Chapter 393: Adhering to the Ancient Dao! (Requesting Monthly Tickets)

Chapter 393: Upholding the Ancient Way! (Seeking Monthly Votes)

Xiao Wan'er gazed at the letter in her hand, her smile slightly subdued.

"The last time, your second sister replied that the Xuanjia Army, which had been dispatched to patrol the border at Mingshui, encountered devastating casualties at the hands of barbarian scouts. I wonder how the situation has fared since."

She folded the letter, gesturing toward the guests, "After they depart, I shall pen a letter and send it to Mingshui Pass."

Chen Yi let out a soft hum, then turned his full attention to entertaining the guests.

As noon approached, the visitors began to trickle out one by one, leaving only Duke Qian and his entourage behind.

According to several servants, Duke Qian intended to linger here for another two days, claiming he wished to see if he might encounter the legendary "White Immortal" and the "Sword Sage of the Snow."

It was evident he had heard of the martial contests between those two figures.

Upon hearing this, Chen Yi merely smiled and dismissed it.

He likely understood what Duke Qian was after.

In fact, since Chen Yi had previously suggested that Duke Qian send someone to Werguo to investigate the situation and bribe them, Duke Qian had been planning this matter in earnest.

Not only did he write letters back to the Guang-Yue Court, but he also discussed details with the Patriarch.

They deliberated on matters such as selecting a suitable person, arranging various aspects of the journey, and how to respond if Werguo bandits attacked the Guang-Yue Court.

One such detail was ensuring that those who ventured deep into Werguo would return safely.

After much thought, they could only think to find a martial arts master of high cultivation to accompany Duke Qian's household members and ensure their safety.

It was precisely for this reason that Duke Qian had remained in Shu Province.

Seizing the opportunity presented by the martial contests between two legendary sages on land, he sought out several capable individuals who might serve his purpose.

Chen Yi let out a quiet sigh, thinking of the countless families each with their own burdens to bear, then bid farewell to Xiao Wan'er and the remaining guests, returning to the courtyard.

In the afternoon, as rain cleared and the sky brightened,

The grounds of Hou Courtyard resonated with the songs of birds and fragrance of flowers, refreshingly serene.

Chen Yi, Xiao Wan'er, Xiao Dié, and Shen Huatang strolled leisurely along the corridor, their faces alight with smiles.

Chen Yi's smile was more relaxed.

Having dealt with the matter of Pei Yonglin, he now understood the affairs of Shu Province with greater clarity, even grasping the broader situation of the Wei Dynasty.

It was, after all, a matter of some consequence.

Xiao Wan'er had settled her affairs at Hou Courtyard, she could now attend to her own pursuit—the Medical Arts Academy.

"Last night, Qingwu's younger sister sent someone with a letter. She intends to bring several medical saints to the pine forests in a few days to examine them."

"At present, though the Academy's headmaster has yet to be confirmed, those several medical saints are all willing to remain."

Chen Yi glanced to the side along the corridor, nodded approvingly, "Good news."

Yet his thoughts wandered elsewhere.

In a pavilion nearby, Xiao Xuanhui was shouting at several members of the Execution Hall, his voice carrying the words of the notorious Li San Yuan, among others.

Beside him, others—including Wang Li-xing and Liu Si-er—kept their heads bowed, daring not to draw breath.

Chen Yi saw this and felt a quiet amusement.

The previous day, Zhang Dabao and Yi Zhi had broken into the Execution Hall's prison, naturally alerting the Xiao family to take precautions.

But precautions were better than none.

Given the Xiao family's current lack of high-level masters to guard them, simply surviving was no small feat.

To expect them to accomplish more would be difficult.

Fortunately, Xiao Jinghong had secured some reinforcements, and soon masters from Fengyu Tower would arrive, which should sustain them for some time.

Xiao Wan'er noticed him staring at Xiao Xuanhui, a mixture of affection and irritation in her voice, "My husband, you do know I understand little of the medical arts..."

Chen Yi looked away, smiling, "Just in time I was heading to the Relief Medicine Hall. If Ma Liang is free, I'll let him come along as well."

"You're leaving the estate today?"

"Indeed, the Academy has been neglected for some time. Master Yue should be troubled. On my return, I'll stop by the Medicine Hall as well."

"Your husband hasn't visited the Academy in quite a while."

"I'll have someone prepare some gifts; you can take them as well."

"Your recent imperial examination success was largely thanks to Master Yue, otherwise following Ma Xu-zhi's wishes, you might not have secured your degree."

"Indeed..."

Earlier, using the imperial examination as an excuse, Chen Yi had not visited the Academy for half a month to teach the Way of Books.

Now, just days after the examination concluded, he should go pay a visit.

This provided him with a suitable pretext to venture out.

After some idle chatter,

Chen Yi returned to the Spring Lotus Garden, gathering a few items, and set off alone from Hou Courtyard to the Guiyun Academy.

Several students, seeing him approach, hurried to bow in greeting.

"Master Qin."

"Master Qin, you've arrived."

"Master Qin..."

Chen Yi returned their bows, engaging in brief conversation with each, both familiar and unfamiliar, walking slowly toward the residence of Master Yue.

Compared to the bustling world outside,

The Academy grounds remained relatively tranquil.

Since the imperial examination had concluded, most students were preparing for the next major examination—the academy and prefectural trials.

Their thoughts were focused on their studies.

Yet, relatively speaking,

These scholars, particularly those attuned to court affairs, would often discuss matters of state.

Such as the choice between southern campaigns and northern expeditions, the situation in Shu Province, the Werguo bandits plaguing the Guang-Yue Prefecture, and the horse thieves along the Tea and Horse Road, among other issues.

Cultivating oneself, governing one's family, state, and the world—each generation of scholars followed this path.

Thus, Chen Yi's reputation within the Academy grew even higher.

All because his words—"To be concerned about the troubles of the world before they arise, and to be joyful about the happiness of the world when it comes"—had truly inscribed themselves into the hearts of scholars.

Even Masters Yue and others had subtly shifted in their demeanor toward him.

Upon learning of his arrival, Master Yue unprecedentedly stepped out of his study to greet him at the door, accompanied by Master Zuo Ying and Master Yan Gui, among others.

Master Yan specialized in historical texts, particularly excelling in the history of the Qiangyang Dynasty, often citing ancient texts to offer commentary on contemporary affairs.

This was a common affliction among scholarly men.

In other words: "To practice the ancient way in order to govern the present."

Study and reference events from history in order to confront the occurrences of the present day.

Chen Yi greeted several people and took their seats.

Master Yue smiled warmly, saying, "After resting Qingzhou for a few days, I have not forgotten your identity as a teacher."

"During your absence these few days, all the scholars in the academy have been talking about you, hoping you'd return to teach them the classics."

Chen Yi, fully aware of the situation, shook his head and said, "Not yet. I still need a few more days."

"Is it Xiao Yuan the martial artist again with some matter for you?"

Master Yue's expression darkened with displeasure. "He hosted a banquet for guests from all nine provinces yesterday, causing a commotion throughout the city. He ought to have been more tranquil these past days."

Chen Yi was slightly surprised, "Has the academy head heard about it?"

Beside him, Zhuo Ying explained with a smile, "Not only heard—it was he himself who sent someone to deliver a invitation to the academy head."

"Yet the academy head, maintaining his status, declined to consort with a martial artist, so he did not attend."

Master Yue glared at him, huffing, "I did not go because of Xiao the elder's martial prowess, but because he has been too showy lately."

"Know this: excessive severity breaks things."

"Especially since he has recently been reprimanded by the Son of Heaven, he should not be too conspicuous."

"Moreover, the situation in Shu today is not like before; all the provincial governors have been replaced, so he ought to be more discreet and observe the circumstances."

Yan Guu, upon hearing this, shook his head and said, "The academy head's words are mistaken."

"Looking back to the previous era, Marquis Wu held the border passes, so he should have needed court support. But now the Xiao family suffers pressure from the Kyoto authorities."

"Indeed, it is a pity."

"If the situation in Shu remains unchanged, Marquis Wu could indeed remain concealed. Yet he has killed Liu Hong and raised the banner for others like Ye Ci-xing."

"At this time, if he were to handle things as before, it would inevitably provoke more attacks and grumbling."

Yan Guu, roughly forty years old, dressed in scholar's robes, upright in figure, speaking with vigor.

Zhuo Ying nodded, turning to Master Yue, "Academy head, what do you think?"

Master Yue did not respond, turning instead to Chen Yi with a conspiratorial glance, speaking in low tones about family matters.

This caused Zhuo Ying and Yan Guu to exchange glances and smile. Master Yue suddenly sighed, saying, "The newly appointed Chief Commissioner of the Affairs Office, Fan Yuanzho, is quite capable."

Chen Yi raised an eyebrow slightly, "The academy head rarely praises others. What has this Mr. Fan accomplished?"

"He had just arrived in office, dispatching the judicial office to investigate Ma Shuhuan, and immediately went to Guangmeng, urging relief for disaster victims."

"Before departing, he had the records of Shu's past few years copied and studied en route."

"Who knew that by the ninth watch yesterday, someone had returned, and under Fan's orders, many were taken."

Upon hearing this, Chen Yi nodded thoughtfully, "In that case, he does have some merit."

He thought a moment, then asked, "What about the Commissioner of the Pacification and Inspection Office, also about to be appointed?"

Master Yue slightly nodded, his face bearing a hint of regret, "Zhao Wenjing, yes. He and I have some connection."

"In past years, I once traveled to Jizhou, studying at Shiwen Garden, where he was taught by Master Zhai Shanshan."

Upon hearing this, Yan Guu's expression flickered, "Zhao Cheng, Zhao Zhai Shanshan?"

Master Yue nodded, "Master Zhai Shanshan was a renowned figure of his time, deeply versed in classics and history."

After a pause, he continued, "Zhao Wenjing is Zhai Shanshan's grandson."

Chen Yi understood, "A scholar's family lineage..."

Regardless, those from Jizhou, he needed to pay heed to certain matters.

Now Su Songjian remains in Shu; if there were more allies, especially within the bureaucracy, it would be even harder to confront.

After some casual talk.

Chen Yi stood to take his leave.

Master Yue walked him to his residence outside, reminding, "Qingzhou, after you're done, remember to come to the academy to teach soon."

Chen Yi replied with a sly smile, "Is the academy head speaking on behalf of those students, or is he reluctant to leave the desk?"

Master Yue pointed at him, laughing, "Don't forget the pavilion where your calligraphy is displayed; lately, many have come seeking it."

"If you could write more, I could let them take it back."

Chen Yi was surprised, "Does the academy head not intend to recruit more students?"

Master Yue, upon hearing this, couldn't help but laugh.

Even Zhuo Ying and Yan Guu joined in, "Qingzhou, you don't know?"

"These days, more and more students come to the academy to study, and it's become overcrowded. Just the other day, the academy head was worried about it."

"This is all thanks to Qingzhou."

"Is that so..."

Chen Yi fell silent with a slight laugh, yet took no credit, and after some light talk, departed from the Guixi Academy.

Master Yue and the others watched him go, then returned to the study.

Yan Guu thought a moment, expressing admiration, "I increasingly respect the academy head."

Master Yue asked, "What do you mean?"

"Thinking back, had the academy head not exerted his influence to invite Qingzhou to come, we would not have the academy's current prosperity."

"Indeed..."

Master Yue, after all, had been eyeing Chen Yi's teachings, yet also genuinely invited him to the academy.

Now it had fulfilled the saying, "Without intending to plant willows, they grow into shade," spreading it as a good tale.

They were just talking when Ma Guan approached, bowing, "Academy head, there's someone outside requesting an audience."

"Who is it?"

"He says his name is Zhao Wenjing..."

...

Not mentioning the arrivals and departures at the academy.

After leaving Kangning Street, Chen Yi first went to the Jishi Pharmacy to speak with Ma Liangcai, then checked on Yuan Liusong's recent condition, and without lingering, headed straight to the West Market.

The medical academy in Tonglin was being constructed smoothly, and was expected to be completed by month's end.

When Xiao Wanyuan and Cui Qingwu arrived, they could proceed in an orderly manner.

The most important matter was compiling the Medical Canon.

For this, Chen Yi had already had Ma Liangcai and Yuan Liusong begin collecting medical texts.

Not for any other reason, so that when he presented the Medical Canon, it would serve to obscure others' ears.

Indeed.

Chen Yi had resolved to see things through to the end for others, and planned to set aside time in the coming days to compile a comprehensive medical text.

Though by his current standing he was hardly a saint of medicine, the profound mysteries in his mind were fully understood.

For teaching and instructing medical disciples, there could be no befitting method more appropriate.

As for the more profound aspects…

It all depended upon their destiny.

Not long after,

Chen Yi walked his way to Bai Caotang, scanning the premises with a discerning eye, then offered a greeting to Wang Ji.

Once they reached the quiet chamber on the second floor, he withdrew a letter from his sleeve and placed it upon the table, entrusting it with these words:

"This letter is to be delivered to Master Xiao of the Xiao family."

He remembered to caution: "Take care to ensure no one else lays hands upon it."

Wang Ji bowed respectfully: "Rest assured, sir."

Chen Yi slightly nodded his head, leaning slightly to listen to the faint sounds around him, and inquired:

"Has Yan Hai received any reply?"

"He has."

"After departing Guangyuan with his party, he traveled southeastward, and has since completed his investigations in the Guangmeng region, though…"

"The situation there is not favorable."

"Because of the disaster refugees?"

"Your lordship guessed correctly. Due to natural calamities, the medicinal halls and grain stores there have fared poorly."

"As expected."

Chen Yi pondered for a moment, and commanded: "Let Yan Hai quickly select a suitable location, and the third branch of Bai Caotang shall be established in Guangmeng."

Wang Ji nodded in agreement.

Chen Yi then inquired further about the herbal remedies from the mountain clans, and soon made his way to the window, opening it to gaze toward the western market's tailoring shops.

"Wang, the shopkeeper's business is thriving wonderfully—truly something to rejoice over."

"Your lordship speaks too kindly."

Chen Yi chatted idly with him, while observing the tailoring shop's interior, noting the presence of Shi Xing and others.

He was just contemplating how to deliver a message to them discreetly when a presence approached swiftly.

In an instant, a cold voice echoed beside him: "Come, have a drink."

Chen Yi paused slightly, turning his head toward the Cloud Clear Pavilion across the way.

In the elegant chamber on the second floor facing the street sat a figure clad in spotless white robes.

It was none other than the "Sword of Snow Lord," Ye Kuangxian.

Chen Yi was taken somewhat aback, yet did not refuse.

After exchanging quiet words with Wang Ji, he allowed himself to be led to the Cloud Clear Pavilion, taking a seat beside Ye Kuangxian.

After all, the place was frequented by many, and required some concealment.

Wang Ji remained behind in the chamber, while Chen Yi entered the one where Ye Kuangxian sat, smiling and saying:

"Master, you have already returned to Shu Zhou so soon to engage in a contest of skill?"

Ye Kuangxian sneered lightly, pushing a wine cup toward him: "Come see if your juniors can manage to catch sight."

It should be said, the "Sword of Snow Lord" indeed had the standing to speak thus.

Chen Yi smiled: "Master, have you actually seen those who managed to catch sight?"

"Besides you, there were several others."

"Which ones, precisely?"

"Can't recall."

"……"

(Chapter Complete)