Chapter 93: Biological Brothers Side by Side in Battle

Chapter 93. Brothers in Arms

Before he reached Luoyi Lane, Chen Yi could feel the influence of the current exploration gentleman's wedding.

From Kangning Street onward, the northern part of the Shu Prefecture city erupted in clamor and celebration, with firecrackers and drums filling the air.

Along the streets, lanterns and red banners fluttered, each bearing the character for "joy."

Scholars and beauties dressed in red robes and skirts handed out candies and pastries to passersby, their faces bright with happiness.

"Today, the wedding of the current exploration gentleman Li Huai—let us celebrate together!"

"Congratulations to Li the exploration gentleman!"

"Thank you, thank you!"

Such a lively scene rivaled the one from Li Huai's previous street parade in the northern city, where scholars and beauties vied to follow him.

"Last time, there weren't so many decorations here. Today, they've all been hung up."

Chen Yi sat in the carriage, watching the scenery outside the window, when a memory surfaced unbidden.

On his own wedding day, it had been just as splendid—from Fengchun Tower to Duke of Qingdao's mansion, the streets were adorned with lanterns and festivities. Yet the people there didn't offer greetings like today's; instead, they said, "General Jinghong, seeking a bride—how could you not find someone even more outstanding?"

Some even muttered, "A fresh flower placed in cow dung—do you think you're worthy of it?"

Chen Yi snapped back to reality, his brow furrowing slightly.

The voice he'd heard didn't seem like that of a stranger—it felt as if it were speaking directly to him, right beside him.

Who was it?

After a moment of contemplation, Chen Yi recognized the voice. "It's him—the one who caused my wedding to be ruined."

Yet the voice sounded aged, gravelly, and deep, not like a young man's. Still, from the words, it was clear the speaker held him in contempt.

"I haven't heard from him since, but I wonder if he knows I'm still alive."

"Probably does. I've made enough noise around Shuzhou these past days for him to know."

Chen Yi mused on this, tucking the thought into his heart.

If he heard such a voice again, he'd be ready to meet it with some caution.

At that moment, Little Butterfly reached out, tugging at his sleeve with excitement. "Sir, hurry, look—it's the exploration gentleman!"

Chen Yi turned, seeing Li Huai in a five-tiered official robe, wearing a black cap, riding a high-headed horse ahead of the procession. Behind him, a pair of rows of ceremonial troops played drums and flutes, with attendants scattering grains and setting off firecrackers. The eight-person sedan chair, draped in red silk, followed, radiant with joy and festivity.

Seeing this, Chen Yi knew Li Huai had taken a fancy to someone—this was a sign of his moving into the next phase, heading home.

After a moment's thought, he nodded to the driver, Liu Si, signaling a halt. Then he and Little Butterfly dismounted.

"Fourth brother, you go ahead. I'll meet you at Luoyi Lane after the evening banquet."

Liu Si glanced at the bustling crowd ahead, knowing the carriage couldn't proceed, and simply nodded.

Chen Yi and Little Butterfly followed the wedding procession, the atmosphere momentarily easing his earlier unease.

Little Butterfly was overjoyed, her head bobbing as she took in the scene, her two buns bouncing.

"Sir, so many people!"

"When you and the Younger Lady were married, it was just like this."

"Though back then, there were palace guards with us—the display was even grander."

Chen Yi heard her clearly, smiled softly, but said nothing.

In the crackling of firecrackers, only those versed in martial arts could discern the subtle sounds; Little Butterfly, lacking such skills, couldn't hear them.

At that moment, another voice came from beside him, "Yi, Yi, come this way—"

Chen Yi's smile dimmed slightly, feigning confusion as he glanced around, finally spotting Chen Yunfan on the other side.

Like Chen Yi, Chen Yunfan rode a high-headed horse, his official robes even more splendid than Li Huai's, waving his hand in greeting.

Chen Yi bowed politely but didn't approach.

Yet Chen Yunfan dismounted, tossed his reins to an attendant, and hurried over.

As he ran, he called out loudly, "Yi, you're just in time—I thought we'd have to wait until the evening banquet to meet!"

Chen Yi endured the explosion of sound to his eardrums, returned the bow, and called back, "Today's free, nothing at home—so I came early to join the festivities."

Chen Yunfan's smile faltered, fighting the urge to rub his ears, then nodded and continued, "Brother, you're quite free. But don't wander too much—places like Chunyu Tower should be avoided."

Chen Yi didn't give him time to speak further: "Thanks for the warning, I'll remember it. Didn't expect you, as the current provincial champion, to know about Chunyu Tower—must have visited often."

You say thirty characters, I'll respond with forty.

Whoever can withstand the other first, controls the eardrum's acupoint.

The two of them exchanged sharp words in secret, yet to others, they seemed inseparably close.

Only Little Butterfly was puzzled—she remembered clearly that earlier, her master had mentioned his dislike for his elder brother. How could they now be laughing and chatting?

If Chen Yi knew her thoughts, he'd correct her: sometimes, those who smile and talk aren't necessarily close, but fierce rivals.

Only when the wedding procession entered Luoyi Lane did they finally pause, their words still lingering with unspoken affection.

"Yi, you've always been quite eloquent, haven't you? As children, you barely paid us any mind."

"Brother, you're just the same as before—looks like the provincial champion title really does bring some luck."

Hearing this, Chen Yunfan's face darkened, "Do you dare say that to me in front of others?"

Chen Yi casually touched his numb ear, speaking calmly, "Do you care about this?"

Chen Yunfan fell silent, then smiled and shook his head, "Whatever the title, I don't mind."

"Yet you two have such good fortune—I don't want it, but others force it upon me."

"Huh?"

The speaker meant it, the listener heard it.

Chen Yi, thoughtful, asked, "The Emperor?"

Chen Yunfan nodded bluntly, "Exactly him."

"On the day at the Golden Throne, when he examined candidates, he always discussed policies with everyone—except me. He asked me one thing: 'Do you wish to become the provincial champion?'"

"Yi, tell me—how could he ask that in such a setting, before so many elders and officials? How could I answer?"

Chen Yi nodded, understanding. "Indeed—"

Who could have known that before Chen Yunfan finished speaking, his words shifted sharply: "I certainly replied with a simple 'no,' not wanting to elaborate."

"…"

Chen Yi turned his head to look at him, his tone oddly inquisitive: "And then you became the top scholar of the current examination?"

Chen Yunfan nodded, then lifted his chin proudly: "Reflecting on it now, the position of your junior brother, the top scholar, indeed has a bit of luck."

Chen Yi gave a thumbs-up: "No wonder the scholars were dissatisfied; not placing your elder brother in Kyoto’s bureaucracy was indeed a significant matter."

Chen Yunfan rolled his eyes: "They just shuffled around without any real substance. In terms of knowledge and ability, they’re no match for Yi’s younger brother, not even a hair’s breadth."

"You’re being too generous, brother."

"I never speak falsely. Your recent collusion with the notorious Liu Lang to hijack his medicinal herbs—things like that—others couldn’t possibly replicate."

Upon hearing this, Chen Yi, still smiling, shook his head and chuckled.

"Occasional little schemes, I suppose, have been noticed by your brother. Though compared to his grander deeds, I’m still far behind."

"Have you heard brother is about to assume the role of Deputy Head of the Right Office?"

Chen Yunfan, in the manner of the time: "A mere deputy head, like retrieving something from a pouch."

Just then, a few coughs echoed nearby.

Following the sound, they looked up and immediately softened their smiles, bowing politely: "Student/officer—your humble selves have the honor to meet Yang, Deputy Head."

Lo and behold, the one who had approached was indeed Yang Ye, the Deputy Head of the Provincial Administration Office in Shizhou.

He looked at the two brothers, his weathered face breaking into a smile: "I heard nothing, so you may continue."

Chen Yi and Chen Yunfan exchanged a glance, bowed again in unison: "We obey."

Yet as they rose, they simply walked away side by side, speaking quickly.

Such synchronized steps—who could help but praise them as brothers in arms?

Little Diao opened her mouth, bowed respectfully to the various officials around, and hurried after them.

Outside the crowd, Chun Rong, having overheard their conversation, shook her head in pain.

How had she not noticed the young master valued Yi Xingfei so highly all along?

"Why has the Deputy Head arrived?"

"Brother, if I recall correctly, he adopted Li Huigu’s daughter as his own."

"…"

(Chapter Complete)