Chapter 235: An Unexpected Guest

Chapter 235: An Unexpected Guest

In the Xiao household at the same time.

In the dim and clean courtyard house, a lamp suddenly lit up.

In the flickering candlelight, the old patriarch sat leaning on a high-backed chair, his thick cotton robe draped over him, massaging his temples as he listened to Xiao Jing’s report from the shadows.

“…The barbarian slaves have not yet been found.”

Xiao Jing, seeing the old patriarch remained silent, continued, “The grain loss in the major granaries of the eastern market is severe. I’ve been told they stored a hundred thousand sheng of grain.”

The old patriarch set his hands down, his cloudy, bloodshot eyes meeting Xiao Jing’s. “A hundred thousand sheng?”

Xiao Jing nodded from the shadows. “Just more or less.”

“However, I’ve discovered that those several granaries have additional storage rooms, which should contain more grain.”

“Do you suspect the incident tonight was their doing?”

“Not to mention your lordship, I do have this suspicion.”

The old patriarch furrowed his brow slightly, thinking for a moment. “Indeed, that’s possible.”

“They could afford to lose a hundred thousand sheng of grain and raise the price tomorrow, which is something those merchants can do.”

Though he said this, he shook his head. “However, the possibility is low.”

“As you say, those several barbarian slaves were rescued by someone.”

“If it was those granaries, wouldn’t it be better to just have no evidence?”

Xiao Jing paused, then bowed his head. “Your lordship is right. I’ll investigate further.”

The old patriarch said, “Hold off for now.”

“Those merchants are of little consequence. What matters is the people behind them.”

“In the lands of Shu, if those several merchants dared to play such tricks against my Xiao family,—”

When he came to this point, a coldness crept across his face. He chuckled dryly, “That old fool of mine has reached the end of his days.”

Hearing this, Xiao Jing stepped from the shadows, kneeling on the ground with a look of apology. “Your lordship, forgive me. I am the one who is incompetent.”

The old patriarch waved his hand. “It’s not your fault.”

“In the end, it was the great battle. The death of Feng Chun and Wa Ruo, and the heavy casualties among the shadow guards and the prison department…”

He recalled those days, his face etched with worry. He let out a soft sigh. “My Xiao family has suffered grievously, which led to this situation.”

Though he said this, Xiao Jing still felt a pang of guilt, remaining motionless on the ground.

The old patriarch looked at him, saw his thoughts, and a smile returned to his lips. “Thank goodness I can still hold on for a while. My old friends, seeing me through, would help me along the way.”

“Counting the days, Zhang Xuan received the letter and will take a few days to reply. I should have time to see who’s behind those several granaries.”

Xiao Jing understood his meaning, bowed his head. “Your lordship can rest assured. I’ll find a way to uncover their identities!”

“Do your best.”

The old patriarch instructed him with a smile, then continued, “These days, I’ve been thinking a lot.”

“Sometimes fate is such, beyond human control.”

“Like the previous time the three towns’ summer grain was burned, it was indeed perilous, but afterward my Xiao family gained an advantage.”

His ancient face brightened further. “From this, one can know the heavens do not destroy my Xiao family.”

Hearing this, Xiao Jing’s expression eased. “As long as your lordship remains in good health, the Xiao household will not fall.”

“You young fool, you’re too kind. I’ve already got half my body in the ground, how can I stay healthy?”

“Your lordship, forgive me…”

The old patriarch smiled, realizing Xiao Jing had nothing more to say, and changed the subject. “How are your investigations proceeding?”

“The head of Bai Caogang’s booth has not appeared since that night.”

Xiao Jing sighed, “After that night when he and my uncle spent the evening on the boat, that Chen Yu boss seemed to vanish from the world. I’ve found nothing about his whereabouts.”

“I’ve considered asking Bai Caogang or the second uncle, but I feared it might backfire.”

The old patriarch nodded, thinking for a moment, then waved his hand. “Never mind, never mind.”

“The situation is complex. Your subordinates are few, so focus on them first.”

After giving an order, he continued, “When Bai Caogang’s business expands, I’ll have Wan’er invite that Chen boss again.”

Xiao Jing nodded, bowed, and was about to leave, but the old patriarch asked, “Any news from the Jing Hong region?”

“Reporting your lordship, the military situation there is normal. In at most another month, the market in Wu Mountain should be completed.”

The old patriarch smiled and nodded. “Tell him not to save money. She can spend as she wishes.”

“This time I borrowed grain from Zhang Xuan, so I’ve also borrowed some silver to avoid any trouble from those short-sighted ones.”

He hadn’t intended to speak, but the situation forced him to take this step. Yet, once he’d laid it all out, he realized borrowing grain was one thing, borrowing silver another. Why not resolve these troubles once and for all?

Hearing this, Xiao Jing felt a sour taste in his heart. He knew the old patriarch, a lifetime of martial prowess, was especially generous. Even in the hardest times for the Xiao family, the old patriarch still helped those old soldiers.

“Your lordship, I’ll write a letter to the general.”

“Go, go ahead.”

After he left, the old patriarch sat for a moment, then extinguished the lamp. His tall frame slightly hunched, he walked slowly back to the chamber.

Only when he lay on the bed did he let out a long breath, pressing his chest and coughing a few times.

“Oh, Lord Heaven, let me hold on for a few more years.”

“When I reach the other side, you can do whatever you wish with me…”

…

Before dawn, the sky was darkening.

A cool autumn wind swept through the garden. The lanterns hanging beneath the eaves of the Spring Lotus Garden and the Good Prosperity Estate swayed gently, illuminating several figures moving about.

Since Xiao Wan’er and Chen Yi had gone out, Xiao Duo and Juan’er and Cuo’er had started their work early.

To avoid disturbing Chen Yi and his companions, they moved as quietly as possible, placing the prepared bundles on the horse-drawn cart outside the garden.

Wang Li-xing and Liu Si-er were waiting beside the carriage, occasionally chatting idly.

“The fire that broke out in the east market last night has only just been extinguished.”

“Aside from those few grain warehouses, the neighboring ones have all suffered too, especially the textile shops.”

“They say a pharmacy storage room was also affected, losing most of its medicinal herbs.”

Wang Li-xing, glancing toward the entrance of Jiaxing Yuan and Chunhe Garden, asked in a low voice:

“Has the grain price gone up?”

Liu Si-er smirked: “Of course it has. With those rabble-rousers causing such losses, who wouldn’t raise prices?”

“Indeed…”

As they continued their idle talk, Xiao Die, Juan-er, and Cui-er each approached with a few small crates in hand.

Liu Si-er and Wang Li-xing stepped forward to receive them, placing everything inside the carriage.

Xiao Die wiped the sweat from her brow and smiled: “Not much came with Master, just these.”

Juan-er and Cui-er nodded that they had finished moving.

“Thank you both for waiting. We’ll return to serve Mistress and Master.”

Wang Li-xing nodded, checking that the carriage was securely locked.

“Fourth brother, the road isn’t far, but we’re outside the city walls—take care.”

Liu Si-er sat in the carriage: “Master and Madame are here, and Shen Madame is with them. Bandits won’t dare come near.”

“I mean Younger Master.”

“Rest assured, I’ll keep a close watch on him.”

At that moment, Xiao Die returned from the mansion, followed by Xiao Wu-ge, emerging from Chunhe Garden.

Wang Li-xing said nothing more, patted Liu Si-er’s shoulder, and led Xiao Wu-ge toward the Martial Arts Square.

Liu Si-er watched them disappear, then turned with a smile: “Xiao Die, has Younger Master awakened?”

Xiao Die, about to head to the kitchen, replied: “Not yet. You looking for Master?”

Liu Si-er thought of the secret letter he’d received the day before, and smiled faintly: “Just asking, that’s all.”

Xiao Die, untroubled, hurried toward the kitchen.

In truth, Chen Yi had already dressed neatly and entered the sitting room with dignity.

He had heard their voices from outside but showed no change in expression, his eyes fixed on the light-curtain before him:

[Daily Intel·Grade-X Essence: At the third hour of the sì cycle, Chen Yunfan sparred with Cui Qingwu in the Rain Veranda. A small amount of fortune can be gained.]

Chen Yi read it twice, murmuring to himself:

“Their sparring… hmph, probably Brother’s martial arts secrets were revealed to Cui Qingwu.”

“But I wonder if Brother knows Cui Qingwu’s identity—he must, right?”

In their previous encounters, Chen Yi hadn’t cared much for Cui Qingwu, but he could sense her attitude toward his brother, Chen Yunfan.

—Her eyes, except for Chen Yunfan, held no room for anyone else.

In such a situation, Chen Yi found it hard to believe his brother had grown tired of Cui Qingwu, his fiancée.

Or perhaps, Chen Yunfan wasn’t against Cui Qingwu, but against the Cui family?

That was possible.

Chen Yi chuckled softly: “Feels like a case of mistaken identity, but I’m glad I didn’t get to witness it.”

Today he was to accompany Xiao Wan’er to the medical academy site outside the city. Even if they couldn’t return by noon, they might not make it by dusk.

Thinking this over, he shut off the light-curtain and looked toward the door.

The sky brightened, stars and moon fading—Chunhe Garden was alive with the chirping of fish and birds.

The scene was pleasant.

Yet scattered petals and fallen leaves lay strewn about the garden.

Chen Yi gazed at them, and involuntarily recalled last night’s events.

His mind conjured a chessboard, black stones dropping onto the board.

Like the scattered petals and leaves, they seemed random—but no matter where the black stones were placed, a single bright black stone always remained at the center.

That stone represented not someone else, but the Liu family of Jingzhou.

Or rather, Liu Hong.

Chen Yi picked up a white stone, moved two steps forward, and placed it beside the white stone representing Xiao Laotai.

“Yang Zhe—this rightful Fabric Administration Commissioner, if he doesn’t act, Liu Hong will remain a thorn.”

He added another white stone: “Li Huiguo, recently troubled by Liu Hong, is sending Yue Ming to visit Yang Zhe.”

Looking at the final pattern in his mind, Chen Yi smiled:

“After all this winding, it circles back to the start.”

He had always intended to use Yang Zhe to balance Liu Hong for Xiao’s family, but Liu Hong’s repeated retreats had given him no opening.

Now that he knew Liu Tao-fang had acted, he no longer allowed Xiao’s family to remain passive.

Yet he knew Liu Hong was no easy foe.

Liu Hong, a Fabric Administration Commissioner of Shu, was backed by the Liu family of Jingzhou. To defeat him, crude measures like those used against Liu Wen and Xiao Dongren were impossible.

Chen Yi had a plan, took a deep breath.

“Fortunately, Liu Hong isn’t invincible.”

“Liu Tao-fang is his weakness.”

“The Liu family of Jingzhou is too.”

In his mind, he recalled the Black Vipers Sect, the Bedroom Seduction Realm, and Lan Degree-king, smiling wider.

“Even if this time I don’t eliminate Liu Hong, I can sever his allies.”

If things went smoothly, perhaps he’d gain even greater rewards.

At that moment, a tinkling sound of bells echoed.

Chen Yi snapped back to reality, seeing Pei Wen-yu poking her head out, her face comically exaggerated.

But upon seeing his unchanged expression, she retracted her tongue: “What, didn’t scare Uncle?”

Chen Yi couldn’t help but laugh: “You’re not a child, are you?”

Pei Wen-yu, displeased, approached and tugged at his sleeve: “I’m not a kid.”

“Yes, yes, you’re not…”

As Chen Yi spoke, he reminded her to watch over Xiao Wu-ge properly at the mansion.

Pei Wen-yu agreed, then babbled on about how her martial arts had improved recently, and that she’d teach Xiao Wu-ge some palm techniques that night.

Chen Yi thought for a moment and said, "Your Eight Flowers Palm isn't quite suitable; perhaps we should teach him some footwork first."

The Eight Flowers Palm demands a level of bodily flexibility that a youngster like Xiao Wo Ge, who hasn't even begun cultivating basic postures, clearly cannot master.

In contrast, the Meteor Butterfly Step could at least allow Xiao Wo Ge to learn it first.

Even if the effect isn't significant, it would still elevate his footwork.

Pei Qianlu nodded upon hearing this. "Very well, I'll follow your brother's advice."

Soon after, Xiao Di returned with breakfast.

Chen Yi ate a few mouthfuls and then led the group to Xiaxing Yuan to meet Xiao Wan'er.

At that moment, Xiao Wan'er had already eaten. When she saw him approach, she smiled and waved her hand.

"Brother-in-law, the items have been prepared and placed in the car; let's depart."

Chen Yi glanced her over, smiled, and nodded in agreement.

Perhaps it was his imagination, but today Xiao Wan'er, still draped in her white overcoat, seemed to have a more upright figure.

Her exquisite face, too, appeared more radiant than before.

Xiao Wan'er was unaware of his thoughts as she walked beside him, her hand gently swaying.

"Earlier I've already instructed people to scout several locations in advance; we can proceed directly to them for inspection."

"If everything goes smoothly, we can finalize the address of the Medical Arts Academy today."

Chen Yi hummed in agreement. Just as he was about to respond, a soldier in armor entered the courtyard accompanied by a man.

The man was tall and robust, dressed in a black short jacket and shorts, barefoot.

A member of the Mountain Clan?

Before Chen Yi could ponder further, Pei Qianlu exclaimed in surprise, "Brother, you've arrived!"

The man paid no heed, his gaze fixed straight ahead as he approached Xiao Wan'er and bowed stiffly.

"Mountain Clan Pei Qian has seen the young mistress."

His movements were rigid, unlike the natural grace of a city dweller.

Xiao Wan'er lightly nodded, gesturing for him not to bow so formally. She turned to Pei Qianlu and smiled, "Is this your brother?"

Pei Qianlu nodded enthusiastically, stepping forward with a hearty slap on Pei Qian's back.

*Thwack.*

Pei Qian stumbled, his lips curled into a grimace. "Brother, this is not the Mountain Clan's grounds."

Pei Qianlu paid no heed, laughing and saying, "Brother, you have fears too, don't you?"

"Who's afraid?"

Pei Qian muttered, then withdrew a letter from his chest and presented it to Xiao Wan'er.

"A letter from General Jing Hong, delivered by me. The young mistress, please receive it."

Yet as he spoke, his eyes remained fixed on Chen Yi, his gaze sharp with scrutiny.

Chen Yi noticed his stare and raised an eyebrow in silent understanding.

In his recollection, Xiao Wan'er's brother had mentioned her affection for Xiao Jinghong.

Indeed, as the saying goes, there is no love without cause, nor hatred without cause.

(Chapter Complete)