Chapter 384: With a Clear Conscience! (Requesting Monthly Tickets)

Chapter 384: Questioning One's Heart! (Seeking Monthly Votes)

Xiao Youge stood tall in his mysterious robes, his jade belt accentuating his dignified posture. Though his face remained aged, his complexion had improved markedly, retaining a fraction of his former authority. The gathered guests fell silent in his presence.

Even the undisciplined Chen Yunfan composed himself, his gaze fixed on Xiao Youge, curious about his next words.

"Borrowing this cup of wine, I must speak of recent events in Shuzhou."

"First, let me recount the tale of Liu Hong..."

It was widely known that he had vanquished Liu Hong. Xiao Jinghong had defeated Zhu Haoyu. Though the causes were justifiable, not all understood the hidden machinations behind these victories. Seizing the moment while all were present, Xiao Youge laid out the full story—from Liu Hong to Zhu Haoyu, from the Liu family of Jingzhou to the merchants of Jizhou, from the Miao people to the Mohe Kingdom. He revealed everything, piece by piece, leaving nothing concealed.

Yet he had withheld three things.

One was "Long and Tiger" Liu Wu, also known as Chen Yu of the Biaocao Hall, who had secretly aided the Xiao family. The second was the Emperor's confidential edict, masking his suspicion of an imminent northern expedition. The third concerned the Miao prince Asutai's visit to Shuzhou.

Though Liu Wu's role was merely to lure out Liu Hong, spreading this tale would inevitably invite criticism.

When he finished, Xiao Youge paused, then solemnly drained his wine cup.

"Justice and righteousness, I have no doubts."

At this, the guests raised their cups in agreement. Water Heshan and others followed suit. Chen Yi also joined them.

But Chen Yi discerned that the old master had long suppressed his spirit. Now, at last, he had broken free, his presence commanding and expansive. A certain relief settled in Chen Yi's heart.

Prince Qian Gong Zhang Xuan finished his wine and set down the cup. "Liu Hong was a man of deep cunning."

"Had Xiao not discovered him in time, Shuzhou would have faced utter destruction."

"Indeed, he dared to manipulate the Five Venoms Sect to spread pestilence! His wickedness knows no bounds!"

"Thankfully, he did not succeed."

As the guests murmured among themselves, Chen Yi recalled Water Heshan's earlier words. The case of Liu Hong had indeed been resolved.

Since then, Xiao Youge had undergone a transformation, even affecting the capital of Kyoto Prefecture. Yet Shuzhou had remained peaceful, while the merchants of Jizhou and their allies had grown increasingly unhinged.

Ma Shuhuan, the Shan people, the Mohe Kingdom, even the Miao—all would seek any means to alter the situation.

Thinking this, Chen Yi glanced at the old master, who gestured for him to pour more wine. He bowed his head slightly.

In his mind, a chessboard shifted and evolved. Time was running short; he needed to anticipate Jizhou's next move. More crucially, he had to devise a way to resolve the threats from Pei Yonglin and Song Jinjian.

When the guests had quieted, Xiao Youge lifted his cup again.

"The second matter—ah, surely you all have heard of our agreement with the Shan people to jointly build the Wushan International Market. It has now been formally established."

"After the events of the three new armies under Xiao Jinghong, I chose an auspicious day to open it. When it opens, I hope all of you with business there will visit."

He then smiled at a plump middle-aged man at the adjacent table. "Peng Shouzuo, a man from the Peng family of Youzhou—he purchased a shop there last month. I hear his trade has been quite successful?"

Peng Shouzuo rose, bowing. "Your Grace, I intend to deal in fur and skins. The mountains of Wushan are rich in game, with beasts roaming everywhere."

Xiao Youge nodded. "The market is new, and we need everyone's support. Here, I thank you all."

"Your Grace, it is our duty."

"Open trade benefits all people..."

Water Heshan chimed in without hesitation.

Xiao Youge's eyes flicked toward him, then swept over the still Chen Yi.

"The Wushan International Market, though named 'International,' is more like a 'marketplace' suited to its purpose."

"The Shan people number thirteen tribes, adding one more—comparable in population to the city itself."

"But their lives are harder. This market helps my Xiao family and aids them as well."

"Thus, if you have matters to attend to, you may seek out the Shan people. I cannot guarantee assistance in other areas, but your safety is assured."

"Long ago, I exchanged letters with the Shan and Mohe leaders. Some goods in the market may be entrusted to their people for transport."

"Of course, this requires payment in silver."

As he spoke, the guests smiled and began chatting in low tones.

Though the Shan people were but a small faction, often found in Shuzhou, their reputation in the martial world was considerable, often standing shoulder to shoulder with renowned sects.

Moreover, their mastery of shamanic sorcery was arcane and fearsome, instilling terror in their enemies. This made many noble families wary.

Yet to enlist the Shan people as escorts was a privilege few could obtain.

"Your Grace's consideration is admirable. We are honored."

"Thank you, Your Grace..."

The older a noble house, the more extensive its trade. Unless led by a family like Xiao's, where the finest talents serve in the Imperial Army, they rarely engage in commerce.

Their silver reserves often filled their warehouses. Especially in Jiangnan, Guangyue, and Kyoto Prefectures.

Thus, many present today came hoping to visit the Wushan International Market.

Whether to earn some silver is secondary; they mostly merely pay lip service to the Xiao family.

The third matter is concerning the Bai Caotang.

“The aforesaid gentlemen have heard that our Xiao family and the Bai Caotang have entered into an agreement; besides Shu Zhou, other prefectures will also have the Bai Caotang.”

“If the gentlemen are interested, they may go and investigate the Bai Caotang for themselves.”

Old Master Xiao glanced at Shu He and Shu, nodding toward them: “Believe it or not, Brother Chen will not disappoint you.”

Shu He and Shu rose, bowing their hands in greeting, speaking a few polite words.

The other guests likewise returned a bow.

When the voices of the guests had gradually subsided, Old Master Xiao again praised Shu He and Shu:

“Do not think lightly of Brother Chen just because you dwell in high-status homes.”

“Brother Chen is not only skilled in commerce, but also highly accomplished in medical arts.”

Shu He paused, instinctively glancing at Chen Yi, who seemed to have heard nothing, so he feigned not hearing it.

Yet the others had taken it to heart.

Duke Qin, with interest, turned his gaze to Shu He and asked, “Old Xiao, your ailments—were they cured by him?”

Tang Zixin, upon hearing this, also fixed his eyes on Shu He: “Truly so?”

Old Master Xiao nodded: “Thanks to Brother Chen’s treatment, my body is no longer in grave distress.”

He set down his wine cup, straightened his back, and the vital energies of heaven and earth stirred and rolled. A breath of lethal qi swept forth in a single rifle stroke.

Chen Yi startled, regaining his composure, and frowned slightly.

—It was a trap.

No sooner said than done, he flicked his wrist, placing something beside the table in Shu He’s hands.

Taking advantage of Old Master Xiao’s stirring of the vital energies, he quickly whispered a few words.

Shu He paused, then, upon realizing, grasped the object and tapped the table to make his meaning clear.

He had thought Brother Chen was being overly cautious.

Yet Old Master Xiao had just displayed his martial prowess, and Duke Qin and others all turned their gaze to him.

Their eyes burned with an intensity not surpassed even when he once held the post of chief at the Wind and Rain Tower.

“Brother Chen’s medical skills are truly remarkable.”

“Old Xiao’s lingering injuries, even the ancient Wood God Doctor could not cure them—you have healed him. What realm has Brother Chen attained in the medical arts? A saintly hand in medicine?”

“At minimum, he has reached the realm of great completion.”

“Ordinary medicinal stones and herbs cannot cure such ailments; I reckon Brother Chen is particularly adept at acupuncture.”

Shu He, upon hearing this, muttered to himself in admiration, impressed by Brother Chen’s swift response.

If it were himself, he would not have anticipated such a turn of events.

He feigned contemplation, glancing at Old Master Xiao, who smiled and remained silent.

In his heart, he had already guessed.

He nodded, his voice calm: “Medical arts, I understand rather well.”

Old Master Xiao suppressed his aura, laughing heartily: “Young brother, you are too modest.”

“If your medical skills are merely ‘understood,’ then nine-tenths of all physicians would not dare lift their heads.”

As he spoke, he glanced at Duke Qin.

Duke Qin rose, approached Shu He, crouched by the table, and extended his hand:

“My recent years have left me weary; opportunities are rare. I humbly ask you to examine me.”

Shu He inwardly smiled, for Chen Yi had indeed hit the mark.

Reluctantly, he feigned hesitation, extending his hand to pulse Duke Qin.

All the guests looked on.

Chen Yi did the same.

Yet on the surface, he remained calm, while in his heart he cursed inwardly: Old fox.

Had he not reacted in time, he might have fallen victim to Old Master Xiao’s scheme.

After a moment, Shu He withdrew his hand, frowning.

Zhang Xuan paused: “Young brother, this body of mine… truly has some illness?”

Shu He slightly bowed his head, calmly replying: “Duke Qin, your years of commanding troops have drained six-tenths of your qi and blood.”

“Combined with the dampness and dry heat of Guang and Yue, internal heat, and excessive fire…”

He listed four ailments, one of which was subtle and hard to detect:

“These do not harm the root, but there is one thing Duke Qin must beware—your body harbors a trace of poison.”

“Poison?”

Duke Qin’s smile faltered: “What poison could I have encountered?”

Tang Zixin and others all furrowed their brows.

If a duke were poisoned, it would indeed be a grave matter.

Shu He scanned the room and said: “If my assessment is correct, Duke Qin’s poison is of the metal and stone variety.”

“It must be that Duke Qin regularly consumes pills and elixirs in his daily life. These substances are beneficial in the short term, but—”

“—if taken over a long time, accumulating in quantity, these tonics and medicines become harmful.”

Duke Qin, after glancing at Old Master Xiao, pondered for a moment, then asked:

“Young brother, is there a cure for this?”

Shu He exhaled slowly, nodded, and said: “Later, I will prepare a formula. You may fetch the ingredients yourself.”

Duke Qin’s expression eased: “If it can be cured, that is good.”

All the guests relaxed: “We did not expect those alchemists’ pills to have such a harmful effect.”

“It seems I must not eat them much in the future.”

Some even approached: “Brother Chen, let me also have a look.”

Shu He paid them no mind, directly assessing their conditions, for he knew their ailments.

Fortunately, Duke Qin had mediated, indicating: “It is not yet the right time today. When you visit the Bai Caotang later, you may find Brother Chen then.”

“Duke Qin has spoken truly…”

When the other guests had returned, Duke Qin returned to his seat.

He kicked Old Master Xiao’s leg lightly and whispered: “You’re quite the talent, Old Xiao.”

Xiao Yaotou nodded subtly without a sound, understanding that his words about Chen Yu's talents were significant.

In fact.

Before the probing, he had already ascertained Qin Gonggong's physical condition through prior means.

Thus, upon hearing Shu Shang's offer of assistance, he detailed Qin Gonggong's ailments thoroughly.

Moreover, having added a mention of the venom of metal and stone, his lingering doubts had already dissipated significantly.

In his estimation, those renowned in martial arts, let alone those equally masterful in both martial and medical arts, were exceedingly rare.

If Chen Yi and Chen Yu were such individuals, Xiao Yuan would recognize them immediately!

After the commotion, Xiao Yaotou raised another cup of wine and said, "There is one last matter..."

"In the days to come, when we all campaign against Shzhou, we humbly ask your mighty assistance!"

Xiao Yaotou drank the wine in one gulp.

Qin Gonggong and the others were not inclined to yield.

Not waiting to say more, Xiao Yaotou waved his hand and said, "Let's eat!"

Being of military background, the old master was quite bold and decisive, never one to dawdle.

The others began to revel joyously.

Some were laughing, others raising cups in toast.

Amidst the bustle, Chen Yi sighed in relief, hoping to temporarily dispel the old master's doubts.

If it still failed, he would concede.

It was indeed a close call.

Just before, he had been pondering the schemes of Song Jin and Pei Yonglin, when suddenly hearing the old master's words, he became instantly alert.

At that moment, he was already considering how the old master would probe.

His thoughts raced, and he had some suspicions.

After all, there were only two possibilities.

One was to have Shu Shang examine the illness, using the opportunity to investigate his medical skills.

The other was to let Shu Shang demonstrate his own abilities.

Thus, Chen Yi provided items and briefly mentioned the old master's possible candidates.

Qin Gonggong was the first, Tang Zixin the second, and the steward Bao Tong the third.

After all, concerning Liu Wu, the "Dragon and Tiger," and Chen Yu of the Bai Caotang, the old master could not entrust it to untrustworthy individuals.

Fortunately, the outcome was favorable.

Approaching the eleventh hour.

The banquet in the main hall had just concluded.

Xiao Yaotou and others escorted guests to the front courtyard, while Chen Yi, too drunk to continue, returned directly to Chun He Garden.

Shu Shang followed Chen Yunfan, Lin Zhong, and Chun Rong out of the Duke of Dingyuan's mansion.

Chen Yunfan climbed into the carriage, eyeing Shu Shang outside, about to probe when a carriage bearing the Bai Caotang banner sped by.

He had to suppress the thought.

Curiously, after witnessing Shu Shang's medical prowess, he couldn't help but have doubts.

Could there be another individual as gifted as Yi's younger brother?

Shu Shang, unbothered, had Wang Ji lead him directly back to the Bai Caotang.

Having been too busy earlier, he wasn't sure what Chen Yi had planned for the evening, so he went to the Bai Caotang to wait.

Though he had agreed to help Chen Yi with three tasks, this matter involved Song Jin, so he couldn't just let it go.

If possible, he wanted to find Song Jin to inquire why he had done those things!

……

Meanwhile,

Outside the Meng Shui Pass.

Song Jin hung in mid-air, gazing at the towering fortress in the distance, a faint smile on his face.

"Knowing your parents are alive yet imprisoned by the barbarians... Xiao Jinghong, how would you choose?"

Though his face was smiling, his eyes were cold.

A faint glow could be seen.

—Two men, bound with bright red ropes, were led into the Meng Shui Pass by a squad of soldiers.

Not the Mo Yun brothers, who are they?

(End of Chapter)