Chapter 256: He Is My Son! (Seeking Monthly Tickets)

Chapter 256: He Is My Son! (Please Pledge Monthly Tickets)

The Xiao family now found itself under the gaze of countless eyes. Whether it was the remote army of Qing County or the noble families close to the Xiao lineage, all were watching with keen interest. Any movement would inevitably draw attention. The Patriarch and Xiao Jinghong, in particular, were the most scrutinized figures.

Adding to their troubles, the Xiao family had seen a depletion of talent—old and young alike. Fortunately, Xiao Jinghong managed to hold things together through sheer effort; otherwise, their plight would only grow worse. It was precisely because of this that Chen Yi, upon learning of Asu Tai and Lü Jiu Nan’s existence, chose to abduct them and hide them away. Only in this way could Liu Hong possibly sow chaos within a mere cun, thereby plunging the entire Shuzhou region into disorder.

Yet such turmoil, paradoxically, worked in favor of the Xiao family. For they had long since grown accustomed to living in a whirlpool of adversity, preparing themselves for a "four-sided siege" in recent years. When all eyes suddenly turned alert, sensing danger and feeling the blade of fate hanging over their heads, who would pay heed to the Xiao family?

"Liu Hong must believe that Lü Jiu Nan is dead now, and that no one suspects his connection to King Ran of Lantian."

"Moreover, Lü Jiu Nan’s death, to some extent, has covered up the incident of the Eastern Market granary being burned."

"Therefore, Liu Hong will undoubtedly shift his focus to searching for Asu Tai from here on out."

As Chen Yi pondered the next steps in his schemes, he continued practicing his martial arts—Beng Yue Quan, Bai Hua Zhang, and others. He gradually lowered his fists, exhaled a breath, and raised his head to gaze at the night sky.

The bright moon and scattered stars filtered through the bamboo branches, casting a silvery glow, wrapping the world in a veil of silver and white. A cool breeze stirred, and the bamboo leaves drifted down, creating a serene and natural scene.

Chen Yi withdrew his gaze, quickly tidied the bamboo grove, and returned to his chamber.

"Not yet enough."

"The Patriarch can muster support for at least a couple of years; what of Liu Hong and others, brimming with ambition?"

"A fire must be added to his plans."

After all, the closer one is to death, the more feral one becomes. Human nature, human hearts—none can be changed by external forces. Liu Hong was no exception.

As he pondered this, the time for midnight approached, and a golden light suddenly flashed:

[Daily Intelligence Report—Grade Yellow, Medium Quality: At the time of the afternoon, a riot erupted at the Eastern Market granary. A small amount of merit points awarded.]

Chen Yi glanced at the message, a faint smile spreading across his face.

There was no need to overthink it.

When the grain prices in Shuzhou soared by several folds, it indeed was time to set things ablaze.

"All things are ready, only lacking the east wind."

"Hmph, it won’t be long now."

"That wind... it is coming."

With a smile, Chen Yi swept away the traces in the bamboo grove and returned to his chamber. He sat cross-legged on the bed and began cultivating the Si Xiang Gong.

After half a day of contemplation, he had fully refined all his plans. Now, he could finally immerse himself in cultivation.

Since breaking through to the fifth grade, his progress had been rapid. Yet compared to the previous five days, where he had advanced a small distance, now it took half a month to break through a major milestone. His pace had slowed slightly.

It had been six days since he was still unable to break through to the middle of the fifth grade. Fortunately, Chen Yi was not in a hurry.

Now, his gun technique had reached perfection, and his Bolo Gun method was flawless. Against martial artists of the third grade or lower, he was more than capable. Even if he faced someone of the third grade or higher, he still possessed the strength to fight—provided their techniques were not beyond the "small completion" stage or just entering the "major completion" stage.

As Chen Yi’s spirit sank into cultivation, strands of celestial and terrestrial qi from all directions surged toward him. They flowed into his meridians, entered his dantian and the middle caul, and reached his heart palace and sea of qi. Then, those four divine beasts’ spiritual energy continuously consumed and absorbed, gradually strengthening his true essence.

Red, gold, blue, and green halos of light surrounded his body, like clouds and mist, slowly enveloping him.

...

While Chen Yi cultivated peacefully, it was certain that that night, many people would lie awake. The Xiao Patriarch was among them.

Yet aside from sensing something amiss within the city of Shuzhou and ordering the palace officials to tighten defenses while loosening outer guard posts, he took no further action. At that moment, news had just arrived from the Guang-Yue Office.

No unexpected developments.

The Duke Qian, Zhang Xuan, had swiftly agreed to lend grain, promising to deliver it to Shuzhou within half a month. Additionally, he sent twenty thousand taels of silver.

The Xiao Patriarch glanced at the letter in his hand, a look of relief crossing his face.

"At critical moments, relying on old friends to lend a hand... ah."

Xiao Jinghong stood beside him, offering consolation: "Your Grace need not be so concerned. In times of urgency, one must act decisively. Besides, you are doing this for the sake of Shuzhou."

"Words are true, yet since I have taken this dukedom, I have never sought help from others. It is difficult to adjust."

Xiao Yuan Rou had spent his entire life helping others, a lifetime of being the one who lent support. When he sought aid from others, it felt uncomfortable, given his proud nature.

Xiao Jinghong understood this fully. As he sighed quietly, he murmured: "My inability cannot ease Your Grace’s burdens."

The Patriarch set down the letter: "It is not your concern."

"You, as my Xiao family’s guardian of the secret police, should focus on gathering reactions from all sides, guarding the Xiao family."

"Let you go find silver. Besides looting, I can think of no other method."

Xiao Jinghong pressed his lips, "If Your Grace permits, my lord..."

Before he could finish, the Patriarch’s eyes flashed: "You dare!?"

Xiao Jinghong quickly knelt on the ground: "Your Grace, forgive me, my lord, I dare not!"

The Patriarch huffed a breath: "My Xiao family’s current situation is indeed difficult, but we have not yet reached the point of resorting to such measures!"

"If I truly did this, the Xiao family’s hundred-year reputation would be ruined!"

When the old man grows old, what face has he left to show before his ancestors?

Xiao Jin’s face bore a look of shame. “My subordinate has spoken improperly, I humbly beg your forgiveness, Lord Hou.”

The old master stared at him for a long while, then let out a sigh. “Never mind, never mind.”

“My Xiao family’s two-hundred-year legacy has always been sustained by the land granted by our ancestors. It is indeed unseemly.”

“Thankfully, Wan’er manages affairs well; each of the few apothecaries brings in a considerable surplus each month, so the mansion does not lack for food or shelter.”

“Otherwise, I fear I would have to kneel before my ancestors’ spirit tablets and offer incense in apology.”

The old master spoke with a self-deprecating humor.

Yet Xiao Jin knew it was not that the Xiao family was poor at managing affairs, but that they would not.

If the Xiao family’s generations of heads had truly wished to expand, how could they possess only the single estate of Tonglin?

In earlier times, like some great noble houses, their wealth might appear scattered, yet in truth, it was all spent on acquiring more land.

It was said that a certain high minister in the capital had done the same.

Though they seemed impoverished, their fields numbered over ten thousand mu.

Over a hundred years, the silver stored in their cellars piled up like mountains.

Silence fell for a moment.

The old master leaned back in his chair, gesturing with a hand for him to rise.

“Have you ascertained the facts of what occurred during the day?”

Xiao Jin stood and replied, “I have investigated thoroughly.”

“The two deceased men—one was Lü Nine Nan, the other Ge Mu Xiu—they were both bandits under the Mafia Kingdom’s Prince of Peacocks.”

“Lü Nine Nan was also the younger brother of the King of Lan Du.”

Xiao Jin’s elder brother furrowed his brow slightly. “Why did Liu Five slay him?”

Xiao Jin’s face cleared. “Lord Hou, please forgive my ignorance.”

“But I have arranged for someone to investigate their whereabouts in Shuzhou; if we find their hiding place, we may deduce further truths.” “What of Liu Five?”

“He… he has vanished again.”

“The chief of the execution office, Governor Han Rui, has petitioned for tracking down experts, yet no trace of him has been found—only that he remains somewhere within the city.”

The old master nodded slightly, lost in thought. “Liu Five… he has helped my Xiao family multiple times.”

“Do you think this time, too, he slew Lü Nine Nan for that reason?”

“This…”

Xiao Jin hesitated. “I cannot say for certain.”

“Lü Nine Nan was different from the evil forces of the Bright Moon Tower; he was a brother of the King of Lan Du. If someone in Shuzhou colluded with him, it would mean…”

It would mean what? He dared not proceed.

But the old master already understood.

The Mafia Kingdom was, in the end, an external enemy.

Anyone daring to ally with such foes against the Xiao family would be a traitor, a betrayer of the state.

The old man’s dim eyes suddenly blazed with killing intent. In a low voice, he commanded, “You must thoroughly investigate their past whereabouts in Shuzhou.”

“See where they have taken refuge, whom they have met, what deeds they have done.”

“But if anything is discovered, report at once!”

“Yes!”

“Also, keep an eye on Liu Five. If you find him…”

He paused, then shook his head. “Never mind, do not disturb him. If he proves helpful, report then.”

Xiao Jin nodded, understanding, and turned to leave.

After he departed, the old master withdrew a letter from his sleeve.

The white envelope bore no seal or signature, yet he knew the sender.

He sat quietly for a moment, then opened it, retrieving the letter within:

*[To the Duke of Changyuan, my son, you are a slow and simple fellow, causing me worry with your carelessness.]*

*[My true self will soon return from the Western Regions. If there is an opportunity, I will meet you in person and pay my respects.]*

The letter contained only a few short lines. The old master read it three times, word by word.

When he had finished, he set the envelope aside, his face etched with a hint of melancholy.

“Chen Xuanji has finally returned from the Western Lands’ Buddhist Kingdom?”

“It seems he comes seeking my questioning…”

The capital of Kyoto.

The Bright Moon hung high in the clear sky, its light revealing the countless stars.

Beneath the imperial city, a five-story pavilion stood guarded with strict vigilance, unremarkable from the outside.

Yet within, its interior blazed with light.

On the first floor, the space was arranged like a textile shop, rows of colorful fabrics displayed in the front hall, with a fitting room and storeroom in the rear.

Deep within the storeroom, hidden behind a stack of fabrics, was a door few would notice.

Behind it stood several guards in white masks and white robes, motionless and cold-eyed, their swords at their waists.

Even the occasional footsteps or whispers from above could not rouse a single flicker in their gaze.

In the quiet chamber on the fourth floor, a figure in white robes with a python-like pattern stood at the window, calmly gazing at the night sky. In his hand, too, was a letter.

Beneath a dim candle, the paper before him bore rows of writing in Wei Qing’s hand:

*[To my father, the Patriarch, I, Yunfan, humbly salute you.]*

*[It has been many years since I last saw you. I am deeply missing you. I hear you will soon return from the Western Regions, and I am overjoyed.]*

*[I understand I have achieved the highest honors in the imperial examinations, yet I dare not speak of it. It is merely the result of my diligent studies in recent years, not deserving of your praise.]*

*[By Your Grace’s favor, I have been appointed as the deputy governor of Shuzhou. This is but a minor post, far below what you and Uncle Er had.]*

*[…I have met your fifth brother, Chen Yi, several times.]*

*[He is well, living in luxury and comfort. He is held in high regard by the Xiao family, and has become a respected teacher at the prestigious Cloud Scholar Academy.]*

*[I pray that upon your return from the Western Regions, you will not scold my mother for allowing my brother to join the Xiao family. Though I wonder if you know of this matter.]*

[Meanwhile, the son also wondered whether the fifth brother had cultivated martial arts, his progress only three realms below his own—did you teach him that way?]

In the faint writing, before the character "three," the character "two" was smudged into a chaotic mass.

Chen Xuanji, his white robe a shadow, lowered his gaze to the letter in his hand and murmured softly:

"People have joys and sorrows, partings and reunions; the moon waxes and wanes, bright and dark, full and hollow. Such matters are hard to resolve in this age, yet may we hope for longevity, sharing the beauty of a single moon across thousands of miles."

His tone carried an inexplicable meaning, tinged with a slight sigh of regret.

Before the echo of his words had faded, he crushed the letter in his hand and waved it away, descending the stairs.

"With Yunfan’s reckless nature, Qingzhou’s martial arts must have surpassed his imagination, hence he sent the letter deliberately."

A son’s nature is no match for his father’s.

Chen Xuanji knew Chen Yunfan’s temperament well and thus could easily deduce Chen Yi’s current martial arts cultivation.

"Third grade?"

"No, Qingzhou’s cultivation should be at middle third grade."

"Hah, a bunch of wine-sack and rice-bag fellows."

Chen Xuanji wasn’t cursing others; he was cursing the White Tiger Guards in Shuzhou who were investigating Chen Yi’s martial arts cultivation.

He recalled the previous letters, his expression turning slightly displeased. But upon deeper thought, he felt it was justified.

Given Chen Yi’s nature, if he wanted to hide, he couldn’t possibly let anyone detect his martial arts cultivation or technique level.

But his martial arts…

Chen Xuanji gently removed the White Tiger mask from his face, revealing a slightly pale visage.

His countenance was renowned for its beauty and charm. Even though he was over forty, his looks remained handsome.

Beneath his sword-browed eyes lay a pair of crimson phoenix eyes, arched at the corners, with a high, arched nose bridge, plump lips, and a face serene and majestic.

"Calculating the time, Qingzhou would reach Shuzhou in less than a year. In such a short time, his martial arts cultivation reaching middle third grade must involve some secrets I don’t know."

If it were just this, it wouldn’t be too bad. But Chen Xuanji knew Chen Yi’s martial arts went beyond this.

He was right—the Liu Five who appeared outside Iron Wall Town was indeed his son Chen Yi!

"Liu Five, sixth grade, spear technique complete."

"If Qingzhou was indeed Liu Five… adding his complete book technique…"

Chen Xuanji had, for the first time in his life, some regrets. How could he not regret arranging one of Wen Cheng Wu’s son into the Zhang family as a discarded son?

"Thankfully, a few uncles and elders weren’t aware of this, otherwise he might have been cursed out by them pointing at his spine."

Chen Xuanji thought of these things, his fingers gently touching the White Tiger mask, and a hint of sorrow crossed his face.

Chen Yi’s transformation indeed exceeded his expectations. No, it greatly surpassed them. But the fact remained, and he had to accept it.

"The fledgling, hah…"

"He indeed became a great Peng bird, overshadowing the sky."

"But he, it seems, is no longer part of the Chen family."

Chen Xuanji wasn’t a fool; he naturally understood the purpose behind Chen Yi’s actions. Stopping the fire that would have burned the summer grain in three towns, killing Liu Wen—it was all for the Zhang family.

Earlier, there were "Liu Five, Liu Rong" making moves outside Shuzhou City, their victims suspected to be from the Five Poison Sect.

"Looking back now, Qingzhou did all this for the Zhang family."

"Lord Ding, this deal seems to have cost me."

Chen Xuanji sighed helplessly, then put the White Tiger mask back on. His eyes, tinged with sorrow, gradually returned to calm.

"Though there were some unexpected turns, he was still my son. After all, they shared the same blood."

Thinking this, Chen Xuanji darted back to the spacious room on the second floor, where several White Tiger Guards in red robes were already kneeling on the ground.

"Send a message to Wei Xing, instruct him to meet with the King of Lan Du quickly, and if necessary, proceed along the Tea and Horse Ancient Road."

"Yes!"