Chapter 269: A Speck of Winter Plum Is About to Arrive (Seeking Monthly Tickets)

Chapter 269: A Single Sprig of Winter Plum Is Approaching (Seeking Monthly Votes)

Chen Yì was unaware that someone had been observing him in secret.

After all, with his current cultivation and his mastery over the subtle energies of heaven and earth, it was rare for any wind or ripple in the grass within five miles to escape his notice.

Walking and pausing at leisure.

He returned to the Spring Lotus Garden, shedding his dark robes and removing his disguise, donning a light, comfortable long robe instead.

A breath of relief escaped his lips.

"The plans of the Ji Zhou Merchant Guild are nearly complete. If all goes smoothly, they will soon be driven to desperation."

"At that point, they will either choose to take a risk or surrender and cease resistance—hard to say for certain."

Of course.

Chen Yì hoped the Ji Zhou Merchant Guild would grow more reckless, more arrogant.

Only then would he see more of the flies and fleas, dogs and scavengers lurking beneath the surface of Shu Zhou.

Moreover, if the members of the Ji Zhou Merchant Guild chose to swallow this humiliation, it would affect his subsequent plans.

Fortunately—

Fortunately, Lin Hua’an was dead.

A smile touched Chen Yì’s lips, as though he imagined the regret of those who realized he had been "a move away from victory."

He gazed out the window at the dark night, his eyes carrying a sly glint.

The Wei Dynasty had reigned for over two hundred years, its founding families and aristocratic cliques forming alliances in secret, their connections tangled like roots and branches.

Not only in the halls of power and the martial world, but also among the common folk.

There was a saying: "Take from the people, use for the people."

Yet for those ancient dynasties and great clans that had stood for centuries, their principle was different: "Take from the people, use for oneself."

Who among them was not drinking the blood of the people?

Like the Ji Zhou Merchant Guild, they were certain to have, behind them, those who made the poor pay and the rich bow.

"Since I have come, I must leave my mark."

Chen Yì whispered softly, then rose, closing the window behind him. He sat cross-legged on the bed.

These matters concerning flies and fleas, dogs and scavengers, were none of his concern.

Yet the wind would not cease, even if the trees yearned for stillness.

The Xiao family, surrounded by laments, how could their son-in-law find peace?

Before him, the White Tiger Guard had given him the "young bird" identity; behind him, a slew of schemes and plots targeting the Xiao family.

Each one disrupted his tranquil days.

What could he do?

"I hope this time, Shu Zhou can be at peace."

"I have long adored that single sprig of winter plum."

...

At this point, it was nearly midnight.

Yet Xiao Elder still had not retired to bed.

Not only him.

Xiao Shen, Xiao Xuanzhang, and others had all gathered within the Pure Clear Mansion.

Each wore a grave expression, all gazing intently at their patriarch.

"Brother Xiao, has Liu Hong’s words today been spoken with any fault or bias?"

Xiao Shen had changed from his usual gentleness, placing his hands on the armrests of the chairs beside him, his tone tinged with irritation:

"As the governor of Shu Zhou, how could he refuse to act?"

The patriarch seemed not to have heard him, his eyes drifting downward to the jade carving he held in his hands.

Xiao Shen was about to speak further when Xiao Xuanzhang shook his head at him, silencing him, and sat there, sulking.

Xiao Xuanzhang glanced at the patriarch, letting out a silent sigh.

No wonder Xiao Shen, so kind-hearted, would be angry.

After all, Liu Hong’s words amounted to urging them to "remain vigilant," effectively offering them a chance to ease the Xiao family’s plight.

For they, though in command of the Ding Yuan Army, could not freely mobilize troops.

They could only do so with the consent of the Wei Phoenix Guard, the Shu Zhou governors, and the Xiao family’s three great clans.

Unless the Xiao family rebelled, none of the three armies would abandon their posts.

Especially not matters like "the wet and sulky King of the Condor League committing incursions to the border."

Thus, Liu Hong had come today to advise the patriarch to "remain vigilant," waiting until news from the Tea and Horse Road confirmed something before reporting to the court.

His reasoning was also grand and noble—"lest some 'wind and grass stir' alarm the Son of Heaven."

After a moment of silence.

The patriarch’s eyelids, heavy with sleep, lifted slightly, glancing at the sky, then spoke in a calm voice:

"The time is late, all of you return and rest. It seems there has been no news from the governor’s office today."

"Brother Xiao..."

Before Xiao Shen could press the matter further, the patriarch waved his hand. "Third brother, I know your intent."

"But... Liu Hong’s words are not without merit."

"For now, only word from the merchants of the entire city has reached us, nothing yet about the King of Lantian and his forces advancing toward the border."

"To report to the Son of Heaven now, deploying the Ding Yuan Army, is indeed premature."

The patriarch spoke calmly, like an ancient well untouched by ripples, yet his resolve was unshakable.

This caused Xiao Shen, who had been about to press the issue further, to completely fall silent, rising without a word and departing.

Xiao Xuanzhang and the others exchanged glances, then also bowed in respect.

"Father, you should rest early."

"Elder, please..."

Not long after,

The Pure Clear Mansion was utterly still.

In truth, the calm he felt at that moment was due to Liu Hong’s final words before his departure.

"Lord, the Xiao family has been hiding for five years. The keen-eyed all see it, and all are wary."

"If you rush to mobilize the Ding Yuan Army now, it will inevitably give those with ill intent an opportunity to attack and besiege the Xiao family."

"My friend, we can't rush things."

Even though Master Xiao Yi knew that Liu Hong's attempt to persuade him was driven by his own private motives, the words indeed struck a chord within him heart.

After so many years of restraint,

Why must one rush at this very moment?

Moreover, the Peacock King's banner under the Prince of Lan Tu was still wandering along the Tea Horse Ancient Road, showing no signs of advancing eastward.

Should it turn out later that those bandits don't come, then petitioning the court with a tiger seal at this very moment would become a laughingstock.

Truly, it was like the saying—moving stones to strike one's own foot.

As Master Xiao Yi thought of these things, he gazed at the moonlight outside the hall through his clouded eyes, letting out a long sigh.

"The Bureau of Military Commissioners must be thinking the same way."

"Li Fu and Zhu Hao, they're even more composed than I had anticipated."

At that moment, Xiao Ying rushed in, "Master."

Master Xiao's gaze settled on him, his expression easing slightly. Sitting down, he asked:

"Has everything been clarified?"

Xiao Ying bowed and replied, "It's been sorted out."

"The news has spread throughout the ten households. The person involved is named Wan Hui, grandson of Wan Hong."

"He led his forces to the Western Regions' Buddhist Kingdom. Traveling through the first half of the Tea Horse Ancient Road, a guard from the merchant caravan spotted the Peacock King's banner in advance, which allowed them to escape with their lives."

Master Xiao furrowed his brow slightly. "How did they learn of Prince Lan Tu's intention to advance eastward?"

"Master, I've also investigated this matter."

"Apparently, they rescued a merchant who had managed to flee from Prince Lan Tu's grasp on their way of escape. That's how they learned of the situation."

"So, this incident might be... fabricated?"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Ying nodded. "Indeed, it is."

After a pause, he continued to report: "However, there is one matter that can be confirmed."

"Within a thousand miles west of the border, traces of the Peacock King's banner have indeed been found, confirmed by Beacon Tower."

Master Xiao slightly nodded, his fingertips unconsciously tapping against the armrest of his chair, the lines etched deep on his weathered face showing signs of contemplation.

"Beacon Tower, as a frontier outpost, their reports come from scouts within the army. They should be reliable."

"All we need to do now is confirm the traces of the Peacock King's banner, and we can infer their direction of movement."

Speaking to this, Master Xiao paused slightly.

"If we could also get information about Prince Lan Tu, that would be even better."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Ying's face showed some difficulty, hesitating slightly: "Your Grace, I'm afraid I can't do that." Master Xiao shot him a sharp glance. "I naturally understand that you can't be expected to do it. If you could send your Dark Guard deep into the Kingdom of Pohe Xiu, wouldn't that make you just as capable as the White Tiger Guard?"

Xiao Ying felt embarrassed and smiled slightly. He couldn't possibly compare his own Dark Guard, who could only wander around Shu Zhou, to the White Tiger Guard of the Wei Dynasty.

It wasn't just a matter of strength.

To achieve penetration like the White Tiger Guard, the preparations and planning behind them are not something that can be accomplished in a day or a night.

Wealth, connections, channels—everything is essential.

Take Xiao's family Dark Guard, for instance.

Even expending the efforts of an entire family, taking two hundred years, they've only managed to cover the entire Shu Zhou.

Just that, the silver spent each month is unimaginable to ordinary people.

Fortunately, these days Xiao's family doesn't lack funds, allowing some individuals to infiltrate several major clans.

The Wan family, Liu family, and various government offices.

A moment of silence.

Xiao Ying thought for a moment and asked: "Your Grace, should we inform Miss Zhenghong of this?"

Upon hearing this, Master Xiao straightened his back, pondering: "This matter is of great significance, it indeed should inform Zhenghong in advance."

"However..."

"Never mind, wait two more days. By tomorrow morning, you'll gather all the reports from Shu Zhou and deliver them to Zhenghong."

Xiao Ying nodded and agreed.

That's good.

Wait two more days, the situation in Shu Zhou will become clearer.

Perhaps new information will come from Prince Lan Tu and his Peacock King's banner.

Master Xiao also thought the same way.

Yet he was also a bit dissatisfied.

If Prince Lan Tu truly brings the Peacock King's banner across the border, he could mobilize the Dingwu Army.

Then he would be the one in control of suppressing the border to defend against the Peacock King's banner.

At that point, even if it's still impossible for the Xiao family to permanently resolve all issues, they could at least make the majority of people uneasy and cautious.

At least within the prefecture and city of Shu Zhou, those major clans wouldn't dare to harbor any thoughts.

After much contemplation, Master Xiao leaned on his staff and rose, heading towards the residence.

On his way, he gave instructions: "The city of Wuyan is about to be completed, it's a top priority."

"Others... let's just observe the developments for now."

Xiao Ying bowed and replied, "Your Grace can rest assured, I'll spare no effort in investigating this matter in the coming days."

"Don't forget about Liu Hong..."

Upon hearing the last words from Master Xiao, Xiao Ying stood and looked at his retreating back, a bitter smile appearing on his face.

Liu Hong.

After all, he was the Left Intendant of Shu Zhou, and also the third son of the Liu family in Jing Zhou. His subordinates weren't easy to buy.

Even if he used every possible method, up until now he's only managed to infiltrate two Dark Guards, and even they couldn't move freely within the palace eunuchs.

How could he possibly investigate what Liu Hong was up to?

Thinking of this, Xiao Ying composed his thoughts and quickly left the Xiao estate.

No matter what, he would do his utmost.

...

The next day, before dawn.

The side gate of the Xiao family's residence had already opened.

Three household managers, Lu Tong, sat inside the side gate, looking out to see what was happening.

As the carriages waited outside the gate, he smoothed his long robe and stepped forth.

"No outsiders, step aside at once."

"If there are memorials to present, they may be offered."

"We accept no gifts."

It was clear those who had come to wait here were well versed in the customs.

When they heard the voice, they all dismounted from their carriages and handed over their memorials to Lu Tong.

Among them was Wang Ji.

After placing a memorial in Lu Tong’s hands, he bowed politely and said, "Lu Shizhong, I ask you to deliver this to Lord Hou."

Lu Tong glanced at him, slightly surprised, and asked, "Wang Shangci, what brings you here with such formality today?"

He knew Wang Ji well and was aware that the merchant had visited the Xiao family multiple times, either to discuss matters concerning the pharmacy or to deliver shares of profit in silver. Yet he had rarely seen him present a memorial.

Wang Ji chuckled at Lu Tong’s words, "This time, I am not visiting Lady Xiao; I am here to deliver a memorial on behalf of my master to Lord Hou."

After a pause, he added, "My master knows Lord Hou’s diligent governance, so he did not specify the time of his visit. Moreover, he specifically instructed me that all decisions rest with Lord Hou. Whether to receive it or not, when he deigns to speak, that is all I ask."

Lu Tong suddenly nodded, and asked, "Your master is the one who runs Bai Caotang, isn’t he? Chen Yu, so named 'Yu'?"

"Indeed, he is. Earthenware dealer Chen Yu, known as 'Yu.'"

"I recall he once visited the manor before, and I led him to the Xiaoxing Garden."

Wang Ji beamed broadly in agreement. "Lu Shizhong has a good memory."

Lu Tong nodded, then inquired, "I heard he left Shuzhou for other regions. When did he return?"

"My master returned some time ago, though he’s been occupied with affairs."

"And just now, he had just finished his duties when I delivered this memorial to you."

"Oh…"

After a bit of idle chatter, Wang Ji drove away, though his eyes remained fixed on the Xiao family’s residence.

He felt a certain melancholy.

"How will the Xiao family regard all these efforts my master has made in the future?"

Yet, upon deeper thought, such matters were beyond his consideration.

For now, the Xiao family was unaware that the gentleman traveling under the name of Light Boat Master was in fact the owner of Bai Caotang, Chen Yu.

Who could foresee when the master would inform the Xiao family of this?

Thinking thus, Wang Ji composed himself, patted the carriage, and ordered, "To the Jia family’s herbal shop in the East Market."

"After all, we are accustomed to collecting silver; if we arrive late, we might cause offense."

Of course, arriving early would likely not offend Jia Yu-zhi either.

Lu Tong watched the carriages fade into the distance, then bent down to examine the memorial in his hand.

He had already made up his mind to depart when he heard hurried footsteps outside.

"Old Lu, old Lu…"

Seeing the man was the palace’s chief steward, Ba Same, Lu Tong frowned and asked, "What’s the matter? Why so agitated?"

Ba Same didn’t wait for an answer but pulled him toward the courtyard.

"There’s no time to explain. Come, let’s go see the Patriarch!"

Lu Tong realized something was amiss and followed him obediently.

After they had departed, an elderly man with a hunched back emerged from the guard station, glanced around, and asked, "What’s the matter that has Ba Same so agitated?"

After a moment’s thought, he took up the broom, slung the satchel over his shoulder, and hurried after them.

In the Xiaoxing Garden.

Chen Yi rose early, finished his ablutions, and joined Xiao Wu Ge and Xiao Duo for breakfast.

He couldn’t help but notice that today Xiao Wen Er’s mood seemed particularly good.

She had changed into a bright red overcoat, and her hairstyle and accessories were meticulously arranged.

It made Chen Yi take a second look.

If Xiao Wen Er had noticed his lingering gaze, she glared at him and snapped, "Brother-in-law, what’s on your mind?"

Chen Yi met her gaze with a smile, "Sister Xiao, is there something you need to do outside today?"

Xiao Wen Er glanced at her attire, then flushed slightly and lowered her head, "There’s nothing much. Yesterday, Cui Xiaozhu said she’d like to spend some time at the manor to discuss matters with me."

Chen Yi paused, "Cui Sister?"

He was puzzled.

He had only seen Cui Xiaozhu the night before and had specifically instructed her to go to those grain merchants.

How could she have time to visit the Xiao family?

(Chapter End)