Chapter 280 It really was you?! (Seeking monthly votes)
Nothing was said that night.
The sky was just beginning to brighten.
Dark, gloomy clouds hung over the city of Shuzhou.
The misty clouds obscured the rising sun, like an extension of the night, unwilling to let people get up in the morning.
But the night watchman still sang on time.
Drums were also heard from the city gate tower.
At this time of year, the temples in the northwest corner, the academies in the north, and the brothels in the south of the city would also ring out in response.
The bells and drums sounded in unison, heralding the arrival of a new day.
Chen Yi naturally wouldn't wait until this time to get up.
To be precise, he has been getting up early these past few days to wash up, get dressed, and go to his study.
Of course, he wasn't there to practice calligraphy or to paint a few pictures.
Instead, he read books.
That's right.
Chen Yi had been preparing for the annual examination at the end of the month for several days.
Besides the history and geography books he had read during his confinement, this time he read more classic texts and historical texts.
Although the Great Wei Dynasty did not have the Four Books and Five Classics, it did have similar classics.
Such as "The Art of Calculation", "The Book of the River", "The Biography of Gan", "The Sayings of the Four Sages", etc.
Covering astronomy, geography, divination, medicine, and Confucianism, it is essential reading for every scholar.
Chen Yi also had related memories, but they were very vague.
But with each time he flipped through it, the relevant content would appear in his mind.
Most of them are based on the original owner's understanding.
However, most of the understandings are flawed.
At least in Chen Yi's eyes, who had entered the realm of Taoism through the arts of music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, the so-called classics and historical texts were all the insights of the ancients about heaven and earth, the Great Tao, life, and the world.
He has his own understanding.
Therefore, after reviewing the classic texts, Chen Yi simplified the process and incorporated all the memories into his own knowledge.
Furthermore, having absorbed various profound mysteries and gained a comprehensive understanding, he believed he could discuss matters with people like Mr. Zhuo Ying and Mr. Ling Chuan.
It's sufficient for handling ordinary annual exams.
Alas...
Unfortunately, this year's annual examination was not ordinary.
Chen Yi had to make more preparations.
At this moment, Xiaodie entered with two armored soldiers carrying stacks of books. She gestured to them, indicating where to place them, and said:
"Young master, here are the past exam questions for the annual and prefectural examinations of Shu Prefecture and other prefectures."
"However, few people collect the top-ranked article; only a few scattered chapters are available."
Chen Yi looked up and nodded, saying, "This is enough for me to see the annual examination."
His solution was nothing other than the ingrained learning habit—practice problems.
As long as he practices enough, it's hard to say whether he'll get an excellent score, but he'll at least pass.
If he has a sudden flash of inspiration, or if it involves his own knowledge system, it is not impossible for him to write a masterpiece.
When Xiaodie heard him say that, her expression relaxed.
"Young master, you can continue reading. I'll go prepare breakfast for you."
Chen Yi raised his hand to stop her, "Just prepare your own food. I need to go to the academy this morning, so I'll just eat something there."
Xiao Die said "Oh," and then added, "Young Master, when will you be back? Miss said there's a banquet at the manor at noon."
"I reckon I won't be back before noon."
Chen Yi knew perfectly well who Xiao Wan'er was inviting, so it would be strange if he showed up.
After receiving the message from the old master from Wang Ji yesterday afternoon, he knew that Xiao Wan'er was preparing to host a banquet for him, the owner of Baicaotang, today.
Therefore, he did not plan to stay in the mansion this morning.
So that Xiao Wan'er wouldn't ask him to accompany her.
Xiao Die, without suspecting anything, bowed and left the study with two armored soldiers.
Chen Yi watched her walk away, then put down his book, got up, and went to the side room to take out the masks and other items.
After tidying up, he leisurely left Chunhe Garden.
"This servant greets the young master."
"This humble servant greets the son-in-law."
"..."
Along the way, the maids and servants of the Marquis's mansion greeted him with bows and salutations.
Chen Yi greeted everyone, and as he passed the central courtyard, he glanced in the direction of the quiet residence.
Seeing that the place was just as it had been a few days before, he knew that nothing major had happened in Shuzhou City.
It's not that the Marquis's residence is well-informed.
Instead, Liu Hong has been visiting every day for the past few days to tell me about the situation in the city.
Moreover, he arrived very early in the morning, as if he were afraid that the old Marquis would write a memorial requesting permission and send it to the capital.
Chen Yi understood all this, and naturally also understood that as long as Asutai did not appear and as long as King Landu did not take any action, there would be no major disturbances in the city.
At most, the prices of daily necessities such as grains, vegetables, and meat will fluctuate.
Arrive at the front yard.
He greeted Wang Lixing, Liu Si'er, and others, exchanged a few words, and inquired about their recent situation.
Although Wang Lixing was not talkative, he would not hide anything from him.
"Scouts spotted the Peacock King's flag on the Ancient Tea Horse Road, and all caravans have recently suspended their westward journeys."
"However, many people in the city are not worried about King Lando coming, and most of them assume that he would not dare to come."
Chen Yi smiled and nodded: "The bandits are good at coming and going like the wind, but they are not so good at attacking cities and capturing strongholds."
Liu Si'er chimed in, "What the son-in-law says is true."
"Although King Lando is a grandmaster, he can only defeat ten thousand men. Facing the high walls of the city, he alone is also at a disadvantage."
"Moreover, there are also heavy troops guarding the west side, and there are two experts at the third rank in the pass. If the Peacock King Banner tries to break through the pass, it will suffer heavy losses."
"Fourth Brother is right."
"However, I do hope he can bring men with him, so that the master and the second young lady can lead the Dingyuan Army westward."
The soldiers were all restless and started talking all at once, but they all had one idea—to fight.
For these guards, military merit was just as important as promotion.
Only when Old Master Xiao or Xiao Jinghong leads the troops will they have a chance to make a move.
Otherwise, they would only ever be bodyguards for their entire lives, never able to lead a region like Li Changqing and Pang Xuan.
Wang Lixing naturally hoped for the same thing, but he was more rational.
"My biggest fear is that the barbarians will use the matter of that prince as an excuse to launch an attack."
"Brother Xing, are you worrying too much? There's been no movement from outside Mengshui Pass in the south, so things probably won't get to the worst."
"That would be best..."
It can be summed up in just a few words.
Chen Yi bid them farewell and left the Marquis's residence, heading north of the city.
Although there is some commotion in the city now, the overall situation is not chaotic.
Especially those aristocratic families and scholars, who are well-informed and knowledgeable, will naturally not be swayed by a few words and take any action.
Since they did not make a move, most of the people in the city would not panic.
If they don't panic, the grain stores won't be too anxious.
Chen Yi had anticipated this.
That's why he prepared for so long.
"Things reach their extreme and then reverse; to gain, one must first give... It's good to make them happy now..."
With these thoughts in mind, Chen Yi wandered around and finally arrived at the house next to the East Market.
Wang Ji was already waiting there.
After exchanging greetings, Chen Yi, while still disguising himself, asked, "Has Zhang Dabao received any news?"
Wang Ji, holding the brocade robes he had prepared beforehand, said respectfully, "They have already joined up with Da Bao."
"As you instructed, they have divided their forces into two groups, one in the west and one in the south."
"They will act upon your command."
Chen Yi hummed in agreement, "It's good that the things have been taken."
"Rest assured, sir, I would never dare to delay the task you have entrusted to me."
Wang Ji bowed and continued, "However, many disciples of the Tianshan Sect have just arrived, and I am worried that they might leak the news."
Chen Yi smiled and said, "I met Xue Duanyun and the others before. With them going with us, there shouldn't be any major problems."
It's not that he habitually "trusts those he employs," but rather that he believed Xue Duanyun and others wouldn't dare.
Even if the task he asked Zhang Dabao to do this time is of great importance, given Xue Duanyun and the others' understanding of him over the past few days, they will still try to do it first.
If they sense something is wrong, they always have a way out.
Moreover, the disciples of the Tianshan Sect are all江湖人 (jianghu people, people of the martial arts world) and rarely concern themselves with matters of the imperial court.
As long as it's not treason or disregard for human life, they will do it even if they are uneasy.
Chen Yi had planned for this long ago and had made preparations accordingly.
That's why he had Wang Ji deliver the Divine Intoxication and Gentle Breeze Intoxication, just to prevent them from harming people.
A short while later.
After tidying himself up, Chen Yi looked at himself in the bronze mirror.
With his handsome appearance and calm demeanor, he said, "Remember, from now on, no matter who asks you, you must say that I visited the old Marquis today only to discuss the expansion of Baicaotang."
Wang Ji returned to his province and asked, "Then, where is the young lady?"
"The same applies."
Chen Yi had his own plans and knew that there were some things he could talk to the old man about, but not to Xiao Wan'er.
"I've noted it down."
"Okay, let's go."
Soon, Wang Ji drove the carriage out of the house.
Chen Yi leaned upright against the inside of the carriage, looking out.
The autumn wind blew the curtains open from time to time.
Before I knew it, a light rain began to fall.
Pedestrians on the road walked in a more hurried pace.
However, there were also many chivalrous figures in the martial arts world who, relying on their cultivation, traveled leisurely, stopping and starting at their own pace.
Most of them carried straw hats, their clothes were disheveled, and they looked travel-worn.
If a group of people are together, they will talk about things from the martial arts world.
The most discussed topic was naturally "Master Bai," who talked about his purpose in coming to Shuzhou and when he came to Shuzhou.
They were clearly going to be disappointed.
"Master Bai" not only came, but has also left.
Seeing that there was nothing new, Chen Yi calmed himself down, his handsome face becoming serene.
A moment later.
The carriage stopped outside the Xiao residence.
Wang Ji stepped forward and exchanged a few words with Lu Guan, the third steward who was guarding the gate, and then saw that the gate was wide open.
Before Wang Ji returned, Chen Yi stepped down from the carriage.
Lu Guan sized him up and greeted him with a smile, "Mr. Chen, it's been a long time. You're as dashing as ever."
Chen Yi bowed slightly but did not speak.
Lu Guan saw that he had brought a lot of money to the Xiao family, so he didn't think that he was being arrogant.
Lead the way.
Chen Yi followed behind him with Wang Ji in tow.
The three of them had just crossed the front yard when they saw two people walking towards them from a short distance away.
It was Liu Hong and Zhao Liuan.
Lu Guan stopped and whispered their identities to Liu Hong before bowing respectfully.
"Lord Liu."
Chen Yi followed the popular custom and performed a ritual.
Liu Hong nodded with a smile, but his gaze was fixed on Chen Yi.
Liu Hong did not know Chen Yi, but he recognized Wang Ji and knew that he was the manager of Baicaotang.
It's not hard to guess Chen Yi's identity at this moment.
Clearly, a mere merchant was not worth a few words from him, and he hastily led Zhao Liuan away from the Marquis's residence.
"Master, that should be Chen Yu, the owner of Baicaotang."
"Um."
"His visit to the Marquis's residence today, could it be related to the old Marquis..."
"It's alright. The Xiao family now relies heavily on the profits from Baicaotang. The old Marquis summoned him here, presumably for the money as well."
Liu Hong glanced back at the grand mansion, a meaningful smile appearing on his face.
The fact that even a merchant could have the Xiao family's gates wide open is enough to show the Xiao family's current decline.
Zhao Liuan noticed his actions and made a deduction in his mind.
"Sir, are you going back to the manor or to the yamen?"
Liu Hong's smile faded, and he looked towards the south of the city, saying, "No rush, let's go to Chunyu Tower first."
Zhao Liuan paused, a look of fear on his face.
"Sir, it would be improper for you to go there in person. Why don't I go instead?"
Liu Hong shook his head: "Some things are not about the outcome, but about the attitude."
In recent days, he has tried every means to search for Asutai, but he has been unable to find him.
With little time left before Du Cang gave him, he had no choice but to seek help from outside.
Of course, he revealed more of something to Du Cang.
Liu Hong was not afraid of some "foul words".
"History has always been written by the victors. As long as I win, who will gossip?"
"Who dares to say that?"
Chen Yi was unaware of the pressure Liu Hong had been under recently. He was sitting quietly in the main hall of the quiet house, waiting for the old master.
At this moment, he was just as calm and composed as when he first met Xiao Wan'er under the alias "Chen Yu".
Although he never intended to be on equal footing with the old man, he did come here today with the intention of showing off his skills.
Just that.
His face remained calm, but his ears were constantly burning slightly.
The old master made no attempt to conceal his presence as a guest in the inner hall, whispering with Xiao Jing, the commander of the secret guards.
"Is it him?"
"Your subordinate... I'm not sure."
"However, I can sense his aura, and his cultivation is far superior to mine."
After listening to Xiao Jing's words, the old man nodded slightly and got up to walk outside.
As he walked, he gestured, "Come on over too."
Xiao Jing hesitated slightly before replying "yes" and following behind him.
Normally, as the commander of the Xiao family's secret guards, he would not meet with anyone outside the main branch of the Xiao family, let alone outsiders.
The only exception was the old master's order.
Not long after.
Chen Yi and his companion arrived at the main hall, calmly rose and bowed, saying, "Chen Yu of Baicaotang greets the Marquis, and greets... Commander Xiao."
Old Master Xiao's previously peaceful smile vanished, and he slightly widened his eyes to scrutinize him.
Compared to his composure, Xiao Jing beside him looked shocked.
"You, you...it really is you?!"
Chen Yi knew who he was talking about, and clasped his hands in a fist and said, "I hope Commander Xiao will forgive me. In this urgent situation, I had no choice but to conceal my identity."
Before burning down the summer grain crops in the three towns, he had saved Xiao Jing from the clutches of the Chief Justice.
Although Xiao Jing didn't know his identity at the time, he could deduce his approximate identity from several interactions with him.
In particular, he also revealed some information at the time.
Xiao Jing stared at him in astonishment, "Then, why did you..."
Before he could finish speaking, the old man raised his hand to interrupt him, and smiled at Chen Yi again.
"Heroes have always emerged from among the young."
"I didn't believe it at first, but after seeing you today, I know you deserve the title of young hero."
In his view, both "Chen Yu" and "Liu Wu" can only be attributed to people from the underworld.
The young man in front of them, who was able to do so much for the Xiao family, naturally deserved to be called a "young hero".
"I only did some minor things, and I am not worthy of your praise, Marquis."
"Hehe, someone who dares to ask Mingyue Tower to burn down the summer grain in three towns can't just do small things."
After the old man finished speaking meaningfully, he leaned on his cane and sat down in the seat of honor.
Chen Yi watched his retreating figure, knowing that his words had been meant as a warning, so he didn't rush to speak.
Seeing this, the old man nodded inwardly and waved for him to sit down, saying:
"Since you are willing to be frank with me, you must have come here to discuss something important."
"Tell me about it..."
(End of this chapter)
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