Coveting...

Elder Master Xiao’s smile didn’t falter, but inwardly, he somewhat agreed.

His Xiao Family had been in Shu State for many years, not only commanding a large army but also possessing extensive connections.

Furthermore, aside from those who joined the Dingyuan Army, many of the family’s children had become Civil Servants.

For instance, Xiao Dongchen of the Governor’s Office and Xiao Ziqi of the Military Supervision Institute.

Adding to that was the marriage alliance between the Xiao Family’s second branch and the Zhang Family of Duke Qian in Guangyue Prefecture. United, they gave the impression of dominating the entire southern region of the Wei Dynasty.

To outsiders, it was no exaggeration to describe such a behemoth, the Xiao Family, as the local emperors of Shu State.

If the Xiao Family had remained powerful, if Xiao Fengchun and the others hadn’t died, the Noble Families of Shu State, and even neighboring state capitals like Jing State, would never have dared to emerge.

But the reality was that the Xiao Family was now in decline. It was at its weakest, so it was understandable that a major family like the Jing State Liu Family would come sniffing around.

Elder Master Xiao was aware of all this, which was why he had taken every step with such caution these past few years.

As if walking on thin ice.

What Elder Master Xiao hadn’t expected was that Chen Yi would see through all this and say such things to Xiao Wuge.

After a moment of thought, he glanced at Xiao Wan’er and asked:

"Wuge, why did your second brother-in-law tell you all this?"

"I asked him."

Xiao Wuge didn’t think twice and said directly:

"The other day, I was fishing with Brother-in-law and mentioned that the family seemed to be short on silver lately. I also said that Eldest Sister had to pawn some of her jewelry."

"Then I asked him why that Linglan Pavilion was stealing business from our Medicine Hall, and he just casually replied with that sentence."

"Is that so..."

The Elder Master nodded thoughtfully.

If he remembered correctly, Linglan Pavilion had only just opened at the time, and Liu Jing of the Liu Family hadn’t yet shown his face.

And Chen Yi...

It seemed Chen Yi hardly ever left the house back then, didn’t he?

’He saw the heart of the problem right away?’

’Did someone tell him, or did he deduce it himself?’

’If it’s the former, that’s one thing. But if it’s the latter...’

’...then it means Chen Yi isn’t as oblivious to the outside world as he appears.’

As the Elder Master mulled this over, he silently filed it away and turned to the quiet Xiao Wan’er beside him, asking with a smile:

"Still thinking about what happened earlier?"

Xiao Wan’er nodded hesitantly, a wronged look on her face as she bit her lip and said:

"Grandfather, we just saw Liu Wen at the East Market. He’s not as outstanding as Liu Yu... as Uncle described."

The Elder Master shook his head and said with a laugh, "Whether he’s outstanding or not, our family and the Liu Family could never be joined by marriage."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Wan’er let out a sigh of relief, a hint of joy appearing on her face.

But before she could voice her thanks, she heard the Elder Master say:

"However, Wan’er, you’re not getting any younger."

"Before, because of your health, Grandfather never rushed you. But now that your health is visibly improving, shouldn’t you start considering marriage?"

Xiao Wan’er’s smile froze, and she quickly shook her head.

"No, no... Grandfather, I... my health is still very poor. It hasn’t improved at all."

"Just the other day I came down with a serious illness, I caught a bad cold..."

"A cold?" The Elder Master’s expression immediately grew serious as he interrupted, "When did this happen?"

Xiao Wan’er realized her slip and mumbled, "It’s already better."

"It got better that same afternoon. It was probably from being in the wind that afternoon."

Elder Master Xiao stared at Xiao Wan’er for a moment. After confirming she was fine, his expression finally softened.

Just as he was about to speak, Xiao Wuge piped up from the side, "Grandfather, my sister really is better."

"It’s all thanks to Brother-in-law. After he went to check on her that day, my sister’s illness went away."

A blush crept onto Xiao Wan’er’s face, clearly recalling the events of that day.

But Elder Master Xiao was surprised. "Wuge, your brother-in-law knows how to treat illnesses?"

He didn’t believe for a second that Chen Yi could treat Xiao Wan’er.

For so many years, only the Daoist Nun from Wumeng Mountain had a Method to suppress her Extreme Cold Body. Everyone else, even some so-called Divine Doctors, were helpless.

"He does! Brother-in-law even knows Acupuncture. I saw him come back with an acupuncture kit that day."

"Acu... Acupuncture?"

It was no wonder the Elder Master was shocked. If someone said Chen Yi knew a bit of Medical Skill, he could grudgingly believe it.

But to say Chen Yi knew Acupuncture? He wouldn’t believe it if you beat him to death.

One must understand that Acupuncture wasn’t like other basic medical techniques. It could only be practiced after mastering the principles of the Medical Dao, as well as concepts like the celestial and terrestrial seasons, the human meridians and acupoints, and the Five Elements and Six Qi.

Otherwise, applying needles carelessly was just harming people.

Xiao Wan’er also showed a strange expression.

She wasn’t surprised that Chen Yi knew Acupuncture, but rather because certain images were popping into her head.

’Her, lying on the bed soaked to the bone, with Chen Yi holding Silver Needles to perform Acupuncture on her... wouldn’t that mean they would have some... physical contact...?’

Just imagining such a scene, let alone it actually happening, was enough to make her blush.

It was even more embarrassing than just being looked at.

Xiao Wuge, however, was oblivious to their thoughts and continued on his own:

"Brother-in-law knows a lot of things."

"Not just Acupuncture and treating people; he can play chess, compose poetry, has excellent handwriting, and understands so much..."

"Basically, Brother-in-law is amazing."

Hearing this, Elder Master Xiao dotingly stroked the back of his head and said:

"It seems you hold your brother-in-law in high regard, Wuge."

"Of course! I think Brother-in-law is the most amazing person. Even more than Second Sister, um... except he can’t out-argue her, and he can’t beat her in a fight."

The Elder Master laughed heartily. "A harmonious couple follows each other’s lead. Your Second Sister would never lay a hand on him."

Although Xiao Wan’er was blushing, she couldn’t help but smile at their conversation.

After some lighthearted talk and laughter,

the Elder Master once again reassured her, "Wan’er, you don’t need to worry too much about the Liu Family. I’m here for you."

"Yes. Thank you, Grandfather."

"We’re family. No need for such formalities."

After a pause, the Elder Master added proudly, "Besides, that Liu Family has no sincerity. To think they wanted the second son of their main branch to marry you... they’re looking down on us."

"Putting the Xiao Family aside, just for you alone, Wan’er, it would only be somewhat acceptable if the eldest son of the Liu Family came over himself."

Xiao Wan’er said shyly, "Grandfather..."

"I am merely stating a fact."

Seeing this, Xiao Wan’er quickly stood up with Xiao Wuge to take their leave.

Elder Master Xiao, looking as if he hadn’t had his fill of the conversation, nodded and watched them leave, the smile on his face slowly fading.

He was silent for a moment. He tapped the table beside him and ordered, "Keep a close watch on the visitors from the Liu Family. See what they’re planning."

A faint voice answered from a corner, "Yes, Marquis."

"Also... never mind. That’s all. Get to it."

The Elder Master had originally intended to have a Hidden Guard follow Chen Yi, but on second thought, he decided it wasn’t necessary.

After all, Chen Yi’s recent behavior had been quite acceptable.

Not only had he shown no interest in taking the imperial exams to become an official, but he also hadn’t suggested joining the Dingyuan Army. More importantly, he hadn’t stirred up trouble within the Xiao Family, nor had he tried to cozy up to or side with the second or third branches.

He could be considered a decent and proper person.

It would be normal even if Chen Yi did know a few things.

After all, he came from the Jiangnan Prefecture Chen Family. Having been immersed in that environment since childhood, it wasn’t impossible for his perspective and grasp of the situation to be beyond that of an ordinary person.

As for his Medical Skill...

’Hah. Even if he were an accomplished physician, he couldn’t cure the ailments of the current Xiao Family.’

...

Chen Yi had no idea that Xiao Wuge’s few words had nearly exposed his secrets.

He had already changed his clothes and was now waiting in his residence for Liu Lang to arrive.

Amidst the pitter-patter of the rain,

Chen Yi walked to the window and gazed out at the modest courtyard. His face was calm, but his mind was a turbulent sea of thoughts.

Ideas rose and fell one after another, an endless cycle like the tides.

’The Jing State Liu Family will definitely team up with Liu Hong within Shu State’s territory. Only by borrowing the power of the Governor’s Office can they hope to suppress the Xiao Family.’

’Among the group that arrived is Liu Yu, the second master in charge of the Liu Family’s businesses. They must be planning to stir things up in Shu State as well.’

’Furthermore, the Divine Doctor plaque they gave to Ma Liangcai today supports this speculation.’

’So, the key players are Liu Hong and Liu Town. The siblings, Liu Wen and Liu Zhaoxue, are secondary.’

As Chen Yi considered these points, he naturally knew how to proceed.

If the Liu Family targeted his Medicine Hall’s business, it would be playing right into his hands.

As for everything else, he would have to adapt to the circumstances.

In any case, he would not let the Liu Family’s schemes succeed.

Just as Chen Yi was contemplating this, Liu Lang finally arrived. He cupped his fist and said:

"Greetings, Boss."

"No need for formalities. Tell me the details about Black Tooth."

Liu Lang nodded and said, "Black Tooth has been making a lot of moves these past few days."

"Besides mentioning that Financier to me, he’s also taking me to meet a few people tonight. They’re all participants in this mission."

"There’s also a small, unremarkable detail. Last night, quite a few people died on the street where Black Tooth lives. It’s said they might have been members of the Xiao family."

Chen Yi paused. "The Xiao family?"

Liu Lang affirmed, "Something like Personal Guards or subordinates."

Chen Yi said thoughtfully, "They were probably trying to prevent any leaks, worried about being discovered by the Xiao Family."

"You’re truly remarkable, sir. It took me a long time to figure that out."

"...Continue."

"That’s it. That’s all he said."

Liu Lang shook his head. "However, I should be able to gather more detailed intelligence tonight."

"I’m just not sure if you need me to do anything else."

Chen Yi thought for a moment, a slight smile gracing his lips.

"Actually, there is one thing."

"Please, tell me."

"Tonight, take me with you!"