Chapter 366: Brother-in-law is Very Awesome (Requesting Monthly Tickets)

Chapter 366: The Brother-in-Law is Impressive (Seeking Monthly Votes)

Miss Xiao—

A letter from Xiao Jinghong arrived.

Chen Yi glanced at Xiao Laotaiye, who gestured for him to take a seat, and settled back down.

Calculating the time, Xiao Jinghong must now be on patrol among the three towns, perhaps having already completed inspections of two of them.

It was likely that, after some time, Xiao Jinghong would return to the manor, perhaps staying for a few days.

As Chen Yi pondered these thoughts, he muttered to himself quietly.

“It would be best if he doesn’t return during the sparring session between the Great Immortal Bai and Sword Master Xiao—otherwise, I’d have no choice but to stay home.”

“Though… good and bad fortunes are both part of fate…”

After all, Xiao Jinghong, being the Great Immortal Bai’s nephew, would naturally have the standing to attend such a grand occasion of two terrestrial immortals sparring.

Yet whether she would actually come or not remained uncertain.

Xiao Laotaiye unfolded the letter, glanced at it twice, and a slight flush crept onto his reddened face, accompanied by a sigh of regret.

Zhang Xuan noticed his expression and, with a hint of resentment, inquired, “What did your nephew write in her letter, that it moved you so?”

It was likely because his son, Zhang Ying, had not lived up to expectations, stirring in Xiao Laotaiye a certain envy.

Though son and daughter-in-law had perished in battle, the entire third generation of the Xiao family remained a parade of excellence.

Xiao Wanzhen had settled into domestic life, Xiao Jinghong commanded the remote army, and Xiao Wuhou, though still young this year, possessed propriety and decorum, destined to blossom into a talent beyond doubt.

How could Zhang Xuan not feel the pressure?

Xiao Laotaiye folded the letter, glanced at him, then at Chen Yi, and smiled, saying:

“After patrolling the three towns’ new armies, Jinghong found them wanting.”

Zhang Xuan huffed, “The new army has existed for three years, and is said to have grown in size. Why would Jinghong find fault with it?”

“They lack training. Their bloodiness remains, but their killing spirit is insufficient.”

“Then… does she have a method?”

Xiao Laotaiye nodded slightly, sighing, “Jinghong has courage.”

“She ordered the three armies to be divided into three groups, each to train independently.”

“The southern Xuan Army went to Mengshui Pass, with each thousand soldiers forming a detachment, passing through the pass in sequence.”

“The eastern Wolf Town garrison, led by Pang Xuan, marched to Guangyue Manor, claiming to clear bandits along the way, and if they encountered Japanese pirates, they would kill them outright.”

“The northern Iron-Backed Town’s troops, led by Li Changqing, rode westward out of the pass, to deal with horse thieves along the Tea Horse Ancient Road.”

“Furthermore, each soldier was only to carry half a month’s provisions, with no subsequent supplies provided—they were to fend for themselves.”

Upon hearing his words, not only Zhang Xuan and Xiao Laotaiye, but even Chen Yi felt a flush of embarrassment, murmuring:

“The mistress truly has a generous hand.”

“Setting aside whether her military maneuvers align with proper protocol, the mere deployment of the three towns’ armies would likely cause considerable upheaval.”

“And to think she’d also have them engage in bloodshed.”

Chen Yi could already envision the blood and rain, the stench of carnage at Mengshui Pass, along the Tea Horse Ancient Road, and in Guangyue Manor.

Yet what truly surprised Chen Yi was Xiao Jinghong’s restraint on provisions for these new armies.

A vast army of tens of thousands, consuming both human and horse flesh, their needs were immense.

Yet Xiao Jinghong allowed only fifteen days’ rations, clearly intending to let them taste the bitterness of hunger.

For a person starving, anything could be accomplished.

Not because of human nature, but because of human nature itself.

Only those who endured would prove useful.

Those who could not endure—whether they broke protocol or perished unjustly—would merely be the cost of training.

Zhang Xuan clearly understood these matters, and with a hint of admiration, murmured, “If only my son had half of Jinghong’s abilities… no, even two-tenths of her strength—I’d burn incense for the ancestors.”

As he spoke, his brow furrowed slightly. “But old Xiao, Jinghong’s training methods are somewhat unorthodox.”

“The bandit situation in Guangyue Manor is manageable, but the conditions at Mengshui Pass and along the Tea Horse Ancient Road are no jest.”

“In the tribal regions, the barbarians often send northern raiders in autumn. If those thousand soldiers encountered them, they’d be hard-pressed to return alive to Mengshui Pass.”

“For the pass gatekeepers would not open the gates or rescue them for private reasons.”

“Moreover, along the Tea Horse Ancient Road, those ‘horse thieves’ are not truly bandits, but more akin to the forces of the Obscure Kingdom, especially the Kongque King’s contingent.”

“With several ten-thousand-strong armies passing through, it might stir up resistance among those horse thieves. One misstep, and conflict would erupt again.”

Pausing, Zhang Xuan gestured northward. “And what of the manor to the north… if the Emperor were to learn of this, it might cause a cascade of complications?”

Xiao Laotaiye paused slightly, then waved his hand, saying, “Jinghong acted for her own reasons. Having entrusted the remote army to her, I would not interfere in her decisions.”

“Besides, the Emperor…”

Xiao Laotaiye hesitated slightly, then shook his head. “The Emperor is generous and lenient, so he would not hold this against her.”

Earlier, the Emperor had clearly stated that as long as Shu Province remained at peace, the Xiao family would remain the Xiao family.

Xiao Jinghong’s actions, it was likely her way of displaying her prowess, to send a message to all in Shu Province and nearby prefectures—

The remote army could be dispatched at the Xiao family’s command.

No need for the Vermilion Bird Guard or the regional governors to manage the two other military credentials.

Zhang Xuan, upon hearing this, could not fathom it, yet did not press further, instead remarking:

“Very well. If the Wolf Army can resolve the banditry around Guangyue Manor, it would benefit the local populace.”

“If fortune favors them, and they encounter those Japanese pirates, hah, I’d have them kill a few for good luck.”

Afterwards, the two elders spoke at length about the situation in Shu Province, and discussed idle matters, and Chen Yi, with Xiao Wuhou in tow, finally rose to depart.

Xiao Laotaiye escorted them to the courtyard, patting Xiao Wuhou’s head, encouraging him, while turning to Chen Yi:

“Little boat, I’ve heard about the recent imperial examination results—you’ve done well, no need to worry excessively.”

Zhang Xuan chimed in beside him, “Your words about caring for the world before your own concerns, and rejoicing in the world’s happiness before your own joys—truly strike at the heart.”

“We old folks just want to ensure the safety of the people.”

“The world around us is surrounded by wolves, and if we cannot strike while we still can, dispatching troops to suppress them—this would become a grave matter in the future.”

Before Chen Yi could respond, Xiao Laotaiye laughed and scolded, “Little boat’s writings are merely expressions of hope for peace and happiness, not what you suggest!”

“Why, don’t you want to raise an army and march south to subdue those barbarians?”

Zhang Xuan snorted dismissively:

“Besides, whether it’s war or peace, it’s not for you and me to decide, nor can Little Boat’s writings change that.”

Chen Yi understood these matters well; he did not expect a single article to alter the Emperor’s mind.

He merely sought to voice the concerns of some people, to prevent the situation from swinging either south or north.

Three pillars standing firm, only then could they find peace.

A bit of casual chat.

Chen Yi accompanied Xiao Ungou out of Qingding Residence, returning to Chunhe Garden.

Xiao Ungou, unaware of the complex schemes of the elders, only knew his brother-in-law had been particularly imposing today.

A general of the Wu, a duke of the Wei, consulting with Chen Yi—if this were spread about, it would surely become a famous tale.

Xiao Ungou felt such a “famous tale” should not be enjoyed by just himself, so he returned to the courtyard and took a detour to Jiaqing Estate.

He had originally intended to bring Chen Yi along as well.

But Chen Yi had said he needed to return to paint a picture, so Xiao Ungou had to go alone.

When Xiao Ungou arrived at Jiaqing Estate, he found Xiao Wanyan playing mahjong with Waone and Cuiane, with several stacks of ledgers placed nearby.

“Sister, elder sister.”

Xiao Wanyan set down her brush after the last stroke, looking up with a gentle tone:

“Have you gone to pay respects to Grandfather?”

Xiao Ungou nodded, then sat down, taking some tea and eating quietly: “Yes, I did.”

“I went with my brother-in-law as well.”

“Elder sister, your brother-in-law was quite imposing today.”

“Oh? Was he imposing before Grandfather?”

Xiao Wanyan, who prided herself on her deep understanding of Chen Yi, knew he was not one to show off. She presumed Xiao Ungou had used the wrong words.

But after hearing Xiao Ungou’s account, Xiao Wanyan also felt Chen Yi had indeed been quite “imposing” that day.

In matters of resisting the Japanese, his policy of “first worrying about the concerns of all under Heaven, then worrying about the joys of all under Heaven” was evident in his learning and strategies.

Besides not revealing his martial or medical arts, Chen Yi, in the eyes of the old patriarch and Zhang Xuan, must have seemed quite accomplished in knowledge.

Xiao Wanyan’s heart swelled with quiet joy, a beautiful smile spreading across her face:

“Your brother-in-law has only just begun to understand so much since childhood, Ungou. You must study diligently in the years to come.”

“I don’t expect you to achieve as he has; his accomplishments are already enough.”

Xiao Ungou nodded with a smile: “I’ve learned many things from my brother-in-law these days.”

“Do tell me more.” “For instance, this afternoon, brother-in-law caught a golden carp while fishing, and in his joy, had him prepare hot pot. He said governing the country is like cooking fresh fish, both requiring precise timing.”

“He also said similar things when teaching me chess. On the chessboard, deciding victory and defeat is like on the battlefield, determining life and death.”

“Each piece on the board—black or white—is not just a piece; it is a soldier or general, each with its role, which is why the game can be so thoroughly analyzed.”

Xiao Ungou recounted, one by one, the useful things he had memorized, ending with:

“It’s a pity brother-in-law isn’t my master; I would have learned even more.”

The days spent beside Chen Yi, apart from the chess strategies he taught him directly, were mostly fragmented and unstructured.

Yet Xiao Ungou still felt he had gained much.

Even the previous masters who had taught him could not have said such things, nor could they have made them as clear and easy to grasp as Chen Yi.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Wanyan nodded thoughtfully: “I’ll ask him to give you some instruction after he rests for a while.”

“Really?”

“Of course, though I can’t promise he’ll agree.”

Xiao Wanyan knew Chen Yi disliked trouble; even leaving Xiao Ungou at Chunhe Garden had been her own insistence.

Doing so again now… she felt a bit of guilt.

Xiao Ungou nodded: “If elder sister asks, brother-in-law will certainly agree.”

The speaker meant well, but the listener had other thoughts.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Wanyan’s face turned a faint red, and she slapped Xiao Ungou’s arm:

“That’s my younger brother, not my elder brother.”

“How—how did I say something that would make him agree?”

Xiao Ungou clutched his head, innocently asking: “If elder sister doesn’t agree, wouldn’t it be my younger brother then?”

“I’ll ask my younger brother when she returns; she’ll certainly agree.”

Upon hearing Xiao Jinghong mentioned, the redness on Xiao Wanyan’s face faded somewhat.

“Indeed, if my younger brother opens the door, my husband-in-law would not refuse.”

Though she said so, Xiao Wanyan thought about her own potential rejection by Chen Yi and wondered how she would feel.

Perhaps there would be a sour taste in her chest.

Xiao Ungou, unaware of her thoughts, continued: “By the way, younger sister just sent a letter to Grandfather saying…”

“Grandfather and the others said things I didn’t understand, but on the way back, brother-in-law explained a few things to me.”

“So my younger sister is truly remarkable; she can directly mobilize the troops of Tingyuan, just as capable as brother-in-law… as capable as him.”

Upon hearing this, Xiao Wanyan asked softly, her expression complex: “What about me?”

“Elder sister is naturally also remarkable.”

“Brother-in-law said, ‘The Medical Arts Academy is the foundation of all medical arts. If you do well, my dear, you’ll surely make history, lasting for centuries.’”

“Lasting for centuries…”

Xiao Wanyan had no ambitions for “ruling the world” or “making history.”

But just so.

She was glad to hear Chen Yi’s praise, and her heart was all the lighter.

It was good, too.

She wasn’t skilled in literature or martial arts, but at least she could spend her life making a name for herself at the Medical Arts Academy.

As her thoughts wandered to this, her mood improved further.

In the course of their idle chat, the three household managers, Lu Guanqian, came forward, presenting two letters: “Your Highness, younger sister’s letter.”

Xiao Wanyan had Ci’er take the letters, smiling: “I was just thinking how long it’s been since younger sister sent a letter.”

She took the letter, read it: “I wonder how younger sister is faring.”

After finishing the letter, Xiao Wanyan smiled: “Younger sister says she’ll return soon and stay at the mansion for a few days.”

“Really?”

Xiao Ungou thought of Xiao Jinghong’s always busy, traveling from place to place, and felt she must be quite burdened, wishing he could grow up and become a man soon.

Xiao Wanyan nodded, turning to the other letter, which bore the words [His Lordship’s Personal Invitation], and handed it to Xiao Ungou:

“It’s getting late; you should go home.”

Xiao Ungou took the letter, bid them farewell, and bounded back to Chunhe Garden.

Xiao Wanzhen watched him disappear into the distance, her gaze returning to the letter, her eyes holding a complex expression.

"Younger brother, I... ah..."

Chunhe Garden, the study.

After returning, Xiao Wugou hurried to the study, found Chen Yi, and placed Xiao Jinghong’s letter on the table.

"Brother, your sister has written to you."

Chen Yi glanced at it and nodded. "Wait a moment before reading it."

Xiao Wugou saw him standing by the table, one hand holding a brush, and leaned in to look at the drawing.

After examining the figure on the paper, he suddenly laughed. "Brother, are you painting yourself?"

"Most painters begin with their own portrait. You’ll understand this when you take up the craft someday."

Chen Yi barely acknowledged him, flipping his wrist to sketch a few strands of hair, then picked up the paper and examined it carefully. Satisfied, he gave a slight nod.

Though he did not invoke the Way of Painting to stir the spirits of heaven and earth, the figure on the canvas carried a restrained elegance, a rare and exquisite portrait.

Xiao Wugou couldn’t discern its quality, but he noticed the man in the painting did not quite resemble Chen Yi—seemed slightly more handsome.

Unable to help but laugh louder.

"Brother, you must paint well..."

Chen Yi ignored him, drying the ink on the painting with a breath, placing it on the table, then took up the letter and began reading.

[My lord, it has been several days since I last departed the manor. All is well with me. I trust you need not worry unduly.

In these days, I have traveled through the three strongholds of Xuanjia, Canglang, and Tebi, both to assess the new army and to gauge my own convictions. This matter has...

Once these affairs are settled, I shall return to the manor.

The exact time should be around mid-October...]

Mid-October?

Chen Yi thought of the date of the duel between Bai Daoxian and Xue Jiongxian—the fifteenth of October—likely Xiao Jinghong would be back in the manor by then.

This...

Well, there’s no use worrying about it.

...

Midnight.

"Chen Yi" stepped out of the chamber, called aloud: "Xiao Huohuang, bring me a blanket."

Xiao Huohuang, who had been sleeping soundly, startled at the sound, scrambled up, fetched a blanket, and laid it on the bed.

"Brother-in-law, forgive me. The weather has turned cool. Xiao Huohuang should have changed to thicker bedding long ago."

Chen Yi smiled and waved his hand. "Perhaps I’ve neglected my martial arts practice of late. I’ll practice some basic forms tomorrow."

"Brother-in-law, if you take up martial arts, Pei Niang would be quite happy to assist."

"Hmm... You’re sleepy. Go rest early."

Xiao Huohuang, oblivious, left the room and closed the door, patting her chest with a quiet sigh:

"Xiao Huohuang, Xiao Huohuang, you must be more careful... Brother-in-law’s life is precious. He must not catch a chill..."

In the chamber.

The moment "Chen Yi" had lain down on the bed, there was no sound, his face serene as he stared upward.

Like one in a deathly trance.

Meanwhile, in the western market.

Chen Yi had already arrived at the back of the tailor’s shop, suppressing all his energy, leaning close to listen:

"...Who, who has died?"

"Wu Dang mountain’s Huo Yangyang was found dead outside the city. The constables have examined the body. It seems, it seems, he died under the influence of the mountain tribe’s venom, perhaps in the throes of a fit..."

"Huo Yangyang, how could he die here?"

"Well, Shu Zhou will have something to talk about now..."

(Chapter Complete)