Chapter 239: Nothing to Do in the Yamen, Heading to the Brothel

Chapter 239: The Office Has Nothing to Do With It, Hooking Up a Post...

Chen Yi Qing knew that Lou Yu Xue had recently been under the direct orders of the Hidden Guard, secretly maintaining contact with the Ran Du Wang of the Pòshì Suō Kingdom.

But he was unaware of the Hidden Guard's true intentions in their dealings with the Ran Du Wang.

Moreover, as that Mr. Lin the merchant had said, the Ran Du Wang was in fact the bandit king of the Pòshì Suō Kingdom.

"Ran Du Wang..."

Chen Yi Qing lay on his bed, murmuring the name softly to himself.

Though he knew little about the Ran Du Wang, from the way the Hidden Guard's golden flag officers seemed so attentive to him, and how he managed to procure weapons through Lin's merchant from Ling Chang Sheng, he could discern the Ran Du Wang's considerable prowess.

"Bandits on horseback?"

"Such horseback bandits as these are not commonly seen."

Still, Chen Yi Qing had heard of some things about the Pòshì Suō Kingdom before.

In that land, many horseback bandits were actually soldiers of the army, specifically assigned to raid merchants from Wei and the Buddhist countries along the Tea Horse Ancient Road.

The more skilled ones even dared to attack the barbarian tribes themselves—slaves from Shu Province came to them in this very way.

Under such circumstances,

it would be more accurate to call them soldiers of the Pòshì Suō Kingdom clad in bandit robes.

Chen Yi Qing thought as he withdrew a piece of paper from the five spears bound across his arm, peering at its contents through the dim light seeping into the chamber.

"Horizontal, hook, hook, slash..."

"This script from the Pòshì Suō Kingdom is quite difficult to decipher."

Chen Yi Qing wasn't using any other means—he had obtained this paper, a letter written by Lin's man to the Ran Du Wang.

"Presumably, it's about discussing the terms of their exchange?"

"Tomorrow, let Wang Ji have someone who understands Pòshì Suō script take a look at it."

Chen Yi Qing mused on this for a moment, then carefully tucked the paper away, closed his eyes, and drifted into a deep sleep.

He slept soundly on his side.

Across the chamber, Xiao Wan'er could not seem to settle.

Her eyes kept opening at irregular intervals.

The guard stationed by the door, Shen Huatang, noticed her restlessness, glanced at the peacefully sleeping "Jade Child" and "Beautiful Child," and quietly rose to her side.

"Miss, are you unable to sleep?"

Xiao Wan'er hummed softly, sitting up wrapped in her blanket, leaning against the pillow and whispering,

"I haven't returned here in a long time—there are thoughts I can't quite settle."

Counting it, it had been five years since Xiao Feng Chun and Fu Wan Qing had fallen into ruin.

She should have grown accustomed to it by now, but being here stirred memories of her childhood.

Moreover, after seeing that painting earlier that evening, there was a certain melancholy in her heart.

Shen Huatang sensed some of it, though she didn't know how to console her, so she simply sat by her side.

Outside, rain pattered against the window in a chaotic rhythm.

The dim room was silent and still.

After sitting there for a while,

Xiao Wan'er took a deep breath, dispelling the tightness in her chest, and smiled gently,

"Have those disciples of yours been arranged? Are they settling in well?"

Shen Huatang nodded, "Slightly better than when they were up in the mountains."

"Mr. Wang has found them lodgings—two large mansions with three courtyards, and he's also arranged for several attendants to serve them."

"Besides the monthly allowance, they need not worry about food or clothing—all expenses are covered by the Bai Caoguang."

Xiao Wan'er paused, surprised, "So it has been arranged?"

She knew little else, but she was quite clear on the state of her own herb shop.

Even if she gave good conditions to the shopkeepers and physicians in her few establishments, it still paled in comparison to the Bai Caoguang.

Shen Huatang nodded, sighing, "I asked Master Sister about it, and she also doesn't know why."

"Perhaps, as Mr. Wang said, it was something he and your brother-in-law discussed and secured."

"Your husband?"

"Yes, perhaps it's also related to our connection with the Tian Shan Sect."

Shen Huatang clearly leaned toward the latter explanation.

Though the Tian Shan Sect rarely traveled the world, they did have some reputation.

Especially her master, Ni Haishan, of that generation, who had roamed the world for years, achieving several notable deeds.

In contrast, her own generation's name was not widely known.

Only the elder sister, Xiao Te Yun, had walked the world on behalf of the Tian Shan Sect, eliminating several pests that wreaked havoc in various regions.

Additionally, the Tian Shan Sect was located far in Xi Zhou, where the land was vast and the people few, so their presence in the world was not widely known.

This was also why she had not had disciples join the Bai Caoguang.

In the end, they could still earn some renown for the sect.

Of course, there was also the matter of money and resources.

Xiao Wan'er glanced toward the direction of the windows and doors, seemingly lost in thought, and said, "Perhaps it is so."

She was more inclined to believe it was Chen Yi Qing who had brokered the arrangement, thereby ensuring that Wang Ji treated the disciples of the Tian Shan Sect with more favor.

Of course, this was merely her inclination.

Shen Huatang turned her head toward Xiao Wan'er, and though the room was dim, she could still discern Xiao Wan'er's expression.

After a moment's thought, she hesitated, then asked, "Miss, you seem to... value your second brother-in-law quite highly?"

She had meant to say "care about," but couldn't bring herself to ask so directly.

Xiao Wan'er's body stiffened, her eyes subtly glancing at Shen Huatang, and her voice wavered slightly, "Yes, yes, perhaps so."

"His abilities are profound, his talents outstanding... I hope he can teach them without weapons."

After thinking it over, this reason suited her initial thoughts best.

At first, her plan had been this, and looking at Xiao Wu Ge's growth, it seemed to align with her hopes.

Yet, from when had a shadow crept into her heart?

Hmm... it should have started with that poem.

Shen Huatang still clung to the hope, saying, "Miss, your second brother-in-law is indeed exceptional, just like your second sister."

She emphasized the word "second" twice.

Xiao Wanz'er had clearly understood. After a brief silence, she murmured softly, "Yes, they're all quite good."

"I wonder if their children in the future will inherit it."

She paused, her voice dropping to a near whisper.

"I hope I can see that day..."

Shen Huatang frowned upon hearing this, a sigh escaping her lips as if she grasped the depth of her meaning.

"Madam, you shall certainly recover."

Xiao Wanz'er smiled faintly, saying nothing more. She smoothed her pillow and lay down.

"Sleep now."

"Alright..."

...

How much time had passed?

In the haze of sleep, Chen Yit found himself in a courtyard, laughing and conversing with someone.

There was Xiao Wanz'er, and there was Xiao Jinghong.

Yet it was peculiar that both addressed him by the same title.

Xiao Wanz'er: "My lord, Ungou is returning from Jinling soon. Shall we go to greet him?"

Chen Yit: "Yes, yes..."

Xiao Jinghong: "My lord, you promised your sister one thing—now you must promise me another."

Chen Yit: "Yes, what is it?"

"Let's have a duel."

"Duel? No, no, no!"

"My lord, forgetting the old for the new is not a good sign."

Xiao Jinghong then drew his sword from his waist with a gentle smile:

"My lord, let's see the blade."

A dazzling, radiant blade sliced through the sky, plunging directly toward Chen Yit's head.

A sharp gasp—

Chen Yit inhaled sharply and sat bolt upright on the bed.

A flash of light streamed through the window into the room.

Rain began to patter against the glass.

Chen Yit exhaled slowly, wiping the sweat from his brow, muttering, "At least it was just a dream."

How could Xiao Wanz'er possibly address him as her husband?

He rose, tidying himself.

Chen Yit dressed neatly, adjusted his collar in the bronze mirror, and forced a smile onto his face.

"My lady, in your dream, you've been troubling me with blades and swords. I pray you'll desist in the days to come."

"How dangerous..."

He muttered these words to himself, then cast aside the remnants of his dream, stepping out of the chamber.

It was just past dawn.

Xiao Wanz'er, Shen Huatang, and others had already finished their preparations. Liu Si'er had even brought fodder for the horses early.

Soon, they all partook of breakfast.

After a brief stay, they all boarded their carriages.

Kang Ming and others wished to escort them, but under Xiao Wanz'er's orders, they merely stood outside the courtyard, watching them depart.

Until the carriages vanished into the rain-soaked mist.

The elders and Kang Ming's family returned to the residence, their faces unlined with sorrow.

"Miss's establishment of a medical academy here is a fine endeavor. She'll likely stay here for some time."

"Perhaps the Duke may come as well."

"The Duke?"

Kang Ming halted, his weathered face tightening with tension.

"Why linger? Let's get moving!"

"While there's still time, let's tidy up the residence—sweep and polish everything inside and out."

"Lest the Duke and his party arrive to find our home in disarray."

"Indeed, indeed..."

Chen Yit, far behind them, remained unaware of these concerns.

Yet on the road home, he sensed something amiss beside him.

Not much—just a slight difference.

Since boarding the carriage, Xiao Wanz'er had been smiling at him occasionally, making him wonder if his collar was twisted.

"Is Miss in good spirits today?"

"She's resolved a matter at last—of course she is."

"The medical academy? This is but the first step of a thousand-mile journey. We've yet to reach our destination."

"Indeed, I may have grown too eager."

Xiao Wanz'er smiled, her dark eyes reflecting his figure, and asked softly, "What is this 'Long March' you speak of?"

Chen Yit chuckled, lifting the curtain to gaze at the pouring rain outside, then replied, "The rain today... it's quite heavy."

Xiao Wanz'er watched him without further inquiry, gently smoothing her fur cloak.

Such a thing was never meant to be. Why trouble oneself further?

Especially since her body... her time was limited.

Thinking this, she tapped Chen Yit's elbow. When he looked back, she smiled and said, "Last night, you promised to copy those two paintings for me."

Chen Yit hesitated, "What's wrong?"

"Nothing. I was hoping you'd paint a few more—for me, Ermei, Ungou, Grandfather, and you. Each of you, separately."

"Together or apart?"

Seeing he had not refused, her face brightened.

"Whatever you choose. Though if we could all paint a scene together—much like Father and Mother once did with us—it would be ideal."

Chen Yi nodded, agreeing.

Though he did not know what Xiao Wan’er’s intentions were, he could do this small matter, purely to hone his painting skills.

Not long after.

The carriage rode through the southern gate of Shuzhou Prefecture, all the way to the street of Zhennan.

Chen Yi glanced at the sky, and spoke: “I need to go to Bai Caotang for a while. You two go back first.”

Xiao Wan’er didn’t ask further, simply ordering Shen Huaotang to stop the carriage.

When Chen Yi dismounted, she asked, “Will you be back at noon?”

Chen Yi thought a moment, and said, “No, we’ll eat a feast at Bai Caotang at noon.”

He had many affairs that day, and estimated it would take at least an hour to finish them all.

Xiao Wan’er smiled politely, “Let Wang Ji take you to the tavern. I have some money left.”

“No need…”

Chen Yi looked at her lovely, sultry face, and a strange feeling grew stronger in his heart.

Had something happened last night?

How strange—after one night, Xiao Wan’er seemed so much more lively.

Just as the two were about to part, a voice called out nearby: “Yi Brother?”

Chen Yi and Xiao Wan’er looked toward the sound, and saw Chen Yunfan and Cui Qingwu waving at them.

Behind them trailed Chun Rong and Cui Qingwu’s maid, Huan Er.

Chen Yi muttered to himself, “How serendipitous,” and nodded politely without a sound.

Xiao Wan’er did not leave, stepping down from the carriage.

When Cui Qingwu saw her, he hurried over, lifting his oil-paper umbrella to shield her head, “Sister Wan’er, long time no see.”

Xiao Wan’er smiled and nodded, “Since the Mid-Autumn Festival, some time has passed.”

“I had meant to seek you out, but the new tavern opened, and things suddenly piled up.”

“A tavern?”

“Yes, it’s my new place, Yunqing Pavilion, just outside the western market.”

“That sounds good…”

As they chatted and laughed, Chen Yi and Chen Yunfan grew odd.

Perhaps it was just his imagination, but Chen Yi felt that Chen Yunfan’s gaze upon him was strange—full of sighs, indignation, and a touch of pride.

He knew not of the matter that Chen Yunfan had learned about his slaying of the five venoms’ disciple, Yǔ Fushā, the previous day.

After observing him for a moment, he decided he had simply misread the situation.

After all, who could display a mixture of indignation and pride so overtly?

“Elder brother, are you off duty today?”

Chen Yunfan saw his calm demeanor, and suppressed the urge to strike him, as well as the pride of knowing his secret, he straightened his back:

“Nothing at the office today. Just some coughing up the posts… going to Yunqing Pavilion to listen to music.”

These days, he’d managed to drive Chen Yi quite mad.

Seeing the slow progress of sword techniques, he decided not to press further, and would take it easy before resuming cultivation.

Chen Yi nodded, having noticed Yunqing Pavilion during his earlier visit to Bai Caotang.

“Perfect, I was planning to go to Bai Caotang anyway. Let’s go together.”

Before Chen Yunfan could reply, Cui Qingwu, beside him, brightened, and pulled Xiao Wan’er aside:

“Sister Wan’er, Master Lushou said the same thing. Come with us!”

Xiao Wan’er looked at Chen Yi.

Chen Yi looked back at Xiao Wan’er, then at the eager faces of the eager Cui Qingwu and the eager Chen Yunfan, and smiled:

“Why don’t the eldest sister come try it too?”

“Just as you said, tell the manager to prepare something for the tavern.”

Xiao Wan’er smiled warmly, and turned to order Liu Si’er to take Hua’er and Juan’er back to the mansion.

Shen Huaotang followed closely behind her.

Not long before them, the two groups headed west to the market.

But Cui Qingwu was so domineering, taking Xiao Wan’er’s hand and holding the umbrella himself, leading the way.

There was no stopping them.

Chen Yi and Chen Yunfan, the two brothers, had to fall behind.

Even Chen Yi had to walk alone under his own umbrella, while Chen Yunfan had Chun Rong shielding him.

Seeing this, Chen Yunfan gave him a mischievous glance, lifted his head:

“Yi Brother, just returned from outside?”

Chen Yi didn’t mind his petty competitiveness, nodded and said, “I went to the countryside outside the city.”

“Xiao family’s?”

“My family’s.”

Chen Yunfan paused, then looked him over from head to toe, and muttered, “Impressive, truly impressive. Master Lushou isn’t just the husband of General Jinghong.”

Though to himself, his mood was somewhat complex.

“Yes, Yi Brother, devoted to the Xiao family, as one would expect.”

“Besides, the Chen family… mother…”

Thinking of these things, Chen Yunfan suddenly understood why Chen Yi had concealed his martial and medical arts.

If he were in Chen Yi’s place, he might have chosen the same path.

Before long, Chen Yunfan fell silent, and the resentment he’d harbored toward Chen Yi all these years had almost entirely dissipated.

Though not entirely.

Chen Yi smiled unconcernedly, saying, “A bride belongs to her chicken, a wife to her dog. What’s the problem?”

He had no sense of being a son-in-law, looking down on others.

Chen Yunfan gaped, then laughed awkwardly, muttering, “You must remember, your name is still on the Chen family genealogy. As the elder brother, I’m connected to you by blood.”

Huh? The family genealogy didn’t strike me off?

Who’s daring to challenge me? Even if it’s Father and Uncle Er, I’ll write it back to you myself.

Chen Yi glanced at him, taking it as a joke.

He was now far away in Shuzhou, married into the Xiao family, and unlikely to return to the Jiangnan Prefecture in his lifetime.

In that case, what difference does it make whether his name was in the Chen family genealogy?

Springying listened silently to the two, her eyes drifting over Chen Yi’s figure, her heart couldn’t help but sigh.

The young master had been in a bad mood earlier, even scolding her that morning.

Who would have thought that upon seeing Chen Yi, he transformed into a different person, smiling and talking warmly.

Thinking of this, her lips curved slightly.

Just as she was about to ponder, Chen Yunfan spoke up, “Yi, do you want to write a letter to Father?”

Springying opened her mouth but her heart tightened. Oh, young master, why do you blurt everything out?

Chen Yi, clearly unaware of the implications, merely shook his head without a second thought, “Why write a letter? I don’t want to.”

Chen Yunfan raised an eyebrow at him, “Then you don’t want to tell your parents something?”

I know Mother sent you to Shuzhou, you must feel resentful…

Before he could finish, Chen Yi raised his hand to halt, “Stop, I’m not upset at all.”

He didn’t want Xiao Wanyue and Shen Huatang to misunderstand.

Especially those kinds of “upset” things.

He spent his days leisurely, and if there were any “upset” feelings, they were nonexistent.

Chen Yunfan paused, perhaps recalling something, “I remember when Father went to the Western Regions, you wrote him a poem…”

You really don’t want to ask your parents how they are?

Chen Yi hesitated, then shook his head again, “Never mind, I’m doing well here in Shuzhou, nothing to tell them.”

After all, the one who wrote that poem “Sending Chen Xuanki to Jinling” wasn’t him either.

Seeing this, Chen Yunfan didn’t press further, merely noting it down, intending to send a letter to Father after returning.

He had to find out whether Father knew about Chen Yi’s marriage.

Not long after.

They arrived at Cloud Clear Pavilion.

Chen Yi was about to find an excuse to leave, when he heard some commotion from the Bai Caotang area.

Wang the shopkeeper, this matter must be our doing…