You Promised to Be an Idle Son-in-Law, How Could You Become a Land Immortal?-Chapter 46: Poetry Gathering? Not Going

Chen Yi knew all too well why a person becomes a beast of burden.

It wasn’t because they were particularly talented or capable, but because they didn’t know how to refuse.

Someone gives you a task, and you accept it. They give you a little reward, and you get all pumped up. If you don’t become the workhorse, who will?

So when Xiao Jinghong asked if he was willing to help out Xiao Wan’er, Chen Yi’s first instinct was to refuse.

Xiao Jinghong could see his reluctance. She didn’t press him, only saying calmly, "There’s no rush to give me an answer. It’s not too late to decide after Grandfather’s birthday banquet."

Chen Yi relaxed slightly, but the thought of that miserable life made him decide to struggle a bit more.

"My dear wife, actually..."

"Aside from showing off a bit of knowledge, practicing calligraphy, and fishing, I’m not good at anything else."

"Sister Wan’er is dealing with important matters. I’m worried I’ll just get in the way."

Xiao Jinghong gave him a placid look. "With such insight, my husband, I’m sure you won’t cause any trouble for my sister."

"..."

Chen Yi obediently shut his mouth. ’Well, it looks like trying to persuade my wife is a lost cause.’

It seemed his only hope was to figure something out with Xiao Wan’er.

But during breakfast, Xiao Wan’er still wouldn’t look at him. Her eyes were fixed on the dining table as she ate and conversed with Xiao Jinghong and Xiao Wuge.

Chen Yi remained silent, thinking he’d find a suitable opportunity to smooth things over later. He hoped his sister-in-law, for the sake of his sensational masterpiece, would let him off the hook quickly.

In truth, Xiao Wan’er was indeed feeling uncomfortable at that moment.

Ever since she saw the *Wan God’s Ode*, her mind had been filled with not only turmoil but also its verses.

The words were as if carved into her mind, every stroke clear and vivid before her eyes.

Every time she thought of the line "Jade Steps and Jade Trees, like you, a rarity in this world," a wave of heat would rise to her face.

Although she admitted to herself that the poem was good and the calligraphy was beautiful—that it was lovely and she liked it very much—the person who wrote it was her brother-in-law.

It had caused her to toss and turn last night, unable to fall asleep.

Just then, Xiao Jinghong noticed the strange look on her face and asked, "Sister, your face is so red. Are you not feeling well?"

Xiao Wan’er snapped back to reality, her pale face flushing an even deeper red. She quickly faked a few coughs. "Perhaps it’s the rainy weather. I might have caught a chill."

Xiao Jinghong didn’t suspect a thing. "Should I call a Physician to have a look at you?"

How could Xiao Wan’er dare? Without raising her head, she waved her hand. "No, no need. I’ll be fine after a little rest."

"Then you should take care. How about my husband and I go visit the various houses later, and you rest here in Jiaxing Garden."

"It would be better if I went along. You had a dispute with Second Grand-uncle and Auntie Qiuyun yesterday. I’m worried."

Xiao Jinghong frowned slightly. "Are you worried about Second Grand-uncle, or Auntie Qiuyun?"

Xiao Wan’er looked up and patted her reproachfully. "I’m worried about you offending people with your outspoken nature."

As she spoke, her gaze subconsciously flickered toward Chen Yi, the whites of her eyes widening in a brief, sharp glare.

Chen Yi saw it clearly. He ducked his head to study the osmanthus cake on his plate, wondering whether it would be easier to eat if he cut it horizontally or vertically.

After breakfast, Chen Yi followed the two sisters on a tour of the various residences within the Xiao Family estate.

The weather still hadn’t improved. Heavy rain was falling, shrouding the vast Xiao Family estate in a layer of hazy mist.

Amidst the roar of the downpour.

Xiao Jinghong and Xiao Wan’er shared an umbrella, while Shen Huatang and Su Zhenyue each held their own since they were carrying gifts.

Only Chen Yi was completely at ease, with Xiaodie on her tiptoes holding an umbrella for him, strolling behind them like a lord.

Not only on the paths through the corridors, but even after entering each residence, Chen Yi would step forward to offer a salute and then stand silently to the side.

Fortunately, he kept a smile on his face; otherwise, his posture might have led people to mistake him for one of the mansion’s Personal Guards.

One thing was rather nice, though: with Xiao Jinghong and Xiao Wan’er by his side, the elders from the various houses—the uncles, aunts, and great-uncles—all greeted him with smiles.

At least there were no scornful looks.

And Chen Yi’s greatest gain was familiarizing himself with all the different branches of the Xiao Mansion.

Aside from the main branch where Old Marquis Xiao Yuan resided and the second branch led by Xiao Wang, the rest could only be considered side branches.

At first glance, one might think the Xiao family was flourishing with many descendants.

In reality, the only useful people were in the sparsely populated main branch and the second branch, which was in charge of the Punishment Hall.

Especially the few masters and ladies of the second branch.

For example, Xiao Dongchen, who held a position at the Shu State Governor’s Office; Xiao Qiuyun, who was married to Duke Qian; and Xiao Ziqi, who worked at the Military Supervision Institute and rarely returned.

’Looking at it this way, the main branch of the Xiao Family is left with only one heir, Xiao Wuge.’

Chen Yi recalled what Xiao Wuge had relayed from Xiao Wan’er and began to understand.

’No wonder Xiao Wan’er wants Wuge to study with me. She’s hoping Xiao Wuge will be able to stay safely at home after he goes to Jinling.’

’Her intentions are certainly good, though complicated.’

They spent more than two hours on their rounds, returning to Spring Lotus Garden after noon.

During that time, Xiao Jinghong once again mentioned having Chen Yi help Xiao Wan’er.

"Second Sister, I agree, it’s just that brother-in-law..." Xiao Wan’er said hesitantly, her eyes glancing at Chen Yi, as if wanting him to speak up.

Chen Yi understood immediately. "My dear wife, let’s have Sister Wan’er think it over first. Didn’t you say we should wait until after the Old Marquis’s birthday to decide?"

’It seems my wife is dead set on not letting me live a quiet life at home.’

’But it looks like Xiao Wan’er doesn’t want me to go either... which is a good thing.’

Xiao Jinghong looked between the two of them and nodded. "Then it’s settled."

With that, she took Su Zhenyue and prepared to head to Qingjing Residence, saying that the Prefect of Shu State, Liu Si, had come to visit the Old Marquis.

After she left, a flicker of shame and anger crossed Xiao Wan’er’s delicate face. She glared at Chen Yi, then had Shen Huatang help her to the storehouse.

"..."

’I didn’t expect that poem to have such a powerful effect.’

Chen Yi sighed helplessly, then returned to Spring Lotus Garden with Xiao Wuge to see if he could catch a Golden Carp.

Maybe?

...

「The rain fell for three straight days.」

Xiao Jinghong was also swamped with work for three days, so busy her feet barely touched the ground.

She was busy from before dawn until after the evening meal. During that time, she was either receiving various officials from Shu State Prefecture City or handling the military affairs of the Dingyuan Army.

She personally oversaw every matter, big or small.

Chen Yi felt tired just watching her. He simply locked himself in the study and, taking advantage of Xiao Jinghong’s preoccupation, practiced his Martial Arts.

He could be considered quite diligent.

After spending a few days, he had cultivated his Pile Skill, Fist Technique, Palm Technique, and Step Technique to a state of perfected proficiency. All he lacked was an Opportunity to break through in one of them.

He considered his options.

The best choice was "Martial Arts·Body." The reason was simple: an achievement in Pile Skill would allow him to build a more solid foundation in the Ninth Grade Realm.

According to his calculations, when "Martial Arts·Body" was raised to the Great Success Realm, he would not only be able to cultivate his Big Spear Pile Skill to the Mastery Level, but he could also use it to make further deductions, perhaps even reaching the Perfection Realm.

If he could possess Dragon Power in the Ninth Grade Realm, he could contend with an Eighth Grade Realm Cultivator on brute strength alone. 𝑓𝓇𝘦ℯ𝘸𝘦𝑏𝓃𝑜𝘷ℯ𝑙.𝑐𝑜𝓂

As the Old Marquis’s birthday drew near, the Xiao Mansion gradually grew more lively.

First, the Generals from the three garrisons of the Dingyuan Army came in person, followed by the prominent figures from within Shu State.

There were high-ranking officials currently holding important posts, as well as Noble Families and Clans with centuries of history.

Whether the people came in person or not, their gift lists all arrived at the mansion.

Of course, after arriving at the Xiao Family estate, these people would not only visit the Old Marquis but also come to the Spring Lotus Garden to request an audience with Xiao Jinghong.

They would also meet Chen Yi, the husband, along the way. Most would offer a few compliments about his handsome appearance and outstanding talent, or recite a celebratory poem for the birthday.

Chen Yi treated it all as a mere formality; there were very few people who left enough of an impression for him to remember.

This continued until two days before the Old Marquis’s birthday banquet.

Xiaodie came running in a hurry. "Young Master, Young Master, you have visitors."

Chen Yi asked lazily, "Which family’s elder is it this time?"

"No, it’s not! It’s the Third Place Scholar and Miss Yun Xiang."

"Oh?"

Chen Yi was slightly surprised and told Xiaodie to show them in.

In the pavilion by the pond, the four of them sat down and sized each other up.

Li Huai’gu’s change was significant. Although he still had some of the high spirits from his time patrolling the streets, one could see he had become much more composed.

After a few pleasantries.

Li Huai’gu’s expression turned serious. "Brother Qingzhou, thank you for your righteous help last time. If it weren’t for you, I might truly have regretted it for the rest of my life."

His hand was holding Yun Xiang’s the entire time.

Yun Xiang, perhaps still remembering the incident with the wedding crashing, kept trying to hide behind Li Huai’gu. Hearing his words, she lowered her head and said shyly:

"What M-Mr. Li said is what Lady Yun means as well."

Chen Yi, however, acted as if it was nothing, looking like he’d long forgotten the matter. He smiled and waved his hand dismissively.

"You two are in love. It has nothing to do with me."

"Even without me, if your fate together wasn’t over, you naturally would have ended up together."

Li Huai’gu smiled and nodded, still expressing his gratitude endlessly.

Finally, he took out an invitation. "Yun Xiang and I are getting married next month. I hope Brother Qingzhou will be able to attend."

"Of course."

Chen Yi accepted the invitation without demur.

Unexpectedly, Li Huai’gu took out another invitation. "My teacher asked me to give this to you. It’s for the poetry gathering at Guiyun Academy."

"A poetry gathering? Not going."

Chen Yi refused instantly, without a second thought.