Chapter 92: Still Arguably Human

Chapter 92 He Was Still a Person

If Chen Yi merely felt a slight headache over Chen Yu's grand wedding,

then Chen Yunfan had already begun to grumble and complain.

Before the hour of Yin, the sweet-sleeping Chen Yunfan was awakened by Chun Rong with a cold, damp towel.

The night before, he had reluctantly attended a gathering at the Rain Pavilion, where several officials from the Affairs of Border Affairs persuaded him to go.

He had indulged in loud drinking there until the hour ofZi, finally staggering back to the mansion.

Now, utterly confused, he mumbled, "What time is it?"

Chun Rong, never blinking, fabricated a lie: "Young Master, it's already the hour of Yin."

Chen Yunfan, upon hearing this, lay back down, turned over, and muttered, "It's still early before the hour of Ma. I'll sleep a bit more."

Chun Rong, with a look of helplessness, said, "Young Master, you've forgotten about the matter of the best man for the bridegroom."

"Huh? Oh."

Seeing his dazed expression, Chun Rong covered his face with the towel again, wiping his cheeks forcefully.

Chen Yunfan was jolted awake by the cold towel, sprang to his feet, and lunged at her, pinning her to the ground. "You little girl, are you itching with a rash?"

Chun Rong, allowing him to hold her, did not resist, but continued pleading, "Young Master, you promised to fulfill the duty. You can't just skip it."

Chen Yunfan glanced at her, then wiped his face with his hand, letting the inner energy circulate.

Within a few breaths, he dispelled the alcohol's effects, feeling refreshed and clear-headed.

Then he grumbled his way out of bed, putting on his clothes. "I wonder what scheme my father had in mind—why not let me show off my martial arts cultivation?"

Chun Rong stood up, adjusting his garments, and whispered softly, "My lord, this arrangement of yours, there must be reasons behind it."

Chen Yunfan rolled his eyes, still muttering to himself.

At times, he complained about his father's various rules; at others, he ranted about the Emperor's decision to send him to Shu Prefecture; and sometimes he praised the bustling lands of Jiangnan Prefecture.

It was the typical mood of a patient with morning grumpiness—he was clearly angry.

Chun Rong listened attentively, though too afraid to say another word.

After helping him dress properly in his official robes, she took the prepared gifts and quietly urged him to leave.

Chen Yunfan, helpless, looked up at the stars in the sky, let out a long sigh, and murmured, "Wait and see, someday I'll..."

Before he could finish, he suddenly remembered that the two people who brought him here were his father, Chen Yuanji, and the Emperor of Wei. He swallowed the words back, his mouth going dry.

He fell silent then.

Only when the carriage left the courtyard did he slowly ask, "Chun Rong, do you think I've been played for a fool?"

Chun Rong sat honestly beside him, "Young Master, your body is worth ten thousand gold pieces. No one dares scheme against you."

Chen Yunfan glanced at her, his expression serious. "What if the one scheming against me is my own father?"

Chun Rong pulled back her head, too afraid to speak.

Chen Yunfan didn't expect her to say anything, so he continued on his own, "Since that day I saw the hawk..."

He paused, then said, "I've been wondering, what was the purpose of bringing me to Shu Prefecture?"

"To serve as an official? The vast territory of the Wei Empire has no shortage of places to go. Why Shu Prefecture in particular?"

Following this line of thought, he asked, "What do you think I've been considering?"

Chun Rong shook her head.

Chen Yunfan looked out the window, speaking softly, "I think of your brother, Yi. That clever man has been schemed against. What about me?"

Chun Rong wanted to speak but hesitated, "Young Master, you're different from Brother Yi."

Chen Yunfan chuckled self-deprecatingly, "What's the difference? We're both sons of the same father, both raised by Mother beside us... We're the same!"

He paused, then added, "Though, to be honest, there is a difference. Brother Yi's biological mother has no one like the clear-streaming Cui, but I do."

Chun Rong was even more afraid to speak, knowing neither her lord nor his wife could be discussed.

But Chen Yunfan clearly had no intention of letting her off the hook. "So, aside from watching me, what other task did you come to Shu Prefecture for?"

Chun Rong shook her head, her mouth tightly shut.

"You must have one."

"Young Master, I don't have one."

Chen Yunfan stared at her for a long moment, then sneered, "Never mind."

"Not saying it now, and better not tell me later. Do you take my word for it, that I'm not some dead man you can just push around?"

"Well, if it comes to that, I'll just tear up the imperial seal and go wander the streets."

Chun Rong knew he was speaking angrily, but also couldn't find the heart to argue.

She whispered softly in consolation, but Chen Yunfan remained in a foul mood, his face twisted with anger: "You wait and see!"

Not long after, the carriage passed by the Dingwu Marquis's mansion.

Chen Yunfan glanced over, immediately smiling broadly. "Almost forgot, today's wedding for Li Huaiyu. Brother Yi will be there too."

"You say about the 'Knife Madman' incident where he stole the Xiao family's medicines, is there a connection to Brother Yi?" Chun Rong, recalling seeing Chen Yi and Liu Lang outside the Rain Pavilion last time, hesitated, "I think... maybe not."

Chen Yunfan, with interest, said, "I think there is. We'll ask him at the banquet."

"Young Master, perhaps you shouldn't ask him about it."

"You want me not to ask? I've been itching to know. So many strangers in white robes, why is it just you who came with me?"

"Maybe because I follow orders?"

"......Stay away from me, if I see you, I'll get angry."

"Oh......"

......

At least today, Chen Yi was more comfortable than his older brother.

He slept until noon, then rose, dressed neatly under Xiao Diao's assistance.

For Li Huaiyu's wedding, he had specifically chosen a fine silk robe.

Of course, as a member of a wealthy family, some customary rules couldn't be avoided.

—His silk robe couldn't be the same as the old master's day of celebration.

Xiao Diao busied herself for half an hour, ensuring his attire, belt, jade pendant, and fragrance pouch were all in place, and fetched a young master's fan for him.

"Brother, today at the best man's residence, there will be fewer guests among the scholars. All the necessary items must be complete."

Chen Yi flicked open his fan and brushed it against the brass mirror, his aristocratic features slightly askew, "Not bad, after all."

Xiao Die laughed, covering her mouth, her eyes fixed on his profile, her cheeks flushing a rosy red.

"Master, you aren't... no, no, I mean you can't be... or rather, you're a person, but..."

Chen Yi found himself smiling at her clumsy words and actions, closing the fan and tapping her temple, "Don't be a grouch, come on."

Xiao Die clutched the spot where he'd struck her, following him out the door.

As they walked, she kept her hand to her mouth, nursing resentment within.

Xiao Die, your mouth is so clumsy, Master even teased you about it.

They had a simple breakfast.

Chen Yi led the sulking Xiao Wugou to Jia Xing Yard, "If we get the chance next time, I'll take you to a proper feast."

Xiao Wugou immediately broke into a smile, his childish thoughts evident, "Brother Yi, it's settled then."

Chen Yi nodded, agreeing. With so much time ahead, he'd find a way to let Xiao Wugou dine in due time.

Upon arriving at Jia Xing Yard, he nodded to Xiao Wan'er, then turned to leave.

At that moment, Xiao Wan'er called out, "Brother-in-law, is the Jing She Pharmacy operating smoothly these days?"

Chen Yi paused, understanding she was asking about Ling Lan Xuan, he smiled and nodded, "Aside from a shortfall in silver, everything's fine."

The words, at first hearing, seemed unremarkable, but upon closer listening, carried a playful edge.

Xiao Wan'er pouted, "You even know the pharmacy's short on silver, don't you?"

He rarely saw her so animated, and cast a second glance, noticing two faint red marks on her cheeks like lotus petals. Only then did he speak, "Ling Lan Xuan is conducting business as usual, nothing out of the ordinary."

Xiao Wan'er turned her head, her cheeks still flushed, "I see, you may go."

Chen Yi smiled and bowed, departing with Xiao Die from Jia Xing Yard.

It was a good while before Xiao Wan'er regained her senses, the redness on her face not fading but strangely rising.

Xiao Wugou noticed and asked, "Big sister, your face is so red, um, did you catch a cold?"

Xiao Wan'er hurriedly turned away, nodding, "Paint Tang, take Wugou to the study. He's been neglecting his studies these days."

"..."

Xiao Wugou, struck dumb, couldn't fathom why a simple question led to being sent to study.

Xiao Wan'er didn't explain, but felt a certain relief nonetheless.

He knew his question pertained to Ling Lan Xuan, and likely cared for the Jing She Pharmacy.

He'd passed the test.

Chen Yi, already at the courtyard gate, unaware of having "passed," called Liu Si Er to drive away from Xiao Family's mansion.

"Master, you went to Jing She Pharmacy so late, thinking it best to wait until after noon meal?"

Chen Yi slapped his forehead, "Four Brother, forgive me, I forgot to mention, today is Li Tanhua's wedding, we're going to Luo Yi Xiang."

Upon hearing this, Liu Si Er's hands trembled, then he grasped the reins violently.

"Master, I suddenly remembered something I left behind, please wait a moment."

Oh, this little bird was so slow to mention it!

Hope Uncle hasn't left far.

Chen Yi watched him run back, muttering two words in confusion.

Problem.

(Chapter End)