Chapter 329: Brilliant as the Galaxy! (Requesting Monthly Tickets)

Chapter 329: Brilliant as the Starry Sky! (Please vote for the moon ticket)

The matter of great significance that Chen Yunfan spoke of was none other than the return of Chen Yuanji to the main kingdom of Dawei.

"A few days ago, father had been traveling day and night to return to the Kyoto Prefecture. On the very day of his arrival, the Emperor bestowed upon him the title of Commander of the Guards, appointing him to oversee all military affairs and the logistics of arms across the realm."

"Commander of the Guards?"

In these days, Chen Yi had been reading extensively, gaining a deeper understanding of the workings of the court.

The Nine Ministers each held distinct portfolios: the Minister of Heaven oversaw the appointments and removals of officials, as well as the examination of merits. The Minister of Earth managed the state treasury, handling salt, iron, and tax collection. The Minister of Rites dealt with civil examinations, rituals, ceremonies, academic policies, the Imperial Academy, and the Temple of Hermit Confucius. The Minister of War, as the paramount military official, commanded the promotions of military officers and the distribution of arms, with subordinates including the Armory Office and the Courier Office. The Minister of Justice supervised the judicial system, with branches like the Ministry of Punishment and the Ministry of Prisons. The Minister of Works oversaw construction, the Minister of Public Works governed provincial inspection commissioners, the Minister of Strategy maintained the Astronomical Bureau to divine celestial patterns for state policy, and the Minister of Ceremonies managed imperial affairs...

The Nine Ministers operated independently, each in their own domain, all holding the highest rank. Beyond them were the noble dukes, military heroes, kings, and other aristocrats, as well as the four departments of the Privy Council—the White Tiger Guard being one of them.

Chen Yunfan nodded, pulling a letter from his sleeve. "Mother has written to me. Would you like to read it?"

Chen Yi noticed his smile, recognizing the probing question. He chuckled and shook his head. "I won't read the letter addressed to my elder brother."

Earlier, when Lin Zhong had been testing him, Chen Yunfan had also been testing him. Did he want to know how he felt about the Chen family's parents, Chen Yuanji and Chen Yu?

Hmph. Who would show any obvious emotion toward a stranger?

Chen Yunfan paused, then smiled and scolded him, "Mother didn't say much in the letter, only cautioned me to be careful in Shu Province."

Chen Yi nodded in agreement. "That's only natural."

"Besides that, there's another matter. Want to guess what it is?"

"Just tell me directly, elder brother."

"Not interesting."

Chen Yunfan folded the letter, ending the suspense. "Since father became Commander of the Guards, by convention he will first inspect the border garrisons of the nine provinces."

"Which means he'll be arriving in Shu Province soon."

Chen Yi raised an eyebrow, his hand trembling slightly as he lifted the tea cup. "Father... is coming to Shu Province?"

Chen Yunfan lifted his head, grinning. "Just now you saw it, but you didn't read it. Now you regret it, don't you?"

When Chen Yi took a sip of tea without showing any change in expression, Chen Yunfan sighed, finding the moment tedious. "Shu Province is a key gateway to the south of the Dawei realm, and the three garrisons of the Distant Army are among the most important strongholds. Both for public and private reasons, father should come here to assess the situation."

"And besides... it's where you and I are."

As Chen Yi wandered through his thoughts, he replied calmly, "It has little to do with us."

"How? After marrying into the Xiao family, you intend to cut all ties with your birth family?"

"According to our customs, when a man marries in, his family typically removes him from the clan genealogy."

"Even if that's not the case, you'll be considered an 'outsider,' your descendants having no connection to the Chen family."

Upon hearing this, Chen Yunfan and Lin Zhong exchanged a glance, falling into silence.

Chen Yi looked at their expressions, set down his tea cup, and smiled lightly. "If you have something to say, elder brother, just say it plainly."

"Is it about something your family instructed you to do?"

Realizing he couldn't hide it, Chen Yunfan sighed, shaking his head. "Mother asked me to have you both meet father, to see if he needs us to serve him personally."

"Serve him?"

Chen Yi laughed hollowly. "Father is one of the Nine Ministers of Dawei. How could he possibly need me to serve him?"

Chen Yunfan opened his mouth but stopped.

Lin Zhong stood, bowing respectfully. "Your Highness Yi, there's no need to be so presumptuous."

"Now you're a renowned scholar and poet, the so-called 'Light Boat First Gentleman.' I do hope to see you in person."

Chen Yi glanced at him, then turned away, signaling Xiao Diao to pour tea.

Of course, he was aware of the nuances.

When Chen Yuanji had previously responded to Chen Yunfan, he had also sent him a letter, stating that he had already disciplined Chen Yu.

The letter conveyed utmost care and concern.

Yet Chen Yi, though not unfriendly toward the people of the Chen family in Jiangnan Prefecture, had developed a certain wariness. Especially now that he knew Chen Yuanji had assumed the role of Commander of the Guards, his suspicions had grown stronger.

—He and Chen Yunfan were both under the watch of the White Tiger Guard. The Chen family in Jiangnan Prefecture were likely in the know, at least Chen Yuanji and Chen Yuan himself.

Chen Yi even doubted whether his own uncle Chen Yuanji had orchestrated his marriage to Xiao Honghong, rather than his parents, Chen Yu and Chen Yuan.

Otherwise, with his abilities at the time, securing a royal title or a government post would not have been difficult.

There was another point of uncertainty.

When Chen Yuanji left, and Chen Yi was imprisoned by Chen Yu, none of the elder statesmen of the Chen family appeared.

This contradicted his memories and defied reason.

Thinking this through, Chen Yi made a decision.

"If father is coming, then by duty and reason, I should go to greet him."

Upon hearing this, Chen Yunfan's face lit up again, teasing, "You've been holding back, little brother. I thought you wouldn't want to meet father."

Chen Yi glanced at Lin Zhong, who had returned to his seat, and smiled faintly.

"Meeting him won't hurt. I want him to see how well I'm living in the Xiao household. I'm sure he'll be pleased."

If this was indeed Chen Yuanji's plan, then after spending most of the year idly in the Xiao household, he had likely strayed from his original intentions.

But what did it matter to him?

He was merely a son-in-law in the Xiao family, the husband of Xiao Honghong, a mere tutor. Nothing more.

If the Chen family sought to use him to infiltrate the Xiao family—how absurd!

Chen Yunfan, unaware of the intricate schemes, took a sip of tea to soothe his throat.

"I haven't seen father in a long time. I wonder if his temper has improved somewhat."

"Are you afraid, little brother?"

"Afraid? You must be joking, little brother."

For the sake of the family, to be the top scorer, to serve as Vice Premier of the Board of Punishments, to be the exemplar for all scholars under heaven—when my father sees me, he will certainly praise me.

Chen Yitou nodded, his voice tinged with slight doubt: "Elder brother, do you know what father will praise you for?"

"Of course, to be the top scorer in the family…"

Chen Yunfan paused, a sudden image flashing through his mind—the absurdities he had committed in Shuzhou these past days—his heart tightened for reasons he could not name.

Yet, he forced himself to persist, his words growing stiffer: "...I have surpassed others in learning, and in governance and benevolence... ah, in any case, this time my father will certainly not scold me."

It was probably hopeless.

All the affairs of state were being handled by Chunqing, and he had contributed little.

His few outings had even resulted in mistakes.

And now, this...

Chen Yunfan seemed to think of something, his expression brightening once more, resolute: "Yite, if you don’t believe me, why don’t we make a wager?"

Chen Yitou glanced at his brother’s smile and shook his head without a second thought.

Chen Yunfan’s face darkened. "You’re afraid of me?"

"Yes, I’m afraid."

"Afraid of me? Huh?"

"Yite, you truly are... truly..."

Chen Yunfan’s hand twitched toward his fist.

Chen Yitou paid him no mind, lifting his tea cup to his lips.

From what he knew of Chen Yitou, if there were no solid reason, the latter would not have stuck out his tongue so far.

It must be that the clues from the White Tiger Guard have borne fruit.

Zhua Hao had been caught?

If so, the mistress would return to the manor tomorrow.

Chen Yunfan noticed Chen Yitou’s silence and grew restless, especially as he thought of the secrets his brother had kept—his hidden identity and the deeds that had come with it—nearly forcing a hug upon him.

After holding it in for a long while, he finally drew a deep breath, forcing a smile: "The exams are near, Yite, how prepared are you?"

Chen Yitou replied at random: "Falling short of the best, but surpassing the worst."

"Oh? You don’t intend to take the first rank?"

"No need..."

Chen Yunfan found him utterly unremarkable. Meanwhile, Lin Zhong had listened with the utmost care, his eyes darting between the two brothers.

He understood the meaning behind Chunqing’s earlier words—that the young master felt differently toward Yite.

It seemed like brotherly affection and fraternal respect.

Though, from his appearance, Lin Zhong gathered that Yite still bore a grudge over his marriage into the Xiao family.

On that count, Lin Zhong could offer no consolation, merely noting it silently to pass the news back to the Chen family.

A bit of idle chat.

Chen Yunfan’s good mood had all but vanished, his chest tight with anticipation, waiting to see if his sword path would reach perfection—and then settle the score with Chen Yitou properly.

Chen Yitou, unaware of his thoughts, perhaps wouldn’t even care much.

Now, his own two perfect paths, several fully matured, his cultivation rivaled Chen Yunfan’s—he need not fear.

As the daylight waned, Chen Yitou ordered Little Butterfly to inquire about the noon meal at Chao Xing Yard.

After the girl left, Chen Yitou invited Chen Yitou and Lin Zhong to the study to sit and talk.

Lin Zhong declined, saying a mere martial artist need not come.

Chen Yitou went to the study alone with Chen Yitou.

Chen Yunfan immediately spotted the calligraphy scroll of *Drinking Bai Jue Under the Moon* hanging behind the desk, and the illusionary palace beneath the beam—he leaned forward to inspect it.

"Is this the fairy palace that appeared by the pond that night under the moon?"

Before Chen Yitou could answer, Chen Yunfan took down the scroll.

He examined the cursive script with one hand, and watched the strange scene of the illusionary palace with the other, admiring it with a "tch":

"Your brother truly excels in literature and martial arts. No wonder the Hundred Grass Studio flourished after receiving your calligraphy."

"Chunqing told me a few times, but I never went to see. Today..."

Before he could finish, Chen Yunfan’s eyes flickered, and he immediately rolled up the scroll and tucked it into his sleeve.

The illusionary palace vanished.

Chen Yunfan smiled at Chen Yitou, "I’ll take this scroll back to study it—would you mind?"

Chen Yitou glared at him slyly: "You’re just taking advantage of a favor."

He had already folded and hidden it, and asked what use he had for it.

Though Chen Yitou didn’t mind a scroll of calligraphy. With his martial and literary prowess, he could easily compose dozens, even hundreds of such scrolls.

Chen Yunfan’s mood brightened, and after inspecting the room, his gaze settled on several paintings on the opposite wall—grand landscapes of mountains, rivers, seas, and oceans, shining like the stars, clearly painted by one who had entered the Dao.

But these were secondary. His eyes were drawn to the inscriptions in the lower corners of those paintings—Chen Yitou, Chen Qianzhou.

Painting Dao? A minor achievement?

Chen Yunfan’s good mood evaporated instantly.

Damn it, Yite has entered the Dao of painting?

Literature, painting, medicine, martial arts, gun, fist, step—six paths in all, just from what Chen Yunfan knew.

Is he human?

Chen Yunfan racked his brains in secret, but on the surface asked calmly: "Yite, your painting has achieved something too?"

Chen Yitou saw through his gaze and shrugged it off: "Literature and painting are not difficult to connect."

A ghost!

Though the two paths were indeed connected, Chen Yunfan had never heard of many scholars who had achieved both.

Yet he didn’t show it, instead pointing to an ancient zither in the corner: "How skilled are you at the zither?"

"I play it rarely, so my achievement is limited."

"Is that so? What about Go?"

Chen Yitou smiled: "I usually play with Xiao Wuge, and my skill hasn’t improved much."

Chen Yunfan didn’t believe him, grabbed him to make a move.

For the sake of the family, to be the top scorer, to serve as Vice Premier of the Board of Punishments, to be the exemplar for all scholars under heaven—when my father sees me, he will certainly praise me.

Chen Yitou nodded, his voice tinged with slight doubt: "Elder brother, do you know what father will praise you for?"

"Of course, to be the top scorer in the family…"

Chen Yunfan paused, a sudden image flashing through his mind—the absurdities he had committed in Shuzhou these past days—his heart tightened for reasons he could not name.

Yet, he forced himself to persist, his words growing stiffer: "...I have surpassed others in learning, and in governance and benevolence... ah, in any case, this time my father will certainly not scold me."

It was probably hopeless.

All the affairs of state were being handled by Chunqing, and he had contributed little.

His few outings had even resulted in mistakes.

And now, this...

Chen Yunfan seemed to think of something, his expression brightening once more, resolute: "Yite, if you don’t believe me, why don’t we make a wager?"

Chen Yitou glanced at his brother’s smile and shook his head without a second thought.

Chen Yunfan’s face darkened. "You’re afraid of me?"

"Yes, I’m afraid."

"Afraid of me? Huh?"

"Yite, you truly are... truly..."

Chen Yunfan’s hand twitched toward his fist.

Chen Yitou paid him no mind, lifting his tea cup to his lips.

From what he knew of Chen Yitou, if there were no solid reason, the latter would not have stuck out his tongue so far.

It must be that the clues from the White Tiger Guard have borne fruit.

Zhua Hao had been caught?

If so, the mistress would return to the manor tomorrow.

Chen Yunfan noticed Chen Yitou’s silence and grew restless, especially as he thought of the secrets his brother had kept—his hidden identity and the deeds that had come with it—nearly forcing a hug upon him.

After holding it in for a long while, he finally drew a deep breath, forcing a smile: "The exams are near, Yite, how prepared are you?"

Chen Yitou replied at random: "Falling short of the best, but surpassing the worst."

"Oh? You don’t intend to take the first rank?"

"No need..."

Chen Yunfan found him utterly unremarkable. Meanwhile, Lin Zhong had listened with the utmost care, his eyes darting between the two brothers.

He understood the meaning behind Chunqing’s earlier words—that the young master felt differently toward Yite.

It seemed like brotherly affection and fraternal respect.

Though, from his appearance, Lin Zhong gathered that Yite still bore a grudge over his marriage into the Xiao family.

On that count, Lin Zhong could offer no consolation, merely noting it silently to pass the news back to the Chen family.

A bit of idle chat.

Chen Yunfan’s good mood had all but vanished, his chest tight with anticipation, waiting to see if his sword path would reach perfection—and then settle the score with Chen Yitou properly.

Chen Yitou, unaware of his thoughts, perhaps wouldn’t even care much.

Now, his own two perfect paths, several fully matured, his cultivation rivaled Chen Yunfan’s—he need not fear.

As the daylight waned, Chen Yitou ordered Little Butterfly to inquire about the noon meal at Chao Xing Yard.

After the girl left, Chen Yitou invited Chen Yitou and Lin Zhong to the study to sit and talk.

Lin Zhong declined, saying a mere martial artist need not come.

Chen Yitou went to the study alone with Chen Yitou.

Chen Yunfan immediately spotted the calligraphy scroll of *Drinking Bai Jue Under the Moon* hanging behind the desk, and the illusionary palace beneath the beam—he leaned forward to inspect it.

"Is this the fairy palace that appeared by the pond that night under the moon?"

Before Chen Yitou could answer, Chen Yunfan took down the scroll.

He examined the cursive script with one hand, and watched the strange scene of the illusionary palace with the other, admiring it with a "tch":

"Your brother truly excels in literature and martial arts. No wonder the Hundred Grass Studio flourished after receiving your calligraphy."

"Chunqing told me a few times, but I never went to see. Today..."

Before he could finish, Chen Yunfan’s eyes flickered, and he immediately rolled up the scroll and tucked it into his sleeve.

The illusionary palace vanished.

Chen Yunfan smiled at Chen Yitou, "I’ll take this scroll back to study it—would you mind?"

Chen Yitou glared at him slyly: "You’re just taking advantage of a favor."

He had already folded and hidden it, and asked what use he had for it.

Though Chen Yitou didn’t mind a scroll of calligraphy. With his martial and literary prowess, he could easily compose dozens, even hundreds of such scrolls.

Chen Yunfan’s mood brightened, and after inspecting the room, his gaze settled on several paintings on the opposite wall—grand landscapes of mountains, rivers, seas, and oceans, shining like the stars, clearly painted by one who had entered the Dao.

But these were secondary. His eyes were drawn to the inscriptions in the lower corners of those paintings—Chen Yitou, Chen Qianzhou.

Painting Dao? A minor achievement?

Chen Yunfan’s good mood evaporated instantly.

Damn it, Yite has entered the Dao of painting?

Literature, painting, medicine, martial arts, gun, fist, step—six paths in all, just from what Chen Yunfan knew.

Is he human?

Chen Yunfan racked his brains in secret, but on the surface asked calmly: "Yite, your painting has achieved something too?"

Chen Yitou saw through his gaze and shrugged it off: "Literature and painting are not difficult to connect."

A ghost!

Though the two paths were indeed connected, Chen Yunfan had never heard of many scholars who had achieved both.

Yet he didn’t show it, instead pointing to an ancient zither in the corner: "How skilled are you at the zither?"

"I play it rarely, so my achievement is limited."

"Is that so? What about Go?"

Chen Yitou smiled: "I usually play with Xiao Wuge, and my skill hasn’t improved much."

Chen Yunfan didn’t believe him, grabbed him to make a move.

Chen Yi shrugged off his excuses and challenged him to a game.

Of course, he couldn't possibly play at full strength. To be precise, he didn't even manage to exert a fraction of his chess ability.

Even so, after a dozen moves, Chen Yunfan still conceded.

"Shall we play another round?"

"Yi, how could you play here?"

"Not really... just a casual game."

As the game progressed, Chen Yunfan's face flushed and paled, clutching a black stone hesitantly.

"Yi, your chess skills... are they cultivated?"

Even if he weren't skilled in strategy, his martial prowess still surpassed other scholars.

Yet no matter how brilliant his moves, he would inevitably lose by two points.

Not too many, not too few—two points.

One or two mistakes were acceptable, but every time it was the same outcome.

Chen Yunfan, even if he were foolish, knew Chen Yi hadn't given his all.

Chen Yi smiled and shook his head, tossing the stone aside: "Chess strength isn't the same as chess skill—it's... here."

He pointed to his mind: "Right here."

"Over there, that...?"

Chen Yunfan caught on, his face darkening, cursing under his breath: "Older brother, I'll make you see the true might of our family!"

Chen Yi gathered his pieces and board, rising with a smile: "Brother, lunch is ready."

Earlier, Xiao Bao had reported that Xiao Wan'er had prepared lunch at Jiaxing Yard, inviting them to join her.

Chen Yunfan puffed out his chest in indignation, muttering to himself about the virtues of music, chess, books, calligraphy, martial arts, medicine, and other pursuits—not to mention his own grievances, which inevitably made him feel a bit resentful.

Though his sword technique had taken a step toward the pinnacle, he was still some time away from true completion.

Compared to Chen Yi, this realm was like clouds and mist.

Thinking this, Chen Yunfan couldn't help but feel a twinge of dissatisfaction: "Yi, if Father knew of your achievements now, he'd surely be proud."

Chen Yi merely nodded, neither confirming nor denying, and led him out of the study, greeting Lin Zhong, and stepping under his oil umbrella toward Jiaxing Yard.

Chen Yunfan let Lin Zhong hold the umbrella, trailing behind Chen Yi, chattering away.

"Yi, when you were at home, didn't someone guide you? It must have been so. Those uncles and elders in the clan must have taken you under their wing—how could they let Mother keep you imprisoned?"

Chen Yi feigned bewilderment, then chuckled: "Could it be that I was born with supreme talent?"

Chen Yunfan wanted to say otherwise, but thinking of the cultivation techniques Chen Yi had mastered, found himself speechless.

His thoughts were tangled with complexity.

After a moment of silence, upon reaching Jiaxing Yard, Chen Yunfan sighed in relief, then shifted the subject:

"Mother wrote that the fourth and sixth brothers have already set out. When they arrive, you and I will greet them together."

Fourth brother Chen He, sixth brother Chen Yu?

Chen Yi's feet barely stirred, glancing sideways at him with a smile: "Of course."

It was likely the idea of that great lady of the Chen family, hoping to let the brothers meet Chen Xuanji sooner.

"When will Father come to Shu?"

"I don't know the exact date, but he's sure to finish inspecting all the border garrisons before the New Year."

"Ah... I see."

Chen Yi silently noted this, then settled his spirit, joining Xiao Wan'er, Chen Yunfan, and Cui Qingwu for the meal.

At the table, they mostly discussed the medical academy and recent events in Shu, nothing particularly fresh.

Meanwhile, Lin Zhong, Xie Tingyun, and Shen Huatang were far more animated.

Perhaps because they all had martial arts backgrounds, their idle chatter revolved around recent happenings in the Jianghu.

Though most of the talk came from Lin Zhong; Xie Tingyun and Shen Huatang had stayed in the Xiao family for some time and knew little of the outside world.

"Have you heard? It's said that the Great White Sage has arrived in Shu. Some say they know the reason."

"Really? He came to Shu?"

"What was the reason?"

"They say... the Great White Sage..."

Lin Zhong feigned mystery: "He fought a match against a top-tier master in Shu."

"Wow!"

Xie Tingyun inhaled sharply, then his face brightened with excitement: "Is it true?"

"Not yet confirmed, but in the past few days, several high masters of the upper three ranks have already arrived in Shu—almost nine or ten out of ten."

(Chapter Complete)