Chapter 383: Whatever One Fears, Happens (Requesting Monthly Tickets)

Chapter 383: Fear Nothing, Then Nothing Will Come (Please Vote for Monthly Ticket)

Where is Chen Yu?

Dozens of tables of guests, over a hundred people, and the gentry all clearly heard the old master’s voice.

But few who had heard the name "Chen Yu" were present.

"Who is Chen Yu?"

"I’ve never heard of him," the old master replied.

"Is he Chen Yi, Chen Qinzhou?"

"No," came the reply. "Xiao Hou Duke said it plainly—it is Chen Yu."

Guests from outside Shuzhou had never heard the name "Chen Yu" before, and most suspected the old master had misremembered the name.

Yet within the city of Shuzhou, among those familiar with the Bai Caotang, they knew Chen Yu was the proprietor of the Bai Caotang.

People like Fu Jiyan from the Fu family, Wan RuoRuo from the Wan family, and Tang Zixin all knew this.

Fu Jiyan glanced around and asked, "Is the owner of the Bai Caotang, Chen Yu, also here?"

In recent days, he had visited the Bai Caotang several times but never seen Chen Yu, which was a pity. Thus, he was especially eager now.

Wan RuoRuo felt the same.

Though she had not benefited from the Bai Caotang, she was intrigued by how successfully the Bai Caotang was thriving.

She was also more interested in the formulas for teas.

Between sips, Chen Yi turned his head toward the old master, smiling and saying, "The owner of the Bai Caotang, Chen Yu, has recently been here and sat in the Spring Lotus Garden."

The old master nodded, "Then where is he now?"

Chen Yi smiled and replied, "He has returned to the Bai Caotang."

The head servant of Hou Family mansion, Bao Tong, who stood behind the old master, leaned forward to whisper in agreement: "I saw him leave the Hou Family mansion with my own eyes at the mansion gate."

"Ah," the old master said.

He cast a sideways glance at the calm and composed Chen Yi, nodded, and said, "Then let us have the banquet."

Yet in his heart, he still harbored doubts.

In fact, when he had sent out invitations to the Bai Caotang, he had not expected Chen Yu to come.

In other words, if Chen Yu did not come, he would have felt it was all the more normal.

After all, Chen Yu was someone whose name was known from the beginning but whose whereabouts remained obscure, rarely seen in Shuzhou, and even less often visiting the Xiao family.

Yet he had not expected Chen Yu to come at all.

It was as if someone had gone out of their way to confirm whether Chen Yu and Chen Yi were the same person.

A coincidence.

Too much of a coincidence.

It left the old master feeling rather suspicious.

After some thought, he resolved to take measures.

This was his chance to determine whether these two were one and the same, or if Liu Hong had been sowing discord that day.

Bao Tong received the order and ran about among the servants nearby, shouting hoarsely: "Open the banquet!"

Young maids and servants in fresh new clothes, and household guards carrying dishes, rushed in with the meal, laying out the exquisite delicacies on the tables.

For today’s banquet,

The Hou Family kitchen had been preparing for over ten days. The chief steward had to go to the southern and northern markets every day to oversee the procurement.

There were seafood from the south, wild game from the west, rare delicacies from the northern provinces, and fungi harvested from the Wumang Mountains.

As for wine, they had not prepared anything special; the cellar of the Hou Family mansion could supply wine for another year or two.

After all, they were the Wu family.

During the waiting,

Zhang Xuan, the Duke of Qin, looked over at the other side of the old master, where Chen Yi sat, and smiled, saying:

"Qinzhou, I’ve already instructed someone to carry out the plan you proposed. News will soon come."

Chen Yi paused, recalling the strategy he had suggested for resisting the Wei, and nodded with a smile:

"I’ve never actually been to the Guo and Yao prefectures, so I’m only speaking from books. I hope Your Grace will be cautious in considering it."

Zhang Xuan pointed at him and scolded, "When the time comes, you little brat, don’t go and dampen the mood."

After a moment, he turned to the old master and smiled: "Do you think he has the vigor of spring?"

"Skilled in strategy, relaxed yet composed, quite measured."

Spring?

The old master thought for a moment, his face showing some complexity, and slightly nodded:

"Qinzhou is learned and deep, still composed."

He mastered the arts of qin, chess, calligraphy, painting, poetry, and song, and was indeed deeply learned.

As for composed...

The old master thought back to the events the Xiao family had experienced, and in his memory, Chen Yi had always been calm and settled in the Spring Lotus Garden.

He could be called composed.

But he was uncertain—whether Chen Yi was truly Chen Yu, and whether he was truly the "dragon and tiger" Liu Five.

If he was, then this "composed" demeanor would be "a cover to hide his true nature."

If not, then his composure was genuine.

Next to Zhang Xuan sat Tang Zixin, the Pacification Commissioner of Shuzhou. He glanced at Chen Yi and said in a flat tone:

"The Duke should have looked down on Qinzhou."

The old master and Zhang Xuan were slightly surprised to hear this.

Even Chen Yi himself was taken aback by Tang Zixin’s sudden remark.

Tang Zixin noticed the glances of others, and continued: "My dog, Tang Industry, is a student of Qinzhou."

"These days, they’ve all learned a great deal, all thanks to Qinzhou’s teachings."

Chen Yi was at a loss, and with a slight bow said: "The gentleman Tang is too kind."

Tang Zixin shook his head, his tone serious: "Qinzhou’s knowledge surpasses even what I’ve said."

"This year’s examination, Qinzhou’s writings, though they’ve encountered difficulties, have been universally praised by all scholars."

"If it weren’t for the radicals like Ma ShuHuan, who have eyes but no sight, your essays would have been among the top."

Tang Zixin finished speaking with a slight pause, then turned his gaze toward the two elders—Xiao Yaotai and Qian Guoping—and asked in a measured tone:

"Pray, what strategies were proposed by the examiners? Does the Son of Heaven harbor such thoughts?"

Upon his words, not only the elders but also those at nearby tables restrained their smiles and fixed their eyes upon him.

They wished to hear how Xiao Yaotai would respond, yet also to observe whether matters of state would be discussed here. For though the current emperor possessed the strength of heaven and earth, he held an unyielding hatred for factionalism and collusion.

These people gathered in Xiao’s mansion, if they spoke only of Xiao’s family or of Shuzhou, it would suffice. But should they venture into improper topics—discussing the course of governance—there would surely be censure from those who act with virtue.

Moreover, with the realm still unsettled, they sought to prepare in advance. Should conflict arise, even the lands of the Three Prefectures would find it difficult to safeguard themselves alone. In the end, some contingency must be made.

Yet—

These individuals had clearly forgotten that the one who posed this question was none other than Tang Zixin, the censor of Shuzhou’s Circuit. Bearing the responsibility of overseeing all affairs within Shuzhou, he dared speak plainly, unafraid even if his words reached the capital.

Xiao Yaotai understood these intricate matters, and his eyes held a meaning deep as the earth.

"Such matters are hard to fathom. I, too, am uncertain. Yet—"

Xiao Yaotai swept his gaze across the room, then smiled. "Though I cannot say for certain, I do hope the Son of Heaven will muster an army to march southward."

"For over two hundred years, we have never once launched a great expedition beyond the Mengshui Pass. This, I confess, is a source of sorrow."

"If the Emperor so desires, I shall spare no effort, and scatter these old bones across the battlefield."

Qian Guoping, Zhang Xu, clenched his fists and nodded solemnly. "I share the same sentiment.

"The barbarian tribes have long oppressed our Wei dynasty. When the late King of the Left, Mu Hage, once led a great host to invade, the turmoil in Shuzhou was evident to all. Such a grievance, if avenged, would make my death a joyous one!"

"The words of the Xiao Hou and Qian Guoping are most…"

Chen Yi, standing nearby, watched the commotion unfold but shook his head in silent dissent.

He knew well that most of these people did not truly desire the Emperor to launch a southern campaign—they merely sought to align themselves with the prevailing wind. Even Xiao Yaotai spoke only in words, not in deeds.

None in the hall understood the barbarians as he did. Were victory certain, Xiao Yaotai would be the first to step forward. Yet when the outcome hung in the balance, the forces dispatched beyond the Mengshui Pass would be difficult to predict.

Indeed, Xiao Yaotai soon waved dismissively. "Zixin, this matter is settled for now."

Tang Zixin nodded once, without pressing further.

As Xiao Yaotai prepared to speak, a figure rushed in—Bao Tong—approaching quickly and whispering close to his ear:

"Lord Xiao, the owner of Bai Caotang has arrived."

Xiao Yaotai cast a sideways glance at Chen Yi, who was watching the dishes, and nodded for him to join. Bao Tong bowed and departed.

Within moments, the robed official Shu Yang arrived calmly in the courtyard. He surveyed the room, noticed Xiao Yaotai and Chen Yi, and approached directly.

"Lord Xiao, forgive me. There are matters at Bai Caotang requiring attention, hence my tardiness."

Xiao Yaotai studied him briefly, finding no flaw, and gestured for him to sit beside Chen Yi.

Shu Yang took his seat as instructed, his demeanor unchanged.

Chen Yi exhaled softly, knowing he too must make his presence felt. Leaning close, he murmured:

"My brother, what transpired at Bai Caotang?"

Shu Yang glanced at Xiao Yaotai, then spoke plainly: "Those from Fengyu Tower have arrived in Shuzhou."

At these words, Xiao Yaotai paused.

Qian Guoping could not help but exclaim, "Who? Who has come to Shuzhou?"

Tang Zixin furrowed his brow, saying nothing, his gaze fixed on Shu Yang.

Shu Yang repeated, "Fengyu Tower."

Xiao Yaotai stared thoughtfully. "Fengyu Tower’s people have come to Shuzhou. What is the reason?"

Ever since, he had grown wary of those from the martial world. Whether from the legitimate sects like Fengyu Tower or Wudang Mountain, or from the evil cults such as the Five Poison School or the Illusion Sound Sect, he never employed them. Unless the late Xiao Jinghong had once mentioned seeking talents from Fengyu Tower, he would not have met them with such openness.

Shu Yang glanced at the others, delaying his words.

Seeing this, Xiao Yaotai waved his hand. "All who have gathered here today are my acquaintances. Brother Chen, speak plainly."

Qian Guoping chuckled. "This young brother looks the part, yet harbors some cunning."

Shu Yang paid no heed, glancing at Chen Yi, who smiled without speaking.

"Those from Fengyu Tower have come to discuss forming an alliance with my Bai Caotang."

At these words, Xiao Yaotai showed a flicker of emotion. "Fengyu Tower? Truly?"

When Shu Yang nodded, he pressed on. "Beyond Shuzhou?"

Shu Yang inclined his head slightly, his voice steady. "Fengyu Tower’s people span the Nine Provinces and Three Prefectures, and maintain connections with the transport and horse guilds. Through them, Bai Caotang can expand further."

Though this plan had arisen suddenly, the truth was as such. In time, Xiao’s family and others would come to know it.

He decided to offer it as his reason for departure.

Besides, Fengyu Tower’s people had already entered Shuzhou’s territory. Speaking now was not too early.

Chen Yi bowed and smiled. "Congratulations, my brother."

Xiao Yaotai smiled as well, pleased that Bai Caotang’s influence now surpassed his own.

Tang Zixin and Qian Guoping, too, understood this, and offered their congratulations without forgetting to pay their respects to the elder.

But those from beyond Shuzhou—those who had come to observe—were focused on another matter: Fengyu Tower.

"Have you heard? The White Deity from Fengyu Tower has arrived in Shuzhou. Is this true?"

"Rumor has it the White Deity and the Snow Sword Master have agreed to duel on the Red River, drawing many martial artists to witness. This must be real."

"These are mere brigands, seeking to stir up trouble."

"Brigands?"

"They are no idle scoundrels. The White Deity and Fengyu Tower are said to have reached the immortal realm in martial arts, surpassing us in strength."

"Without him, how could Fengyu Tower maintain its foothold in the Nine Provinces and Three Prefectures?"

"Indeed…"

The guests chattered among themselves, and upon learning of the close ties between Xiao’s family, Bai Caotang, and Fengyu Tower, they felt a certain satisfaction.

Just as old Master Xiao had said, their presence here today already made it clear that they were bound to the Xiao family like grasshoppers on a single thread.

Even if they denied it, outsiders would never believe them.

Thus, the stronger the Xiao family grew, the safer they would be.

Particularly with a martial sect like the Wind and Rain Pavilion, which boasted numerous experts within its ranks, there was no guaranteeing they wouldn't have to beg for their help in the future.

And yet.

The great aristocratic clans held much disdain for the martial underworld, viewing its passions, hatreds, kindnesses, and grudges as clearly inferior to the grand affairs of state.

Shui Hetong listened to all this but took none of it to heart.

He had heard similar words countless times, and naturally understood the temperament of those born into these great clans.

Taking advantage of the moment when everyone began to speak, he secretly wrote to Chen Yi about what had just transpired.

Of course, it was impossible for the two men to actually hold hands.

Instead, Shui Hetong utilized the faint spiritual energy of heaven and earth to condense and vibrate upon Chen Yi’s palm.

[The mastermind who abducted Li Sanyuan is Pei Yonglin of the Mountain Tribe, who serves as the Clear Wind Emissary of the Pingzheng Hall within the Jizhou Trading Company.]

[His mother is none other than Granny Mountain of the Mountain Tribe, which makes things slightly troublesome.]

[Zhang Dabao's master, "One Finger," was captured by him; he wishes to exchange him for Li Sanyuan, likely wanting to extract the location of the Hashasva Kingdom's envoy from Li Sanyuan's mouth.]

[Furthermore, Song Jinjian was also involved, and the "Little Daoist Master" Hua Huiyang was killed by his and Pei Yonglin's joint efforts...]

[In addition, your identity as Chen Yu has already been discovered by them...]

Perceiving this information, Chen Yi frowned inwardly.

His first thought was that the mastermind was indeed someone from the Mountain Tribe, and remarkably, he was even Granny Mountain's son.

Which meant, he was Pei Guanli's father?

Chen Yi subconsciously turned his head to look in the direction of the Spring Lotus Garden; the fierce girl was still practicing her martial arts in the Purple Bamboo Forest at this moment, entirely unaware of this matter.

Ah, whatever one fears most is exactly what comes.

Chen Yi felt somewhat of a headache.

If it were anyone else from the Mountain Tribe, he naturally wouldn't care, and would simply find a way to kill them.

But the fierce girl's biological father...

This matter could not let her know for the time being.

Otherwise, there was no telling what she might do.

Chen Yi secretly shook his head, then signaled to Shui Hetong that he understood.

Compared to Pei Yonglin's identity, the Jizhou Trading Company, Li Sanyuan hiding the Hashasva Kingdom's envoy, and the safety of Zhang Dabao's master "One Finger"...

Chen Yi did not hesitate much.

If the Jizhou Trading Company wanted to cause chaos in Shuzhou, he would kill every single one that came.

As for Zhang Dabao's master, "One Finger," he would save him if possible, but if it truly proved impossible, he would not be indecisive.

On the contrary, the secret hidden by Li Sanyuan caught his interest—perhaps it could make Song Jinjian and Pei Yonglin go out for wool and come home shorn.

Shui Hetong breathed a sigh of relief and said no more, lifting his head to scan the surroundings, only to lock eyes with a face wearing a faint, knowing smile—Chen Yunfan.

He nodded with a slight hesitation, counting it as a greeting.

For some reason, he always felt that the way Chen Yunfan looked at him was somewhat peculiar.

Seeing this, Chen Yunfan restrained himself a bit, though his mind was dwelling on the little secret movements between Chen Yi and Shui Hetong just now.

He guessed that these two must be plotting something.

This could not help but pique his interest.

—He simply had to see what Brother Yi intended to do.

At this moment, old Master Xiao, seeing that the hour was getting late, stood up while holding his wine cup.

In an instant, silence fell inside and outside the central courtyard.

Everyone shut their mouths in unison, their eyes all turning toward him.

Seeing this, old Master Xiao revealed a smile: "Inviting you all here today is because this old man has a few matters to state..."

(End of Chapter)