Chapter 87: A Fire at the City Gate Brings Disaster to the Fish in the Moat

Chapter 87: When the City Gate Burns, It Brings Sorrow to the Fish in the Pond

Xiao Wanz’er was far stronger than Chen Yi had imagined.

After learning that the medicinal herbs had been stolen, she merely paused for a moment before rising to lead Shen Huatang into the room and questioning her in detail.

Chen Yi listened intently, gaining a clearer understanding of the people and events that had unfolded along the Red River the previous night.

The “Blade Crazy” Liu Liang, first heard of in the northern deserts, was known for his fierce sword techniques and his penchant for challenging renowned martial artists.

He had accomplished several feats in the northern deserts that had earned the admiration of the martial world, making him a prominent figure in their eyes.

But within the Xiao family at this moment, Liu Liang was merely a bandit and a marauder.

That night, he had taken Shen Huatang away.

Or, in Shen Huatang’s own words, she had sought to draw Liu Liang away.

In the end, it had indeed happened as she wished.

However, Liu Liang had not come alone that night; the evil sects of the southwestern demon realm, the Illusion Sound Sect, had also intervened.

Resulting in the deaths of all the escort guards from the Xuanwei Bandit Corps and the theft of the medicinal herbs.

Shen Huatang had narrowly escaped death, not due to her own prowess, but because Liu Liang had not intended to kill her.

Thus, Chen Yi came to understand Liu Liang’s cultivation and techniques—advanced to the fifth tier, having perfected the blade path.

In the martial world, he was merely at the pinnacle of the second tier, but among his peers, he was unquestionably a standout.

However, what displeased Chen Yi was the final thing Shen Huatang had said.

That Liu Liang had said before leaving, he wanted to challenge the Young Mistress.

The Young Mistress, Huatang’s actions had been unfavorable; please reprimand her.

After hearing this, Xiao Wanz’er remained silent for a long time before forcing a smile and saying, “It’s not your fault.”

However, this had no effect, and Shen Huatang continued to stand with her head bowed in the hall.

After a moment of silence, Xiao Wanz’er’s pale face grew even paler, her breath visibly weaker, her appearance more haggard than before.

Chen Yi, noticing this, spoke up: “Sister, this matter is of great consequence; it would be best to inform Grandfather promptly.”

Also, a letter should be sent to Lady to warn her in advance about Liu Liang.

He could see that Xiao Wanz’er intended to take the blame herself, assigning all responsibility to herself.

However, the theft of the medicinal herbs was not directed at Xiao Wanz’er; the target was clearly the Xiao family.

At this point, it would be best for the old Duke of the Xiao family to understand the full sequence of events.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Wanz’er came to her senses, unable to comfort Shen Huatang further, and stepped out.

I’ll go find Grandfather.

Shen Huatang followed suit, still acting as if she were solely responsible, preparing herself for punishment.

Chen Yi watched their backs, thought for a moment, then turned to Xiao Wunhe with a calm tone: “Go listen carefully, and report back to me.”

Xiao Wunhe stared blankly at him, then quickly nodded and followed Xiao Wanz’er.

Though young, Xiao Wunhe knew that significant events had occurred at home.

He himself was incapable of resolving it, but he believed Chen Yi could, especially after seeing his recent demeanor.

It was a look he had never seen before, not like his usual gentle and casual manner.

Just sitting calmly there made him feel at ease.

After everyone had left, Chen Yi didn’t linger at Jiaxing Yard any longer, and rose to return to Chunhe Garden.

With such a major incident, Grandfather’s secluded manor was sure to be bustling with activity.

The Xiao family’s second and third branches, along with the prefecture’s office, the judicial bureau, and the city garrison, would all send people.

However, as the son-in-law of the Xiao family, he had no right to eavesdrop.

Oh, and the guests at the mansion couldn’t either.

So when Chen Yi sat in the pavilion, had Xiao Di boil water and brew tea, and prepared to fish for tranquility, Qin Gongxiang Zhang Xuan and Sun Fu arrived at Chunhe Garden.

Chen Yi merely bowed once and welcomed them to take their seats as usual.

The three of them, in unspoken understanding, avoided discussing the Xiao family’s robbery, continuing to drink tea, play chess, and fish.

However, their thoughts were all different.

Chen Yi appeared as he normally did, indifferent as if uninterested in anything.

In reality, he was already thinking through the reactions of those inside and outside the mansion in detail.

Zhang Gongxiang’s mind was still on the calligraphy, with two of his three sentences clearly pointing at Chen Yi.

“I’ll return to the Guangyue mansion in a few days; the light boat, remember to come to my banquet.”

Convenient? Oh, it’s not necessary for you to come; the birthday gift must be prepared regardless.

Only Sun Lao found something amiss.

After observing for a moment, he suddenly realized—Chen Yi was too normal.

If it were Xiao Daohu, it wouldn’t be surprising.

But it was Chen Yi, a young man who had just completed his studies, showing no curiosity or concern after learning of the major events in the mansion, remaining as usual...

His cultivation must be quite advanced.

However, upon further reflection, Sun Lao couldn’t help but think of other peculiarities about Chen Yi.

He was polite and proper, but not particularly attentive to them, the old gentry, and the former governor.

He was well-educated, but might have overlooked some details related to culture, geography, and history.

Saying he lacked knowledge? That was clearly impossible.

His calligraphy alone was beyond that of ordinary scholars.

In the end, Sun Lao couldn’t pinpoint Chen Yi’s background, feeling that something about him was rather strange.

Thus, during the moment Chen Yi stood to drink tea, he asked, “Light boat, how do you assess the current situation of the Xiao family?”

Chen Yi was somewhat surprised, “Sun Lao, what do you mean?”

Sun Fu noticed his caution and scolded him, “Just state your assessment.”

Chen Yi glanced curiously at him, took a sip of tea—this was a test? After thinking, he only vaguely replied, “Adequate.”

Not knowing this, Sun Fu immediately laughed and scolded, “If you were here, I’d have to beat you with a board.”

Chen Yi looked innocent, as if he hadn’t heard.

Sun Fu shook his head, realizing he was pretending to be clueless, and didn’t press further.

Zhang Gongxiang seemed to have just heard, his mind returning from the game, and he hummed.

What is there to say about the old Xiao family? Though they have suffered grievous wounds, there are successors to carry on. Once Xiao Wugou grows up, they can rally their spirits and restore the prestige of the Marquis of Duyuan.

Chen Yi and Sun Fu exchanged a glance, then nodded in agreement.

"The Duke speaks wisely."

Zhang Duke arched an eyebrow. "Old Sun, it's not that I said you, but such a scholar—this many have a few disdains for the little boat."

Sun Fu shook his head and sighed, "It's a game, it's a game."

Chen Yi chuckled in a hollow way, having come to understand Duke Qian's temperament—he likely disliked schemes and plots.

Yet, returning to the matter at hand.

What Sun Fang had just inquired, Chen Yi had also been considering.

In sum, it comes down to two words: "Internal strife and external peril."

If it was merely his own speculation before, now, after hearing Sun Fang's questions, it should be confirmed.

Chen Yi thought this over and came to assess his own situation—at present, he was but a mere stranger, a irrelevant seventh-grade official.

Yet, if the city gates were ablaze, it would inevitably bring sorrow to the fish in the pond.

If he wished to live in peace, he would still need some genuine skill.

Little Butterfly watched the three men chatting and laughing, knowing nothing of the household affairs, but admiring Xiao Geng in particular.

If it were her, if she were in his place...

She would probably find it hard to respond so gracefully before Duke Zhang and Master Sun.

No, not even to speak, she might not be able to say a word.

Thankfully, she was only a maid. Ha.

...

In all likelihood, the quiet mansion was much as Chen Yi had guessed.

Learning that the medicinal herbs had been stolen, the Patriarch was displeased, though still managed to keep a cool head.

After comforting Xiao Yaner with a few words, he summoned the second elder, Xiao Wang, the third uncle, Xiao Shen, and the second nephew, Xiao Xuanqiu.

Xiao Dongren and others were to take shifts at the magistrate's office, but it was inconvenient for them to remain at home at this time.

Xiao Wang was burning with anger, "Dare they come to attack our Xiao family? What scoundrels in the world! They don't know the difference between life and death!"

Xiao Shen, the third brother, was an older man with a round face and belly, reclining in his chair watching the crowd in the hall.

"Old eldest, this matter can be great or small. If handled poorly, it may damage our Xiao family's reputation."

In the jurisdiction of Shuzhou, Xiao family's medicinal herbs were taken by others, and they did not spare the face to confront them directly.

News of this would spread, and their dignity would certainly suffer some loss.

Xiao Xuanqiu's expression was equally grim, though his father and uncles were present, so he merely listened.

Xiao Yaner sat beside the Patriarch, her expression somewhat improved, yet still unable to think of a solution, her heart still worried about the matters under her purview.

Without the herbs, five herb halls would be affected in business, needing to find a way to replenish inventory and maintain operations.

Thus, they required funds. The money on hand was insufficient, so they had to use the portion hidden at the bottom of the box.

Xiao Wugou sat quietly in the corner, like a transparent little person, silently recording everything as Chen Yi had instructed.

After a moment of silence.

The Patriarch had made up his mind, and ordered, "Second, send men from the execution hall to investigate, see who is behind this."

Xiao Wang nodded solemnly, "Yes, sir."

The Patriarch then commanded, "Third, go to the magistrate's office. Ask Liu Si to arrange experienced clerks to track down those bandits."

"The herbs must be recovered, and the culprits must be caught."

"And Xuanqiu, you stay at the mansion. Anyone who comes afterward, you greet them yourself."

Seeing everyone nod, he sent them off to their tasks.

Xiao Yaner wanted to speak but hesitated.

Before she could open her mouth, the Patriarch looked at her, his face showing some smiles, "Still worried?"

Xiao Yaner nodded quietly, "The niece has disappointed the Patriarch."

The Patriarch waved his hand, stood up, stretching his body. Though his movements were slow and stiff, his spirit remained bright.

"Yaner, your gaze should be more long-term, your heart more steady."

"In this regard, Jinghong is better than you."

Xiao Yaner didn't fully grasp the meaning, but she knew she would find it hard not to worry.

The Patriarch understood her thoughts and said no more, turning to Xiao Wugou with a smile, "Grandson, what do you think?"

Xiao Wugou paused, then stood up to bow, thinking for a moment in a childish way, "Brother, you once said, 'When things are strange, there must be spirits. Sun Er, it seems there are ghosts causing trouble.'"

The Patriarch hadn't expected him to hit the mark, his reprimand stuck in his throat, and he shook his head with a bitter smile:

"That man of yours, a strange and peculiar fellow, but lazy as they come."

Though not truly lazy, he was "being" lazy.

Alas, he was not yet a member of the Xiao family.

Xiao Wugou found this amusing, thinking he'd tell Chen Yi about it later.

In the end, the Patriarch fully explained everything.

"Yaner, Wugou, you two be as you always have been. Do what needs doing."

"I'm still here. The mansion and Shuzhou won't be in chaos."

(Chapter End)