate couldn't bear to let the people starve, so he and Yang the Magistrate discussed drafting a memorial to the Emperor, which was approved, and they reduced the taxes."

Liu Hong...

Chen Yi mused, "In that case, the grain prices in Shuzhou will probably rise."

Li Huaiwu smiled. "It won't matter much. If they rise too high, both magistrates will step in to regulate them."

Chen Yi looked at him, saying nothing more.

As for the current situation, even if the Magistrate's Office intervened, they'd wait until the funds from the Xiao family ran out.

After some casual conversation.

Chen Yi bid farewell to Li Huaiwu and found Liu Si Er outside the noodle shop.

At this time, near noon, many students from the academy had gathered at the noodle shop, even forming a long queue at the entrance.

Among them, many who saw Chen Yi bowed and saluted: "Master, you're eating here too?"

"Why not join us?"

Chen Yi bowed politely, smiling as he shook his head: "I have business to attend to; I must take my leave for now."

He then mounted a carriage and instructed Liu Si'er to drive straight to the East Market's Jiushi Pharmacy.

At that moment, the rain ceased, and the sky grew clear.

The vast expanse of cloudless sky cast a gentle, cool light, not as scorching as the midsummer sun.

A refreshing breeze occasionally swept through, making for pleasant weather.

As he gazed out the window, Chen Yi chattered casually with Liu Si'er, his thoughts not dwelling on Liu Hong or Ye Ming.

His mind was preoccupied with the identities of those manipulating grain prices—and the powers behind them.

From what he could see, these individuals wielded considerable influence.

"It seems I must devise a plan first, to track down those people. Otherwise, acting rashly would only backfire."

Not long after, the carriage rolled into the east market.

Chen Yi spotted the Xinglin Pavilion, located near the Ministry of Civil Affairs' office, and furrowed his brow slightly.

"An accomplished master of both literature and medicine?"

The characters "Xinglin Pavilion" on the signboard were carved in the bold, authoritative Wei Qing style.

The pavilion's beauty was undeniable, its golden hues shimmering in the afternoon light.

Though it was noon, the interior bustled with activity, frequented mostly by wealthy merchants and nobles in fine silk robes.

Liu Si'er noticed the same and remarked, "Sir, have you taken note of it?"

"Indeed. This pharmacy has become renowned, with a master of medicine and literature holding court, drawing in many prosperous and esteemed gentlemen."

Chen Yi nodded without further comment.

In the pharmacy trade, as in other businesses, the quality of herbs mattered, but so too did the physicians and prescriptions.

Ultimately, a pharmacy's reputation hinged on its ability to heal and save lives, which is why its doors remained open day and night.

In contrast, the Baiya Pharmacy, which started as a tea house, was often dismissed as a mere "evil cult" by its peers.

Soon, the carriage arrived at the East Market.

Chen Yi led Liu Si'er into the Jiushi Pharmacy, where Liu Quan and Ma Liangchi, among others, looked surprised as he welcomed them and ordered lunch.

Liu Quan, while arranging for the apprentices to prepare the meal, fetched the ledgers and beamed broadly.

"Master, please review the accounts."

Chen Yi glanced over them, smiling: "I've heard the pharmacy's fortunes had been poor, but these days, they're not bad at all."

Liu Quan's smile faltered, then he chuckled weakly: "It's all due to the master's skillful management, hah."

Chen Yi set down the ledgers, choosing not to press further, and instructed:

"Lately, you've all been working hard. I'll give each of you two tael of silver as a token of appreciation."

"The master is generous," they replied gratefully.

Chen Yi nodded, and in the brief time available, pulled Ma Liangchi aside into a private chamber.

"Master, any instructions?"

"Earlier, Master Wang gave you some medical texts—how are you progressing in your studies?"

After Xiao Wan'er confirmed her intention to establish a medical academy, Chen Yi had prepared some medical texts and arranged for Wang Ji to deliver them to Ma Liangchi.

This visit, he had a purpose in mind.

Ma Liangchi looked troubled: "I-I'm still studying. Some parts are quite challenging."

Chen Yi understood the difficulty of medical studies; many physicians never attended a formal school, relying solely on rote memorization, which inevitably fell short.

He pondered for a moment: "What don't you understand? Write it down."

Ma Liangchi paused, then brightened, quickly fetching paper and brush, and meticulously recorded all his questions.

Chen Yi reviewed each one, murmuring to himself, and provided answers on the spot.

"The Five Elements and Yin-Yang theory, the meridians and organs, the Four Diagnostics and Eight Principles—these are the foundations. Only by mastering them can one truly enter the realm of medicine."

"You must first grasp the whole before diagnosing and prescribing..."

After nearly an hour and a half, as Liu Quan and others grew increasingly impatient outside, Chen Yi finally spoke:

"Later, I'll have Wang Ji bring you more texts. Study diligently to improve your skills."

Ma Liangchi looked at the paper in his hands, bowing respectfully with gratitude: "Thank you, Master, for your guidance."

Chen Yi patted his shoulder: "Come on, let's eat first."

Though Ma Liangchi's talent wasn't outstanding, he was diligent and obedient, with a track record of commendable performance.

Chen Yi had no qualms about teaching him.

Of course, his true aim was to have an ally, so that the affairs of the Baiya Pharmacy or the medical academy wouldn't fall solely on his shoulders.

After lunch, Chen Yi wandered through the East Market, focusing on the grain merchants' establishments.

After a few rounds, he found no evidence of any grain shop purchasing slaves from the barbarians.

However, in a tucked-away corner, at a vendor's stall selling exotic goods, he noticed several barbarian slaves confined in iron cages.

"This barbarian slave, young and strong, worth fifty taels."

"That one, thirty taels..."

The vendor from the Wohuwu nation occasionally cracked his whip, shouting curses, to prove the slaves' docile nature.

"Obedient, useful."

Chen Yi couldn't yet judge whether these slaves were truly useful, but he did notice the weakest among them was being treated with particular care.

Each time the vendor whipped the others, the other slaves would intentionally or unintentionally shield the frail one.

Were these slaves showing filial piety and care for the young?

Or was the frail slave of higher status?

Chen Yi couldn't fathom the reason, but he silently noted their appearances and continued his stroll.

By five o'clock in the afternoon, he finally instructed Liu Si'er to return to the Xiao family.

"Has the slave uprising occurred due to these slaves, or others from the grain shops?"

"Something feels odd about the connection between the grain shops and the slaves..."

(Chapter Complete)