Chapter 193 If my brother-in-law is unwilling, I...

"...The light boat has already passed ten thousand mountains."

—Chen Qingzhou, August 5th, 21st year of Anhe.

Before signing, when the poem is written.

Chen Yishu's state of perfect satisfaction had already manifested.

Just like the previous "Farewell to Lord Changming in Shuzhou", the imagery in the words and sentences changes.

In the beginning, atop the majestic mountains, stood a city with towering gray and white walls.

The surrounding area was bathed in colorful light, shrouded in mist, like the dawn after rain and clouds, illuminating the city called "White Emperor" in a kaleidoscope of colors.

Then, a man dressed in a white robe was seen sailing through the waves in a boat, passing the river below the mountain.

The river surged, the sails billowed, and the boat moved forward alongside the man.

As we passed through the mountains, the calls of monkeys echoed from both banks, creating a noisy and chaotic scene, yet it couldn't drown out the sound of the small boat cutting through the waves.

Even that couldn't drown out the man's singing voice.

But before anyone could hear what the man was singing, they saw the small boat pass through a mountain range that stretched for thousands of miles and sail on a calm river.

In the dim light, one could make out the man's appearance from the artistic conception of the calligraphy—almost identical to Chen Yi.

a long time.

Chen Yi snapped out of his reverie, looking at the artistic conception emerging on Yun Song's paper, a slight smile appeared on his lips.

His expression was indescribably carefree.

"That gave me the answer."

"I'll go then."

If this behind-the-scenes troublemaker doesn't take a look at the outcome of the "burning of summer grain in three towns," things will inevitably be somewhat unsatisfactory.

It's probably a regrettable thing.

As Chen Yi pondered this, he rolled up the cloud and pine paper, and the artistic conception dissipated.

After tying the rolled-up pine paper with red string, he looked at a stack of rolled paper on the side of the desk.

I counted them.

"A total of twenty-one calligraphy samples should be enough to display in the academy's exhibition hall."

Chen Yi muttered a few words to himself, looked at the only piece of calligraphy in his hand, "Thoughts After the Rain," written by Yuanman Shudao, hesitated for a moment, and then placed it on top of the stack of calligraphy books.

He originally did not intend to reveal his perfected state of calligraphy.

However, just now his mind was preoccupied with the matter of "burning the summer grain in three towns", and he subconsciously wrote the poem "Thoughts After the Rain".

Since it happened by chance, it means there's a connection, so he doesn't need to deliberately hide the fact that he has achieved perfection in calligraphy.

"So what if it's exposed?"

"It just so happens that those hidden guards wanted to see my calligraphy."

"Rather than letting them investigate and pass information in secret, I'd rather show it to them openly and honestly."

Having made his decision, Chen Yi felt refreshed and got up to stretch his body.

Then he summoned Xiaodie.

While tidying up the writing brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones on the table, he instructed, "Tomorrow, go to Kangning Street and invite a mounting craftsman. Have him bring his mounting tools and get busy in the garden."

Xiaodie looked at the stack of Yunsong paper and nodded, saying, "Young Master, I'll go first thing tomorrow morning."

Chen Yi nodded and said, "Remember to tell them the quantity and size of the framing, and be well prepared to avoid delays."

We hired a mounting craftsman, firstly to prevent the calligraphy copybook from being lost, and secondly to prevent others from seeing its contents in advance.

After all, he didn't have much free time left, nor did he have much energy to practice calligraphy.

Everything is tidied up.

Chen Yi took Xiao Wuge and Xiao Die to Jiaxingyuan for dinner.

By this time, Xiao Wan'er had seen off all the guests who had come to visit that day, and did not keep anyone at the mansion for dinner.

It can be considered quite peaceful.

During this time, Xiao Wan'er took out the booklet about the Medical Academy that she had recorded that morning and discussed some of her thoughts with Chen Yi.

It's easy to see that she really put her heart into it.

Every question asked was a detail related to the Medical Academy.

Such as “compilation of medical books”, “types of medical skills taught”, “which medical master should be invited”, etc.

The first two were no challenge for Chen Yi, who had now achieved great mastery of medicine and was the most proficient and comprehensive physician among those at the mastery level.

Among those of equal skill level, he is second to none.

His expertise in diagnosing and treating difficult and complex diseases, as well as his knowledge of unorthodox medical techniques, is unmatched by any other medical master.

So be it.

Chen Yi simply said a few words, asking Xiao Wan'er to remember the general idea so as not to go astray.

"As for which renowned physician to preside over... perhaps we should ask Ma Liangcai and the others later?"

Chen Yi was not comfortable hiring monks from outside the area.

It wasn't that I thought their medical skills were lacking, but rather that I was worried they had ulterior motives and were at odds with Xiao Wan'er, which might inevitably lead to trouble.

"Ma Liangcai?"

Xiao Wan'er suddenly realized, "I forgot, although Doctor Ma is not a medical master, his master should be."

"Since the Mid-Autumn Festival is approaching, I asked Cui'er to prepare a small gift for him. When I invite him over tomorrow, I will have him take it back with him."

Chen Yi nodded and said with a smile, "Thank you so much, Big Sister."

What merit does Lao Ma have to accept that "meager gift"?

Hmm, it seems we need to give Lao Ma more responsibilities.

It would be best if he could achieve some level of medical skill, or even great skill, so that he could take charge of the Xiao family's pharmacy.

Otherwise, he would feel guilty for giving Xiao Wan'er the Mid-Autumn Festival gift.

After the group finished their meal.

Seeing that everyone else was busy with their own things, Xiao Wan'er looked at Chen Yi hesitantly and said:

"Do you have anything planned for tomorrow?"

Chen Yi looked at her and noticed that she seemed a little nervous; beneath her cloak, he could clearly see the outline of her hands clasped together in front of her. He couldn't help but smile and say:

"Nothing should happen tomorrow."

"Is there anything you need, eldest sister?"

Xiao Wan'er met his eyes, then turned away slightly, shaking her head gently.

"Miss Liu just sent a visiting card, inviting me to meet at Fengchun Tower tomorrow at noon."

"I was thinking, if you're alright, you could come with me."

Chen Yi's smile faded slightly as he asked, "Which Liu family?"

"Liu Zhaoxue of the Liu family of Jingzhou."

Upon hearing this name, Chen Yi frowned inwardly.

That ruthless woman who had ties with the Five Poisons Sect?

Did she give a reason?

Xiao Wan'er, without suspecting anything, took out the invitation and handed it to him, saying:

"The post didn't say much, it just said that he wanted to meet me to clear up some misunderstandings."

Chen Yi nodded as he opened the invitation and glanced at it; the contents were similar to what Xiao Wan'er had said.

The signature "Liu Zhaoxue" alone made it hard for him not to overthink things.

He pondered for a moment.

The smile on Chen Yi's face vanished completely. He thought of a possibility—Liu Zhaoxue wanted to use Xiao Wan'er to murder Liu Wen.

He was unaware of the specifics of the process.

However, he knew Liu Zhaoxue's goal and her plot to kill Liu Wen.

Chen Yi couldn't think of any other reason for approaching Xiao Wan'er at this time other than plotting to harm Liu Wen.

Of course, he hoped he was "judging others by his own standards," but he dared not fail to make the worst-case scenario plan for a woman like Liu Zhaoxue who was blinded by greed and dared to cooperate with the Five Poisons Sect.

At this moment.

Seeing his expression, Xiao Wan'er assumed he was unwilling to go, and her expression inevitably turned somewhat downcast.

"If my brother-in-law is unwilling, I will go alone."

The reason she had Chen Yi accompany her was not because she had any improper intentions, such as having a secret rendezvous.

It was just that the Liu family from Jingzhou had mentioned the marriage alliance with her, which made her somewhat concerned, worried, and uncomfortable.

She thought that having Chen Yi come along would at least put her at ease.

Upon hearing this, Chen Yi snapped out of his daze and smiled again.

"If my elder sister says so, even if I have something extremely important to do, I have to put it off."

"Besides, I really don't have anything to do tomorrow."

"I was just lost in thought because I was thinking about the Xinglinzhai of the Liu family in Jingzhou. I remember that they have several medical masters there, and I was thinking that when the medical academy is completed, I will invite them to come and give me some pointers."

Xiao Wan'er glanced at him, and seeing his natural expression, she couldn't help but chide him:

"Not a single brick or tile of the college has been destroyed, why are you thinking so far ahead?"

It was probably because she had misunderstood Chen Yi earlier, and her reproachful tone at this moment inevitably carried a hint of guilt.

Fortunately, her wish came true, and with Chen Yi accompanying her to Fengchun Tower, she could feel more at ease.

Hearing the noise, Xiao Wuge ran over and said, "Sister, take me with you."

Xiao Wan'er thought for a moment, and was just about to agree when she heard Chen Yi say with a smile:

"You still have to study etiquette tomorrow, so we can't delay it."

"And I just told Xiaodie to ask a mounting craftsman to come over tomorrow. Could you keep an eye on things for me so they don't damage the calligraphy books?"

Xiao Wuge blinked, feeling that his brother-in-law had become a different person. Shouldn't he be speaking up for him now?

Why did you refuse?

Xiao Wan'er didn't think there was anything wrong with it; whether Xiao Wuge was allowed to attend tomorrow's event or not was up to him.

She was more interested in the calligraphy practice books.

"Brother-in-law, another new poem?"

Chen Yi smiled and shook his head, then explained that he had asked Guiyun Academy to prepare the "exhibition hall".

"...In this way, we should be able to reduce the number of idle people who come to visit."

Xiao Wan'er nodded happily: "This is a good idea."

"I thought..."

Chen Yi chimed in, teasingly asking, "Did you think I'd come up with some crooked ideas?"

Xiao Wan'er blushed slightly, realizing he had hit the nail on the head. "You used to do some strange things, I was just worried..."

She paused, then quickly changed the subject, "However, placing the calligraphy copybooks in the academy is indeed a good idea."

"Firstly, it will attract people from other prefectures to watch, and secondly, it will enhance the reputation of the academy."

Most importantly, it can enhance Chen Yi's prestige among those scholars.

Xiao Wan'er didn't say the last thing, but she was happy for Chen Yi in her heart.

However, while she was happy, Xiao Wuge had a wrinkled face.

He wanted to go to Fengchunlou with them.

The two people in front of him continued chatting and laughing, and no one gave him a chance to speak.

"Brother-in-law, you've changed."

...

Night fell.

The light had just begun to dim.

Chen Yi told Xiao Die and Xiao Wuge a few words, then excused himself that he was tired and went to his room to rest early.

The door was closed as soon as...

Chen Yi then changed into a set of night clothes, put on a bamboo hat, and sneaked out of the Xiao family's house through the back window, heading straight for Chuanxi Street.

It was not yet the hour of Xu (7-9 PM) at this time.

There were quite a few pedestrians on the road, and it took him a lot of effort to avoid being noticed.

Fortunately, the distance was not far, and in no time, Chen Yi arrived at the house and asked Zhang Dabao to disguise him.

He managed to change into a brocade robe just before Liu Lang arrived.

Before Chen Yi could speak, Liu Lang said with a smile, "Boss, the job is done."

Chen Yi hummed in agreement, calmly put away the bronze mirror, and then gestured for him to drive the carriage out of the house.

Liu Lang was also disguised at this time, and unlike his image in Baicaotang, he had a hideous scar on his face.

"Boss, aren't you worried that the person won't come?"

Chen Yi sat upright in the carriage, looking at the surging crowd outside through the gap in the curtains, and replied calmly:

"It doesn't matter whether he comes or not."

With Xiao Dongchen here, things will go more smoothly.

If he doesn't come, it will only take more effort, and the result will be the same.

Liu Lang pursed his lips, clearly not understanding what he meant.

If it's fine whether we come or not, why bother making the trip?

A moment of silence.

Chen Yi said, "Tell me more about the Five Poisons Sect."

Liu Lang was slightly taken aback, and glanced at him sideways. "Boss, what's wrong with you...?"

Chen Yi interrupted, "Tell me about the Five Poisons Sect's techniques, powerful methods, or some of its deeds. Tell me whatever you know."

He just hoped he was overthinking it.

Liu Zhaoxue might not necessarily want to harm Xiao Wan'er.

Regardless of whether Liu Zhaoxue had such intentions, he was prepared to take precautions to avoid any unexpected events later.

Fortunately, Xiao Wan'er had Xie Tingyun and Shen Huatang by her side.

Even if the Five Poisons Sect were to take action, it would be impossible for them to carry out an assassination in broad daylight.

Liu Lang, unaware of his thoughts, paused for a moment before recounting the events in great detail.

"The Five Poisons Sect is skilled in poison techniques and adept at raising poisonous creatures. I've heard that some of their deadly poisons can kill even a third-rank martial artist in just a few breaths."

"Furthermore, their hidden weapons are extremely unique, comparable to those of the Tang Clan of the previous dynasty. Combined with their highly poisonous drugs, they pose a considerable threat..."

Poisonous skills, poisons, and hidden weapons.

Chen Yi silently kept it in mind, his thoughts swirling as he considered various solutions.

Poisoning skills are not so bad, as he has martial arts skills and advanced medical skills, so even if he is poisoned, he can find a way to deal with it.

Poison is even easier to deal with; he himself had researched some poison formulas.

As for the final hidden weapon...

Chen Yi glanced at the night outside the window and muttered that he should get a sturdy oil-paper umbrella for Xiao Wan'er.

Liu Lang, unaware of his thoughts, finished his rambling explanation without him saying a word, and couldn't help but ask:

"Boss, do you also have designs on the Five Poisons Sect?"

Chen Yi replied noncommittally, "Tomorrow, have someone deliver a message to Granny Shan, saying that the Five Poisons Sect has resurfaced and arrived in Shu Prefecture, plotting a major revenge."

"...Boss, thank you for your consideration, but I really have no say in front of Granny Shan, and I can't find anyone to deliver messages to her."

Liu Lang, a swordsman from the northern desert, had only been in Shuzhou for a few days. How could he possibly have come into contact with someone like Granny Shan?

Chen Yi thought about it and muttered that it made sense.

It seems he still needs to find Granny Shan through Pei Guanli, after all, he needs to make sure the mountain tribe knows about the Five Poisons Sect in Shuzhou.

Not long after.

The carriage stopped outside the East Market, in the alley near the Jishi Pharmacy.

At this point, the sky completely darkened.

Most pharmacies, taverns, and inns were closed to customers.

Few people pass by.

This made the alley even more secluded.

After waiting for about half an hour.

As the hour of Xu (7-9 PM) was approaching, Liu Lang, seeing that no one was around, couldn't help but say, "Boss, I'm afraid he's not coming."

Chen Yi didn't say much, only replying with one word: "Wait."

After waiting for nearly another hour, midnight was approaching.

In the silent shadows, only a few faint footsteps could be heard.

Liu Lang's earlobe twitched slightly as she turned her head to look over.

Chen Yi also sensed this, but he did not get off the carriage. He simply said in a calm voice:

"Lord Xiao's prudence is admirable."

In the shadows.

The figure stopped in his tracks upon hearing this, revealing a simple night outfit.

However, it is not difficult to tell from his eyebrows and eyes that he is Xiao Dongchen, the second son of the Xiao family.

He glanced at the carriage in the distance and asked in a hoarse voice, "You're not Liu Wen? Who are you?"

Chen Yi replied indifferently, "Liu is merely a lackey of my young master, not worth mentioning."

"I've come only to ask Lord Xiao a question on behalf of my young master."

"What did you say?"

"Does Lord Xiao wish to be a pawn of the Xiao family, or to become the head of the Xiao family?"

Xiao Dongchen's eyes flickered slightly. "What about a foot soldier? What about the head of the family?"

"If it is the former, I will leave now. Lord Xiao, please pretend that I have not appeared today."

"If it's the latter..."

Chen Yi paused, a slight smile playing on his lips, and said, "Of course, I, Liu, would like to present Lord Xiao with a great gift."

Xiao Dongchen frowned slightly, his thoughts inevitably turning somewhat strange.

A moment of silence.

Xiao Dongchen asked, "Isn't your young master afraid that I'll go back and report this to the old Marquis?"

Chen Yi chuckled lightly, "Since my young master has approached you, he must have some confidence. What do you say?"

"...Tell me what grand gift you have in store."

"Three hundred thousand taels of silver."

Upon hearing this number, not only did Xiao Dongchen catch his breath, but even Liu Lang, who was sitting in front of the carriage, was shocked by Chen Yi's extravagant gesture.

So the boss swindled 300,000 taels of silver from Liu Wen to scheme against Xiao Dongchen?

(End of this chapter)