Chapter 303: Silence Speaks Louder Than Words Now (Requesting Monthly Tickets)

Chapter 303: Silence is Golden (Please Vote for the Monthly Ticket)

Chen Yi had most likely forgotten.

According to the laws of the Dali dynasty, as a son-in-law of the Xiao family, he ought to have changed his surname to Xiao.

Yet the Xiao family, embarrassed by the face of the Chen family in Jiangnan Prefecture, had not done so.

Xiao Jinghong, unaware of the details, had long since resolved to meet "Chen Yu" and carefully inquire into the matter.

She certainly did not wish for Xiao Wan'er to follow the same path as herself and Chen Yi.

If "Chen Yu" were to truly wander the realm, spending years away and never returning, she would never agree to this marriage.

Once the matter of "Chen Yu" was revealed, the atmosphere among the group had noticeably lightened.

Xiao Wan'er lifted her chin, her face bearing a trace of uneasiness, yet she could now face Xiao Jinghong.

Chen Yi relaxed his grip, cracking jokes and sharing gossip about things he had heard.

Xiao Jinghong, in turn, spoke mostly about the affairs of Wuyan Mutual Market—recruiting laborers and servants, procuring timber and stone, and so forth.

He spoke in meticulous detail, point by point.

At first, Xiao Wan'er merely nodded in agreement, but later she began to take careful note.

After some time, she would need to visit Tonglin Town to inspect the construction progress of the Medical Academy, perhaps she could make use of it.

Chen Yi, too, had guessed Xiao Jinghong's intention and secretly marveled at the depth of sisterly affection.

Xiao Jinghong had clearly noted down the things Little Butterfly had said.

She seemed to be recounting her own recent deeds, yet in truth, she was subtly pointing out the places where Xiao Wan'er might have overlooked something in her construction plans.

Most importantly, she did not bluntly raise the issue or lecture, but rather offered her guidance in a more indirect manner.

This stood in stark contrast to the usual cold and stern visage of the general.

Chen Yi was about to ask Xiao Jinghong about his opinions on several rumors circulating within the capital, when she turned her head and asked:

"My lord, have you ever seen two peculiar individuals in the capital recently?"

Chen Yi paused slightly, "Peculiar individuals?"

"One old and one young— the older one had white hair and a childlike face, the younger one handsome to the point of being supernatural."

Bai Daoxian and Shuiguo Tong?

Chen Yi reacted, and after feigning thought for a moment, nodded and shook his head, saying, "Yes, I did see two strange individuals. A few days ago, when I went to the Jishi Pharmacy, I spotted them in the East Market."

"But they weren't an old and a young—they were two people with identical appearances, their looks indeed quite handsome, almost supernatural."

"They... well..."

At that moment, Chen Yi's heart skipped a beat, and he turned to ask: "My lady, do you know these two individuals?"

Shuiguo Tong was one thing, but Bai Daoxian had sensed his identity and the concealed martial arts prowess.

Xiao Jinghong's inquiry made him suspect that Bai Daoxian and Shuiguo Tong had left the capital and gone to Wuyan Mutual Market.

Yet observing Xiao Jinghong's demeanor just now, Bai Daoxian had likely not revealed his identity to anyone.

After all, it was unlikely he would have become so close to Xiao Jinghong.

Bai Daoxian had been shut away for thirty years, after all, and could not possibly have had such close dealings with Xiao Jinghong.

Yet Chen Yi, in his hopefulness, heard Xiao Jinghong say: "That old gentleman is my uncle, and the younger one is his disciple."

"Uncle? Disciple?"

"Your master is...?"

"'Sword Sage' Li Weidao."

"Li Weidao..."

Chen Yi had heard of this name. It was said that thirty years prior, Bai Daoxian had retreated into seclusion after a duel with the 'Sword Sage,' and had emerged victorious.

Yet he had never heard anyone mention that Xiao Jinghong was a disciple of Li Weidao.

Nor could he imagine that Bai Daoxian was her uncle.

Xiao Jinghong noticed his astonishment, and a hint of a smile played on her lips, "My lord, forgive me. Since my return to the Xiao family, I have already set out on my own path."

"My master had specifically instructed me that, unless necessary, I should not display the sword techniques he taught me, lest it invite trouble."

"Ah... I see."

Chen Yi furrowed his brow inwardly, unable to determine whether Bai Daoxian had actually told Xiao Jinghong about his identity.

After a few breaths, he steadied himself and asked, "I've heard that the old gentleman excels at divination."

"Unfortunately."

"At that time, my elder brother was also there. I was in a hurry to take my brother to a nearby tavern for a meal, so we didn't have time to have him cast a divination."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Jinghong seemed to relax slightly, saying, "Praise be, my lord did not let that old gentleman perform a divination."

"Why? Are the rumors in the world true? Is Bai Daoxian's divine decree a death talisman?"

"Mostly true."

Chen Yi pressed further, "Did my lady's uncle, after leaving the capital, also go to the mutual market to seek you out? Did he cast a divination for you?"

Xiao Jinghong shook her head, "No."

"Earlier, the mountain woman had warned me to keep my distance when meeting my uncle."

"Thus, this time, we merely exchanged greetings. He mentioned you, and out of curiosity, he asked me a few questions."

"What did he say about you?"

"Perhaps it was that your scholarly achievements had caused him to regard you in a new light."

Better not.

Chen Yi did not wish to attract the attention of such a figure as Bai Daoxian, who claimed to be the foremost martial artist in the world.

Xiao Wan'er, though confused, understood that Chen Yi had gained the recognition of a martial arts master, and smiled, saying, "My younger brother's accomplishments are truly remarkable. Not to mention Shuzhou, any of the nine prefectures and three prefectures of the Dali dynasty's realm, none would fail to honor him as a guest of distinction."

Xiao Jinghong smiled faintly and shook her head, "Not entirely."

Seeing Chen Yi and Xiao Wan'er looking at her, she continued, "The Liu family of Jingzhou should not be too pleased with my lord."

"Well, hah... I see."

Chen Yi smiled, yet within his heart, he felt a sense of relief.

He had confirmed that Bai Daoxian had not revealed much to Xiao Jinghong, and was uncertain of his true intentions.

Waiting to see what would happen next?

It seemed that that old man, after all, had such thoughts.

After a hearty meal.

Xiao Wanz’er had grown weary of evading the subject, retreating to her chambers to rest, yet she could not shake the lingering worry that someone might again bring up her marriage.

Xiao Jinghong, not doubting his own judgment, made his farewell.

Chen Yi had assumed she would venture outside or return directly to Wumanmutai, but to his surprise, she followed him back to the Spring Lotus Garden.

Though he found it peculiar, he said nothing.

They walked in silence, shoulders brushing, through the arched gateways framed by tiled roofs and whitewashed walls, along a corridor of polished pear wood.

Sunlight warmed the air, dispelling the chill of the breeze, and as it fell, it stretched their shadows long across the path.

The calls of birds ceased; fish leaped and splashed in the water.

Raindrops clinging to blossoms and leaves drummed softly against their stems.

It seemed as though the gentle rhythm of their footsteps was being accompanied by a quiet, natural orchestra.

Xiao Jinghong, perhaps feeling the need to speak, placed one hand behind her back and gestured toward the pavilion:

“My lord, might we sit there for a while?”

Chen Yi glanced at her with a smile and nodded: “My lady has orders—I dare not refuse.”

Xiao Jinghong paused, then slowly lowered the hand from behind her back, walking a few steps forward with quiet steps.

Chen Yi noticed her expression and realized his earlier words had been somewhat ambiguous.

Yet seeing her reaction, a smile touched his lips.

After all, the relationship between husband and wife was now clear.

Even as commander of the Dingguan Army, Xiao Jinghong would still assume the manner of a delicate woman in his presence.

It was a good thing.

Chen Yi smiled as he followed, signaling Xiao Bei to prepare tea and snacks.

Xiao Bei slipped away, glancing back once at the two of them as they settled into the pavilion, her ears perked up like a curious child.

Clearly, she wondered what the lady and the master might be discussing.

But once she was gone, the two remained silent.

The atmosphere was one of profound quiet—sometimes, silence truly was more eloquent than words.

Chen Yi sat casually on the stone bench, his gaze fixed on Xiao Jinghong across the water.

Xiao Jinghong sat upright, her eyes flickering over him, then drifting to the pond before returning to his face.

After a pause, she lowered her eyes slightly and said, “Thank you, my lord, for the portrait of my father and mother.”

Chen Yi chuckled, a sound caught between amusement and something softer. “She likes it, then?”

“Yes, she does.”

Her voice was clear, the single word “likes” carrying weight.

“These years, whenever I’ve faced a problem I couldn’t solve, I’ve thought of my father, wondered how he might have handled it.”

“Over time, I’ve grown accustomed to bearing the title of ‘commander,’ whether at home or with the army.”

She met his gaze, her beautiful face still bearing its usual grace, yet a hint of regret flickered in her eyes.

“My lord, forgive me—I must be honest about my circumstances.”

Chen Yi’s expression stilled, our eyes meeting for a long moment before he nodded gently:

“There is no need for apologies, my lady.”

“Do you recall what I told you on the night of the old master’s birthday?”

She nodded.

“My lord, you said you didn’t wish to seek official posts or military glory, only to remain here in the marquessate, living a leisurely life… my lord.”

“Yes, I’ve always dreamed of such a life—fishing, sipping tea, playing chess, simply existing in contentment.”

Seeing her earnestness, Chen Yi spread his hands wide: “If you would grant me such a life, my lady, you need not hesitate to remain my ‘commander.’”

Xiao Jinghong blinked, then a smile blossomed across her face—bright as sunshine, gentle as melting snow.

“My lord, truly?”

Chen Yi smiled: “Indeed.”

“Love, when it endures, cannot be confined to the fleeting moments of day and night. Perhaps I once wrote a poem to that effect?”

She nodded, her gaze drifting toward the wooden pavilion behind him, her lips curling with a barely concealed sweetness:

“After returning last night, I saw the poems you had rewritten—your brushwork, your spirit… I cherished them all.”

Whether it was *Summer Night’s Musings*, *Summer Night’s Musings II*, or *A Autumn Letter*, she had loved them all.

Perhaps she feared her words were too direct, so she quickened her speech:

“The other two pieces you composed—I hold them dear too: *Moved by the Rain* and *Song of the Water Droplet on the Mid-Autumn Night*.”

“Might I have a copy of the texts? I would carry them with me, glance at them now and then.”

Chen Yi, never one to refuse, nodded and sent word to Xiao Bei:

“Fetch the two poems I’ve hung on the wall in the study.”

Xiao Bei set down the tea tray and hurried back to the pavilion, her curiosity deepening.

Yet after her interruption, Xiao Jinghong relaxed, lifting her tea cup to her lips.

“My lord, how do you view the situation in Shuzhou and these lands?”

Chen Yi took a sip, a familiar question stirring in his mind.

He paused, then recalled the old master’s words on his birthday: *Build high walls, declare oneself king, store vast supplies.*

“The situation here in Shuzhou… it is somewhat chaotic.”

Xiao Jinghong waited a moment, and when she saw that he didn't continue speaking, she asked in a low voice, "Gone?"

"Gone."

Chen Yi set down his tea cup, looking at her with a smile that wasn’t quite a smile. "Such chaos, naturally a lady must calm things down."

"How else could I live peacefully as a idle person?"

Xiao Jinghong fell silent, glanced at him for a moment, then said, "Jinghong will do her utmost."

Chen Yi poured her more tea. "Madam, there’s no need to be so anxious."

"I’ve read a line in my books these days: 'Those who act unjustly will surely meet their downfall.'"

"Those with malicious intentions will inevitably meet their end."

"Like the 'beasts' that stole the eldest lady’s thing yesterday—they’re already dead in those barren mountains and desolate hills, aren’t they?"

Xiao Jinghong nodded, her expression slightly cold. "Prince Lan had already harbored resentment. Jinghong knew he wouldn’t approach the borders of Wei before settling the matter of the treacherous bandits."

Chen Yi suddenly understood.

That sentence enlightened him.

No wonder the Wei Tiger Guard general dared to contact Prince Lan—he had already determined their target was the treacherous bandits.

In that case, Prince Lan’s dealings with Liu Hong and the Jizhou merchants were all for his planned rebellion?

As he sorted through these thoughts, Chen Yi sighed, admiring the many capable people in the Wei dynasty, while secretly cursing the shortsightedness of the Jizhou merchants.

For those silver coins, they’d abandoned even this piece of information.

Perhaps they’d wait until Zhou Qingwu sold the grain back to several grain merchants, causing them heavy losses, before they’d finally realize their mistake.

"Madam sees clearly."

Xiao Jinghong slightly inclined her head. "Even the barbarians are the same. With internal strife already, they dare not launch another war easily."

"Though the son of Prince Zuo, Asutai, has appeared in Shu, that did catch Jinghong off guard."

"Has he really been captured by those bandits and brought to Shu as a barbarian slave?"

"Mmhmm. Grandfather told me…"

While chatting, Xiao Biao approached with two paintings.

Xiao Jinghong glanced at them.

The images showed a lone boat gliding through the river miles away, and a scene from the fairy palace.

She couldn’t help but feel a touch of awe. "Your poetry and verses are truly remarkable—truly unmatched in the world."

There were many who could write poetry in the Wei dynasty, and many who were skilled at it. But those who also mastered both literature and martial arts were few. Together, they were like phoenix feathers and unicorn horns.

"Madam likes them, then."

Xiao Biao noticed the two of them laughing and chatting, quietly jotting down their words in her mind, preparing to select a line or two to include in her biography of the Second Uncle of Wu Hou Mansion.

She’d already thought of a title: "The Sixteenth Uncle of September Sixteenth Courted the Young Mistress."

Had Chen Yi known her thoughts, he’d have had her hung for it.

What kind of harmony between husband and wife could be linked to "courting affection"?

It was clearly… clearly… the husband following his wife’s lead.

Though alas, such warm moments were fleeting.

Not long after, a soldier arrived to report, "To honor the Young Mistress, the Duke wishes you accompany him to the Magistrate’s Office."

Xiao Jinghong waved him off without turning around. "Understood."

When the soldier left, she sighed inwardly. "The Duke is understanding. Grandfather summoned me, so Jinghong will go first."

Chen Yi nodded with a smile. "Madam, please go ahead. We’ll have plenty of time ahead."

Though he said it that way, his heart was even more carefree.

Xiao Elder Lord had brought Xiao Jinghong to the Magistrate’s Office himself, it seemed. This time, he was determined to make Liu Hong suffer.

Thinking this, Chen Yi watched Xiao Jinghong leave.

He waited a moment longer, then changed into casual clothes, telling Xiao Biao, "I’ll visit Guiyun Academy and the pharmacy. I’ll bring tea and drinks when I return."

"The Second Uncle walks slowly…"

Chen Yi did walk slowly, after all, worried about Xiao Jinghong’s high status.

He went calmly to the academy, lingered for half a day, then arrived at the pharmacy, finding Ma Liang writing on the desk:

"Urgently send word to Wang Pi, tell him to recall Zhang Daobao and others."

The elder lord’s call to action was swift, leaving him little time!

(Chapter End)