Chapter 61: Old Grudges

Chapter 61: Old Grudges

Chen Yunfan had just stepped through the courtyard, and the already beaming smile on his face suddenly erupted into a full-blown laugh.

It was one of those gut-wrenching, tear-inducing roars of mirth.

Chunying stared at him, utterly perplexed. “My lord, you are…”

But then her eyes caught sight of the servants and the imperial guards watching them, and she quickly interjected, her voice laced with concern: “My lord, please don’t laugh like that—it would tarnish your dignity.”

Yet Chen Yunfan continued laughing, tears streaming down his cheeks, clutching his abdomen as he gasped and chuckled unevenly:

“I—I was just—ha ha—thinking of something happy, really—ha ha…”

Oh, my dear younger brother, you sent someone to tease me, did you?

As for reciprocity, well, this evens things out.

Chunying remained unconvinced, though she sensed that if she didn’t stop him soon, others might begin to mock him.

“My lord, this is Duke Dingyuan’s mansion. If this spreads, Mother will write to inquire.”

“Ha… *cough*—yes, yes, I must be careful.”

Chen Yunfan forced a grin, his face reddening as he composed himself into a semblance of propriety:

“Chunying, when we reach the main hall, be sure to open this calligraphy scroll at once, so Old Duke can have a look.”

At his words, the surrounding eyes withdrew, and each person hurried away.

Chunying exhaled in relief, though her mind still churned with doubts. Yet she could not abandon the scroll in her hands:

“My lord, if the gift from that mountain-clan maiden matches yours, it might be improper.”

Chen Yunfan strode forward, a smirk playing on his lips:

“Exactly. I wanted her to be improper.”

“Daring to mock me like this—well, I’ve already shown great leniency in not exacting revenge.”

“Besides, I’ve done nothing wrong. These scrolls were written by Younger Brother, identical in every way—what difference does it make?”

…

Unmoved by his reasoning, Chunying fell silent, her arms cradling the lacquered box as she followed him into the main courtyard.

Outside the courtyard gate,

Chen Yi did not know whether Xiao Jinghong had believed him, but upon reflection, it mattered little.

A man of his stature, after all, leaves nothing to chance. If he denied it, it was denied.

And indeed, the facts were as he claimed.

They waited at the gate for a few more moments.

In the meantime, several honored guests arrived:

Governor Yang Zhe of Shu Zhou, a withered old man whose beard and hair were streaked with gray—indeed, the governor who was set to retire in two years’ time.

The Pacification Commissioner of Shu Zhou’s Affairs of Investigation, Tang Zixin, whose rank was just below that of a second-tier Governor, holding the position of a third-grade official.

And the Master of the Military Commission, Qianhu Zhi, a thousand-household official.

His rank had been reduced, so Xiao Jinghong had explained a few words to him, saying the Duke’s household had urgent matters and could not spare the time.

The others, all from the foremost families of Shu Zhou’s territories, were none of them the actual heads of their households—some were eldest sons of great houses, others in charge of their second households, and some merely sent a steward.

Xiao Jinghong introduced each one by name and rank, giving Chen Yi a clear understanding of Shu Zhou’s landscape.

After all, the books he had read only offered vague outlines, never such meticulous detail.

In sum, it was evident from these guests that the Xiao family of Dingyuan held considerable prestige in Shu Zhou.

Except for a few noble houses, meritorious officials, and courtiers, all others were present.

It was not until near noon that they two and the two stewards finally bid each other farewell, preparing to enter the main hall.

But at that moment, Xiao Jinghong’s foot halted mid-step, his eyes flickering with sudden curiosity.

“Why have they arrived?” he murmured.

Chen Yi turned to ask, “Who?”

Xiao Jinghong shook his head, tugged him back to their former spot, and straightened his posture further.

Unaware of the reason, Chen Yi followed suit.

Soon, the sound of horse hooves reached their ears, followed by a familiar voice:

“Master, be careful—student, support you.”

Li Huigu?

His teacher—the esteemed Mr. Yue of Guiyun Academy!

Chen Yi glanced at Xiao Jinghong, who still bore a trace of uncertainty, and silently mused:

“These people truly are rare visitors.”

After all, he had once heard Xiao Wanyan mention the connection between the Duke’s mansion and Guiyun Academy.

She had exaggerated it as “never crossing paths in a lifetime,” but it was essentially “water from a well not daring to mingle with river water”—no real dealings between them.

In truth, the Xiao family had hoped to cultivate a friendship with Guiyun Academy.

After all, the Dingyuan army was filled with soldiers of shallow experience, though their martial training was decent, they were utterly clueless about military strategy and tactics.

If they could receive assistance from Guiyun Academy, the military strength of each department could be bolstered—at the very least, patching up a glaring weakness.

But the masters of Guiyun Academy, especially Mr. Yue, looked down upon the Xiao family.

Thus, the Xiao family had quietly abandoned their efforts to cultivate ties with the academy.

Now, these strangers came to celebrate Old Duke’s birthday—how strange it all seemed.

At that moment, Li Huigu entered quietly behind Mr. Yue, bowing slightly toward Chen Yi—a good omen.

Chen Yi understood, patting Xiao Jinghong’s elbow, and joined her in returning the bow.

“Students have the honor to meet these esteemed masters.”

“Jinghong has had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Yue, Master Huang, Master Zhuo, and others…”

It was no small feat for her to recall the names of Li Huigu’s six venerable companions and offer each a respectful bow.

Mr. Yue glanced at her, his gaze settling on Chen Yi.

“Jinghong, don’t trouble yourself with all this. Though I’ve never met your grandfather, we are old acquaintances, in a way.”

By his age and standing, after all, calling Xiao Jinghong “girl” was quite appropriate.

As he gestured toward Li Huigu to present the bowing scroll, he turned to Chen Yi:

“The calligraphy scroll you had your servant frame—did you write that yourself?”

Er, is this directed at me?

Chen Yì, after a moment of realization, couldn't help but feel a tinge of irony. This Mr. Yue Ming, so persistent.

Earlier, he had been entrusted with a invitation by Li Huaiwu to attend a poetry gathering, yet it was refused.

He had presumed that he would abandon his pursuit, but to his surprise, today he came again, seizing the occasion of Lord Hou's birthday celebration.

Why, he must really want to see that calligraphy scroll?

Thinking it over, Chen Yì could only admit, "It was written by a student."

Mr. Yue Ming glanced at him for a moment, nodded: "Master Yu has indeed raised a fine student."

After speaking, he took the lead into the Hou estate.

Li Huaiwu, after bowing to Xiao Honghong and Chen Yì, hurriedly followed.

The others, however, their demeanor was rather peculiar—they paid them no heed whatsoever.

Moreover, some of the elderly scholars cast resentful glances at Chen Yì, their faces etched with a yearning to speak.

If not for Xiao Honghong standing nearby, they would surely have blurted out:

"How could this son-in-law of the Xiao family, a soft-handed interloper, manage to write such fine characters? Bah!"

Of course, these were merely Chen Yì's speculations.

Yet in any case, he couldn't discern any goodwill in their expressions.

It wasn't until they had walked away that he realized.

Xiao Honghong, looking at Chen Yì with a puzzled expression, asked: "Is it because of that calligraphy scroll earlier?"

On her way back to Shuzhou, she had seen that scroll with Xiao Wan’er, and had also witnessed Mr. Yue Ming’s quarrel with Xiao.

At that time, she had intended to settle the matter with Mr. Yue Ming later.

Yet, before she could even finish her thoughts, he had come with a group of people to her doorstep.

Chen Yì nodded: "That must be it."

Xiao Honghong understood, and signaled him to follow.

As they walked, she explained: "Mr. Yue Ming and his grandfather were old acquaintances, or rather, old grudges."

Chen Yì mused: "Old grudges?"

Xiao Honghong lowered her voice: "His grandmother, in her prime, was renowned in Shuzhou for her talent and beauty. Mr. Yue Ming once had a crush on her, even wrote several poems to present to her."

"But later, she and her husband grew fond of each other, and then..."

Upon hearing this, Chen Yì couldn't help but laugh.

So that was why the scholars of Guiyun Academy and the Xiao family had never been in contact, and the reason for this entanglement.

Xiao Honghong looked at the gaunt yet commanding scholars ahead: "This time, her grandfather will surely be surprised."

Chen Yì smiled: "As long as they don't start fighting, it's fine."

They were all so advanced in age, yet would cause a public scene over an old grievance, likely making the entire Dali dynasty a laughingstock.

He had forgotten that his own escapades—fleeing marriage, forcibly taking a common woman—had long been the talk of the town.

Xiao Honghong looked at him, her eyes brightening: "How could that be?"

"Just a joke, nothing more..."

As they chatted and laughed, they walked toward the court.

He had thought the birthday celebration would commence here, but another person arrived in a hurry.

At that moment, a loud cry echoed behind them: "Imperial edict received!"

(The chapter ends)