Chapter 63: We Agreed, I'll Just Be an Idle Matrilocal Son-in-Law

Chapter 63: I Was Supposed to Be a Lazy Son-in-Law

The imperial edict was delivered.

Chen Yi sank to the ground like a fallen leaf.

What merit or ability did he possess to trouble the Emperor of Dali for a place in the imperial examinations? To be granted special pardon to participate?

It wasn't until Xiao Yuan instructed Xiao Wan'er to arrange positions for Feng Erbao and others that Xiao Jinghong arrived at his side that Chen Yi regained his senses.

Xiao Jinghong glanced around him, his voice soft yet probing: "My lord, are you displeased?"

Chen Yi nodded once, his tone direct: "My lady, I truly do not wish to take the examinations, nor serve as an official. Do you believe me?"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Jinghong's eyes darkened with concern.

After a moment of contemplation, she pressed her lips lightly: "I believe you."

Chen Yi looked at her, this time certain that his wife was speaking earnestly.

He smiled, "My lady, I am serious. If possible, could I remain here in the mansion as a idle, superfluous son-in-law?"

Xiao Jinghong's gaze brightened for an instant, her head tilting up in agreement: "Yes."

"Then, we have an agreement? You must not allow me to go out and hold office, nor enlist in the military."

"Agreed."

"And I must not be forced to perform laborious tasks, correct?"

"Agreed."

"And... I wish to assist my eldest aunt with her affairs..."

Before Chen Yi could finish, Xiao Jinghong raised her hand. "My lord, my eldest aunt has already agreed to this matter last night, and has made arrangements. It would be unjust to change her mind now."

Chen Yi paused, then said, "Then would my lady convey a message to my eldest aunt? For myself, I am but of average learning."

Xiao Jinghong stared at him for a moment, then turned away, leaving a high, neatly tied ponytail for him.

"My lord, I do not believe such words."

For his lord, who possessed scholarly accomplishments, could write poetry, and whose calligraphy was renowned—how could he claim to lack learning?

His education was exceptional, that was certain.

"Um..."

As Chen Yi watched her walk away, he noticed Xiao Wu Ge smiling broadly nearby. Grudgingly, he muttered:

"If I should try to escape tomorrow, remember to leave me some money."

Before Xiao Wu Ge could respond, Xiao Jinghong's voice drifted back: "My lord?"

Chen Yi: "...Just a jest."

Xiao Wu Ge glanced at his expression and burst into laughter.

Chen Yi couldn't help but smile as well.

At any rate, he had managed to navigate this situation, though he wondered what the true intention behind the edict might be.

Allowing him, a mere lord's son-in-law, to take the examinations—regardless of the Xiao family's thoughts—those officials in the Ministry of Rites and the Ministry of Personnel would surely find it easy to swallow with their tongues.

And of course, all the brilliant sons-in-law across the land—why should he, Chen Yi, receive such divine favor?

Jealousy, after all, leaves one's face in ruins.

Thinking this, Chen Yi found a quiet corner and decided to stay put, not venturing out for the time being.

He knew well what sort of scoundrels and ruffians lurked outside. He had no desire to draw their attention.

The reality matched his expectations.

Someone with sharp ears—within ten zhang, they could hear the whispered words of Feng Erbao as clear as day.

Thus, without taking more than a few sips of tea, the guests in the inner court had already learned of the Emperor's edict granting Chen Yi this favor.

What was the specific content?

Chen Yunfan sat at a side table near the main seat, gesturing animatedly:

"We have the Emperor's edict... If you are interested, the Emperor has approved your participation in the next imperial examination."

"Lord Yang, Lord Tang, Mr. Yue... My younger brother Yi has done well in his studies, and the Emperor has spoken so highly of him—hahaha..."

The person beside him was none other than Duke Qian, Sun Fu, several scholars from the Guiyun Academy, and the Censor Yang Ye and Pacification Commissioner Tang Zixin.

Li Huigu, an official serving as a consultant in the Censorate and a prince's son, was the lowest-ranking person at that table.

Yang Ye and Tang Zixin, seasoned veterans of the bureaucracy, upon hearing this, showed some unease but said little.

Duke Qian, as though he had known all along, praised Chen Yi's literary talents, lamenting that Sun Fu had interfered, for otherwise he might have composed a congratulatory poem for a birthday.

Sun Fu, unmoved, merely said: "The Emperor's grace is extraordinary."

Mr. Yue, however, upon hearing this, glanced at the other scholars and let on a slightly hazy expression, as if to say: "Hmm... It's difficult to put into words precisely.

Perhaps the look was saying: "You old fellows, now you believe me, do you? Chen Yi's calligraphy is truly impressive!"

As for his learning?

How could a student who writes "Fragrant Youth Evokes Profound Meaning" lack scholarly ability?

Li Huigu was the most direct, nodding with a smile: "Young master, you know my brother Chen's learning is outstanding. When we discussed the examination topics on the Fensheng Tower that day..."

He recounted the conversation he and Chen Yi had about the examination themes.

"Water can carry a boat, or drown it."

Regarding this phrase, though each had their own interpretation, they all generally applauded it.

Yang Ye and Tang Zixin, parents from Shuzhou, having served in office for years, tended to interpret this phrase in terms of the common people.

Mr. Yue and others, well-versed in Confucian and Taoist classics, focused on the "guiding circumstances to lead the way" aspect.

Li Huigu said nothing.

Only Chen Yunfan, after a moment of thought, suddenly looked grave: "Thank goodness my younger brother Yi did not take part in this examination, or my position as the top scorer would be in jeopardy."

Upon hearing this, everyone at the table laughed.

So this was how they perceived his learning?

But before this top scholar, it would be difficult for others to criticize him.

Yet, the people at Chen Yunfan's table were all scholars, at least rational.

The mood among the others present was more complex.

Xiao Wang couldn't fathom how a son-in-law from the Xiao family, with poor character and limited learning, could receive the Emperor's favor.

Xiao Qiuyun, though also unaware of the reason, consoled him: "Father, this was merely the Emperor's edict, not an official decree."

Xiao Wang nodded lightly, sighing: "Qiuyun, my younger brother Yi's marriage into the Xiao family has, in subtle ways, changed many things."

If he had not married into the Xiao family, Xiao Jinghong would likely have married off by now, and whether the elder brother could hold the household until Xiao Wu Ge came of age remained uncertain.

In that case, Er Fang's authority would naturally prevail.

Xiao Qiu Yun naturally understood this point and whispered softly, "Father, today is Uncle Da Bo's birthday; let's talk about it later."

As for the others, each had their own thoughts—some envied, some were jealous, some were resentful.

Most of them were talking about Chen Yi fleeing his wedding, going to the kiln, and forcibly taking peasant women.

The hall was a whirl of chaos, with all sorts of faces.

It wasn't until Pei Mu came hurrying in with a scroll, the clamor still echoing.

She glanced around, seeing the banquet hadn't started yet, and immediately relaxed.

Before she could even approach Chen Yi and the others, she heard nearby guests speaking ill of him.

Though there were no outright insults, the remarks were still unpleasant to hear.

Pei Mu's eyes immediately narrowed.

"These people's tongues are so sharp—sharper than the village women from the mountains!"

Her gaze shifted.

Pei Mu, dressed in her finest mountain attire, curved a smile.

She began circling the guests, her white silk shoes barely making a sound, while flicking her sleeve.

She gave one guest a single powder for weakness—a direct rebuke to her brother-in-law.

Another who had spoken ill of her brother-in-law, his words too loud—she sent him a powder to keep him from rising for three days.

And those whose words were scornful—she did not spare them either.

Fortunately, she knew her limits; the powders she used were not only in small doses but also had a delayed effect, so no one noticed, and the banquet proceeded smoothly.

When she reached the table where Chen Yunfan sat, the jingling of her bells drew everyone's attention.

Chen Yunfan saw her hand movements and his eyes widened.

This girl... this girl is administering drugs to the guests...

She must be mad!

Chen Yunfan could think of nothing else and, without regard for his decorum, immediately stood and rushed toward the main hall.

"Yi Fei, hurry, hurry—I've got something to discuss with you, don't hide!"

Now he was certain—this wasn't Chen Yi's doing.

Even the tattered robes he wore last night—all of it, he thought, must have been the doing of that dead girl.

Mother, what kind of love potion must Chen Yi have given that dead girl to get her to protect him like this?

Chen Yi looked at him, a bit puzzled: "Brother, why so rushed?"

"Hurried?"

Chen Yunfan muttered and walked over, leaning in to whisper, "That girl from the mountain clan is poisoning the guests!"

Chen Yi blinked, his composed demeanor instantly gone, and bolted out of the main hall.

"Pei Mu!"

The tiger-striped girl, weaving through the crowd, smiled and extended her white jade arm: "Brother-in-law, I'm right here."

……

Chen Yi saw the others' surprised glances, forced a smile, and waved her over: "You come, I've got something good for you!"

End of Chapter.