Chapter 280: It Really Is You?! (Seeking Monthly Tickets)

Chapter 280: Is It Really You?! (Please Vote for the Moon)

No words were spoken that night.

When the first light of dawn began to lighten the sky,

The gloomy clouds pressed down over the prefecture city of Shu Zhou,

The mist-shrouded layers of cloud blocked the eastern sunrise,

Like an extension of the night itself, unwilling to let the morning rise.

Yet the night watchmen still sang their songs on time.

The city gate tower also rang with drum beats.

Whenever this moment arrived, the bells of the temple in the northwestern corner,

The academy to the north, and the flower-viewing lane in the southern city all chimed in unison.

The ringing of bells and drums marked the arrival of a new day.

Chen Yi naturally did not rise at such an hour.

Precisely speaking, for the past several days,

He had risen early, washed, dressed, and gone to his study room.

Of course, he did not go there to practice calligraphy,

Nor to paint a few pictures.

Instead, he read books.

Right.

Chen Yi had prepared for the upcoming prefectural examination at the end of the month.

In addition to the historical texts and geographical works he had studied during his confinement,

This time he read more on classic and historical texts.

Although the Wei Dynasty had no Four Books or Five Classics,

There were similar works of their own.

Such as The Art of Calculations, The Book of Rivers, The Commentaries on Qian,

And The Recorded Sayings of the Four Saints.

Covering astronomy, geography, divination, medicine, and Confucian thought,

These were essential reading for any scholar.

Chen Yi had some recollection of them before,

But it was all quite vague.

Yet with each perusal,

Relevant content would surface in his mind.

Mostly, it was his understanding from his past life.

Though most of these understandings had their discrepancies.

At least in the eyes of Chen Yi, who had entered the realm of qi and had mastered the arts of qin, chess, calligraphy, and painting,

All these classic and historical texts were the reflections of predecessors on the heavens, the earth, the Way, life, and the world.

He had his own interpretations.

Thus, after going through them once,

Chen Yi simplified the complexities,

Collecting all memories as his own.

Combined with his absorption of various esoteric arts,

And his ability to grasp concepts across disciplines,

He felt confident in debating with scholars like Zhou Ying and Ling Chuan.

This would suffice for ordinary examinations.

However...

However, this examination was not ordinary.

Chen Yi had to prepare more thoroughly.

At that moment, Xiao Die entered with two armed guards,

Carrying bundles of books and scrolls,

She gestured toward where they should be placed,

And said, "Master, here are the past questions for the examinations in Shu Zhou and other prefectures,

As well as the provincial examination topics."

"Though few have collected the winning essays,

Only scattered chapters remain."

Chen Yi looked up, nodded, and said, "These are enough for me to see the examination topics."

His method was none other than the ingrained habit of learning—going through practice questions.

As long as he worked through enough of them,

Whether he would achieve an outstanding result was uncertain,

But he could at least pass the threshold.

If he were to suddenly come up with a brilliant idea on the spot,

Or draw upon his own knowledge system,

Writing a magnificent essay was not impossible.

Xiao Die saw him speak thus,

And her expression eased.

"Master, then you should read. I'll prepare your breakfast."

Chen Yi raised his hand to stop her,

"Prepare your own. I'm going to the academy this morning,

You can eat there."

Xiao Die nodded, "Master, when will you return?

The princess said there's a banquet in the capital at noon."

"I suppose I won't make it back before noon."

Chen Yi already knew Xiao Wanyan was inviting someone to a banquet,

He knew who it would be.

If he appeared, it would be surprising.

The day before, he had received a letter from Wang Ji,

Which the old master had sent him,

So he knew Xiao Wanyan was planning to host a banquet for him,

The owner of the Bai Caotang.

Thus, he had no intention of staying in the mansion that morning.

Lest Xiao Wanyan ask him to attend.

Xiao Die had no doubts,

She bowed and left the study room.

Chen Yi watched her go,

Then set down his book,

Went to the chamber,

And retrieved the masks and other items.

After arranging everything neatly,

He left the Spring Lotus Garden.

"A servant sees you, Master."

"A small one sees you too."

"..."

Along the way,

The maids and servants of the Hou family all bowed and greeted him,

Chen Yi returned each greeting,

And when passing through the courtyard,

He glanced toward the Qingzhong Alcove.

Seeing it as it had been the previous few days,

He understood that nothing major had occurred in the city of Shu Zhou.

Not because the Hou family had inside information,

But because for the past few days,

Liu Hong visited daily,

Reporting on the city's conditions.

And he came early,

Fearing the old master would send a telegram to the capital.

Chen Yi understood these things,

So he naturally knew that as long as Governor Su Tai didn't appear,

And Duke Lan didn't move,

There would be no significant activity in the mansion.

At most,

The prices of grain, food, and meat might fluctuate daily.

Upon reaching the front courtyard,

He greeted Wang Lixing and Liu Si'er,

And had a brief conversation,

Asking about recent events.

Wang Lixing didn't speak much,

But he didn't hide anything from him.

"On the Tea and Horse Road,

Someone saw the banner of the King of Pengwei,

And recently, all caravans have halted their westward journey."

"However, many in the city aren't worried about Duke Lan's arrival,

Mostly assuming he won't come."

Chen Yi smiled and nodded,

"Bandits are like wind in their movements,

Attacking cities and capturing fortresses must be more difficult."

Liu Si'er agreed,

"Master is right."

"Duke Lan, though a great general,

Can only face ten thousand enemies,

Against the city's high walls,

He would be at a disadvantage."

"Moreover, the western side also has heavy garrison troops,

And within the pass,

There are two high-ranking officials with exceptional abilities,

If the King of Pengwei's banner intended to break through,

It would surely incur heavy losses."

“Xiao Gee has a point.”

“Well, I do hope he brings people with him—then Master Hou and Miss Er would naturally lead the Dingyuan Army westward.”

Several high-ranking officials, restless and chattering away, all agreed on one thing: to attack.

For them, as personal guards, advancement required military merit.

Only if Xiao Laotai or Xiao Jinghong led troops into battle would they have a chance to distinguish themselves.

Otherwise, they’d spend their lives as mere attendants, never achieving the independence of Li Changqing and Pang Xuan.

Wang Liheng naturally hoped for this, but he was more rational.

“Afraid the barbarians might use the crown prince’s situation as a pretext to attack.”

“Brother Wang, you worry too much! No news from the Mingsui Pass south of the city—surely things won’t reach the worst.”

“Let’s hope so…”

Chen Yi bid them farewell and left Hou Fu’s mansion, heading north toward the city.

Though the city had seen some commotion, it was far from chaotic.

Especially the major clans and scholars, seasoned and aware, wouldn’t be rattled by a few idle words.

When they remained calm, the grain merchants would stay calm too.

Chen Yi had anticipated this, which is why he’d prepared for so long.

“When things reach their peak, they’ll reverse—let them revel in their joy for now…”

Thinking these thoughts, he wandered around until he reached a residence near the East Market.

Wang Ji had been waiting there.

Chen Yi greeted him, smoothing his features, and asked, “Have you obtained news of Zhang Dabao?”

Wang Ji held out the silk robes prepared in advance, bowing respectfully: “They’ve already contacted Dabao.”

“As per your orders, they’ve split their forces into two groups—one west, one south.”

“They await your command to act.”

Chen Yi nodded. “The goods have been taken care of.”

“Rest assured, Your Excellency—wherever you send me, I’ll never delay.”

Wang Ji continued, bowing: “Though all the disciples of the Tangshan School have just arrived, I fear they might cause a stir.”

Chen Yi smiled. “I’ve met Xu Duanyun and others before—they’ll follow suit, so problems shouldn’t arise.”

Not because he was accustomed to trusting his subordinates without question, but because he believed Xu Duanyun and the others wouldn’t dare. Even though this task was crucial, given their understanding of him, they’d at least try it first.

If things went awry, they’d always have an exit strategy.

Besides, Tangshan School disciples were outsiders, rarely meddling in court affairs.

As long as it wasn’t treason or colluding with barbarians, they’d do it despite their nerves.

Chen Yi had long planned for this and prepared accordingly.

That’s why he sent Wang Ji with the Divine Intoxication and Clear Wind Intoxication wines—to ensure they wouldn’t risk their lives.

Soon, Chen Yi gathered his documents, checked his reflection in the copper mirror.

His features were handsome, his bearing noble. “Remember, no matter who asks, say I visited Master Hou merely to discuss expanding the Baocha Hall.”

Wang Ji bowed slightly: “And Miss Er?”

“The same.”

Chen Yi had his own plans—some matters he could discuss with Old Master Xiao, others he couldn’t reveal to Xiao Wan’er.

“I’ve noted it.”

“Yes, let’s depart.”

Soon, Wang Ji drove the cart out of the residence.

Chen Yi sat uprightly inside, watching the road ahead.

The autumn wind tugged at the curtains intermittently.

Before long, fine rain began to fall.

Footsteps quickened among the travelers.

Yet many martial heroes, confident in their cultivation, walked with calm ease.

Most wore cloak hoods, their clothes disheveled, looking weathered.

Those traveling in pairs would chat about martial affairs.

The most discussed topic was the “True Immortal,” with talk of his purpose in Shu Zhou and when he’d arrive there.

Clearly, they were disappointed.

The “True Immortal” had indeed arrived—and already departed.

Seeing no fresh news, Chen Yi reined in his focus, his handsome face serene.

Soon, the cart stopped before Xiao Fu’s gate.

Wang Ji spoke briefly with the three attendants guarding the entrance—Lu Guan—before the gate opened.

Before Wang Ji returned, Chen Yi dismounted.

Lu Guan examined him, smiling: “Chen Boss, long time no see—your presence still commands respect.”

Chen Yi bowed slightly, saying nothing.

Lu Guan, having received much silver from Xiao Fu, didn’t doubt his intentions.

He led the way forward.

Chen Yi followed behind Wang Ji.

After passing through the courtyard, they saw two people approaching from ahead.

It was Liu Hong and Zhao Liu’an.

Lu Guan stopped, whispered their identities, then bowed respectfully to Liu Hong:

“Lord Liu.”

Chen Yi returned the bow.

Liu Hong smiled and nodded, his gaze lingering on Chen Yi.

Liu Hong did not know Chen Yi, yet he recognized Wang Ji, the proprietor of the Bai Caotang.

He also could not help but deduce the identity of "Chen Yi" at that moment.

However, it was clear that a merchant was not worth his time for a few words, so he quickly led Zhao Luan away from Hou's residence.

"Master, that fellow must be the owner of the Bai Caotang, Chen Yu."

"Indeed."

"He came to Hou's place today—might it be for Master Hou's sake?"

"No matter. The Xiao family now relies heavily on the dividends from the Bai Caotang. When Master Hou summoned him, it was surely for the money."

Liu Hong glanced back at the grand mansion, a sly smile playing on his lips.

A merchant could gain entrance to the Xiao family's courtyard, a clear sign of the Xiao family's decline.

Zhao Luan noticed his gesture and began to piece things together.

"Master, are you returning to the manor or heading to the government office?"

Liu Hong's smile faded, his gaze drifting southward.

"Not urgent—first, let's go to the Spring Rain Tower."

Zhao Luan stiffened, his face showing concern.

"Master, personally visiting might be improper. Shall I go on your behalf?"

Liu Hong shook his head.

"Some matters matter less the outcome, more the manner."

These days, he had spared no effort searching for Ashu Tuo, yet he remained elusive.

Watching the time dwindle before Du Cang's deadline, he had no choice but to seek outside aid.

Of course, he had mostly revealed pieces of himself to Du Cang.

Liu Hong was unafraid of "filthy words and obscene speech."

"Since ancient histories are penned by the victorious, who would dare speak ill of me if I prevail?"

"Who would dare?"

Chen Yi, unaware of Liu Hong's recent trials, sat calmly in the main hall of Qing Caotang, waiting for the Old Master.

He was as composed as when he first met Xiao Wanyue as "Chen Yu," steady and untroubled.

Though he had never dared to sit as an equal to the Old Master, he had indeed harbored some bold intentions for today.

Yet, on the surface, he remained calm, though his ears burned with a faint heat.

The Old Master, unperturbed by this guest, murmured with the dark-military commander Xiao Jin, "Is he him?"

"The servant... the servant dares not confirm."

"But the servant senses his aura—far stronger than his own."

Upon hearing Xiao Jin's words, the Old Master nodded lightly, then rose and walked outward.

As he moved, he gestured for Chen Yi to follow.

Xiao Jin hesitated slightly, then obeyed, falling into step behind him.

Normally, as Xiao Jin, the dark-military commander, rarely even saw those beyond the Xiao family's inner circle—let alone outsiders.

Only the Old Master's command permitted such an exception.

Not long after, the two arrived at the main hall.

Chen Yi bowed calmly. "I, Chen Yu of the Bai Caotang, have the honor to meet the Duke and... Commander Xiao."

Xiao Old Master smoothed his beard, his expression composed yet his eyes narrowed as he studied him.

Compared to his steadiness, Xiao Jin's face bore shock.

"You—you... it's really you?!"

Chen Yi, knowing who was speaking, bowed his hands. "Commander Xiao, I humbly beg your forgiveness. Urgent matters required discretion—I dared conceal my identity."

Before the fire that razed the three cities and the summer grain, he had once rescued Xiao Jin from the judicial marshal's hands.

Though Xiao Jin had not known his identity then, he had sensed the stranger's prowess, and especially the hints he had dropped.

Xiao Jin stared at him in bewilderment. "T-then why...?"

Before he could finish, the Old Master raised his hand to interrupt, then smiled at Chen Yi.

"Heroes have always emerged from the young.

I once doubted, but seeing you today, I know you deserve the title of 'Young Master.'"

In his eyes, whether "Chen Yu" or "Liu Five" were mere wanderers of thejianghu.

Yet the young man before him, who had done so much for the Xiao family, naturally earned the title of "Young Master."

"I have only done small deeds, not worthy of the Duke's praise."

"Ha! A man who dared to set the Moonlit Tower ablaze, burning the three cities and summer grain—he won't merely do small deeds."

The Old Master said this with a knowing smile, then leaned on his staff and took his seat.

Chen Yi watched his silhouette, understanding the weight of those words, and did not rush to speak.

Seeing this, the Old Master's heart warmed, gestured for him to sit.

"You've come with the intent to speak freely, I presume. This visit must be for matters of consequence."

"Speak then."