Chapter 236: The Son-in-Law's Mouth Is Formidable (Seeking Monthly Tickets)

Chapter 236: The Sharp Tongue of My Uncle (Seeking Monthly Votes)

It was certainly what he was thinking, yet Chen Yi did not show it, standing calmly to one side.

Counting the days, the Mid-Autumn Festival was but a dozen or so days away.

Subtracting the three or four days it would take for Pei Wanglu to send a letter to Pei Qian, the Shan people would have already dispatched Pei Qian to Shuzhou Prefecture upon receiving the missive.

Not slow at all, then.

Moreover, considering that Pei Qian had taken time to linger in the market town of Wuyan during his journey, the pace was all the more reasonable.

What truly weighed on Chen Yi was the Shan people's stance toward the Five Poison Sect. How many people had Pei Qian brought with him this time?

At that moment, Pei Wanglu voiced her unspoken concern: "Brother, just you coming alone?"

Pei Qian shook his head: "Not at all."

"Uncle San, Uncle Li, Auntie Zhu, and others have come too, not to mention Younger Sister..."

A string of more than ten names was spoken, causing Pei Wanglu's round face to bloom with delight.

"Younger Sister's coming too?"

"Where are they now? Lead me there—I haven't played with them in ages."

Pei Qian hesitated slightly, glancing at Xiao Wan'er before bowing: "Sister, thank you for taking care of the Concubine these days."

Xiao Wan'er smiled and nodded: "No need for such courtesy."

After a few polite words, she instructed Zhou Tingyun to assist Pei Qian in arranging lodgings.

Pei Qian thanked her again, though he made no objections.

Just as he was about to offer a few more courtesies, Pei Wanglu suddenly grabbed his arm and pulled him toward the exit.

As they hurried outside, she glanced back at Chen Yi: "Brother-in-law, I'll go play with Brother first—we'll meet again when you return to the capital."

She paused, then added, tugging at her tongue: "And the matter of teaching Xiao No Gun Step—we should delay it a day or two."

Chen Yi smiled and waved his hand: "Be careful."

"Don't worry, Uncle San, Auntie Zhu, and the others are all formidable people—Brother is too."

Upon hearing this, Pei Qian's frame straightened slightly, as if embarrassed.

This only caused Chen Yi to chuckle a few more times.

Seeing this, Zhou Tingyun bowed to Xiao Wan'er, then followed the Pei siblings out.

Xiao Wan'er watched them disappear into the distance, then turned to Chen Yi with a smile: "Shall we depart as well?"

Chen Yi nodded, signaling Liu Si to lead the way, and took a seat beside Xiao Wan'er in the second carriage.

Xiao Nü and Cuìer sat beside them.

When Shen Huatang saw everyone settled, she drove the carriage, following Liu Si's horse into the streets beyond Hou Estate.

After traveling a few li, Xiao Wan'er suddenly remembered the letter from Xiao Jinghong, retrieved it from her sleeve, and opened it.

As she read, she spoke to Chen Yi: "Younger Sister says all is well with her."

Chen Yi glanced at her, his eyes lingering on the letter in her hand, nodding with a smile.

"The Concubine personally stationed herself in Wuyan to ensure no trouble arises."

With Xiao Jinghong's current cultivation and skill, not to mention the presence of the Shan people there, even some cultivators of the third rank or higher would find it difficult to approach her.

And with the Shan people also present, they would surely instill fear across most of the Shu region.

Xiao Wan'er hummed softly, quickly finishing the letter and handing it to him with a smile: "Younger Sister mentioned that once the Wuyan market is completed, she'll also visit the three border garrisons, so she wanted to apologize to you."

Chen Yi took the letter, nodded understandingly, and continued reading.

The contents were largely as Xiao Wan'er had said—updates on the Wuyan market's progress, expected to conclude by the end of October, plans for touring the three border garrisons, and so forth.

But when he reached the end, his smile faltered slightly. He turned his head to look at Xiao Wan'er, whose face was half-hidden beneath the collar of her large-sleeved robe, and raised an eyebrow:

"My Lady wishes me to inscribe a calligraphy piece for the Wuyan market?"

Xiao Wan'er saw he had read the letter's contents, blinked, and said:

"Younger Sister wanted me to convey that to you, but I thought you'd prefer to read it yourself."

Chen Yi let out a hollow laugh: "There's no need to be so formal about something as simple as that."

Since he had married Xiao Jinghong, he would not refuse matters within their shared duties.

Especially something as trivial as writing calligraphy, there was no need for such roundabout phrasing.

Yet from this, he could not help but notice that Xiao Jinghong must have felt some guilt—after all, she had not returned home for so long since their marriage.

Xiao Wan'er covered her mouth with a smile: "Perhaps Younger Sister feared you might disagree."

"After all, you are now the instructor at Guoyun Academy, and a renowned calligrapher and poet of great renown across the land."

Chen Yi shook his head: "It's mere vanity."

He looked directly at Xiao Wan'er and spoke earnestly: "My Lady, you must not emulate the Concubine. If any matters arise, you must tell me directly, without such formality."

Xiao Wan'er's eyes flickered with something—perhaps gratitude—before she said: "I shall remember this."

Not feeling entirely confident, she added: "Like this time, when I went to select a site for the new territory, I didn't hold back with you at all."

Chen Yi nodded: "That's right."

Meeting his gaze, Xiao Wan'er's freshly exposed white neck suddenly drew back, her face flushing slightly.

Silence spoke volumes.

Xiao Wan'er's heart was, in truth, quite elated.

Though Chen Yi had merely spoken the most ordinary words, to her ears, they were like a refreshing draught.

She knew, in her heart, that Chen Yi had already come to regard her as someone close—perhaps even as family.

After a moment of quiet, Chen Yi folded the letter and pulled aside a curtain to look outside.

"The weather is fine today," he said.

The autumn air was crisp and clear, with nary a cloud in sight.

After several days of rain, the climate in Shu had grown cool and pleasant.

Most people had swapped their lighter garments for thicker ones, and even those hardy enough to brave the cold had done the same.

Xiao Wan'er stuck her head out to gaze at the road ahead: "Yes, it's already late August."

She paused, her face showing a hint of contemplation as she said, "Next month... every year at this time, I've already been preparing to head to the Mongolian Mountains."

Before Chen Yi could respond, the girls in front—Huān'er and Cuì'er—quickly turned their heads back.

"Miss, you don't plan to go this year, do you?"

"This... Miss, although your health has improved compared to previous years, it would still be prudent to stay there for a while, just to be safe."

Upon hearing this, Chen Yi set down the curtain, turning his head to look at Xiao Wa'er, who was also gazing back at him. He quickly inferred her meaning.

"You want to ask the Mongolian physician, don't you?"

Xiao Wa'er hesitated slightly. "After the Medical Arts Academy finalized its location, I've already planned to hire local laborers to begin construction."

"So eager?"

"Indeed. Since my health has improved somewhat, I hope to complete the academy as soon as possible."

Xiao Wa'er's face softened with a smile as she gently gazed at Chen Yi:

"When that time comes, my husband-to-be will also help me inscribe a calligraphy piece."

Chen Yi nodded in agreement. "In that case, once we return, I'll go find Master Ma to come."

As he spoke, a flicker of light passed through his eyes, fixed directly on Xiao Wa'er.

There, coiled around her body—especially along her lower back—were wisps of black energy.

After taking a careful look, Chen Yi let out a quiet sigh.

Though her condition had improved, the medicines he had prescribed merely delayed the advance of her extreme-cold bloodline, unable to eradicate it entirely.

Still, thanks to those elixirs, she no longer needed to endure the harsh energies of the Mongolian Mountains.

"A body of extreme cold, with a congenital meridian where fire has waned—replenishing her yang fire and spiritual energy would be as difficult as reviving the dead."

By his current level of medical mastery, even if he ascended to the Perfected Realm, he might not fully cure Xiao Wa'er.

Yet he still had time.

At that moment, Xiao Wa'er noticed his gaze, instinctively glancing at Huān'er and Cuì'er, who remained oblivious. She exhaled slightly in relief.

She then glanced down at herself, finding nothing amiss, and turned to reproachfully ask Chen Yi:

"Has my husband-to-be visited the Ji Shi Apothecary recently?"

Seeing her eyes meet his, Chen Yi didn't look away, nodding with a smile:

"I did stop by to check—it’s certainly busier than before."

"Still because of the Xinglin Monastery’s influence, isn’t it? I’ve already instructed several shopkeepers not to worry."

"Doing one’s best is enough. Though the apothecary’s trade has been affected, the teahouse across the Bai Bao Hall still brings in plenty of silver."

Xiao Wa'er nodded, calming her spirits: "Once we return to the estate, I’ll have them tally the accounts."

Every month’s end, she always calculated all business affairs, and only after the silver was secured would she distribute the monthly stipends to the households in the estate.

Chen Yi knew this well. "For now, Bai Bao Hall only operates in the city. Once they expand, the estate won’t face shortages of silver."

Xiao Wa'er nodded thoughtfully: "All thanks to that Mr. Chen."

"Speaking of which, since he met you a few days ago, he hasn’t returned to the city. Do you know when he plans to expand?"

"Probably soon."

"Ma Ji’s side has already recruited many people, preparing to increase production of teas and brews."

"Is that so? Then there must be quite a few people there now."

Chen Yi couldn’t help but laugh: "Originally, all those workshops combined had fewer than a hundred people."

"But including all the disciples of the Tianshan Sect, the number is considerable."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Wa'er covered her mouth and laughed softly, turning to the curtains ahead and smiling:

"Huān'er, be sure to visit once in a while—see if her fellow disciples in Shu have any inconveniences. Whatever assistance the estate can provide, just arrange it."

"We’ve already thanked the lady."

"No need for formality with family."

Xiao Wa'er then explained to Chen Yi: "Actually, my mother was also a disciple of the Tianshan Sect. The abbot of the Tianshan Sect, Ni Qian, was my mother’s master."

Chen Yi suddenly realized: "No wonder the goddess Xingyun and Aunt Shen came all the way to Shu City."

Xiao Wa'er nodded: "It’s all thanks to Ni Qian’s care."

She seemed to recall her late mother, her expression growing slightly dim.

"When my mother was still alive, she would visit the Tianshan each year, and each time she returned, she brought me several snow lotuses."

"But at that time, my body wasn’t strong enough to endure the cold there. Later..."

As Xiao Wa'er spoke of those bygone days, Chen Yi understood her melancholy, and simply listened in silence.

Having traveled so far, he’d never before heard Xiao Wa'er speak of her mother-in-law.

Most of the time, it was the late Duke Xian of Xian—Xiao Fengchun—who was mentioned.

Until now, he’d only just learned that Xiao Wa'er and Xiao Jinghong’s mother, Fu Wànqíng, was also a high disciple of the Tianshan Sect.

After chatting for half an hour, the carriage finally rolled out of the city gate, heading south along the official road.

Chen Yi now knew more about his future father-in-law and mother-in-law.

For instance, Xiao Fengchun was the most gifted martial arts prodigy in the Xiao family—though still a step below Xiao Jinghong.

He was diligent and forgiving, earning the respect and affection of both the Xian Army and the other noble families of Shu City.

Likewise, Fu Wànqíng had traveled the world, earning the title "Fair Lady Qing," one of the Four Great Goddesses of the realm.

Upon hearing this, Chen Yi looked at Xiao Wa'er, whose complexion had grown even paler, and could no longer help but interrupt:

"Lucky the elder sister couldn’t master martial arts."

Xiao Wa'er blinked, "I can’t practice martial arts... really?"

"Of course it’s fine."

"If she were like her mother, there’d be no Four Great Goddesses left in the world."

"Why?"

Seeing Xiao Wa'er’s attention shift to him, Chen Yi let out a breath of relief and quickly added:

"Because by then, only Fair Lady Wa'er would remain among the Four Great Goddesses."

The words barely left his lips.

Huān'er and Cuì'er both chuckled, and even the carriage ahead—Shen Huatan—coughed softly.

The two elder uncles’ tongues truly are... remarkable.

Further ahead, Liu Sier seemed to catch a glimpse of a smile, muttering to himself.

He had no idea what the birds were discussing.

At that moment, Xiao Wa'er suddenly came to, her face flushing crimson.

"There, you’ve gone and said something outrageous!"

“How could that be?”

“It’s just that Er Mei of the Xiao family is simply more talented than me.”

“Well, that would only be the case if it were the two celestial beauties of the Xiao family.”

“And there’s also Mei Mei of Qingwu—her martial arts talent isn’t bad either.”

“As for her…”

Chen Yi was inclined to say that Cui Qingwu was ugly, but upon recalling her connection to Chen Yunfan and her rather respectable looks, he merely nodded in agreement.

“In that case, there are only three of them—still short of the four great celestial maidens…”

Laughing and chatting as if nothing had happened, Xiao Wan’er eventually broke away from her reverie, not in vain for Chen Yi’s shamelessness.

Seeing that Xiao Wan’er couldn’t refute him, she quickly shifted the subject:

“A while back, Qingwu-sister mentioned she’d like to visit the manor—do you know when she might come?”

Chen Yi looked at Xiao Wan’er, who had once again tucked her neck and buried her face in her sleeves, and asked with a smile:

“When did your relationship with her become so close?”

“The Mid-Autumn Poetry Gathering.”

“Actually, I can tell how deeply Qingwu-sister feels for that elder brother of yours.”

“Oh? How did you figure that out?”

“You don’t really believe it, do you…?”

Chen Yi understood.

He could see it too.

Perhaps even Chen Yunfan could perceive it.

Though he always felt that Chen Yunfan was somewhat indifferent—more so than himself.

Thinking these thoughts, Chen Yi couldn’t help but recall the duel between Chen Yunfan and Cui Qingwu earlier today.

“Given their martial arts, Chen Yunfan’s chances of winning should be greater.”

…

Chances?

Vastly greater.

Chen Yunfan’s strikes were neither light nor heavy.

If not for the fact that Cui Qingwu’s cultivation was two realms below his, he’d have liked to unleash his full power.

Even so, after just a minute of the duel, Cui Qingwu was drenched in sweat, her legs and arms burning with pain.

She frowned and glared at Chen Yunfan, “We agreed to fight only using mid-level martial arts.”

Chen Yunfan, holding his sword in one hand, stood tall and cold-eyed, and shook his head:

“To use full strength in a duel is the greatest respect I can offer Qingwu.”

Cui Qingwu opened her mouth—she hadn’t yet realized he was pulling another stunt.

“Yunfan-brother, you—you’re cheating!”

Chen Yunfan turned away, then flicked his wrist, delivering a sword technique: “Qingwu, you don’t understand the pain in my heart for you.”

“Pain?”

Cui Qingwu’s expression softened slightly, “Yunfan-brother, is he hurting and worrying about me?”

To their surprise, Chen Yunfan shook his head again: “Not at all.”

“My concern is that your sword path realm is too low to help me improve my martial arts.”

These days, he’d been working diligently to quickly elevate his sword path realm.

He studied and practiced sword techniques day and night.

Yet, martial arts realms are heavy with meaning and require profound insight—his sword path realm seemed stuck at a bottleneck, making no progress.

Chen Yunfan looked at it with growing impatience. When would he finally break through to punish Yi-brother?

So he sought out a duel with Cui Qingwu, whose cultivation and martial arts lagged behind his, hoping to find an opportunity to break through.

Unaware of his intentions, Cui Qingwu, upon hearing this, suddenly grew angry, grabbed her long sword, and charged forward.

“Draw your sword!”

“Well said!”

Chen Yunfan remained still. His sword struck Cui Qingwu’s long sword in her hand, then twisted his wrist, slamming the blade against her waist.

“Again!”

“Qingwu, we sword cultivators should be this resilient.”

Then he struck her thigh with another blow.

“Continue!”

“Not bad…”

After another minute of this, the onlookers, including Ring Er and Chun Rong, couldn’t bear to watch any longer. Ring Er couldn’t help but creep up beside Chun Rong, quietly tugged at her sleeve and whispered:

“Y-you…”

Before she could finish, Chun Rong already understood his meaning, raised her hand to interrupt him: “It’s almost over.”

“What?”

At that moment, Ning Yu rushed in from outside, handing a letter to Chun Rong.

“…A reply letter.”

Chun Rong thanked him, took a few steps back to avoid Ring Er’s gaze, and opened the letter to glance at it.

[The head of the Chen family’s return is unknown; contacting him is difficult.]

She understood—“difficult” meant he could be contacted.

[The White Robe Order’s plan, ‘Dragon’s Roar and Tiger’s Roar,’ needs to be accelerated. Someone will contact you soon.]

[Remember, don’t let him find out!]

After reading it, Chun Rong thoughtfully folded the letter and letter, her eyes turning toward Chen Yunfan in the hall.

Is there still someone coming to Shu Zhou?

She thought for a moment, rubbed her face, and with a composed expression called out to Chen Yunfan:

“Lord, there’s good news.”

Chen Yunfan paused, then took a step back and performed a bow. His stern face revealed a hint of a smile: “Acknowledged.”

Seeing his smiling face, Cui Qingwu nearly dropped her long sword.

“Yunfan-brother, let’s duel another day.”

“Forget it. Your sword path realm is too low—keep improving it first.”

“You……”

A corpse bereft of taste!

Chen Yunfan paid no heed to Cui Qingwu’s gritted teeth, turning his attention to Qing Ying.

“Any news?”

“Indeed, the master should be reachable.”

“Then don’t dawdle. I’ll pen a letter in the study first—go send it afterward.”

(The chapter ends here.)