Chapter 60 Is this also your reason for running away from the wedding?
The early summer sun in Shuzhou was strong, and coupled with the rain of the previous few days, the city felt rather muggy.
Outside the Marquis of Dingyuan's residence, a hundred guards stood ramrod straight, their armor gleaming in the sunlight.
Long queues lined both sides.
There were local officials and nobles from Shu Prefecture, wealthy merchants and gentry, as well as soldiers from the Dingyuan Army.
They mostly come in groups of two or three, and rarely come alone.
It was just past 9 AM.
Two long lines of people slowly entered the Marquis's residence.
Chen Yi and Xiao Jinghong, standing inside the gate, were a perfect couple, whether viewed from afar or up close.
Chen Yi was dressed in a blue robe with a belt around his waist and a round jade pendant hanging from it.
With his neatly combed hair and delicate features, he wasn't exactly handsome, but his physique and demeanor made him stand out.
Xiao Jinghong's attire differed from her usual simple style; she wore a brocade long dress, which softened her originally aloof temperament.
Even though he was still wearing that half-mask, he didn't exude a coldness that kept people at a distance.
Opposite them was a reception table, where the elderly second steward of the Marquis's mansion sat personally, writing calligraphy.
A servant was on the side chanting: "Prefect Liu Si of Shuzhou has arrived, bringing with him a thousand taels of silver, two bolts of silk, and a pair of jade discs."
Liu arrived earlier and thus stood at the front of the line.
After placing the gift list in front of the second steward, he bowed to Xiao Jinghong and said, "General Jinghong, thank you for personally welcoming me."
Xiao Jinghong bowed slightly, "Uncle, please come in."
Liu Si nodded, glanced at Chen Yi, hesitated before cupping his hands in greeting, but didn't say a word of politeness, and followed a servant into the mansion.
Chen Yi showed no sign of anything amiss, calmly returned the greeting, and then stood obediently beside Xiao Jinghong.
He's just a greeter; he avoids speaking unless absolutely necessary.
As for Liu Si's attitude, Chen Yi could understand it.
After all, yesterday at noon, he and Chen Yunfan had a heated argument, which completely disrupted Liu Si's plans to welcome the top scholar.
At this moment, not ignoring him outright was probably the limit that the prefect could do.
After Liu Si, guests came in an endless stream to celebrate the old Marquis's birthday.
One after another, they first presented the gift list to the second steward, and then chatted for a few words with Xiao Jinghong and Chen Yi.
Although they don't talk much, everyone still has to say a few words.
Fortunately, Xiao Jinghong usually took the lead, while Chen Yi only had to cooperate, which worked out well together.
Not only that, Xiao Jinghong would also whisper to Chen Yi about the identities and backgrounds of each guest after they left.
Their reasons varied, including their official positions, family background, or relationships with the Xiao family.
Although Chen Yi was somewhat curious about her intentions, he still cooperated and memorized the information of these people one by one.
His wife was probably worried that he might mispronounce the guests' names at the birthday banquet, or that they might make a fool of themselves because they didn't know each other well.
Soon, it was past 9:30 AM.
The two long queues at the entrance had broken apart, and only a few guests were walking in.
Taking advantage of a break in greeting the guests, Xiao Jinghong asked in a low voice, "I heard that my husband and the top scholar had a falling out yesterday?"
Chen Yi chuckled lightly, "Did Uncle Dongchen say that? I guess so. My brother and I had a few words exchanged."
Xiao Jinghong nodded and said, "If he uses this as an excuse to cause trouble later, I will step in."
Chen Yi looked at her in surprise, only then realizing that she was worried that he couldn't handle Chen Yunfan.
After thinking for a moment, he smiled and said, "Brother, you may seem arrogant and high-profile, but that's just on the surface. You're actually quite capable."
After thinking it over yesterday, Chen Yi was more than 50% certain that his half-brother was not as simple as he appeared.
Come to think of it, if he were truly an arrogant and dissolute wastrel who had no knowledge, he would never have been able to reach that imperial palace.
After all, the top scholar can be chosen by the emperor, but no scholar in the previous imperial examinations would give way to him.
Before Xiao Jinghong could even speak, Chen Yunfan's voice came from outside the door:
"I never imagined that I, your elder brother, would be so...outstanding in your eyes, Yi-di."
Chen Yi paused, glancing at Xiao Jinghong beside him as if she wanted to say something but hesitated. He immediately understood that she had already noticed Chen Yunfan's arrival.
Thinking it over, he looked at the person who came and said with a smile, "Brother, you have now become the top scholar in the imperial examination. If you are not considered outstanding, then the students of the Great Wei Dynasty will be ashamed."
Chen Yunfan, dressed in a magnificent purple robe, stepped across the threshold with a maid named Chunying, his handsome face beaming with a radiant smile.
“I like to hear that. If you had said it yesterday, I would have been even happier.”
As he spoke, he waved his hand, signaling Chunying to present the gift list.
Chen Yi smiled and said, "Please forgive me for not being able to make you happy after such a long separation, but I was happy yesterday."
Having obtained a considerable opportunity and a copy of the Xuanwu Concealing Breath Technique that can be used to hide one's true abilities, it is indeed something to be happy about.
Chen Yunfan's smile faltered for a moment, then he looked resentful and said meaningfully, "You really should be happy."
Not only did he fail to show off, but a mountain tribe girl also drugged him, tore his clothes, and left him at the academy.
Fortunately, Chunying stayed with him the whole time, which prevented him from making a fool of himself.
Otherwise, the biggest source of amusement in Shuzhou City today would be the fact that this top scholar was lying disheveled in Guiyun Academy.
Chen Yi didn't understand, but felt that there was something more to his words.
After a moment's thought, he said nothing more, took a step back slightly, and gave way to Xiao Jinghong.
Seeing this, Chen Yunfan's gaze fell on Xiao Jinghong, and he immediately bowed, speaking formally:
"Chen Yunfan of the Chen family in Jiangnan Prefecture has met General Jinghong."
Xiao Jinghong glanced at him and thought to herself that perhaps her husband was right. This Chen family's eldest son, who was rumored to be ignorant and incompetent, might actually be quite extraordinary.
"Brother, you don't need to be so polite."
Upon hearing this, Chen Yunfan seemed to breathe a sigh of relief and said with a smile, "Before coming here, I was thinking about how magnificent the legendary General Jinghong was in Jinling. Now that I've seen him in person, I realize how shallow I was."
"Magnificent?"
Xiao Jinghong looked at Chen Yi and saw that his expression was somewhat unnatural, as if he was suppressing a laugh.
Greatness my foot!
According to rumors in Jinling and Jiangnan Prefecture, Xiao Jinghong was eight feet tall and eight feet wide, and it wouldn't be an exaggeration to describe him as a "monster".
Chen Yi knew the reason, but he couldn't say it on the spot, so he could only shake his head and wave his hand at Chen Yunfan:
"Brother, please come inside. The old master is already waiting inside."
Chen Yunfan glanced at him, understood, pointed at him, and then walked into the Marquis's residence with a smile.
Chunying, carrying a brocade box, bowed to Chen Yi and the other person and then followed them.
After the two had walked away.
Xiao Jinghong was still somewhat curious and asked, "Husband, how is I described in Jinling?"
Upon hearing this, Chen Yi pursed his lips, afraid that he wouldn't be able to hold back his laughter if he didn't.
After calming down for a while, he spoke gently: "These are all just rumors, they shouldn't be taken seriously."
Xiao Jinghong didn't reply, her bright eyes staring straight at him.
Seeing this, Chen Yi had no choice but to move closer and whisper the false rumor about her.
After hearing this, Xiao Jinghong's expression immediately changed, revealing a rare look of bewilderment and astonishment.
She truly couldn't believe that this was how her appearance was described in Jinling and Jiangnan Prefecture.
This is outrageous!
Chen Yi, who was standing to the side, saw the whole thing and couldn't help but laugh.
Before his smile could even widen, Xiao Jinghong asked softly, "Husband, was this also the reason you ran away from your wedding?"
Chen Yi's smile vanished instantly, "..."
No... how did she come up with this question?
Despite his thoughts, Chen Yi reacted quickly, denying it outright: "Of course not."
Xiao Jinghong scrutinized him carefully, as if to confirm the truth of his words.
After a moment, she nodded: "I believe you."
Ah, this...
Is there anyone who understands women's psychology? I need some advice—did she really believe it, or was she being sarcastic?
(End of this chapter)
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