Chapter 365: Befriend the Distant and Attack the Near (Requesting Monthly Tickets)

Chapter 365: Far Enemies, Near Enemies (Seeking Moon Tickets)

Chen Yi had encountered the Ji Zhou Merchant Guild's duplicity firsthand, their betrayal of righteousness for profit, and thus Chen Yi harbored deep suspicion toward them.

Old sayings held that money could grind ghosts, and the Ji Zhou Merchant Guild, masters of opening paths through silver, had undoubtedly corrupted many officials and informants. In Ji Zhou, where the guild originated, the number of officials under their sway was vast. It was uncertain whether the deputy envoy sent to Shuzhou carried Ji Zhou's influence behind him.

Yet this very circumstance might provide Chen Yi with a thread to trace the hidden court officials in play. It was, after all, an opportunity.

As he pondered this, Chen Yi glanced at the sky, his interest in painting a water-and-ink scene evaporating entirely.

He was about to return to the guest chamber to cultivate the Four Symbols Art when Xiao Huo, having completed his pillar cultivation, approached him.

"Brother-in-law, the eldest lady sent me yesterday to request an audience with Grandfather today. Would you like to come with me?"

Chen Yi thought for a moment and nodded.

He then donned a clean, elegant robe of jade-green silk, tied with a matching jade sash, and a pendant at his waist. His countenance was refined, his demeanor natural and graceful, exuding an effortless elegance.

Xiao Huo noticed nothing amiss in Chen Yi's appearance.

Yet as they walked and paused along the way, the servants and maids they encountered upon seeing Chen Yi all stumbled slightly in their tasks.

They all felt that this young second brother had changed remarkably since their last meeting.

"Remember when the second brother first came to our Xiao household as a runaway groom, fleeing an unwanted marriage only to be caught by the young mistress? He was so awkward back then."

"In just half a year, the second brother has transformed completely."

"More handsome?"

"How vulgar, summer flower! How can you put it so crudely?"

"A man's countenance and bearing reflect his cultivation, not just his looks."

"The second brother was once bookish and delicate, but now he resembles a true scholar of great renown, his bearing extraordinary."

"A great scholar?"

"No wonder he's so striking."

"..."

Though these servants and maids were of low status, they had spent years in the Hou family, witnessing and hearing more than ordinary folk. Naturally, they possessed keen eyes.

Chen Yi, hearing their murmurs, remained calm and composed.

In these months, his mastery of books, his body cultivation, and his spear techniques had all reached perfection, his spirit and mind in harmony with the heavens and earth.

Though the Hidden Mountain Retreat suppressed the display of his martial prowess, the natural tranquility that emanated from his body—forged by the harmony with the cosmos—still revealed itself unconsciously.

Like the legendary aura of King of Battle, even standing among the crowd, he would naturally draw the most attention.

Xiao Huo, having overheard the whispers, chuckled and said, "Brother, they're all praising you."

Chen Yi smiled and patted his head. "What kind of praise is that?"

"They say you're handsome, your bearing extraordinary—how isn't that praise?"

Chen Yi brushed his sleeve and walked on, saying, "At most, it's just reverence."

Whether praise or reverence, from the servants, maids, and peers, it would never stir the emotions within Chen Yi. Not even from elders or those stronger than him could their words move him.

To treat others with propriety was sufficient.

Not long after, they arrived at the courtyard of Qingqing Residence, where the steward Bao Tong led them inside.

Before they entered the courtyard, they heard Xiao Laotai's booming laughter echoing from the hall, accompanied by Zhang Xuan's sharp reprimands.

"You old fool, you're completely unreasonable! I have troops hidden in the front, reinforcements in the rear, a dangerous path on the left, and a treacherous river on the right—how could you possibly hope to cut down an enemy general and seize his banner?"

"I marched a hundred li around, cutting off your supply lines, allowing our main force to cross the river simultaneously—how can your pursuing troops and hidden forces, about to be surrounded, possibly counter this?"

"But that treacherous river is difficult to cross. Even if your main force forces a crossing, the losses would be severe. How could you win?"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Laotai laughed even more triumphantly.

"My army is stationed upstream in the mountains. Your forces are downstream. If I send men to destroy the levees upstream, what fate would befall your army?"

Zhang Xuan fell silent for a moment, then his voice rose sharply: "You old fool, how dare you risk losing a third of your army's strength to block my supplies! I see now, you've devised this strategy."

"War is deception."

Xiao Laotai rambled on, explaining his ingenious plan.

Zhang Xuan, who had once held all advantages, now found himself in a pickle, his face grim with frustration.

Fortunately, at that moment, Chen Yi and Xiao Huo entered the hall, which immediately soothed Xiao Laotai's fury.

When Xiao Laotai saw Chen Yi and Xiao Huo, his gaze lingered on Chen Yi for a moment, then he returned to his seat of honor: "My son has returned."

Though Zhang Xuan still wished to continue his argument, visitors arriving forced him to sit down reluctantly.

Chen Yi glanced at the "map" in the corner of the hall.

Though called a map, it was in fact a sand table model, complete with miniature flags and weapons.

A battlefield, a flag-seizing game—a pastime beloved by generals.

Chen Yi took a quick look, then bowed respectfully to Xiao Huo, Xiao Laotai, and Zhang Xuan.

After they took their seats, Zhang Xuan examined Chen Yi thoroughly, then said, "Old Xiao, your son-in-law looks rather different from when he arrived earlier."

Xiao Laotai glanced at him, a hint of complexity flickering in his eyes, and asked, "How so?"

"He's more radiant than when I came."

Chen Yi smiled and bowed, saying, "I cannot bear to be praised by a noble lord."

Zhang Xuan looked at him and laughed, saying, "I never say things aren't true. If you've improved, then you've improved."

Chen Yi fell silent, then followed suit in remaining quiet.

Xiao Laotai's gaze naturally fell upon Chen Yi, yet he made no move to intervene, leaving Zhang Xuan to speak.

"Speaking of which, that birthday poem you penned for this old man previously was truly exceptional—the calligraphy fine, the verse sublime, in no way inferior to the one you wrote for old Xiao."

"At the banquet, when this old man brought forth that piece, you should have seen the looks on those haughty, sour pedants from Guangyue Prefecture; they practically wished to tear it straight from my hands."

Zhang Xuan snorted, his tone dripping with disdain as he said, "Not that this old man looks down on them, but tied together, they wouldn't suffice against a single blow from my hand."

"This old man..."

Seeing him grow increasingly unbridled in his speech, the Old Master Xiao raised a hand to interrupt, "Have you no sense of shame?"

"A grand Duke of the realm, shouting of slaughter at every turn, how are you to command the respect of the masses?"

Zhang Xuan turned his spearhead, glaring at him as he said, "You have changed your stripes, and what is the result? Have you not still been ridden over, with people defecating and urinating upon your head?"

"Think back to when Fengchun was still in this world; let alone the likes of Zhu Hao and Ye Jingxiao, what of even a provincial governor?"

"And now?"

"That dog Liu Hong actually dares to conspire with the enemy and betray the country in the shadows; who still holds you, a Marquis of Martial Merit, in any regard?"

A succession of remarks left the Old Master Xiao utterly speechless.

Though he knew these were the unvarnished truths, to be pointed at and berated to his face before the younger generation made it difficult to maintain his dignity.

"Hmph, right or wrong is judged by the outcome; look at the Xiao family today, has it fallen into ruin?"

"No, indeed it has not." "And yet I know not what grand fortune you possess, that at this critical juncture, there remains someone aiding you—that 'Dragon-Tiger' character, or whatever he is called, this old man has heard of him several times even in Guangyue Prefecture."

Zhang Xuan paused, turning to ask, "Old Xiao, I wonder just what sacred immortal that 'Dragon-Tiger' might be?"

"If the opportunity arises, could you perchance allow this old man a meeting?"

The Old Master Xiao’s gaze swept over Chen Yi, seeing that the young man merely wore a faint smile, completely devoid of any awkwardness at being the subject of conversation; suppressing the urge to probe further, he said:

"This old man is likewise ignorant of his identity, knowing only that he has indeed assisted my Xiao family on several occasions."

Zhang Xuan was somewhat incredulous, but as this was ultimately the private business of the Xiao family, it was inconvenient for him to say more.

"Is that so, what a pity then."

"This old man’s granddaughter has now reached the age for marriage; I was even thinking of having you, old Xiao, introduce them."

The Old Master Xiao cast a sideways glance at him, saying testily, "This old man is still harboring designs for my own family, it would never fall to your turn..."

Before finishing his sentence, he suddenly snapped his gaze toward Chen Yi and asked, "Liu Wu..."

Seeing Chen Yi look over with delayed realization, the Old Master Xiao then continued, "Qingzhou, have you perchance heard of him?"

Chen Yi smiled and nodded, "Your grandson-in-law has naturally heard of him."

Whether it was an illusion, he felt that the Old Master’s gaze just now had been somewhat peculiar.

Was this... suspicion falling upon his head?

Surely not.

Throughout these past days, he had seldom left the Marquis's estate, only remaining away somewhat longer last night.

Could it be last night?

With these thoughts, Chen Yi followed up by saying, "Previously, that eldest sister was able to escape danger was largely due to the rescue by that brave warrior; your grandson-in-law still thinks to offer his gratitude should we meet in the future."

The Old Master Xiao detected nothing amiss in his demeanor and nodded with a gentle smile.

"This old man shares the same intention; should he come to our Xiao family, he ought to be treated with grand hospitality."

Through two instances of probing, he had discerned nothing conclusive, and the suspicion in his heart dissipated somewhat.

Yet he still felt it necessary to dispel all doubt.

Setting aside his previous inclination to betroth Xiao Wan'er to the "Dragon-Tiger," even regarding Xiao Jinghong, he needed to conduct some investigation.

If Chen Yi truly were the "Dragon-Tiger," did he now stand on the side of the Xiao family, or the Chen family, or perhaps...

These questions were things the Old Master Xiao ultimately had to clarify.

Watching the grandfather and grandson chime in harmony, Zhang Xuan sighed with emotion, saying, "This old man envies you somewhat, old Xiao."

"Though the Xiao family is far from what it once was, having endured some difficult days, it grows increasingly prosperous."

"By contrast, my line of the Duke of Qian is somewhat..."

Noticing the shift in his expression, the Old Master Xiao teased, "That was not what you said before you departed last time."

"What? Has Ying'er done something to displease you?"

Zhang Xuan hesitated before saying, "There is naturally nothing wrong with that son of mine, and yet..."

"It seems that old fellow Sun Fu possessed sharp eyes; what he spoke of previously has likely hit the mark."

The Old Master Xiao recalled for a moment, suddenly understanding, "Saying that your Ying'er lacks enterprise and is only capable of maintaining the status quo?"

Zhang Xuan nodded, his expression bitter: "This old man shall not hide it from you all; these past days, Guangyue Prefecture has not been peaceful."

"The matter of the wokou pirates?"

"Indeed, it is that band of desperadoes who run rampant upon the sea."

"Those sons of bitches, they come to plunder from time to time; they cannot be driven away, nor can they be utterly slaughtered."

"What enrages me most is that they hide too deeply, and their lair cannot be found at all."

Hearing this, the Old Master Xiao’s smile faded slightly as he pondered, "This is indeed a troublesome matter."

"If they cannot be crushed in a single blow, and are allowed to continue their pillaging, it will inevitably become an unmanageable burden."

Zhang Xuan snorted in agreement, "Hmph, sooner or later, this old man shall lead troops to slaughter them all..."

Chen Yi listened quietly as they spoke of the banditry in Guangyue Prefecture, his peripheral vision sweeping over the Old Master Xiao from time to time.

He had just realized that the Old Master Xiao must truly have harbored suspicions against him.

Though he knew not the reason—whether it was triggered by the commotion when he returned last night, or even earlier.

But he well knew that if he could not dispel the Old Master's doubts, it would be difficult for him to venture out under the Old Master’s watchful gaze in the future.

Thinking of his appointment tonight at the tailor shop in the Western Market, Chen Yi pondered for a moment and came to a decision.

It seemed he would have to perform another charade.

Chen Yi had originally thought that after being afflicted by the pestilence poison of the Five Poisons Sect, he would have dispelled everyone's suspicions regarding him.

He had not expected the Old Master to develop doubts.

Fortunately, it was not too late, and he had perceived it; otherwise, if the Old Master truly discovered the truth, complications would inevitably arise.

To say nothing of whether he could continue to reside peacefully within the Xiao family, his wife and the eldest sister would likely be affected as well.

Just as Chen Yi’s mind drifted, he heard Zhang Xuan ask, "Qingzhou, tell us, what good strategy do you have to deal with that band of wokou?"

Coming to his senses and seeing that everyone was looking at him, Chen Yi thought for a moment and said:

"The art of war dictates that if you know yourself and know your enemy, you will be victorious in a hundred battles; currently, the Duke knows too little of those wokou, leaving you entirely passive. The urgent matter at hand should be to first investigate their background thoroughly."

Zhang Xuan glared at him, "If this old man could investigate their background, why would I still be vexed by this?"

The Old Master Xiao also seemed to feel these words were too much like armchair strategy; just as he was about to offer an escape from the awkwardness, he heard Chen Yi continue:

"My Lord Duke, for you to investigate the wokou's background using our identity as Wei people is naturally fraught with immense difficulty; why not seek a solution from within the land of Wa itself?"

“Wèi Kingdom?”

Chen Yi nodded and said, “The lad once saw it in an old text, which claimed that the people of the Wèi Kingdom understand only small courtesies, not grand principles; they fear power but lack virtue. The strong must be bandits and raiders, the weak must submit humbly.”

“Nowadays, their own land must have some strength, which is why those Wèi folk dare to come plundering before the invaders.”

“If the Duke could find a way to stir up the Wèi Kingdom from within, it would be a victory that lasts forever.”

Zhang Xuan and Xiao Laotaiye exchanged glances, both intrigued.

“Say, how would one go about it?”

“By making friends with distant allies and attacking nearby foes, send people to persuade the generals and ministers within the Wèi Kingdom, letting them turn on one another.”

Chen Yi smiled, “When they’re not busy, they won’t have time to come raiding anymore.”

Zhang Xuan’s eyes lit up. “Persuasion… could that work?”

Chen Yi continued, “Even if persuasion fails, we could also find a way to trace those Wèi raiders to their source.”

“After all, the silver they loot flows into the Wèi Kingdom. Following the trail like a vine to the melon, we’ll surely find the threads and footprints.”

“The only difficulty is that the Duke needs a few Wèi insiders.”

“Wèi insiders… what are they?”

“Those who know the Wèi language and customs, who understand the state of the Wèi lands—find them, and half the task is already done.”

When Chen Yi finished speaking, Zhang Xuan slapped his palm hard, exclaiming, “Then let’s do it!”

“The old man will…”

Before he could leave, Xiao Laotaiye stopped him. “Wait a few days before you depart; you’ve forgotten your promise to me.”

Zhang Xuan slapped his forehead. “Ah, almost forgot.”

“In a few days, Master Xiao, you’ll be hosting a banquet—shall the old man attend?”

Xiao Laotaiye nodded, then turned to Chen Yi with a smile. “Young man, while that old fool is still here, teach him a thing or two. So he doesn’t miss anything important.”

Chen Yi agreed, offering a few more pieces of advice.

Zhang Xuan took notes diligently, his face finally brightening.

Chen Yi glanced at the sky, then prepared to leave.

At that moment, Xiao Guan Luo rushed over, “My lord, the young mistress has sent word…”

(End of Chapter)