Chapter 513 - 303: Silence Speaks Louder Than Words
Chapter 513: Chapter 303: Silence Speaks Louder Than Words
Chen Yi had likely forgotten that, according to the laws of the Great Wei Dynasty, as a live-in son-in-law of the Xiao Family, he should have changed his surname to "Xiao." However, the Xiao Family hadn’t enforced this out of respect for the reputation of the Jiangnan Prefecture Chen Family.
Xiao Jinghong naturally didn’t know the reason behind this. She made up her mind to ask "Chen Yu" about it in detail once they met. She certainly didn’t want Xiao Wan’er to repeat the same mistakes she and Chen Yi had made. If "Chen Yu" truly intended to roam the world in the future and rarely return home, she would never agree to this marriage, no matter what.
Once the topic of "Chen Yu" was brushed aside, the atmosphere in the room softened. Xiao Wan’er raised her head; though her expression remained slightly unnatural, she could now look Xiao Jinghong in the eye.
Chen Yi breathed a sigh of relief and lightened the mood with some witty banter, recounting amusing rumors he had heard.
Xiao Jinghong mostly spoke about the Wu Mountain Mutual Market, detailing matters such as recruiting laborers and resolving issues with timber and stone supplies. She explained everything thoroughly and in great detail.
Initially, Xiao Wan’er only chimed in with polite agreement, but as she realized the value of the information, she began to memorize it earnestly. In a while, she would also be heading to Tonglin Town to inspect the construction progress of the Medical Dao Academy, and this knowledge might come in handy.
Chen Yi naturally guessed Xiao Jinghong’s intentions and silently marveled at their deep sisterly bond. Xiao Jinghong had clearly taken Xiaodie’s words to heart. While she appeared to be simply recounting her recent tasks, she was actually guiding Xiao Wan’er on potential pitfalls in construction projects.
Crucially, she didn’t bring these points up bluntly or preach; rather, her guidance was subtly woven into the conversation. This was a stark contrast to her usual persona as a cold-faced General, as she meticulously looked after her older sister, Xiao Wan’er.
Just as Chen Yi was about to ask Xiao Jinghong for her thoughts on several rumors circulating in the Prefecture City, she turned her head and asked, "Husband, a few days ago, did you happen to see two strange people in the Prefecture City?"
"Strange people?" Chen Yi was slightly taken aback.
"An older man and a young man. The elder had snow-white hair but a youthful complexion, while the younger one was breathtakingly handsome, almost otherworldly."
Chen Yi immediately realized she was talking about Immortal Bai and Shui Hetong. Meeting her gaze, he pretended to ponder for a moment before shaking his head, then nodding.
"I did see two strange people. A few days ago, when I was heading to the Jishi Medicine Hall, I spotted them in the East Market.
"But they weren’t an old man and a young man. They were two people who looked exactly alike, and their appearances... were indeed otherworldly handsome.
"They, um..."
He hesitated for a half-beat before changing the subject. "Madam, do you know those two?"
Shui Hetong was one thing, but Immortal Bai had seen through his identity and his hidden Cultivation. Xiao Jinghong’s question made him suspect that Immortal Bai and Shui Hetong had gone to the Wu Mountain Mutual Market after leaving the Prefecture City. However, judging from Xiao Jinghong’s demeanor just now, Immortal Bai probably hadn’t revealed his identity to anyone.
It made sense when he thought about it. Immortal Bai had been living in seclusion for thirty years; it was unlikely that he had a close relationship with Xiao Jinghong.
But just as Chen Yi was counting his lucky stars, Xiao Jinghong said, "That elderly man is my martial uncle, and the younger one is his disciple."
"Martial... martial uncle? Disciple?"
"Then your master is..."
"Sword Master Li Wudang."
"Li Wudang..." Chen Yi had naturally heard of this name. Rumor had it that thirty years ago, before Immortal Bai went into seclusion, he had dueled with the Sword Master and emerged victorious. Yet he had never heard anyone mention that Xiao Jinghong was Sword Master Li Wudang’s disciple. Even more unimaginably, Immortal Bai was actually her martial uncle.
Seeing his surprised expression, the corners of Xiao Jinghong’s mouth curled up. "Forgive me, Husband. Ever since I returned to the Xiao Family, I have been considered to have completed my apprenticeship.
"At that time, my master specifically instructed me not to reveal the Swordsmanship he taught me unless absolutely necessary, so as to avoid bringing trouble upon myself."
"I see..." Chen Yi frowned inwardly. For a moment, he couldn’t be sure whether Immortal Bai had told Xiao Jinghong about his identity or not.
He paused for a few breaths to force himself to calm down, then asked, "I heard that Immortal Bai is most skilled at Divination? What a pity. My older brother was also there at the time, and since I was in a hurry to take him to a nearby tavern for a meal, I didn’t have time to ask for a reading."
Hearing this, Xiao Jinghong seemed to breathe a sigh of relief. "It’s a good thing you didn’t ask him for a reading."
"Why? Are those rumors in the Jianghu true? Are Immortal Bai’s fortune-readings truly a Life-Ending Talisman?"
"Most of them are."
Chen Yi continued to press the issue. "Then after your martial uncle left the Prefecture City, did he go to the Mutual Market to look for you? Did he do a Divination for you?"
Xiao Jinghong shook her head. "No. Granny Shan had already warned me beforehand to stay far away when I saw my martial uncle.
"Therefore, this time, my martial uncle and I merely exchanged greetings. I only heard him mention you, and I asked a few more questions out of curiosity."
"Why would he mention me?"
"It must be because of your accomplishments in the Calligraphy Dao. It made him view you in a new light."
He’d rather that not be the case. Chen Yi had absolutely no desire to be targeted by an old geezer reputed to be the "number one Martial Arts expert in the Jianghu."
Xiao Wan’er listened to their exchange in utter confusion, but she understood that Chen Yi had caught the attention of a Jianghu expert. She said with a smile, "Chen Yi’s achievements are extraordinary now. Let alone the Shu State, which of the Noble Families in the Nine State and Three Prefectures of our Great Wei Dynasty wouldn’t treat him as an honored guest?"
Xiao Jinghong smiled and shook her head. "Not necessarily." Seeing Chen Yi and Xiao Wan’er look over, she continued, "The Jing State Liu Family probably doesn’t favor him much."
"That’s true, haha..." Chen Yi laughed, but inwardly he breathed a sigh of relief. He could now be certain that Immortal Bai hadn’t revealed too much to Xiao Jinghong, though he had no idea what the old man was thinking.
Was he just waiting to watch a good show? He reckoned that shameless old man probably had exactly that intention.
After breakfast.
Xiao Wan’er made an excuse about being tired and returned to her room to rest. Ultimately, she was still somewhat worried that they would bring up her marriage again.