Chapter 226

After emerging from the woods, as it was already midday, everyone, led by Chen Luoyuan, proceeded to another courtyard in the foothills for a meal.

It was evident that Chen Luoyuan was also a great lover of beautiful scenery. This forest, as a personal estate, covered a vast area, and several scenic spots within it had already been developed. The courtyard was located on the other side of the forest, hidden among the trees, facing a serene ravine to the west. With mountain flowers in full bloom, the surrounding scenery was delightful, and Ning Yi couldn't help but feel a pang of envy.

But there was nothing much to say about it; the further civilization advanced, the more astonishing the pyramid structure of wealth became. The Chen family had deep pockets, but compared to Kang Xian, they were still insignificant. Seeing Ning Yi's admiration, the elder didn't seem to care, remarking, "There aren't many people around, and the areas aren't connected. Plus, it's a bit remote and not very convenient. Land prices around here are cheap. If you like it, look, that forest over there seems to be mine."

"Which one?"

"Probably both of those mountains. No one lives there. Land that isn't farmed isn't useful. I'm not even sure which ones they are, but there are quite a few. Do you like it? How about I give it to you?"

In those days, a true landlord with official connections could own tens of thousands, or even hundreds of thousands, of mu of land, and this often referred to arable land that generated economic benefits. Ning Yi, of course, had no idea how many properties Kang Xian owned; it was impossible to inquire or even guess, and Kang Xian himself might not have had a clear count.

After a few exchanges, Ning Yi naturally saw no need to accept his land. In truth, he had merely had a fleeting thought about creating a beautiful summer retreat. However, upon reflection, such a business was hardly a guaranteed moneymaker at that time. Places to relax and cater to people were abundant in Jiangning City; there was no industrial pollution or fast-paced lifestyle in this world, so people had no real need to actively seek an escape. While it wouldn't be impossible to make money with serious effort, it would largely be a hassle, so Ning Yi dismissed the idea in his mind.

Since it was the Cold Food Festival, the lunch consisted of many special Cold Food Festival snacks meticulously prepared by the Chen family, which tasted excellent. In the afternoon, with Chen Luoyuan presenting several prizes, the gathering shifted to poetry, prose, and song, turning the literary meeting into a more formal affair. Ning Yi did not participate but watched the performances of the courtesans from the side. Their competition showcased considerable skill, providing a feast for both the eyes and ears.

While the group of talented scholars showcased their literary prowess, no one paid him any mind, and he and Yun Zhu were content to enjoy the quiet. In fact, Ning Yi had originally been prepared to write a poem or two if necessary. Cao Guan, being protective of his reputation, was understandably hesitant to provoke. Although Liu Qingqiu seemed quite displeased with him, he lacked the sharp edge to truly instigate, so a challenge was uncertain. If Liu Qingqiu had indeed tried to draw him into a confrontation, Ning Yi had no intention of being polite. As for Zhou Bangyan's group, Ning Yi had initially expected these capital scholars to invite him to compete under the guise of an exchange, but for some reason, he had guessed wrong. Zhou Bangyan's attitude was friendly, and Li Shishi's expression when facing him was somewhat complex, yet she remained quiet.

In the end, Liu Qingqiu did not speak to him, nor did the capital scholars on the other side say anything, which left the prepared Ning Yi feeling a bit bored. What he didn't know was that Fang Wenyang and others had indeed been ready to challenge him, but Li Shishi had secretly restrained them.

Had it been a typical literary gathering, it would have been fine, but this particular assembly had been hyped by shrewd individuals like Puyang Yi, making the atmosphere quite tense. Before the meeting, Li Shishi had thought a competition wouldn't hurt, but after hearing those two and a half poems in the forest, her mood was indescribable. She felt utterly outmatched, believing that even if her only intention was literary exchange, it would be better not to compete under such circumstances. Coupled with Zhou Bangyan's silence, this ultimately led to the current situation. Ning Yi was left sidelined and ignored, though he was later lectured by Kang Xian and others.

Apart from the competition between the scholars from Jiangning and the capital, Jin'er didn't do anything out of the ordinary throughout the afternoon. While Liu Qingqiu had provoked her in the morning, she seemed to have forgotten about it by then. In the afternoon, she accompanied Yun Zhu, discussing other people's poems and performances. Although her conversation remained uninhibited, Ning Yi was surprised to find that she seemed to have become somewhat demure.

In truth, when Ning Yi was chatting with Yun Zhu in the woods, Li Shishi and Zhou Bangyan were nearby, and Yuan Jin'er had also overheard from another spot. After listening hidden in the grass, she emerged, admitting to herself, "That guy certainly knows how to charm women; I'm probably going to lose." Knowing that Sister Yun Zhu would surely be happy after hearing those poems, she decided not to disturb them and let them enjoy their day, as Yun Zhu's happiness was ultimately the most important thing.

After a day that included writing an unconventional poem—which didn't earn him fame but left him feeling quite content—Ning Yi's original purpose of accompanying Yun Zhu for a stroll had been achieved; everything else was trivial. That evening, as he headed home bathed in the sunset, Li Shishi's carriage caught up with him, and they exchanged a few words about meeting again another day.

Several more days passed, and Li Shishi eventually left Jiangning without the two meeting again. Although Li Shishi's words had been sincere, Ning Yi took them as mere polite formalities. Afterwards, even if he received invitations to literary gatherings or banquets, he routinely ignored them. Li Shishi, of course, couldn't very well seek him out at his home. Yet, even after her departure, he couldn't help but wonder about the rest of the line, "How many seasons have old wings endured...?"

The day before the Qingming Festival, Su Tan'er accompanied Ning Yi back to the old residence for a night, where they paid respects to the Ning family ancestors. Afterwards, while the Su family busied themselves with Qingming preparations, Ning Yi found himself with free time. After the festival, he met with the two Qin brothers once or twice and even sparred with Xu Xiaohu, suffering a complete defeat. The two then exchanged knowledge on joint lock techniques, a topic Xu Xiaohu found very interesting, leading to a pleasant discussion.

Xu Xiaohu also taught him the foundational Eight Vajra Forms of Bazi Boxing. He then advised that in a real confrontation, Ning Yi needn't use Bazi Boxing or any other unfamiliar forms; since he was familiar with joint lock techniques and direct combat, he should employ those. Other things could be learned as forms for practice, but it was best to start with what he knew best; with enough practice, he would master everything. This advice was similar to what Lu Hongti had said upon leaving. However, Ning Yi mused that he likely wouldn't have many opportunities for "fighting," and although he had learned internal cultivation, he probably wouldn't become a top-tier master in this lifetime.

Of course, his current body was only in its early twenties, and who could truly predict the future? After Qingming, Li Shishi and the capital scholars departed, followed by Qin Shao and Qin Shaoqian leaving Jiangning. Life returned to its usual rhythm: lecturing during the day, conducting experiments, chatting with Yun Zhu, teasing Yuan Jin'er a little, playing gomoku with Xiao Chan, or listening to Su Tan'er discuss matters at the textile shop and everyday gossip. Occasionally, he would boast to his two disciples, Zhou Pei and Zhou Junwu, about the prospects of science. Three months passed like this, and summer began—likely the most pleasant time of year, with temperate weather, neither too cold nor too hot. Jiangning was also peaceful, and every time he walked the streets, he couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment, as if everyone had found happiness.

Ning Yi had expected to depart in April, but Su Tan'er had only recently taken charge of the main household, and it wasn't easy for her to delegate most of her responsibilities to her father all at once, so their departure was delayed. Ning Yi's extended stay naturally pleased Yun Zhu; she now had a very good relationship with Elder Qin's family, and the two of them occasionally met at the Qin residence.

Looking back, Ning Yi realized he had been here for exactly two years. Some imprints from his past life had yet to fade, but these two years had truly been the most leisurely. However, at this time in the previous two years, Elder Qin had set up a chess stall by the Qinshui River, which Ning Yi often visited. The small tea stall by the river was still there, but the chess stall was no longer set up. Elder Qin was now under observation by certain individuals, which couldn't help but evoke a feeling that a storm was brewing and that something significant was about to happen.

Regarding Elder Qin, perhaps the most intense attention had been given to him late last year. After several years of quietude, visitors suddenly flocked to him due to rumors circulating between the Jin and Liao states. However, around the New Year, news of peace talks between Jin and Liao emerged. Unable to discern the full situation, people's interest gradually waned. They didn't completely disregard the elder's influence but chose to observe quietly, awaiting further developments.

Many believed that Jin and Liao might not go to war again in the short term.

The elder did not discuss these matters. Ning Yi visited several times, only chatting and playing chess, avoiding any talk of the political situation. Sometimes, the elder would even joke about his relationship with Yun Zhu. This continued until one cool day in late April, when the two played a game of chess in the Qin family courtyard. Yun Zhu also arrived, bringing some wine and dishes from Zhuji and chatting with Lady Yun in the back garden.

"Speaking of which, it won't be long until you head to Hangzhou, right, Li Heng?"

"Yes."

"It might be a bit hot if you leave in May."

"I'll go by boat, first to Yangzhou, then down to Suzhou and Hangzhou."

"It's good that you don't get seasick." The elder smiled, then placed a chess piece. "By the way, when you return to Jiangning, Li Heng, I probably won't be living here anymore. This residence will likely be vacant."

Ning Yi paused, then chuckled, "After all, this is not a place for you to stay indefinitely, is it? Elder Qin, your mansion in the capital must be far superior to this one, surely?"

"Haha." Perhaps the remark touched a nerve, as the elder burst out laughing, then sighed with a touch of melancholy. "Humans are not plants; who can be without feeling? For eight years, I had prepared myself to live out my days here."

"It's still too early for that," Ning Yi said, smiling as he picked up a chess piece. After a moment, he looked up and asked, "Is there going to be a war?"

The elder nodded.

"There's going to be a war."

It was an afternoon in April, with gentle clouds in the sky. A cool summer breeze rustled through the trees inside and outside the city, their leaves swaying with a sound like rapidly turning pages of a book, though no one was there to turn them. Amidst their peaceful conversation, a faint scent of blood already wafted from the northern horizon.