Chapter 364: The Accomplished Comes First (Requesting Monthly Tickets)

Chapter 364: The One Who Achieves First (Seeking Monthly Votes)

A golden koi, a golden koi.

A harbinger of good fortune.

Yet, according to previous observations, the golden koi in the Spring Lotus Garden pond were merely auspicious omens for Xiao Wugou alone.

Others—Chen Yi, Sun Fu, and Zhang Qian—whenever they cast their lines, never caught anything.

Only when Xiao Wugou lowered his fishing hook could he draw in the golden koi.

As if upon being caught by him, these golden koi felt it a great honor.

And now, could Chen Yi truly catch one?

Chen Yi examined the golden koi he had cast back into the pond, noticing it lay motionless on the bottom as though emptied of its life. A thrill of excitement flickered through him, then subsided.

Could there be some connection here?

Xiao Wugou, auspiciousness, auspiciousness… renewal…

Chen Yi silently glanced at Xiao Wugou, his thoughts drifting to recent events.

Liu Hong had perished.

The Wei dynasty sought to launch an invasion.

Shuzhou had been secured.

Xiao Elder Patriarch moved ceaselessly.

The Xiao family…

Chen Yi withdrew his gaze, quietly musing: "The Xiao family's fortunes have turned for the better; their path now lies bright, so young Xiao Wugou has spared much hardship."

Ah, of course.

Old adage holds: when Heaven intends to bestow great destiny upon a people, it first hardens their hearts, strains their muscles, starves their bodies…

Because the Xiao family's circumstances had improved, Xiao Wugou need not endure such trials.

His fate had slightly diminished.

Chen Yi felt a quiet joy, having gone about resolving some crises for the Xiao family, yet in doing so, Xiao Wugou bore the burden instead.

He believed in the doctrine of fate.

In this world, Heaven and Earth possess spirits.

True energy, vital qi, and divine will can harmonize with the cosmos, wielding powers that shake the heavens and move the earth.

Though one cannot alter the very fabric of reality, for certain individuals, moving mountains and filling seas is not an impossible task.

Thus, there must exist those who carry vast destinies within them.

Such as Xiao Wugou, who bears some extraordinary sign; or Yuan Liu'er, whose innate talent soars beyond measure; or Xiao Jinghong, Shu He, and others of similar caliber.

Most who achieve monumental deeds differ markedly from the ordinary.

Yet, Chen Yi reflected further: "If I had not intervened earlier, the Xiao family might have escaped peril, dragging me into the calamity with them."

"Compared to that, Xiao Wugou losing some fate is a lesser loss."

Peace is preferable to hardship endured.

With this thought, Chen Yi's spirit steadied, and he sent word for Xiao Wugou to prepare their midday meal.

"The autumn sky is clear and crisp, perfect for hot pot. Bride, tell the kitchen staff to prepare it thoroughly—we'll feast grandly today."

Bride nodded eagerly, her smile bright, and dashed off toward the kitchen.

Pei Wanglu and Xiao Wugou remained at ease.

Only Yuan Liu'er seemed restless, watching Chen Yi as he hesitated to speak.

Chen Yi noticed her unease, and mused: "The Bureau of Life-saving Remedies has been quite busy lately. After lunch, you should go assist them."

Yuan Liu'er paused, then saw the hint in his gaze, realizing her little scheme had been seen through.

"I shall obey your command, Master."

"Indeed..."

Chen Yi knew that despite Yuan Liu'er's diligent cultivation of martial arts, she still favored the medical path, and it would be difficult to press her further.

A master opens the door; cultivation follows one's own path.

Each person has their destined course, especially those of extraordinary talent like Yuan Liu'er.

Interfering too much would not be fitting.

After lunch.

Yuan Liu'er bid him farewell and departed.

Chen Yi then sent Pei Wanglu to see her off, and arranged for someone to deliver a letter to the mountain people.

The Bai Caogang pressed into action, their primary concern the supply of medicinal herbs.

If the mountain folk were willing to help, the Bai Caogang branches across all prefectures and counties in Shu would no longer worry about tea and food supplies.

Beyond this, Chen Yi had another matter in mind. He pulled Pei Wanglu into the study and retrieved a sheet of cypress paper, inscribing:

"I have a question for you."

Pei Wanglu studied the characters, blinking her large eyes at him.

Chen Yi continued writing: "The assassin who killed Shuzhou's education official, Ma Shihan, was found dead in the mountain village's 'Smiling Valley Epilepsy' today."

Pei Wanglu blinked, then exclaimed in disbelief: "Impossible! That poison is a secret art passed down by the mountain people, known only to a handful."

"Do you know it?"

Pei Wanglu shook her head: "I don't. My Auntie says I must wait until I reach the third grade of middle cultivation before she'll teach it to me."

Chen Yi mused: "In that case, the one who used it must be from the mountain people."

But considering the situation, few among the mountain folk possess the secret art of the Smiling Valley Epilepsy.

Who could it be?

"Perhaps you should write a letter to your aunt, asking her to investigate."

Pei Wanglu nodded, taking up the brush to write.

When she finished, Chen Yi escorted her from the Spring Lotus Garden, reminding her:

"Do not startle the serpent by stepping on grass."

Pei Wanglu understood his meaning, patting her chest with resolve.

After the two departed, Chen Yi rested briefly, preparing to send someone for ink and paper to practice calligraphy, when Liu Si'er arrived with news.

"Brother-in-law, visitors have come to see you."

Chen Yi, speaking as he gestured for the guest to enter, also signaled Xiao Die to prepare tea.

The visitors were none other than his elder brother Chen Yunfan and Li Huigu.

Chen Yi rose, bowing politely as he smiled. "What wind has blown these honored guests to your doorstep?"

Li Huigu returned the bow.

Chen Yunfan, after a brief survey of him, spoke with a hint of bitterness: "Brother Yi, your days are truly enviable to your elder brother."

"By the mountains and water, brewing tea, fishing, playing chess, plucking strings—oh, compared to you, my work as governor and deputy feels rather dull."

Li Huigu nodded in agreement. "The little boat brother sits here leisurely, while my brother and I are busy from morning to night, man to man..."

Chen Yi, catching their playful jibe, guessed they were here to investigate Ma Shuhuan’s case and asked, "So, you’ve come to find me about something?"

He motioned for them to take their seats.

Xiao Die promptly brought the tea, placing each cup before the three of them, then withdrew to the wooden pavilion’s entrance, keeping watch toward the gathering.

Chen Yunfan took a hearty sip, then wiped his mouth and said, "Good tea."

He then looked at the others, set down his cup, and gestured. "The outside world is too noisy; I came to your quiet place to rest, so you two can chat."

Chen Yi glanced at Li Huigu. "You too?"

Li Huigu shook his head repeatedly, a bitter smile on his face. "I dare not shirk like Brother Yunfan; I came to see the little boat brother about some matter."

"Do tell."

"The questionnaire you sent to the examiners yesterday has been compiled by us. Yang Shifu asked me to inquire with you—he suggested you might revise it."

Chen Yi arched an eyebrow. "Revise it?"

The provincial exam, though less rigorous than the imperial ones, still tested a scholar’s diligence and learning. By regulation, any exam paper, regardless of damage, was graded sixth.

There were almost no exceptions.

Li Huigu nodded, then shook his head. "The incident was sudden, and it involved a major case. Yang Shifu, after much thought, decided the exam would remain unchanged, grading Ma Xuepeng’s paper as is."

After a pause, he spoke seriously to Chen Yi: "Because your exam paper was damaged by Ma Xuepeng, circumstances were unusual, and Yang Shifu made an exception."

Chen Yi nodded, though his thoughts quickened.

It wasn’t the exam’s circumstances that were unusual, but his own writing. He had refused to revise the paper, instead filling it entirely with "I wish to consider the people’s concerns, and long for peace." It had surely caught Yang Shifu’s attention.

At that moment, Chen Yi smiled and said, "There’s an old saying in the gambling houses south of the city: 'Buying and selling at a fixed price.' I’ve already written that article, so I won’t change a word."

Li Huigu’s face lit with a smile. "Brother Yunfan guessed right—you won’t rewrite it."

Chen Yunfan sipped his tea, glancing at him. "Huigu, now you believe it, don’t you?"

"Yi, this man usually seems indifferent to all matters, but when it comes to great causes, he’s the most perceptive."

And decisive.

Like that night under the Mid-Autumn Moon, slaughtering the Poison Sect. Like the rescue of the three towns’ grain supplies.

Chen Yunfan thought of these things, and a rumor he’d heard that morning surfaced in his mind, bringing him unease.

His sword technique was nearly ready to ascend to perfection, which he’d expected to achieve swiftly.

Yet Chen Yi now matched him in combat, even bested him.

Such cultivation and skill were no longer far behind those of the top three grades.

Meanwhile, he still labored to refine his craft, hoping to soon reach perfection.

Chen Yi looked at him, then shifted his gaze to Li Huigu, smiling. "Who’s overseeing the exam grading now? Has Ma Shuhuan died?"

Li Huigu’s smile widened. "The teacher."

Chen Yi was surprised. "Teacher Yu? He’s taken on this hot potato?"

"Not at all, sir."

"The teacher didn’t want to, but Yang Shifu personally came to him, urged him three times, and he could not refuse."

Li Huigu explained, adding, "Alongside the teacher are Guo Ying and Governor Cai Wenfu of Shu."

"They’ve already met at the exam site. Tomorrow, at the usual hour, they’ll post the results outside the governor’s office."

"The teacher’s worked hard."

Chen Yi understood the teacher was returning a favor. Earlier, Ma Shuhuan had manipulated Liu Hong to set a trap for the teacher, who’d escaped only through Yang Ye’s intervention. Now, accepting the exam’s oversight was only natural.

Before he could speak, Li Huigu continued: "The teacher praised the little boat brother’s article, exclaiming how clear-headed he was, how he grasped right and wrong, and how he embodied the ancient virtues of revering heaven and loving the people."

"He said he’d visit him tomorrow after returning to the academy to discuss matters further."

Chen Yi laughed hollowly, shaking his head. "The academy head has gone too far."

Chen Yunfan set down his cup, grimacing. "People who say such things aren’t just the teacher."

"Now, scholars across Shu are reciting your article, and only a few who wish for war to resume call you a woman’s man. The rest praise you."

Li Huigu nodded. "Brother Yunfan speaks truly."

"This time, regardless of Ma Xuepeng’s intentions, the five years of peace under the Wei dynasty are too brief for the people to endure war."

Chen Yunfan looked at him, half-smiling. "Huigu, you didn’t say that before."

Li Huigu sighed, bowing. "My knowledge is shallow; I pray the deputy governor will forgive me."

"Ha ha…"

Chen Yi paid them no mind, his thoughts turning to the northern campaigns and their impact.

Ma Shuhuan was merely a foot soldier, caught between opposing forces, dying as fate would have it.

Yet those behind him remained in Shu, surely with more schemes in store.

Thinking this, Chen Yi asked, "Has the investigation into Ma Xuepeng’s case concluded?"

Li Huigu hesitated, then looked at Chen Yunfan. "This matter is under the deputy governor’s purview—I don’t know…"

Chen Yunfan waved his hand toward Xiao Die, signaling her to pour tea, his voice languid as he said, "How is that? Naturally, nothing was found."

After a pause, he continued, "Not entirely."

"Yesterday, I accompanied the execution inspector to the homes of Ma Shuhuan and Xu Jisong, and we did uncover some details."

He turned to Chen Yi and asked, "Have you heard of Tiaoshou Beidi, younger brother?"

Chen Yi pretended not to know, shaking his head, "Does it sound like a poison?"

Chen Yunfan subtly rolled his eyes inwardly, but on his face, he explained, "Not a poison, surpassing even a poison."

"Tiaoshou Beidi is a unique folk poison of the mountain people; all the elders and children of Xu Jisong and Ma Shuhuan’s families perished from this poison."

Chen Yi’s expression showed a hint of surprise, "Mountain people?"

Last night, when he had visited Chunyu Lou, he had already heard of this matter.

For this reason, he had just specifically inquired with Pei Wengli.

"Indeed, the mountain people."

Chen Yunfan glanced at the courtyard and asked, "Yi, isn’t there a mountain girl living here? Where is she?"

Chen Yi replied, "She’s at the Jiushi Pharmacy."

He then proceeded to ask in detail about the circumstances of Ma Shuhuan’s death.

After learning that the execution inspector had found no leads, he, whether intentionally or not, reminded him:

"Ma Shuhuan’s death was suspicious; there must be hidden motives behind it."

"Perhaps it’s connected to this imperial examination."

Chen Yunfan’s expression flickered slightly, "Did you guess that, younger brother?"

Li Huizhou also showed surprise, "Because of the examination… Qingzhou Brother, you mean that questioning technique?"

"But, but that was merely a question, how could it possibly… how could it have caused his death?"

Chen Yi smiled and shook his head, "Just a guess, not to be taken seriously."

Chen Yunfan, however, found his speculation quite reasonable, "Your brother’s deduction has given my elder brother some ideas."

Saying this, he immediately rose and walked outside, "I’ll go to the execution inspector’s office right away; we’ll rest here later."

Li Huizhou and Chen Yi exchanged a glance, then rose and said, "I’ll return to report."

Chen Yi escorted him to the outside of Chunhe Garden, "The Governor’s Office is busy these days; if there’s ever a need, Huizhou Brother, you may send someone here."

Li Huizhou smiled but did not agree.

Though he had won the first prize in the current examinations, his knowledge and experience were far behind Chen Yi’s.

Moreover, as peers in age and status, the latter was more important; more importantly, one must treat each other with sincerity and courtesy.

He would never dare to rely on others.

After a bit of casual talk.

Just as Li Huizhou was about to leave, he thought of something and said, "I heard that the court has issued an edict; soon, the new deputy grand governor and deputy censor of the Provincial Administration Office and the Inspection Commission will arrive in Shuzhou."

Chen Yi was slightly surprised, "Oh? That quickly?"

Since Liu Hong’s death, less than ten days had passed, and the emperor had already chosen someone.

Thinking of this, Chen Yi’s heart stirred, then asked, "Who is it?"

Li Huizhou thought for a moment, then said, "I don’t know the exact names, but I heard one is a official from the Ministry of Rites, and the other was transferred from Jizhou."

Ministry of Rites, Jizhou…

Chen Yi nodded thoughtfully, "Thank you, Huizhou Brother, for the information. I must decline your offer."

"Qingzhou Brother, please stay a while…"

After Li Huizhou walked far away, Chen Yi lowered his gaze, turned back into Chunhe Garden, his brow furrowed.

"A person from Jizhou, hoping it’s not someone from the Jizhou merchant guild…"

(Chapter Complete)