Chapter 241: Autumn Thoughts Sent to My Wife (Seeking Monthly Tickets)

Chapter 241: Autumn Thoughts Sent to My Wife (Seeking Monthly Tickets)

"The Commissioner of Education, Ma Shuhan, has already sent word that every registered scholar in Shuzhou must attend. Those who fail to appear will have their scholarly status revoked, and they shall be barred from the imperial examinations for eternity."

Chen Yunfan looked at Chen Yi, his expression turning solemn.

"You have already missed two annual evaluations before this. Even with the Jinling Academy acting as your guarantor, you have still been demoted from a stipendiary student to a supplementary one."

"If you miss it this time, you can well imagine the consequences."

Seeing Chen Yi remain silent, he pressed on, "Furthermore, Ma Shuhan has submitted a memorial to the imperial court, requesting the Emperor to alter certain sections of the Six-Grade Promotion and Demotion Law."

"Oh? What was altered?"

Chen Yi was well aware of the Six-Grade Promotion and Demotion Law; it was essentially an evaluation system akin to marking students from excellent to poor, or from first to fourth grade.

It ranged from the First Grade down to the Sixth Grade, with the first being the highest and the sixth the lowest.

Those in the first and second grades received rewards, while the third grade was equivalent to a mere pass, receiving neither reward nor punishment.

But once a student fell to the fourth grade, reprimands would follow, usually in the form of a master striking their palms with a ruler.

The fifth and sixth grades were worse still; at best, one was expelled from the academy, and at worst, their scholarly status was stripped away, reducing them back to a mere boy-student to start all over again.

Chen Yunfan's expression was rarely so serious as he said, "Below the third grade, scholarly status may be revoked at discretion."

"At discretion?"

"Yes. Aside from the Commissioner's own evaluation, the advice of the Shuzhou Administration Commission, the academy masters, and the elders will be sought. That is what 'at discretion' means."

Chen Yi understood at once; this meant there was now a certain room for manipulation.

The so-called evaluations from the government offices and the masters ultimately hinged upon the specific "people" involved.

If these people were chosen well, the Shuzhou students could naturally obtain results similar to previous years.

If they were chosen poorly... then there was no telling what the outcome might be.

Suddenly.

Chen Yi recalled the conversation he had overheard between Li Huaigu and Master Yueming while back at Guiyun Academy.

—The matter of Ma Shuhan, the Shuzhou Commissioner of Education, inviting Master Yueming to serve as the deputy examiner for this annual evaluation.

He remembered Master Yueming saying back then that he and Ma Shuhan were at odds, and that Ma Shuhan's invitation to make him deputy examiner was likely a deliberate attempt to make things difficult for him.

Chen Yi pondered this, asking nonchalantly, "When did Commissioner Ma make this decision?"

"He came to the Administration Commission yesterday to announce it."

"From his tone, it seemed as though he truly wishes to give the Shuzhou students a proper lesson."

"I have no idea what benefit he hopes to gain from this. It is quite nonsensical."

Seeing Chen Yunfan cursing under his breath, Chen Yi understood in his heart and asked with a smile, "Did the two Administration Commissioners raise no objections?"

He knew that in the Great Wei Dynasty, the post of a provincial Commissioner of Education was not particularly high, at most a lower fourth rank.

It was a far cry from the positions held by Liu Hong and Yang Ye.

Yet a Commissioner of Education was not a mere local official; the post was akin to an Imperial Commissioner, usually handpicked and dispatched by the Emperor himself to assess the achievements of the scholars in a province.

This also gave the position a unique distinction—they had a direct line of communication to the Emperor's ear.

It stood to reason that even if Liu Hong and Yang Ye were dissatisfied with Ma Shuhan's methods, they would probably not express it too directly.

Chen Yunfan took a sip of wine and said with disdain, "Lord Yang is naturally dissatisfied. He was already in charge of educational affairs in Shuzhou, so how could he allow that man named Ma to act so recklessly?"

"But he could not withstand Liu Hong agreeing to it."

Chen Yi raised an eyebrow slightly. "Lord Liu supports it?"

He calculated the timeline in his mind.

Counting the days, Master Yueming should have already found Yang Ye and politely declined the role of deputy examiner.

Could it be that Ma Shuhan's petition to modify the Six-Grade Promotion and Demotion Law had been communicated to Liu Hong in advance?

But what was his purpose in agreeing to it?

One had to know that if the Shuzhou students failed their annual evaluation, it would bring only harm and no benefit to Liu Hong, the chief minister governing the region.

Unless the two of them had plotted this together.

Chen Yunfan offered a low grunt of assent, set down his wine cup, and continued to advise, "I suspect that man named Ma harbors no good intentions."

"You had better participate this time. With your talent and learning, passing the annual evaluation will be as easy as turning over your hand."

A faint smile appeared on Chen Yi's face as he nodded. "Brother's words are indeed reasonable."

He had already decided to take part in this annual evaluation beforehand, to say nothing of the current, baffling circumstances.

He rather wished to see just what Ma Shuhan... or Liu Hong, the Administration Commissioner, intended to pull off.

Chen Yunfan glanced at him and snorted, "Ever since you were a child, you have been as stubborn as a donkey. It is quite rare for you to listen to advice so readily."

Yet he also knew that if not for the mishaps over the past five years, Chen Yi would likely have placed high in the examinations and entered officialdom long ago, rather than falling to his present state.

When all was said and done, he would still have to question his mother, Cui Yu, to truly understand the underlying reasons.

They ate and drank, exchanging jests and laughter.

Most of the time, it was Chen Yunfan who spoke, grumbling about how busy the bureau of the Administration Commission was and how he, as a junior administrator, had met with terrible luck.

"With Xiao Dongchen dead, I am the only junior administrator left in the office. Not only do I have to handle my own official duties, but I must also look after his affairs."

"If it weren't for Li Huaigu lending a hand, I am afraid I wouldn't have a single moment of leisure."

Hearing him mention Xiao Dongchen, Chen Yi naturally knew the reasons behind it and knew the man well deserved his death, yet Xiao Wan'er's expression nevertheless grew somewhat unnatural.

Seeing this from the side, Cui Qingwu shifted the topic and smiled, "Brother Yunfan works so hard, but his harvest must also be quite bountiful."

Hearing this, Chen Yunfan arched an eyebrow and then spoke to Chen Yi with a touch of pride:

"Qingwu is right. Having done so much, my performance evaluation at the end of the year must be at least a grade A."

Chen Yi knew his brother was showing off again; he smiled inwardly, though he still offered a few words of praise on the surface.

"Brother was heavily regarded by the Emperor just after achieving his degree, being appointed as a junior administrator in the Shuzhou Administration Commission. Your future path in officialdom should be smooth sailing."

Unexpectedly, the smile on Chen Yunfan's face faded a little, and he curled his lip. "That one on the throne does not possess such a kind heart."

"Oh? Is there another reason?"

"It cannot be seen clearly just yet, but based on what I saw and heard in the capital, that man possesses great strategy and talent; nothing he does is ever without purpose."

"By exiling me and Li Huaigu to Shuzhou, he likely has other arrangements for the future."

Chen Yi harbored the same suspicion. Originally, he had even guessed that Chen Yunfan had come to Shuzhou to succeed Yang Ye as the Right Administration Commissioner.

Now, seeing Chen Yunfan speak so bluntly, a hint of doubt arose in his heart instead.

Perhaps the Emperor sitting upon the dragon throne was playing a much larger game on this chessboard of Shuzhou.

At that moment, Cui Qingwu rose once more to fill the wine cups for both men, saying with a smile:

"Today is a family feast, after all. Shall we refrain from discussing the matters of the government offices? What do you think, Sister Wan'er?"

Xiao Wan'er looked at Chen Yi, and seeing the smile upon his face, she too nodded in agreement.

Cui Qingwu observed their expressions, and a smile naturally brightened his face.

These two people… they seem a bit off.

Before long, wine and food had been exhausted.

Chen Yi and Xiao Wanzhen had just risen to leave.

Cui Qingwu and Chen Yunfan followed them outside to see them off.

Cui Qingwu took the umbrella from Xiao Wanzhen for Chen Yunfan: “Sister Wanzhen, in a few days when the restaurant business is stable, I’ll pay you a visit at the Xiao mansion.”

Xiao Wanzhen slightly bowed her head, smiling gently, “You may rest assured; I’ll await you at all times.”

As for Chen Yunfan and his younger brother Chen Yi, they weren’t so formal, merely chatting and joking around.

Yet when Chen Yunfan saw that Chen Yi was still quite unharmed, he couldn’t help but said a few more words.

“Yi, your reputation is spreading far and wide; you’ve mastered both literature and martial arts, and serve as a teacher at Fei Cloud Academy. In the future, you’ll likely attract some envious people.”

“When you have time, you must practice martial arts more, so you won’t be targeted by those with short sight.”

“Older brother, you need to be more careful. You’re a top scholar, yet unmarried; who knows, perhaps one day someone might kidnap you and marry you off.”

Before Chen Yunfan could answer, Cui Qingwu, who had been listening nearby, suddenly interjected, “Who dares?!”

Chen Yunfan glared at Chen Yi, then gestured dismissively, “Yi, you’re just joking; don’t take it seriously.”

He then turned to Xiao Wanzhen, “Miss Wanzhen, you should let Yi practice martial arts more.”

Though clearly, his words had no effect.

Xiao Wanzhen merely smiled gently, her eyes lingering on Chen Yi, yet offered no response.

Seeing this, Chen Yunfan fell silent, muttering to himself, then waved Chen Yi away.

Wait and see; someday you’ll end up begging your elder brother for mercy.

Unaware of Chen Yunfan’s thoughts, Chen Yi bid them farewell and led Xiao Wanzhen back to the Xiao family.

In the distance, he could still hear Chen Yunfan and Cui Qingwu’s hushed conversation.

Something like, “Don’t worry; Yi’s words were just idle talk. You still don’t know my strength.”

In all likelihood, Chen Yi’s earlier words had caused Cui Qingwu some concern.

In the course of their casual talk, the group dispersed, their figures vanishing into the rain.

Yet at a tailoring shop nearby, a middle-aged man in a servant’s coarse cloth observed them.

After watching for a moment, he smiled slightly.

Lady Luan, young bird, Chen Gongzi…

Since their arrival in Shu Zhou, these people have all changed somewhat.

Thinking it over, he waved to the shopkeeper behind him, “Inform Luan, come here in an hour’s time tonight.”

“Yes.”

……

A rare outing had lifted Xiao Wanzhen’s spirits considerably. Beyond confirming the location for the medical academy in Tonglin Town, she had never before dined so freely with friends.

Unlike their previous meeting at Mingyue Pavilion with Liu Zhaohe, this time she found herself at ease with Cui Qingwu and Chen Yunfan.

Though naturally, it was different with Chen Yi by her side.

In short, Xiao Wanzhen was in good spirits.

Even when she busied herself in the Jia Xing Estate that afternoon, her face bore a smile.

“Huan’er, take this sketch to Master Lai and have him send someone to Tonglin Town to examine it soon, so we can get detailed plans.”

“Yes, mistress.”

“Cuier, go ask when Brother Wu will return; have him dine here tonight at the estate.”

“And the painting of Tan… tell her to go to Chunhe Garden and inform her brother-in-law, and also have him write a letter to her younger sister.”

After the group dispersed, Xiao Wanzhen went to her study, took up paper and ink, and began writing to Xiao Jinghong.

[Your younger sister’s letter has arrived; all is well at home.

Grandfather is in good health, though lately he’s been worried about supplies in the three towns, affecting food and lodging.

But grandfather has found a way to solve it…]

Xiao Wanzhen paused in her writing, her mind drifting to recent events involving Chen Yi and that poem, hesitating before writing:

[On the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival, the poem ‘Light Boat’—you must have heard of it by now.

In my view, he expressed his feelings through verse, perhaps thinking of you… I hope we’ll share the moon for a thousand miles, how beautiful those words are!]

When she reached this point, Xiao Wanzhen let out a leisurely sigh, her face still relaxed.

“Younger sister, I’ll be indulgent once in a while…”

After sealing the letter, Xiao Wanzhen rose, accompanied by Cuier, heading toward Qingzing Hall.

The matter discussed with Chen Yi the previous night needed to be brought to the patriarch’s attention.

Not only to appoint a suitable head for the medical academy, but she also hoped this Wei dynasty truly had a divine physician in Shu Zhou.

That way, perhaps the patriarch’s grave illness could be cured.

At Chunhe Garden.

When Shen Huatan arrived, she saw Chen Yi painting in the study.

She glanced once, then conveyed Xiao Wanzhen’s instructions.

Chen Yi nodded, “I’ll finish it soon and send it over.”

Shen Huatan hesitated slightly, then swallowed her words, bowed respectfully, and left.

Things had changed since then.

Back then, Chen Yi had just entered the Xiao family as a son-in-law, and on their wedding day, he’d fled the wedding. She’d found him quite disagreeable.

Now, with Chen Yi’s reputation spreading, the Xiao family’s attitude toward him had improved.

Not only Xiao Wanzhen and Xiao Jinghong, but even the old Duke favored him.

And of course, Xiao Wugou, ever by Chen Yi’s side.

Shen Huatan understood these things, so she couldn’t speak as freely as before.

Thinking this, she sighed, “I’m afraid I owe Jinghong the general an apology.”

There was no choice; she had to pretend nothing had happened.

Chen Yi, unaware of others’ thoughts, finished a landscape painting in mere strokes, then began writing to Xiao Jinghong.

This time, he didn’t pen a poem or verse as before, but wrote a letter as a “husband” would.

Talking of warmth and cold, sharing recent happenings.

Yet at the end, he thought for a moment and added a verse, deliberately using an elegant, rounded script:

Rain lines weave with the wind in late autumn, smiling, I love to ascend the tower with many affairs.

Books form geese in script, clouds begin to part, my heart shares the river’s waves in rest.

Yet I entrust, adding meals to pity the thin chrysanthemum, do not, from parting, resent the delayed boat.

In this world, there are companions of smoke and mist, not envious of mandarin ducks, only of the lone goose.

A realm of poetic imagery materializes, enveloping the study, yet not like the flowing pool of the *Shuimo Getai* as it might have been. But in the break of dawn on an autumn rain day, the figures of Chen Yì and Xiao Jinghóu sitting side by side can still be seen.

Chen Yì looked up, a smile touching his lips: “My lady, considering my earnest efforts, I hope you’ll be lenient with me in the future.” He sought nothing else but wished that Xiao Jinghóu would find his actions less burdensome. Thinking this, he added the remaining lines.

[Of the *Autumn Letter*, let us encourage one another.

In the end, I have decided to take this year’s imperial examination, merely to settle affairs—do not concern yourself further.

As we once agreed, I have kept it in my heart; I trust you have as well.]

What agreement?

Of course—the promise Chen Yì made to be a idle son-in-law in the Xiao family for a lifetime.

Though compelled by the Xiao clan’s circumstances to secretly aid them, he never intended to labor ceaselessly. Once he had settled the myriad troubles of Shu Zhou, he still yearned for days of leisurely contemplation beneath the bamboo grove, gazing southward at the distant mountains.

Chen Yì dried his ink-stained fingers, retrieved the letter, and sealed it. His gaze drifted to the window.

At that moment, the rain intensified.

Thunder rolled, and a cold wind swept through the gardens, bending grass and trees. Leaves and petals danced in the downpour, clattering against the stone slabs, one upon another.

Noisy, yet oddly tranquil.

Chen Yì cherished quietude and nature, whether in sunshine or rain. His only aversion was to fuss. Especially to those who disturbed his serene existence.

Like Liu Hong and Ma Shuhuan, like the hidden monks and their patrons, like Lan Tu Wang and Lin Huai’an.

“You plot against Shu Zhou, matters none of mine. Yet you must never drag the Xiao family into this.”

Even knowing the Xiao clan’s place in Shu Zhou was unavoidable, he still hoped those men might steer clear of them. Whether they would or not, he left it to fate.

Subsequently, Chen Yì returned to his brush, refining his technique, merging the esoteric arts of painting.

Indeed, his progress was remarkable.

Over the past two days, he had absorbed roughly a hundred works, mastering the foundational methods of ink painting, elevating his skill to its pinnacle.

The only shortcoming was that his ink paintings emphasized spirit over form—his landscapes held grace, but his figures lacked vitality.

Thus, before meals, he turned to other techniques: meticulous outlines, heavily pigmented brushwork.

In time, he devised a solution.

“Let intention lead. By blending ink, outlines, and color, I shall master them all.”

Chen Yì’s reasoning was simple.

He had long studied the arts, receiving esoteric teachings on various styles. If he achieved his desired effect, what mattered the method? It merely required more time to practice.

With this plan, he no longer hurried.

As dusk fell, he summoned Xiao Bó to tidy the study.

When Xiao Wugou returned, they dined together, then retired to their chambers.

A autumn rain, a chill in the air.

Autumn called for early sleep and rising.

Yet Chen Yì, upon returning to his room, practiced the *Four Symbols* meditation for only one cycle before donning his nightclothes.

Seizing the rain-soaked night, he slipped from the Xiao household, heading straight for the mansion on Xi Chi Street.

Wang Ji and Zhang Daobao awaited him.

As Zhang Daobao applied makeup to disguise him, Chen Yì asked, “Has the letter been translated yet?”

Wang Ji withdrew a stack of papers, handing the top two with solemnity: “Master, the contents are… I fear you’d best read it yourself. I dare not speak further.”

Earlier, he had been cautious.

When seeking a translator, he had copied the letter’s text onto dozens of sheets, piecing it together despite fragmented phrases. The meaning remained clear.

Not seeing it, he nearly choked upon reading it.

Chen Yì glanced at the letter, fathoming its contents, and read calmly.

[The Duke of Lan, your humble servant, Lin Huai’an of Ji Zhou Commercial House, sends greetings on behalf of my master.

In the past two occasions, you and my Ji Zhou Commercial House settled transactions, bringing great joy to our enterprise. This time, I wish to trade again.

Ten thousand sacks of refined iron, two thousand sets of armor and horse barding, two thousand swords forged from elite iron…]

Chen Yì glanced at it, a slight frown creasing his brow.

Ji Zhou Commercial House?

It sounded familiar—perhaps the Jia Yuzhi he’d heard mention earlier that afternoon…

(Chapter End)