Chapter 261: Overestimating One's Own Ability! (Seeking Monthly Tickets)

Chapter 261: Overreaching! (Please vote for the monthly ticket)

Lou Yuxue was unaware that Chen Yi was lurking nearby, eavesdropping.

Yet in her mind at that moment, she was indeed thinking of Chen Yi.

Precisely speaking, "Liu Wu."

Of course, what Lou Yuxue was contemplating in her heart was not a reproach to "Liu Wu" for having slain Lü Jiunan, thereby delaying the meeting between Zhang Xing and Wang of Lanzhou.

Instead, she was considering the trade deal they had previously discussed.

"Since Your Excellency decided to recruit him even after learning he had killed Lü Jiunan, our cooperation can continue."

"Only... it just so happens that this is the very moment..."

In fact, after receiving the deposit, Lou Yuxue had, through the channels of Ming Yue Lou, contacted grain merchants in Jingzhou, Youzhou, and Yanzhou.

She had initially secured twenty thousand sheng of grain.

But the gap between that and the thirty thousand sheng Liu Wu desired remained vast.

It wasn't that Lou Yuxue couldn't find more; she simply understood that the cause of the rising grain prices in Shu was the Ji Zhou Trading Company.

Twenty thousand sheng had already reached the limit of what her local channels could purchase.

If she bought more, the news might reach the ears of those in Ji Zhou Trading Company.

At that point, even though she was the steward of Ming Yue Lou, and even if she used the excuse of earning a little extra money, she would have no way to circumvent the Ji Zhou Trading Company.

Not to mention, they didn't even need to intervene directly; a single word from the leadership of Ming Yue Lou would suffice for her to surrender those grains.

Or worse, she might be forced to cooperate with the Ji Zhou Trading Company in matters within Shu.

After all, the backing of Ming Yue Lou was, in fact, dominated by the Ji Zhou Trading Company.

Thus, after leaving the tailor's shop, Lou Yuxue did not head directly to Chun Ruo Lou.

Instead, she took a detour, blocking the carriage of Cui Qingwu.

"Lotus and Phoenix, let's talk."

The driver, Huan Er, glanced at her, frowning. "Lady Tiger, it's late into the night. My mistress should be resting."

At that moment, Cui Qingwu, hearing the sound, sat inside the carriage and said, "Let's hear what she has to say."

"She came all this way to block us in the rain, and she's not one to speak unless there's a reason. It must be something important."

Lou Yuxue nodded without committing. "I need to borrow a moment to speak."

"No need for such fuss. Get in."

"I don't wish to delay her rest due to your affairs."

As Lou Yuxue was about to climb into the carriage, Cui Qingwu slightly disdainfully said, "Your raincoat, bamboo hat, and boots—leave them outside. Don't soil my carriage."

Lou Yuxue's eyelids twitched. "...Very well."

She then removed her raincoat, bamboo hat, and boots, placing them beneath Huan Er's feet, then pulled aside the curtain and entered the carriage.

A warm lamp hung from the top, casting light with its flickering flames.

Inside the small carriage, a carpet from the Western Regions was laid out, its golden threads shimmering like soft tiger skin.

Cui Qingwu, having shed her earlier cold demeanor toward Zhang Xing, reclined lazily against a jade pillow, her light veil partially covering her figure, her silhouette hazy and alluring.

Lou Yuxue glanced at her, then sat cross-legged on the outside. "I have a matter to request."

Cui Qingwu propped himself up on one hand, his bright eyes meeting hers, and said with a hint of a smile, "From your mouth comes the word 'request'? That's unexpected."

"When you came to me seeking a hiding place earlier, you didn't use such words."

"Is something wrong, Lady Tiger? Have you encountered some trouble?"

Lou Yuxue ignored his teasing. She spoke plainly, "I need to purchase twenty thousand sheng of grain."

Cui Qingwu paused. "Twenty thousand sheng? What do you need so much grain for?"

"Recently, the grain prices in Shu have risen. I thought to capitalize on the opportunity."

This was the most fitting reason Lou Yuxue could think of, one that wouldn't expose her cooperation with Liu Wu.

Cui Qingwu asked thoughtfully, "Is it really that simple?"

She clearly didn't believe it.

Just as she had said—Lady Tiger, who was always straightforward with her, would never speak unless there was a matter at hand.

To earn money... this reason seemed rather feeble.

"That simple!" Lou Yuxue said bluntly. "I owed seven hundred thousand silver to the hawk, and this is a chance to make up the difference by buying grain in Shu."

Cui Qingwu's heart stirred slightly. "I can agree, but I require a two-percent profit margin."

"No more than one percent."

"This time, the grain prices in Shu won't stay high for long, so I just want to get in and out quickly, not making much."

After a pause, Lou Yuxue sneered, "If it weren't for those few grain merchants backed by the Ji Zhou Trading Company, I wouldn't have come to you at all."

Upon hearing this, Cui Qingwu stared deeply into her eyes.

If that were the case, there were indeed possibilities.

The people of Ji Zhou Trading Company were greedy; causing such chaos in Shu was quite in line with their nature.

"I agree."

"Within ten days, the grain will be delivered to you."

"Thank you."

As Lou Yuxue was about to leave, Cui Qingwu called after her. "As for Liu Wu, what do you intend to do?"

"You mean 'invite him to join the White Tiger Guard'?"

"Knowing full well what you're asking, I can't believe he'd make you so uncomfortable. You'd be willing to let him join, wouldn't you?"

It wasn't impossible.

Lou Yuxue secretly thought, and said calmly, "The orders of Your Excellency, we both have no way to refuse, don't we?"

"I don't want him to enter the White Tiger Guard. He caused me trouble at Yun Fan."

"You dare to defy an order?"

"Not impossible... never mind. I can back down."

"Help me give him a lesson, how about that?"

Lou Yuxue snapped, "Not really."

"You'd better not think of such things, it would be a loss."

She must be mad.

Not to mention that "Liu Wu" hasn’t even agreed to join the White Tiger Guard yet.

Even if he did agree, given Fu Ying’s understanding of him, that damn fool would never let himself be pushed around.

And what’s more, how could she possibly teach Liu Wu a lesson?

Her martial arts prowess pales in comparison.

As for poisoning or applying bug magic, it would be nearly ineffective against a saintly medical master.

Or perhaps she could pressure him by invoking the White Tiger Guard’s authority?

But that would do nothing but invite his retaliation.

Not to mention that the Patriarch himself has issued an order inviting Liu Wu to join the White Tiger Guard—who knows what rank he’ll be given?

A Bronze Flag Officer? A Silver Flag Officer? Or even a Golden Flag Officer?

Any of those are possible.

Unless Fu Ying’s brain has been kicked by a donkey, she’d never commit such a foolish act.

Cui Qingwu grumbled, “This won’t do, that won’t do—do you still want those grain supplies?”

“One code for one code.”

“You…”

At that moment, the carriage driver in front knocked on the carriage door.

“My lady, Rain Xuan has arrived.”

Cui Qingwu swallowed her words, sat up straight, and said, “You may go.”

It was too close to Rain Xuan’s residence.

She didn’t want to sour her impression in Chen Yunfan’s eyes over some irrelevant woman.

Fu Ying, unaware of her thoughts, rose and exited the carriage, dressed neatly, and leaped down, vanishing into the rainy night.

After watching her disappear, Huan had a slight frown. “My lady, this woman truly lacks decorum.”

Cui Qingwu nodded, pulled aside a curtain to peek through.

“Tell Zhou Uncle to keep an eye on the Moonlight Building area later.”

Though Fu Ying’s reasoning seemed reasonable, she still harbored some doubts.

After all that thinking, she decided to give one more instruction.

Huan nodded and drove the carriage into Rain Xuan’s courtyard.

As they passed through the inner courtyard, Cui Qingwu leaned close to listen, a smile spreading across her face.

“Stop the carriage.”

“My lady?”

“It’s already late. Yunfan brother is still training—I’ll go have a look.”

“Yes…”

Cui Qingwu lifted her rain umbrella and walked into the martial arts training ground, spotting Chen Yunfan practicing in the rain, accompanied by Chun Rong and others.

“Yunfan brother, how long have you been training?”

Ning Yu and Niu Shan bowed and saluted but said nothing.

Chun Rong stepped forward to bow and reply, “Cui sister, the prince has been training since returning from the Civil Affairs Office.”

“Three hours?”

Cui Qingwu paused to recall—when she left earlier, Chen Yunfan had been in the middle of training.

By now, he’d been training continuously for three hours.

Thinking this over, she ordered, “Chun Rong, help Yunfan brother brew some ginger tea to warm his body.”

Chun Rong hesitated, then nodded, and left.

Ning Yu glanced sideways, his face strange.

If he remembered correctly, Chun Rong had already prepared the ginger tea earlier.

Niu Shan had the same confusion. “Ning brother, just now…” Before he could finish, Ning Yu covered his mouth, “Just watch the prince train—learn something.”

It was Cui Qingwu who was here; otherwise, he’d have let Niu Shan have a proper lesson.

Soon after, Chun Rong returned with the ginger tea, and Cui Qingwu took it, smiling as she called out to Chen Yunfan, “Yunfan brother, it’s nearly midnight—rest for a while.”

Chen Yunfan paused, waved his hand, and cleaved through the rain with a sword slash.

*Clang.*

A steel blade rang out and shattered on the ground in the training ground.

Seeing this, Cui Qingwu praised, “Yunfan brother’s sword technique advances swiftly—soon he’ll break through into the Complete Realm.”

“Complete?”

Chen Yunfan sheathed his sword, scoffed, and said, “I’ve still got a long way to go.”

Clearly, Chen Yi had already broken through to the Complete Realm in sword cultivation long ago.

These days, his strength must have grown even greater.

Cui Qingwu didn’t understand why he was in such a hurry. Thinking it over, she took a handkerchief and offered it to him.

“Wipe your face, then drink the tea.”

Chen Yunfan didn’t refuse, took the handkerchief, and wiped the sweat from his face.

While sipping the tea, he casually asked, “Just returned?”

Cui Qingwu smiled and said, “I brought some bottled liqueur from the Cloud Clear Pavilion—thought I’d go take a look.”

Chen Yunfan nodded without committing, “It’s late—go rest early.”

“Alright.”

After Cui Qingwu left, Chen Yunfan washed up and leaned back on his bed, calling for Chun Rong.

“Any news from the other side?”

“Your servant was just about to report, Prince—Duke of the White Robes Qiang has already sent the letter to the Western Region Buddha Kingdom. It should arrive there within a few days.”

Chen Yunfan nodded, took down a book, and idly asked, “Any events happening in the city lately?”

Chun Rong thought for a moment, then shook her head, “Not many fresh developments.”

From that day when Liu Wu and Liu Rong slew the bandit Poza Guoma, the magistrate’s office had been combing the city and prefecture without any progress to speak of.

Those wine pouches and rice bags could find talent, what a strange sort of talent.

Chen Yunfan was reading while muttering to himself: “Even if they found someone, what then?”

“Would he be able to defeat him?”

“A gunman of complete martial arts cultivation—how could they possibly contend with him?”

Hmph. Only I could subdue Yi Disciple!

Yingying felt a strange aura about his expression.

Though upon reflection, she couldn’t quite put her finger on what was amiss, so she continued:

“My lord, you should rest early.”

“Tomorrow morning, Yang Gong has invited you to gather at the mansion.”

Chen Yunfan set down his book and pondered: “Speaking of which, I’ve truly been unable to guess the reason he summoned me.”

“My lord, you forgot—it’s the imperial examination.”

“The examination?”

“Yes, it was said that a few days ago, Master Yue Ming brought up the matter of the new regulations for the examination and personally approached Yang Gong with suggestions.”

“I suppose he came here to discuss this matter with you.”

Chen Yunfan’s face brightened: “Ah, so that’s why.”

“That official in the Ministry of Civil Affairs who submitted the proposal to the Emperor must have received Liu Hong’s approval.”

“Old Yang probably feared that if he brought it up himself, it would offend Liu Hong, so he’s asking me to take the lead.”

Yingying nodded: “My lord, what do you intend to do?”

“Agree.”

“This time’s examination rules are odd and archaic, who knows what schemes Liu Hong might have in mind.”

“Especially…”

Chen Yunfan paused, then reclined on the bed, humming lazily:

“Especially since Yi Younger is also participating in this examination.”

“If he’s framed, his scholar-official career would be ruined.”

Yingying covered her mouth and smiled: “In that case, it’s even better. Then you can have Yi Younger bow to me.”

“Huh? Do you think I’m looking down on me?”

“I must defeat Yi Younger in a proper, upright manner. I couldn’t resort to such lowly tactics.”

“The one who’s wronged you is the servant. She’s at fault.”

“Since she’s realized her mistake, punish her by finishing the paperwork in the study.”

“Don’t finish it, and you won’t be allowed to rest.”

Yingying was both angry and amused, but seeing he’d already pulled the covers over himself, she merely nodded and left the chamber.

After walking a few steps, she stumbled, her eyes flashing with something odd.

“Defeat?”

“What exactly is Yi Younger stronger in?”

“My lord surely wouldn’t want to compare books and martial arts with Yi Younger?”

That could only be… a bit over the top, a bit presumptuous…

…

Chun Ruo Tower.

Liu Yusnow returned to the study and was about to close the door when a sudden figure appeared before him.

“You… Liu Wu?!”

The man standing outside was Chen Yi, cloaked in black, his face showing surprise as he smiled:

“Ah, meet you again, Miss Yusnow.”

Liu Yusnow loosened her grip and scoffed: “I don’t wish to see you, you rascal.”

She had grown accustomed to Chen Yi’s sudden appearances, so seeing him this time wasn’t unexpected.

Chen Yi shrugged it off, entered the study, and closed the door: “If you truly don’t want to see me, why did you go to that Mr. Cui to purchase grain?”

Liu Yusnow furrowed her brow: “You’ve been following me?”

Her words barely settled when she pointed at Chen Yi: “Did you go to the tailor’s shop again?!”

Chen Yi sat nonchalantly at the desk, waving his hand: “Don’t look so surprised—you’ve always known I have connections with the White Tiger Guard.”

“So you already know the head’s intention to invite you to join the White Tiger Guard?”

“I do.”

“Then you…”

“I’ve declined.”

Chen Yi regarded her with a faint smile, then shifted his tone: “But I do wonder how you intend to persuade me.”

Liu Yusnow glanced at him, then sat opposite him.

“Since you don’t wish to join, there’s nothing I can do to convince you.”

“Try anyway. Perhaps I might change my mind.”

“Joining my White Tiger Guard means serving the head, serving the Emperor, and accepting assignments that could endanger your life…”

Before Liu Yusnow could finish, Chen Yi waved his hands dismissively: “Never mind, the requirements for your White Tiger Guard are too high for me to aspire to.”

As for serving the Emperor, that was just words. But the assignments—those would only add to his carefree life’s troubles.

Besides, there wasn’t much he wanted in the White Tiger Guard. Joining would only bring more harm than good.

Thinking this, Chen Yi said: “Let’s not waste time.”

“This time, besides asking when that batch of grain will reach Shu Zhou, there’s another matter needing your help.”

Liu Yusnow’s face darkened: “Before discussing anything else, shouldn’t you explain why you killed Lü Jiulong and Ge Muxiang?”

“Do you know how many consequences their deaths have caused?”

“What if Duke Xing finds out? Do you know what punishment I’ll face?”

Chen Yi removed his hat, his expression as indifferent as a dead pig to boiling water, and smiled:

“If you’re worried about these things, why bother concealing them for me?”

“You… Hmph!”

Lou Yuxue seethed with rage.

She had no right to cover for that damn man, let alone proactively approach Cui Qingwu to discuss purchasing grain before he even arrived.

Chen Yi also knew she had indeed taken considerable risks, and spoke earnestly:

“I promise you, once that batch of grain arrives, I’ll tell you everything about Lu Jinnan and Ge Muxi.”

“Before then, I need you to circulate a couple of rumors.”

Lou Yuxue’s expression eased slightly and inquired, “What rumors?”

“Not many, just two.”

“One is that the King of Land and Power intends to lead the Phoenix King’s forces to assault Shu Zhou.”

“Two is that the son of the Left King of the Barbarians is present in Shu Zhou…”

(End of chapter)