Chapter 179 The True Meaning of the Dao Realm

A marriage proposal?

Is the Liu family of Jingzhou really going to form a marriage alliance with the Xiao family?

When Liu Lang thought of the news Chen Yi had told him about Chunyu Tower, he couldn't help but feel a little amazed.

It seems the boss is more capable than he imagined.

They even know such secrets about the Liu and Xiao families.

Now, even if Black Tooth comes to confirm, the boss's identity as a close follower of the "Liu family" will not be exposed.

Just as Liu Lang was thinking about these things, he heard Liu Zhaoxue ask, "What time should we go tomorrow?"

Liu Wen smiled and said, "Naturally, we'll choose noon when there are more people."

"Second Brother, aren't you afraid the Xiao family won't open the main gate?"

"Hehe, whether you're scared or not, your second uncle is there to protect you."

“You and I are too far apart in generation from the old Marquis. If he really behaves so rudely, it will be the Xiao family that loses face if word gets out.”

As Liu Wen spoke, as if he had just remembered something, he pointed to the woman next to him and said:

"I forgot to introduce you."

"This Miss Yuzhen is a maid that your second uncle specially found for you from your third uncle."

Then the woman named Yuzhen stepped forward gracefully and bowed: "This servant Yuzhen greets the Third Miss."

Liu Zhaoxue glanced at him briefly and nodded: "Thank you, Second Brother."

Liu Wen chuckled lightly, "You've thanked the wrong person. You should thank your second uncle."

"Oh, Zhaoxue misunderstood. She thought it was Second Brother who asked Second Uncle to send people to protect Zhaoxue."

"That's one way to think about it, haha."

"Yuzhen, why aren't you following Zhaoxue to her side?"

"Yes, ma'am..."

Listening to the two exchanging witty remarks, even the slow-witted Liu Lang could tell that the relationship between the Liu siblings was strained.

Thinking back to the Five Poisons Cult members who had come to find Liu Zhaoxue earlier, a playful smile appeared on his lips.

I wonder if the boss is interested in this news.

I think so.

Not long after.

Liu Wen smiled and took his leave. Liu Zhaoxue stood quietly in the courtyard for a moment, then returned to the wooden building with Yuzhen without saying a word.

Without hesitation, Liu Lang silently followed Liu Wen back to the rear residence on the east side.

This continued until Liu Wen entered the wooden building.

After checking the surroundings and confirming that the guards were only outside, Liu Lang then approached the wooden building.

Listen carefully for a moment.

Faint bursts of sweet laughter could be heard, indicating that Liu Wen was not alone in the wooden building.

"It seems that Liu Wen is also a womanizer."

"Just like me... tsk."

I thought about it.

Liu Lang gently knocked on the door three times.

Ding, ding ding.

The faint sound traveled clearly into the building.

The giggles stopped abruptly, followed by Liu Wen's slightly displeased voice: "Who's outside?"

"I am Liu Er. I apologize for disturbing you so late at night, Young Master Liu."

Who are you? What brings you here?

"I've come to convey a few words to Young Master Liu on behalf of my master."

"oh?"

As soon as he finished speaking, Liu Lang heard light footsteps coming from inside, so he simply lowered his straw hat and stood quietly under the eaves.

The door creaked open.

Just as Liu Lang was about to look, he suddenly felt a soft, cold aura rushing towards him.

Without a second thought, his hand had already gripped the long sword at his waist.

Click.

The knife comes out three inches.

The cold light pierced the darkness, illuminating the wooden building.

The light also shone on Liu Wen, who was charging forward with his sword drawn.

"Completion?"

Liu Wen paused slightly, then took three steps back, a hint of apprehension showing on his effeminate face.

Liu Lang raised his head slightly, his eyes fixed on him through the bamboo hat.

“Young Master Liu, I had no intention of offending you, please forgive me.”

Immediately, he sheathed his long sword.

Even so, Liu Wen still looked at him for a moment before a smile appeared on his sinister face.

Although his smile wasn't exactly sunny, his breathing eventually calmed down.

"Brother Liu's swordsmanship is superb; I admire it greatly."

"Come, this is not the place to talk. Come with me to the study."

Liu Lang lowered his head slightly and said calmly, "No need. I will leave after I finish speaking."

A hint of displeasure flashed in Liu Wen's eyes, but he still smiled and asked, "You just said you came to deliver a message from your master? May I ask which master you are?"

“My master is Black Tooth from Mingyue Tower.”

To demonstrate his identity, Liu Lang deliberately showed him his identity token from Mingyue Tower.

"I was sent here to convey a message to Young Master Liu: my master will be visiting you tomorrow evening at 7 PM to discuss something."

"Oh, Black Fang... No wonder Brother Liu has such a high level of swordsmanship."

Liu Wen glanced at the token and nodded slightly.

He had heard of Black Fang before and knew that Black Fang was an elder of Mingyue Tower and the head of the black market in Shuzhou.

At the same time, he also knew that his sixth brother, Liu Jing, had previously collaborated with Hei Ya to plot against the Xiao family.

Unfortunately, it ultimately failed.

After a moment of silence, Liu Wen sheathed his sword and asked with a smile, "I wonder what your master wishes to discuss with me?"

Liu Lang paused, recalling Chen Yi's instructions, and bowed slightly, saying, "You will know tomorrow night."

With that, he lightly touched the ground with his toes, and his entire body transformed into a black shadow, flashing out of the house and disappearing into the distance.

He had disappeared without a trace.

The smile on Liu Wen's face gradually disappeared, and he exuded a cold and aloof aura.

"Black Fang, Bright Moon Tower..."

As soon as he finished speaking, two petite women dressed in revealing clothes walked over.

"Young master, that person is terrifying."

Liu Wen glanced at them, grinned, and asked, "You guys, did you hear what he just said?"

One of the women nodded timidly, pouting, and said, "What Black Tooth Bright Moon Pavilion..."

"Forehead."

Before she could finish speaking, a sword tip suddenly appeared on her back and was slowly withdrawn while she was stunned.

Upon seeing this, the other woman immediately shrank back.

"Young master, you... I... I don't know anything."

Liu Wen sheathed his sword, his cold expression vanishing instantly. He smiled, stepped forward, put his arm around her, and walked towards the side room.

As he walked, he smiled and comforted her, "This young master likes girls who are a little clumsy and obedient, what do you think?"

"Yes, yes, I'm stupid..."

Black Fang, I'd like to see what you're up to.

I hope what you say is worthy of that beautiful woman.

...

Nothing was said that night.

The rain stopped at midnight, and the dark clouds dispersed.

After dawn, the sky over Shuzhou Prefecture was clear and blue.

This place is naturally beautiful with clear waters and lush mountains, and the air is filled with the fragrance of plants.

After being moistened by the rain, its faint fragrance is mixed with a fresh and natural scent.

This is especially true in the lush and verdant Spring Lotus Garden.

At least until the sun is high in the sky and the intense heat has not yet set in, the courtyard will remain like this.

Early in the morning.

Xiaodie was busy running around doing things.

Sweeping fallen leaves in the courtyard, clearing water plants from the pond, washing and drying Xiao Wuge and Chen Yi's clothes, and quickly cleaning the two wooden buildings...

I was busy for more than an hour.

Xiaodie wiped the fine sweat from her forehead, but didn't feel tired at all.

She stood with her hands on her hips, looking at the clean and tidy courtyard, a smile appearing on her pretty face.

"It's time to call the young master and son-in-law for breakfast."

This morning, the kitchen made her favorite pancakes, paired with chili sauce from Guangyuan and dried small fish from Jiaozhou. They were delicious.

Every time I think of her, my taste buds tingle.

Xiaodie glanced at the neatly arranged breakfast on the table, unconsciously swallowed, and then quickened her pace to run upstairs.

As usual, she first helped Xiao Wuge wash and dress before heading to Chen Yi's room.

She carried a basin of warm water in her hand and a towel draped over her shoulder, yet she walked lightly and swiftly.

She carefully pushed open the door and peeked inside, where she saw Chen Yi sitting cross-legged on the bed.

"Is the young master meditating?"

Xiaodie looked at Chen Yi, who had a calm expression, with a half-understanding look on her face, and then gently placed the warm water next to the dressing table.

Click.

A soft sound was heard.

Chen Yi's eyebrows twitched slightly, and he slowly opened his eyes to meet Xiao Die's gaze. He smiled and asked, "What time is it?"

Seeing that she had woken him up, Xiaodie stuck out her tongue sheepishly and said, "Young master, it's already past midnight."

Chen Yi said "oh," got up and stretched his arms and legs, then asked her to help him get dressed.

Xiaodie smiled and nodded, then went to the wardrobe, rummaging through it while asking him what his plans were for the day.

They probably wanted to know if he was going out, so they could judge whether he needed to pay more attention to his clothing.

Just as Chen Yi was about to reply that he would stay at home and not go out, he saw a few lines of text floating across the newly unfolded light screen:

[Daily Intelligence - Low-Rank Profound: At noon, at the quiet residence of Xiao Yuan, a group from the Liu family of Jingzhou arrives to visit Marquis Xiao Yuan of Dingyuan. A small opportunity may be obtained.]

A quick glance.

Chen Yi paused slightly, then instructed, "Bring a slightly more formal long gown. I'm going to the Qingjing residence today to pay my respects to the old master."

Xiaodie responded with a "yes," took out a light blue brocade robe from the wardrobe, and found a jade belt, a sachet, and other items to help him dress.

“Son-in-law, it’s true that you haven’t been to Qingjing House for a while.”

"A while ago, some people in the manor were gossiping, saying that now that you are a teacher at the academy and have gained a great reputation, you have become arrogant."

"Yeah?"

As Chen Yi cooperated by extending his arms and legs, he pondered who the people from the Liu family of Jingzhou were and what their purpose was.

If the visitor is Liu Yu, it should be related to the summer grain tax in the three towns.

If Liu Wen and Liu Zhaoxue are among the visitors, it seems the Liu family of Jingzhou is still not giving up on the marriage alliance.

However, Chen Yi actually hoped that Liu Wen would be the one to come.

This way, he could go over and take a look and listen, which would also serve as some preparation for tonight's trip.

I had a quick breakfast.

After pondering for a moment, Chen Yi went to the study and wrote a calligraphy copybook for the old man.

The old master already knew from the meaningful look Sun Fu gave him before he left yesterday that he had made progress in calligraphy.

Sending over a calligraphy copybook at this time would be just right.

However, compared to the birthday wishes he gave to the old master last time, Chen Yi only wrote four characters this time:

"Tranquility leads to far-reaching goals."

With each stroke of the brush, a masterpiece is created—one can see the water flowing around the mountains amidst the rolling hills, drifting leisurely into the distance.

There was no one in sight, no sound from anyone.

This is the second time Chen Yi has showcased his calligraphy skills after achieving mastery of the art.

Compared to the poem "Farewell to Lord Changming in Shuzhou" written for Sun Fu, "Tranquility leads to far-reaching vision" is the four words that best reflect his free and easy spirit.

When the scene evokes a specific mood or atmosphere, onlookers feel as if they are actually there.

Moreover, under the combined influence of the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, they should also be able to calm their minds and achieve a kind of enlightenment.

Chen Yi carefully examined the cloud-patterned paper, and a smile involuntarily appeared on his face as he understood.

"So calligraphy has such amazing effects."

A few words written down can have the power to influence the minds and spirits of others, which is enough to show the true meaning of the Dao.

Perhaps, once martial arts techniques such as fist, spear, and sword are perfected, they also possess similar power.

Once the artistic conception unfolds, the "true meaning of martial arts" can captivate people's hearts.

As Chen Yi pondered these thoughts, he waited for the ink on the paper to dry, then rolled it up and put it into a brocade box.

After tidying up briefly, he summoned Xiao Wuge, instructed Xiao Die to stay and guard Chunhe Garden, and then carried the brocade box toward Qingjing Residence.

At this moment, it was just past 5 a.m., and still a long way from noon.

Chen Yi chose to go at this time because he planned to stay in the quiet house for a while longer.

This fulfilled Sun Fu's advice—to spend more time with the old man.

In addition, he also had the idea of ​​testing the old man's thoughts.

For example, one's impression of him, or one's plans for the Xiao family in the future.

Xiao Wuge was unaware of these things. Seeing him carrying the brocade box, he thought he should also bring a gift for the old master, so he pulled him to Jiaxing Garden.

Chen Yi naturally wouldn't refuse.

When he arrived at Jiaxing Garden, he saw Xiao Wan'er with a slightly helpless look in her eyes.

"Many visiting cards were sent to your residence today, all of them looking for you."

Who are they?

"You want to see them?"

Chen Yi replied matter-of-factly, "I won't see it."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Wan'er couldn't help but scold, "You deserve a beating."

(End of this chapter)