Chapter 66: Angling Still Gives More of a Headache

Chapter 66: Fishing Still Gives Me a Headache

To bid them step aside and have them do so—what a man should do!

Thank goodness Chen Yì was only a useless son-in-law, a disreputable one at that, and selling out Pei Qianlu was as easy as pie.

Then she bolted off, wailing and screaming, "Oh my God, oh brother, save me, save me!"

In the tinkling of the distant, fading bells, Chen Yì and Xiao Jinghōng exchanged a glance, and both couldn’t help but find it amusing.

Xiao Jinghōng wouldn’t actually lay a hand on Pei Qianlu; he’d merely frightened her.

Just as before, when Pei Qianlu had poisoned his guests, she’d only administered a light punishment.

After the laughter faded,

Xiao Jinghōng said, "My lord, my sister and I have matters to attend to; we’ll return to Spring Lotus Garden later."

Chen Yì paused, then nodded, "By all means, my lady."

When Xiao Jinghōng and Su Zhemo left, Chen Yì glanced around for a moment, then waved to Xiao Wúgēng and Xiao Dié, smiling, "You’ve had a long day, haven’t you? Go rest at home."

"Brother, I’m not tired at all. Just thinking of how those people praised you made me want to laugh."

"Besides the praise, did you hear anything else?"

"There were some harsh words too, but I ignored them. Brother once taught me not to let others spoil my mood."

"Indeed…"

Upon returning to Spring Lotus Garden, Xiao Dié attended to Xiao Wúgēng’s rest.

Chen Yì sat alone in the pavilion, boiling water, brewing tea, idly casting his line into the stream while sipping his tea.

Just as always.

Not that the events of the elder patriarch’s banquet that day had no bearing on him, but he simply hadn’t yet figured out how to handle them.

Take his calligraphy practice sheet, for instance.

From the displays of the several masters at Feiyun Academy that day, it was clear how attractive that sheet was to the renowned calligraphers of the current Wei dynasty.

And as Mr. Yue Ming and the other guests departed, more people would learn of it, and its influence would grow ever deeper and longer-lasting.

As for his quarrel with Li Changqing, it was merely a heated argument, and he couldn’t yet see how it would affect him.

Unless he happened to join the military ranks or military garrison, it wouldn’t fall into Li Changqing’s hands.

As for the imperial edict from the current Wei emperor, to Chen Yì it was the easiest to resolve.

With Xiao Jinghōng’s support, no one in the Xiao household would press him to study or practice martial arts.

He himself couldn’t possibly think of taking the imperial examinations to gain fame.

After failing once again to catch that golden-haired crucian carp, Chen Yì furrowed his brow with a hint of regret, muttering, "Fishing still gives me a headache."

…

Though the banquet had ended, the Xiao family still had a few days of busy work ahead.

The birthday gifts from the guests needed to be sorted—some to be stored, some to be used, some to be sold.

Old Duke Hou was most familiar with the details.

Thus, after the guests had departed, leaving only a few distant relatives and those who hadn’t yet left, he led Xiao Wǎn’er and Xiao Jinghōng to the storehouse.

He counted the items while Xiao Wǎn’er recorded them.

"The soft armor and the seven-colored jade cups given by the emperor must be stored in the highest cabinet; they can’t be let go to break."

"The gifts from our family—except for the priceless scrolls and calligraphy—should be sold for silver."

"The jade battle tokens from Pang Xuan and others, likewise, should be exchanged for cash. They knew, and they wouldn’t say more."

"As for the gifts from Yang Zhe, Tang Zixin, and Mr. Yue, let’s set them aside for now, to be dealt with later."

The old patriarch surveyed the storehouse, now brimming with items, and a faint smile touched his weathered face, satisfied with this banquet.

"Wǎn’er, once you’ve recorded everything, we’ll have people sell them tomorrow."

Xiao Wǎn’er hesitated, then nodded, about to speak: "Grandfather, we still have some money at home, perhaps—"

Before she could finish, the old patriarch waved her off: "Not enough, not nearly enough."

"I plan to send funds to build trade between the frontier armies and the barbarian tribes; we can’t just contribute people and resources; we must also provide money."

"First, it will sustain the military efforts there, and second, it will placate the barbarians, silencing some of their mouths."

"Don’t think my wife doesn’t show off her deeds; she’s as clear as a mirror, but she’ll never let anyone take advantage."

The old patriarch rattled on, and when Xiao Wǎn’er nodded, he turned to Xiao Jinghōng: "The emperor’s edict today—did you hear it? Any thoughts?"

Xiao Jinghōng paused. "The emperor’s intentions are hard to read."

"Anything else?"

"That seven-colored jade cup?"

The old patriarch smiled approvingly. "Hé’er broke one of those seven-colored jade cups, and the emperor had another identical one sent here."

"This shows we the Xiao family are entirely under his control."

Xiao Jinghōng’s eyes flickered slightly, her voice tinged with doubt: "Grandfather, does the emperor fear… us?"

The words "treason" hung unspoken in the air.

But the old patriarch understood, nodding. "Not fear, but caution."

"Since the frontier armies forced the Pahua Kingdom to surrender, there were those in the palace who feared the Xiao family might carve out a kingdom for themselves."

"If it weren’t for the barbarian invasion afterward, your father and several uncles and elders would have died in battle, and the emperor would have acted sooner."

"Even so, the court has been reducing the funds, provisions, and equipment of the frontier armies."

The old patriarch’s face showed sorrow, shaking his head. "Some fools truly don’t fear the barbarians breaking through the Meng and Shu passes, advancing into the central plains."

Xiao Jinghōng understood, her spirit wavering slightly.

The Xiao family had defended the national gateway for two hundred years, with countless kin falling in battle, repelling barbarian hordes multiple times, only to end like this?

"Did their father and mother know of this when they left?"

"Know how? Did they know what would happen?"

The old patriarch frowned, though his frame was frail, his authority at that moment still carried the weight of his earlier years. He looked at Xiao Jinghōng, his voice low:

"My Xiao family has guarded the national gate for two hundred years. Generations of brave souls have not only defended the capital and prefecture’s scanty troops, but also protected millions of commoners in the central plains."

"Jinghōng, listen well. Remember this one thing."

"If the Meng and Shu passes fall, Shu Province and the heartland of the central plains will instantly erupt in warfare. You must know what that would be like."

Xiao Jinghōng’s eyes cleared instantly, bowing respectfully: "I understand, Grandfather. I’ve erred. Forgive me."

She, who had grown up reading histories, naturally knew the atrocities the barbarians committed in Shu Province two hundred years prior.

—A man is no man at all, but mere livestock like swine, dogs, and sheep.

Upon hearing this, the old master’s stern expression softened, and he signaled the two sisters to leave the storehouse.

Yet, as they were about to part ways, the old master gave them a solemn charge:

“The hardships are biting, but we’re not yet in dire straits.”

“Once this joint market is established, the supplies for the Dingyuan Army will steadily grow. Should the barbarians dare to invade again, I’ll have no fear.”

As he spoke, the old master smiled, turned toward the Pure Mansion, and said,

“From today until Brother Guan returns to Jinling, it will be your burden to bear, you two sisters.”

“Of course, I’ll stand by that promise too.”

As he walked away, Xiao Wanyan’s face bore a trace of sorrow, while Xiao Jinghong bowed his head in silent respect.

They both understood the old master’s intent—he would endure whatever illness plagued him, clinging to the Xiao family for ten years.

After a pause,

Xiao Wanyan whispered softly, “Brother, is grandfather pleased today?”

Xiao Jinghong nodded gently, his eyes bright: “Indeed, he is.”

As the old master had said, the Xiao family’s fortunes were far from dire. There was still time.

“I’ll take you back to Jiaxing Garden.”

“Very well.”

Xiao Jinghong supported Xiao Wanyan as they walked into the courtyard, his voice low as he spoke:

“I’ve spoken with my husband. He’s agreed to help you.”

Xiao Wanyan hesitated mid-step, her pale, grieving face tinged with sudden unease.

“My husband has only just learned of this, and it pains him to do so.”

“It’s only temporary.”

Xiao Jinghong said, “Sister, once I return from the mountain tribe, tell me how he performed. If he’s worthy, I’ll find him a place.”

Xiao Wanyan bit her lip, nodding: “Then I’ll do as you say…”

(Chapter Complete)