Chapter 222 Even a short distance can be filled with the beauty of the moon (Seeking monthly votes)
When Chen Yunfan returned to Guiyun Academy, the poetry gathering had already ended.
Liu Hong, Yang Ye, Liu Si, and other important officials from Shu Prefecture had left earlier.
The remaining teachers of the academy, including Yue Ming, Zhuo Ying, and Ling Chuan, were standing at the academy gate, seeing off the guests from Yuelu Academy, Yingtian Academy, and other institutions.
The small talk and greetings were mostly just polite formalities.
The remaining talented men and women who had come to participate in the poetry gathering left the academy in twos and threes, their expressions conveying a sense of "unfinished business".
Their conversation revolved around everything related to tonight's poetry gathering.
Naturally, there was a lot of discussion about "Shuidiao Getou" and admiration for Mr. Chen Yi, the poet of Qingzhou.
Chen Yunfan ignored them, glanced around, found Cui Qingwu, Xiao Wan'er and the others, and walked over with an unhappy expression.
Cui Qingwu noticed his unusual behavior, thought for a moment, and took the initiative to greet him, smiling as she asked why he was only coming back now, while whispering:
"Chen... how is he? Why didn't he come back with you?"
Chen Yunfan paused, then snorted, "Dead."
"Dead?"
Cui Qingwu was slightly taken aback, and couldn't help but glance at the people behind him, signaling him to be careful with his words, before continuing to ask:
What happened?
Chen Yunfan noticed her movements, glanced at Xiao Wan'er, Xiao Wuge, Shen Huatang, and the others, and then said ambiguously:
"We arrived too late; others took action."
On the way back, Chen Yunfan had thought things through very clearly.
Chen Yi usually keeps a low profile, only revealing his perfect state of calligraphy, which must have its purpose.
As Chen Yi's elder brother, he should have helped cover it up.
As for his "grudge" with Chen Yi, that was naturally left to the two brothers to resolve.
Doesn't this kind of thinking feel like brotherly love and respect?
But in reality...
Chen Yunfan wished Chen Yi would remain hidden forever.
It's best to keep it hidden until he makes further progress in his martial arts and breaks through to perfection.
In this way, he would still be the eldest son of the Chen family in Jiangnan Prefecture, the top scholar of the Great Wei Dynasty, and a martial arts genius rarely seen in a century.
Otherwise, he was very worried that when he traveled the world in the future, people would only say "the elder brother of the peerless genius Chen Qingzhou".
That was... so damn uncomfortable.
Cui Qingwu, unaware of Chen Yunfan's "dark" thoughts, nodded upon hearing this and said, "That's good then."
It's better to have someone else help, no matter who it is, than for Chen Yunfan to do it himself.
Previously, after learning that Chen Yunfan had hidden his martial arts skills, Cui Qingwu regretted letting him go alone to rescue Chen Yi.
The reason is simple.
The later something like this trump card is revealed, the more effective it will be.
Just like when she joined the White Tiger Guard and became a Silver Flag Officer, that was another identity of hers, different from what she appeared to be.
If ordinary people only think of her as the daughter of the Cui family of Qinghe and try to deal with her, their fate will only be worse.
Holding Xiao Wuge's hand, Xiao Wan'er watched Chen Yunfan and Cui Qingwu whispering to each other, and her already worried thoughts about Chen Yi became even heavier.
She couldn't help but glance at Shen Huatang, the meaning in her eyes was self-evident.
Shen Huatang understood this as well and shook her head slightly.
The talk about someone else taking action after someone died seems to have nothing to do with the son-in-law.
Otherwise, given the relationship between Chen Yunfan and his son-in-law, he wouldn't have reacted this way.
Xiao Wan'er breathed a sigh of relief and turned to look at Kangning Street outside the academy gate, hoping to find a familiar figure.
Xiao Wuge looked left and right, and seeing that most of the guests had left, he couldn't help but speak:
"Big sister, where did your husband go?"
Xiao Wan'er gently shook her head: "I... I don't know either. I suppose he must have been held up by something."
At this moment, Chen Yunfan, who had overheard their conversation, gave Cui Qingwu a look, and they walked over together, laughing:
“Yi Di is indeed away on business, but he should be back soon.”
Xiao Wan'er couldn't help but ask, "Young Master Chen, what happened to him? Why hasn't he returned so late?"
"Didn't he go to the pleasure boat at Quchi with someone? Miss Xiao should be familiar with the manners of those literati, reciting poems and composing verses while having beautiful women in their arms, he..."
Before Chen Yunfan could finish speaking, Cui Qingwu quietly pinched his waist and twisted it, interrupting him:
"Sister Wan'er, don't listen to Brother Yunfan."
Xiao Wan'er didn't take it seriously and smiled, "Young Master Chen is joking. I believe my brother-in-law is not a reckless person."
Chen Yunfan secretly scoffed, "Isn't he reckless?"
He dared to drug and knock out his brother, and even dared to bring people to his door to rescue him. This is more than just "reckless".
He's simply inhuman.
At this moment, Liu Zhaoxue, who had not yet left Guiyun Academy, walked over, bowed, and said:
"Zhaoxue greets Sister Wan'er, Young Master Chen, and Miss Cui."
Chen Yunfan glanced at her sideways, pretending not to hear.
After the burning of the summer grain in the three towns, his feelings towards the Liu family in Jingzhou were the same as his feelings towards Liu Wen; he felt very disgusted.
Even if Liu Zhaoxue was the most beautiful woman in Jingzhou, he couldn't be bothered to give her a second glance.
Xiao Wan'er did the same, nodding politely before silently pulling Xiao Wuge along without replying.
Cui Qingwu looked around, a smile appearing on his lips, and said, "Why hasn't Sister Liu left yet?"
"Your third uncle left before the poetry gathering was over."
Seeing their expressions, Liu Zhaoxue understood their thoughts and smiled calmly, saying:
"Zhaoxue and Third Uncle live on different roads, so it's not appropriate for me to bother them."
She looked around and asked, "Why isn't Mr. Qingzhou here?"
"At tonight's poetry gathering, his poem 'Prelude to Water Melody' truly amazed Zhaoxue. Zhaoxue is even hoping to have the opportunity to ask him for some advice on poetry in person."
Cui Qingwu frowned inwardly; this person was definitely bringing up the very thing she didn't want to talk about.
She and Chen Yunfan had just dispelled Xiao Wan'er and the others' doubts and were about to change the subject.
“Sister Liu, you’ve asked the wrong person. With Mr. Qingzhou’s current reputation, it’s naturally not something we could know where he goes.”
"Is that right, Sister Wan'er?"
Following her words, Xiao Wan'er echoed, "My Xiao family will not interfere too much in my brother-in-law's affairs either."
Liu Zhaoxue glanced at the two of them, smiled and nodded: "In that case, Zhaoxue will have to ask for your advice another time when she has the chance."
Just as she was about to bow and leave, she suddenly heard a tinkling sound, followed by a playful remark:
"Sister Wan'er, Scholar Chen, and Xiao Wuge, haven't you returned to the manor yet?"
It was Pei Guanli, dressed in a long red dress, wearing bells, and barefoot.
Xiao Wan'er breathed a sigh of relief when she saw her, but seeing that Chen Yi was still nowhere to be seen beside her, she asked:
Where is your brother-in-law?
Pei Guanli paused, looking at her with a puzzled expression: "Brother-in-law went home early this morning?"
"You've returned home?"
"They've returned home?!"
Many people were surprised, including Xiao Wan'er and Xiao Die, most of whom did not expect Chen Yi to leave the poetry gathering without a word.
The following sentence is from Chen Yunfan.
If he hadn't already decided to cover for Chen Yi, he would have definitely exposed that tiger girl from the mountain tribe right now.
Mingming Yidi just fought a group of evil demons and heretics, how the hell did he go back?
Xiao Wan'er hesitated and asked, "When did he go back? Why didn't he wait for us or tell us beforehand?"
Pei Guanli scratched her head upon hearing this, "Well, my brother-in-law asked me to come and inform you, but... but... I forgot."
"Forgot?"
"It was so lively on Corning Street just now, so... I just took a few more glances."
Xiao Wan'er said reproachfully, "You mustn't do that again next time."
"No, no, it won't happen again."
Xiao Wuge looked up and asked, "Sister Guanli, why did you and your brother-in-law leave tonight? You missed so much fun."
Why did you leave?
Pei Guanli stuck out her tongue and explained as Chen Yi had instructed, "This is all my fault."
"Tonight I overheard some gangsters speaking rudely to my brother-in-law, and then we..."
"In the end, it was my brother-in-law who wrote a poem that convinced them, and that's why I didn't fight with them."
"However, on the way back, I accidentally caused my brother-in-law to fall into the water. His clothes were soaked, so he had to go back to his residence first."
Her half-truthful explanation prompted Xiao Wan'er to tap her forehead and say, "Don't be so reckless next time."
"Luckily, your brother-in-law is alright, otherwise your second sister would never forgive you."
Pei Guanli readily agreed, then stepped forward, took her hand, and said with a grin:
"Sister Wan'er, it's getting late, let's hurry back."
Xiao Wan'er nodded slightly, looked at Chen Yunfan and the others beside her, and bowed, saying, "I apologize for disturbing you tonight. I hope we can meet again in the future."
Cui Qingwu smiled and returned the greeting: "I will pay a visit when I have time in a few days. I hope you won't mind, sister."
"Won't……"
Chen Yunfan glanced at Pei Guanli with a strange look in his eyes.
He finally understood.
This little rascal ran back alone to cover for Chen Yi.
If you think about it carefully, it makes sense.
Yi Di fought fiercely with those Five Poisons Sect members, and his clothes were torn; it was indeed inappropriate for him to appear at the academy.
Just.
Why does he always feel the urge to complain in his heart?
Shortly afterward, the group exchanged pleasantries and bid farewell to Mr. Yue Ming and the others before boarding their carriages and departing.
Only Liu Zhaoxue and the guards behind her stood still, watching them leave.
When Liu Zhaoxue saw Pei Guanli return safely, she knew that something had happened to Yan Fusha and the others from the Five Poisons Sect.
She was unclear about the specifics of the situation, and she didn't know how much Chen Yi and Pei Guanli knew about what had happened tonight.
But it's impossible to believe Pei Guanli's words.
If those so-called "jianghu people" were Yan Fusha and the Five Poisons Sect, how could they be so peaceful?
Comparing poems or martial arts skills is utter nonsense.
He pondered for a moment.
Liu Zhaoxue waved for the group to board the carriage and instructed, "Let's go outside the city and take a look."
She wouldn't feel at ease without going to check on it.
Because it was the Mid-Autumn Festival tonight, the city gates were open all night, allowing the carriage to leave smoothly.
Liu Zhaoxue instructed the driver to travel downstream along the Chishui River.
After walking and stopping for about half an hour, they finally found some clues on the shore dozens of miles away.
"Miss, please take a look."
Liu Zhaoxue looked in the direction her subordinate was pointing, a look of astonishment appearing on her beautiful face.
This place, which should have been a lush forest, now looked as if it had been plowed by an ox.
There were wood chips and pebbles everywhere.
There are also ravines in the middle, as well as some traces of corrosion from something.
Clearly, a fierce battle had just taken place here.
Liu Zhaoxue glanced around, her brows furrowing slightly, and instructed, "Continue searching and see if any clothing or similar items have been left behind."
Several men followed orders and searched the surrounding area from this location.
They searched almost the entire place but found nothing of any use.
“Miss, there are only some residual spiritual energy fluctuations here. It should be the place where a gunman, a swordsman, and a master of poison fought.”
Liu Zhaoxue hummed in agreement, her expression growing increasingly serious.
Thinking to myself.
Chen Yi and Pei Guanli left alive, but Yan Fusha and others from the Five Poisons Sect disappeared without a trace, and there were still signs of a battle in this forest...
All signs have confirmed her earlier deduction—something has happened!
And something really bad has happened!
"A master wielding a spear and a master wielding a long sword..."
"Why does this seem so familiar? Are they the two experts who killed Liu Wen outside Iron Wall Town?"
"Were they the ones who killed Yan Fusha and the others, and rescued Chen Yi and Pei Guanli?"
As Liu Zhaoxue made this guess, her expression inevitably shifted between light and shadow.
The deaths of Yan Fusha and the others are not her concern.
What she was worried about was that Yan Fusha would reveal her secret before he died.
It should be noted that Chen Yi's current status and position are no longer those of the previously unknown son-in-law of the Xiao family, but rather that of a master of poetry and calligraphy, and an instructor at Guiyun Academy.
If such people were to reveal that Liu Zhaoxue was connected to the Five Poisons Sect, she would face annihilation in an instant.
Then there's Pei Guanli from the Mountain Clan.
That's Granny Shan's own granddaughter. If she knew that Granny Shan was in cahoots with the Five Poisons Sect, wouldn't she have sent someone to kill her right away?
Thinking about this...
Liu Zhaoxue's eyes fell on the furrows left by the spears on the ground, and she suddenly gritted her teeth and hissed:
"Let's go, back to Jingzhou tonight!"
We have no choice but to leave.
If she didn't leave, she feared she would end up like her second brother, Liu Wen.
"It just so happens that my third uncle has already expressed his dissatisfaction with my staying in Shuzhou tonight. If I return to Jingzhou, I will also have an explanation to give to my father."
With these thoughts in mind, Liu Zhaoxue sat in the carriage and methodically arranged for people to remain in Shuzhou to continue preparations for Xinglinzhai.
Soon after, the carriage headed east.
Amidst the gurgling sounds, Liu Zhaoxue gazed at the bright moon outside the window and silently thought:
After some time, once she is certain that Chen Yi, Pei Guanli, and the others are unaware of her connection with the Five Poisons Sect, she will need to find a way to return to Shuzhou.
But by then, it would be incredibly difficult for her to come back.
...
Outside the Spring Lotus Garden of the Marquis of Dingyuan's residence.
A full moon hangs in the sky, and a gentle breeze blows.
Amidst the wafting fragrance of flowers, faint sounds of laughter could be heard.
"...May we all live long and share the beauty of the moon, even though we are thousands of miles apart."
"It's amazing that the second son-in-law can write such poignant and beautiful verses."
"I heard that when the Third Master learned about it, he praised the Second Son-in-law repeatedly, saying that he was the reincarnation of the God of Literature, which enabled him to create such a timeless masterpiece."
"The master also praised it."
"What did the Marquis say?"
He said that his second son-in-law did not know how to conceal his talents, and how could he use such poems to compete for the title of poetry champion, thus tarnishing such good words.
"Ah? Is the Marquis angry?"
"Of course not, the master must feel it's a pity..."
Listening to the discussions in the surrounding courtyards, Chen Yi thought to himself that the news spread really fast.
Fortunately, his fight with Yan Fusha tonight took place outside of Shu Prefecture.
If they had started fighting on the Quchi Pond, the city of Shuzhou would probably be filled with more than just the recitation of "Shuidiao Getou" by now.
Instead, we should celebrate Chen Qingzhou's mastery of calligraphy, martial arts, and medicine.
What kind of momentum would it have at that time?
I reckon that aside from a small number who praise and admire him, most people would just say he's a cunning and scheming "petty person".
If you don't have a deep and shrewd mind, why hide yourself?
After a moment of random thoughts, Chen Yi went over the events of the night in his mind again. Confirming that no one should have noticed for the time being, he felt a little relieved.
Before returning, he had done everything he could to erase any traces.
Not only did Pei Guanli use corpse-dissolving powder to clean up the corpses of Yan Fusha and the others, but she also deliberately used the art of the sword to confuse them.
Even if someone were to investigate within a short period of time, it would be impossible for them to suspect him.
Unless he and Yan Fusha are caught fighting.
Moreover, the person recognized him and happened to be a gossipy person; otherwise, he could have kept it a secret for the time being.
"Hopefully no one sees this..."
Chen Yi sighed inwardly, silently preparing himself for being discovered.
Even if the worst-case scenario were to occur, he wouldn't be afraid.
Just like he told Liu Lang, at worst he would get a beating from Xiao Jinghong and the old man.
Just as he was thinking about these things, he heard several footsteps coming from the corridor not far away.
The sounds of laughter and chatter could be heard from Xiaodie, Cui'er, Juan'er, and Pei Guanli, mostly about the poetry gathering.
Talented scholars from other places, such as Pei Zhaoye, were outwardly impressed but inwardly dissatisfied with "Shuidiao Getou".
Li Huaigu and Liu Zhaoxue wrote a short poem that was praised by several gentlemen.
Chen Yunfan was ridiculed, with people saying he was the worst scholar in the Great Wei Dynasty.
After listening for a few minutes, Chen Yi saw several figures approaching.
The two leading the group were naturally Xiao Wan'er and Xiao Wuge.
Chen Yi smiled and waved his hand: "Please forgive me, elder sister. Something came up and I was delayed, so I couldn't attend the poetry gathering tonight as promised."
Upon hearing the voice, Xiao Wan'er gazed at him from afar with her beautiful eyes and nodded gently.
"I heard what happened from Guanli."
"It's good that my brother-in-law is alright."
Chen Yi nodded, and then he saw Pei Guanli behind him, looking smug with her head held high. He secretly glared at her.
"It's getting late, elder sister, you should rest early."
"Wu Ge, Xiao Die, Guan Li, come back to Chunhe Garden with me."
"Yes, son-in-law."
"Brother-in-law, you weren't here tonight, so I missed out on a lot of fun."
"Really? Then Wu Ge, tell me about it later?"
"Great, I witnessed the whole thing..."
Xiao Wan'er watched the group enter Chunhe Garden, paused briefly, and then silently walked into Jiaxing Garden as well.
She was indeed delighted to see that Chen Yi was safe and sound.
However, it was the lyrics of the song "Shuidiao Getou" that she heard tonight that bothered her.
Even after she returned to Jiaxing Garden, undressed, washed, and lay down on the bed, those words still echoed in her mind.
"...People experience sorrow and joy, separation and reunion; the moon waxes and wanes, and nothing in this world is ever perfect. May we all live long and share the beauty of the moon, even from afar."
"We share the same moon, though we are thousands of miles apart..."
Xiao Wan'er stared with her beautiful eyes at the floral canopy above the bed, murmuring:
Why travel a thousand miles?
"Actually, one can share the beauty of the moon even if it's only a short distance away."
Thinking about it, Xiao Wan'er paused for a moment, then suddenly pulled the blanket over her head and curled up.
What am I thinking?
My second sister and brother-in-law are deeply in love and share the same moon even though they are thousands of miles apart. So what if they are thousands of miles apart?
But that's just wishful thinking.
She kept thinking about changing "a thousand miles" to "one mile".
I don't know how much time has passed.
Xiao Wan'er, her face flushed, lifted the covers, quietly got up, went to the table, ground ink, picked up a brush, and wrote on the pine paper:
"Prelude to Water Melody"...We share the same moon for a mile.
Jiaxingyuan is exactly one kilometer away from Chunheyuan.
After writing.
Xiao Wan'er looked at the words "Chen Yi, Chen Qingzhou" at the end of the signature and sighed softly.
"Bad guy..."
The other side.
Chen Yi, who lived in Chunhe Garden, was unaware of these things.
He was sitting cross-legged on the bed, not practicing the Four Symbols Technique, but using silver needles to acupuncture points to treat his injuries.
In order to quickly clean up the scene and not worry Xiao Wan'er too much, he only cleared the poison from his body.
The remaining superficial wounds have not yet healed.
While healing his injuries, Chen Yi unfolded the chessboard in his mind and set up a new game of chess using the Great Perfection of Chess.
At this moment, he was unaware that Liu Zhaoxue had noticed something amiss and had already left Shuzhou overnight.
Even if he knew, he wouldn't care.
Since the two sides are already locked in a life-or-death struggle, the best outcome would be to turn them both into dead men.
It's better than having something that keeps jumping around in front of him and getting in his way.
"The Five Poisons Sect, Liu Zhaoxue... I've suffered such a great loss, we can't just let it go like this!"
...
at the same time.
In Tingyu Pavilion.
As soon as Chen Yunfan returned to the house, he ordered Ning Yu and Niu Shan to guard outside the central courtyard.
He neither rested nor read books in the study, but instead, to Chunying's astonishment, took out a long sword and began practicing swordsmanship.
"Young master, Miss Cui is still in the backyard, you, you..."
While twirling his longsword, Chen Yunfan replied, "I can't worry about that now."
"Besides, she already knows that I am skilled in martial arts, so let her hear it if she wants."
Chunying was taken aback. "Huh? How...how did she know?"
"Of course, I told her."
Chen Yunfan stopped impatiently and looked at her, asking, "Do you have any techniques over there for quickly improving swordsmanship?"
"Yes, it exists, but..."
"You should write to them immediately and ask for it. I need to break through as soon as possible this time."
"You..."
"Don't ask so many questions, just do as I say."
"Also, have you been in contact with my father? I'd like to write him a letter..."
Chen Yunfan would never tell her why he was so eager to improve his swordsmanship.
He was still thinking of going to settle accounts with Chen Yi after he had mastered the art of swordsmanship.
Hmph, with his fourth-grade cultivation and perfected swordsmanship, I don't believe he can't beat that bastard Yi Di.
Just you wait!
There will be another bonus chapter for monthly pass subscribers tonight, to be unlocked later.
(End of this chapter)
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