Chapter 237: Brother-in-Law, You're Not Leaving Tonight, Right

Chapter 237: Husband, shall we not depart tonight?

The hour of Si had just passed when Chen Yifan noticed a sudden glimmer of golden light before him:

[System: +6.]

[Comment: Chen Yunfan overcame Cui Qingwu with absolute strength.]

[Personality: He who arrives but does not speak, whose scene has not yet unfolded, yet the opportunity was bestowed upon him but not taken—this is the nature of a slothful soul.]

As expected, Chen Yunfan secured an easy victory.

Upon learning of the outcome, Chen Yifan did not linger to gaze further. Instead, he turned to Xiao Wan’er, engaging in idle chatter while lifting the curtain to peer beyond the carriage.

Xiao Wan’er’s ancestral domain, the Xiao family estate, lay fifty miles southeast of Shuzhou fu. The town of Tonglin, under the fu’s jurisdiction, comprised six villages and a hamlet nestled at the foot of the mountains near the city. Though modest in size, these settlements and the surrounding peaks formed the Xiao family’s fiefdom. Within a radius of roughly two hundred miles, over two thousand households dwelt there. In the early days of Wei, Emperor Cao’s edict proclaimed: “A domain of three thousand households.”

At that moment, the carriage veered off the main road onto a narrow forest path. The crisp, rhythmic clop of horse hooves gave way to a heavier, more labored cadence as the wheels jolted over uneven earth. Driver Shen Huatang eased the reins without being instructed, slowing the pace.

Thankfully, neither Chen Yifan nor Xiao Wan’er were ones to fuss over such matters. They chattered and laughed as the carriage swayed gently. Xiao Wan’er, her pallor softened by a smile, gestured toward the distant peaks.

“Things have changed so much here,” she said, parting the curtain with one hand while pointing to the mountains with the other. “That’s Monkey Mountain. When I was young, Father took me and my younger sisters hunting there. There were countless small creatures.”

“East of that is Xiao Yun Shan. I recall a waterfall atop it—my sister once bathed there.”

“The river between them was carved by Father during his lifetime, diverting a tributary of the Chi River to connect the two.”

“From that time onward, the people of Tonglin could sail to the fu for trade or to eke out their livelihoods elsewhere…”

Though it had been a long while since Xiao Wan’er last visited, her memory of this land remained vivid. She could recount the history of each mountain, stream, and village, even identifying the families who lived in the hamlets along the banks.

Chen Yifan followed her gaze, nodding. “I recall the fu collects relatively little in rent from this fief.”

Xiao Wan’er hummed in agreement, her eyes still fixed on the scenery. “In the beginning, our ancestor spared them entirely. But after certain events, by the time of our great-grandfather, regulations were reestablished—now they pay one-third in rent annually.”

“A third? That’s far less than Wei’s standard of ten for four, or even some noble houses’ ten for seven.”

“Indeed. Our great-grandfather said it was both a grace and a necessity—to avoid being reproached by other major clans.”

Chen Yifan inclined his head, musing that the events Xiao Wan’er described must have soured the Xiao family’s ancestor. Otherwise, they would not have shifted from taking nothing to demanding a third.

It was, in truth, a relief. After all, as the saying goes, “Honor is tied to rice, resentment to rice.” A measured kindness was preferable to a heart-and-liver sacrifice.

Soon, the carriage wound through a narrow mountain pass and crossed a wooden bridge into Tonglin. The cobblestones here were smoother. Chen Yifan surveyed the scene, raising an eyebrow.

“Here… it’s quite something.”

The road was clean, lined with dozens of wooden buildings whose uniform plastered facades gleamed neatly. The residences beyond—grey walls and black tiles—stood in neat rows, not unlike the fu itself.

Xiao Wan’er nodded, smiling. “This was all rebuilt by Father’s orders.”

“In my childhood, he often said the fu was too bustling. When he grew old, he planned to retire here.”

Indeed, it was a fine place to settle into quiet years.

Before Chen Yifan could offer his assent, a dozen or so people rushed forward from ahead. Without waiting for him to ask, Xiao Wan’er instructed the driver to halt and turned to greet them.

“They’re from the Ming household,” she said.

“Ming was once my grandfather’s guard, but after sustaining injuries, grandfather reassigned him to manage the fields and estates here.”

As she spoke, Xiao Wan’er helped her younger sisters, Xiao Er and Cui Er, dismount. Chen Yifan followed, observing the lead figure—a stooped old man in coarse hemp robes—saluting respectfully.

“Lord Ming has met with the ladies,” he said.

The group of ten or so bowed in turn.

Xiao Wan’er waved dismissively. “No need for such ceremony.” She then inquired, “Ming, how did you know of my arrival today?”

Ming straightened, his voice tinged with emotion. “The third steward sent word yesterday.”

“Without that, I’d never have known either.”

Xiao Wan’er nodded, her expression warm. “I merely came to visit, not wishing to burden you.”

“My lady, if you’d come to Tonglin without a host, I’d surely be scolded by the marquis,” he laughed.

After exchanging pleasantries and introductions, the group dispersed. Soon, Ming led Xiao Wan’er to the family residence for a meal.

The Xiao estate, nestled deep in the town’s heart, was a three-courtyard compound clinging to the mountainside. Beyond Ming’s own household, three other elders tended the grounds. Their eyes shone with emotion at the sight of Xiao Wan’er, long absent from the family’s inner chambers.

During the meal, platters of fruit and delicacies appeared repeatedly. Xiao Wan’er, unable to refuse, allowed them to fuss over her.

“After Ming came here, his son also returned from the Lingdistant Army to assist in managing the lands.”

The previous tax collection from the mansion’s fields had always been handled by them, registered and paid, then delivered by the three eunuchs with a party.

Chen Yi nodded with a smile, his voice light: “And the others—surely they’re also veterans of the Lingguan army?”

“Yes, Brother Fang and his group as well, though their grandfather only recently arranged for them…”

As they laughed and finished their midday meal, taking a brief rest, Kang Ming approached with a question: “My lady, which places would you like to visit? I’ll guide you myself.”

Xiao Wanzhen declined to make excuses, handed Shen Huatan a map, and pointed to the marked locations: “These places all need to be seen.”

After reviewing the map, Kang Ming hesitated: “My lady, the roads outside the town are narrow; carriages may not pass.”

Xiao Wanzhen smiled: “It’s no matter. We’ll walk.”

“It won’t do, my lady… your highness’s delicate frame—”

After some back-and-forth, Shen Huatan finally agreed, and Xiao Wanzhen consented to ride a horse.

Chen Yi, along with Zhang Guang, rode along beside her.

Soon, Liu Si’er approached, leading two horses, and placed one slightly shorter steed beside Xiao Wanzhen, while the other he brought to Chen Yi: “Lord Chen, this one is a fierce one—mind it carefully.”

Chen Yi nodded, took the reins, and climbed onto the horse, smiling: “In the Jiangnan Prefecture, I’ve practiced riding before. Even the fiercest—”

Before he could finish, the black steed beneath him surged upright, nearly unhorsing him.

“Ah—”

The horse let out a loud neigh.

Instinctively, Chen Yi tried to rein it in, but his eyes caught Liu Si’er’s perspiration-slicked face nearby, and he called out, gripping the reins tighter.

Xiao Wanzhen saw the scene and gasped, her eyes widening: “Be careful!”

In that instant, Shen Huatan leaped up, planting his foot firmly on the horse’s head.

Thud!

The black horse, which had been about to bolt, suddenly knelt, its head crushed beneath Shen Huatan’s boot.

Chen Yi tumbled aside, disheveled on the ground.

Xiao Wanzhen barely had time to think, rushing over to check on him, her voice urgent: “You—you’re unharmed?”

Chen Yi pushed himself up, his face streaked with grime, his jaw hanging open, and said, “No, no harm done.”

To appear more pitiable, he had inflicted two purple bruises on his own face, his cheek visibly swollen. Xiao Wanzhen saw this, her eyebrows furrowing for the first time, and turned to Liu Si’er: “Why did this happen?”

Liu Si’er immediately knelt down: “My lord, forgive me. I meant no harm to Lord Chen, but I feared it might be an accident. Please, my lady, punish me as you see fit.”

“You…”

Before Xiao Wanzhen could finish, Chen Yi waved his hand and said, “I only have some superficial wounds, nothing serious.”

Seeing Xiao Wanzhen still glaring at Liu Si’er, Chen Yi gently tugged at her sleeve and continued: “Sister, there’s no need to scold Liu Si’er. It was my own clumsiness.”

Xiao Wanzhen looked back at him, her eyes reflecting his swollen face, and after a moment of hesitation, nodded: “Brother Ming, did you have a fall? Bring me some medicine.”

“Ah, yes, my lady. I’ll fetch it right away.”

Chen Yi didn’t refuse, his gaze lingering on the black horse, a faint glint in his eyes.

Then he noticed something amiss with the horse—its hindquarters bore a silver needle deeply embedded in its bone.

At that moment, he cast a glance at Liu Si’er, who was drenched in sweat, and subtly scoffed.

“Truly… a clumsy attempt at testing.”

Earlier, he had learned from Lou Yuxue that the hidden forces were probing whether he was in possession of martial arts. He had assumed Lou Yuxue herself would carry out the test, but instead, she had entrusted it to Liu Si’er.

Had it not been for Chen Yi’s quick wit, which had just prevented the exposure of some physical peculiarity, he might have revealed more.

For he had already refined his body to a solid nine grades, his strength reaching three oxen.

Now, his physical power had further improved, attaining four oxen.

In truth, with just his own body, he could easily subdue that black horse.

Chen Yi thought this, and then comforted Liu Si’er a few more times, mentally noting the incident.

“Earlier, I should have been more careful. A little more restraint would have sufficed.”

Soon after, Xiao Wanzhen applied medicine and wine to Chen Yi’s wounds, glanced at the shorter horse beside her, and hesitated: “To prevent further accidents, Brother-in-law, perhaps you and I should ride the same horse?”

Before she could finish, a faint blush crept across her face.

Chen Yi paused, glanced at Shen Huatan and the others, and then readily agreed: “Thank you, my lady, so very much.”

Shen Huatan noticed the two’s expressions, and in his heart silently sighed, saying nothing.

Instead, it was the older sisters, Wanie and Cuie, who looked at him with strange eyes.

They knew what Chen Yi had done earlier—he had lifted the blanket from the lady’s bed.

Yet, of course, they dared not say anything.

Soon, Chen Yi, with Xiao Wanzhen’s flushed face, sat behind her, holding the reins together.

“My lady, the evening is late. Let us begin our journey.”

Xiao Wanzhen felt a warm breeze brush her ear, her neck curling as she stammered, “Let’s go, let’s go.”

Kang Ming took a quick look, his expression slightly odd, though he merely assumed it was his own overactive imagination.

This second lady of the Shu region, a renowned general’s wife—how could she be so lightly treated?

To avoid causing a commotion, Xiao Wanzhen had Liu Si’er, Cuie, and Wanie wait briefly at the residence.

She then had Kang Ming guide her, along with Chen Yi and Shen Huatan, as they left the compound.

But shortly thereafter, Xiao Wanzhen began to feel some regret.

In the town it was somewhat better, the roads were smooth, and she could still maintain her bearing, keeping herself apart from Chen Yi. But once beyond the town, the roads were mostly muddy, riddled with potholes and uneven ground, the low horses bobbing up and down. It was inevitable that the two would have some bodily contact. So much so that Xiao Wan'er didn’t even know where to put her eyes anymore, her half-face pressed deep into the thick, warm air around her, wrapped up tightly. Meanwhile, Chen Yi remained composed. Only, perhaps, there was a certain relief in his heart.—The thick, warm air was indeed a good thing, so thick, so insulating, so reassuring. Fortunately, after walking for half a li, they reached the first place. Xiao Wan'er finally remembered the matter at hand, steadied her spirits, and said: "Brother-in-law, this place is the closest to the town and lies at the foot of Monkey Mountain, what do you think?" Chen Yi glanced around, nodded once, and said: "The mountain is clear and the water is beautiful, quite good." After a pause, he turned to Monkey Mountain and asked: "Madam, there should be quite a few herbs on this mountain, right?" Kang Ming placed his hand on his forehead, looked toward the mountain path, and said: "The gentleman’s words are not wrong; there are indeed some herbs on the mountain." "Mainly because during the times when the branches are lush and leaves are dense, wild beasts often roam here, and common folk dare not come." Chen Yi nodded, looking closely at Xiao Wan'er, and smiled gently: "My elder sister, this place is just right." "The Medical Academy emphasizes cultivating physicians, and identifying herbs is something they must master." "With Monkey Mountain nearby, they can later follow instructors up the mountain to study herb gathering and practical application." Xiao Wan'er, enduring the tingling in her ear, looked toward Monkey Mountain and asked: "So we’ll settle here?" Chen Yi saw the flush on her ear, turned his eyes over, and said: "Not yet; let’s check a few more places." "Alright..." Kang Ming, hearing this, continued leading the way. Only, he kept a vigilant eye on Xiao Wan'er and Chen Yi, unconsciously tightening his grip on his long sword. This brother and sister-in-law... What was their intention in keeping the young lady company for so long? But when he saw Xiao Wan'er’s expression, he let out a sigh, forcibly turned his gaze to survey the surroundings, and secretly resolved: "Du Xu, if you do anything else to mock me, I’ll report you to General Jing Hong!" Chen Yi, of course, was unaware of Shen Huaotang’s thoughts. Of course, he couldn’t possibly be mocking Xiao Wan'er either. He could at most use the opportunity to tease and joke a bit, just to see Xiao Wan'er’s rare, shy expression. Xiao Wan'er vaguely understood, and though she felt shy, she also felt both angry and amused. If it weren’t for Shen Huaotang and Kang Ming standing nearby, she would have surely scolded Chen Yi a few times. But unfortunately, she never found the chance until they finished inspecting the last place. "What do you think, brother-in-law?" Chen Yi, seeing the matter settled, put aside his thoughts and thoughtfully said: "I think we should settle at the place at the foot of Monkey Mountain." "The other few places are either too far from the town, making travel difficult, or too close to villages, which might cause disturbances." Xiao Wan'er, upon hearing this, smiled slightly: "Then it’s settled." With one concern resolved, her mood was also lightened. "After returning to the mansion tonight, I’ll have someone come here tomorrow morning to conduct a thorough investigation." "Alright..." The Kang Ming, who had heard their conversation, asked: "My lady, Sir, do you two intend to return to the city tonight?" "At this time, it’s nearly dusk; returning would likely mean we’ve already passed the time for closing the gates." Xiao Wan'er paused, about to insist, when she suddenly noticed a few spots of moisture on her face. Looking up, she saw that the sky had already become densely covered with dark clouds. Seeing this, Xiao Wan'er hesitated and said: "Brother-in-law, perhaps we shouldn’t return tonight..." All gentlemen and senior brothers, please verify the lottery information for the monthly ticket, and collect your prizes in the group! So far, one second prize and four third prizes have been claimed. Additionally, please send monthly tickets, please send monthly tickets, please send monthly tickets. (End of chapter)