Chapter 217 The Show Begins (6K views, please vote)
Chen Yi got up and left, which might not have attracted attention under normal circumstances.
However, at this poetry gathering at Guiyun Academy, many people came to Shuzhou specifically for the calligraphy of Mr. Chen Yi, also known as Qingzhou.
Therefore, even though there were many people in this spacious courtyard, quite a few people still noticed Chen Yi's movements as soon as he left.
It goes without saying that Mr. Yue Ming, Mr. Zhuo Ying, and others were on the high platform.
Seeing that the poem topic had just been released, Chen Yi, on whom they had placed high hopes, did not think about writing poems or showing off his calligraphy skills. Instead, he walked out leisurely, as if he were strolling around town.
Both of them were somewhat embarrassed.
Mr. Zhuo Ying leaned closer. "Dean, Qingzhou must have gone to relieve himself. It's normal for someone to need to go to the bathroom so often..."
Mr. Yue Ming nodded slightly, "I hope so."
Having spent so much time together, he had come to know Chen Yi quite well and knew that today's occasion might not necessarily evoke Chen Yi's poetic spirit.
Fortunately, he was determined to succeed, but not obsessed with it, so he wouldn't be too demanding of Chen Yi.
At this moment, Liu Si, the prefect of Shuzhou, who had also noticed Chen Yi's departure, glanced at everyone's expressions, peeked out from the head of the table, and cupped his hands in greeting:
“Mr. Yue Ming, I have long heard of Qingzhou’s perfect calligraphy, but I have never been able to meet him.”
"Why didn't you arrange for him to compose a poem today, on this Mid-Autumn Festival? It would have been good to show off his calligraphy skills and broaden our horizons."
Mr. Yue Ming glanced at him and said in a calm tone, "Qingzhou is a teacher at my academy, not a girl who performs songs for money."
"Poetry and lyrics can be written as one pleases, and words can be written as one pleases. Even if I were the headmaster of this academy, I would not force anyone to do so."
Mr. Zhuo Ying smiled and agreed, "The dean is right."
He turned to look at Liu Si and said with a smile, "Prefect Liu, the academy is not your government office, so there is no such thing as superiors and inferiors."
Liu Si blushed and said, "What you two gentlemen say is true. I have learned a lot."
After saying that, he shrunk back in, looking rather embarrassed.
Despite being the prefect of Shuzhou, in charge of all affairs in the prefecture, none of the people sitting here could be offended by him.
Those without official rank but with learning, reputation, and family background, and those with official rank but with higher positions and greater power.
In particular, Liu Hong and Yang Ye, who were sitting next to Mr. Yue Ming, were both high-ranking officials of the second rank.
If it weren't for today's poetry gathering, but a private occasion, I reckon quite a few of the people present would be very cautious.
At this moment, Liu Hong seemed to have just heard it, looked around, and asked with a smile:
"Brother Yueming, may I ask where Chen Qingzhou is sitting?"
Whether he writes poetry or calligraphy is secondary; the important thing is that I, as an old man, should at least get to see him and recognize his face.
Mr. Yue Ming paused, then turned his head to meet Liu Hong's gaze.
He could ignore or brush off other people, but when it came to Liu Hong, he had to be just as cautious.
"Qingzhou has just left his seat. I will ask him about it later and then bring him back."
Liu Hong looked at him with a half-smile: "Ask?"
"What, does his calligraphy really deserve such high regard from you, brother?"
Once Mr. Yue Ming regained his composure, he readily admitted, "Brother Gongmo is right."
"Qingzhou has perfected his calligraphy, and it is a new style of writing. It is a great honor for our Guiyun Academy that he can enter our academy."
As he spoke, he raised his hand and pointed to Mr. Zhang Ping and the others on the other side, "If it were Yuelu Academy or Yingtian Academy, I believe they would also value a talent like Qingzhou as much as I do."
As soon as he finished speaking, Mr. Zhang Ping smiled and nodded, saying, "Dean Yue Ming has said too little."
"What is most commendable is that a light boat can teach people to master the art of calligraphy."
Fang Sifeng, the visitor from Yingtian Academy, was a middle-aged Confucian scholar with a slightly arrogant demeanor.
Even when facing the crowd on the high platform, he always held his head high.
Hearing Han Zhangping's words, he grinned and said, "Mr. Zhangping, whether Chen Qingzhou can teach someone to be a calligrapher is still debatable."
Mr. Yue Ming, Mr. Zhuo Ying, and others exchanged slightly different glances.
Mr. Zhuo Ying immediately looked at him with displeasure and said, "Sifeng, Qingzhou's ability to guide others to achieve success in calligraphy is something that the Dean and I have witnessed together."
"Furthermore, my ability to achieve some success in calligraphy with the dean is also due to Qingzhou's excellent guidance."
"Are you saying this because you don't believe me? Don't you believe me, the Dean of Guiyun Academy?"
Si Feng's face darkened, and he said with a forced smile, "Mr. Zhuo Ying, please forgive me, I was just stating one possibility."
"After all, even now, the fact that Chen Qingzhou can teach calligraphy is only the opinion of your Guiyun Academy."
Before Zhuo Ying could speak, Mr. Yue Ming slightly raised his hand and looked at Fang Sifeng, asking in a serious tone:
"What do you want?"
"Since Dean Yue Ming has asked this question, I would like to make a bold suggestion: why don't we have Chen Qingzhou teach us a lesson?"
Upon hearing his words, even Han Zhangping, who had previously echoed Mr. Yue Ming, fell silent.
Among the other people from the academies, one of them said, "Mr. Sifeng's suggestion is excellent."
"In this way, we can go back and have an explanation."
Upon hearing this, Mr. Yue Ming, Mr. Zhuo Ying, and the others exchanged glances and guessed what these people were planning.
A moment of silence.
Yang Ye, dressed in a gray cloth robe, sat next to Liu Hong. Seeing everyone fall silent, he coughed and muttered:
"Today is the Mid-Autumn Festival, a time for poetry gatherings. How has it turned into a forum for Confucian scholars to interrogate Guiyun Academy?"
Upon hearing this, everyone turned to look at him.
Upon seeing that it was Yang Ye, the Right Provincial Governor of Shu Prefecture, Fang Sifeng's expression changed slightly. He cupped his hands and smiled, "Lord Yang, please don't be offended. Sifeng did not mean to spoil the atmosphere."
Yang Ye looked at him noncommittally: "So it was intentional?"
"Well... Lord Yang is right. Tonight's Mid-Autumn Festival poetry gathering is a time for us to enjoy the moon and poetry."
Seeing that Fang Sifeng had been defeated, the other people in the academy said no more.
Mr. Yue Ming and Mr. Zhuo Ying also breathed a sigh of relief, nodded to Yang Ye, and then called someone to ask if anyone had already prepared the poem.
Liu Hong looked at the scene with a smile, as if mentioning Chen Yi's name earlier was just a casual remark.
Yang Ye leaned back in his chair with an air of nonchalance, glancing at his face out of the corner of his eye, a strange suspicion flashing through his mind.
Why would this old fox target Chen Yi?
...
It was approaching midnight, and it was already late.
In the night sky, a full moon, bathed in silvery light, obscured the brilliance of the stars.
The poetry gathering was in full swing in the two large courtyards of Guiyun Academy.
The courtyard was filled with talented men and beautiful women, and every now and then there would be bursts of laughter and chatter, interspersed with words like "good poems".
It was probably because someone took the lead in writing a poem that drew cheers from the onlookers.
In another residence, Shen Huatang, Xiaodie, Wang Lixing, and others were also having a lively time.
It was just a lively affair of eating and drinking.
Xiaodie, however, didn't seem to enjoy her meal very much. She would occasionally get up and look towards another courtyard, her pretty face full of anticipation.
Seeing her expression, Shen Huatang circulated his true energy to listen to the surrounding sounds while whispering:
"Stop looking. Too many scholars have come today. It won't be over anytime soon."
"Even if the second son-in-law is composing poetry, he'll save it for last. Just relax, have something to eat, and wait."
Xiaodie blushed. "Sister Huatang, I... I was just worried that if the young master got too poetic, he would overwhelm those people and make them unable to hold their heads up."
"Isn't this a good thing? Being able to dominate the entire room shows that the second son-in-law is a man of exceptional literary talent."
After saying that, Shen Huatang secretly pursed her lips, thinking to herself that it wasn't all good news.
At least not for the young lady.
"It's good, but I'm afraid those people will get angry and bully the son-in-law."
"How could that be? With Mr. Yue Ming and those government officials watching over us, who would dare to make a move here?"
"some……"
Xiaodie still remembers those students who criticized Chen Yi to his face and behind his back during Li Huaigu's wedding last time.
"Their menacing appearance is frightening; if they frighten the son-in-law, it would be considered bullying."
Shen Huatang: "..."
She probably couldn't figure out what the little girl was thinking.
Just then, a voice came, "You're here."
Xiao Die was slightly taken aback, but then looked up happily after realizing what was happening. "Young Master, what brings you here?"
The person who arrived was Chen Yi.
He left the courtyard where the poetry gathering was held a quarter of an hour ago, wandered around for a while, but still couldn't find Pei Guanli.
So the guess is that Tiger Girl found it boring over there and ran to the guards' courtyard.
However, after Chen Yi arrived and looked around, he still couldn't see Pei Guanli's figure, and he couldn't help but frown.
Xiaodie didn't notice anything unusual about him, and leaned closer, asking excitedly:
"Young master, have you finished writing the poem?"
Chen Yi snapped out of his reverie, glanced at the group, and shook his head with a normal expression: "I came out to relieve myself and haven't started writing yet."
Xiaodie wasn't disappointed either. "My son-in-law writes good poems and calligraphy. As long as you want, there's definitely no problem."
Chen Yi chuckled, flicked her forehead lightly, and said, "With my great abilities, how come I didn't even know it myself?"
"That's just how it is..."
Shen Huatang and Wang Lixing, who were standing to the side, watched the master and servant chatting and laughing, and neither of them noticed anything unusual.
Taking advantage of the lull in Chen Yi's words, Shen Huatang inquired about Xiao Wan'er's situation.
Chen Yi replied with a smile, "My older sister has someone to take care of her over there, so she's getting used to it."
"However, I've been out for quite a while, so I should head back."
Even though Xiaodie wanted to talk to him a little longer, she could only stammer, "Take care, young master."
Chen Yi nodded to the group, told them to eat and drink well, and then turned and walked towards another courtyard.
The two courtyards are not too far apart. After passing through a brightly lit corridor and going around a rockery, you will find a stone-paved path.
At this moment, the flowers and plants on both sides of the road are lush, and you can vaguely hear a few men and women whispering to each other there.
Chen Yi walked along the road, not wanting to disturb anyone's good time. He simply walked towards the poetry gathering while secretly pondering Pei Guanli's whereabouts.
That girl is fierce, but she still knows her limits.
Especially since she was by his side, Pei Guanli would have informed him if something happened, instead of disappearing without a trace like this.
Thinking of this, Chen Yi's eyes turned slightly cold.
"Has something happened?"
Who could it be?
Pei Guanli comes from a mountain tribe and is the granddaughter of the Mountain Granny. It is unlikely that the government or aristocratic families would make things difficult for her, let alone lay a hand on her.
This can be seen from the fact that the Xiao family did not punish Tiger Girl after learning that she had used poison to incapacitate a group of guards.
Aside from those who have passed away or worked in government offices, there is only one other type of person left.
A江湖人 (jianghu person).
Or rather—heretical and evil!
"The Five Poisons Sect!"
Chen Yi's heart sank.
He had heard Liu Lang talk about the feud between the Five Poisons Sect and the Mountain Clan, which could be described as a blood feud.
He had intended to inform the mountain tribes of the Five Poisons Sect's appearance in Shu Prefecture.
However, he had been dealing with Liu Wen and Xiao Dongchen for the past few days and hadn't had time to do this.
Chen Yi had some guesses about the Five Poisons Sect's presence here.
It could only have been brought by Liu Zhaoxue.
"If that's the case, perhaps they acted on a whim?"
As Chen Yi pondered these thoughts, his expression hardened slightly, and he strode quickly toward the courtyard where the poetry gathering was held.
As he walked, he touched the tools on his body.
With the Five-Fold Spear still around, and the Breeze Intoxication and Immortal Intoxication also present, what else can protect us from the poison of the Five Poisons Sect?
Just as Chen Yi was about to pass through a mahogany corridor and enter the courtyard where the poetry gathering was being held, he suddenly stopped.
Behind the courtyard gate, brightly lit, a middle-aged scholar in a black robe, of ordinary appearance, was waving at him from afar.
The man wore a smile, but his eyes were cold and indifferent. As he waved his hand, his lips moved silently:
"If you don't want her to die, come with me."
Chen Yi could see and understand those few words clearly.
After watching for a moment, his expression returned to calm. He cupped his hands in greeting to the other party from afar and said "good" with a smile.
He then did not pass through the courtyard gate again. After glancing at Xiao Wan'er and the others, he beckoned to a student guarding the gate and gave him instructions:
"Please tell Chen Yunfan, the Councilor of the Provincial Administration Commission, that I have some business to attend to and need to leave early. Please ask him to take care of the Xiao family."
"If he asks what happened, just say that Tiger Girl got into trouble."
"Yes, Mr. Qingzhou."
The students at the gate recognized him, bowed, and then turned and entered the courtyard.
After doing all this.
Chen Yi waved to the middle-aged scholar in the distance, signaling him to lead the way.
Right now, there aren't many people he can trust in that courtyard.
However, his unreliable older brother, Chen Yunfan, definitely counts as one.
Furthermore, with Chen Yunfan's concealed martial arts skills, and together with Cui Qingwu by his side, they should be able to protect Xiao Wuge and Xiao Wan'er.
The middle-aged scholar heard his voice and saw his movements, then nodded and pointed to the other side.
He immediately squeezed into the crowd and walked in that direction.
Chen Yi watched his retreating figure and used his [Aura Observation Technique] to take a look.
Five streams of black energy immediately came into view.
Aura, middle grade three...
Fifth rank, upper level; or fourth rank, lower level!
Chen Yi's heart sank slightly. He took a deep breath, stepped through the crowd busy discussing poetry, and followed them.
As he walked, he secretly made his move.
Steal something useful from the person next to you and hide it on your person.
Hairpins, earrings, silver needles, etc., for emergencies.
But Chen Yi didn't have much time. In just a moment, he passed through several tables and followed the middle-aged scholar in front of him out of the courtyard again.
The middle-aged scholar, who was waiting at the front, slightly raised his hand, pointed forward, and chuckled softly, saying, "Please!"
Chen Yi gave him a deep look, then walked silently into a dark grove of flowers and trees ahead.
He let the darkness engulf the glimmer of light on his body.
The middle-aged scholar watched him walk away, glanced back, and silently said, "The show is about to begin."
Then, he disappeared into the flowers and trees.
And in the courtyard where the Mid-Autumn Poetry Gathering was held.
Chen Yunfan, who had just received the news, frowned slightly and looked at the newcomer with suspicion, asking, "Did he say something happened?"
"The master said that Tiger Girl has caused trouble."
Upon hearing this, Chen Yunfan's brow relaxed, he thanked him, and didn't think about it any further.
After the student left, Cui Qingwu asked in a low voice, "Chen Yi is gone?"
Chen Yunfan hummed in agreement, glancing out of the corner of his eye at the oblivious Xiao Wan'er and Xiao Wuge, and said:
"They asked me to keep an eye on these two. I reckon that tiger girl from the mountain tribe has gotten herself into pretty much trouble this time."
“I told you she was lawless and would cause trouble sooner or later, but Yi didn’t believe me. Let’s see if he’s still so stubborn this time.”
Cui Qingwu nodded upon hearing this, "I've heard of Granny Shan's granddaughter. I've heard that she doesn't have much talent in martial arts."
"Right..."
Even so, Cui Qingwu felt that something was not quite right.
Why did Chen Yi not ask Mr. Yue Ming and others to take care of Xiao Wuge and Xiao Wan'er, but instead went to Chen Yunfan?
After she voiced her doubts, Chen Yunfan thought for a moment, then raised an eyebrow and said, "Do you think he's finally realized that he can rely on his brother?"
"……should."
“I was just saying, so many years have passed, he has changed so much, how could his attitude towards me, his older brother, remain unchanged?”
"……perhaps."
"So it seems he still respects me a lot, right?"
Cui Qingwu responded again, then pointed ahead and said, "The first poem has been sent to Mr. Yue Ming and others for review."
Chen Yunfan coughed, sat up straight, and his smile faded as he said:
"Qingwu, the title of 'Poetry Champion' of this poetry gathering belongs to none other than this top scholar."
Perhaps his voice was a bit loud, because Xiao Wuge, who was standing next to him, looked at him and asked:
"Brother Yunfan, what is the 'Poet King'?"
"Naturally, he is the one who wrote the best poem at this poetry gathering."
"Oh, then the 'Poet King' must be my brother-in-law."
Chen Yunfan coughed, stung by his words. "Your...your brother-in-law, Chen Yi...used to learn poetry from me."
Xiao Wuge turned his head away. "I don't believe it."
“Young Marquis, how can you not believe me? Back then, I was four years old and Yi was three. I personally taught him to read and write.”
"I don't believe it..."
As Xiao Wan'er watched the two chatting and laughing, her gentle gaze swept around, secretly wondering why Chen Yi hadn't returned yet.
Noticing her gaze, Cui Qingwu smiled and said, "Sister Wan'er, Chen Yi just sent someone to tell you that he will be back later."
Xiao Wan'er had no suspicions. After chatting with her for a few minutes, she simply sat quietly at the table and looked after Xiao Wuge.
At this moment, the courtyard began to become noisy.
Some whispered among themselves discussing their poems, some buried themselves in writing while gazing at the full moon in the night sky, and others craned their necks to look at the crowd on the high platform, waiting for the review results.
Li Huaigu finally remembered the poetry gathering, patted Yunniang's hand beside him, and said with a smile, "Pen and ink."
Yunniang respectfully got up and added water to his inkstone.
Chen Yunfan, who was standing next to him, turned around and glanced at the inkstone. He pursed his lips and said, "Brother Huaigu, when it comes to writing, you have to grind the ink yourself and use it comfortably."
Upon hearing this, Li Huaigu completely ignored Chen Yunfan. Perhaps it was because he had known Chen Yunfan for a long time and was somewhat familiar with him, and he knew that Chen Yunfan was a bit reckless and that the more Li Huaigu responded, the more uncomfortable he would feel.
So he simply kept quiet.
Once Yunniang had ground the ink, Li Huaigu picked up his brush and wrote the first line of poetry:
"A jade mirror hangs in the azure sky, a golden breeze caresses the cassia courtyard..."
Chen Yunfan glanced at it, his expression slightly stunned, and looked down at the poem in his hand:
"A clear, bright light shines upon the Jade Palace, and the spiritual energy of autumn gathers in the icy moon..."
After looking at it for a moment, Chen Yunfan rolled up the paper in his hand and put it away, letting out a soft sigh.
"We don't need this 'poet champion' title."
Cui Qingwu covered her mouth and laughed.
Perhaps because her voice was too loud, Chen Yunfan glared at her and snorted, "If I don't want to be the 'Poet King,' neither can Brother Huaigu."
Upon hearing this, Li Huaigu didn't refute it. After finishing his poem, he blew on the ink and said:
"Brother Qingzhou's poems are full of meaning and emotion, but his poems on reminiscing about the past are not even half as good as his."
"It's good that you know."
"By the way, where did Brother Qingzhou go?"
"Solving problems for others when you're away from home..."
Many people share this question, and Chen Yi's name is mentioned from time to time.
Pei Zhaoye looked at the poem in his hand, intending to ask a few gentlemen to appreciate it, but when he looked up, he couldn't see the figure and couldn't help but frown.
Why isn't Chen Qingzhou here?
"Are you scared?"
...
Afraid?
Chen Yi was indeed afraid.
If Pei Guanli were to meet with an accident at the Xiao family, aside from how Granny Shan would seek revenge, the Wushan trade between the Shan clan and the Xiao family would inevitably be affected.
That outcome was unacceptable to him, the Xiao family, and the mountain clan.
Moreover, he had spent quite a bit of time with Pei Guanli, so how could he not be concerned about her safety?
Chen Yi was inwardly serious, but his expression remained completely unchanged.
He silently followed the middle-aged scholar around the academy, then boarded a carriage and drove out of the academy.
Only then did the middle-aged scholar speak, saying, "Please forgive me, Mr. Qingzhou."
"There are many strong individuals within the academy, so I had no choice but to resort to this tactic."
Chen Yi glanced at him sideways, then casually pulled back one side of the curtain to look outside and asked:
"Could you tell me where that girl is now?"
As he spoke, his gaze fell on a shop not far away—a wonton shop by the clouds.
Seeing this, the middle-aged scholar did not stop him, and said with a smile, "Mr. Qingzhou may see her if he wishes."
"But the grand event has only just begun tonight. Wouldn't it be a waste of all the effort I've put in to grant your wish so early?"
Chen Yi lowered the curtain, looked directly into his eyes, and asked seriously, "What do you want me to do?"
He has now received two pieces of good news and one piece of bad news.
The first piece of good news is that Tiger Girl is not dead, at least not yet.
The second piece of good news is that the person in front of me is a brainless idiot.
The bad news is that his good mood for the evening has come to an end.
Coincidentally, this is exactly the kind of sudden disturbance that Chen Yi hates most.
The middle-aged scholar paused slightly, scrutinized him for a moment, and slowly nodded, saying:
“At this point, Mr. Qingzhou is still so calm and composed, no wonder she cares about him.”
"she?"
Before Chen Yi could ask, the middle-aged scholar interrupted, "Mr. Qingzhou, please calm down."
"We have plenty of time tonight, you and I have plenty of time."
Chen Yi gave him a deep look, "Okay."
The Five Poisons Sect members, and her, Liu Zhaoxue...
Oh.
A moment of silence.
The carriage drove all the way to the edge of the winding pond, and Chen Yi followed the middle-aged scholar onto a painted boat.
He had expected to see Pei Guanli here, but after looking around, he still couldn't find her. He frowned.
"I have come here with you. May I see Miss Pei?"
The middle-aged scholar glanced at him, waved to signal the boat to set sail, and then said, "No rush."
Seemingly sensing Chen Yi's thoughts, he continued, "Actually, the reason I invited you here is simply to put on a show with you."
"play?"
"yes."
"A play set in Shuzhou, with the bright moon and stars as the 'building blocks,' and a poetry gathering as the first act."
Chen Yi was taken aback upon hearing this, and looked at him with a rather strange expression.
He was wrong.
This person isn't just a brainless idiot, he's a complete idiot.
Seemingly noticing the offensiveness in his eyes, the middle-aged scholar narrowed his eyes and said no more.
He pulled two items directly from his pocket and placed them on the table beside him, saying:
"There are two bottles of medicine here."
"If you eat one bottle, your intestines will rupture and your stomach will be ruined within three breaths."
"The other bottle can keep you alive for three days."
The middle-aged scholar stared at Chen Yi and grinned, saying, "Whether Mr. Qingzhou can perform a second act depends on your luck."
Chen Yi glanced at the medicine bottle on the table and asked, "Since you're going to die anyway, why make me go through all this trouble?"
The middle-aged scholar smiled and shook his head, "No."
"If you are still alive, I, Yan, will present the antidote with both hands within three days."
"Oh, I see."
“…That’s quite interesting.”
Chen Yi chuckled, then picked up a bottle, opened it, and poured it into his mouth.
One breath, two breaths...
(End of this chapter)
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