Chapter 254: Chapter 204: Anti-Xiao Alliance

Listening to Xiao Wuge’s loud and excited recounting of what had happened in the mansion that morning, Chen Yi nodded to himself.

This time, the Old Master and Xiao Jinghong hadn’t been as lenient as before, which made all his efforts worthwhile.

Early in the morning, Xiao Jinghong had intercepted Xiao Dongchen on his way to the Governor’s Office and brought him to the Punishment Hall for questioning.

Although Xiao Dongchen refused to confess no matter what, once Xiao Jinghong’s men found the three hundred thousand taels in silver notes at Four Directions Hall, he was imprisoned in the Punishment Hall without another word.

The Old Master hadn’t been idle, either. He had directly summoned several clan elders, the Chief Steward of each branch, and men like Xiao Wang and Xiao Shen.

He not only reclaimed control of the Punishment Hall from Xiao Wang, announcing on the spot that Xiao Xuanshuo would now be in charge, but he also ordered Xiao Wang and his entire second branch to leave Shu State.

At first, Xiao Wang was unwilling to yield, but he was left speechless when the Old Master produced Xiao Dongchen’s letter, followed by the newly discovered silver notes.

Now, everyone from the second branch was packing their belongings. Word was that they would soon be departing for Guangyue Prefecture to join Xiao Qiuyun.

"Brother-in-law, why do you think Uncle Dongchen betrayed the family? Grandfather and our sisters have always treated the second branch well, haven’t they?"

Xiao Wuge sounded both confused and angry.

It was what you might call a young man’s sense of justice.

Chen Yi pondered for a moment, then looked out at the falling rain and said with a smile,

"Human greed is like a snake trying to swallow an elephant, I suppose."

"There are too many temptations in this world—fame, fortune, power, status, beauty... Once you fall for them, they slowly erode your mind and spirit."

"A good person can become sinister and cruel, a strong person can have their very essence drained, and even those with lofty ambitions and resolute minds can be led astray."

Chen Yi paused, catching a glimpse of Xiao Jinghong carrying a bundle from the corner of his eye. He continued, "Strength comes from having no desires. I suppose that’s what the saying is about."

Xiao Wuge nodded. "Then I want to be someone who has no desires, so I can be strong too."

Chen Yi couldn’t help but laugh. He looked down at him and said, "You can’t do that."

"Huh? Why not?"

"You’re the Young Master. Being too perfect will only bring you more trouble."

In the Xiao Family’s current circumstances, the more Xiao Wuge stood out, the more he would be feared and resented by others.

On the other hand, if he were to indulge in some harmless pursuits, like appreciating art and nature, it would serve to hide his true abilities.

Xiao Wuge didn’t fully grasp this reasoning. With a look of partial understanding, he asked, "Then what are your desires, Brother-in-law?"

Chen Yi paused, then said, deliberately yet casually, "Me?"

"Probably just playing chess and going fishing every day. Of course, a wife, kids, and a warm home would make it even better."

He wasn’t just saying this for Xiao Jinghong’s benefit, who he knew was nearby.

These were his genuine thoughts.

But no sooner had he finished speaking than a set of footsteps sounded from outside, followed by Xiao Jinghong’s voice:

"Husband, Wuge, I have something to take care of. I must be going."

"Second Sister?"

Before Chen Yi could say anything, Xiao Wuge let out a whoop and dashed outside. He grabbed Xiao Jinghong’s arm, grinning.

"When did you get back, Second Sister? You didn’t even say a word! Can’t you stay? The Mid-Autumn Festival is almost here, and Eldest Sister was just asking about you the other day..."

The barrage of questions was almost too much for the already flustered Xiao Jinghong to handle.

Especially when she saw Chen Yi walk out the door behind him, she averted her eyes and said,

"I have something very important to handle. You stay with your brother-in-law for now. I’ll return as soon as I’m done, and I’ll try my best to be back before the Mid-Autumn Festival."

Xiao Jinghong was clearly flustered; her face even felt a little hot.

It was the same feeling she’d had when the Old Master had pushed her and Chen Yi to consummate their marriage, leaving her feeling completely at a loss.

However, just as Xiao Jinghong was about to depart, Wang Lixing came rushing over.

"General, something’s happened!"

Upon hearing this, not only did Xiao Jinghong fail to look grave, but she actually seemed to sigh in relief. "What is it?" she asked quickly.

Wang Lixing said anxiously, "It’s Xiao Dongchen. He... he’s dead."

Xiao Jinghong’s eyes narrowed. The last traces of her bashfulness vanished, replaced by a stern tone. "Didn’t I order you to take strict precautions?"

Wang Lixing dropped to his knees. "This subordinate has failed in his duties. Please punish me, General!"

Xiao Jinghong gave him a frowning glance, then bid a quick farewell to Chen Yi and Xiao Wuge before departing hastily with Wang Lixing.

"Brother-in-law, did you hear that? Uncle Dongchen..."

"It has nothing to do with you. If you’re that bored, I can have a word with Eldest Sister. I’m sure she could have a few tutors here for you by this afternoon."

Sidetracked by Chen Yi, Xiao Wuge immediately forgot his question and started protesting loudly.

Chen Yi was, of course, joking. He followed up by suggesting they go fishing and play chess that afternoon.

It was an unconventional use of the ’hit with a stick, then give a Sweet Date’ method.

Still, Xiao Dongchen’s sudden death inevitably made him suspicious.

The more he thought about it, the more he felt that the likelihood of Xiao Dongchen committing suicide was slim. 𝚏𝕣𝐞𝗲𝐰𝕖𝐛𝐧𝕠𝕧𝚎𝚕.𝐜𝚘𝗺

It was most likely the work of the Hidden Guards.

’Ge the Third, or was it Lou Yuxue?’

’Or perhaps another Hidden Guard concealed within the Xiao Mansion?’

As Chen Yi mulled this over, he took Xiao Wuge to the pond to fish, his mood generally relaxed.

Regardless of how Xiao Dongchen had died, the Hidden Guards, the Bright Moon Building, and the Liu Family would now face the Xiao Family’s counterattack.

Of course, he, the one pulling strings from the shadows, would be no exception.

Fortunately, he had already made preparations. As long as Liu Lang and Pei Guanli kept their mouths shut, he would be safe for the time being.

Chen Yi could also guess where Xiao Jinghong was headed after leaving the mansion.

She was most likely heading to the Mutual Market to stand guard and prevent any retaliation from their enemies. He could think of no other possibility.

After all, with the second branch no longer stirring up trouble, the Xiao Family was now a united front internally. The Old Master only had to focus his full attention on outside threats.