Chapter 63 It's a promise, I'll be a carefree live-in son-in-law.
The imperial edict was issued.
Chen Yi was completely devastated.
What merit or ability does he possess to warrant the Emperor of Wei's concern and even grant him a special pardon to participate in the imperial examination?
It wasn't until Xiao Yuan asked Xiao Wan'er to arrange seats for Feng Erbao and the others, and Xiao Jinghong came to his side, that he came back to his senses.
Xiao Jinghong glanced at him and asked, "Husband, are you unhappy?"
Chen Yi hummed in agreement and said directly, "Madam, if I say I don't want to participate in the imperial examinations and don't want to become an official, do you believe me?"
Upon hearing this, Xiao Jinghong's eyes revealed a hint of seriousness.
After a moment's thought, she parted her lips slightly and said, "I believe you."
Chen Yi looked at her, and this time he was certain that the lady was not being sarcastic.
He couldn't help but laugh. "Madam, I'm serious. If possible, could I be a carefree live-in son-in-law in this household?"
Xiao Jinghong's eyes brightened for a moment, and she nodded slightly, "Okay!"
"So, it's a deal? You're not allowed to let me go out and become an official or join the army in the future."
"good."
"You can't force me to do hard labor, okay?"
"good."
"Um, about helping my older sister..."
Before Chen Yi could finish speaking, Xiao Jinghong raised her hand and said, "Husband, my elder sister already agreed to this last night and has made some arrangements. It's not appropriate to refuse now."
Chen Yi paused for a moment and said, "Then I'll trouble you to pass on a message to my eldest sister, Madam. Actually, my education is just average."
Xiao Jinghong stared at him for a moment, then turned away, leaving him with a high ponytail.
"My husband, I don't believe that."
Her husband was clearly a man of great learning, capable of writing poetry and calligraphy, and possessed considerable insight, as evidenced by his saying, "Build high walls and store up plenty of grain."
How can someone be considered uneducated?
It should be said that he is exceptionally talented.
"Forehead……"
Chen Yi watched her walk away, then glanced at Xiao Wuge grinning beside her, and said irritably:
"If I ever think of running away tomorrow, remember to send me some travel money."
Before Xiao Wuge could shake his head, Xiao Jinghong's voice came from ahead, "Husband?"
Chen Yi: "...Just kidding."
Xiao Wuge burst out laughing when he saw his expression.
Chen Yi couldn't help but laugh as well.
In the end, they managed to get away with it this time, but the purpose of this imperial edict remains unknown.
Letting this son-in-law of the Marquis's family take the imperial examination would be met with disapproval, not to mention what the Xiao family would think, even the officials of the Ministry of Rites and the Ministry of Personnel would be spitting at him.
Of course, there are also all those exceptionally learned sons-in-law in the world. Why is it that Chen Yi is able to receive such divine favor?
Jealousy can distort a person beyond recognition.
Thinking it over, Chen Yi found a corner to stay in and didn't plan to go out for the time being.
He didn't need to think to know what those monsters and scoundrels outside the door looked like at this moment, and he didn't want to attract their attention.
The facts were just as he had imagined.
Someone with such sharp ears could hear Feng Erbao's soft whispers clearly from ten feet away.
Therefore, in the short time it takes to drink a cup of tea, all the guests in the central courtyard had heard about the Emperor's oral edict to Chen Yi.
Let's talk about the details...
Chen Yunfan sat at a side table near the head table, mimicking the words with great enthusiasm:
“Our family has brought an imperial edict… If you are interested, the Emperor will grant you permission to participate in the next imperial examination.”
"Lord Yang, Lord Tang, Mr. Yue Ming... My brother Yi is quite learned; even His Majesty has spoken up for him, haha..."
The people sitting next to him were none other than Zhang Xuan, the Duke of Gan, Sun Fu, several teachers from Guiyun Academy, and Yang Ye, the Provincial Administration Commissioner, Tang Zixin, the Provincial Surveillance Commissioner, and others.
Li Huaigu, a scholar who ranked third in the imperial examinations and held the official position of Councilor of the Provincial Administration Commission, was actually the person of the lowest status at the table.
Both Yang Ye and Tang Zixin had been in officialdom for many years. Upon hearing this, their expressions changed, but they didn't say much.
The Duke of Gan acted as if he already knew, praising Chen Yi's poem as excellent. It was a pity that Sun Fu interfered, otherwise he too could have obtained a birthday poem.
Sun Fu ignored him and simply said, "Your Majesty's grace is extraordinary."
Upon hearing this, Mr. Yue Ming glanced at the other gentlemen, his slightly cloudy eyes revealing a hint of "hmm..."
It's not easy to describe accurately with the right vocabulary.
His gaze seemed to say, "You old folks, do you believe me now? Chen Yi's calligraphy is truly remarkable!"
As for knowledge?
A person's handwriting reflects their character; how can a student who can write characters that "reveal beauty and artistic conception" lack talent?
Li Huaigu was the most direct, nodding with a smile: "This student has long known of Brother Qingzhou's extraordinary knowledge, especially back at Fengchun Tower..."
He recounted the discussion he had with Chen Yi that day regarding the essay questions for this year's imperial examination.
"Water can carry a boat, but it can also capsize it."
Although everyone has their own interpretation of this statement, most people applaud it.
Yang Ye and Tang Zixin, the two local officials of Shu Prefecture, had served in office for many years, and their understanding of this phrase was mostly based on the common people.
Mr. Yue Ming and others are well-versed in Confucian and Taoist classics and historical texts, and they focus on the aspect of "adapting to circumstances and guiding the situation".
Li Huaigu is not mentioned.
Only Chen Yunfan pondered for a moment, then his face became serious: "Fortunately, Brother Yi did not participate in this imperial examination, otherwise my position as the top scholar would not be secure."
Upon hearing this, everyone present laughed.
So this is all the self-awareness this person has about their own talents?
But in front of him, the top scholar, no one else could bring up his shortcomings.
However, the people at Chen Yunfan's table were all learned individuals and were relatively rational.
The others present had mixed feelings.
Xiao Wang couldn't understand how a son-in-law who married into the Xiao family, lacking in character and knowledge, could receive the Emperor's favor.
Although Xiao Qiuyun was also unclear about the reason, she still comforted him, saying, "Father, this is just an oral edict from His Majesty, not an imperial decree."
Xiao Wang shook his head gently and sighed, "Qiuyun, Chen Yi's marriage into the Xiao family has changed many things without us even realizing it."
If he hadn't married into the Xiao family, Xiao Jinghong would have married sooner or later, and it's uncertain whether the eldest branch of the family could have lasted until Xiao Wuge came of age.
In that case, it would be natural for the second wife to take power.
Xiao Qiuyun was well aware of this, and said in a low voice, "Father, today is my eldest uncle's birthday, let's talk about it later."
As for the others, their thoughts varied; some were envious, some were jealous, and some were indignant.
Most of the stories focus on Chen Yi's alleged elopement, visits to brothels, and abduction of women.
Chaos and noise, a myriad of human beings.
The chaotic noise didn't stop until Pei Guanli arrived in a hurry with the calligraphy copybook.
She glanced around and, seeing that the birthday banquet had not yet started, breathed a sigh of relief.
Before she could even go find Chen Yi and the others, she overheard the guests nearby speaking ill of Chen Yi.
Although there were no vulgar insults, it was still not very pleasant to hear.
Pei Guanli's eyes immediately widened.
"How can these people be so talkative? They're even more eloquent than the old ladies in the mountains."
His eyes darted around.
Pei Guanli, dressed in the traditional attire of a mountain tribe, smiled.
Then, she walked in circles among the guests, her clean white feet treading the air, while constantly waving her arms.
This person said something negative about their brother-in-law, and was given a "cooling pill" as a reward.
That guy said some really nasty things to his brother-in-law, he has to be impotent for three days.
Those who speak contemptuously should not be let off the hook either.
Fortunately, she knew her limits and used a small amount of the medicinal powder, which also had a delayed effect, so no one noticed and the birthday banquet did not proceed.
When she arrived at the table where Chen Yunfan was, the tinkling of her bells drew the attention of everyone present.
Chen Yunfan's eyes widened when he saw what she was doing.
This girl...this girl is drugging the guests...
Has she gone mad?!
Without thinking twice or worrying about his appearance, Chen Yunfan immediately stood up and ran towards the main hall.
"Brother Yi, come quickly! I need to talk to you! Don't hide!"
Now he was certain—this was definitely not something Chen Yi had orchestrated.
Along with his tattered robes from last night, it must have all been that brat's doing on her own.
Good heavens, what kind of bewitching drug did Chen Yi give that brat to make her protect him like this?
Hearing the voice, Chen Yi looked at him with slight puzzlement: "Brother, why are you in such a hurry?"
"hurry?"
Chen Yunfan walked over, cursing, and whispered in his ear:
"That girl from the mountain tribe is poisoning the guests!"
Chen Yi blinked, his composure vanished instantly, and he rushed out of the main hall.
"Pei Guanli!"
Upon hearing this, the tiger girl, who was weaving through the crowd, beamed with joy and stretched out her fair arm towards him:
"Brother-in-law, I'm here."
"..."
Chen Yi noticed the surprised looks from the others, forced a smile, and waved to her:
"Come here, your brother-in-law has something good for you!"
(End of this chapter)
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