Chapter 573 - 326: Even Closer Than a Biological Father
Chapter 573: Chapter 326: Even Closer Than a Biological Father
Compared to the tranquil brightness and cool breezes of Spring Lotus Garden, Tingyu Pavilion appeared much more elegant and quiet. The late autumn air was crisp. Fallen leaves and petals were scattered across the flagstone path, while various flowers still bloomed vibrantly on either side, vying for attention.
Chen Yunfan wore a pure white long gown with a loose sash. His hair was untied, cascading down his back as he slowly practiced his sword forms. Amidst the graceful movements, a faint but sharp killing intent lingered. He was, of course, unaware that Chen Yi was plotting to get closer to him. He only knew that a massive upheaval was about to strike Shu State. Because of this, he had closed his doors to visitors, planning to head out later to avoid drawing attention to his actions.
He had already presented Lv Jiunan’s corpse, along with the evidence of Shu State Vice Commander-in-Chief Zhu Hao’s crimes, to the Shu State Inspector General, Tang Zixing. First, he didn’t trust the Governor’s Office or the Prefectural Magistrate’s Office. Second, sending the items directly to the Capital Prefecture would make it difficult to explain his source of information. After mulling it over, Tang Zixing became his best option.
By using the Inspectorate Office to deliver the suspect and the evidence to the Capital Prefecture, he would avoid becoming a target of public criticism, no matter how the Holy Emperor investigated and ruled afterward. Although the Inspectorate Office would take the lion’s share of the credit, Chen Yunfan deduced that his own portion wouldn’t be small either. He refused to believe that the White Tiger Guard, having handed him such a massive gift, would let a mere Inspectorate Office derail their entire scheme. If his deduction was wrong, all the better; he would simply continue working at the Governor’s Office. With a restless colleague like Li Huai’gu around, he could still enjoy a leisurely life.
"Born to high gates and red doors against my will, I wander the world with a sword, a flute, and a jug of wine."
Lin Zhong grinned in amusement. The Young Master’s Sword Dao was on the verge of reaching the Perfection Realm, yet his poetry remained as stagnant as ever. However, Lin Zhong had a rough idea of what was on Chen Yunfan’s mind and didn’t dare provoke him right now. After all, it was only natural for a Young Master of the Noble Families to throw a bit of a temper tantrum upon discovering that everything he possessed had been prearranged by others. Lin Zhong could only hope that Chen Yunfan would eventually figure things out for himself and use the likes of Lv Jiunan and Zhu Hao as stepping stones to soar to the heavens.
Beside them, Chun Ying stood perfectly straight. The tray in her hands held a teacup, a sweat towel, and various pastries. Since that day, she had become extremely careful—not out of fear, but by strictly adhering to her proper place. She suddenly realized that despite serving by Chen Yunfan’s side for years, she had never truly understood the Eldest Young Master of the Chen Family. She had originally thought he simply disliked the constraints of rules, acted unconventionally, and was inherently callous. Now, she recognized that was merely a facade. Beneath that exterior was a deeply passionate and authentic man who could be driven by his emotions. He had hidden this so well that even Chun Ying, a White-robed Minister herself, had misjudged him. As a result, she was forced to change her strategy, lest she face the only other outcome: being banished back to the White-robed Minister organization. Fortunately, there was still room to maneuver, and she had plenty of time.
Not long after.
Chen Yunfan sheathed his long sword and walked straight toward his room. Passing by Chun Ying, he didn’t even spare her a glance, though he did pick up the towel to wipe his face. Only after taking a few steps did he speak with his back to them, "Chun Ying, go boil some hot water and help me change."
Chun Ying replied affirmatively and silently followed behind him.
Lin Zhong watched the two walk away, rubbing the stubble on his chin thoughtfully.
"The Young Master’s temperament really seems to have changed. Sigh, I hope the Master’s decision was right..."
Inside the room.
Chen Yunfan sat bare-chested in the wooden bathtub, his eyes closed as he let Chun Ying pour in the scalding hot water. Bucket after bucket was poured until the water level rose past his chest. Chun Ying then scattered some flower petals over the surface before wiping the sweat from her nose and forehead. "Young Master, it’s ready," she said softly.
Chen Yunfan grunted an acknowledgment, his eyes still closed.
Chun Ying was just about to leave when she heard him ask, "Is there a reply from my father yet?"
Chun Ying replied with a slight hesitation, "Not yet.
"Rest assured, Young Master, the White-robed Minister wouldn’t dare neglect your orders."
"It better be."
Chen Yunfan opened his eyes and glanced at her, asking in a flat tone, "What about the Inspectorate Office?"
Chun Ying lowered her eyes submissively and said, "Ning Yu is still keeping watch there. The moment there’s news, he’ll come report it immediately.
"However, judging by the time, there should be news from the Capital Prefecture soon."
Chen Yunfan withdrew his gaze. Staring at the scenery outside the window, his expression remained placid. "The sooner there’s a result, the sooner I can go to the Government Office."
Hearing this, Chun Ying bit her lip, not daring to offer advice like she used to. Chen Yunfan guessed what was on her mind but offered no comfort. Until he figured out the overarching schemes of the White-robed Minister, his father, and the White Tiger Guard, he couldn’t relax for a single day. The same went for Chen Yi.
Over the past few days, Chen Yunfan would occasionally recall what he had seen and heard since arriving in Shu State, which helped him understand why Chen Yi was hiding his identity and operating in the shadows. With the White Tiger Guard watching from the dark, and the high-ranking officials of the Shu State Government Office and the Noble Families and Clans stirring up trouble in the open, he would have acted just as cautiously if he were the one who had married into the Xiao Family.
However, understanding was one thing; Chen Yunfan still felt a bit resentful.
This was because, if he asked himself honestly, had he truly been in Chen Yi’s position, he might not... or rather, he definitely wouldn’t have handled things as well as Chen Yi did. This was especially true regarding the events of the past few days in Shu State—the plague and the food crisis. Either issue alone would have him racking his brains in frustration.
Asking him to treat plague victims? What a joke. It would be a miracle if he didn’t get infected himself. Asking him to stabilize grain prices? That wouldn’t work either. Aside from seeking out Liu Hong or asking the Jiangnan Prefecture Chen Family and Cui Qingwu for help, he would be virtually out of options.
"Human capability has its limits. It’s much more satisfying to just kill with a single sword thrust..."