Chapter 343: This Object Symbolizes the Deepest Longing (Requesting Monthly Tickets)

Chapter 343: This Thing Most Misses Each Other (Seeking Monthly Support)

It’s no wonder Pei Mu Lu’s mood was sour.

Anyone who saw someone who had only recently begun practicing stacking techniques and noticed the visible progress in their cultivation would inevitably feel discouraged.

Pei Mu Lu sighed at length, saying, “Liu Er’s younger sister actually managed to cultivate her meridians and refine her bones, flesh, and skin in less than a quarter of an hour.”

She looked at Chen Ye and smirked, “Brother-in-law, didn’t you already know she’s a prodigy in martial arts?”

Chen Ye nodded, “Liu Er is indeed exceptional.”

But he didn’t expect Yuan Liu Er’s stacking technique practice to take such a short time.

Even when he initially practiced the large spear stacking technique, it took him almost half an hour to get a basic grasp.

Thus, one can see how exceptional Yuan Liu Er’s martial arts talent is.

Pei Mu Lu, still dejected, crossed her arms with an air of old age, sighed, and said, “Talent like hers is bound to emerge in the world. The old wave will inevitably be crushed by the new.”

Chen Ye smiled and patted her head, telling her to hold her sigh.

“Earlier this afternoon, you were determined to cultivate diligently and break through to the seventh grade soon. Why are you letting off steam now?”

“Instead of these useless things, go back and cultivate earnestly. Perhaps in a few days, your cultivation will make progress.”

Pei Mu Lu rubbed her head, pouting, “It’s all your fault…”

She knew Chen Ye wouldn’t take on a disciple without reason, and that he had taken that someone else, Ma Liang, as his disciple.

It was all because of Yuan Liu Er’s extraordinary talent.

Fortunately, Pei Mu Lu had a broad heart and soon cast aside those feelings of gloom, blinking twice, and said,

“Brother-in-law, after the annual exam, aren’t you going to personally teach Liu Er?”

Chen Ye glanced around and slightly nodded, “Her literary and martial arts talents are equally good.”

Pei Mu Lu knew he was avoiding the topic, but didn’t mind, and chuckled,

“Then bring me along, okay?”

“You?”

“Certainly.”

Chen Ye saw she was serious, thought for a moment, and nodded, saying, “Your handwriting is a bit lacking. We’ll work on it together when we’re with Liu Er.”

Pei Mu Lu was about to nod in joy when she suddenly realized, “You… Brother-in-law, you mean besides…”

She mimed two hand movements for fists and a writing gesture, saying, “Me too?”

Chen Ye glanced sideways at her, “What do you think?”

Pei Mu Lu’s face fell, “I hate reading the most… Can we skip it?”

“What do you think?”

“Of course not… Oh well, I’ll write then.”

“Alright…”

The two of them laughed and chatted all the way back to the Xiao family’s residence.

The lingering sunlight of the setting sun, the evening glow like a dreamy haze, cast long shadows.

Though passersby hurried along the road, many couldn’t help but glance sideways at the two.

The former [Chen Ye] had a great reputation in the city of Shouzhou.

Not only scholars knew him, but even the common folk had heard of “Master Qingzhou’s” name.

There was still the tale of the storyteller who performed “Song of the River Solitary Looking Up” in teahouses and brothels, winning poetry contests.

And after Chen Ye’s poetry and literary and martial arts spread across the nine prefectures and three commanderies, people occasionally came to Shouzhou, bringing some external rumors.

A certain great scholar deemed “Song of the River Solitary Looking Up: When Is the Bright Moon?” as the finest moonlit song of all time, and few could surpass it in later generations.

Or perhaps a calligraphy master had the fortune to see Chen Ye’s running script calligraphy, leaving others in awe, and diligently imitating his work.

Even in Kyoto Prefecture, there were whispers that “Chen Qingzhou’s running script was complete, and in the realm of literature and martial arts, it was no less than the ancients who passed down teachings.”

The one who said this was none other than Wei Chi and Wei Ci Xin, two sages of literature and martial arts in the Dali Dynasty.

He not only came from the imperial family but was also the dean of the Kyoto Prefecture Academy.

Thus, “Chen Qingzhou’s” name became well-known, especially among scholars who loved literature and martial arts.

It’s not hard to understand.

Having completed running script opened the way for Dali, allowing more people intoxicated with literature and martial arts to try their own paths, not limited to Wei Qing’s style.

As for Pei Mu Lu…

The mountain-clan maiden walked a unique path, her attire and actions easily drawing outsiders’ attention.

Of course, the people of Shouzhou generally feared the mountain-clan people.

Not surprising.

Those who practiced witchcraft and venom—everyone feared them.

Not long after.

Chen Ye and Pei Mu Lu returned to the Xiao family’s residence, their steps subdued, quietly passing through the front courtyard.

Upon entering the inner courtyard, Chen Ye saw those armored soldiers stationed outside the Pure Mansion, and muttered to himself that something must have happened.

No wonder he didn’t see Wang Li Xing or Liu Si Er and others in the front courtyard.

Wang Li Xing saw them and bowed, “Second Uncle, Pei Miss.”

Chen Ye greeted him warmly and casually asked, “Have visitors come to the mansion?”

Wang Li Xing felt there was no need to conceal, and whispered, “Prince Qian Guo brought people to deliver grain to the Duke.”

Prince Qian Guo, Zhang Xuan, that shameless one?

Chen Ye nodded knowingly and smiled, “No wonder there was such a grand display here.”

He had thought it was Xiao Jing Hong returning home after hearing the imperial decree, but didn’t expect Zhang Xuan to come personally.

They chatted for a while.

Chen Ye took Pei Mu Lu back to the Spring Lotus Garden.

Xiao Biao was chatting with Xiao Wu Ge, who had changed into fresh clothes, under the pavilion.

Pei Mu Lu’s eyes sparkled, her bare feet tapping on the stone pavement, and she called out, “Show me the technique.”

A bell chimed.

Xiao Wu Ge turned around at the sound and saw a pink fist expanding in front of him, quickly ducking and dodging.

Pei Mu Lu was somewhat surprised, even though she held back nine-tenths of her strength, her speed was still much higher than that of a ninth-grade disciple.

“Xiao Wu Ge, your martial arts progress is quite fast, though not as fast as that of a certain demon.”

Xiao Wu Ge finally recognized her and his tense expression turned to joy, “Pei Nü, you’re back!”

Pei Milu stood with one hand on her hip, her other hand playfully tapping his forehead as she chuckled. "If you don't come back soon, little Wu Ge's martial arts will surpass your sister's."

"Heh, not at all—"

Before she could finish, Chen Yi strode up from the pavilion, jabbing his finger at Pei Milu. "If you don't try harder, Wu Ge's cultivation might actually outshine yours."

Pei Milu's smile never wavered. "But there's your brother-in-law here. He won't let that happen, won't he?"

Chen Yi thought to himself, *Well, I suppose I won't go provoking the tigress again. I'll have Xiao Duo prepare dinner.*

Xiao Duo nodded with a smile and hurried toward the kitchen.

Meanwhile, Xiao Wu Ge approached Chen Yi as usual, tugging his sleeve. "Come on, let's play Go."

Chen Yi agreed without hesitation.

The board was set, and they took turns placing stones.

From the pavilion railing, Pei Milu leaned forward, hands braced against the wood, her pale feet swaying as she whispered schemes to Xiao Wu Ge.

"Place it there, place it there... Oh my, little Wu Ge, you've gone astray. You should listen to me—"

Xiao Wu Ge paid her no heed, continuing to follow the board's flow while glancing back. "Pei Sister, don't meddle in my game."

Since the time she'd convinced him to follow her advice and he'd been cornered and slaughtered five stones in a single breath, he'd never again trusted her judgment.

No use.

Those few moves had cost him dearly—Chen Yi had trapped him in the corner and claimed five points in one swift motion.

Pei Milu merely rolled her eyes, continuing her indifferent pointing and gesturing.

Xiao Wu Ge focused entirely on the game, occasionally chatting with Chen Yi.

"Brother, Master Zhang is visiting the manor. Do you know?"

Chen Yi placed a stone at random, nodding nonchalantly. "Heard he's coming."

"When I went to visit Qingxiang Palace, Master Zhang and Grandfather were drinking. They left six wine jars behind." "Brother, is the wine good?"

"Not particularly..."

Thinking of the afternoon he'd bumped into Ye Luanxian, Chen Yi's face darkened.

Though Ye Luanxian's leverage over him—using his hidden identity—had forced his compliance, his reasons for agreeing went deeper.

First, the White Immortal was Master Zhang Hong's senior. By assenting, he hoped to later inform Zhang Hong, who might then seek favor from that venerable elder.

Second, he'd secured Ye Luanxian's promise.

Both were wins, a double-edged sword.

Still, Ye Luanxian was a peculiar fellow, never one for smooth talk. When he asked for help, he'd left without paying for the wine.

Both his character and his hospitality were subpar.

Before long, the game concluded.

Xiao Duo had prepared the meal, and the group gathered around the table to eat—when Xiao Wan'er arrived with her entourage.

"Brother-in-law, tomorrow you're attending the imperial examination. It'll take a day and a half, so I've had some light snacks prepared for you to take to the venue."

Chen Yi smiled and nodded, rising to greet her.

Xiao Wan'er gestured for Shen Huaotan and the others to set down the snacks, while Pei Milu offered a polite nod and sipped her tea.

She'd already eaten dinner at Xiaoxing Yard earlier, waiting until the agreed time to return. Not for any other reason—she simply wanted to offer Chen Yi some encouragement before the examination.

Of course, she knew his abilities well enough that her words were unnecessary.

After their casual chat, Xiao Wan'er shifted the topic.

"Afternoon, Sister Xiao, a messenger from the Cui family arrived, saying their physicians have reached Shu Zhou. They're asking when the examination will be held."

Her delicate eyes met Chen Yi's, slightly embarrassed. "I'm unsure which location to choose."

Chen Yi had already prepared for this. He instructed Xiao Duo to fetch his written plans from the study.

"When the time comes, the eldest sister needn't appear in person. I'll have Ma Liang handle the arrangements."

"That... works. Though I'd prefer to be present myself. Ma Physician can oversee it."

"I'll accompany you..."

Xiao Wan'er met his gaze, tilting her head slightly. Relief and warmth warmed her heart.

Though she'd invested much in the Medical Academy, she knew her limitations—she could establish it, finalize the plans, and recruit students, but the medical aspects were beyond her grasp.

Fortunately, Chen Yi's support eased her worries.

Chen Yi, aware of Xiao Wan'er's shortcomings in medicine, had no intention of remaining entirely detached. At minimum, he'd ensure the Medical Academy proceeded properly.

After dinner.

Xiao Wu Ge and Pei Milu washed up in turn.

Chen Yi escorted Xiao Wan'er back to Xiaoxing Yard.

The moon hung low, stars scattered across the sky like scattered ink on a dark mirror, smooth and unblemished.

A cool breeze swept through, and Xiao Wan'er smoothed her sleeves, her eyes lowered, unwilling to meet Chen Yi's gaze.

Behind them, Shen Huaotan, Juan'er, and Cuier lingered.

As always, Chen Yi remained the same.

Not long before they reached the gate of Xiaoxing Yard.

Xiao Wan'er paused, then looked up at Chen Yi, her voice soft but earnest. "Tomorrow, arrive at the examination site before noon. Don't be late."

Chen Yi bowed slightly. "I won't."

"The eldest sister and wife have reminded me countless times—I can't afford to be careless."

"Mm, I know. If you're staying in the manor, I needn't say anything."

Chen Yi guessed her meaning, falling silent with a rueful smile. "The mistress surely has words of advice, though she probably won't ask the kitchen staff to prepare snacks for me."

Given Xiao Zhang Hong's nature, his concern for his examination was more than enough. The finer details would likely be left to others.

Xiao Wan'er clearly understood, her expression softening as she playfully scolded. "The second sister handles military affairs—she can't attend to such trivial matters."

"I've been staying here all along. Preparing meals for you is only right."

His voice was barely a whisper.

Chen Yi smiled, catching sight of Shen Huaotan's displeased expression. He offered a formal bow.

The daylight was still early; you should rest sooner rather than later.

Xiao Wan'er blinked, realizing her recent lapse in composure, and nodded faintly with forced calm:

“Tomorrow at dawn, I must go to Tingyu Pavilion. It would be an inconvenience to escort your brother-in-law to the exam venue. You—you must mind your own affairs, lest you miss the appointed time.”

She paused, then added: “My younger sister has been away for several days now. I intend to write her a letter tomorrow, informing her of matters at home.”

Chen Yi nodded knowingly: “I’ve already drafted it tonight. Tomorrow morning, Xiao Di will deliver it to you.”

“Good…”

Chen Yi watched Xiao Wan'er disappear in the distance, then turned back toward the wooden pavilion, bypassing the chambers and heading straight for the study.

The candles flickered to life. He poured water to rinse his brush, spread a sheet of cypress paper, and settled at the desk.

He lifted the wolf-hair brush, pondering what to write to Xiao Jinghong.

It had been about five days since Liu Hong’s death.

Xiao Jinghong had left roughly five days ago.

She was likely no longer in Wuyan City but had arrived at some military garrison, overseeing the newly raised forces at distant posts.

One reason was to guard against the emperor blaming Xiao Laotai for Liu Hong’s incident; another, to prepare for Chen Xuanji’s southward journey to inspect the three garrisons in Shuzhou.

Upon reflection, Chen Yi knew precisely what to write.

[Xiao Jinghong’s personal letter, words that feel like a face-to-face meeting.]

[How time flies—fifteen autumns have passed since we last met… quite unbearable.]

[Regarding the imperial examinations, it’s merely a formality. I shall do my utmost; you need not worry. Military affairs must take precedence.]

[Thus, I offer this letter to express my sentiments.]

[“Red beans grow in southern lands, sprouting a few branches with spring’s arrival. May you gather many blossoms—this is the most fitting symbol of longing.”]

After finishing, Chen Yi dried the ink, planning to have Xiao Di send a few red beans with the letter the next morning.

In this way, his sentiment was fully conveyed.

Chen Yi folded the cypress paper, sealed it with wax, and rose, stretching lazily.

He gazed at the full moon outside the window, his mood quite at ease.

“When the Hou family is peaceful for a while, I’ll find some relief myself.”

“Though I wonder how she fares on her end…”

…

Xuanjia Military Garrison.

Though it was deep into the night, the courtyard remained brightly lit.

Xiao Jinghong, clad in soft armor, stood at the forefront, watching the orderly ranks below.

Beside him stood a horseman in heavy armor.

Her expression was even more solemn, gripping a helmet and chestplate in one hand, a cavalry saber in the other. She bellowed loudly:

“After three years of polishing, it’s time to test your mettle!”

“March!”

The trumpets sounded, and tens of thousands of Xuanjia troops surged forth in a disordered retreat.

The horseman looked at them galloping away, then approached Xiao Jinghong, his demeanor softened:

“General, would you like to accompany them?”

Xiao Jinghong gazed at the troops disappearing into the distance and said, “Keep watch over them. I must visit the two garrisons—Ironwall and Wild Wolf.”

She turned to the horseman, “Remember, if you encounter a large barbarian army, return immediately.”

“Yes…”

As the horseman departed on orders, Xiao Jinghong was about to return to the encampment when a voice, slightly aged, called out:

“If you have leisure, perhaps you’d like to speak with me…”

(End of Chapter)