Chapter 291: Perfection in the Dao of Chess! (Seeking Monthly Tickets)

Chapter 291: The Way of the Game is Complete! (Please vote for the monthly ticket)

Chen Yì did indeed enjoy rainy days, especially in the autumn. The cool breeze, carrying the chill of drizzle, gently brushed his cheeks, leaving a freshness far more refreshing than the sweltering heat of a sunny day. Yet sometimes he did not take kindly to the rain. The hem of his silk robe was quite low, and a careless step could easily splatter mud upon it. The mud splatters dotted his shoes and legs, not neatly arranged like embroidered patterns, but scattered chaotically, much like the disheveled gold carp that Xiao Wugou had once seen. Some large, some small.

Therefore, Chen Yì walked with great caution. Even within the relatively smooth grounds of Hou Mansion, he moved slowly and steadily, placing each footstep with deliberate care. Fortunately, the courtyard of the Xiao family was spacious, far from the opulent luxury of "five steps to a floor, ten steps to a pavilion, corridors draped with curtains, eaves pecked by roof tiles." It would not take long to get there.

Chen Yì thus walked through the central courtyard and arrived behind the shadow wall of the front courtyard. Wang Lixing and Liu Si Er were not there, only two seemingly familiar armored soldiers stood guard. Outside the gatehouse nearby, an elderly man with a hunched back bent to sweep fallen leaves from the ground.

"Master Qinzhou," the soldiers greeted. Chen Yì smiled and nodded, and his eyes caught sight of an officer from the White Tiger Guard—those with stooped postures—also waved him off.

"Honored uncle," Chen Yì replied.

As usual, the uncle merely gave him a cold, indifferent glance and lowered his head to continue cleaning. Chen Yì did not mind, and with his umbrella, exited the mansion, heading toward the East Market.

The two soldiers watched him disappear in the distance, feeling a sense of nostalgia.

"Who could have imagined that when Second Young Mistress first arrived at the mansion, he would achieve such feats today?"

"Indeed, not to mention Second Miss, all of us brothers would have wanted to beat him to death back then!"

"The one who most wanted to beat him was Yan Hong, but he never got the chance, haha. Now Second Young Master is a renowned master of Qinzhou, and a single sheet of calligraphy is enough for Yan Hong to die three times over."

"They say now, at the Guiyun Academy, many visitors come seeking to purchase the young master's calligraphy, with each character worth a hundred gold. Especially the original draft of 'Mid-Autumn Moon,' which is priceless, though the young master has lost it..."

Hearing their conversation, the uncle set down his broom and other items, moving slowly behind Chen Yì. The rain fell steadily, and passersby hurried by, soon fading from view.

Meanwhile, Chen Yì walked through Nanzhong Street, standing out like a crane among chickens.

His frame was already tall and slender. As one who practiced martial arts, his body had grown strong and muscular. Yet in ordinary times, he often wore loose, wide-sleeved robes, and with the concealment technique of the Mysterious Wu suppression method, he appeared somewhat frail.

Walking among the bustling crowd, he was the most distinct figure. His presence drew the eyes of many women.

"That gentleman's face is so pale, I wonder which family he belongs to?"

"Brother Spring, is he pale? I think I've seen him somewhere before."

"Oh? Really? Really..."

Before the woman in the yellow cotton dress could recall, several scholars nearby began to speak:

"That gentleman is Master Qinzhou, not from any particular family."

"Master Qinzhou? Ah, he is Master Qinzhou, right?"

"Master Qinzhou? The one who wrote 'But Perhaps Man Is Eternal, Sharing the Bright Moon a Thousand Li Away'?"

"If it's him, then he would be... would be the husband of General Huo Heng?"

The women in the courtyard of the Waiting Letter House showed regret but didn't say anything too sentimental. Besides, Chen Yì's current status as a son-in-law kept him out of the spotlight, and they were too intimidated by Xiao Jinghong to compare him directly.

As for Xiao Jinghong's prowess in commanding troops and wielding martial arts, it overshadowed any comparison.

Chen Yì, hearing these murmurs, remained calm and paid them no mind.

As his reputation spread, not only within the Xiao family and Guiyun Academy, but also among many in Shu Zhou City, people became familiar with him. Occasionally, on the streets, some would approach to offer greetings. Fortunately, most were scholars, speaking in respectful terms. Otherwise, Chen Yì feared he might not venture out so easily.

After walking and pausing for about half an hour, he reached the East Market.

He remembered that his last visit was because of Bai Da Xian.

Upon meeting that legendary figure, he felt no particular excitement, but rather a sense of "reverence from afar." Beyond the caution regarding Bai Da Xian's approval, there was also his eyes, which seemed to pierce through everything. Even Chen Yì's concealment of the Mysterious Wu suppression method, which had deceived Xiao Jinghong and others, would likely be seen through by Bai Da Xian.

Chen Yì pondered these thoughts, glanced at the bustling Xinlin Restaurant, and walked directly to the Ji Shi Pharmacy.

Compared to the previous bustle, the number of people outside the pharmacy this time was noticeably fewer. Only two patients came to purchase medicine. Even the wandering artisans who usually stopped by to chat were nowhere to be seen.

Liu Quán was tapping away on his abacus when he saw Chen Yì enter, quickly rising to greet him.

"Master, you've arrived."

Chen Yì hummed in acknowledgment, scanning the pharmacy's interior, and casually asked, "Has business been affected?"

Liu Quán's face sank, pouring out his troubles: "Master, you saw it too."

"Now that there's a martial arts saint sitting inside Xinlin Restaurant, diagnosing patients with almost no errors, and the medicinal prices are so low, who would come to us?"

"If it weren't for the tea and snacks still serving inside, we might not make ends meet this month."

Chen Yì hummed, smiled, and offered a few words of consolation, then called over Ma Liangcai and together they entered.

Ma Liangcai bowed and saluted, "Master."

Chen Yi took a keen look at him, then said, “Sit down and speak.”

“Yes.”

In recent times, Ma Liang had undergone a remarkable transformation.

His medical skills were once lacking, relying mostly on some obscure prescriptions he’d picked up from somewhere, merely pretending to be proficient.

Now, he had truly mastered the art of medicine, his understanding of the five elements, yin-yang, the four diagnostics, and the eight principles all second nature to him.

When he would reach the minor cultivation stage, earning the title of “Master of the Medical Way,” remained to be seen, depending on his aptitude.

Of course, Chen Yi had not come here to teach him medicine.

“I suppose you’ve already heard about the plans to establish a medical academy, my lady.”

Ma Liang’s heart stirred slightly, “My lord, you wish to—”

Chen Yi smiled and nodded, “You should be well aware of the benefits that will follow once the medical academy is established—not only for the Xiao family, but for all physicians.”

Ma Liang’s face brightened with excitement, his words tumbling out in a rush: “Your servant, your servant naturally understands, but fears his own skills are insufficient and might harm those under your protection…”

Chen Yi waved his hand dismissively. “Your skills are merely relative. Your grasp of medical theory is solid; you merely lag behind others in experience.”

“With time and practice, your mastery of the medical path will only deepen.”

“Though the academy’s headmastership is not yet yours to claim.”

Upon hearing this, Ma Liang immediately knelt on the ground, “My lord, you jest.”

“Your servant has already been granted such a tremendous opportunity; how could I dare to covet the headmaster’s position?”

Chen Yi gestured for him to rise, and once his composure had settled, continued:

“I am sending you to the medical academy. Not only is your presence most suitable, but there are other matters that require your attention.”

“Your servant awaits your command.”

“The academy is no longer solely under my lady’s control; it now also includes the young miss from the Cui family of Qinghe.”

“I need you to keep watch. If you notice anything amiss, send word to me immediately.”

Ma Liang understood at once. “Your servant will certainly fulfill this task with dedication.”

Chen Yi nodded, then turned to converse with him further.

Though Xiao Wanyan had agreed to let Cui Qingpu join the medical academy, it was Chen Yi who had orchestrated it all. Yet, “one must never let one’s guard down.”

It was uncertain whether, upon witnessing the academy’s influence, Cui Qingpu—or her family—might hatch schemes.

Just as the nearby Xinglin Pavilion, also under the Liu family, had fallen into discord.

What of the Xiao family and the Cui family?

Moreover, arranging Ma Liang’s entry into the academy was also a means to entrust him with other duties.

Tasks such as compiling medical texts.

It would not do for me to appear directly; letting Ma Liang handle such matters was quite appropriate.

After all, I must find ways to ensure that Xiao Wanyan’s vision for the academy comes to fruition.

As the hour approached, Chen Yi rose and made his way to the entrance of the apothecary, glancing toward the eastern market gate.

Not long passed, and he spotted a figure in tattered clothes pushing a wooden cart toward the entrance.

It was likely a young girl, perhaps twelve or thirteen, gaunt and frail.

She had little flesh on her bones, her face sunken and pale.

Struggling to steady the cart, she then lifted a wooden board, pressing it to her chest and kneeling on the ground.

The board bore only three lines:

“Selling myself to die with my father, begging for kindness, willing to serve as slave or servant.”

The passersby either gathered around or walked on, indifferent.

Through their pointing and whispering, the situation became clear.

“That girl from the lotus alley in the east—she’s a pitiable soul.”

“Her father, when healthy, could haul three hundred sacks of cotton at the dock each day, strong enough to support their family.”

“But last month, a heavy rain caused the dock ropes to snap, injuring him badly.”

“If that hadn’t happened, perhaps they could have recovered. But the house leaked at the wrong time, and the rain came all night.”

“With grain and medicine prices soaring, she couldn’t even afford food, let alone medicine.”

“They emptied their savings, but still couldn’t save their father…”

Chen Yi stood apart from the crowd, listening to their murmurs, his eyes fixed on the girl named Yuan Liu’er.

Though the grain prices in Shuzhou had risen due to the Jizhou merchants’ schemes, his own hand had indeed played a role in inflating them to such heights.

What was this?

Did I spare their lives, only for them to perish because of me?

Looking at Yuan Liu’er kneeling there, Chen Yi let out a bitter smile.

The turn of events came upon him unawares, leaving him unsettled.

He watched silently for a moment, then exhaled, and called for Liu Quan and Ma Liang.

“The shopkeeper?”

Chen Yi pointed at Yuan Liu’er. “You—give her some silver to arrange a proper burial for her father.”

Liu Quan blinked. “That—”

“Shopkeeper, you—you wish to buy this girl?”

Chen Yi shook his head. “Not me. Not buying.”

He didn’t elaborate further, turning to Ma Liang with an unmistakable tone:

“That girl has exceptional medical talent. Take her in as an apprentice and train her properly.”

Ma Liang didn’t hesitate, bowing respectfully and moving toward her.

Liu Quan, seeing this, hurried back to the apothecary, fetched some silver, and followed them.

The rest proceeded smoothly.

With Yuan Liu’er’s gratitude, Liu Quan dispersed the crowd, paid for a proper burial for her father, and arranged for a shaman to perform the rites.

She had intended to sell herself into slavery, but Ma Liang refused, taking her in as an apprentice instead, allowing her to remain at the compassionate apothecary.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you…”

Though Ma Liang doubted her medical aptitude, the task Chen Yi had assigned him, he dared not question it.

"The one who saved you was not I, but..."

Ma Liangcai paused, casting a backward glance at Chen Yi. Seeing the faint shake of the younger man's head, he caught the hint and spoke knowingly:

"But your own self."

Tears cut tracks through the grime on Yuan Liu'er's face as she asked, "My own self?"

"Your innate talent for the medical arts is not poor; henceforth, you shall follow me as an apprentice."

"If you strive hard enough, you will eventually acquire a skill in the Jishi Medicine Hall to earn your bread."

A flicker of vacancy crossed Yuan Liu'er's face. "The... the medicine hall? An apprentice?"

Clearly, she had no inkling of whatever medical talent she might possess, but she knew with absolute certainty that she had encountered a true benefactor.

Kneeling upon the earth, she dissolved into a puddle of weeping gratitude.

The onlookers who had yet to disperse witnessed this scene; some sighed at the girl’s good fortune, some admired Ma Liangcai’s discerning eye, and others remarked that such was only to be expected from the house of Xiao's medicine hall.

Yet few spoke a word of Chen Yi.

Even as he stood beneath the eaves of the medicine hall not far away, he remained like an outsider to it all, watching placidly.

His thoughts were inscrutable.

"The world only knows that Heaven and Earth are ruthless, treating all creation as straw dogs, yet few ever quote the line that the Sage is ruthless, treating the common people as straw dogs."

"Ah, I am no sage, yet for the sake of achieving a certain end, I too will harm the innocent."

Chen Yi knew this well, yet he possessed no power to alter it.

All he could do was exert his utmost to make amends and bring these matters to a swift conclusion.

Thus, as he stood there in quiet contemplation of the tableau before him, the chessboard within his mind began to move once more.

The entire situation within Shuzhou City coalesced into a colossal chessboard.

Every white piece, every black piece leaped upon its surface, shifting into myriad tactical formations—

Old Master Xiao’s health had improved somewhat; he ought to bear a heavier burden.

Liu Hong had already stepped into the snare; whether or not he sent Asutai away, his ruin was merely a matter of time.

Liu Zhaoxie of the Jingzhou Liu family and the Five Poisons Sect were closely watched by the mountain tribesmen; provided one exercised caution, it would be impossible for them to stir up any significant waves.

The machinations and deployments of the White Tiger Guard were gradually coming to light, offering a faint glimpse of their purpose in churning up wind and rain within Shuzhou...

And as for the merchants of Jizhou, who were laughing now, it was high time to make them weep!

Chen Yi was like a titan looking down upon the entire board, arranging each incident and every event with black and white stones.

Deducing outcomes, making adjustments, and... deciding the life and death of certain souls!

It felt like the passing of a mere instant, yet also like the elapsing of countless millennia.

—The chess game froze in place.

[Chess skill advanced; the Thousand-Hand Chess Manual breaks through to the Perfection Realm, granting a glimpse into the consummate meaning of the Dao of Chess.]

[Dao of Chess: Great Accomplishment, progress +1000, reaching the Consummate Realm.]

A thunderous roar detonated within Chen Yi's mind.

Countless profound mysteries of the Dao of Chess surged forth, and innumerable chess manuals converged upon him.

So much so that the board within his mind, which once encompassed only Shuzhou City, expanded even further.

Not only did it become clearer than before, involving more intricate and meticulous details, but it stretched across the entirety of Shuzhou, and even into certain regions of other prefectures and provinces.

And Chen Yi was the sole player upon this vast chessboard.

—Like a true sage, looking down upon this realm of heaven and earth!

(End of Chapter)