Chapter 311: As the Brother, I Will Act Along with You (Requesting Monthly Tickets)

Chapter 311: Acting with Brother for You (Seeking Monthly Votes)

Chen Chanzheng, skilled in swordplay?

A remark laced with laughter made Chen Yunfan’s face flush with displeasure, nearly causing him to blurt out, “You treat your elder brother this way?” Fortunately, his rationality still remained intact.

His sword technique had not yet broken through to the realm of completion, so it was all too natural that it fell short of Chen Yi’s gunplay.

In addition, with Lin Zhong, Cui Qingwu, Xiao Wan’er and others present in the mansion at this moment, he couldn’t afford to reveal Liu Wu’s true identity.

Yet doing nothing, he could only feel extremely dissatisfied.

Chen Yunfan was about to thrust another sword when Lin Zhong finally acted, grabbing his arm. “My lord, you must not! Please refrain from drawing your blade again!”

After all, that was the fearsome “Dragon and Tiger” Liu Wu, who had just slain the “Wolf” Du Cang with five levels of cultivation. Plus, his gunplay at the realm of completion and his martial arts mastery made the two Chen Yunfans no match for him.

Chen Yunfan glanced sideways, huffed, and sheathed his sword. “Tell him to come in and speak.” Brother Yi, once my sword technique reaches completion, I’ll have to challenge you to a duel.

Springying quickly stepped forward. “My lord, I’ll prepare hot water for you right away—for a bath and changing clothes.”

Chen Yunfan suddenly realized he was shirtless, nodded, and turned to take Springying back to the guest room.

Ning You and Niu Shan instinctively stood guard outside the room. Though they hadn’t heard the visitor’s identity, those who could silently deflect Chen Yunfan’s sword were certainly not to be underestimated.

At that moment, Cui Qingwu heard the commotion and flew in. Upon seeing Lin Zhong, she visibly staggered. “Commander Lin?”

Lin Zhong recognized her too, smiling and bowing slightly. “Lin Zhong has met Miss Cui.” Cui Qingwu’s previously anxious expression eased, and after scanning the area, noticed Chen Yunfan had disappeared into the room, prompting her to ask, “Yunfan elder brother, who did he just fight with?”

Lin Zhong recalled the earlier conversation with “Liu Wu” outside, hesitating slightly. “My lord’s friend paid a visit, which startled Miss Cui. I hope you can forgive the disturbance.”

“A friend? Do I know him?”

“You probably do. The visitor is the renowned ‘Dragon and Tiger’ Liu Wu of Shuzhou.”

“Liu Wu?”

Cui Qingwu blurted out, “What the hell is he doing here?”

Before she realized it, she too had joined Luo Yuxue in calling him “Liu Wu.” Not out of resentment for his past attempt to poison and knock her unconscious, but due to the wariness she’d developed after their recent encounters. Especially these days, seeing the Jizhou Trading Company and several grain stores being manipulated without their knowledge, her suspicion of Liu Wu’s sinister intentions grew.

Lin Zhong’s eyes flickered. “What the hell?”

“I—”

Cui Qingwu didn’t wait for an answer, suddenly recalling his earlier words. “Commander Lin, you said that… that ‘Dragon and Tiger’ was here to see Yunfan elder brother?”

Noticing her agitated and restless demeanor, Lin Zhong curiously asked, “Miss Cui, do you know Liu Wu?”

“He… I’ve crossed paths with him before.” Cui Qingwu thought of Liu Wu’s formidable cultivation and his penchant for scheming, which naturally bred some unease. She was keen to find out why Liu Wu had come to see Chen Yunfan. Had he discovered she hadn’t given him the silver?

Before Cui Qingwu could continue her inquiry, Chen Yunfan’s voice echoed from the room. “Qingwu, don’t worry. The ‘Dragon and Tiger’ came here for a pressing matter that requires my assistance.”

Cui Qingwu paused. “Yunfan elder brother, is he really your friend?”

“Of course, we’ve known each other for years—old friends. This… is good. But Yunfan elder brother, be careful. That ‘Dragon and Tiger’ is full of schemes. Be wary of falling into his trap.”

Chen Yunfan peered through the window at the outside Cui Qingwu, deducing she must have encountered Chen Yi. Or rather, she had met Chen Yi, posing as “Liu Wu.” What about the White Tiger Guard? Yi, you’re both skilled and reckless, daring to provoke those ruthless White Tiger Guard members. Thinking this, Chen reassured her, “Rest assured, I’ve got this handled.”

Besides, with Zhong Uncle here, he wouldn’t dare act recklessly. After a pause, Chen continued, “You go back and discuss the medical academy matters with the Xiao family’s young mistress. We’ll talk in detail later.”

He couldn’t help but want to ask Cui Qingwu how Yi had gotten involved with the White Tiger Guard. Upon hearing this, Cui Qingwu glanced at Lin Zhong, feeling a bit more at ease.

“Since then, Qingwu will bid you farewell.”

“Zhong Uncle, you should invite that ‘Dragon and Tiger’ to stay a while…”

As she heard footsteps behind her, Cui Qingwu returned to the courtyard with heavy thoughts. Xiao Wan’er stood outside the room, accompanied by Xie Tunyun and Shen Huatang, noticing her pale complexion, her heart tightened.

“Qingwu, sister, did anything happen to you?” Xiao Wan’er, having experienced a close call before, was now much more cautious. Though not to the extent of “being bitten by a snake once and fearing a rope for ten years,” she still didn’t want to endanger others in the Rain Pavilion.

Cui Qingwu forced a smile. “Yunfan elder brother’s friend visited…” Before finishing, she noticed Xiao Wan’er’s eyes brighten. “Wan’er, you know him too?”

“I do… is it Qin Qiu?”

“No, it’s the man who rescued you the previous night.”

“He… he’s here?”

Xiao Wan’er’s beautiful eyes widened. She and Chen Yi had parted ways only an hour ago, yet she hadn’t expected Chen Yi to come here. And in the guise of “Liu Wu” to meet Chen Yunfan. Fortunately, today she had been open with Chen Yi and learned some things. Even now, though puzzled, she didn’t show it.

Cui Qingwu smiled and nodded, "Indeed, it is him."

"Xiao Wan'er, you must have a close relationship with him, right?"

"Ah, I... no, no, I've never met him before either."

That statement was correct.

If we consider just "Liu Five," Xiao Wan'er had indeed never met him before.

"Oh, regardless of how many times, if he's daring enough to save you, there must be some connection between you."

"Xiao Wan'er, how about you and I go pay him a visit later?"

"No, no, that won't do."

Xiao Wan'er shook her head emphatically; she knew Chen Yi had come here with purpose, and it would be impossible to rush in unannounced.

"Oh, he's your savior, your life-saving benefactor—surely you'd at least want to meet him once?"

"No..."

After Cui Qingwu softened and coaxed her, Xiao Wan'er sighed in resignation: "The truth is, I don't want to see him because... my grandfather wants me to marry him."

"Ah?"

"Xiao Wan'er, what would you do if he were to..."

"No, I won't marry him."

Upon hearing this, Cui Qingwu understood her intention and stepped forward, gently taking her hand, smiling warmly as he apologized.

Yet she achieved little, though not much disappointed.

With Xiao Wan'er here, if Liu Five were to hatch any schemes, she couldn't blame Cui Qingwu for being "ruthless and decisive."

The others spoke in turn and entered the chambers.

But due to this affair, both Xiao Wan'er and Cui Qingwu were preoccupied with thoughts.

One for Chen Yi, the other for Chen Yunfan.

"Xiao Wan'er, the Medical Academy has already begun construction—do you know when it might be completed?"

"Within a year, or perhaps two..."

"Ah?"

"...Dear sister Qingwu, it will be finished within two months."

"Will the physician you mentioned earlier have any notable reputation?"

"The medicinal herbs are in my package."

Seeing their distracted expressions, Zhu Stopcloud and Shen Huatang exchanged glances.

"Brother, might we have misjudged? The noble lady's heart belongs not to the second uncle, but to that 'Dragon-Tiger'?"

"Possibly..."

In the living room, Chen Yi sat quietly, having overheard the conversation, a faint smile playing on his lips.

Cui Qingwu, too, was unperturbed, but Xiao Wan'er—usually gentle and composed—had moments of unexpected charm.

Still, it was nothing.

Chen Yi understood that his sudden arrival would inevitably provoke Xiao Wan'er's curiosity.

After all, one doesn't grow old without learning to be wary.

On the other side, Chen Yunfan donned a fresh, crisp robe while Springyong arranged his accessories and adornments.

He paid no heed to Cui Qingwu and the others' conversation, his thoughts fixed entirely on Chen Yi in the hall.

He pondered and pondered, yet never once considered the reason Chen Yi had come seeking him.

Surely he wouldn't come here just to reveal his identity?

"Ideally not, or else this nobleman has no way to repay the deceit you've wrought upon him!" Chen Yunfan was, in truth, unhinged.

Thinking of how he'd been so thoroughly duped by Chen Yi, and the exhausting efforts he'd made to assist him, anger surged within him.

Thus, he resolved to make Chen Yi taste this bitterness.

Especially now, when he was hidden and Chen Yi stood exposed.

He knew Chen Yi's identity, while Chen Yi remained ignorant of his discovery.

This was his opportunity.

Someday, as the victor, he would burst into laughter and declare: "Yi brother, I've known all along what you've been up to."

"You still think you've hidden yourself well? Haha, haha, haha—those were all just a play we put on together for your sake."

Only then could he avenge his grievances, and take a keen interest in Yi's expressive face.

Simply contemplating it, he felt a wave of satisfaction.

Springyong, oblivious to these schemes, noticed his mood shifting wildly—frowning one moment, grinning the next, biting his teeth in another.

She had no idea who he was addressing.

"Lord, when did you come to know the 'Dragon-Tiger'?"

Chen Yunfan startled, his expression settling as he smoothed his sleeve:

"How could I, a busy lord, have encountered such a rabble?"

"Th-that..."

"Enough of that. Come, let's brew some tea."

Before Springyong could ask further, Chen Yunfan adjusted his sleeve and left the chamber, heading straight for the hall.

Springyong sighed, resigned to preparing tea.

Soon, Chen Yunfan entered the hall, ignoring Chen Yi entirely, and took his seat on the highest chair.

Lin Zhong felt it prudent to stand behind him.

Chen Yi regarded the two men, his gaze settling on Chen Yunfan, bowing slightly with a calm voice:

"Brother Liu, the 'rabble' has met Chen Canwei."

Rabble?

Chen Yunfan inwardly scoffed, realizing his words had been overheard.

He knew he'd been discovered.

Seeing Chen Yi's calm, indifferent demeanor, his anger flared instantly.

"Brother Liu... you are too polite."

The word 'brother' nearly caused Chen Yunfan to grind his teeth to dust.

Yet, he could not let his temper flare.

Brother Yi, just you wait!

Chen Yi caught sight of his loftily tilted head and thought to himself that his elder brother was still his old self, carrying an aura of pride before anyone.

"The sword strike from Chancellor Chen earlier was full of might; I truly did not expect the Chancellor to possess such cultivation in the martial arts."

"It cannot compare to yours, Brother Liu. This young master's swordsmanship is merely practiced to while away my leisure hours."

"To strengthen the body, haha, to strengthen the body."

Let alone Chen Yi, even Chen Yunfan himself did not believe those words.

Seeing the atmosphere turn inexplicably awkward, Lin Zhong, who stood to the side, prompted:

"Your Excellency Longhu, you mentioned earlier that you had matters of great importance to discuss with my young master. Speak plainly."

Chen Yi offered a soft grunt of assent, wasting no words as he drew a cloth sack containing the evidence of Zhu Hao's crimes from his robes and placed it upon the table.

"Someone entrusted me to deliver these to Chancellor Chen."

Chen Yunfan raised an eyebrow. "A delivery?"

"The Chancellor will understand upon a single glance."

As he spoke, Chen Yi lightly tapped the table, and the cloth sack flew toward Chen Yunfan in response to the touch.

Chen Yunfan glimpsed the faint flash of golden spear-intent contained within it, and secretly grimaced.

Dammit, Brother Yi is still as vengeful as ever.

Though his thoughts strayed, Chen Yunfan's movements were not slow; he slowly raised his palm, condensing his true essence and sword intent, and gripped the cloth sack.

Crack.

A sharp snap echoed.

Chen Yunfan’s posture did not stir, yet the grand armchair beneath him was forced back half a step by the vigorous force upon the cloth sack.

Lin Zhong frowned. "Your Excellency Longhu, what is the meaning of this?"

Before Chen Yi could reply, Chen Yunfan shook the cloth sack in his hand and said with a smile:

"Uncle Zhong, there is no need to say more. Brother Liu is merely using martial arts to make friends with this young master."

His expression was relaxed, devoid of the slightest anomaly.

Yet his two feet had already dug tightly into the ground, hidden only by his boots so that others could not see.

Chen Yi nodded slightly. "To receive without returning is discourteous. Chancellor Chen has indeed practiced a fine set of sword skills."

"You flatter me, you flatter me..."

While Chen Yunfan noted this score against Chen Yi in his heart, he opened the cloth sack and began to look through it.

After turning a few pages, his brow instantly furrowed, and his sharp gaze locked onto Chen Yi.

"This... this is for me?"

"From whom?"

Chen Yi lightly spat out three words: "The White Tiger Guard."

He naturally disliked the White Tiger Guard's clandestine plotting regarding himself and Chen Yunfan, so he had no intention of concealing it.

At the same time, by speaking of it now, he wished to see Chen Yunfan’s reaction.

"The White Tiger Guard?"

Chen Yunfan subconsciously looked toward the rear residence, inevitably suspecting it to be the doing of Cui Qingwu.

But after a moment's thought, he felt it was not so.

Though Cui Qingwu cared for his future, she ought to understand his temperament; she could not possibly do something so unseemly.

Therefore, there was only one answer—the White Tiger Guard had placed their bets on him!

Beside him, Lin Zhong’s expression remained unchanged.

Observing the expressions of the two men, Chen Yi understood in his heart that his elder brother likely did not know the inner details either.

Rather, it was that Lin Zhong who seemed to know something.

They sat in silence for a moment.

A cold smile surfaced on Chen Yunfan’s face. "I wonder which banner officer within the White Tiger Guard you might be, Brother Liu?"

Chen Yi shook his head. "None of them."

"I have only come because I made a deal with the White Tiger Guard, nothing more."

"What deal?"

"Forgive me, Chancellor Chen, but that is something I am not at liberty to disclose."

Chen Yunfan tossed the cloth sack in his hand onto the table and snorted, "Let me guess."

"The day before yesterday, you rescued the eldest miss of the Xiao family from Du Cang's hands, so you must surely know the Xiao family's situation."

"Seeking out the White Tiger Guard is nothing more than for the sake of the Xiao family, is it not?"

"The Peacock King's banner of the Vashistha Kingdom, or those scurrilous wretches of Shu Province?"

Seeing that he had guessed the rough outline in a few sentences, Chen Yi secretly admired his elder brother's exceptional intellect while replying:

"There is no need for Chancellor Chen to trouble his mind."

"I have only come to deliver the items to you; how they are handled is entirely up to you."

"Since these things have reached this young master's hands, it is naturally for this young master to decide, only..."

"If this young master were to set a fire and burn these things to ashes, how would you respond, Brother Liu?"

"It has nothing to do with me."

The one who should have a headache was the White Tiger Guard.

Thinking this, Chen Yi rose and cupped his hands, saying, "The delivery is made, I shall take my leave first."

Chen Yunfan paused, but he did not stop him, merely waving his hand as a farewell.

Seeing this, Chen Yi turned and left cleanly.

Only Lin Zhong followed to see him out.

Only after confirming the man had gone far did he return.

"Young master, what he gave you..."

Before he could finish, Chen Yunfan said indifferently, "The fine things you hoped to see."

Lin Zhong roughly guessed what it was and dared not speak further.

Last time, he had brought Lyu Jiunan's corpse only to receive a harsh scolding from Chen Yunfan; at this moment, he naturally knew what kind of mood Chen Yunfan was in upon learning of the White Tiger Guard's machinations.

How quickly the time passed—just then, Chen Yunfan suddenly burst into laughter.

"It seems everyone's been waiting for me to climb up—oh, how delightful!"

"Then I shall fulfill your wishes!"

After his laughter faded, he turned to Lin Zhong. "Uncle Zhong, is Lü Ninenan's corpse still there?"

Lin Zhong felt a chill. "Yes, it is..."

"Bring it along—I'll take him to the magistrate for a reward!"

(End of Chapter)