Chapter 161 Traveling with a Beauty
After one night, the sky over Shu Prefecture was still covered with dark clouds.
The light drizzle stopped for a while, then started to fall harder again, as if the heavens couldn't bear to see too many people walking outside.
Unfortunately, in this kind of weather, not many people will remember his kindness.
Many people were cursing the weather, clearly unhappy about the continuous rain.
However, many people were unaffected by the weather, with smiles on their faces and looking extremely happy.
For example, some idlers can use this as an excuse to sleep in late.
Or the shop owners who sell oil-paper umbrellas and raincoats.
There was always a smile on his face.
Chen Yi was one of them.
However, he was not happy because of the rainy day, but because of a breakthrough in his cultivation level.
Half past the hour of Yin (3-5 AM), he finished his practice and immediately noticed the surging true energy within his body.
Since then, the smile on his face has never stopped.
If last night Chen Yi only vaguely sensed that after receiving the spiritual energy of the Four Symbols Technique, the power of his various techniques would increase.
At that moment, the intuitive feeling of grasping the Milky Way filled his mind and body.
Regardless of stance training, fist techniques, footwork, or the Falling Dragon Spear Technique, all can unleash a 10-20% increase in power under the enhancement of true essence.
This doesn't even take into account the effect of martial arts intent.
If he were to use his full strength, not to mention anyone else, even Cui Qingwu, who had severely injured him that night, would have a very difficult time getting the better of him now.
Chen Yi pondered for a moment before calming himself down and glancing at the light screen:
[Chance: 128]
[Daily Intelligence - Yellow Rank, Superior: At 1:15 AM, at the Jishi Pharmacy in the East Market, Ma Liangcai obtains a plaque for a divine physician. A minor opportunity may be gained.]
After reading it, Chen Yi raised an eyebrow slightly, "Jishi Pharmacy?"
Old Ma has made something of himself.
They can even receive plaques recognizing them as "miracle doctors" from others.
However, upon closer reflection, Chen Yi's smile faded somewhat.
He knew very well the level of Ma Liangcai's medical skills.
Even with his guidance, he's only slightly better than Old Li and the others.
How could such a doctor possibly cure those suffering from intractable or terminal illnesses?
After much thought, Chen Yi decided to go and take a look.
I'm still a little worried.
After making the decision.
Chen Yi glanced again at the opportunities and Dao intent on the light screen.
After a slight hesitation, he raised his spear technique to the highest level.
At this point, of the eight arts he had practiced—calligraphy, medicine, chess, and martial arts (body, fist, footwork, and spear)—only chess was still at a minor level of mastery; the rest had all reached a major level of mastery.
Of all the techniques, only the Falling Dragon Spear and the Thousand Hands Chess Manual are at the proficient level; the others have reached the pinnacle of mastery.
He also has a copy of the Embroidered Spring Knife Technique and a copy of the "Free and Easy Wandering" zither score left, which he will practice later when it is convenient for him.
Having many skills is never a bad thing.
"Perhaps with more practice and mutual verification, I may have another chance for sudden enlightenment."
That being said, enlightenment is indeed a matter of chance, and luck plays a significant role.
To date, only Shudao has achieved enlightenment and reached a high level of mastery because he wrote a poem for Xiao Wan'er.
Others have practiced for so long, but none of them have been able to achieve enlightenment.
After taking in the profound mysteries of the spear technique mastery realm, Chen Yi summoned Xiao Die to wash up and get dressed.
"Young master, are you going out today?"
"Yes, I'm going to the pharmacy today. I haven't been there in a while, and I'm afraid my older sister will scold me."
Seeing him seriously making fun of the young lady, Xiaodie couldn't help but laugh:
"Young master is just joking again. Miss will not blame you for it."
"Not only does the young lady not know how, but the gentlemen in the mansion don't know how either, and they won't know how in the future either."
Chen Yi straightened his clothes, went downstairs first, and casually replied, "Really?"
Xiaodie followed behind him, smiling and saying, "Young Master hasn't gone out these past few days, so I haven't seen how the people in the manor are praising you."
How to praise?
"They all say that the lords of the various courtyards have been..."
Ultimately, it's because he taught several accomplished calligraphers at Guiyun Academy.
People kept coming to visit.
Under such circumstances, the gentlemen in the mansion would naturally not speak ill of him in front of the visitor.
Even Xiao Xuanshuo and Xiao Wang, who had always disliked him, spoke well of him.
"Qingzhou? I have long recognized his considerable talent; otherwise, His Majesty would not have given him a few words of instruction on the day of the Marquis's birthday."
"Qingzhou is quite knowledgeable and writes very well, but it's no use you coming to me."
Such words, if overheard, would inevitably spread throughout the household.
Xiaodie was simple-minded and enjoyed hearing these compliments, as if she were proud of them.
Chen Yi, however, felt nothing.
When you need something from someone, saying these kinds of compliments isn't really complimenting, nor is it genuine praise; it's more like flattery.
Instead, it's not as genuine as Xiao Die's "The son-in-law is such a nice person" or Pei Guanli's "The sister-in-law is quite nice."
That's what Pei Guanli and Xiaodie said after breakfast.
Chen Yi was very pleased and made no mention of his promise to bring them back some things when he returned home today.
Xiao Wuge wanted it too.
Before he could speak, Xiao Wan'er brought Shen Huatang into the hall.
Compared to before, her complexion was much better; it was no longer a pale, sickly look, but had some color in it.
Her originally thin face became a little rounder, making her even more radiant.
Chen Yi habitually used his Qi-gazing technique to take a look and, after confirming that her body was in good condition, invited her to sit down.
"In this rainy weather, it's best for you to stay home as much as possible to avoid catching a cold."
It would have been better if she hadn't mentioned it, but the mere mention of the cold reminded Xiao Wan'er of that experience, as if it had just happened a moment ago.
She couldn't help but blush and glare at him.
"I am dressed neatly and drink medicinal soup every day, and my health has improved a lot."
Chen Yi smiled and nodded, then offered a few words of praise.
These words, which could also be categorized as flattery, brought a smile to Xiao Wan'er's face.
She even felt a little embarrassed by the compliments.
She quickly changed the subject, saying, "Last night I made a list of gifts for Chen Yu, and I'm thinking of going out for a stroll today. Do you want to come?"
"I?"
Chen Yi hesitated slightly, wanting to refuse, but seeing Xiao Wan'er's serious expression, he nodded:
"I happen to be going to the pharmacy anyway, let's go together."
Before Xiao Wan'er could even finish speaking and her smile could fully bloom, Xiao Wuge had already raised his hand.
"Me too, me too."
"Big sister, brother-in-law, I haven't been out for a long time, please take me with you."
Seeing his pitiful appearance, Xiao Wan'er hesitated and nodded: "Then I will have someone inform the teacher who taught you etiquette to take a break today."
Xiao Wuge immediately laughed, grabbed Xiaodie and ran upstairs, saying he needed to change his clothes.
Seeing this, Chen Yi looked at Tiger Girl: "What about you? Stay at home or go out for a walk together?"
To everyone's surprise, Pei Guanli's face changed color, and she shook her head repeatedly.
Amidst the clinking and clattering, she said, "No, no, I've been out and about for days, that's enough."
As she spoke, Pei Guanli looked at Shen Huatang and asked, "Sister Huatang, you must have the same thought, right?"
"No."
In front of Xiao Wan'er, Shen Huatang naturally couldn't reveal her true thoughts.
To be honest, the three of them had spent several days exploring the entire city of Shuzhou.
Take a short break.
Shen Huatang and Xie Tingyun then went to fetch the carriage.
Chen Yi, Xiao Wan'er, Xiao Wuge, and Xiao Die sat in the carriage, which wasn't too crowded.
Before long, the carriage left the Marquis's residence and headed straight for Kangning Street in the north of the city.
It was already past 5 a.m.
Even though it was drizzling, there were still quite a few pedestrians passing by on the road.
Especially Kangning Street, a place favored by scholars and young ladies of high birth.
From a distance, all you could see were people holding oil-paper umbrellas.
Xiao Wan'er glanced out the window, took a piece of paper from her sleeve, and handed it to Chen Yi, saying:
"This is the list I prepared. Can you take a look and see if it's suitable?"
Chen Yi took it and glanced at it. It was mostly filled with the Four Treasures of the Study, or calligraphy, paintings and antiques.
"How about it?"
"It should be possible, but there's a lot of stuff."
"It's never wrong to be too polite. After all, it's a lot of money, so it's reasonable to buy him more gifts."
Seeing her say that, Chen Yi nodded: "It's up to you to make the decision, eldest sister."
Xiao Wan'er said reproachfully, "Do you think we should add anything?"
Chen Yi thought about it and realized that apart from the fishing rod, there wasn't anything else he particularly wanted.
He pondered for a moment.
He thought of something: "Why not give him a guqin or a long sword?"
Xiao Wan'er was slightly taken aback: "Is this... appropriate?"
At this time of year, many scholars were knowledgeable in music, and many were skilled in swordsmanship.
However, unless one knows the recipient's preferences in advance, few people would specifically give these uncommon gifts.
"I've only heard Wang Ji mention it before. He says their boss is good at knife skills and also plays the zither. If the price isn't too high, it's good to buy some to keep on hand."
Xiao Wan'er, without suspecting anything, nodded and said, "Then let's buy a guqin. There are quite a few in the Long Knife Mansion, and they are all masterpieces by famous artists. When we get back, I'll have Hua Tang go to the storeroom to choose one."
Chen Yi naturally wouldn't refuse.
However, he had some different thoughts in his mind.
He was probably thinking about the awkward situation that would arise if Xiao Wan'er discovered the truth later.
Judging from Xiao Wan'er's reaction, she was either furious or embarrassed, and she would make things easier for him.
Thinking of that scene, Chen Yi couldn't help but smile.
Noticing his expression, Xiao Wan'er's heart stirred slightly:
"Speaking of which, that Mr. Chen and my brother-in-law have some similar hobbies."
Chen Yi's smile faltered. "Uh, no, right?"
Xiao Wan'er looked at him with a half-smile, her beautiful eyes reflecting the slight unease on his face, and said:
"My brother-in-law is proficient in the four arts (music, chess, calligraphy, and painting) and also loves fishing. That Mr. Chen happens to like fishing and is also skilled in the zither, right?"
Chen Yi hummed in agreement, his face regaining its composure: "He's probably a scholar; it's normal for him to like these things."
"That's true."
After a few casual words, the topic was finally brought up, and Chen Yi felt relieved.
Everyone says women have keen intuition, and you have to admit it.
Xiao Wan'er naturally didn't think that Boss Chen was Chen Yi; she just connected it to the two people's hobbies.
Then she began to talk about the visit of Mrs. Tang and her daughter the previous night.
"I heard that the gates of Guiyun Academy have been almost broken down these days, with people from the prefectural city and neighboring counties coming to visit."
“Mr. Yue Ming, Mr. Zhuo Ying, and that student named Ma Guan write several calligraphy pieces every day.”
"Including the calligraphy you left at the academy, we'll make sure visitors can see them."
Chen Yi smiled and said, "I reckon the dean will be very happy."
Xiao Wan'er nodded with a smile: "Madam Tang said that it was fortunate that her son Tang Ye had entered that academy early on, otherwise the people who came later would probably have had to use a lot of tricks to snatch up the spots."
"Rob?"
"Yes, after the three rules you made with Mr. Yue Ming spread, the number of one hundred students cannot be changed, and those who come later will naturally have to find a way."
"I heard that someone offered a thousand taels of silver for that spot, but no one has offered it."
"Later, someone offered five hundred taels of gold, but Mr. Yue Ming sternly refused."
Chen Yi: "Five hundred taels... of gold?"
If all 100 spots were sold, wouldn't it be easy to get 50,000 taels of gold?
Hopefully, the dean can resist such temptation.
It took them almost half a day to finish exploring Corning Street.
Not only did they buy a lot of gifts for Chen Yu, they also bought a few useful items for Xiao Wuge.
Most of them are books and the like.
Seeing that the carriage was almost full, Chen Yi suggested that they go to Jishi Pharmacy first.
Xiao Wan'er naturally wouldn't refuse, "There just happens to be a restaurant in the East Market that has really good food. I remember my father took my second sister and me there when I was little."
Chen Yi smiled and nodded: "Then I'll go over and try it..."
(End of this chapter)
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