Chapter 275 Martial Arts Body, Perfected (Seeking Monthly Tickets)
Xiao Jinghong's letter did not mention any of the major events that had recently occurred in Shu Prefecture.
Either the news was delayed, or she hadn't yet received information about Lü Jiunan's death or that King Landu of Vaishsa Kingdom was coming.
Or perhaps she simply didn't want to include these details in her letter, lest it cause worry to those in the inner quarters.
Upon hearing this guess, Chen Yi's face revealed a gentle smile.
Even if Xiao Jinghong hadn't said anything, he knew exactly what life was like at the Wushan border market.
Allocate wood and stone materials, improve various buildings, assign manpower, and contact merchants in the surrounding area who wish to go to the trade market, etc.
In addition, there are military affairs in the three towns.
Xiao Jinghong was not idle.
"Since you are working so hard, I should also work harder."
Just then, Chen Yi heard Xiao Wan'er say:
"Brother-in-law, you've been out every day these past few days, and I haven't had a chance to ask you how your homework is going?"
Chen Yi was taken aback. "What homework?"
"The annual examinations."
Xiao Wan'er put down the letter, her clear, watery eyes reflecting his image.
"The annual examination will be held at the end of the month, which is only half a month away."
"Oh, the year-end exam? I'm preparing for it."
Chen Yi muttered to himself that he would be better off using his hearing and eyesight when the time came.
These days, he's been so busy managing grain prices that he hasn't even touched a book once.
Xiao Wan'er had no suspicions and breathed a sigh of relief.
"That's good."
"Just now I was thinking of telling my second sister in my reply that you are working hard at home, so that I can comfort her."
Chen Yi smiled to himself, thinking that this matter should be put on the agenda.
The new regulations for the annual examinations that Liu Hong and Ma Shuhan have been working on this time are giving even Mr. Yue Ming and others a headache.
He should indeed be careful.
"I will write a reply to Madam shortly and send it over first thing tomorrow morning."
"And your painting."
"Um……"
After a few casual words, the food was served.
The group ate and chatted, creating a pleasant atmosphere.
Xiao Wuge talked about going to the martial arts arena tomorrow, and also mentioned that his second uncle, Xiao Xuanshuo, had not really rested today.
"I heard from the people in the manor that Grandpa and Third Grandpa didn't sleep until very late last night."
"It seems to be because of something about King Lando wanting to lead people eastward to invade the borders of our Great Wei."
As Xiao Wuge spoke, he clenched his fist and said indignantly, "And today there are even rumors that the Left King of the Barbarians is going north."
"Grandpa had just fallen asleep when he was woken up by bad people."
Xiao Wan'er gently patted him and said reproachfully, "What bad person? That's Lord Liu Hong from the Provincial Administration Commission."
Xiao Wuge pouted and muttered, "He wasn't a good person to begin with."
"It's all over the manor that he came to persuade my grandfather to postpone his petition to the court to request troops."
"What if there are enemies on both the west and the south?"
Xiao Wan'er hesitated for a moment, then looked at Chen Yi with eyes that seemed to speak volumes.
They clearly wanted him to say a few words.
Chen Yi nodded knowingly, put down his chopsticks and said with a smile, "When soldiers come, we'll block them; when water comes, we'll dam it."
"Wu Ge, your most important task now is to learn skills. The matter of border incursions will be handled by the old master."
Xiao Wuge gave an "oh," ate a couple of mouthfuls of rice, and continued:
"When I grow up, I will definitely lead people to wipe out those barbarian tribes, and I won't let the Vajrasattva Kingdom go either."
Upon hearing this, Chen Yi and Xiao Wan'er exchanged a glance and smiled.
"My older sister and I are waiting for the day you trample the barbarians on horseback."
"It definitely will!"
Although Xiao Wuge is young, he has seen and learned a lot over the years.
Especially during the time he spent with Chen Yi, Xiao Wuge matured considerably compared to his peers.
Therefore, he could understand that many people in the Xiao family were waiting for him to grow up.
Chen Yi gave Xiao Wuge a thumbs up, "Yes, I will."
Xiao Wan'er smiled and nodded, though her eyes were slightly glistening.
She seemed to see the figures of her father and mother in Xiao Wuge.
But at the same time, she hoped even more that Xiao Wuge would be safe and sound.
A moment of silence.
Xiao Wan'er got up and went back to the study to fetch a painting, which she handed to Xiao Wuge.
“This was painted by your brother-in-law. Take it back and hang it in your room.”
She originally wanted to keep it so she could see it herself.
But after hearing Xiao Wuge's words, she felt that the painting should be associated with Xiao Wuge.
Xiao Wuge couldn't wait to open it and take a look, and saw several figures appearing on the painting.
Xiao Fengchun, Fu Wanqing, Xiao Wan'er, Xiao Jinghong, Chen Yi, and himself.
"This is?"
Xiao Wan'er nodded slightly, "Father, Mother."
Xiao Wuge was stunned for a moment, staring blankly at the figure that appeared above.
—The tall and robust Xiao Fengchun, and the gentle yet spirited Fu Wanqing.
"Father... Mother..."
Xiao Wuge murmured a few words, tears welling up in his eyes, "Father, Mother, your child, your child... I've finally seen you..."
He was only a few days old when Xiao Fengchun and Fu Wanqing died on the battlefield.
We haven't even had a chance to meet yet.
Now, with the help of Chen Yi's painting, when he saw those two lifelike figures, he couldn't help but think deeply.
Holding the painting, she burst into tears.
Xiao Wan'er shed tears on the side.
Xiaodie, Cui'er, Juan'er, and the others were doing the same, wiping their eyes from time to time.
Even Xie Tingyun and Shen Huatang looked up, unable to bear witnessing such a scene.
Only Chen Yi watched them with a smile on his face.
He wanted to empathize with them.
However, he already knew that Fu Wanqing was not dead, and at most her concern for Xiao Wuge made him somewhat sad.
But apart from all that, what he thought about most was still those troubles one by one.
He will eventually have to face what he has to face and resolve what he has to resolve.
Isn't that right?
The night sky was filled with the glittering stars, and the moon hung like a hook.
A gentle breeze is blowing.
Withered leaves drifted down.
The brightly lit lanterns swayed gently, casting a red glow upon the room.
Xiao Wan'er saw Chen Yi and Xiao Wuge to the door, her eyes slightly red but also filled with relief.
"You should get some rest."
"The eldest sister too."
Chen Yi bowed and was about to lead Xiao Wuge and Xiao Die back to Chunhe Garden when he heard Xiao Wan'er continue:
“Brother-in-law, I have decided to let Sister Qingwu take charge of the Medical Academy as well.”
Chen Yi paused for a moment, then realized that she had taken the previous two suggestions to heart.
“Miss Cui comes from an extraordinary family. With her joining, things at the Medical Academy will go more smoothly.”
Xiao Wan'er nodded gently, "So I will go to see her tomorrow to discuss the matter of the academy's dean."
"You...you don't think what I did was inappropriate?"
Chen Yi met her slightly apprehensive gaze with a gentle smile.
"It's fine as long as it's your decision, eldest sister."
As he had said before, by bringing Cui Qingwu along, Xiao Wan'er and the Xiao family had more room to maneuver in many matters.
He's at least much more useful than him, a son-in-law living on the fringes of the Chen family in Jiangnan Prefecture.
"That's good……"
Not long after, Chen Yi returned to Chunhe Garden with Xiao Wuge and Xiao Die.
Perhaps because of the painting, Xiao Wuge did not linger and followed Xiao Die back to his room.
"Young master, shall I hang this painting up for you?"
"No need, no need, I can do it myself."
"Then, young master, please be careful, paintings and calligraphy are fragile."
"Don't worry, I'll keep it safe..."
Chen Yi listened to the faint sounds of conversation coming from upstairs and a smile appeared on his face.
It seems that once his painting skills have improved further, it will be necessary to paint another picture for Xiao Wan'er.
For no other reason than...
Just so he could make himself look more dashing and handsome.
After washing up, Chen Yi returned to his room and sat cross-legged on the bed.
Take a short rest.
He then turned on the light screen and started watching.
Today, because of the matter of Bai Daxian, his luck has increased by 253 points.
Furthermore, his Collapsing Mountain Fist was upgraded to the Heaven Rank, matching the Rank of Falling Dragon Spear Technique.
[Opportunity: 1021]
Chen Yi looked at the content on the screen, a thoughtful expression on his face.
"In terms of maximizing benefits, it is most appropriate to elevate the art of boxing to perfection."
"In that case, I will have the Heaven-rank Mountain Collapse Fist for close combat and the Heaven-rank Dragon Falling Spear Technique for ranged attacks."
"Furthermore, with both paths completed and the spiritual energy and intent of heaven and earth superimposed, its power surpasses that of the past."
"At that time, there were very few people in the same realm who could match me."
But even though Chen Yi knew this, he still hesitated.
There is no other reason.
—Both fist techniques and spear techniques are methods of combat and fighting. Their upper limit is high, but their improvement is also limited.
Therefore, Chen Yi prefers to choose between martial arts body and footwork.
The former's advancement in realm can enhance the effectiveness of his spear stance training, Xuanwu breath-gathering technique, and Four Symbols technique.
The latter would allow him to move his Meteor Butterfly Step and Dragon Playing with Phoenix steps faster.
He pondered for a moment.
Chen Yi's gaze fell on [Martial Arts·Body], "No martial art in the world is invincible, except for speed."
"But that requires sufficient cultivation and physical strength to support it."
so--
[Opportunity consumed; Martial Arts Body Realm upgraded from Great Completion to Perfection.]
A flash of golden light appeared.
The roaring sound resounded in Chen Yi's mind.
The vast and profound martial arts techniques surged forth, almost causing him to lose his composure and fall into a coma.
Even so, Chen Yi still had a splitting headache.
He had no choice but to quickly digest some of the profound content while simultaneously circulating the Four Symbols Technique to slowly restore his mental energy.
About half an hour has passed.
Chen Yi felt a bit better, got up to stretch his arms and legs, and let out a long breath.
Compared to his previous breakthrough to the pinnacle of spear technique, this time his senses were slightly different when he improved his realm through a fortuitous encounter.
After all, he was fighting Yan Fusha when he had his sudden enlightenment about the way of the spear, so his understanding of the way of the spear was more profound.
Chen Yi glanced at the sky and saw that there was still an hour and a half until midnight, so he was not in a hurry to go to the Chishui River to keep his appointment.
"I've arranged to have a duel with Liu Lang tonight, so I'll take this opportunity to ask him how things are going on his end."
Thinking about it, Chen Yi went to the study.
While writing letters to Xiao Jinghong, he absorbed the profound mysteries in his mind.
It's better to say something than to say it.
His choice was right.
After martial arts and body reached perfection, his stance training and mental cultivation techniques were indeed greatly enhanced.
Especially the spear stance training.
After his martial arts cultivation broke through to the ninth rank, his stance training had become less effective.
The body's strength has stagnated.
Now, however, he can find a way to improve the level of his spear stance training and continue to strengthen his body.
The same applies to the Xuanwu Breath Concealing Technique and the Four Symbols Technique.
However, these two cultivation techniques are already of high quality, and he only needs to absorb their profound content to make significant progress.
Among them, the Xuanwu Concealing Breath Technique can better conceal his cultivation level and skill realm.
Even if it can't fool Bai Daxian and the others, it should be able to better dispel the suspicions of Xiao Jinghong and the others.
The most direct improvement comes from advancing in the Four Symbols Technique—it allows him to progress in his cultivation faster.
Of course, the enhancement effect of the Four Symbols Spiritual Essence on techniques is also more powerful.
The specific effects remain to be explored by him.
"At least we've taken another step forward."
"Good news, good news..."
Thinking about these things, Chen Yi's wolf-hair brush continued to move, and under the perfect calligraphy, each character was like an illusion.
Ultimately, they merge into a series of phantom images.
Those phantoms were neither grand nor magnificent, unlike the one that appeared on the Mid-Autumn Festival night when the poem "Prelude to Water Melody" was played.
It was only in a study.
The table was luxurious, and the candlelight flickered.
Chen Yi sat upright at the table, smiling broadly, and recounted the contents of the letter:
"To Madam."
"Nothing major has happened in the manor recently, so there's no need to worry too much."
"As for me, I'm busy preparing for the annual examinations..."
"Wu Ge is busy with cultivation and is making rapid progress..."
"And then there's the matter of the Medical Academy... Baicaotang..."
As if he were right in front of Xiao Jinghong, Chen Yi recounted the recent events in Shu Prefecture.
Finally, he raised his head slightly, seemingly pleased with himself, and asked:
"My dear wife, do you think this calligraphy style is acceptable for writing letters home?"
How could it not be pleasing to the eye?
Chen Yi felt that writing a letter using the perfected state of calligraphy was an extremely rare thing in the Great Wei Dynasty.
It's not that those people can't write, but that they might not be able to bring themselves to do it.
It has a bit of a show-off feel to it.
What's more, he even shamelessly pointed it out?
Chen Yi couldn't help but laugh when he thought of Xiao Jinghong's expression when she saw the letter.
"Women work outside the home, men work inside the home...that's good, that's good..."
...
Meanwhile, the Wushan border trade market was established.
The lush forests nestled among the mountains make the place seem even more profound in the night.
Only the campfires surrounding the area provided illumination.
I could vaguely make out some outlines of varying heights, and it was beginning to take shape.
On the hillside not far away.
Xiao Jinghong stood on the rooftop, overlooking the entire market, but there was no joy in his eyes as the project was nearing completion.
Instead, he seemed somewhat anxious and worried.
Although it would take some time for news to reach the prefectural city, she was, after all, the commander of the Dingyuan Army.
She receives news of any major events immediately.
Just as Lü Jiunan died, King Lando attacked.
Just as grain prices in Shu Prefecture were abnormal, the Marquis's Mansion needed to borrow grain from Guangyue Prefecture to make up for the grain shortage in Tiebi Town.
There were also the Five Poisons Sect appearing in Shuzhou, and Bai Daxian also coming to Shuzhou, and so on.
This inevitably made Xiao Jinghong feel somewhat anxious.
"The border trade was about to be established, but it had to happen at this time..."
"And why is that 'Liu Wu' so impulsive this time, after helping my Xiao family last time?"
"His killing of Lü Jiunan has provoked the King of Landu to act rashly, which is harmful and not beneficial to Shu Prefecture."
Xiao Jinghong couldn't understand Liu Wu's intentions, but because of the previous letter, she subconsciously didn't make the worst-case scenario plan.
At least until the unusual behavior of King Lando is confirmed, she will not think that way.
"I wonder what Grandpa will do."
"If we were to petition the court at this time and request the Tiger Tally, I'm afraid..."
Having served in the military for many years, Xiao Jinghong naturally understood the importance of the Dingyuan Army to the Xiao family.
But she knew even better that now was definitely not the best time to mobilize the troops of the three towns.
Firstly, the bandits of Vaishsa Kingdom are swift and elusive, so if the Dingyuan Army were to go into battle, it would inevitably need cavalry.
This will disrupt the training of the soldiers in the three towns.
Secondly, if the Dingyuan Army were to move, it would inevitably lead to a major upheaval in Shu Prefecture.
Xiao Jinghong wasn't confident he could foresee the future.
Thinking of all this, she instructed those below, "Zhenyue, send two more letters, one to inquire about Grandfather, and the other to the Commander-in-Chief's Office..."
Before he could finish speaking...
Xiao Jinghong suddenly looked north, his expression turning slightly serious.
"Who's there?!"
After a few breaths of silence, a slightly aged laugh rang out.
"Haha, am I right? He Tong, your Junior Sister Xiao's martial arts cultivation is no worse than yours, is it?"
"Jinghong, don't be nervous..."
(End of this chapter)
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