Chapter 88: To Hear the Dao in the Morning, One Can Die Without Regret in the Evening

Chapter 88: To Hear the Way at Dawn and Die at Dusk

The rain of summer had passed, leaving the sky clear and the air scorching hot, as if no rain had ever fallen. From the moment the sun rose, the rising steam carried a hint of warmth, thick and damp, making one feel slightly unwell. Yet, as the old saying goes, a tranquil heart naturally cools.

Within the pavilion, Chen Yì, Zhang Guoping, and Sun Fu were all men of steady minds and calm natures. In contrast, Xiao Dié hurried about, her two buns switching from facing Chen Yì to turning her back, her forehead already glistening with sweat.

It wasn't until noon, when the sun reached its peak, that Zhang Guoping and Sun Fu began to feel drowsy, preparing to return for a brief rest.

Before departing, Zhang Guoping, still determined, arranged the chessboard and told Chen Yì, "This time, I plan to host a grand banquet, one even more splendid than your grandfather's. You mustn't forget your promise to me."

Chen Yì nodded with a smile, "My friend, I fear you might not be satisfied when the day comes."

Zhang Guoping's face lit up with delight at his assent. "Qing Zuo is merely the cherry on top. I've led charges across the sands for decades, and I've had plenty of sycophants. What I value most is your calligraphy."

He paused, then turned to Sun Fu with a sly grin, "Have you noticed how obsessed he's been lately? He spends his days staring at that calligraphy scroll."

"I'm unaware of any particular insight he's gained. Even when copying it a few times, his work falls short of my grandson's."

Sun Fu glared at him fiercely. "What do you know about calligraphy, old brute?"

"The writing by Qing Zuo is new-style script, each stroke and line a testament to skill. Without careful contemplation, one can't grasp its true essence."

"Even I, and other calligraphy masters here, are like children starting from scratch."

Sun Fu had no exaggeration in him; he truly adored that calligraphy scroll. Not that he alone—any scholar-virtuoso who studied the Way would, upon seeing such perfect new-style characters, feel an overwhelming urge to trace them, to study them day and night.

Being praised face-to-face, Chen Yì felt a swell of pride. Yet, unbeknownst to others, he understood his own position. His poetry and calligraphy, like those before, were achievements built upon the shoulders of giants. Fortunately, he had a thick skin; whatever he produced, he could recognize as his own.

Seeing him remain silent, Sun Fu muttered to himself and, with a forced smile, said, "Qing Zuo, when I set out for Nanjing in a few days, perhaps you might spare a few ink masterpieces."

Before Chen Yì could respond, Zhang Guoping's eyes widened. "A few? Do you take me for a farmer's radish?"

"Qing Zuo, listen to me: not a single one."

Yet, as soon as the words left his mouth, Zhang Guoping hesitated, his eyes narrowing with doubt. "And where exactly are you headed in Nanjing?"

Sun Fu ignored him, eyes fixed on Chen Yì.

Chen Yì had no reply. Being stared at by such a refined elder, he could only assent.

Sun Fu departed, his heart satisfied, while Zhang Guoping, unable to let it go, trailed behind, questioning why Sun Fu was going to Nanjing, muttering about how the southern provinces were in disarray compared to the western and southern regions.

Chen Yì listened to his words and realized Sun Elder had made up his mind. Xiao Wugou had temporarily ceased his studies, but Nanjing was a place he couldn't avoid forever.

"People of understanding are indeed different. Is this what they mean by hearing the Way at dawn and dying at dusk?"

Chen Yì couldn't fathom Sun Elder's thoughts, nor did he have the time to ponder Xiao Wugou's peculiarities. The Xiao family's "medicine theft" incident was merely the eve of a storm, and he was certain there were further moves afoot.

After some thought, Chen Yì instructed Xiao Dié to prepare the afternoon meal, specifically ordering a red-braised fish from the back kitchen.

Though Xiao Dié didn't grasp the reasoning, she took careful note and set off under the scorching sun toward the Spring Lotus Garden.

Not long later, Xiao Wugou dashed in, laughing and calling, "Brother Chen!"

Chen Yì saw he was unharmed and roughly guessed the Xiao family's response, so he gestured for him to sit and drink some water, not in a hurry to speak.

Xiao Wugou drank his fill and then recounted, in detail, the events within the Qing mansion, mimicking his grandfather's mannerisms in voice and expression.

"His grandfather was furious, saying bandits dare not dare to offend the Xiao family. I could see how terrified he looked."

"But in the end, it was grandfather's plan. The Execution Office, the Magistrate's Office, even Uncle Xiao... they all had their roles."

Chen Yì listened carefully, his assumptions confirmed one by one, and gained a deeper understanding of the Xiao family's current situation. The elder likely knew something, and thus didn't react with panic, merely arranging things as usual. Xiao Ermao controlled the Execution Office, which meant there were hidden forces at play. The investigation probably involved more than just the surface-level connections.

As for Xiao Sheng, who usually kept a low profile, sending him to the Magistrate's Office would likely make him an unpopular figure. After all, the Xiao family's stolen medicine in Shuzhou was primarily the Magistrate's responsibility. The Judicial Department and the city garrison would also be pushed aside.

Therefore, Xiao Sheng's approach to the Magistrate's Office, declaring the Xiao family's stance, would require some theatrics—slamming the table and making a show of force. As for the elder's questioning of Xiao Wugou, it was merely a minor test.

The elder still had a clear thread of thought. The impact of this matter was perhaps not as significant as anticipated.

"Though I hope it's a big fish. If it's just a minor figure, it might be overreaching."

Even now, the Xiao family's decline meant their years of cultivating relationships still bore some fruit. Using the connections, both open and hidden, the forces that could challenge the Dawa dynasty were few.

After finishing their meal, Shen Huatang came to summon Chen Yì for a meeting.

Chen Yì nodded and sent Xiao Dié and Xiao Wugou off to rest, then followed Shen Huatang to the Xiaxing Garden.

Walking side by side, the two fell into silence.

After a moment's thought, Chen Yì turned his head and asked, "That 'Knife Fiend'—is he really intent on seeking the wife for a duel?"

Shen Huatang hadn't expected him to bring it up. He paused slightly, then nodded, "He did say so."

Chen Yì continued, "Wouldn't the wife's martial arts be stronger than his?"

Shen Huatang spoke with certainty, "The Younger Sister could defeat him!"

Chen Yì nodded in understanding, then smiled and said, "Sometime in the future, Huatang, perhaps you could share more about the world of martial arts with me."

After being there so long, he knew a bit about Shen Huatang's background.

It seemed as though she was Xiao Wan'er’s personal maid, yet in truth, Xiao Wan'er treated her with such deference that they were closer than master and servant, more akin to sisters.

Hence, his courteous words were entirely reasonable.

Shen Huaotang glanced at him, offered a dismissive reply, and then turned away, following closely behind.

Chen Yi understood completely; he smiled and said nothing further.

Upon arriving at Jiaxing Yard, he made his way directly to the parlor of the wooden pavilion.

At that moment, the other four masters of the Pharmacy Department had all gathered there.

Xiao Wan'er sat in the foremost seat, her complexion somewhat improved from before, though her sorrowful mood remained plain to see.

Chen Yi took a seat, surveyed the room, exchanged greetings with the other masters, and then settled quietly.

Seeing this, Xiao Wan'er took up several sheets of paper and began to speak: "The reason I summoned everyone here today is that there are two matters requiring your attention."

"First, the medicinal herbs brought from Beizhou last night were stolen..."

Xiao Wan'er pondered for a long time, realizing that neither the old patriarch nor the third and fourth wives would come to question her. She had to find a way to sustain the Pharmacy.

The loss of the herbs and the empty storerooms would significantly impact the Pharmacy in the short term.

What she could do was allocate funds to purchase some high-priced medicinal ingredients to tide over the crisis.

"Each of you should return home and inventory your stock. Report your findings every half-month, and I will send staff to restock according to the lists you provide."

"As for the rest, everything else remains unchanged."

The four masters—Liu, Li, Ma, and Sun—glanced at one another, and all solemnly agreed to these terms.

After they departed, Chen Yi too intended to return to Chunhe Garden.

Xiao Wan'er called him back: "I need to write a letter to my younger sister. If her husband has any such intentions, I should send one to him as well."

She wished to recount the events of these past few days in the capital to Xiao Jinghong, and subtly caution her to beware of the "Blade Demon" in the upcoming contest.

She had inquired about Chen Yi because she hoped the couple would keep in touch.

She knew her younger sister well; such matters would likely prove difficult for her to handle.

Chen Yi hesitated slightly, then nodded without urgency.

After a moment’s thought, he asked: "Does my elder sister know why those people stole those herbs?"

Xiao Wan'er lowered her eyes: "I have no idea."

"Those herbs weren’t particularly special—they were all common ingredients for the Pharmacy. Beyond their origin from Beizhou, I can’t fathom what reason someone might have to target them specifically."

She turned to Shen Huaotang: "Has that bladesman given any explanation?"

Shen Huaotang shook his head, speaking earnestly: "The fellow we call 'Blade Demon' conducts himself with regularity and propriety; he doesn’t act like a malevolent rogue."

"This case reeks of something amiss. Perhaps he was dispatched by someone."

Xiao Wan'er recalled the old patriarch’s words, and a strange feeling stirred in her heart.

She glanced at Chen Yi, noticing his calm smile, and hesitated: "Have you... noticed anything?"

Chen Yi paused, thinking to himself how sharp she was, but he would never admit it outright.

"I’ve only just taken charge of the Pharmacy; I’ve found nothing of significance."

Xiao Wan'er let out a bitter smile, realizing she’d turned to a doctor who’d barely touched business matters.

Her brother-in-law, after all, had only modest education and little experience in commerce.

"Don’t forget to write that letter to my younger sister."

Chen Yi nodded and rose, making his way back to Chunhe Garden, heading straight for the study to fetch paper and ink.

"A letter to my wife... this proves far more challenging than uncovering the truth behind the 'stolen herbs.'"

He pondered deeply.

Recalling that night when Xiao Jinghong had reacted to the poem she’d written, an idea struck him.

He took up his brush and inscribed *Summer Night Musings*:

"Your question of my return—no answer given, the mountains of Ba still pour rain into autumn pools."

"When we next share a candle by the western window, we’ll speak of those rainy nights in Ba."

After writing it, Chen Yi gazed at the faint sheen on the cypress paper and couldn’t help but smile:

"Perhaps I’ve merely spoken to myself. Who would kneel before his wife and answer her inquiries about his return?"

"It almost sounds like he’s deliberately reminding her of when he’ll come home."

He wondered how Xiao Jinghong would react upon reading it.

It should prove rather entertaining.

(Chapter Complete)