Chapter 206 Sincerity is the Ultimate Weapon
That sound!?
Without thinking twice, Chen Yi lifted the curtain on one side and looked outside.
Under the dim light, the rain formed a curtain.
A horse-drawn carriage was approaching from the diagonal front.
The horse is a southern ponies, gentle and slow-moving.
The rear carriage is made of common brownish-red wood, without any frills, and there are no family crests or indication of its origin.
Compared to the magnificent mansion where Chen Yi resided, it was clearly worlds apart.
As the two carriages, one small and one large, one ordinary and one luxurious, passed each other, Chen Yi's eyes met those of one of the people in the other carriage.
How should I describe that person's appearance?
He had slightly curly brown hair, thick eyebrows, a pear-shaped face, a hooked nose, and gray eyes.
They were clearly from another land—people from Vashyapa.
However, he wasn't wearing the colorful and chaotic clothes typical of the Vaishsa Kingdom; instead, he was dressed in the short attire of a Jianghu (江湖, a term referring to the martial arts world) person from the Wei Dynasty.
At this moment, neither of them changed; their eyes remained the same, and their expressions remained unchanged.
The difference was that Chen Yi smiled gently, as if he had just happened to lift the curtain and was admiring the rainy scenery.
The person opposite him, however, had no expression and indifferent eyes, as if he didn't care about anything.
Even when he saw Chen Yi, it was as if he saw someone who was dispensable.
But after the carriages passed each other, a deep voice could be faintly heard, "Heh, the Xiao family..."
Chen Yi calmly withdrew his gaze, lowered one side of the curtain, and thought to himself, "Heh, it's him."
Chen Yi couldn't be mistaken; besides being hoarse and low, the person's voice had a distinct and strange upward inflection at the end.
He originally thought it was a mountain tribe or a dialect spoken in a region far from the Central Plains Mandarin-speaking area.
Only now do I realize that it was the accent of their homeland that the people of Vaishsa could not shake after learning Mandarin from the Central Plains.
The people of Vaishsa...
A bizarre technique to control one's predecessor's escape from marriage...
It seems that the martial arts practiced by the martial artists of Vaishsa Kingdom are mostly similar to those of evil and heretical sects.
There are those who cultivate poison skills by infusing poison into their bodies, those who practice bone-melting techniques by cutting off their limbs, and those who specialize in black magic.
It's not surprising that there are techniques that can control other people's minds.
What bothered Chen Yi, besides the man's identity as a Vaishsa, was the reason he had sabotaged the Xiao family's marriage proposal.
Furthermore, the disdain in that person's words clearly indicated that they knew a great deal about the Xiao family and Xiao Jinghong.
As Chen Yi pondered these thoughts, a smile inexplicably appeared on his face; he had finally found some clues.
What people fear most is the unknown.
There is always a solution to everything that is known, whether it be a person or a problem.
It's simply a matter of speed.
The same applies to Chen Yi.
What he has in abundance is problem-solving skills and patience.
The only difference is whether you kill one person or a group.
At this time.
Xiao Wan'er noticed Chen Yi's distraction, stopped talking in her reminiscence, lowered her head slightly, and said softly:
Do you think I'm a bit sentimental?
Chen Yi snapped out of his reverie, turned to look at her, and realized that his momentary lapse in concentration had caused her to overthink, so he smiled and replied:
"If there were more people like my eldest sister in the manor, there would be far fewer troubles."
"Someone like me?"
"Yes, my eldest sister is sensible, considerate, respectful to elders, kind to relatives, gentle to everyone, and never biased..."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Wan'er opened her mouth, her previous sadness largely gone, and a blush appeared on her face. "I... I'm not as good as you say?"
"Everyone knows, it's common knowledge. If it weren't for your hard work and dedication in the household, we would have trouble even eating, let alone receiving our monthly allowance."
"Moreover, you are skilled in business, adept at acquiring wealth, and adept at handling all matters, big and small, within the household..."
Actually, Chen Yi isn't very good at making girls happy.
Honestly, he had no experience and hadn't learned any rules or techniques.
He knew nothing about what "skin is loving" or "stirring the heartstrings."
The only thing I know how to do is sincerity.
So, under Chen Yi's sincere praise, Xiao Wan'er's face became even rosier.
She raised her hand, which was tucked under her cloak, and then lowered it again, hesitating whether to shut Chen Yi's mouth.
Let alone her.
Even Xie Tingyun and Shen Huatang, who were driving in the front, looked at each other in bewilderment after hearing those words.
Junior sister, your second son-in-law's mouth, tsk tsk, it's going to kill you.
Senior sister, it seems that what the second son-in-law said is right; the eldest young lady is indeed that kind of person.
Junior sister, sometimes the more correct your words are, the easier it is for them to take to heart...
Clearly, Xiao Wan'er took it to heart.
After hesitating for a long time, she reached out and covered Chen Yi's mouth, blushing as she said, "No, don't say it."
Chen Yi blinked, his gaze shifting downwards, indicating that he would stop talking.
Xiao Wan'er quickly withdrew her hand and tucked her head into the furry collar, leaving only her restless eyes showing.
Seeing this, Chen Yi stopped praising her so as not to make her breathless.
After a brief silence, he got down to business: "Yesterday I had a long talk with that Mr. Chen, and I've already conveyed my elder sister's and grandfather's message. Mr. Chen, you know..."
Chen Yi saw Xiao Wan'er peek out, revealing one of her rosy earlobes, and couldn't help but keep her in suspense.
When Xiao Wan'er saw him pause, she couldn't help but turn her head to look at him.
He met Chen Yi's eyes directly, along with his mischievous, half-smiling expression.
Xiao Wan'er was embarrassed and flustered. She subconsciously reached out and pinched his waist, asking reproachfully, "What did Boss Chen say?"
She would never normally do something like this, which is typical of a young girl.
She was probably truly flustered by Chen Yi's "teasing".
Chen Yi also knew that the anger he had felt earlier because of the people from Vaishsa had dissipated, and he felt relaxed.
"Boss Chen said that Baicaotang is preparing to make a tour of Shuzhou to see the situation in various places so that it can cooperate with the government later."
"He also said that, both now and in the future, Baicaotang will follow your and the old master's lead. The profit-sharing ratio is negotiable, but it will depend on the circumstances..."
Anyway, these are all just platitudes; Chen Yi is just saying them verbally.
In business, the final agreement must be put in writing. Once the contract is signed, it will be a guarantee for both Baicaotang and the Xiao family.
Xiao Wan'er had no objection. After calming herself down a bit and her face not being so red, she pondered:
"Is there any problem with Mr. Chen's identity?"
Chen Yi paused, then said carefully, "I can't say for sure."
"However, he is a master of medicine, so there shouldn't be any problems."
"As far as I know, there are not many medical masters in the entire Great Wei Dynasty. No one should dare to let him cause trouble in front of you and the old master."
Xiao Wan'er looked at him in surprise: "A medical master? Mr. Chen is so young, yet his medical skills are so amazing?"
Chen Yi smiled and said, "It must be because his teacher is more powerful."
Xiao Wan'er nodded, then, as if she had thought of something, a look of joy appeared on her face as she asked:
"Then tell me, could Mr. Chen serve as an instructor at the Medical Academy, or... the dean?"
cannot.
Absolutely not.
Chen Yi was startled. He had been devising strategies and preparing to train Ma Liangcai and others to become medical masters, but he never expected that Xiao Wan'er would also intend to recruit him.
If he hadn't known that Xiao Wan'er was unaware of "Boss Chen's" identity, he would have found a way to sabotage the Medical Academy's plans no matter what.
Xiao Wan'er seemed to notice his unusual expression and asked in confusion, "Can't Boss Chen do it?"
Chen Yi's mind raced. "It shouldn't be possible."
Before completing his apprenticeship, Mr. Chen promised his master that he would travel the world and save the lives of 10,000 people.
"Therefore, he will not be able to stay in Shuzhou for a while."
"real?"
"Of course, Mr. Chen spoke with absolute certainty that night on the pleasure boat."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Wan'er couldn't help but show some surprise, praising, "No wonder Boss Chen rarely shows up in Shu Prefecture, it turns out he has such a grand ambition."
"If only I had his medical skills."
Chen Yi muttered something like "probably," then comforted her, "Everyone has their own strengths, eldest sister, there's no need to envy others."
"Besides, 'give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.' Once the physicians in the medical academy have mastered their skills, they will save far more than ten thousand lives."
Xiao Wan'er nodded, a hint of anticipation in her eyes, clearly thinking about what would happen after the Medical Academy was built.
Immediately afterwards, she handed over the blue-covered booklet from inside her cloak and said:
"Brother-in-law, this is the information about the Medical Academy that I've compiled over the past few days based on what you previously told me. Would you like to take a look?"
Chen Yi naturally wouldn't refuse, and quickly glanced through it, feeling a sense of satisfaction.
It's better to say something than to say it.
The regulations that Xiao Wan'er compiled this time were incredibly detailed.
Not only did they list out the things they had previously discussed, but they also recorded some points to note and some thoughts.
"There shouldn't be any major problems. The specifics will depend on the composition of the academy, such as the dean, instructors, and relevant texts. Some details can be adjusted accordingly."
“Brother-in-law is right, that’s what I was thinking too, but I still have a few questions, and I hope you can help me make a decision.”
"For example, this..."
The two huddled together to study the contents of the booklet. Most of the time, Chen Yi did the talking, while Xiao Wan'er carefully took notes.
When the carriage stopped at Guiyun Academy, Chen Yi closed the booklet and said with a smile:
"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. With so much to offer, it's enough for you to take that first step, Sister."
Xiao Wan'er nodded, her face beaming with joy, her radiant beauty resembling a newly blossoming snow lotus.
Extremely beautiful.
Chen Yi glanced at them a couple more times before getting off the carriage, gathering up the twenty-odd brocade boxes containing calligraphy scrolls, and preparing to hand them over to Mr. Yue Ming.
At this moment, Xiao Wan'er also came down, looked at the place with the four characters "Guiyun Academy" on the plaque, and asked hesitantly:
"Can I go with you and take a look?"
Chen Yi noticed her interest and nodded, "Of course."
He even came up with a more suitable reason: "It's inconvenient for me to carry so many calligraphy books by myself, so I'd like to trouble you for help, sister."
"good."
Xiao Wan'er smiled and accepted the two brocade boxes, and instructed Shen Huatang to help carry a few more, leaving Xie Tingyun alone to guard the carriage.
The three of them entered the academy together.
Xiao Wan'er looked at the brocade box in her hand and said, "I heard Xiao Die mention it a few times before, saying that it was framed, but I didn't think much of it."
"Are these all prepared for that exhibition hall?"
Chen Yi hummed in agreement and replied:
"I don't know how much space Mr. Yue Ming and the others prepared, so I wrote a few more pieces, just in case."
"If you write too much, you might as well keep it. If you write too little... well, that's fine. Just have the dean and the others write a few more calligraphy pieces."
Upon hearing the word "collect," Xiao Wan'er inevitably recalled the poem she had "stolen" from Chen Yi's study, and she shrank back, not daring to ask any more questions.
Chen Yi was unaware of her thoughts.
He nodded back to the students of the academy while leading Xiao Wan'er and Shen Huatang deeper into the academy.
The students were quite polite when they saw Chen Yi; whether they knew him or not, they all bowed respectfully.
However, upon seeing Xiao Wan'er, they all seemed somewhat uneasy.
Even those talented men who indulged in philandering and boasted of their romantic lives were the same, and most of them felt that they were "astounded by their extraordinary talent".
"Is the woman next to Mr. Qingzhou his wife?"
“...That is Xiao Wan’er, the eldest granddaughter of Marquis Xiao, not Mr. Qingzhou’s wife.”
"Just as the rumors said, Xiao Wan'er possesses unparalleled beauty, what a pity..."
"Brother, what's the pity?"
"It's a pity that beauty is often short-lived. I've heard that Xiao Wan'er suffered from a serious illness since childhood, which is difficult to cure with medicine."
"How could this happen? She...she..."
"If that weren't the case, why would she still be unmarried? Alas, it's truly regrettable."
Most of the students at Guiyun Academy were from Shuzhou, so the Xiao family was naturally familiar with them.
They were very familiar with Lord Xiao, Xiao Wan'er, Xiao Jinghong, and others.
On the contrary, Chen Yi, the son-in-law of the Xiao family, is the only one who has recently become known to the students of Guiyun Academy.
Amidst the faint whispers and murmurs.
Chen Yi brought Xiao Wan'er and Shen Huatang to Mr. Yue Ming's residence, only to find it empty.
He only learned from two passing students that Mr. Yue Ming and others were outside the academy's library, preparing a new study room.
Chen Yi raised an eyebrow slightly, thinking to himself that the speed was quite fast.
It's only been three days since he discussed the exhibition hall with Mr. Yue Ming and others, and it's already ready?
However, upon further reflection, he guessed that it might be a modified version of the original building, so he didn't think much of it.
Then he, Xiao Wan'er, and Shen Huatang, carrying the calligraphy copybooks, headed towards the library.
Perhaps because she rarely came to a place like the academy, Xiao Wan'er found everything here new and exciting.
As she looked around, she said with interest, "Those talented men will all bow to you."
Chen Yi smiled and nodded: "After all, I am now a teacher at the academy, so I am considered their elder."
"Hmm, the atmosphere here is very scholarly. If Wu Ge could study here, it would be helpful for him."
"Maybe..."
I reckon Xiao Wuge would be so happy to hear this news that he would jump out of his room and into the pool.
It's not surprising that Xiao Wan'er acted this way.
From childhood to adulthood, due to her health condition, she rarely left the Xiao residence.
She was only able to leave the house after she went to the Wumeng Mountain Taoist temple to borrow the purest yang energy of heaven and earth to alleviate the extreme yin energy in her body.
I can count on one hand the number of times I go out each year.
And most of them went to buy some things, or to visit pharmacies and other places.
As for Guiyun Academy... this was Xiao Wan'er's first time here.
Not long after.
The three found Mr. Yue Ming and the others.
Just as Chen Yi had guessed, the study room, which was about five zhang long and wide, had been freshly painted and was empty inside, supported only by four pillars.
After exchanging greetings, Mr. Yue Ming pointed around the study and asked, "Qingzhou, what do you think of this place?"
Chen Yi looked around and nodded, saying, "It's alright."
He didn't have any special requirements for the exhibition hall; he just wanted it to be spacious and bright enough.
After all, it is a place specifically for displaying calligraphy and model books. If it is too cramped, it will inevitably make people feel that Guiyun Academy is small-minded.
"In that case, I will have someone prepare this place shortly."
As Mr. Yue Ming spoke, his eyes kept glancing at the brocade boxes in the hands of Chen Yi and the other two.
Chen Yi understood this, so he distributed the dozen or so brocade boxes he was holding to Mr. Yue Ming, Mr. Zhuo Ying, and others.
"The calligraphy samples I promised to leave for this exhibition hall are all here."
Mr. Yue Ming's face lit up with joy, and without regard for the occasion, he opened one of the brocade boxes in his hand.
Suddenly, a hazy glow illuminated the study.
A line of golden Wei Qing-style characters faintly emerged from the calligraphy copybook.
Mr. Yue Ming glanced at it, his eyes lighting up as he exclaimed in admiration:
"There is a path to the mountain of books, and diligence is the way; the sea of learning is boundless, and hard work is the boat..."
"Good, good, the handwriting is excellent and the words are wonderful. This can serve as an encouragement to the students of my academy."
Mr. Zhuo Ying, without taking a second look, also opened his calligraphy copybook and showed it to everyone:
"A sword's sharpness comes from constant grinding, and the fragrance of plum blossoms comes from the bitter cold."
"Qingzhou's Wei Qing style is so natural that it will surely benefit the students who come to visit the academy."
The gentlemen next to him were mostly acquainted with Chen Yi, and they praised the calligraphy works.
But there were also two people dressed in long gowns, one old and one young, standing quietly to one side watching.
As he watched several calligraphy samples pass by, all in the Wei Qing style and representing the pinnacle of calligraphy, the handsome young man couldn't help but mutter:
"What's so special about this level of calligraphy? It's not much better than my grandfather's."
As he spoke, he looked at the old man beside him and said, "Uncle Han, if that's all there is to it, I wouldn't have needed to travel thousands of miles from home to Shuzhou, would I?"
Upon hearing this, the old man smiled wryly and gestured, "Zhaoye, stop talking nonsense. We'll discuss this later."
The conversation between the two had already attracted the attention of Mr. Yue Ming and others.
Chen Yi and Xiao Wan'er also noticed the two people's presence, but they were clearly unaware of their identities.
Mr. Yue Ming recognized the two people, paused slightly, and stepped forward to introduce them: "Qingzhou, Miss Wan'er."
"These two are guests who have come from afar from Yanzhou. They are Han Zhe and Han Zhangping. You can call him Mr. Zhangping."
"He was a teacher at Yuelu Academy and had been studying Confucianism for many years."
Chen Yi bowed, and the old man named Han Zhe returned the bow, thus exchanging greetings.
Mr. Yue Ming then introduced, "This is..."
Before he could finish speaking, the young man stepped forward and bowed, saying, "This student, Pei Zhaoye, greets you gentlemen."
Mr. Yue Ming paused, glanced at Han Zhe, and then looked at Chen Yi and said, "You must have heard of the Pei family of Yanzhou, Qingzhou."
Clearly, the academy's dean didn't like Pei Zhaoye's tendency to interrupt.
Chen Yi didn't pay much attention, and after thinking for a moment, he asked, "Is it the 'Pei' from Mr. Pei Qiaosong of Yuelu Academy?"
Before Mr. Yue Ming could speak, the young man Pei Zhaoye raised his head and said, "Exactly."
Everyone fell silent, but most of them didn't pay much attention.
After all, they are all learned people, and they are unlikely to act arrogantly based on their age.
The only one who was displeased was Mr. Yue Ming, who was interrupted twice and was already somewhat annoyed.
The old man, Mr. Han Zhangping, naturally understood, and pulled the boy behind him, bowing respectfully and saying:
"Zhaoye is young, so I hope Dean Yueming and the other gentlemen will not take offense."
Pei Zhaoye pursed his lips and muttered something like, "I didn't do anything wrong."
Seeing this, even the usually good-tempered Mr. Yue Ming became somewhat angry and said bluntly:
"Zhang Ping, you just said that Qingzhou Calligraphy has nothing new?"
"Then let's take a look at this one in my hand, what do you think?"
(End of this chapter)
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