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

Chapter 366 The Magnificent Uncle Wei (Please Vote for the Monthly Ticket)

Miss Xiao—

A letter from Xiao Jinghong arrived.

Chen Yi glanced at Xiao Yaotai, who gestured for him to sit, and settled back down.

Calculating the time, Xiao Jinghong should now be overseeing inspections in the three towns, perhaps having already completed two.

It was likely that within a few days, Xiao Jinghong would return to the capital city.

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

"Hope she doesn't return during her uncle's sparring session with the Saintly One and Sword Lord Xue—otherwise I'll be stuck staying home."

"Though... good and bad spirits..."

After all, Xiao Jinghong was the Saintly One's nephew, and these two terrestrial deities were holding a grand sparring match of unprecedented scale. She would undoubtedly have the right to attend.

Yet whether she would come or not remained uncertain.

Xiao Yaotai spread open the letter, glanced at it twice, and a slight flush crept over his weathered face, tinged with a sigh.

Xiao Wanie noticed his expression and, with a knowing smile, asked, "What did your nephew write about in her letter, that it made you feel this way?"

It was probably because his son, Xiao Bing, had fallen short of expectations, making him feel a twinge of envy towards Xiao Yaotai.

Though his son and daughter-in-law had perished in battle, the entire family line of the elder generation remained a string of exceptional talents.

Xiao Wanie had settled down to build a home, Xiao Jinghong commanded the distant army, and Xiao Huguo, now a young boy, possessed both virtue and propriety, destined to become a paragon—undoubtedly a shoo-in for success.

How could Xiao Ruzhi not be impatient?

Xiao Yaotai folded the letter, looked at him, then glanced at Chen Yi, and smiled.

"After inspecting the new armies in the three towns, Jinghong found them wanting."

Xiao Ruzhi huffed: "The new army has grown to a substantial size in three years. Why would Jinghong be dissatisfied?"

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

"Then... does she have a method?"

Xiao Yaotai nodded slightly, sighing, "Jinghong has the courage."

"She ordered the three armies to be divided into three groups, each to train separately."

"The southern Xuan Army went to Mengshui Pass, with each thousand forming a unit to patrol the pass."

"The eastern army at Canglang Town, led by Pang Xuan, marched to Guangyue Prefecture, claiming to clear bandits along the way, and would kill any Japanese pirates they encountered."

"The northern Ironwall Town's forces, under Li Changqing, rode west to open the road, dealing with horse bandits on the Tea and Horse Ancient Road."

"Furthermore, each soldier was only given half a month's provisions, with no subsequent supplies. They were to fend for themselves."

Upon hearing this, not only Xiao Ruzhi and Xiao Yaotai, but even Chen Yi felt a pang of surprise, muttering, "The Mistress truly has a generous hand."

"And not to mention her unorthodox deployment of troops, which would likely cause considerable unrest across the three towns."

"Not to speak of her sending those new armies to face blood and fire!"

Chen Yi could already envision the carnage at the outskirts of Mengshui Pass, along the Tea and Horse Ancient Road, and in Guangyue Prefecture.

Yet what truly surprised Chen Yi was Xiao Jinghong's restriction on provisions for these armies.

A vast army of tens of thousands would consume horses and cattle, their needs immense.

But Xiao Jinghong allowed only fifteen days' worth of food, clearly intending to let them experience the taste of hunger.

For a person starving, anything can be accomplished.

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

Only those who persisted would be of use.

Those who gave up—whether through misconduct or untimely death—could only be considered the price of training.

Xiao Ruzhi clearly understood these matters, and with a hint of admiration, murmured, "If only my son were half as capable as Jinghong... no, even if only two-tenths as capable, I'd burn some incense for our ancestors."

Speaking of this, he furrowed his brow and said, "Though old Xiao, Jinghong's training methods are somewhat unorthodox."

"The bandit situation in Guangyue Prefecture is manageable, but the conditions at Mengshui Pass and the Tea and Horse Ancient Road are no jest."

"Tribes in the north often face northern raiders in autumn. If those thousand soldiers encountered them, none might return alive to Mengshui Pass."

"After all, the pass commander couldn't possibly open the gates to rescue them."

"And the Tea and Horse Ancient Road—these 'horse bandits' aren't truly bandits, but more like the military forces of the Southern and Western Kingdoms, especially the King of Peacocks' unit."

"With tens of thousands of troops passing through, it's hard to say they won't incite rebellion among those bandits. One misstep, and conflict could erupt again."

Pausing, Xiao Ruzhi gestured northward. "And then there's the Kyoto Prefecture... if the Emperor were to learn of this, it might cause quite a stir, wouldn't it?"

Xiao Yaotai fell silent for a moment, then waved his hand. "Jinghong did this for her own reasons. Having handed over the Dingwai Army to her, I won't interfere with her decisions."

"Besides, the Emperor..."

Xiao Yaotai hesitated slightly, then shook his head. "The Emperor is magnanimous; he surely won't hold this against her."

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

Xiao Jinghong's actions were likely meant to display her prowess, to send a message to Shu and the surrounding prefectures—

The Dingwai Army could be commanded by the Xiao family at will.

No need for the Vermilion Bird Guard or the regional military governors to control these two sets of troops.

Xiao Ruzhi, upon hearing this, couldn't fathom the reasoning but didn't press further, instead saying, "Well then, if the Canglang Army can resolve the banditry around Guangyue Prefecture, it would benefit the people there."

"And if fortune favors them, and they encounter those Japanese pirates, hah, I'll let them kill a few for me as a sacrifice to their banners."

After that, the two elders continued discussing the situation in Shu, and then some idle chatter, before Chen Yi led Xiao Huguo away.

As Xiao Yaotai accompanied them to the courtyard, he patted Xiao Huguo's head, encouraging him, and then turned to Chen Yi, saying,

"Little boat, I've heard about the recent imperial examination results. You've done well; there's no need to worry too much."

Xiao Ruzhi chimed in from beside him, "Your words about worrying for the world before your own concerns, and rejoicing for the world before your own pleasures—truly strike at the heart."

"We old folks just want to ensure the safety of the people's lives and property."

"Our neighboring wolves circle like vipers. If we can't strike while we still have the chance, when we're still able, by sending troops to suppress them, it will only become a greater calamity later."

Before Chen Yi could respond, Xiao Yaotai chuckled scolded, "Little boat's writings are expressions of hope for peace and happiness, not what you've said."

"Why, don't you think I should say something like, 'Why not raise an army and march south to subdue those barbarians?'"

Xiao Ruzhi snorted dismissively,

"Moreover, whether it's war or peace, it's not up to us to decide, nor can little boat's writings change the Emperor's mind."

Chen Yi understood this well; he too didn't expect an article to alter the Emperor's decision.

He merely wished to voice the concerns of some people, to prevent the situation from turning north or south.

With three pillars standing firm, only then was peace stable.

A bit of idle chatter.

Chen Yi then led Xiao Wuge out of the Qingming Courtyard, returning to the Spring Lotus Garden.

Xiao Wuge, unaware of the complex schemes of the elders, knew only that his brother-in-law had grown particularly imposing that day.

A noble lord, a distinguished minister, sought Chen Yi’s counsel; if his words were spread far and wide, they would surely become a celebrated tale.

Xiao Wuge felt such a “tale” ought not to be his alone to savor, so he returned to the courtyard and took a detour to Jia Xing Yard.

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

But Chen Yi had declined, saying he wished to return and paint a picture, so Xiao Wuge went alone.

Upon arriving at Jia Xing Yard, he found Xiao Wan’er tallying numbers with Xuan’er, Cuier, and others, with several stacks of ledgers beside her.

“Sister, eldest sister.”

Xiao Wan’er set down her brush after the final stroke, her voice gentle as she asked, “Have you gone to pay respects to Grandfather?”

Xiao Wuge nodded. Sitting down, he helped himself to some tea, speaking as he ate, “I did.”

“I went with my brother-in-law.”

“Eldest sister, your brother-in-law was particularly imposing today.”

“Oh? Was he… imposing before Grandfather?”

Xiao Wan’er, who prided herself on her deep understanding of Chen Yi, knew he was no one to court favor through showy displays. She presumed Xiao Wuge had used the wrong words.

Yet after hearing Xiao Wuge’s account, she too found her brother-in-law’s demeanor that day truly “imposing.”

In matters of resisting the invaders, his policies—“First, worry about the concerns of the world; then, worry about the joys of the world”—had left his learning and strategies unmistakably evident.

In the eyes of the old master and Zhang Xuan, aside from not revealing his martial or medical arts, Chen Yi had likely earned their recognition as a man of profound knowledge.

Xiao Wan’er’s heart swelled with quiet joy, her fair face blooming with a smile.

“Your brother-in-law, from youth devoted to study, has only now grasped so much. Wuge, you must study diligently.”

“Eldest sister, I don’t expect you to achieve as he has. His accomplishments are already enough.”

Xiao Wuge nodded with a smile, “These days I’ve learned much by accompanying my brother-in-law.”

“Do tell me more.” “For instance, this afternoon, brother-in-law caught a golden carp while fishing. Overjoyed, he had a hot pot prepared, and in the meantime he said, ‘Governing the country is like cooking fresh fish—both require precise timing.’”

“He also said similar things when teaching me chess. On the board, as in battle, life and death hinge on strategy.”

“Each piece on the board—black or white—is no mere token. They are soldiers and generals, each with its role. Only thus can one discern the flow of the game.”

Xiao Wuge recounted, one by one, the valuable lessons he’d absorbed into his heart. At last, he said, “Alas, brother-in-law is not my master. Had he been, I would have learned even more.”

The days spent beside Chen Yi, though the chess strategies were taught directly, the other teachings were scattered and unorganized.

Yet still, Xiao Wuge felt deeply enriched.

Even the other masters who had instructed him could not articulate such insights, nor could they make them as clear and accessible as Chen Yi.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Wan’er nodded thoughtfully: “I’ll speak to him after he rests a while.”

“Really?”

“Of course. Though I cannot guarantee he’ll agree.”

She knew Chen Yi dreaded trouble; even leaving Xiao Wuge at the Spring Lotus Garden had been her insistence. To ask again… she felt a pang of guilt.

Xiao Wuge nodded, “If eldest sister asks, brother-in-law will surely agree.”

For what is said with no intent is heard with intent.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Wan’er’s face flushed a delicate red, and she playfully slapped him. “That’s my younger brother, not my eldest.”

“How—how could I say something, and he’d agree?”

Xiao Wuge clutched his head, feigning innocence, “If eldest sister refuses, wouldn’t there be my younger brother?”

“I’ll ask my younger brother when she returns. She’ll surely agree.”

Upon mentioning Xiao Jinghong, Xiao Wan’er’s flushed cheeks faded slightly.

“Indeed. If my younger brother speaks, brother-in-law would not refuse.”

Though so it seemed, Xiao Wan’er thought of her own potential rejection by Chen Yi, and wondered what feeling that might bring.

Perhaps a sour ache in her chest.

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

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

“So my younger sister is indeed remarkable. She can directly mobilize the troops of Dingyuan army, as capable as brother-in-law… as capable as him.”

Xiao Wan’er, upon hearing this, asked softly, her expression complex: “What of me?”

“Eldest sister is naturally capable too.”

“Brother-in-law said, ‘The Academy of Medicine is the foundation of all medical arts. If you excel, eldest sister, you’ll surely earn a place in history, lasting forever.’”

“Lasting forever…”

Xiao Wan’er had no ambition for “lasting fame” in the way scholars did, nor did she seek to “etch her name in history.”

Just…

She was glad to hear Chen Yi’s praise.

That was enough.

She, who could not write nor fight, could spend her life ensuring the Academy of Medicine succeeded. This life was not in vain.

As her thoughts settled there, her mood lightened.

In the course of their chat, the three stewards, Lu Guanqian, arrived, bearing two letters: “Your Highness, Young Mistress’s letters.”

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

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

After finishing, Xiao Wan’er smiled: “Younger sister says she’ll return soon, and wishes to stay a few days at the mansion.”

“Really?”

Xiao Wuge, recalling Xiao Jinghong’s ever-busy, lofty demeanor, often thought her a bit burdened, yearning for him to grow up quickly.

Xiao Wan’er nodded, taking the other letter. The seal bore the words [Your Lord’s Personal Command], and she handed it to Xiao Wuge.

“It’s late. You should return.”

Xiao Wuge took the letter, bowed politely, and bounded back to the Spring Lotus Garden.

Xiao Wanzhen'er watched him disappear into the distance, her gaze once again settling on the letter, her eyes alight with a complex mixture of emotions.

"Youngest sister, I... ah..."

Spring Lotus Garden, the study.

Upon his return, Xiao Wugou hurried to the study, found Chen Yi, and placed the letter from Xiao Jinghong on the table:

"Brother, your younger sister has written to you."

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

Seeing him stand by the table, Xiao Wugou leaned over to peer at the drawing in his hand.

After studying the figure depicted, he suddenly laughed: "Brother, are you painting yourself?"

"Most painters begin with their self-portraits; you'll understand this when you take up the craft someday."

Chen Yi dismissed him with a casual remark, flicking his wrist to complete a few stray strokes on the paper, then examining the work on the mulberry paper before nodding approvingly.

Though he did not employ the brush to stir the very essence of heaven and earth, the portrait exuded a quiet dignity and subtle charm, a rare and exquisite character study.

Xiao Wugou could not discern its merit, yet he noticed the depicted figure bore only a passing resemblance to Chen Yi, as if more strikingly handsome.

Unable to suppress a louder chuckle.

"Brother, you must be quite skilled at painting..."

Chen Yi paid him no heed, drying the ink with a breath, laying the painting aside, then turning to the letter.

[Your Lordship’s Kind Greeting:

Since my last departure from the manor, several days have passed, and my health remains well. I trust your lordship need not worry excessively.

In these days, I have traveled through the cities of Xuanjia, Canglang, and Tieshi, both to assess the new army and to gauge my own convictions, which have led to...

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

The precise date should be around mid-October...]

Mid-October?

Chen Yi thought of the duel between the White Sage and the Sword Master, set for October 15th, and feared Xiao Jinghong might be in the manor then.

This...

Why not face it head-on?

...

Midnight.

"Chen Yi" emerged from the chamber, calling outward: "Xiao E, fetch me a blanket."

Xiao E, who had been sleeping soundly, startled at the sound, quickly rose, and brought a blanket to spread on the bed.

"Sir, forgive me, the weather has turned cool. Xiao E should perhaps have changed to a thicker quilt by now."

"Sir," Xiao E waved dismissively, "perhaps I've neglected my martial arts training of late. I shall practice some basic forms tomorrow."

"Sir, if you take up martial arts, Pei Xiaojie would be quite happy to assist."

"Yes... you sleep well. Go rest yourself."

Xiao E, unaware of any issue, left the room and closed the door, patting her chest with a silent vow:

"Xiao E... Xiao E, you must be more careful. Sir’s life is precious; he cannot afford to catch a chill..."

Inside the chamber.

The "Chen Yi" who had lain down moments ago made no sound, staring up with a serene smile, as though in a state of feigned death.

Meanwhile, in the western market.

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

"...Who, who has died?"

"Wu Dang Mountain’s Huo Huiyang was found dead outside the city. The Ministry of Justice’s investigator examined the body, and it seems—seems—he died from the poison of the mountain tribe’s smiley toad.”

"Huo Huiyang, how could he have died here?"

"With this, Shu Zhou will be abuzz..."

(The chapter ends here.)