Chapter 95: Minister in White Robes

Chapter 95: The White-robed Chancellor

The glow of lanterns cast upon the crossbeam adorned with red lanterns, revealing characters that drifted and swayed with effortless grace.

In an instant, guests gathered behind Mr. Yan Ming.

Some had witnessed his calligraphy at the previous feast for Lord Xiao, others had only heard of him but never seen him in person.

Even those few scholars who had harbored slight resentment toward Chen Yi at the banquet stretched their necks, yet clearly their status was insufficient to secure a front-row seat.

“These characters are so elegant and free-flowing, unlike the rigid structure of Wei Qing’s style—truly commendable.”

“Commendable? Bian Lao, though you are an elder, I must say a few words. Those who couldn’t even capture the vitality of youth in Wei Qing’s style dare not pass such judgments on this new script.”

“My humbleness…”

“These characters could establish a new school. No wonder Mr. Yan Ming invited this young friend to the academy.”

Their voices carried across the chamber, drawing attention to the poem.

“Persuade?”

“Truly bold of him.”

“A son-in-law with no standing, yet he dares to counsel the suitor? What right does he have?”

Whispers of criticism echoed softly in the side room.

The scholars dared not echo them, yet many of noble birth felt a stirring of agreement.

Chen Yi listened and observed, as before, refraining from argument or defense.

The previous scholars’ criticisms had, upon reflection, only stirred his temper slightly.

Now, focused solely on himself, they had little impact.

For his true intent was not to “persuade” Li Huaiyu, but merely to complete the poem to leave as a memento.

What harm if he did indeed “boast boldly” and counsel the suitor?

Chen Yi remained silent, absorbed in the art of calligraphy, when Mr. Yan Ming glanced up and gestured:

“I recall seeing this poem’s fragment before, written to Lord Fang to urge him to see clearly his heart’s desire—whether to marry into the Huang family or not.”

“Today’s light boat seems to aim to complete the poem for Lord Fang, showing he has given it thought. You lot, stop making a mountain out of a molehill.”

Though phrased as a question, his words carried an unmistakable defense.

Soon, some patted their bellies, laughing, or bowed slightly to Chen Yi in apology.

Chen Yi smiled and let it pass.

With a thousand faces and a vast world, birds of a feather flock together—he paid them little mind.

Yet, as he had anticipated, his foresight had borne fruit.

In the end, it all came down to two characters: trouble.

Even the nearby Xiao Die found them tiresome, her lips nearly forming a pouch to hold an oil lamp.

Only when Li Huaiyu and Huang Li were married, changed into new clothes, and offered thanks, was the scroll folded and stored away.

Mr. Yan Ming pressed the matter further: “Light boat, you must consider my earlier suggestion.”

“Though the Huang Academy may not be well-known in our great Wei, it’s still more suitable for you than the Xiao family’s pharmacy, and better for your studies.”

Chen Yi merely nodded, offering no reply.

Laughter and revelry continued into the night, until guests in the brocade lanes had dispersed one by one.

[The wedding of suitor Li Huaiyu and bride Huang Li, the bridal chamber scene with candles and flowers, a hundred years of harmonious union. Reward: A thousand-hand chess playbook, opportunity +30.]

[Evaluation: When status meets reputation, when voices and scenes are witnessed. Laughing at others achieving fame and fortune, entering the bridal chamber—this is the greed of those whose ambition is never satisfied.]

Chen Yi’s eyes swept over the scene, his fists clenching.

My God, finding such a niche critique on such a joyous day… how much effort they must have taken.

Staring at the screen for a while, he hummed twice and turned it off, opting for eyes unseen, heart undisturbed.

Glancing around, he decided to take Xiao Die back to the manor.

The final scene of the bridal chamber remained for Li Huaiyu’s relatives and several groomsmen to enjoy; he had no desire to join the festivities.

As the two walked out of the brocade lane, preparing to mount their carriages, a voice called from behind:

“Yi, don’t hurry off.”

Chen Yi turned to see Chen Yunfan. He let Xiao Die enter the carriage first.

“Brother Yunfan, not joining the bridal chamber?”

Chen Yunfan smiled, shaking his head, gesturing for Xiao Rong to wait here, and inviting Chen Yi to walk with him.

“This wedding is exhausting.” “Brother, haven’t you married yet?”

Chen Yunfan glanced at him. “Whether I’ve married or not, you don’t know?”

Chen Yi thought for a moment, shaking his head. “Not yet, but there’s an engagement.”

In his memory, Chen Yunfan had been betrothed since childhood, to the daughter of the family doctor, Cui Yu.

Whether he had entered the five mourning periods or not, he knew there were such matters.

Chen Yunfan hummed twice, his smile fading slightly. “That engagement is just a piece of paper. Wait and see, I’ll tear it up eventually.”

“Unsatisfied?”

“Satisfied. I’m too satisfied, I—”

Chen Yunfan paused, saying no more, then turned to him. “I came not for these trivial matters, but to tell you something.”

Chen Yi felt a slight stir in his heart, remaining silent, awaiting his brother’s words.

“Though I don’t know how much you know about the Xiao family or what plans you have, as your blood relative, I must caution you—don’t involve yourself in Xiao family affairs.”

“What?”

“That’s all. Whether you listen or not, it’s up to you.”

Chen Yunfan didn’t elaborate further, patted his shoulder, and walked away.

Chen Yi watched him leave, calmly thanking him.

He knew Chen Yunfan had heard.

But he didn’t know what stance or identity Chen Yunfan had taken to say that.

After some thought, Chen Yi’s face once again bore a gentle smile, and he walked toward the carriage of Liu Si Er.

He was already bound to the Xiao family—whether to involve himself or not was irrelevant.

The carriage wheels rolled along the stone path, gradually moving away.

Chen Yunfan stood in the shadows, gazing silently for a moment.

Suddenly, he stretched his limbs, drew a deep breath, and muttered a string of curses under his breath.

Whether he was cursing someone specific or not, those words were so vile that even the common folk found them distasteful.

Chunqing heard this and winced, her eyes watering.

How could she not wonder where a cultured man like him had learned such filthy language?

A moment of silence passed.

Chunqing whispered, "Master, if the White Tiger Guard were to hear you reminding the young master, they might not take kindly to it."

Chen snorted, "Whether he likes it or not is none of my concern. A silver-flag officer brandishing a tiger skin to warn me? He clearly doesn't know his place."

Though his words were sharp, they were surprisingly polite given his temperament.

Chunqing understood this well, "The four Generals of the Secret Council: the Azure Dragon General commands the capital garrison, the Black Warrior General oversees the Wei River army, and the Vermilion Bird General jointly manages the military seal with the Palace Guard and the Grand Marshal."

"Those three have a trail to follow, but the White Tiger General—"

"The White Tiger General is the most mysterious. Supposedly, a new one is appointed every decade. His whereabouts are elusive, his methods brutal, and only the Emperor knows his true identity."

Moreover, since he commands the White Tiger Guard, responsible for infiltration, even the Patriarch, the Lady, and the Second Patriarch are wary of them.

Chunqing gently urged, "Master, please don't act rashly."

Chen rolled his eyes and muttered, "I know all this already. Why do you need to speak up?"

Chunqing hesitated, then added, "I have one more thing to say. Master should stay away from the young master, lest—"

Chen halted, his gaze icy as he stared at her, "I don't like that remark. If you say it again, you're dead."

Chunqing quickly bowed her head, unable to utter another word.

Chen stared at her for a long moment before turning toward the Li family, "Remember your position. Don't tarnish the reputation of the 'White Garment Guardian Partner.'"

Upon hearing this, Chunqing bit her lip gently, tears welling in her eyes.

After a long while, she sighed and followed after him.

It seemed the young master's influence over Chen would lead to complications in the Shuzhou matter.

(End of Chapter)