Chapter 238: If Only the Second Son-in-Law Were the Eldest Son-in-Law...

Chapter 238: If Only the Second Brother-in-Law Were the Eldest

Originally, Chen Yi and his companions still held hope of returning to the capital of Shuzhou Prefecture.

But as the torrential rain poured down, even making it back to their residence in town became a difficult task.

Fortunately, Shen Huatang had an umbrella with her, allowing Chen Yi and Xiao Wan'er to seek shelter beneath it.

Consequently, Xiao Wan'er was inevitably pressed against Chen Yi’s chest.

Especially beneath the heavy downpour, the roads turned to mud, and the pony trod unevenly, its hooves sinking deep and shallow.

This caused the two of them to sway precariously upon its back.

At first, Xiao Wan'er was somewhat reserved, deliberately trying to maintain a slight distance from Chen Yi.

Yet as the rain intensified and the wind grew fierce, her inherently frail and sickly body began to feel the strain.

Even though she wore a thick cloak with a mink vest underneath, her entire being still radiated a chilling coldness, like a block of ice.

Chen Yi naturally felt this, and after a brief thought, the reason became clear to him.

A body of extreme cold could not withstand the biting wind and chill, let alone being battered by the wind and rain as they were now.

After a moment's hesitation.

Glancing at Shen Huatang leading the pony up ahead, Chen Yi wrapped one arm around Xiao Wan'er's waist, while secretly pressing a finger of his other hand against her Mingmen acupoint—located at the center of the second lumbar vertebra, level with the navel.

Feeling the strength at her waist, Xiao Wan'er weakly turned her head, her pale lips moving slightly:

"You..."

Mindful of Shen Huatang and Kang Ming riding ahead, she did not utter the word "don't" that followed, merely gazing at him with her bright eyes.

Knowing what she wanted to say, Chen Yi smiled and said, "Your cloak is remarkably thick; let it warm me up a bit as well."

As he spoke, he used his finger to execute the technique of guiding internal energy through touch.

Strands of exceedingly faint true essence slowly flowed into her, warming Xiao Wan'er's body.

Xiao Wan'er's weak, freezing body instantly felt a wave of relief, as if a warm current were washing over her entire being, dispelling the icy chill within her.

She did not know the reason behind it, but she did not dwell on it, assuming it was simply the effect of the medicine she had been taking lately.

"I..."

Before she could finish, Chen Yi tightened his grip on her waist and asked with a smile, "Eldest Sister, surely you aren't that stingy?"

Blushing with anxiety yet unable to speak plainly, Xiao Wan'er quietly bent her arm, using her cloak to wrap back over Chen Yi’s insolent hand.

This was to prevent Shen Huatang and Kang Ming from catching sight of it.

Having done this, Xiao Wan'er let out a small sigh of relief.

However, thinking of the scoundrel behind her, a hint of color returned to her face as she scolded reproachfully:

"You, you really ought to practice martial arts more diligently."

"Look at Huatang and Tingyun; they remain unaffected whether it is windy, rainy, bitterly cold, or scorching hot."

"And Wuge as well; lately he has been going to the martial arts arena every day, and it is said that Second Uncle has praised him several times."

Hearing this, Chen Yi could not help but chuckle, thinking to himself:

"Eldest Sister really forgets the pain once the wound heals; the moment her body warms up a little, she starts lecturing me."

Yet knowing how thin-skinned Xiao Wan'er was, he did not argue, nodding in agreement repeatedly.

"Emergency measures for an emergency situation. Who could have foreseen it would rain on a clear day?"

"Autumn in Shuzhou is just like this..."

Up ahead, Shen Huatang heard their conversation and glanced back; upon seeing their posture, her brow furrowed slightly.

After a brief thought, she turned her head straight back, her pace unconsciously quickening a bit.

The Second Brother-in-law is truly crossing the line; why must he press so close?

Hmph, better to return to the residence quickly, lest he stir up any more trouble.

Evidently, Shen Huatang only noticed that Chen Yi and Xiao Wan'er were clinging too close, failing to perceive Chen Yi’s faint strand of true essence.

With stops and starts along the way, the rain grew heavier and heavier.

Yet the two sitting upon the pony seemed entirely oblivious to it, chatting and laughing the whole way.

Most of it was Xiao Wan'er speaking about the academy of medicine, such as her plans for the academy, how many lecture halls, dormitories, and warehouses to build, and so on.

"I hope that before the academy is completed, I can find suitable candidates for the principal and instructors."

Chen Yi thought for a moment and said, "Masters of medicine do not easily travel out, but it is not absolute."

Xiao Wan'er turned her head to ask, "Do you have a way?"

"Just spend more silver. Of course, we must also appeal to their reason and touch their hearts by explaining the benefits of the academy of medicine."

"That may be true, but I hope the first principal will not only be profoundly skilled in medicine, but also possess medical ethics and teaching capabilities."

Seeing Xiao Wan'er hesitation, Chen Yi smiled and shook his head, "It's not that difficult either."

"Once we return, you can order people to track down all the medical masters within the borders of the Great Wei, and then send letters to each of them."

"Invite all of them?"

"Of course."

"Eldest Sister, the academy of medicine you are building is the very first in our Great Wei Dynasty. For a grand endeavor that will leave a name in history, how can it not have a high threshold?"

Although Chen Yi did not know who the medical masters of the Great Wei Dynasty were, he understood human nature.

Masters of medicine were human too; being human, they had desires and emotions, and could be swayed by fame and fortune.

The higher the threshold of the academy of medicine was raised, the more it would attract those with genuine ability.

Xiao Wan'er still could not grasp the crucial point within this, "Will that really work?"

In her view, medical masters rarely left their reclusion, and an invitation by letter like this might seem somewhat disrespectful.

Chen Yi knew she wished to emulate how Emperor Liu thrice visited the thatched cottage, and immediately said:

"If Eldest Sister has misgivings, you might as well invite them under the pretext of treating a certain person, without mentioning anything about the academy's assessment of them."

Hearing this, a smile appeared on Xiao Wan'er's face, "That works."

Pausing, she asked once more, "Then who would be appropriate to treat?"

Chen Yi raised an eyebrow slightly, his hand tightening a couple of times, and smiled, "You."

"Me?"

"No, no, when I was young, Father had already taken me to visit every famous doctor, and my bodily ailments have long been known throughout Great Wei."

"If they learn it is me, I am afraid none of them will come."

Chen Yi thought about it and realized she was right; a medical master was merely at the realm of minor accomplishment, and it was fundamentally impossible for them to cure Xiao Wan'er.

Pondering for a moment.

He murmured, "Then it can only be the Old Master."

Xiao Wan'er hesitated slightly, "Grandfather?"

Then she quickly regained her composure, her smile widening as she spoke:

"After returning to the estate, I will go discuss this matter with him, hoping he will not refuse."

"Compared to my own ailments, Grandfather’s injuries from years of warfare on the front lines—perhaps there truly is someone who can cure him."

Chen Yi nodded. "The world is vast, filled with countless talents and sages. Surely there must be a divine physician somewhere."

He mentioned the old patriarch for precisely that reason.

In fact, he had once divined the old patriarch’s condition through the art of breathing—results far from encouraging.

Beyond those wounds, the old patriarch’s advanced age meant his remaining years were few.

Even the greatest master of medicine might find him beyond help.

Unless he himself intervened.

Even if he could not fully cure the old patriarch, he could extend his life, ease his suffering, and let him live another two decades with ease.

An hour later, the sky had darkened to a dull gray as Chen Yi, Xiao Wan'er, and their companions finally returned to the manor in town.

They washed up, changed clothes, and had dinner.

The group settled there for the night.

Since this manor was smaller than the Hou family’s residence, Chen Yi’s room lay directly across from Xiao Wan'er’s.

Shen Huaotang and Juan Cuier guarded the corridor outside Xiao Wan'er’s room.

Liu Si’er was simply assigned a room beside the stables.

With nothing to do, Chen Yi lay on his bed early.

Fearing Shen Huaotang might notice his movements, he refrained from practicing the Four Symbols Technique.

Yet before he could drift into sleep, a knock came at the door.

"Brother-in-law, are you asleep?" Chen Yi barely raised an eyebrow, thinking, *Xiao Wan'er?*

He sat up and nodded, opening the door to find Xiao Wan'er and Shen Huaotang standing there.

Both were dressed neatly, unlike Chen Yi, who wore only a simple robe.

Xiao Wan'er glanced at him, then lowered her head. "I… forgive me, I’m disturbing your rest."

Chen Yi saw the paper and brush in her hand, guessing it concerned the Medical Academy. He stepped aside to let them in.

"It’s late, sister. Staying up all night for the Medical Academy, truly a dedication."

Xiao Wan'er felt embarrassed by his words, but her single-minded nature meant she did not leave.

She placed the paper on the table and spread it out. "I quickly sketched a rough plan. Take a look."

"Already? That fast?"

Chen Yi raised an eyebrow, took the paper, and glanced at it.

Xiao Wan'er’s drawing skills were good.

In just a few strokes, she had outlined the Medical Academy’s general layout.

The terrain, buildings, and courtyards matched exactly what they had seen that day beyond Monkey Mountain.

After studying it, Chen Yi pondered for a moment, then took up a brush to revise the sketch.

Xiao Wan'er paused, turning to stand behind him, her bright eyes fixed on the paper without blinking.

Shen Huaotang, however, paid no mind to the Medical Academy, her gaze fixed on the two of them.

She watched them, and a sigh escaped her lips.

She couldn’t help but recall their conversation from that morning.

Those words about "incurable ailments" made it hard for her to remain unmoved by Xiao Wan'er.

"If the second elder were the first elder instead, he and the princess would suit each other well."

"Such a pity…"

But the unfortunate truth was, neither Chen Yi nor Xiao Wan'er cared in that moment. Their hearts were entirely focused on the Medical Academy.

Not long after, Chen Yi finished his strokes, and the rough sketch on the paper had transformed.

Though the Medical Academy still rose from the mountainside, its layout and arrangement surpassed Xiao Wan'er’s original drawing.

Especially the connection between the meditation halls and water systems, making the academy’s design far more rational.

Chen Yi also added pavilions and towers, along with plans for future expansion.

Looking at the revised sketch, he explained to Xiao Wan'er:

"Initially, the academy won’t need many people. A hundred students should suffice to get things moving."

"Four meditation halls, twenty dormitories, and a courtyard for teachers and students—more than enough."

Xiao Wan'er instinctively nodded, glancing at the layout and then at Chen Yi. Suddenly she said, "Brother-in-law, your drawing skills must be impressive too, right?"

Chen Yi paused. "Older sister, shouldn’t you be focused on the academy by now?"

Though he didn’t deny it, he smiled and continued: "I’ve only just begun studying painting. There’s still much to improve."

His words were not self-deprecation.

His painting had reached the Nascent Soul stage, though he’d only recently begun, so his mastery of ink and brush was still lacking, merely a step above beginner.

But to Xiao Wan'er, who had always known Chen Yi’s prowess in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, it sounded different.

She beamed with praise. "Brother-in-law, truly remarkable."

Though she had always known Chen Yi excelled in the four arts, she had only seen his calligraphy, chess, and that heart-wrenching piece on the lute.

Now seeing him reveal his painting talents, she felt a strange joy.

Chen Yi chuckled, "Perhaps we should first check if this blueprint needs any adjustments."

"No, I think it’s perfect. You’ve thought of things I hadn’t."

"Shall I ask you to teach at the academy once it’s built?"

"Me? I don’t know how to teach medicine. I couldn’t possibly teach them music, chess, and calligraphy."

"Alright then…"

It was a terrible idea.

If Chen Yi had any interest in the Medical Academy, why would he waste time cultivating a worthy disciple?

He would have simply offered himself under the name "Chen Yu" long ago.

After all, he had other matters to attend to.

The Grave Cloud Academy, the Life-Saving Pharmacy, the Hundred Herbs Pavilion, and other more pressing endeavors awaited him.

They trifled away a few moments in idle chatter.

Remembering the painting she had mentioned earlier, Xiao Wan'er invited Chen Yi to the wing room where her parents had once resided.

With a low, plaintive groan, the chamber doors swung open.

Shen Huatang struck a match, kindling the oil lamp within the room.

As the amber firelight bloomed and spread, Chen Yi’s gaze instantly fell upon the scroll hanging dead center in the room.

There stood Xiao Fengchun in his rich brocade robes, Fu Wanqing arrayed in a flowing pink gown, and two children bearing radiant, brilliant smiles.

Chen Yi studied the piece for a short while, unable to suppress a quiet sigh of admiration in his heart: "No wonder Xiao Wan'er, Xiao Jinghong, and Xiao Wuge are all so strikingly beautiful."

Even though it was a traditional ink-and-wash painting rendered with less than meticulous brushwork, he could still discern that Xiao Fengchun possessed a dashingly handsome countenance, while Fu Wanqing possessed a beauty transcendent enough to collapse kingdoms, fully justifying her renown as one of the four great fairies of the martial world.

Xiao Wan'er’s eyes fell upon the painting as well; the faint smile lingering on her lips gradually dissolved, a shadow of melancholy drifting into her gaze.

"Though so many years have swept past, I can never quite forget..."

She did not finish her sentence, leaving unspoken what it was she could not forget.

Yet Chen Yi understood perfectly that she was speaking of Xiao Fengchun and Fu Wanqing. After a moment's reflection, he bent his body in a deep, formal bow.

"Father-in-law, Mother-in-law, your son-in-law Chen Yi, styled Qingzhou, offers his deepest respects."

Xiao Wan'er froze, turning her head to watch his movements. The sorrow on her face immediately vanished by half, and she covered her mouth with a soft laugh.

"You indeed ought to bow to them."

"When you fled the wedding back then, you missed the proper ceremony with my second sister."

Chen Yi smiled faintly. "I seem to recall we re-enacted it later in the Hall of Punishment?"

Xiao Wan'er rolled her eyes at him. "How could that possibly count?"

Pausing, she turned her gaze back toward the painting, her voice dropping a fraction lower as she murmured:

"If Father and Mother were still with us, they certainly would never have let you off so easily."

"Had they been here, perhaps I would never have come to the Xiao family at all."

Chen Yi was acutely aware that the fundamental reason he had been able to marry into the Xiao family as a matrilocal husband was their decline and the sheer lack of successors to carry on the mantle.

If Xiao Fengchun and Fu Wanqing had not perished, neither Xiao Wan'er nor Xiao Jinghong would ever have recruited a husband to take their family name.

Given the proud lineage of the Xiao clan, the sisters would likely have chosen husbands after their own hearts.

At the very worst, it would have been someone of Chen Yunfan's caliber.

In no universe would the fortune have fallen upon Chen Yi, a mere concubine-born son of the Chen family from Jiangnan Prefecture.

They gazed at it for a few moments longer.

Xiao Wan'er then took down the painting, carefully rolling it up to put it away while saying with a smile:

"When you find some leisure time, brother-in-law, could you perhaps help me copy a new version of this painting?"

"I was thinking of keeping one for both my second sister and Wuge."

Watching her movements, Chen Yi nodded. "Once I become a bit more well-versed in the Way of Painting."

He knew that Xiao Wan'er could never forget her deceased parents, so it was naturally impossible for him to shirk or decline the request.

It was merely that his current proficiency and technique in the artistic path were indeed unrefined; anything he copied now would utterly lack spirit and vitality.

If he waited a few more days, he might be able to evoke a completely different splendor.

After a few more words of casual conversation, the three of them retired to their respective quarters.

Chen Yi cast a glance toward the opposite wing room, a faint smile breaking across his calm features.

"Goodnight, Xiao Wan'er."

Precisely at that moment, the midnight hour arrived, and a flash of golden light shimmered across his vision—

Daily Intelligence • Mysterious Grade, High Tier: At the sixth quarter of the Boar hour, the hidden guard Tigress will hold a night rendezvous with a native of the Vashistha Kingdom at the Spring Rain Pavilion in the Fireworks Alley. A small stroke of destiny may be obtained.

The Tigress, Lou Yuxue?

A native of the Vashistha Kingdom... one of King Randu's men?

(End of Chapter)