Chapter 215 An Unwelcome Request
"Gongye Bai was a little better when he was young; at most, he would bully people with his fists."
"Now that he's older and his martial arts skills are higher, he's become disrespectful to his elders."
"He wants to meddle in everything, causing chaos and disorder throughout the martial arts world."
Grandma Shan seemed to recall some old stories, her tone grew heavier, and her voice rose:
"In my opinion, the name of his Wind and Rain Pavilion is absolutely right; it's specifically for stirring up trouble in the martial arts world..."
Listening to Granny Shan's incessant nagging about Bai Daxian, Xiao Jinghong finally managed a rare smile.
That Master Bai was indeed an anomaly in the martial arts world.
Despite his extremely high cultivation level and upright character, his actions often reveal a sinister nature.
I don't know if he's a born jinx or if he really can decide a person's life or death with just his words.
In short, those whose fortunes he consulted rarely ended up in a good way.
In fact, Granny Shan was not the only one who was wary of Bai Daxian.
Even Xiao Jinghong's master, the Sword Saint Li Wudang, had cursed and swore at him in private.
Of course, it won't contain any profanity.
"Jinghong, some of the older and more respected figures in the martial arts world will give me face."
"But there is one person, Bai Daxian of Fengyu Tower. You must be careful. If you encounter him, run as far away as possible."
"That old bastard is like a leech; getting involved with him is never a good thing."
Based on what his master had said, Xiao Jinghong was able to understand Granny Shan's feelings as she scolded Bai Daxian.
After listening for a while, she couldn't help but have some doubts—it seemed that Granny Shan really had a grudge against Bai Daxian when she was young.
The implication of his words made her feel "angry at his lack of ambition".
At this moment, Granny Shan noticed Xiao Jinghong's gaze, realized she had misspoke, paused, and then said:
"Girl, in short, try not to get involved with Master Bai in the future."
Xiao Jinghong smiled and said, "This junior will keep your instructions in mind."
Granny Shan adjusted the pendant bottle in front of her, shook it a couple of times to adjust her posture, and continued:
"The Great Immortal Bai has come down from the mountain, there must be something attracting him there. That man of his... cough. As for the specifics, I still need to see where he shows up."
"He's being watched by those idle folks who love to join in the fun, so it'll be difficult for him to hide his whereabouts."
Xiao Jinghong nodded. "The letter just now mentioned that some seniors have also come out of seclusion."
After listening to Granny Shan's rambling on for so long, she naturally didn't believe that Bai Daxian really couldn't stay in the Wind and Rain Pavilion.
Just like her master, the Sword Saint, those senior masters are mostly elusive and rarely seen.
What they think and feel cannot be viewed through the eyes of ordinary people.
"Girl, let them chase their people, let's do our own thing."
After giving her a word of advice, Granny Shan turned to ask, "I heard from A-Da a few days ago that the progress of the Wushan trade market has been slowed down due to the rain?"
Xiao Jinghong nodded, "Before I came here, I had already instructed them to speed up the progress and strive to complete the project within two months."
Grandma Shan nodded slightly and said with a smile, "You are a steady and reliable person, and I am very relieved."
"Unlike the mountain tribes, who are all peasants, illiterate, and only know how to charge around recklessly."
"If Ah Da and the others go to the border market in the future, please bear with them if anything happens."
Xiao Jinghong agreed, without feeling that he was being presumptuous because of his status.
Granny Shan then inquired about the follow-up arrangements for the trade market, mainly about who would be traveling between the two places, what they could buy, and what they could sell.
In fact, according to the agreement between the Xiao family and the mountain tribes, the trade market was only for the convenience of the various tribes living in the Wumeng Mountains.
Although it is called "mutual market", "market" is actually a more accurate term.
After all, whether it's the Xiao family, the Dingyuan Army, or the mountain people, they are all subjects of the Great Wei Dynasty.
The reason the Xiao family set up such a market was to earn some money to replenish the funds and provisions of the Dingyuan Army.
For the mountain people, this has made their lives more convenient, so they no longer have to travel hundreds of miles through the mountains to buy salt or grains as they used to.
Let's chat for a bit.
As evening approached, Granny Shan invited Xiao Jinghong to stay for the time being.
“Girl, it’s Mid-Autumn Festival today. Since you’re not going back to the city, then stay here and keep me company.”
Xiao Jinghong thought for a moment and did not refuse, "I will trouble you tonight, Mother. I will return to the market early tomorrow morning."
Grandma Shan smiled and said, "No need to stand on ceremony."
"Although this Wushan trade fair is beneficial to both of us, I know that your Xiao family is under considerable pressure."
"If the one in Kyoto Prefecture doesn't speak up, the Commander-in-Chief's Office in Shu Prefecture will also have some complaints."
Xiao Jinghong said calmly, "Since the two commanders don't show themselves, Grandma doesn't need to worry."
"I am not worried about the mountain tribe, but I am afraid that it will make your Xiao family's situation even worse."
"Your timely rescue saved the three towns from disaster, but there's no guarantee that something similar won't happen again at the Wushan border market."
As soon as she finished speaking, a cold, stern smile appeared on Granny Shan's aged face. She said:
"If you can't handle it in the future, you can tell me. I want to see who in this Shu Prefecture can break free."
Xiao Jinghong smiled and nodded, then picked up the mask and put it on, saying, "This junior has remembered."
She then bowed and turned to leave the bamboo house.
Granny Shan watched Xiao Jinghong walk away and couldn't help but sigh.
"This girl has suffered."
"If Xiao Fengchun hadn't died so young, why would she have had to shoulder the burden of the entire Xiao family?"
Xiao Jinghong vaguely heard Granny Shan's words, but she didn't stop and continued walking forward.
From a very young age, she knew that her life was destined to be full of ups and downs, and that she could not live a carefree life like her master, Li Wudang.
Even if Xiao Fengchun hadn't died, as a member of the Xiao family, she naturally had to do her part for the family.
Now, she has simply increased that power from one-tenth to one-tenth.
Thinking about these things.
Xiao Jinghong arrived at the familiar bamboo house, his gaze fixed on the horizon.
The dim, fiery clouds shone through the gaps in the bamboo window into the room, falling on her and vaguely revealing her slightly slender figure.
Slender and delicate, yet as upright as a long sword.
Xiao Jinghong glanced at the clouds and silently took out several family letters from his bosom.
He held a letter between his fingers, unfolded it like a fan, and held it in front of his face to let the afterglow of the setting sun fall on the back of the paper.
The black ink seemed to be stained with a layer of gold, shining brightly.
"My husband, please forgive me. I have broken my promise this time."
Xiao Jinghong had promised Chen Yi that she would return home before the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Now, unexpected events have occurred, and she has no choice but to stay outside.
"If love between two people is destined to last, why should they be together every day and night..."
"I hope so."
...
Shuzhou Prefecture City.
It was just past mid-Shenshi (3-5 PM), and the daylight was still quite bright, but the streets were already packed with people.
In both the east and west markets, the shops along the streets opened early.
Especially the taverns and restaurants, which were always bustling with people.
In addition to the guests, there are also temporary stages set up in the hall.
There were opera singers, traditional singers, dancers—you name it, they had it.
In the end, some famous actors and courtesans must be invited, or at the very least, the top performers from the brothel district.
It was both to create a lively atmosphere and to avoid falling behind others.
On the street, wooden carts were parked in the middle of the stone-paved road, with each cart back to back supporting a stall.
Most stalls also displayed several gifts to be given away, each accompanied by a slip of paper covered with small writing.
It was euphemistically called "Guessing Lantern Riddles".
Men, women, and children walked among them, their faces beaming with smiles, chatting as they squeezed into the crowd.
The children were the most excited, carrying lanterns out early in the morning, waiting to light them when it got dark.
It was a scene of great prosperity.
However, the most bustling and lively place in Shuzhou City today is still Kangning Street in the north of the city.
Regardless of the year, places where talented men and beautiful women gather always attract a lot of onlookers.
Let's see which tavern has the most courtesans, the best singers, and the most generous patrons.
Poetry gatherings held in pleasure boats, taverns, or pavilions were characterized by an even greater tendency to compete with each other.
What masterpieces were produced at each poetry gathering, and what outstanding performances were made by each talented scholar, would all be spread around.
Simply put, the girls competed to outshine each other, while the talented men made friends through literature.
So be it.
As the place in Shuzhou City where the most talented men and women gather tonight, Guiyun Academy had people waiting outside early in the morning.
One carriage after another drove in from outside the procession, and the sight of one or two familiar faces stepping out immediately sparked murmurs of discussion among those around them.
"Prefect Liu has arrived so early?"
"Early? He's not early. Doesn't that mean the officials of the Provincial Administration Commission and the Provincial Surveillance Commission will have to wait for him?"
Upon hearing this, some well-informed people carefully changed the subject.
"I heard that Liu Hong, the provincial governor, was punished by the emperor today. I wonder if he will come as promised tonight."
"It's hard to say."
"Lord Liu was implicated by the younger generation of his clan, which can be considered an undeserved disaster."
"That's right, who would have thought that Liu Wen would dare to join forces with evil forces to burn down the summer grain crops in the three towns?"
"The fact that His Majesty did not punish them by exterminating their entire clan is already an act of mercy..."
As they were talking, several more carriages arrived, which, from a distance, appeared ornately decorated and grand.
Whose carriage is this?
Among the crowd, there were discerning individuals who enjoyed making friends. They recognized the badge on the train carriage and chuckled softly:
"Chen Yunfan, Councilor of the Provincial Administration Commission."
"He was also the top scholar in this year's imperial examination."
Those who glanced at the family and recognized the Chen family crest in Jiangnan Prefecture inevitably made some disdainful or mocking remarks.
"Since the founding of the Great Wei Dynasty, every top scholar in the imperial examinations has been a literary genius descended to earth. Not only are they excellent writers, but they are also humble and composed in character."
"But this one, ever since he came to Shu Prefecture, has never known what composure is."
"I heard that he was not only a regular at the brothel, but also made quite a few jokes when he went outside the city to collect summer grain."
"They raised the weight too high and changed the weight quite often, which caused a lot of complaints from the people."
"Huh? I heard that he didn't instigate that, and some people were investigated and punished afterward."
"Isn't it all thanks to Lord Xiao Dongchen's keen insight? After finding out who it was, he gave the credit to him?"
"As expected, officials protect each other..."
Chen Yunfan vaguely heard the surrounding whispers, but pursed his lips and said nothing.
He did indeed make a fool of himself earlier, and before he knew it, someone had played tricks on him right under his nose.
Although it didn't affect him much, many people knew about it, and the rumors spread, making his already bad reputation even worse.
Some people even compared him to Chen Yi, who had just arrived in Shu Prefecture, jokingly calling them the "Chen twins".
They even said that there was a runaway groom who turned back to the right path, and a top scholar who broke the law.
In short, he didn't say anything nice.
Cui Qingwu also heard some of the sounds and smiled reassuringly:
"Brother Yunfan, don't worry about it. Once they see your abilities, they'll shut up."
"Just like your brother Chen Yi, hasn't his reputation improved and he's now respected?"
Chen Yunfan waved his hand dismissively and said, "It's just idle gossip. I've heard it all the time over the years."
"Let them talk if they want, just don't be so blind as to come over."
As he spoke, Chen Yunfan lifted the curtain and looked outside, muttering to himself:
"It seems that Brother Yi hasn't arrived yet..."
Upon hearing this, Cui Qingwu glanced at him and chuckled, "Your brother can indeed arrive a little later now."
"That's true. Let's go in and see which girls and... talented men have come."
Cui Qingwu pretended not to hear and followed him off the carriage, entering Guiyun Academy.
Huan'er and Chunying followed behind.
The group of four, including Ning Yu who was driving, could be described as low-key.
In contrast, Chen Yi and his group, who arrived late, had a larger and more imposing presence.
Besides him, Xiao Wan'er, and Xiao Wuge, he was accompanied by Xiao Die, Shen Huatang, Pei Guanli, and four armored guards from the Marquis's residence.
Two carriages bearing the banners of the Marquis of Dingyuan's residence were parked outside the academy, making it difficult to go unnoticed.
"Besides Mr. Qingzhou, I didn't expect that the young marquis and the eldest daughter would also come from the Xiao family."
"Miss Xiao Wan'er truly possesses a beauty that could topple empires, just as the rumors say."
Hearing the surrounding chatter, Xiao Wan'er tugged at her cloak, feeling a little uncomfortable, and whispered, "Let's go inside."
Chen Yi smiled and nodded, then entered the academy under the protection of Wang Lixing and others.
Upon entering, one sees a wide stone path with two rows of lanterns hanging on either side, where several students invited by the academy to help stand.
The leader was Ma Guan, Ma Heming.
Upon seeing Chen Yi and the others approach, he quickly stepped forward and bowed, saying, "Sir, please follow me."
"The dean instructed me to take you to him first after I saw you."
Chen Yi was slightly taken aback. He looked at Xiao Wan'er and, seeing that she didn't speak, suggested, "Let's go take a look together."
Xiao Wan'er hummed in agreement and pulled Xiao Wuge along behind him.
As she traveled along, much of her initial curiosity and wonder had faded.
Seeing the crowds outside the academy and the scenery inside, I felt a sense of alienation.
In contrast, Pei Guanli, who had attended once before, and it was at a poetry gathering, showed no unusual behavior.
She even excitedly recounted some of her experiences from her last visit.
However, Xiaodie's round face fell down because she said she lost her calligraphy copybook.
"Last time was just an accident... It's all my brother-in-law's fault, he just obediently let me poison him..."
As they were talking, Chen Yi, who was walking in front, paused for a moment and looked at the group of people walking towards him with a look of surprise in his eyes.
It was none other than the Liu family of Jingzhou, Liu Zhaoxue, and several guards and maids.
Xiao Wan'er, who was standing to the side, did the same.
She looked at the person who had come, hesitated for a moment, and then greeted her: "Sister Zhaoxue."
Liu Zhaoxue glanced at the two of them, a faint smile appearing on her face. "Zhaoxue greets Sister Wan'er and Mr. Qingzhou."
She paused, bowed slightly, and continued:
"Zhaoxue had planned to visit and apologize in a few days, and since we have met today, the opportunity is quite right."
"I apologize for what I did on behalf of my second brother."
"I don't ask for forgiveness, I just hope that it won't affect my relationship with my sister."
Liu Zhaoxue didn't mention the Xiao and Liu families at all, only talking about herself and Xiao Wan'er, which was a way of avoiding the main issue.
Xiao Wan'er looked at her and thought for a moment. The hesitation on her face disappeared, and she shook her head and sighed: "Sister Zhaoxue, please forgive me."
Liu Zhaoxue was slightly taken aback, clearly not expecting that Xiao Wan'er, who was always kind and generous, would so bluntly refuse her.
This made it impossible for her to continue with her prepared remarks.
At this moment, Chen Yi stepped forward, ignoring Liu Zhaoxue, and called to Xiao Wan'er and the others, "Let's go."
"Mr. Yue Ming's invitation must be due to some urgent matter."
Xiao Wan'er nodded and silently followed him into the house.
None of them really wanted to pay attention to the Liu family.
Only Pei Guanli muttered "shameless" as she passed by Liu Zhaoxue.
Wait until they are far away.
The door was closed.
Liu Zhaoxue took a deep breath, regained her composure, and turned to leave.
A burly guard beside him gathered his energy and whispered in a ventriloquism:
"That girl from the mountain tribe must be Granny Shan's granddaughter, right?"
Liu Zhaoxue nodded subconsciously, then turned to look at the person who had spoken, only to meet a pair of blood-red eyes filled with murderous intent.
"Yan Fusha, you..."
"Miss Zhaoxue, I have a favor to ask."
"Hehe, may I also test that little girl?"
Liu Zhaoxue: "..."
I'm not feeling well, so I can only write this much for today.
I'm so sorry.
(End of this chapter)
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