Chapter 403: Heaven's Will Accounts for Half (Requesting Monthly Tickets)

Chapter 403: The Will of Heaven Half (Seeking Monthly Ticket)

“Cui Family of Qinghe…”

Beneath Chen Xuanji’s white, tiger-striped mask, his pitch-black eyes faintly glowed with a phosphorescent light.

“Cui Mei…”

Jiang Xing lowered his head, his body motionless, a few droplets of sweat forming like tiny pearls on his forehead.

For one far from the court, distant from the Central Plains, it was hard to imagine the gravitas behind the two characters “Cui Mei.”

The closer one drew to the capital, the more ancient and noble the great families became, the more reverence they would feel for the Cui family and Cui Mei.

A thousand years.

In the current Wei Dynasty, how many families could boast with pride that their lineage had endured a millennium?

There was a saying: “As time passes and regions shift.”

A thousand years—dynasties rose and fell, circumstances changed.

Natural disasters, human tragedies—rare as they were—would, even if one fled far, at least be endured in some measure.

Yet the Cui family, ever since time immemorial, had never faltered, even when misfortune threatened to consign their descendants to the grave.

What hardships they had weathered, what glory they had earned.

Jiang Xing did not dispute this. Though he was a golden-barded officer of the White Tiger Guard, facing the Cui family, he muster all his wits.

If news of this were to spread, he and all in his clan would be implicated.

After a moment of silence, Jiang Xing steadied his mind, bowed his head, and said, “My lord, how should the affairs of Shu Zhou be arranged from here on out? Please enlighten us.”

Chen Xuanji offered no answer, tilting his head to gaze at the sky.

Gray clouds loomed thick, rain drizzled steadily.

A steady *thwack* of thunder echoed endlessly.

Occasionally, lightning split the heavens, followed by the rumbling boom of thunder.

Yet atop Mount Xuanlian, a tranquil stillness reigned.

As if the outside world were sealed away, rain could not penetrate, nor sound carry.

“When a player reaches a certain level in Go, they can perceive the patterns formed by the incessant stacking of black and white stones.”

“This is called ‘qi’.”

“A masterful player, before each move, considers two things.”

“Breaking the opponent’s qi, strengthening one’s own.”

“An even more refined player will leverage the opponent’s qi, using it to fulfill their own aims.”

Chen Xuanji spoke calmly, as if chatting idly about matters of little consequence.

“On this board of Shu Zhou, Cui Mei… he seeks to borrow one of my stones.”

Jiang Xing listened, his brow furrowed.

The words made sense on the surface, yet this metaphor…

Though he understood the terms, he could not grasp the meaning.

After weighing his words, he whispered softly, “My lord… the stone you speak of…?”

Chen Xuanji sighed, as if lamenting the addition of another fool to his burden.

“In all of Shu Zhou, the only stone he would value is that of the Xiao family—only their people.”

“The Xiao family?”

Jiang Xing hesitated. “Would they align with Cui… Tianqi?”

Chen Xuanji shook his head. “No.”

Because of him.

Chen Xuanji smiled inwardly.

He had not anticipated that the late-hand stone named “Sparrow,” once a mere afterthought, would now become the fulcrum upon which the entire game turned.

In truth,

Chen Xuanji had initially intended merely to plant one agent within the Xiao family, someone who could, if need be, become his Chen clan’s conduit for controlling Shu Zhou.

But now,

As the situation in Shu Zhou continued to shift, his aims had diminished.

Both sides sought to achieve the grand cause of the Northern Expedition.

The Xiao family, if they could keep Shu Zhou stable, would still serve his purposes.

In other words,

Those on the northern side could not accept the present state of affairs.

Thus, they sought to unravel the deadlock, to stir unrest in Shu Zhou once more.

In the nascent stage of the grand design, they could only exploit the Xiao family.

Or rather, to sway them.

“But how might he proceed?”

“The late Marquis of Xiao… hah, unless he’s utterly foolish, he would not ally with Cui Tianqi.”

“Then there’s only Xiao Jinghong left.”

If it were Chen Xuanji, he would set his sights squarely on Xiao Jinghong.

Young, gifted, a standout among the Wei Dynasty’s rising generation.

Such a person could be described in four words: “Youthful and promising.”

To the average person, this was a good thing.

But to Chen Xuanji and Cui Mei, who had traversed the path from “youthful and promising” onward, this trait carried a flaw.

—Arrogance.

They always believed themselves to be the protagonists of the world, yearning to shoulder all burdens alone, to stem the tide of chaos.

This was their weakness.

Chen Xuanji had once believed this himself.

But when he entered the court, witnessing the petty squabbles of flies and dogs, enduring the fall from grace to the abyss, he finally understood his father’s words:

“Those who achieve great deeds first look inward.”

Those who have accomplished much often turn their gaze inward, comprehending their true selves.

Only then can one face any matter with calm and composure.

Chen Xuanji’s eyes flickered with a hint of a smile. “To achieve great deeds, one’s own effort counts for half, and destiny’s will counts for half as well.”

“But now, destiny favors me, not you.”

After hearing Zhang Xing’s words, Chen Xuanji suddenly understood the game in Shuzhou—he was years behind Zhang Mao. Had it not been for Chen Yi’s meddling, which stirred up trouble and awakened the Xiao family, Shuzhou would likely have been exactly as Zhang Mao desired.

Though Chen Xuanji had considered such a scenario, he had placed Chen Yunfan in Shuzhou, yet this path also led to a precarious situation. It was impossible for things to unfold as they did now—thunder rumbling, rain barely falling.

Thinking this, Chen Xuanji turned his body toward Zhang Xing and commanded, “After you return, write a secret letter to Wei Li, instructing them to place the Green Dragon in the position of the provincial general.”

Zhang Xing hastened to comply. As he was about to head back to the capital, Chen Xuanji raised his hand.

“Not yet. Wait. First, observe how this spectacle unfolds.”

Chen Xuanji’s gaze drifted toward the distant Red River, where, through the darkening sky and heavy clouds, he glimpsed a figure as white as snow. He smiled.

“It’s come after all. No use turning back now.”

“Yes…”

…

At the ninth hour, the sky grew dark and heavy.

Only the drumming of rain and the thunderous rumble of storms filled the air.

In the city of Shuzhou, the streets were nearly empty.

Far emptier than usual.

The usual clamor of laughter and shouting from wandering travelers had vanished. The noble youths and officials who once frequented the southern fireworks alley were scarce.

Even the markets to the east and west were nearly deserted.

Only a few stalls remained open.

Bai Caotang was among them.

Yuan Liu’er had eaten her evening meal and came from the eastern market.

Now, her martial arts had gained some recognition, and her confidence had grown.

Even on this dreary, rain-soaked night, she no longer hurried as she once had.

She walked quietly through the downpour, carefully avoiding those whose paths seemed suspicious.

She understood Chen Yi’s purpose in giving her the disguise—to conceal her identity.

She needed to be cautious and subdued.

Fortunately, the journey passed without incident. Only a few beggars in the corners noticed her, and no one else paid her any mind.

When Yuan Liu’er reached Bai Caotang, she admired the signboard bearing the three characters “Bai Caotang” and the glowing illusion within.

Her grandfather’s teachings in the Way of Books always left her in awe.

Compared to what she had seen before… Yuan Hou’s handwriting was incomparably inferior.

She steadied her mind and entered the shop, surveying the interior before knocking on the door.

“Knock, knock.”

Wang Ji, hearing the sound, looked up and blinked in surprise. “Liu’er, why have you come?”

When she lived in Spring Lotus Garden, he had visited the Xiao family several times, so he knew Yuan Liu’er well and understood she was Chen Yi’s granddaughter.

Seeing her arrive, he was taken aback.

Yuan Liu’er stood awkwardly at the door. “Wang Gong, Master Chen has sent me to find Zhang Daibao.”

“Find Daibao?”

Wang Ji glanced around and ordered the doctors and accountants to continue their work.

He then led Yuan Liu’er toward the inner chambers, asking as he walked, “Master has any orders?”

Yuan Liu’er whispered the word “disguise.”

Wang Ji instantly understood, nodding slightly without further inquiry.

The whole city knew of the duel between the “White Immortal” and the “Snow Sword Master,” so he could guess where Chen Yi had gone.

He just hadn’t expected him to bring Yuan Liu’er along.

Soon after, Zhang Daibao arrived. Upon hearing her purpose, he led her to a bronze mirror and smiled.

“Liu’er, any thoughts?”

Yuan Liu’er looked at him, puzzled. “Thoughts?”

“Do you wish to be beautiful, ordinary, or… do you have someone you envy?”

“Someone I envy…”

Yuan Liu’er paused, then said, “General Jing Hong.”

Zhang Daibao blinked, studied her for a moment, then smiled. “That’s easy.”

He set to work on her face.

Her brow was refined and arched, her lips soft and moist, her cheeks plump and full.

Though still young and unrefined, Yuan Liu’er already possessed a certain beauty.

Combined with the nourishment she’d received lately, her once-lean frame had grown fuller, like a flower bud about to bloom.

With just a few subtle touches, her face gained three parts boldness and three parts beauty.

Zhang Daibao nodded approvingly. “Perfect.”

“Now even those close to you will find it hard to recognize you.”

Yuan Liu’er glanced at her reflection in the bronze mirror, her small hand smoothing her face. She smiled, and the effect was like a gentle breeze on a summer night—refreshing and entirely new.

“Thank you, Daibao Brother.”

“Ha, no trouble at all. I used to do this for Master, but now Master…”

Zhang Daibao paused, glancing toward the window. “Time to calculate, Master should be arriving soon.”

Yuan Liu’er stood. “Should be…”

But the two of them waited for two qingkou of time without Chen Yi appearing.

Unbeknownst to them, Chen Yi was sitting in a chamber below, hearing the bustling sounds from the floor above, feeling rather helpless.

Perhaps the overcast weather and thunderous storms kept Xiao Wan’er and others from sleeping soundly.

After dinner, she led a group to Spring Lotus Garden, where she chatted merrily with Xiao Yuer, Pei Menglu, and Xiao Wugou. Then, well, Spring Lotus Garden came alive with activity. The women were laughing and conversing, while Xiao Wugou stood nearby, applauding and cheering. But that was not all. There was also Tang Huansha.

She appeared rather cold and aloof, yet she turned out to be one of those people who could talk endlessly. She began recounting at length the sights and sounds she had encountered in the world of martial artists. Those tales of the martial world naturally sparked great interest in Xiao Yuer and her companions, leaving them wide awake and utterly alert. Chen Yi, at a loss for what to do, spent nearly half an hour in their company before finally signaling Xiao Yuer with a glance that he needed to return to his chambers.

Xiao Yuer most likely understood. Probably so.

In any case, not long after, she made her way upstairs and gently knocked on the door.

"Brother-in-law, are you asleep?"

Chen Yi opened the door, meeting her slightly peculiar gaze, gestured downward with a wave, and asked, "Older sister, is there something you need?"

Xiao Yuer understood his gesture, suddenly smiled, and said, "Sister Qingwu sent word that she plans to visit Tonglin Town in a few days."

"I'd like to inform you of this, so as not to interfere with your teaching at the academy."

As she was about to finish speaking, she suddenly thought of the reason behind his request for everyone to leave.

She hesitated, then took Chen Yi's hand and wrote a few characters on it, asking:

[Are you going out?]

Chen Yi, unperturbed, also wrote a few characters on her hand, explaining simply that he was going to watch a martial contest.

Xiao Yuer nodded, understanding.

She knew about this.

The matter had already been spread throughout the capital city, even reaching the ears of Xiao Elder and Qian Guobing, who had both gone as well.

Xiao Yuer didn't press further, merely silently cautioned, "Be careful," then bowed and said, "Brother-in-law, get some rest. I'll be back soon."

Chen Yi watched her descend, and after she led Tang Huansha and the others away from the wooden pavilion, he exhaled a slight relief.

If he kept delaying...

He couldn't tell whether he might miss the contest.

Chen Yi didn't think twice about it. He quickly gathered his belongings, changed into a fresh set of clothes, and attended to his appearance once more, then donned that black iron mask.

He took a final look around, then carefully unfurled the scroll he had prepared long ago. Only after one of the figures had lain down to rest in the bedroom did he quietly slip out of the pavilion and into the Purple Bamboo Forest.

By the time the hour of shen approached, Chen Yi reached Bai Caotang, but had no time to exchange pleasantries with Wang Ji and Zhang Daobao. He quickly took Yuan Liu'er and sped east toward the city.

Fortunately, his meteor butterfly step had reached the city steps in time, otherwise, to reach the upper reaches of the Red Water River, he would have needed at least another half hour.

Yuan Liu'er, cradled in his arms, gazed down at the rapidly passing scenery below, feeling slightly awkward. This was her first time viewing the world from such a perspective. Beyond the awe she felt, more than anything, she was filled with envy.

Just as she envied General Xiao Jinghong, she too hoped to become someone like this master.

Chen Yi, seemingly sensing her thoughts, smiled and said, "When your cultivation improves, you'll be able to achieve that as well."

Yuan Liu'er nodded, whispering a quiet thank you.

Chen Yi raised an eyebrow slightly. "Why thank me?"

"Liu'er knows that Master has been so kind to her these days. Not only did he save her brother, but he also taught her the ways of the book, the way of martial arts, and the way of medicine."

"Liu'er... many thanks to Master."

Seeing her earnest expression, Chen Yi smiled, though his heart was somewhat moved.

Yuan Liu'er was unaware of the truth behind it all.

If not for her father's inability to afford medical treatment due to rising grain prices, leading him to abandon his family, she would never have sold herself to repay her father's debt, thereby becoming a disciple under Master Ma Liang.

Chen Yi couldn't yet explain the situation, so he kept it as a secret for now.

He would one day, when she achieved success, reveal everything to her.

Just as he was thinking this, Chen Yi suddenly glanced toward the south and, with a slight expression of surprise, said, "She's here."

Yuan Liu'er, hearing this, also looked in that direction, but saw nothing.

"Master, who is it?"

"Your foster father..."

Chen Yi didn't say more, merely cautioned her not to let slip any clues, then held her as they hovered in midair.

In no time at all, a figure wielding a sword appeared in the distance beneath the dark clouds.

Not Xiao Jinghong? Or perhaps someone else?

Chen Yi looked at her from afar, and also felt a bit relieved.

Even if Xiao Jinghong hadn't received his previous letter, the fact that she had returned was good news.

And Yuan Liu'er, looking at that figure, still felt an uncontrollable, deep envy.

"Foster father... General Xiao Jinghong..."

Chen Yi gently tapped her shoulder, signaling her to be silent, then waved toward Xiao Jinghong in the distance.

"My name is Liu Wu, pleased to meet General Xiao."

To his surprise, Xiao Jinghong merely glanced at him once, then continued flying eastward.

"Pleased to make your acquaintance, I have some matters to attend to."

"……"

What matters could surpass those of your husband?

(End of Chapter)