Chapter 281: Fortunately, This Person Is a Friend, Not an Enemy (Seeking Monthly Tickets)

Chapter 281: Fortunately, This Person Is a Friend, Not an Enemy (Please Vote for the Monthly Ticket)

“Well then, say it.”

When he saw the old master with the expression of one who merely pretends to listen, Chen Yi’s face broke into a faint, sincere smile—very shallow, yet genuine.

He had come to see the old master with the intention of speaking openly from the start.

There were two reasons for this.

First, in his schemes, the old master was an indispensable link. If the old master could cooperate in making some reasonable responses, it would, to a certain extent, fool the majority of people.

Second, Chen Yi had some matters that he could not help but inform the old master about.

Moreover, he wished to probe the old master’s intentions through this encounter, so as to plan his subsequent moves—matters concerning Liu Hong and the Liu family of Jingzhou, among others.

If the old master were unwilling to strike them down, who in the entire Shu region could boldly and righteously eliminate them?

On the other hand, if he employed some underhanded tricks akin to an assassination, it would yield no benefit at all in resolving the Xiao family’s predicament.

Imagine, if Liu Hong were killed by him in secret, how would the various prefectural offices throughout Shu think? How would the court officials react?

In the end, it would be impossible not to suspect the Xiao family’s involvement.

Chen Yi understood these things, and thus resolved to visit the Xiao household.

“To avoid any omissions, I believe I must begin from the very beginning…”

Chen Yi’s words began with the founding of Bai Caotang.

It was, in all likelihood, a rather trite story.

He had studied, taken the jinshi degree, and come to Shu to find a place to establish himself.

Wang Ji, having committed a grave offense, was expelled by Xiao Wanyan and thus met him, and the two immediately became close. Together, they established Bai Caotang.

After that, the tea business and the operation of the apothecary required no further explanation.

Chen Yi focused on recounting the night he slew Liu Erhu before Xiao Jing, and the origin of the burning of the three cities’ summer provisions.

“In the end, Liu Jing was killed by me.”

The old master and Xiao Jing exchanged a glance, their expressions as one might expect.

Chen Yi noticed this, smiled, and said, “I believe you already know the reason.”

“Liu Jing spent a great sum of money, hiring assassins from Mingyue Tower to infiltrate Bai Caotang in order to steal the tea recipe.”

“If it were not for the Xiao family’s arranging for Xiao Wanyan and Shen Huatang to arrive at Bai Caotang in good time that night, the people involved would already have been dead.”

This was the most fitting explanation Chen Yi could think of, and the one that would prevent the old master and Xiao Jing from harboring any suspicion.

Unless they had been present that night, Chen Yi’s motives for killing Liu Jing would be entirely logical and closed-loop.

“So you killed Liu Jing?”

“Are you not afraid of the Liu family of Jingzhou seeking revenge?”

No sooner had the words fallen than the old master understood, smiled, and shook his head.

“Old man, I’ve been rather foolish.”

“You killed Liu Jing, and the entire Shu region, not to mention the Liu family of Jingzhou, will now point their blades at us Xiao family. No one will suspect it was Bai Caotang’s doing, and even fewer will suspect you.”

Chen Yi smiled. “Liu Jing was a potential threat. It was necessary to eliminate him.”

“At that time, the Xiao family’s apothecary had completely crushed the Lingran Pavilion, and Liu Jing was also ordered by the Liu family of Jingzhou to leave Shu.”

“Due to these circumstances, I had no choice but to take this drastic measure, bringing trouble upon you, Lord Xiao. I pray you will forgive me.”

The old master regarded him without committing either way.

To be frank, he was indeed a little annoyed.

The mighty Duke of Changwu, who had served as Grand Duke of the Northern Frontier for decades, leading campaigns north and south, now found himself, in his old age, set up by a mere junior like this.

Any man would surely have felt some resentment.

Moreover, the matter of Liu Jing’s death had forced him to employ the network of ten thousand households as an unwitting pawn.

There were, after all, some sacrifices to be made.

Xiao Jing glanced up slightly at his father, understanding fully that his own temper would flare up.

After a moment’s thought, he spoke up: “So you sought out Liu Jing’s men of action?”

Chen Yi nodded with a smile. “They appeared outside the Western Market that night, as I had sent a letter to Liu Jing to discuss the tea recipe.”

“Thus, Liu Erhu’s observations were not entirely fabricated.”

Chen Yi paused briefly, then looked at Xiao Jing, feigning sincerity: “I had intended to settle this matter personally, but I did not anticipate Xiao Tong would act first.”

Xiao Jing managed a weak smile. “It was mere coincidence.”

“That night, I merely hoped he would not identify Xiao family members as the perpetrators.”

“If it were not…”

Before he could finish, the old master raised his hand and interrupted him, gesturing for Chen Yi to continue.

“The matter of burning the three cities’ summer provisions—what prompted you to do that?”

Chen Yi nodded, smiling. “Lord Xiao, you would not ask, so I will speak on this matter.”

“In truth, this incident was not my doing, but rather the work of others…”

He then recounted, as before, a tale with nine truths and one falsehood.

He concealed the source of his intelligence.

He concealed the true reason behind his elimination of Xiao Dongren and Liu Wen.

He also concealed his connection with the White Tiger Guard and his cooperation with Lou Yuxue.

“…Thus, Liu Wen was killed by me outside of Tiebi City, and hei Na led his forces to assault the Canglang garrison, where he perished in the hands of Jing Hong, the General.”

“The events that followed, I suppose you are already acquainted with. I need say no more.”

When he reached this point, Chen Yi stood and bowed. “All that I have done, though by chance and circumstance, has indeed brought trouble upon the Xiao family. I humbly beg your forgiveness.”

He offered another apology, his demeanor as sincere as ever.

The old master remained seated, his expression calm, yet his eyes were not as tranquil as his composed exterior.

Chapter 281: Fortunately, This Person Is a Friend, Not an Enemy (Please Vote for the Monthly Ticket)

“Well then, say it.”

When he saw the old master with the expression of one who merely pretends to listen, Chen Yi’s face broke into a faint, sincere smile—very shallow, yet genuine.

He had come to see the old master with the intention of speaking openly from the start.

There were two reasons for this.

First, in his schemes, the old master was an indispensable link. If the old master could cooperate in making some reasonable responses, it would, to a certain extent, fool the majority of people.

Second, Chen Yi had some matters that he could not help but inform the old master about.

Moreover, he wished to probe the old master’s intentions through this encounter, so as to plan his subsequent moves—matters concerning Liu Hong and the Liu family of Jingzhou, among others.

If the old master were unwilling to strike them down, who in the entire Shu region could boldly and righteously eliminate them?

On the other hand, if he employed some underhanded tricks akin to an assassination, it would yield no benefit at all in resolving the Xiao family’s predicament.

Imagine, if Liu Hong were killed by him in secret, how would the various prefectural offices throughout Shu think? How would the court officials react?

In the end, it would be impossible not to suspect the Xiao family’s involvement.

Chen Yi understood these things, and thus resolved to visit the Xiao household.

“To avoid any omissions, I believe I must begin from the very beginning…”

Chen Yi’s words began with the founding of Bai Caotang.

It was, in all likelihood, a rather trite story.

He had studied, taken the jinshi degree, and come to Shu to find a place to establish himself.

Wang Ji, having committed a grave offense, was expelled by Xiao Wanyan and thus met him, and the two immediately became close. Together, they established Bai Caotang.

After that, the tea business and the operation of the apothecary required no further explanation.

Chen Yi focused on recounting the night he slew Liu Erhu before Xiao Jing, and the origin of the burning of the three cities’ summer provisions.

“In the end, Liu Jing was killed by me.”

The old master and Xiao Jing exchanged a glance, their expressions as one might expect.

Chen Yi noticed this, smiled, and said, “I believe you already know the reason.”

“Liu Jing spent a great sum of money, hiring assassins from Mingyue Tower to infiltrate Bai Caotang in order to steal the tea recipe.”

“If it were not for the Xiao family’s arranging for Xiao Wanyan and Shen Huatang to arrive at Bai Caotang in good time that night, the people involved would already have been dead.”

This was the most fitting explanation Chen Yi could think of, and the one that would prevent the old master and Xiao Jing from harboring any suspicion.

Unless they had been present that night, Chen Yi’s motives for killing Liu Jing would be entirely logical and closed-loop.

“So you killed Liu Jing?”

“Are you not afraid of the Liu family of Jingzhou seeking revenge?”

No sooner had the words fallen than the old master understood, smiled, and shook his head.

“Old man, I’ve been rather foolish.”

“You killed Liu Jing, and the entire Shu region, not to mention the Liu family of Jingzhou, will now point their blades at us Xiao family. No one will suspect it was Bai Caotang’s doing, and even fewer will suspect you.”

Chen Yi smiled. “Liu Jing was a potential threat. It was necessary to eliminate him.”

“At that time, the Xiao family’s apothecary had completely crushed the Lingran Pavilion, and Liu Jing was also ordered by the Liu family of Jingzhou to leave Shu.”

“Due to these circumstances, I had no choice but to take this drastic measure, bringing trouble upon you, Lord Xiao. I humbly beg your forgiveness.”

The old master regarded him without committing either way.

To be frank, he was indeed a little annoyed.

The mighty Duke of Changwu, who had served as Grand Duke of the Northern Frontier for decades, leading campaigns north and south, now found himself, in his old age, set up by a mere junior like this.

Any man would surely have felt some resentment.

Moreover, the matter of Liu Jing’s death had forced him to employ the network of ten thousand households as an unwitting pawn.

There were, after all, some sacrifices to be made.

Xiao Jing glanced up slightly at his father, understanding fully that his own temper would flare up.

After a moment’s thought, he spoke up: “So you sought out Liu Jing’s men of action?”

Chen Yi nodded with a smile. “They appeared outside the Western Market that night, as I had sent a letter to Liu Jing to discuss the tea recipe.”

“Thus, Liu Erhu’s observations were not entirely fabricated.”

Chen Yi paused briefly, then looked at Xiao Jing, feigning sincerity: “I had intended to settle this matter personally, but I did not anticipate Xiao Tong would act first.”

Xiao Jing managed a weak smile. “It was mere coincidence.”

“That night, I merely hoped he would not identify Xiao family members as the perpetrators.”

“If it were not…”

Before he could finish, the old master raised his hand and interrupted him, gesturing for Chen Yi to continue.

“The matter of burning the three cities’ summer provisions—what prompted you to do that?”

Chen Yi nodded, smiling. “Lord Xiao, you would not ask, so I will speak on this matter.”

“In truth, this incident was not my doing, but rather the work of others…”

He then recounted, as before, a tale with nine truths and one falsehood.

He concealed the source of his intelligence.

He concealed the true reason behind his elimination of Xiao Dongren and Liu Wen.

He also concealed his connection with the White Tiger Guard and his cooperation with Lou Yuxue.

“…Thus, Liu Wen was killed by me outside of Tiebi City, and hei Na led his forces to assault the Canglang garrison, where he perished in the hands of Jing Hong, the General.”

“The events that followed, I suppose you are already acquainted with. I need say no more.”

When he reached this point, Chen Yi stood and bowed. “All that I have done, though by chance and circumstance, has indeed brought trouble upon the Xiao family. I humbly beg your forgiveness.”

He offered another apology, his demeanor as sincere as ever.

The old master remained seated, his expression calm, yet his eyes were not as tranquil as his composed exterior.

With his understanding, it was naturally clear how difficult it would be to achieve such a result.

This could not be accomplished by brute force alone.

In the old master’s view, if he had wished to make this happen, he would have had to plant agents around Liu Wen and Xiao Dongchen.

Not to mention Mingyue Tower and the so-called "patrons" behind the scenes—he would have needed his own people in place for all of them.

Otherwise, with intelligence scattered and unclear, only misfortune would follow.

And if one side caught wind of something amiss, the course of events would not have unfolded as it did today—

The Xiao family benefited, gaining thirty thousand two catties of silver.

The three towns suffered little loss, save for Iron Wall Town, which burned some grain due to Li Changqing’s negligence.

Liu Wen and Black Tooth perished.

Xiao Dongchen took his own life.

The Xiao family’s second wife fled far to Guangyue fu…

The Xiao family not only escaped harm but profited greatly.

Yet this outcome left the old master trembling—how could one person orchestrate so much?

Including the so-called "Knife-Crazy" Liu Rong, it amounted to at most one and a half souls.

How could that be?

How could one person’s intellect rival the supernatural, knowing all sides’ reactions, swaying Xiao’s jump, digging pits and planting people?

After all, Liu Wen, Xiao Dongchen, and Black Tooth were no fools.

How could they have been defeated so utterly?

It was like two players of equal skill, ending with a mere half-point victory—unthinkable.

To lose by three, four, or even a dozen points meant one thing alone: the victor’s strength far surpassed theirs.

The loser had no choice but total defeat.

As Xiao Old Master pondered these thoughts, he waved his hand: “Chen… my young friend, sit down and speak.”

He had finally softened the title from “xiaozhu” to “xiaoyou.”

Chen Yi’s chest eased slightly, knowing he’d passed the first trial, and obeyed, sitting obediently.

Silence stretched for a moment.

The old master smiled warmly: “My young friend has done so much for my Xiao family, I ought to trust you.”

“Yet I have two questions in my heart, hoping you’ll answer honestly.”

No sooner had he finished speaking than the old master straightened, his weathered face etched with seriousness.

“What reason do you have to help me, Xiao family?”

“And why do you seek to oppose the Liu family of Jingzhou?”

The answers came swift.

Chen Yi had long known the old master wasn’t so easily tricked.

His background seemed plausible, yet upon scrutiny, it fell apart—a wandering master could not explain it all.

His motives for these actions were no different.

Especially slaying Liu Wen and ensnaring Xiao Dongchen—those two acts.

Chen Yi’s thoughts raced, and he offered a restrained smile: “In truth, I have some connection with you.”

“Oh? What connection?”

“Years ago, I was rescued by my master on the Tea Horse Road, just before your lord’s horse trod into the Moping Kingdom.”

“I had planned to study and then go to Moping to avenge them, but later learned they were already dead under your lord’s blade.”

“Thus, upon returning to Da Wei, I made Shu Zhou my first stop, merely to show my goodwill.”

This was a tale he’d prepared in advance—flawed, yet the most persuasive he could devise.

Especially with “Liu Five” as his identity.

A young man with deep grudges, returning from study to find his enemy dead, would naturally favor one who avenged him.

And he had the skill to match.

Yet Chen Yi knew words alone wouldn’t suffice, so he pressed on: “Moreover, three years ago, I visited the Barbarians with my master.”

“There, I received a kindness from one person.”

The old master regarded him as one might when spinning a tale, smiling: “Who was it? Surely not a barbarian?”

“Those barbarians would sooner kill you than help me aid your Xiao family.”

Chen Yi chuckled, calmly speaking the name: “She said her name was Fan Enqing.”

The moment the name left his lips, the old master’s smile vanished. He leaped to his feet, face red with rage, shock, and disbelief.

“You fool, do you know what you’re saying?!”

Even Xiao Jin, beside him, staggered in astonishment, staring blankly at Chen Yi.

“Lord Longqiang, you can’t speak such things—Fan General was killed five years ago by the Barbarian master Wen Ke!”

Chen Yi studied their faces, realizing his aim was achieved. Unruffled, he said: “General Fan Enqing is indeed alive, currently within the Black Bear Tribe of the Barbarians.”

“She’s even been received as a noble guest by the Left King, tasked with teaching the princes Da Wei’s knowledge.”

“Impossible!”

“She’s alive, and she would never obey the barbarians’ commands!”

“She would never—would never—cough—”

The old master’s fury boiled over, his reprimands unfinished as his face flushed deeper. He bent his back, coughing violently.

Xiao Jin could do naught else but press his palm to the old master’s back. “My lord, your anger—your body—”

“Cough… I don’t believe it…”

“My lord, I’ll send for a physician.”

“No—no—”

Seeing this, Chen Yi rose, taking two steps forward. “Xiao General, let me examine him—please?”

Xiao Jin blocked his path, eyes narrowed with caution. “What are you doing?”

Chen Yi gave a blank smile, performing a breath-reading technique to assess the old master’s condition, then withdrew a silver needle box from his sleeve.

Xiao Jin blinked. “You…”

He’d forgotten that the shopkeeper of Bai Caoguang, Chen Yu, was still a master of medicine.

At that moment, the old patriarch waved his hand to let him move aside, looking at Chen Yi who was coughing, and said:

"If he wanted to harm me, he wouldn't need such measures at all."

Xiao Jin paused briefly, then stepped back, bowing his head. "My apologies, Master. I am in your debt."

"Never mind."

As he spoke, Chen Yi glanced at the old patriarch’s meridians and qi vessels, his brow furrowing slightly.

The old patriarch’s condition had grown far worse than in the days past.

Already frail from old wounds and accumulated infirmities, he now bore fresh blockages and ruptures.

A frost upon the snow.

"These days, Master, you’ve had little rest, have you?"

Xiao Jin’s face showed remorse. "These days, Master, the Iron Wall Town’s grain stores, the meddling of the imperial consort, the affairs with the barbarian tribes—all have kept you from sleeping soundly."

The old patriarch leaned weakly against his chair, gesturing toward Chen Yi with a faint smile.

"My body, my body... you know best, young friend. Do as you see fit."

Chen Yi nodded once, his heart heavy with guilt.

The deeds he had recently committed, aside from affecting the people of Shuzhou, had ultimately brought harm to the old patriarch as well.

Yet it was not too late.

Thinking this, he drew a deep breath, then, through the art of pulse-reading, discerned the old patriarch’s meridians and qi vessels.

Then, with deliberate care, he plucked a silver needle and pressed it into the patriarch’s body.

Then another, and another...

Until twelve needles had found their way into the twelve primary acupoints along his meridians.

Only then did Chen Yi move both hands with purpose, his internal qi flowing, drawing upon the surrounding earth and heaven’s vital forces.

With the most exquisite and subtle techniques, he guided the qi through the silver needles into the old patriarch’s body.

Some needles trembled, others spiraled up and down, and some changed angles with fluid precision.

Through the art of pulse-reading, the qi flowed into the old patriarch’s body like silk threads, mending his wounds.

Old injuries were infused with life-giving qi, the withered flesh peeled away, and fresh flesh sprouted anew.

Broken meridians were reconnected by the qi.

Ruptured organs were repaired.

Even the shattered qi vessels—though not fully restored—were diminished in their damage.

The old patriarch’s expression visibly brightened, his complexion growing rosy.

Xiao Jin, watching from the side, seemed unaware, his eyes fixed on Chen Yi, his expression more stunned than when he had first heard of "Master Fu’s" survival.

"The Ziwu Liu Zu Fa...

"Legend speaks of it as the pinnacle of medical sages’ art—yet here it is, manifested in Chen Yu’s hands?"

"His medical prowess has truly reached the pinnacle?!"

"What...?"

Xiao Jin could not find words to express his awe.

A physician who had mastered such skill was rare, but in the Dawen Dynasty, there were dozens of such masters.

A warrior who had perfected the spear was likewise uncommon, yet there were many such warriors.

But to have both mastery in medicine and spear? That was exceedingly rare.

Even rarer was Xiao Jinghong, who had achieved mastery in both sword and spear.

For sword and spear were both martial arts, mutually reinforcing.

Medicine, however, was a path few could even approach, standing as equal to martial arts in its difficulty.

Yet regardless of how stunned or disbelieving Xiao Jin remained, the truth stood before him, undeniable.

After roughly half a *shikou*—about twenty minutes—Chen Yi withdrew all twelve silver needles in one motion, letting out a long breath, brushing sweat from his brow.

"The General, your ailments are beyond cure. Please take care of yourself henceforth."

Yet as he spoke, the old patriarch stood unbidden, stretching his arms, flexing his legs, patting his chest.

His face bore a complex expression—joy mingling with something else.

"My body, my body... is this truly healed?"

"Not quite..."

Before Chen Yi could finish his words, the old patriarch laughed heartily.

"Ah, I haven’t felt this ease in ages."

"Young friend, your skill is truly remarkable. My body, my body..."

Then, recalling his earlier actions, his smile faded.

"Tell me, young friend—has Master Fu truly not died?"

Chen Yi hesitated, then shook his head with a bitter smile.

"She was indeed alive three years past. I do not know where she is now."

The words of Ah Su Tai carried some credibility.

Yet he could not be certain.

"Very well, I shall trust you for now."

Whether it was his improved health or not, the old patriarch now stood tall, his frame still lean but radiating the bearing of a Dawen marquis.

He fixed his gaze upon Chen Yi, his voice low.

"You’ve spoken at length. There must be something you wish to discuss with me."

Chen Yi met his gaze without hesitation, nodding.

"There is indeed a matter I seek your aid with."

"Speak."

"In the coming days, should strange events unfold within Shuzhou City, I pray you might intervene."

"What strange events?"

"General, I do not wish to disclose this now, for the time is not yet right. If I were to reveal it prematurely..."

The old patriarch furrowed his brow, hands clasped behind him, his eyes piercing.

Chen Yi remained composed, meeting his stare with steady calm.

Xiao Jing, standing nearby, instinctively clenched his fists, feeling the sweat on his palms.

Clearly, he was nervous.

A long while passed.

The old patriarch’s face gradually relaxed, a faint smile spreading across his stern features as he said,

“Never mind.”

“You have resolved the crisis in the three towns and attended to my wounds. A few minor matters; I need not press further.”

Before Chen Yi could bow to express his gratitude, he continued, “However, I have one thing to say to you.”

“The marquis need not concern himself.”

“Do not belittle anyone, especially Liu Hong!”

Chen Yi slightly raised his eyebrow, gazing at the expression that didn’t match the old patriarch he had known before, muttering to himself, “Jiang is still the same old stalwart,” and merely nodded.

“I shall remember this, in my heart.”

The old patriarch smiled and nodded, “Well then.”

After some casual talk,

Near noon.

The old patriarch escorted Chen Yi out of the main hall, saying,

“Today, we have spoken warmly. Should you find it agreeable in the future, do come to the manor.”

“The marquis speaks kindly. I am most grateful.”

Chen Yi replied with words he did not truly feel, having already resolved to keep his face hidden.

This time, he had no choice but to reveal his identity, seeking only that attitude from the old patriarch.

A small favor, indeed…

Once that matter was settled, he could no longer appear as “Chen Yu” in the Xiao family.

It seemed the old patriarch had been itching to kill him then.

“Hah, it’s good to have you here sometime.”

“Today, I need not keep you long. At noon, Lady Wan’er will host a banquet in the Garden of Qianxing. You…”

The old patriarch paused, studying Chen Yi’s features, then smiled, “I wonder, how old are you, young friend?”

Chen Yi hesitated, confused, replying, “I am twenty-five years old.”

A few years older than he had claimed before.

“Twenty-five… Excellent, excellent. My eldest grandson’s daughter, Xiao Wan’er, is younger than you. You young fellows should be able to chat a bit more.”

“After a while, I’ll have someone send you some wine and such…”

Listening to the old fellow’s rambling, Chen Yi’s expression grew increasingly strange.

This old man was trying to set up a romantic match?

With Xiao Wan’er?

Before he could think further, Chen Yi quickly bowed and departed, hurrying from the Clear Residence to the Garden of Qianxing with Wang Pi.

The old patriarch watched him disappear, his smile gradually fading.

“It’s a relief this fellow is an ally, not an enemy…”

Beside him, Xiao Jing nodded, his thoughts already on Fu Wenchao.

“My lord, how should we proceed with the matter of General Fu?”

The old patriarch fell silent for a moment, gazing at the dark clouds above, his expression tinged with melancholy.

“First, send someone to confirm whether she is in the Black Bear Tribe…”

“And this matter must not be known to Jing Hong…”

“Yes!”

(The chapter ends)