Chapter 57: Having Great Schemes and Vision in One's Mind

Chapter 57: There Are Hills and Valleys in Her Chest

“Grade-five destiny, the Duke of Dingwu’s banquet stirs the winds and clouds.”

For several months now, Chen Yì had never before seen daily intelligence reports of such a high caliber.

According to his previous experience, he only needed to observe from the sidelines to receive basic rewards—opportunities, techniques, and knowledge.

If, like today’s noon encounter with Chen Yunfan, he engaged in conversation and became involved, there would be additional rewards.

Thinking this over, Chen Yì scratched his head and smiled.

“So close, yet no risks—perhaps I should try showing a bit of ability.”

“Though I must gauge it properly. After all, the old patriarch’s birthday is a grand occasion. Making too bold a move would be tacky.”

With a decision made, Chen Yì rose from the study and stepped outside, gazing up at the moonlit sky, stars scattered across the velvet black.

Summer had settled over Shuzhou, bringing a humid heat, even the night breeze carried a damp, sweltering air.

Yet within the Spring Lotus Garden, a distinct sweet fragrance of purple bamboo lingered.

Chen Yì took a deep breath, stretched his limbs, and found himself unperturbed by the heat. His entire body felt refreshingly cool and at ease.

The Xuanwu Enxi Jue, upon entering his cultivation, brought benefits no less profound than the Pillar Work.

Though it did not further strengthen his bones, muscles, or internal organs, nor enhance his internal force, the Xuanwu Enxi Jue placed his body in a wondrous state.

First, naturally, his internal energy became naturally suppressed, and the cultivation marks on his body vanished, leaving only the refined elegance of a scholar’s bearing.

Second—well, as it was now, even without practicing the Pillar Work, his internal energy still grew at a slow, steady pace.

For the countless threads of energy, no thicker than a hair, covering his body’s surface, just happened to come into contact with the world’s subtle energies, which then refined and merged into his own internal energy.

As these accumulated, the energy within his Dantian and the pelvic point at his chest grew increasingly abundant.

“Such cultivation—its progress has accelerated significantly.”

Chen Yì’s face bore a faint smile.

To be honest, this steady daily improvement filled him with a sense of accomplishment.

Even though his martial arts had yet to see much practice, having a skill by his side was better than nothing.

As the saying goes—when outsiders think you’re weak, you’d best not truly be weak.

Otherwise, they’ll only press harder, oppress you more.

Chen Yì was exactly that.

He could live carefree and free-spirited, but when others bullied him, he would not yield.

Had he done so, then at today’s noon encounter with Chen Yunfan, he would not have produced Xiao Wang Ge, nor engaged in such a direct clash.

Chen Yì tilted his head. The wooden pavilion where Lady Xiao Hong resided had already extinguished its lamps. He did not linger outside, turning back toward his chambers.

Tomorrow, the Duke of Xiao’s banquet would unfold with drama—he looked forward to seeing whether Shuzhou was filled with worthies or demons and beasts.

In the wooden pavilion beside him.

In the dimness, Xiao Hong peered through the half-open window at Chen Yì returning to his chambers, her thoughts wandering slightly.

Since that night, she had been occupied with requisitioning supplies for the Dingwu Army, rarely meeting Chen Yì again.

Yet for some reason, she always felt Chen Yì was different from ordinary scholars.

Beyond his carefree composure, he seemed to possess a confidence that most lacked—nay, a kind of assurance.

“There are hills and valleys in her chest… perhaps so.”

Xiao Hong mused this in her heart, then extended her hand to lower the wooden beam supporting the window, closing it.

She gazed toward the chamber, focusing her thoughts for a moment, and a rare smile touched the exquisite features of her face.

Had Chen Yì been there to witness it, perhaps the line “On the jade terraces, you resemble beauty, few in this world match” would have echoed upon her.

Alas, such a moving smile could only be seen by the bright moon, the countless stars, and a single breeze.

“I and him, one of martial arts, one of literature—we are well-matched.”

Thinking this, a rare blush flickered in Xiao Hong’s eyes.

Soon, she stepped lightly, rose from her bed, and lay down upon the couch.

When the quilt covered her, her bright eyes remained fixed on the canopy above.

Regardless of how others might judge her, or what assessments they had made of her before, she and Chen Yì were now bound together.

In Xiao Hong’s mind, the scene from that night surfaced, her ears catching the familiar voice:

“Chen Yì, Chen Qinzhou, a man of the Jiangnan Prefecture.”

“Lady, good evening.”

Xiao Hong’s lips curved upward, then she closed her eyes, silently responding in her heart:

“My lord, good evening.”

…Earlier, it had been said that the Wei Dynasty’s laws were strict, especially in matters of propriety.

Even the Duke of the Border, Xiao Sheng, had detailed regulations to follow—both to adhere to ancestral customs and laws, and to avoid overstepping.

Thus, to avoid complications, Xiao Elder Duke had not held the banquet at the military garrison.

This spared the rites for the Dingwu Army’s spirit, and the offering of salutations to neighboring states and tribes.

In his own words: “My body is frail, I cannot travel far. Let’s keep it simple.”

The hour ofZi passed.

Within Xiao’s manor, the sounds of drums and gongs began to ring out.

Xiao Wang, the eldest, personally carried a bronze gong, walking around the rear courtyard, through each residence in the central courtyard, finally arriving at the front.

Here, a hundred armored guards stood solemnly at the entrance.

Xiao Wang inspected them, confirming their attire was proper, then passed the gong to the servant standing by.

“Today, the Duke’s birthday celebration is held within the manor, yet you must still display the spirit of the Dingwu Army.”

The moment the words fell, the hundred tall, sturdy soldiers startled, then answered in unison:

“Yes!”

Their voices rang clear, merging into a thunderous boom.

“Good. Go, stand guard at the entrance and prepare to receive guests.”

“Yes!”

Upon hearing the sounds from the outer courtyard, the Xiao family’s kin, who had been slowly rising from their beds in the inner and rear courtyards, suddenly panicked.

Dressing, grooming—each moved with haste.

Chen Yì, however, remained calm, dressing and washing with ease.

Once clean and neat, he descended the stairs gracefully, gazing out at the lantern-lit garden beyond the Spring Lotus Garden.

Because the letter to Pei Wen-li had been lost, Xiao Diao and Wang Li-xing had not yet returned, so the elderly merchant who specialized in mounting and framing must be working hard tonight.

Of course, most of the others in Xiao’s household were also weary.

“Thank goodness I cultivated martial arts; otherwise, I’d have been up and about after sleeping only half a shi of sleep, likely still in a daze like this.”

Chen Yi thought this, glanced toward the wooden pavilion beside him, and his gaze paused.

There, in the previously dim chamber, light had already been kindled; within the pale yellow glow, a faint silhouette sat by the window.

Through the half-open window, he could still make out the unobstructed half of Xiao Jing-hong’s face, just as he appeared when wearing that half-mask of armor.

Her features were delicate and refined, her lips like polished jade, her teeth like ivory.

In the dim light, Xiao Jing-hong’s voice floated out: “Zhi Mo, go wake Wen-li.”

“And also, have her put on those mountain tribe garments—save her the trouble of fumbling around and getting herself all disheveled.”

Su Zhi Mo seemed to smile faintly, murmuring softly: “That girl truly isn’t like ordinary folk from the mountain clans.”

“Her, she’s wild by nature.”

Xiao Jing-hong’s tone was unusually casual, yet as she spoke, her brows furrowed and her eyes drooped downward, watching the figure outside the window.

She paused, then her voice returned to its usual calm: “Off then, I must accompany my father to the ancestral hall for the rites. There’s still time.”

Xiao Jing-hong rarely took the time to groom herself, and being stared at so intently made her feel somewhat awkward.

Had it not been for today’s special occasion, she would have appeared as she normally did—plain and unadorned.

Chen Yi sensed something amiss, smiled gently, and turned away without looking further.

It seemed the lady was not always composed; occasionally, she would reveal a hint of girlishness.

It seemed she had heard Chen Yi’s laughter, for Xiao Jing-hong rose awkwardly, removing the window latch from its hinge.

*Click.*

Chen Yi paused, then looked back.

Xiao Jing-hong hesitated, her face flushing faintly.

“Hahaha…”

The laughter was naturally Chen Yi’s, causing Xiao Jing-hong to frown slightly.

This was the first time she had encountered such a situation, unsure how to respond.

In her heart, only one thought remained clear:

“Such a scenario—how could it be any harder than handling military affairs or cultivating the Way of Martial Arts?”

(Chapter End)