Chapter 306: Ambition, Gift (Requesting Monthly Tickets)

Chapter 306: Ambition, a Gift (Seeking Monthly Votes)

If it were not necessary.

Wang Ji dared not visit in the dead of night.

Not to mention the audacity, it would only invite the inquiries of Xiao Elder and others.

Chen Yi thought it over, and there was only one possibility: something had happened along the Tea and Horse Ancient Road.

At that moment, the chessboard in his mind began to shift.

One by one, black stones were placed along the Tea and Horse Ancient Road.

First, the King of Lan: because the great master had sent someone to Shu Zhou to investigate the situation after the death of Du Cang, the ruthless one.

Second, the barbarian tribes.

Earlier, Asutai had left with those barbarian envoys, so they should have already escaped Shu Zhou.

Perhaps they would take a detour along the Tea and Horse Ancient Road, and happen to meet the returning Zhang Daobao and his companions.

Third, those leaving Shu Zhou.

Military forces, government offices, and even the martial world—someone must have gone to the Tea and Horse Ancient Road to confirm the location of the Porcelain King's banner.

And the fourth possibility… was the people of Ji Zhou Trading Company.

The situation in the city of Shu Zhou had suddenly changed.

News spread like wildfire, and the Bureau of Frontier Affairs and the Lin Zhuang outside the city, Lianqiao, sold grain at low prices, causing over half the population to prefer hunger over buying grain.

Several grain shops and their backing from Ji Zhou Trading Company must have been in a bind.

They should have sent people to the Tea and Horse Ancient Road as well.

If they confirmed that the main force of the Porcelain King's banner was on its way back, those grain shops would lose some silver money, but they could still endure and persevere.

With grain in hand, they would have a chance to rise again.

But how could Chen Yi not have thought of this?

After all, those grain shops had only just spat out the silver they had earned in recent days, far from the point of exhaustion.

Not long after.

Wang Ji was led by a marshal from Hou Chu into the Spring Flora Garden.

"Gentleman Qinzhou, your late visit is an impertinence; I hope you will pardon me."

Chen Yi slightly bowed his head, gesturing him to follow, smiling as he replied, "Sir Wang, your politeness is unnecessary."

After a few polite words, they entered the study.

Before Chen Yi could remind him, Wang Ji impatiently took a letter from his chest and placed it on the table.

"This is…"

Before he could finish, Chen Yi took the letter and interrupted, "Your master sent you to find me?"

Wang Ji immediately swallowed his words, continuing along the lines he had started: "Y-yes, my master sent me to see you…"

He hesitated, unable to come up with a good reason, his face turning red.

He had come in a hurry without having thought of an explanation.

Fortunately, Chen Yi calmly opened the letter, reading the contents, his voice tinged with slight confusion, "Your master has finally come to his senses?"

"Y-yes, I think so."

What had he come to his senses about, Wang Ji also didn't know, stammering and unable to speak.

Chen Yi fell silent, looking at the words on the paper:

[Someone claiming to be from Ji Zhou Trading Company, named Li Sanyuan, wishes to meet the King of Lan to discuss a major deal.]

[At the time, I did not know how to proceed; I humbly ask for your guidance.]

Li Sanyuan?

He should be the one who forced Lin Zhenghong to sell grain to Zhou Qingfu.

And now he went to see the King of Lan to discuss a major deal… it should be about that batch of grain.

Chen Yi pieced it all together, and couldn't help but let out a quiet chuckle, "Indeed, it was the people of Ji Zhou Trading Company who came to him."

It was not to be said that he liked such clever people.

They believed they had seen through everything, controlled everything, and got there first in all matters.

If there were more such clever (chun) and sharp (huo) people, he wouldn't have to worry about any upheaval in Shu Zhou.

Chen Yi looked at the flustered Wang Ji and smiled, "Your master wants me to inscribe a calligraphy piece for Bai Caotang. What's so difficult about it?"

Wang Ji's expression eased, and he immediately agreed, flatteringly, "My master is also concerned about troubling you, Gentleman Qinzhou."

Chen Yi folded the letter, "It's nothing more than a matter of spending some ink and paper."

Then he walked to the desk, thinking about the reply to Zhang Daobao, spreading a sheet of paper, pressing it with a wooden board.

Wang Ji, finding it agreeable, went to pour ink and grind the inkstone, "Sir Wang, allow me to thank your master."

"Sir Wang, you are too kind. It's nothing compared to the help from Bai Caotang to the Hou Chu's several pharmacies."

"No, no, you do not understand the value of your ink treasures."

"Your ink treasures during your stay at Guiyun Academy, though most have been collected by several gentlemen and moved to that exhibition hall, there are still some pieces that have been sold at high prices."

Chen Yi paused, "How high?"

"They say 'one character, one thousand gold,' and your cursive calligraphy is even said to fetch 'one character, two thousand gold.'"

"Unfortunately, Master Yue Ming and others do not sell."

Wang Ji sighed, continuing the topic, "Besides, your inscribed characters have brought great benefits to Bai Caotang."

"Just like the Xinglin Pavilion that has recently become famous in Shu Zhou."

"Their signboards were inscribed by a scholar-official and calligrapher, only a minor success in both fields. Every day, many scholars come to observe, bringing business to Xinglin Pavilion."

"If Bai Caotang could obtain your ink treasures, it would truly be… truly aided by heaven."

Wang Ji spoke exaggerately, but he was sincere in his words.

He had been thinking about having Chen Yi inscribe a piece for Bai Caotang for some time, but had never found the right opportunity to ask.

Not expecting that his sudden visit to Hou Chu would bring such a benefit.

It could be anticipated that Bai Caotang would become like Xinglin Pavilion, no, the impact would far exceed that of Xinglin Pavilion.

Chen Yi smiled, saying nothing more, took up his brush, dipped it in ink, and wrote three large characters on the blank paper—Bai Caotang.

The brush danced like a dragon and a snake, elegant and free-spirited.

When the characters were completed, a brilliant beam of golden light burst forth, and clouds and mists rose up.

Vast landscapes of mountains, rivers, and seas unfolded before him, teeming with the prosperous scenes of countless cities.

Countless figures clad in coarse cloth moved about, their faces obscured, yet each bore a serene smile.

As he wandered through these bustling towns, the great capital’s envoy paused before a wooden pavilion in the city.

Upon the pavilion’s eminence stood rows of ceramic tea bowls, and beneath them, counters laden with medicinal herbs, where several physicians in matching robes sat in contemplation.

At the entrance, the golden characters above proclaimed, "Bai Caotang."

The scene concluded there, yet its grandeur and ambition were unmistakable—a vision of Bai Caotang spreading across the nine provinces of the Dali Dynasty!

Wang Ji gazed intently at the tableau, dazed by its splendor, for it was precisely the future he had longed for.

It was Bai Caotang’s destiny—and naturally, his own deeds had paved the way.

After a long pause, Wang Ji regained his composure, bowing eagerly:

"M-Master, Wang offers his gratitude to your generous gift on behalf of the boss!"

Chen Yi nodded once, his brush still dancing across the paper, deliberately inscribing the reply in the flowing script of Liu Laoshi.

In the blink of an eye, he set down his pen, folded the letter, and presented it to Wang Ji once the ink had dried.

"Take this back—ask the boss to say goodbye."

As Wang Ji lifted the letter to bow, he noticed Chen Yi had scrawled further words on a fresh sheet:

[The commander-in-chief of the Hunting Falcon Army is stationed in the capital. She senses your arrival and will likely take interest in Bai Caotang.]

[If you feign ignorance, simply state the boss is occupied with urgent matters and has already departed from Shu Province.]

Wang Ji’s eyes widened. He quickly replied, "Master, forgive me—the boss has left Shu Province. When he returns, I shall report to him personally."

Chen Yi continued writing, adding, "Your brother truly is a sage, one who sees the dragon’s head but never its tail."

Wang Ji nodded, "Forgive me, Master—I come bearing news that the boss aspires to heal the people of all lands."

"If Shu Province remains peaceful, he will set out elsewhere."

"When will he return?"

"In a few days, or perhaps a month or two. The master should know Bai Caotang plans to open a branch in Guangyuan."

Chen Yi sighed, regretting his words: "I wonder when we might meet again. We spoke warmly aboard the boat not long ago."

"Master…"

After the performance concluded, Chen Yi scribbled a final note:

"After leaving here, go to Bai Caotang and send someone to Linzhuang outside the eastern city gate to deliver a letter to Zhang Daobao."

"Be sure to mention that the Hunting Falcon general is stationed in the capital."

Wang Ji bowed deeply, his voice steady: "I shall not trouble you further. I take my leave."

Chen Yi placed his brush on the inkstone and walked beside him.

As they departed the garden, Chen Yi cast a lingering glance toward the southeast—toward Liu Hong’s mansion.

Though he had not unraveled the secrets of the Xuanwu Calming Technique, he was certain Xiao Jinghong was there now.

He understood Xiao Jinghong’s purpose: to uncover Liu Hong’s true crimes.

Yet with Lü Jiān and Du Cāng dead, and A Su Tai escaped, only his closest confidants remained to vouch for Liu Hong’s innocence.

If Liu Hong were truly innocent, he would have remained silent all this while.

Only after confirming that King Lan of Dun would not return, and the capital’s turmoil had settled, could action proceed.

Under such circumstances, Li Sanyuan of Jizhou Commercial Group grew all the more crucial.

At the very least, he might reveal truths about Liu Hong.

But to make him cooperate, Chen Yi would need to prepare further.

"Li Sanyuan’s affairs are of utmost importance—fittingly, my lady would be the one to handle them."

With this thought, Chen Yi stretched lazily, surveyed his surroundings, and returned to his chambers to rest.

A cultivated lady resided there, her presence ensuring peaceful slumber.

Yet he had schemes of his own—private matters that might prove inconvenient.

"Ah, time for bed, time for bed…"

…

What unfolded was exactly as Chen Yi had surmised.

In a courtyard not far from Liu Hong’s mansion, Xiao Jinghong sat cross-legged on a bed, her presence barely perceptible.

Though she had not cultivated the Xuanwu Calming Technique, her cultivation allowed her to control her internal energy.

This method precluded her from using spiritual power to eavesdrop on the city’s sounds.

Yet her acute hearing could discern every sound within a five-mile radius, much like Chen Yi’s earlier observation.

She could hear the tiniest pin drop.

The garden’s movements were no secret to Xiao Jinghong either—though not as clearly as during the day at the administrative offices.

She merely knew Wang Ji had arrived to deliver a letter to Chen Yi, seeking Bai Caotang’s calligraphy.

Beyond that, she had also learned of the boss’s second departure.

Xiao Jinghong furrowed her brow slightly. "That ‘Dragon and Tiger’ is ever restless."

"If the elder sister marries him later, it might extend her lifespan—but she may never find happiness."

"In three or five days, it’s manageable. Three or five months, too. But if the ‘Dragon and Tiger’ stays away year-round, the elder sister would be left to live as a widow."

After all, Xiao Wanyan was no Chen Yi—her heart lacked such tranquility.

Xiao Jinghong resolved to confront the ‘Dragon and Tiger’ upon his return.

If he remained unchanged, she would never consent to Xiao Wanyan’s marriage.

With this in mind, Xiao Jinghong refocused her attention on her surroundings.

Not long after a moment had passed.

Approaching the witching hour.

Within Liu Hong’s manor, there was no stir, but rather a figure approached from the western market, stealthy as a ghost.

Xiao Jinghong listened intently for a while, then quietly rose and peered through the window’s crack.

“A disciple of the Tianshan Sect?”

“The Bai Caotang?”

Xiao Jinghong had learned from the previous letters that Ye Tunyun had arranged for various Tianshan Sect disciples to join the Bai Caotang.

She had also guessed that the majority of the “Dragon Tiger” Sect’s infiltrators posing as bandits along the Tea and Horse Road were likely Tianshan Sect disciples.

Seeing this person now, she couldn’t help but feel a flicker of curiosity.

But upon seeing the Tianshan Sect disciple exit the eastern city gate, Xiao Jinghong quickly withdrew her gaze and returned to her bed.

At present, her most urgent task was to uncover evidence of Liu Hong’s crimes.

The rest could wait.

Another half-hour passed.

A faint sound reached her ears, her earlobe twitched slightly, and she turned her head toward Liu Hong’s manor.

Listen—there, in the manor’s interior, halls, and courtyards.

A wavering, ethereal footstep echoed, twisting and circling, clearly someone traversing the corridors and pathways.

Then the person called out, “Father!”

Afterward, Liu Hong’s voice followed, “Fang Er?”

“What matter brings you here so late?”

Liu Tao Fang.

Xiao Jinghong recognized the voice and continued listening with a calm expression.

“Father, my son has a great joy to share with you.”

“A joy?”

“You’ve been home these days—how could there be joy?”

“It’s true.”

“Today, Lin Shi’s grain depot’s Lin Zhengghong came to purchase our grain, paying fourteen taels of silver per stone—hahaha…”

“What a rascal!”

“Father, you…”

“Bang!”

“You scoundrel, failing to achieve anything and succeeding in causing trouble!”

“At a time like this, how could you sell the grain to Lin Zhengghong?”

“Father, it was sold, not given—there was silver.”

“You fool!”

“Do you know what’s happened in Shu Zhou recently?”

“Today, Xiao Yuan and Xiao Jinghong came to see me, pressuring me to stabilize the grain prices in Shu Zhou.”

“Plus all these other incidents, the grain prices in Shu Zhou have already begun to drop, and Lin Zhengghong and others can’t even safeguard their own interests. Coming to me now, they must have ill intentions!”

“Ah?”

“That, that I’ll go find him right now…”

“Too late!”

“From now on, you need not go anywhere—stay within the manor.”

“But Lin Zhengghong…”

“They did this to drag me into their scheme. Pah—you think you can solve anything by showing up?”

“Get out quickly!”

“This… my son is dismissing you…”

Soon, silence fell within Liu Hong’s manor, and even Liu Hong ceased speaking after a few curses.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Jinghong withdrew her gaze, her eyes behind the mask filled with lingering thoughts.

“A grain depot… high-priced grain sales… this is a crime.”

“But it’s not enough to topple Liu Hong.”

Though the laws of the Great Wei dynasty were strict, this matter was not Liu Hong’s doing—he might face some punishment, but it wouldn’t affect his position.

Evidence of treason was the key.

Meanwhile, in Lin Zhuang.

The night guard, Xue Dunyong, spotted the approaching figure in the distance and immediately coughed to attract his attention, gesturing twice to signal him to climb the wall.

The man understood and leaped into the courtyard.

“Brother, the gate won’t let us in?”

“Keep quiet—those outside have just fallen asleep, don’t wake them.”

Xue Dunyong had feared that if they didn’t act swiftly, Liu Rong and others might not sell their grain at low prices anymore, and the people arriving from the capital had already spread out to sleep.

Not to mention Xue Dunyong, even the usually bold Liu Rong dared not move a muscle.

Afraid of accidentally causing a commotion, turning those people into bandits who would storm in and seize the grain.

Liu Rong had traveled south and north for years, understanding these people’s temperament well.

It wasn’t impossible for someone to raise their voice, leading to countless followers.

Xue Dunyong explained briefly and asked, “Why did you come?”

The man withdrew a letter from his chest and handed it over: “The manager asked me to give this to Liu Rong.”

Xue Dunyong took the letter and asked, “What did he say?”

“He also mentioned that General Xiao was currently in the city.”

“General Xiao?”

Xue Dunyong didn’t understand, still about to reply, when a gust of wind whispered behind him, and Liu Rong deliberately lowered his voice:

“General Xiao’s returned?”

“Dammit, why didn’t he say so sooner?”

Before Xue Dunyong could respond, Liu Rong snatched the letter and read it.

He knew Xiao Jinghong was searching for him and his boss, understood that Wang Ji had sent people, and was certain they were there to pass a message on behalf of the boss.

Indeed.

After reading the letter's contents, Liu Lang silently memorized them, then shook his hand to shatter the cypress paper, carefully tossing it into the brazier.

"I have matters requiring my departure; I'll leave things here with you tomorrow."

Xu Duanyun blinked, "You… are you the boss?"

"Don’t ask about things you shouldn’t know, lest you spread the word."

As he spoke, Liu Lang donned a nightclothes, secured his long blade, gave a couple of quiet instructions to the others, and slipped away from the mansion without a sound.

Xu Duanyun watched him vanish into the shadows, ruffled his disheveled hair, and muttered under his breath,

"Could it be that General Xiao… does he bear some grudge against the boss?"

"Why, upon hearing someone was in the capital, did Liu Qianpai just run off like that?"

(Chapter End)