Chapter 310: Elder Brother is Too Hardworking (Requesting Monthly Tickets)

Chapter 310: Brother Is Too Hardworking (Seeking Monthly Ticket)

Chen Xuanji’s gaze settled into a quiet stillness as he gathered up the chess pieces and board, arranging them with precise care. Across from him, the middle-aged man wearing the dragon crown merely smiled, saying nothing.

—The Duke of Wei, Duke Zuo, also known as the "Pacifying Harmony Emperor."

When Chen Xuanji finished setting the board, the Emperor gently waved his hand, and two steaming cups of tea materialized on the table.

“Tell me, when do you intend to ‘return’ to great Wei?”

Chen Xuanji glanced at the tea cup, his eyes never lifting, as if the clear broth within held some profound mystery.

Five years ago, under the guise of an envoy to the Western Buddhist kingdom, he had slipped into the capital’s court, secretly commanding the White Tiger Guard.

He had not gone to the Western Buddhist kingdom himself, but one man had gone in his stead.

Now that the situation in the Western Buddhist kingdom was clear, and that man was about to return, Chen Xuanji would soon reappear in the court of great Wei.

“It is better to return sooner rather than later.”

“Oh? I thought you would delay some, why the urgency?”

“Those who spend long years abroad yearn for home. If they delay on the road, it will only alert those who are paying attention.”

“Those paying attention…”

The Emperor scoffed softly, lifting the tea cup to his lips, then rotated the lid in his other hand twice. “Court officials who set themselves apart from the crowd often stumble, but how many can stand beside you, Xuanji?”

Chen Xuanji lowered his head, the tiger-patterned mask on his face barely revealing a single character—“king”—through the fabric.

“Your Majesty is too kind.”

The Emperor glanced at him, took a sip of tea, and smiled. “I praise you, you have earned it.”

“Since I ascended the throne, twenty-one years have passed, and you have provided counsel, won the allegiance of northern nobles, filled the treasury, and strengthened the forces of Ji Zhou…”

“Far surpassing those who lie dead and buried.”

“Were the court officials as capable as you, I would have no fears about completing my grand undertaking.”

Chen Xuanji bowed respectfully, lifting the tea cup with both hands. “I have only done my duty as a servant.”

Then he took a small sip, acknowledging the Emperor’s kindness.

“Ha, Xuanji, we have known each other as ruler and minister for years, yet you still hold back in my presence.”

“I dare not overstep.”

“Overstep?” The Emperor chuckled, shaking his head. “You, you.”

“As you wish, your Majesty, I shall not trouble you further.”

The Emperor set down the tea cup, watching Chen Xuanji continue speaking with his usual calm.

“I hear your son, married into the Xiao family, has recently gained a reputation, called the ‘Poet Immortal’ of great Wei, rivaling the earlier Poets Zhou and Sun.”

Chen Xuanji paused, setting down the cup. “Your Majesty overestimates me.”

“The dog merely has some poetic talent, nothing more. It is said he composed ‘Water Melody at Night’ on the Mid-Autumn Festival.”

“If his fortune were even better, might he one day pass the highest level of the imperial examinations?”

“I dare not speak on such matters.”

“Ha… I have grown fond of talent. A man of letters and arts, a perfect scholar, became a son-in-law to the Xiao family, his reputation inevitably suffers.”

“If you have the heart, persuade him to serve the court rather than hiding in a study as a teacher.”

“This…”

“How? You, as a father, cannot even manage to guide him?”

Chen Xuanji nodded slightly. “Your Majesty is unaware. Since the dog went to Shu, his disposition has changed, becoming more relaxed.”

“Relaxed? Ha… so he has no way to properly wield the Xiao family’s blade for me?”

“Your Majesty, I fear my son has no means to assist…”

Before he could finish, the Emperor waved dismissively. “Stop trying to apply others’ standards to me.”

“If he refuses, I have other candidates, it matters not.”

Chen Xuanji bowed deeply, saying nothing more, nor inquiring about the other candidate the Emperor mentioned.

The Emperor did not elaborate, instead turning to another matter. “This time, I summoned you for a reason, but I am uncertain of the path.”

“Then, regarding Duke Liu of Jingzhou, who has repeatedly violated the laws, what course do you suggest, Xuanji?”

Chen Xuanji lifted his eyes, meeting the Emperor’s gaze, and pondered. “There is a way.”

“Speak plainly.”

“If Your Majesty could punish the concubine, the Liu family would naturally not dare to overstep again.”

“Liu… replaced.”

“Then only one path remains—eliminate them.”

“Very well, I entrust this matter to you.”

“At your service.”

A moment later, Chen Xuanji’s body shimmered with a radiant light, and he blinked down to the nearest five-story wooden building to the imperial city, entering a dark chamber on the fourth floor.

This wooden structure, controlled by the White Tiger Guard, had a chamber on each floor, all his own. Sometimes he stayed on the second, sometimes the fourth, never the same.

Not even he himself could predetermine which chamber he would occupy.

Troublesome?

Troublesome.

But Chen Xuanji had long grown accustomed to such caution.

The moment his feet touched the ground, he waved his hand to block the windowsill, and the oil lamps on the walls flickered to life.

The yellowish light swayed in the breeze, making his form loom and fade, shifting between light and shadow.

He scanned the room, then settled at the desk’s end.

His face hidden behind the mask, only a steady, unhurried breath escaped.

“Hmph… accompanying my lord as faithfully as a tiger… the Emperor’s recent years have indeed undergone great changes.”

Chen Xuanji reflected on their earlier audience, his thoughts flickering in his eyes.

The Xiao family had labored in Shu for two hundred years, even as they gradually declined, they were no mere soft target to be grasped at will.

“If ‘Chun Niao’ fails, who else can take charge of the Xiao family and the Dingyuan army?”

“All the commandants, administrators, and censors—they’ve lingered in Shuzhou for years, well acquainted with the Xiao clan’s prowess. They must either act decisively or not at all.”

“Others… Zhuo Zhao?”

Chen Xuanji frowned, a flicker of understanding crossing his features, but did not press further. He raised his hand and rang the bell on the table.

Ding-dong, ding-dong, ding-dong.

The three sharp chimes reverberated through the still room, and soon a figure in a crimson robe, masked face gleaming white, approached with brisk steps.

“Master Chen, Xuan Star humbly presents himself.”

“Has there been word from Shuzhou?”

“There has.”

Xuan Star bowed, lowering his posture to present a sealed letter.

Chen Xuanji took it, his eyes narrowing into icy slits as he read:

[“‘Dragon Spear’ Liu Wu slew the Chiwang Du Cang, rescuing the Xiao family’s lady, Xiao Wan’er.”]

[“In this battle, Liu Wu displayed the pinnacle of spear technique and the apex of fist art, rivaling the ‘Sword-Weapon Twin Absolute’ Xiao Jinghong, earning the title ‘Dragon-Tiger.’”]

[“The Guizhou merchants’ plot collapsed, due to ‘Dragon-Tiger’s’ intervention, aided by the hand of Ms. Cui Qingwu.”]

When he reached the end, Chen Xuanji smiled—a wide, delighted smile.

“Good, good, good!”

Though Red Robe Xuan Star yearned to ask what was good, his body seemed pinned beneath a mountain, helpless to move. Cold sweat instantly soaked through his robes.

A long silence followed.

Chen Xuanji crumpled the letter he’d read countless times into ash, his voice still tinged with a smile:

“Tell the telegraph messenger, tell him to close the net swiftly.”

“Yes!”

Xuan Star, as if granted a reprieve, bowed and exited the chamber.

Once all was quiet, Chen Xuanji’s smile faded from his eyes. He rested his hands on the desk, tapping gently.

Tap, tap, tap.

Each strike varied slightly in rhythm, their tones identical in pitch. One after another, without pause.

Then, silence.

“My son, don’t let father down…”

…

Forty minutes later.

The prefectural city of Shuzhou.

Sunlight bathed the streets, skies clear as ever.

The city’s alleys buzzed with life, as always.

For Du Cang the “Wild Wolf” had also perished in Shuzhou, and so too had Lü Jiān, while the Chiwang Lan De King’s army remained unmoved. Meanwhile, grain prices at the market stalls continued to climb. A single sheng of fine grain fetched as much as twenty-one silver taels.

Hearing that the Banxia Office would soon act to stabilize the prices, the people grew restless.

“Wasn’t it said that Liu Hong and Liu Da ordered the Lin family’s grain stores to convene and lower prices?”

“Why, then, do prices rise today?”

“It’s only the first day. Those few grain merchants must still be clinging to the hope of squeezing one last profit.”

“They’re clinging to death.”

“I’ve heard they’ve hoarded over half a million sheng of grain. If prices drop, they’ll lose everything.”

“These corrupt merchants—every last one of them deserves the axe!”

Some spoke to console others while soothing their own nerves; others drenched them in cold water.

A rumor, sudden and sharp, spread through the city’s streets in a flash.

“Don’t rejoice too soon, folks.”

“‘Wild Wolf’ Du Cang died in Shuzhou, Lü Jiān died in Shuzhou—yet the Chiwang Lan De King’s army hasn’t even stirred. What then?”

“You mean he’ll actually bring his army?”

“Not ‘will’—he’s already here. I heard trouble erupted along the Tea Horse Road.”

“Is that so?”

“If that’s the case, then the Banxia Office’s efforts to stabilize prices will only last until the grain runs out. We’ll…”

What we’ll do, they didn’t need to say.

Chen Yi walked calmly through the crowd, hearing their murmurs.

He knew the Guizhou merchants wouldn’t sit idle, even with the old patriarch and Xiao Jinghong stepping in—they could only force a few to kneel for now. As long as grain remained in their hands, they could sell it eventually, their losses not yet ruinous.

Just then, rumors swirled through the streets, swaying the people’s hearts and lifting prices a bit more. They could sell some, at least.

The rest… they’d have to wait for a reply from Li Sanyuan.

But if the mistress intervened, how could Li Sanyuan escape?

Chen Yi’s thoughts flickered there, his attention snapping back to his earlier meeting with the telegraph messenger.

The White Tiger Guard’s renewed invitation.

That enigmatic master’s schemes—with him and his brother Chen Yunfan—and Zhuao!

He remembered the warning Chen Yunfan gave him at their first meeting: “Chen Yunfan intends to ascend to the heavens through humble steps.”

A path to honor, yes—but following his brother’s position in the Banxia Office, promotion would likely require removing Liu Hong.

Yet the White Tiger Guard had presented evidence against Zhuao, deputy commander of the Dingzhou garrison.

Was there deeper intent in this?

Chen Yi’s mind raced like a chessboard, his brother’s piece—half black, half white—leaving him uncertain.

If placed in the Banxia Office’s quadrant, Chen Yunfan could succeed Yang Zhe as the right Banxia official.

Greater power, higher rank, and room to showcase his martial prowess.

But if it fell to the Dingzhou garrison… to balance against the Xiao family?

Or perhaps...

He paused for a moment.

In Chen Yi's mind, the massive game piece in his palm shifted to white, settling at the center where the soldiers of the Shuzhou Grand Commander's Office were placed.

"The White Tiger Guard's schemes have traces to follow."

"Whether it's me or Chen Fan, our aim is directly at the Xiao family, or rather, the Xiao family's remote cavalry."

"But the situation has changed."

"Behind Zhou Hao stands another great Buddha—Liu Hong."

"It seems that in the White Tiger Guard's original plan, Liu Hong wasn't included. Given that the Liu family from Jingzhou has recently been intervening too frequently in Shuzhou, perhaps..."

"The Liu family will certainly perish."

Though Chen Yi couldn't fathom the entirety of the White Tiger Guard's schemes, he could discern a portion and infer the whole.

At least in this land of Shuzhou, he could deduce the general outcome.

Therefore, whether it was the Liu family of Jingzhou or the Liu family of Shuzhou, daring to interfere with the Xiao family would become the White Tiger Guard's thorn in the side.

Even if Chen Yi didn't inform Xiao Laotaiye of everything, the Liu family would still fall.

"Within half a month, or at most two months, the Liu family will collapse."

"And my elder brother... according to the fastest estimate, might ascend to Qing Cloud within a year..."

"Third rank? Even second rank is possible..."

Such promotions were hardly an exaggeration.

This kind of advancement, even if placed in the Da Wei era, or counting back eight or nine hundred years, would likely be rare.

Understanding these things, Chen Yi knew how to address the burning apple in his hand.

His elder brother gaining Zhou Hao, the Xiao family's defeat of Liu Hong—fair and just.

"Hope the White Tiger Guard doesn't show up to cause trouble..."

Chen Yi glanced back, then quickly turned toward the Listening Rain Pavilion.

With his current hearing, he hadn't caught Chen Fan's voice within the Governor's Office. The rest must be the Listening Rain Pavilion.

Within a minute,

Chen Yi arrived at the entrance of the Listening Rain Pavilion, lifting his cloak to survey his surroundings. Some faint voices drifted from within.

Xiao Wanyue, Cui Qingwu, Qie Stopyun, Shen Huatang, Huan Er...

Chen Fan, Ning Yu, Niushan, and... huh?

Chen Yi turned his head toward the eave of another courtyard house at the alley's end. There, a man sat invisibly on the eave, staring directly at him.

The man wore short robes, middle-aged with a full beard, and upon seeing Chen Yi appear, seemed somewhat surprised to ask:

"Dragon and Tiger Liu Five?"

Chen Yi didn't respond, instead projecting his aura.

He felt he had seen that face somewhere before.

Where...?

Chen's family!

He was the head of Chen's family guards—Lin Zhong!

Recalling this, Chen Yi suddenly realized, "In Jiangnan, the Chen family truly hides tigers among dragons. A guard head, with cultivation up to the third rank..."

His heart quickened, Chen Yi bowed subtly and said, "Your servant has urgent matters to request an audience with Chen Zhangpolong."

"May I see your lord?"

Lin Zhong scrutinized him, showing slight caution, thinking, "Did he discover my affair with retrieving Lü Jiunan's corpse?"

"What brings this 'Dragon and Tiger' to see my lord?"

"Your servant is entrusted with a matter I cannot disclose."

"Oh?"

Upon hearing this, Lin Zhong relaxed slightly. As long as it wasn't about Lü Jiunan's case, it should be fine.

After a moment's thought, he stood and said, "Please wait a moment, I'll report to my lord."

Chen Yi nodded, calmly watching his figure fade, but his brow was slightly raised.

Da Cheng's martial arts—step?

Or perhaps... completion?

Hmph, don't underestimate it.

The saying goes, "Under heaven, martial arts have no unbreakable fort, only speed breaks through."

Having cultivated his steps to the completion realm, his power would not spare the crushing demon's decapitation technique.

If there were no method to conquer enemies, defeat would only be a matter of time.

While muttering this to himself, Chen Yi's mind also followed Lin Zhong into the courtyard of the Listening Rain Pavilion.

With a swift clashing of swords, sharp sword auras pierced the air.

Chen Yi observed the surrounding world's qi stirred by the commotion, a faint smile touching his lips.

"Brother, you've truly been working hard."

"He didn't go to the Governor's Office to take orders, but instead came here to practice martial arts."

Yet before the smile could settle, a brilliant, dazzling light suddenly appeared.

Accompanied by an urgent, short exclamation: "My lord, beware!"

The light coalesced into a small, short sword, rushing toward Chen Yi.

Wherever it passed, the light blazed like a rainbow—dazzling, yet imposing.

Chen Yi remained speechless, meeting the incoming sword light with a single finger point.

A flash of golden light, and it vanished.

Along with the sword light, it disappeared as if never having been.

"Chen Zhangpolong, excellent sword technique..."

(Chapter Complete)Or perhaps...

He paused for a moment.

In Chen Yi's mind, the massive game piece in his palm shifted to white, settling at the center where the soldiers of the Shuzhou Grand Commander's Office were placed.

"The White Tiger Guard's schemes have traces to follow."

"Whether it's me or Chen Fan, our aim is directly at the Xiao family, or rather, the Xiao family's remote cavalry."

"But the situation has changed."

"Behind Zhou Hao stands another great Buddha—Liu Hong."

"It seems that in the White Tiger Guard's original plan, Liu Hong wasn't included. Given that the Liu family from Jingzhou has recently been intervening too frequently in Shuzhou, perhaps..."

"The Liu family will certainly perish."

Though Chen Yi couldn't fathom the entirety of the White Tiger Guard's schemes, he could discern a portion and infer the whole.

At least in this land of Shuzhou, he could deduce the general outcome.

Therefore, whether it was the Liu family of Jingzhou or the Liu family of Shuzhou, daring to interfere with the Xiao family would become the White Tiger Guard's thorn in the side.

Even if Chen Yi didn't inform Xiao Laotaiye of everything, the Liu family would still fall.

"Within half a month, or at most two months, the Liu family will collapse."

"And my elder brother... according to the fastest estimate, might ascend to Qing Cloud within a year..."

"Third rank? Even second rank is possible..."

Such promotions were hardly an exaggeration.

This kind of advancement, even if placed in the Da Wei era, or counting back eight or nine hundred years, would likely be rare.

Understanding these things, Chen Yi knew how to address the burning apple in his hand.

His elder brother gaining Zhou Hao, the Xiao family's defeat of Liu Hong—fair and just.

"Hope the White Tiger Guard doesn't show up to cause trouble..."

Chen Yi glanced back, then quickly turned toward the Listening Rain Pavilion.

With his current hearing, he hadn't caught Chen Fan's voice within the Governor's Office. The rest must be the Listening Rain Pavilion.

Within a minute,

Chen Yi arrived at the entrance of the Listening Rain Pavilion, lifting his cloak to survey his surroundings. Some faint voices drifted from within.

Xiao Wanyue, Cui Qingwu, Qie Stopyun, Shen Huatang, Huan Er...

Chen Fan, Ning Yu, Niushan, and... huh?

Chen Yi turned his head toward the eave of another courtyard house at the alley's end. There, a man sat invisibly on the eave, staring directly at him.

The man wore short robes, middle-aged with a full beard, and upon seeing Chen Yi appear, seemed somewhat surprised to ask:

"Dragon and Tiger Liu Five?"

Chen Yi didn't respond, instead projecting his aura.

He felt he had seen that face somewhere before.

Where...?

Chen's family!

He was the head of Chen's family guards—Lin Zhong!

Recalling this, Chen Yi suddenly realized, "In Jiangnan, the Chen family truly hides tigers among dragons. A guard head, with cultivation up to the third rank..."

His heart quickened, Chen Yi bowed subtly and said, "Your servant has urgent matters to request an audience with Chen Zhangpolong."

"May I see your lord?"

Lin Zhong scrutinized him, showing slight caution, thinking, "Did he discover my affair with retrieving Lü Jiunan's corpse?"

"What brings this 'Dragon and Tiger' to see my lord?"

"Your servant is entrusted with a matter I cannot disclose."

"Oh?"

Upon hearing this, Lin Zhong relaxed slightly. As long as it wasn't about Lü Jiunan's case, it should be fine.

After a moment's thought, he stood and said, "Please wait a moment, I'll report to my lord."

Chen Yi nodded, calmly watching his figure fade, but his brow was slightly raised.

Da Cheng's martial arts—step?

Or perhaps... completion?

Hmph, don't underestimate it.

The saying goes, "Under heaven, martial arts have no unbreakable fort, only speed breaks through."

Having cultivated his steps to the completion realm, his power would not spare the crushing demon's decapitation technique.

If there were no method to conquer enemies, defeat would only be a matter of time.

While muttering this to himself, Chen Yi's mind also followed Lin Zhong into the courtyard of the Listening Rain Pavilion.

With a swift clashing of swords, sharp sword auras pierced the air.

Chen Yi observed the surrounding world's qi stirred by the commotion, a faint smile touching his lips.

"Brother, you've truly been working hard."

"He didn't go to the Governor's Office to take orders, but instead came here to practice martial arts."

Yet before the smile could settle, a brilliant, dazzling light suddenly appeared.

Accompanied by an urgent, short exclamation: "My lord, beware!"

The light coalesced into a small, short sword, rushing toward Chen Yi.

Wherever it passed, the light blazed like a rainbow—dazzling, yet imposing.

Chen Yi remained speechless, meeting the incoming sword light with a single finger point.

A flash of golden light, and it vanished.

Along with the sword light, it disappeared as if never having been.

"Chen Zhangpolong, excellent sword technique..."

(Chapter Complete)