Chapter 270: Stealing a chicken but losing the rice! (Seeking monthly votes)
Xiao Wan'er, of course, was unaware of Chen Yi's thoughts, and nodded slightly.
After thinking for a moment, she said in a gentle tone:
"Young Miss Cui must have heard about my plan to establish a medical academy, and she has come here to learn more about it."
Chen Yi looked enlightened. "She also wants to get involved?"
Xiao Wan'er hesitated slightly before saying, "You mean, she wants to come with me?"
"I thought she was just asking about the specific steps to have her family build one in Qinghe."
"After all, she probably won't stay in Shu Prefecture for long, and with me... probably not."
Chen Yi shook his head and said, "It's just a guess. Who knows what Miss Cui is thinking?"
Although he wasn't 100% certain, based on his understanding of Cui Qingwu over this period of time, Cui Qingwu wouldn't leave Shuzhou anytime soon.
There is no other reason.
The Yunqing Tower she opened in the West Market alone was not a casual decision.
Of course, it's also possible that this Miss Cui is so wealthy that she doesn't care about such a "small" business at all.
It remains to be seen.
Xiao Wan'er hummed in response, lowered her head and took a sip of porridge, her pale cheeks, slightly flushed, puffed out slightly.
A moment of silence.
Xiao Wan'er looked up at Chen Yi again and asked, "If she really has feelings for me, should I refuse?"
Chen Yi thought for a moment and said, "To consider this matter, I need to know if you mind her interfering in the Medical Academy?"
"I'm a little... worried that she might..."
"destroy?"
Xiao Wan'er nodded somewhat shyly, "If the Medical Academy is done well, it will benefit the country and its people, so I want to do my best to do it well."
"And I've never done this before, but you're helping me."
"She's never been in contact with this before, and she's afraid..."
Chen Yi smiled; this was indeed Xiao Wan'er's true thought.
Her first thought wasn't that Cui Qingwu would seize control of the Medical Academy, nor did she intend to hide her talents.
She was simply worried that Cui Qingwu might make a mistake unintentionally, causing the Medical Academy to fall short of expectations.
"If that's all there is to it, I think we should be able to let Miss Cui join us as well."
Xiao Wan'er was slightly taken aback, her beautiful eyes fixed on him without blinking.
There was a hint of confusion in his eyes.
Chen Yi explained with a smile, "There are two reasons."
“Miss Cui comes from the Cui family of Qinghe. She has money and connections. If the academy encounters difficulties in the future, she will naturally have a responsibility to lend a hand.”
Hearing this, Xiao Wan'er couldn't help but gently pat him and say reproachfully:
"I don't have that idea."
"If the college is really in trouble, it is my responsibility to find a solution."
"If I were to bring Qingwu with me because of this, wouldn't that be taking advantage of her?"
Chen Yi pretended to rub the back of his hand and said with a bitter face, "My elder sister is kind-hearted, of course she wouldn't think that way, I'm just overthinking it."
"No, no, I..."
Xiao Wan'er noticed the gazes of Xiao Wuge, Shen Huatang, and others on the other side, and then gestured to them:
“You, you continue... Anyway, I have no such thoughts.”
Chen Yi chuckled, but not wanting to tease her any further, he continued:
"The second point is very simple. Miss Cui, by being with you, you can witness the entire process of the Medical Academy gradually improving."
"If she can open a medical academy in another place in the future, it will also fulfill your wish."
Of course, the most crucial point is that Cui Qingwu's friendship with Xiao Wan'er, to a certain extent, represents the friendship between the Cui and Xiao families.
After all, the Cui family of Qinghe, to which Cui Qingwu belonged, was in no way weaker than the Chen family of Jiangnan Prefecture, the Liu family of Jingzhou, and the Xiao family of Shuzhou.
Even the fact that Cui Mao, a member of the Cui family, was ranked among the Nine Ministers made most outsiders who were unaware of the truth wary of him.
The reason Chen Yi didn't say anything was probably because he was worried that Xiao Wan'er would think it was too "utilitarian".
Therefore, he must at least maintain the apparent purity of the Medical Academy.
After listening, Xiao Wan'er smiled, clearly the second point had struck a chord with her.
"If Sister Qingwu is interested, I certainly won't refuse."
She paused for a moment, then added, "But I'd better ask clearly first."
"After all, this isn't a business to make money. If Qingwu is just curious, I won't force her."
Chen Yi hummed in agreement and didn't say anything more.
However, he was fairly certain that Cui Qingwu's ulterior motives had already reached the Medical Academy.
Otherwise, given Cui Qingwu's spoiled young lady attitude, she wouldn't have bothered to ask a single question if she wasn't interested.
At most, after learning of Xiao Wan'er's thoughts, he would echo her with a few words of praise.
Seeing that he agreed, Xiao Wan'er's smile widened. She ate some pastries, then took a letter from Cui'er beside her and placed it on the table.
"There's also good news: the letters I sent to several renowned medical experts have received replies today."
Chen Yi put down his chopsticks and raised an eyebrow, asking, "Who is it?"
“A renowned physician from Guangyue Prefecture, a successor of the Fuyang School, named Lü Chunle.”
He replied that he would soon bring people to Shuzhou to diagnose his grandfather's illness.
As Xiao Wan'er spoke, she couldn't help but feel a little worried.
"Do you think someone as skilled in medicine as him would be willing to become the dean of the academy?"
Chen Yi shook his head. "It's hard to say."
"As long as he has medical ethics, he should be interested, and at the very least, he will leave something behind."
He had heard of the Fuyang School.
That is a major tradition in medicine, which believes that "all diseases in the world are caused by damage to Yang Qi" and that "original Qi and true Yang are the foundation of life".
Therefore, physicians of this school of thought tend to prescribe medicines based on warming and tonifying the Yang, and are adept at using pungent and hot herbs and classical formulas.
"But don't worry too much, elder sister. After they come to Shuzhou and examine the old master, we can think of other ways."
"If one door closes, another opens; there will always be some gains."
"Um……"
Not long after, the group finished breakfast.
Shen Huatang, along with Xiaodie, Cui'er, and others, tidied up the table.
Chen Yi sat in the living room chatting with Xiao Wan'er and Xiao Wuge.
Xiao Xuanshuo had something to do today, so Xiao Wuge was given a rare day off and didn't go to the training ground.
However, before dawn, Xiao Wuge got up and practiced standing meditation in the courtyard.
He can be described as diligent.
So at this moment, Xiao Wuge recounted in detail how he performed in the martial arts arena.
I wouldn't call it boasting, but there are definitely things worth praising.
At least Xiao Wan'er's face was full of relief after hearing this.
"Wu Ge, your second uncle has put so much effort into teaching you, you must not let him down in the future."
"Don't worry, big sister, I will definitely study hard."
Xiao Wuge patted his chest to assure him, then turned to look at Chen Yi:
"Brother-in-law, when is Sister Guanli coming back? She promised to teach me footwork, she hasn't forgotten, has she?"
Chen Yi smiled and shook his head: "She must have been held up by something."
"But don't worry, I'll go ask her later and she'll definitely teach you her signature move."
"That's good……"
Just then, Xiaodie hurriedly returned, looking somewhat flustered.
"Miss, Young Master, Young Master, something's happened outside..."
Xiao Wan'er was taken aback and raised her hand to signal her to speak slowly.
Before Xiaodie could catch her breath, she hurriedly said, "Just now, news came from the Central Court saying that..."
"say what?"
"They say the barbarians might be about to launch an attack on Mengshui Pass!"
Upon hearing this, Xiao Wan'er's expression changed slightly, and her eyes revealed a mixture of confusion, sadness, and unease.
"How could that be... Xiaodie, who told you that?"
“Miss, it was said by several soldiers. They also said that the master has issued an order to place our mansion under martial law.”
Upon hearing Xiao Die's words, Xiao Wan'er's face paled, causing the warm yang fire within her to dim.
Seeing this, Chen Yi naturally knew the reason, so he asked gently and calmly:
"Xiao Die, is this an urgent report from Mengshui Pass?"
Xiaodie shook her head. "No, it's not."
"They say he is the son of some barbarian Left King, and he is currently in Shu Prefecture, branded with the mark of a slave."
"Therefore, many people in the manor speculate that the barbarians may launch a large-scale invasion to avenge that 'prince'."
"Your Highness?"
Chen Yi chuckled to himself. When did a lowly barbarian slave who herded cattle and sheep on the edge of the Black Bear tribe become a prince?
Thinking this, he chuckled, drawing the attention of several people around him.
"If that's the case, I think this matter needs further investigation."
Xiao Wan'er stared intently at him with her beautiful eyes, her hands clasped in front of her chest, her expression revealing her worry.
She really didn't want to see another war break out in Shu Prefecture, especially with the barbarian tribes launching a large-scale northward invasion.
Not to mention those from the Xiao family who died on the battlefields against the barbarians throughout history.
Just in the recent major battle, she witnessed the loss of many relatives.
Her father, mother, fourth grandfather Xiao Zhan, third uncle Xiao Rui, and many other elders from other branches of the family.
Most of them died on the battlefield.
"Is that so?"
"Yes, as far as I know, the barbarians are currently embroiled in internal strife over the position of their barbarian king."
"The heirs each fought their own battles, and each had a considerable number of supporters; even the barbarian Left King Muhag was not spared."
Chen Yi gently patted Xiao Wan'er's hand and comforted her, "Big sister, please calm down. I believe the worst is yet to come."
Meeting his gaze, Xiao Wan'er's heart, which had just been clenched, immediately felt a little warmer.
She nodded gently, slowly pulling herself out of the scars of that past memory. "You're right."
After calming herself down, she looked at Xiao Wuge, Xiao Die, and the others, forcing a smile.
To comfort myself, and to comfort them.
"It's not the worst yet. Let's wait for Grandpa and the others to find out more before we talk about it."
Xiao Wuge showed no fear whatsoever.
He even said, "If they dare to attack again, my second sister will definitely beat them to a pulp."
Xiao Wan'er slapped him and scolded him, "Don't talk nonsense."
"On the battlefield, swords and spears have no eyes. Even a grandmaster can be in danger of falling. How much more so your second sister?"
Xiao Wuge covered his head and grunted an "oh," then reluctantly fell silent.
Let's chat for a bit.
Seeing that the others looked a little more at ease, Chen Yi got up to leave.
When Xiao Wan'er heard that he was leaving the manor, she subconsciously followed and said, "You, you should take some guards with you."
“Even if the barbarians and the bandits from Vaishsa do not attack, the city will probably still be uneasy.”
Chen Yi smiled and nodded, "Don't worry, even if they attack, nothing will happen to the prefectural city."
"I will only feel at ease if I take some armored soldiers with me when I go out."
"Okay, I'll do as you say."
As Chen Yi was about to leave Jiaxing Garden, he saw two figures walking in from outside the door.
It was Cui Qingwu, whom he had met just last night, and her maid Huan'er.
Chen Yi thought to himself, "What perfect timing!" and then said, "Big sister, Miss Cui is here."
He added, "You can ask her about what's going on outside."
Xiao Wan'er hummed in agreement, told him to be careful in everything, and then stepped forward to greet him.
"Please don't be offended, Sister Qingwu. I was delayed by something and couldn't go to the manor to greet you."
Cui Qingwu quickened her pace and said with a smile, "Sister Wan'er, what are you saying? I wouldn't dare let you greet me."
After saying that, she saw that Chen Yi looked like he was going out, so she greeted him and asked:
"Mr. Qingzhou, are you heading out?"
Chen Yi nodded, calmly said "You guys talk," and then walked away.
This woman is neglecting her duties and coming here instead; she's really something...
Well, it's his suggestion anyway.
It's not a good time to say much.
Besides, even without Cui Qingwu, he had prepared a backup plan, so the outcome wouldn't be significantly affected.
Cui Qingwu, seeing his expression, was secretly displeased.
She's nominally Chen Yi's sister-in-law, so why does she still act like she's "too lazy to bother with him"?
Thinking it over, she rolled her eyes and said, "Sister Wan'er, isn't it inappropriate for Mr. Qingzhou to go out at this time?"
Xiao Wan'er was taken aback. "What's wrong?"
"Things are getting out of control outside."
"Because of the son of the Left King?"
"Sister Wan'er already knows, it is indeed this."
"I also heard that the barbarian Left King Muhag has learned about his son's situation in Shu Prefecture and is preparing for war."
"really?"
"I……"
Chen Yi, who hadn't gone far, couldn't stand it any longer and turned back to interrupt the two:
"Miss Cui, may I ask where my elder brother is now?"
Cui Qingwu paused, looking at him with a half-smile: "Mr. Qingzhou still recognizes Brother Yunfan as his elder brother, how could he not know where he is?"
Chen Yi knew she was trying to sow discord between him and Chen Yi, so he calmly cupped his hands and said:
“I am naturally grateful that my elder brother is willing to acknowledge me.”
"But he is, after all, a councilor of the Provincial Administration Commission, and I don't want to bother him. I hope Miss Cui will inform me."
Cui Qingwu thought to himself that this made more sense, so he looked up at the sky and said, "Brother Yunfan will go to the East Market at noon."
Chen Yi was slightly taken aback. East Market?
"He went there...on official business?"
"Yes, I heard that Lord Yang sent him to keep an eye on those grain shops. I'm sure Mr. Qingzhou has heard about it. Grain prices in the prefectural city are too high these days."
Upon hearing Cui Qingwu's words, Chen Yi's heart skipped a beat.
However, when he looked up at the sky and saw that it was still early before noon, he breathed a sigh of relief.
That doesn't make sense.
It's impossible for it to be such a coincidence.
Even if Master Bai were to tell fortunes and interpret characters, it shouldn't be Chen Yunfan.
Thinking about these things, Chen Yi greeted the others and left Jiaxing Garden directly.
Looking at his back, Cui Qingwu felt that his actions just now were somewhat inexplicable.
But after hearing Xiao Wan'er's words, she understood.
"Qingwu, tell me quickly, what news has been circulating outside? Are the barbarians really coming?"
"Oh, Sister Wan'er, I was just talking nonsense..."
Cui Qingwu wasn't stupid; once she realized what was going on, she understood Chen Yi's intentions perfectly well.
Naturally, he couldn't let Xiao Wan'er worry anymore.
However, while thinking about these things, Cui Qingwu couldn't help but have some strange thoughts about Chen Yi.
—Why has Chen Yi become so frivolous since he came to Shu Prefecture?
It wasn't enough for him to be the husband of the second young lady of the Xiao family; did he also want Xiao Wan'er?
Aren't you afraid of losing more than you gain by trying to steal a chicken?
...
Chen Yi was unaware of Cui Qingwu's thoughts.
Upon arriving at the front yard, he followed Xiao Wan'er's instructions and found Liu Si'er to drive him to Jishi Pharmacy.
He originally intended to go to Baicaotang first.
However, upon learning that Chen Yunfan was in Dongshi at noon, they couldn't help but feel a little uneasy.
After all, that Master Bai has a well-known reputation.
What if he said something like "May your official career be prosperous" or "May you become rich and powerful" to Chen Yunfan? Who knows what the consequences would be?
Not long after.
Liu Si'er led the carriage and took Chen Yi out of the Marquis's residence.
"Huh?"
Why is he here again?
Hearing Liu Si'er's mutterings, Chen Yi lifted the curtain to take a look and raised his eyebrows slightly.
Liu Hong?
(End of this chapter)
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