Chapter 229 Brother-in-law, you're good at drawing, aren't you?
I may think about it, but that's all I'll do.
Chen Yi wasn't in a hurry.
After all, he had heard a lot from the conversation between Jiang Xing and Lou Yuxue tonight.
In any case, we can deduce some things and take precautions in advance.
This is just as he has always believed—that nothing known is scary; what is scary are the unknown troubles and schemes.
The unexpected attack by the Five Poisons Sect left him somewhat embarrassed.
However, on the way back to the Xiao family, Chen Yi pondered carefully and then frowned slightly.
"The Hidden Guard's Golden Banner Officer came to Shu Prefecture and secretly contacted the suspected King Landu of Vaishsa Kingdom, clearly plotting something big."
"I'm afraid the plan will need some adjustments."
"Fortunately, these three changes came relatively early..."
Three unexpected events occurred in one day, making Chen Yi somewhat feel that he was quite lucky.
"The fact that the old master's purchase of grain and fodder for the three towns was blocked can be judged to be the work of those 'sugar daddies' hiding in the shadows."
"The hidden guards are going to test me. I need to find a way to completely dispel that pavilion master's suspicions."
"The final purpose of the general's arrival in Shu Prefecture..."
"Tsk, this is really messy."
With a sigh, Chen Yi returned to Chunhe Garden, changed into clean clothes, and went to his study to brew a cup of hot tea to warm himself up.
He pondered for a long time.
His expression finally relaxed considerably.
"Plus the Liu family of Jingzhou and the Five Poisons Sect... things are a bit chaotic, but it's not like there's no chance to resolve them."
Chen Yi knew very well.
The more chaotic the situation, the more important it is to unravel the complexities and clarify the key issues, which will provide a glimmer of hope.
Especially now that he's fighting alone, he absolutely cannot make any rash moves that might alert the enemy.
Only in this way could he quietly resolve these troubles.
"Ultimately, we still need to deal with the Liu family in Jingzhou first."
The Liu family is like a rock blocking the Xiao family's way, with countless scheming people hiding behind it, making it impossible to see clearly yet forcing one to be wary.
Conversely, eliminating the Liu family would serve as a warning, making those like "patrons" and those within Shu Prefecture who harbor disloyalty towards the Xiao family wary.
Looking at the rain falling outside the window, Chen Yi smiled slightly. "I can say that I've taken the enemy general's head amidst the chaos of battle."
"Xiao Jinghong, if you ever find out what I've done in the future, you'd better go easy on me."
After looking around for a while, Chen Yi tidied up the study and got up to return to his room.
Just as I was about to sit cross-legged to cultivate, a line of large golden characters floated past my eyes:
[Daily Intelligence - Yellow-Rank Superior: At 7:45 PM, barbarian slaves rioted at the grain store in the East Market. A small amount of opportunity may be obtained.]
Chen Yi glanced at it and his expression froze.
"A barbarian slave revolt?"
That's quite a rare thing.
He was well aware of the origins of the barbarian slaves—most of them were captured and sold to the Shu region by bandits from the Kingdom of Vaishsa.
Those who bought barbarian slaves were mostly from powerful and wealthy families, who used them specifically for farming and hard labor.
Chen Yi had heard about the barbarian slave uprisings a few times, as far as he could remember.
It is said that there are casualties in every riot.
But he had never seen it.
After a moment of thought, Chen Yi closed his eyes and began to practice the Four Symbols Technique.
"Yellow level it is. Let's go see what those barbarian slaves look like when they rebel. It'll broaden our horizons."
"And it's a grain store in the East Market..."
...
The next morning.
The dark clouds in the sky above Shu Prefecture have largely dissipated.
A light drizzle was falling.
Xiao Wuge got up unusually early, and before Xiao Die could knock on the door, he was already up.
Get dressed and wash up.
When Xiao Die brought over the hot water, Xiao Wuge was already dressed, but his hair was still loose.
He ruffled his slightly messy black hair and said shyly, "Sister Xiaodie, I don't know how to comb my hair."
Xiaodie put down the basin, said "Young Master, please forgive me," and hurried over to help him sit down and comb his long hair.
At this time of year, people of all genders have long hair.
The only difference is the hairstyle.
Men's hairstyles vary depending on their status and age.
For a marquis's son like Xiao Wuge, who is not yet of age, all that is needed is to comb his hair neatly and tie it with a brocade ribbon.
So Xiaodie quickly tidied him up and straightened his clothes, then said with a smile:
"Young Master, are you up so early because you're going to the martial arts arena?"
Xiao Wuge chuckled, "You can't hide it from Sister Xiaodie."
He was initially somewhat resistant to martial arts practice, but after yesterday's training and Chen Yi's comforting words last night, he became much more interested in martial arts.
Although he was tired, after careful comparison, he found that practicing martial arts was better than studying at Jiaxingyuan.
It's just that the training ground is relatively more lively.
Besides his second uncle Xiao Xuanshuo and others, there were also some children from the collateral branches. When Xiao Wuge wasn't cultivating, he could play with those people for a while.
Xiao Die was unaware of Xiao Wuge's thoughts; she only knew that his willingness to cultivate martial arts was something to be happy about.
"I'm glad you like it, young master."
"That way, the master, the eldest young lady, the second young lady, and the son-in-law will all be happy for you."
Xiao Wuge hummed in agreement, then looked up and asked, "Can I eat more this morning?"
Xiaodie readily agreed, pulling him downstairs as she said with a smile, "Xiaodie wouldn't dare agree to that, young master."
"Ah, why?"
"Sister Huatang came over early this morning and said that Miss has prepared breakfast and wants you and your husband to go over there."
Xiao Wuge's smile remained unchanged. "I see."
"Then I'll go find my older sister and ask her to prepare more for me."
"Don't worry, young master, Miss instructed the kitchen early this morning to make your favorite fried dough..."
Hearing the conversation downstairs, Chen Yi also got up, washed, and dressed.
Today he was going to the academy, so he specially changed into a blue robe with dark blue embroidery on the cuffs and hem.
She was clean and refreshing, and had the refined air of a scholar.
We went downstairs.
Seeing that Xiao Die and Xiao Wuge were chatting with Pei Guanli, he walked out of the wooden building with them and asked knowingly, "What are you talking about?"
Xiao Wuge looked up at him and chuckled, "Brother-in-law, Sister Guanli is teaching me how to cultivate martial arts."
"Yeah?"
Chen Yi glanced at Tiger Girl, making her lower her head as soon as she raised it.
“Brother-in-law, I’ve been practicing martial arts for many years, so I can teach Xiao Wuge a thing or two.”
"Alright, alright, I know you're skilled in martial arts. From now on, when I'm not around, you'll have to teach Wu Ge more."
"real?"
"Of course it's fake. At most, you're just a live target for Wu Ge."
Upon hearing this, Pei Guanli immediately pouted, "Brother-in-law looks down on people..."
Chen Yi didn't explain, but just smiled and tapped her smooth forehead before pulling Xiao Wuge ahead towards Jiaxing Garden.
As he walked, he turned back and laughed, "How dare I look down on you? Granny Mountain would skin me alive!"
Pei Guanli covered her forehead, her anger turning to joy, and happily ran over to hug his other arm, saying, "Grandma wouldn't."
"It's hard to say..."
Before long, the group arrived at Jiaxingyuan despite the light rain.
Xiao Wan'er was already waiting outside the door. When she saw them, her gaze fell on Hu Yatou's hands.
She didn't say much about etiquette, but simply looked at Chen Yi with her gentle, watery eyes and beckoned:
"Brother-in-law, come quickly. Before you go to the academy, Tingyun and Huatang have something to tell you."
Chen Yi responded, then slapped Pei Guanli's hand away, released Xiao Wuge, took a few quick steps, and asked with a smile:
"Has Wang Ji already met with Fairy Tingyun and the others?"
"Well, Wang Ji did give the manor some face; he arranged everything for the Tianshan Sect disciples in half a day yesterday."
"But since Baicaotang hasn't expanded yet, we'll have to make do with them living in the shared dormitory for now."
As they spoke, the group went to the living room and ate and chatted.
Aside from Xiao Wan'er, Xie Tingyun gave the most detailed explanation and repeatedly thanked Chen Yi:
"Thanks to you, son-in-law, Manager Wang said that out of respect for you, he would give my junior brothers and sisters ten taels of silver every month."
“Those with high cultivation levels, like my sixth junior brother and seventh junior sister, receive fifty taels of silver every month, and it is said that they also receive bonuses during festivals.”
Chen Yi smiled and shook his head: "It has little to do with me."
"Manager Wang already knew that the Tianshan Sect was a reputable and righteous sect in the martial arts world, and your fellow disciples were quite strong, so it was only right that he was generous with his money."
That's what they say.
Most of the 127 disciples of the Tianshan Sect were at the lower third rank of cultivation, so normally five taels of silver a month would be considered a lot.
It was entirely because of Chen Yi that Wang Ji offered the price of ten taels of silver per month.
Those few high-ranking disciples of the Tianshan Sect who had reached the middle third grade of cultivation could earn fifty taels of silver per month, which was also considered a high price.
Compared to Liu Lang, a master among the middle-ranking experts, this is considered a generous amount.
At this moment, Shen Huatang also expressed her gratitude: "Young Master, Senior Sister was able to avoid punishment under the sect rules this time entirely thanks to your help."
Chen Yi was taken aback: "Punishment?"
Before Shen Huatang could speak again, Xie Tingyun stepped forward and covered her mouth, laughing dryly, "No, no, Junior Sister Huatang misspoke, there's no punishment."
The Tianshan Sect is a prestigious sect, and apart from aristocratic families like the Xiao family who are originally from the Tianshan Sect, they rarely serve as bodyguards for others.
This time, Xie Tingyun secretly brought so many disciples here, and he certainly deserves to be punished according to the sect rules.
But since Baicaotang offered a lot of money, the elders of Tianshan Sect probably won't be too angry.
Besides the sect's inheritance, disciples also need to eat, drink, relieve themselves, and buy medicine and pills, which naturally requires money.
After a few casual words, the arrangements for the Tianshan Sect disciples were concluded.
Chen Yi recalled the news he had heard yesterday and looked at Xiao Wan'er, asking, "I heard that grain prices have gone up?"
Xiao Wan'er's smile faded slightly, and she nodded gently, saying, "It has indeed increased somewhat."
"However, this morning the Qingjing Residence sent a message telling me not to get involved or use the treasury's money. Grandpa is handling it."
"He also told me to continue preparing for the Medical Academy in accordance with the charter."
Chen Yi thought to himself that the old man understood Xiao Wan'er best.
Like him, they were worried that Xiao Wan'er would pawn her jewelry or other valuables to raise money, or postpone the medical academy's activities.
After thinking for a moment, Chen Yi said, "In a few more days, the profit sharing from Baicaotang will arrive in our account, and we should be able to make some profit then."
"In addition, if the old master needs it, I have a lot of silver here to help in an emergency."
Xiao Wan'er smiled slightly, but said reproachfully:
“I know you have money, but the money needed to buy grain is too much, so I can’t use yours.”
"Even if I agree, Grandpa won't agree."
"It depends on the situation."
Chen Yi replied with a single sentence, then stopped trying to give him more money, as if it were just a polite remark.
However, he knew in his heart that the rise in grain prices was a scheme by outsiders against the Xiao family.
If you spend more money based on someone else's calculations, there's no guarantee they won't take advantage of the situation and raise the price again.
It's best to find another way to solve this.
However, Xiao Wan'er was very happy to hear Chen Yi say that.
All she could think about was that her brother-in-law was willing to share the hardships with the Xiao family and was willing to give them money, which meant he considered this place his own home.
At least, she won't have to worry about Chen Yi running away from the Xiao family again.
Of course, she stopped worrying a long time ago.
Thinking of this, Xiao Wan'er said with a smile, "My brother-in-law is going to the academy to teach calligraphy today, so I'll prepare some things at home."
"We'll set off for our fiefdom outside the city early tomorrow morning."
"If all goes well, we should be back before nightfall tomorrow."
Chen Yi couldn't help but tease, "What if it doesn't go smoothly?"
Xiao Wan'er gave him a playful glare and said reproachfully, "If things don't go smoothly, we'll just stay there for the night."
"There is also a house on the other side of the fiefdom, which was built when my father and mother were still alive."
“When I was a child, my mother would take us there to stay temporarily every summer.”
"And in that house, there's a painting that a village artist painted of me, my second sister, my father, and my mother, which hangs in the study..."
Perhaps because Xiao Fengchun had passed away a few years ago, or perhaps because of Chen Yi, Xiao Wan'er's expression showed less sadness when she talked about her parents.
He smiled and talked on and on about his childhood, which made everyone smile.
Only Xiao Wuge hesitated, "Sister, brother-in-law, I also want to go outside the city with you."
Xiao Wan'er laughed and patted him on the shoulder, "You're not allowed to go."
"You were just saying you wanted to go to the martial arts arena to practice martial arts every day, and you've already forgotten?"
"But I want to go there to see the portraits of your father and mother that you mentioned."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Wan'er's smile faded slightly, and her eyes showed a complex expression.
After a moment of silence, she shook her head and said, "I will bring the portrait back when I return."
Although Xiao Wuge was disappointed, he didn't insist any further. "Sister, it's a deal, don't forget."
Before Xiao Wan'er could agree, Chen Yi said with a smile, "I won't forget. I'll remind you later, elder sister."
Xiao Wan'er softly hummed in agreement, "I won't forget."
At this moment, Pei Guanli, her mouth greasy from eating, darted around a couple of times and looked at Chen Yi with a grin:
"Brother-in-law, aren't you also good at calligraphy and painting? Why don't you paint something for us sometime when you have time?"
Now it was Chen Yi's turn to lose his smile. He said irritably, "Don't worry, I'd rather draw for anyone else than you."
He hasn't practiced painting yet, but if he were to actually start painting, it would probably be the same as his previous practice of playing the zither.
—I can't bear to look.
Fortunately, he received a painting titled "Mid-Autumn River Scene" at the Mid-Autumn Poetry Gathering that night.
When he has time later, he will have to finish painting the path, so as not to run into someone like Pei Guanli who always brings up the most awkward things.
Xiao Wuge was unaware of Chen Yi's shady dealings and said with a hint of anticipation, "Brother-in-law, draw it for me when I've mastered martial arts."
As he spoke, he even started to urge Xiao Wan'er on.
"Big sister, would you like one too? Let your brother-in-law paint one for you, it will definitely be beautiful."
Xiao Wan'er glanced at Chen Yi and said hesitantly, "Won't this be too much trouble?"
Seeing this situation, Chen Yi said helplessly, "There's not much trouble, it just takes some time..."
Having made up his mind, he began practicing painting as soon as he returned from the academy.
If he doesn't manage to bring together the four arts of music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, he'll face many more embarrassing situations in the future.
(End of this chapter)
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