Chapter 6, Formal Declaration

Whoever pushed him into the well is not important; what matters is that the reputation of the Duke of Cheshire and his son has been thoroughly sensationalized. The uproar has reached a point where both the Duke and his son, Lord Chai Shao, have had to take several days off, unable to face the strange gazes of their colleagues in the imperial city. At the same time, after learning from Old Chen that Chen Yingliang had gone to Sichuan, the Duke of Cheshire dispatched a large number of household servants and private soldiers, personally led by Chai Shao, to pursue and hunt him down along all the routes into Sichuan, vowing to capture the unworthy son-in-law Chen Yingliang who has tarnished their family name and personally turn him into minced meat.

Historically, did Fang Xuanling ever hold anyone in such high regard? Chen Yingliang truly does not know. However, to receive such selfless assistance from the renowned Fang Xuanling without any personal gain is a feeling of gratitude that Chen Yingliang finds difficult to express. He could only raise the wine brought by Fang Xuanling and say: "Brother Qiao Song, great kindness is beyond words. If I, as a younger brother, have a chance to rise in the future, I will surely repay this great kindness a hundredfold! I offer this as a tribute!"

Out of caution, it has been decided to take revenge on the Chai family, and Chen Yingliang could not help but remind Chen Laosan, saying that if anyone from the Chai family inquires about his whereabouts, Chen Laosan should inform them that he has gone to Sichuan to seek development by joining his grandfather's former subordinates. He also fabricated a place name, a person's name, and a relationship to teach Chen Laosan. With tears in his eyes, Chen Laosan memorized this and agreed to another request from Chen Yingliang: in the event that he could not make ends meet and could not contact Chen Yingliang, he would sell or rent out the last small courtyard of the Chen family, waiting for Chen Yingliang to return.

Upon witnessing this scene, the image-conscious Chai Shen and his son turned pale with fright. They quickly dismounted and rushed to the notice board to check the situation. However, the area in front of the notice board was already packed tightly with people, making it impossible for the Chai family to push their way through. In their anxiety, Chai Shen and his son resorted to using their whips to clear a path. As a result, those who were struck by the whips were displeased and began to question, "Who are you? On what grounds do you strike us?"

... ...

Old Chen San continued to block Chen Yingliang, unwilling to let him venture to the battlefield in Liaodong. No matter how Chen Yingliang spoke, Chen San only cried and pleaded against it. It was not until Chen Yingliang mentioned that the Chai family was preparing to settle accounts with him after autumn that Chen San, genuinely concerned for Chen Yingliang's well-being, shed tears and agreed to let him go. He even expressed his willingness to accompany Chen Yingliang to Liaodong.

"A young man with such great ambition, recommending you to enter the officialdom, I truly do not know whether this is right or wrong," Fang Xuanling murmured to himself

Brother-in-law ! Brother-in-law !

"Brother Yingxian, you are indeed quite ruthless." Fang Xuanling in the crowd smiled wryly and recalled, "However, the little dots and circles you added in the text are quite creative; they make it very easy to read."

After chatting for a long time, with one hammer here and another there, it was not until Chai Shen could no longer bear it and suggested taking his leave that Pei Xin led his entourage to bid farewell. However, after the two groups had walked far apart in opposite directions, it seemed that Chai Shen once again heard Pei Xin inexplicably burst into wild laughter, prompting Chai Shen to turn back and check the situation. Upon seeing Pei Xin's group fleeing like the wind, Chai Shen couldn't help but curse under his breath, "Are you crazy! Did you take the wrong medicine?"

I, Chen Yingliang, from m.hetushu.com, the grandson of Chen Wandi from the former dynasty of Xuchang County, a resident of Daxing in the Sui Dynasty, currently residing on Qingshi Street, Datongfang, South City of Daxing, hereby solemnly declare the following: First, I have voluntarily dissolved the engagement with Chai Qian, the daughter of Chai Jun, Duke of Julu, who holds the position of Right Inner Commander in this dynasty. This decision is not due to Duke Chai's disdain for poverty and preference for wealth, nor is it because he refuses to acknowledge the engagement arranged by my grandfather with the late Lady Chai. Rather, it is my own choice to terminate the engagement and release Duke Chai's daughter, allowing her to marry another, and I will not have any regrets!

So it turns out to be the Cheshire Duke? The beaten commoners turned their anger into joy, quickly stepping back to make way, their faces adorned with smiles. Other commoners also gasped in surprise, retreating one after another, and in the blink of an eye, they cleared a direct path to the notice board for the Chai family father and son.

It is probably unlikely, right? Chai Shao was also somewhat uncertain and replied, "If that poor kid wanted to make this matter public, he would have done so long ago. Why wait until now? Moreover, we do not have a written marriage contract with the Chen family; based solely on a jade pendant, how many people would believe that poor kid even if he made this matter public?"

"What? You encountered this situation as well?" Chai Shenyi was taken aback for a moment, then hurriedly lowered his voice and asked, "Has our matter with the Chen family been made public? Haven't I repeatedly ordered that the servants and attendants in the residence are not to mention this matter?"

Could it be that the poor boy with the surname Chen is spreading rumors himself?" Chai Shen asked cautiously—this was also the matter that worried Duke Chai the most

The day after Yang Yuer's incident, he also prepared the provisions for the journey, and Chen Yingliang decided to set off for Liaodong the following day

This is indeed the case. After careful consideration, Chai Shen realized that given Chen Yingliang's current family situation and personal status, it would not be an easy task to quickly spread the news of the broken engagement and make people believe it. Moreover, even if Chen Yingliang were to do so, during the period of disseminating the news, it would be impossible to keep it from the Chai family's informants in the capital. Therefore, Chai Shen quickly dismissed this idea.

"Smash this bulletin board to pieces, burn it to ashes, and leave not a trace!" This was Chai Shen's furious roar before losing his temper. "And bring that little brat to me; I will personally chop him up!"

Understood. Chai Shao nodded and, with a fierce expression, said: "Father, rest assured, I will personally take action this time to deal with that poor and stubborn brat, ensuring he never has a chance to rise again"

Boldly, why aren't you clearing the way? Suddenly, a servant of the nobility shouted from the crowd, exclaiming: "This is the Duke of Cheshire, and here is the eldest son of Duke Chai Shao. Do you wish to seek death by blocking their path?"

"Er Lang, what is the matter that has you so anxious?" Chai Shao asked in surprise

This Chen Yingliang is indeed ruthless in his actions! Even if the Duke of Cheshire is in the wrong, there is no need for you to handle the matter in such a manner, is there? This was the first impression that Chen Yingliang left on Li Shimin

The residence of Duke Chai Shen of Julu County is located in Taipingfang, very close to the Western Capital Imperial City within Daxing City. On the morning of June 5th, this former father-in-law of Chen Yingliang had been experiencing persistent twitching in his right eye, feeling that something was amiss, yet he could not pinpoint what was wrong. Consequently, Chai Shen vented his frustration on a maid, striking her twice for unsteadily bringing him water to wash his face.

Chen Yingliang declined Chen Laosan's kind offer, as Chen Laosan was too old and the journey to Liaodong was a thousand miles away. Accompanying Chen Yingliang would not only be of no help but would also become a burden to him. Therefore, Chen Yingliang left Chen Laosan with ten guan to get by and promised that once he settled down, he would find a way to bring Chen Laosan to his side. At the very least, he would send living expenses to Chen Laosan. After much persuasion, he finally managed to get the heartbroken Chen Laosan to agree to stay in Daxing.

They arrived almost as if flying at the bustling Daxing Yanping Gate, where the notice board area was indeed teeming with people, filled with men, women, and children who had come to watch the spectacle. Among them were quite a number dressed in the livery of noble families, and some were reading the notice aloud to inform the illiterate commoners of the situation. Laughter echoed continuously, and the noise of the crowd reached a fever pitch.

"Oh no, how could it be someone from the Yuwen family?" Both Chai Shen and Chai Shao recognized that the servant calling out was indeed a servant of Yuwen Shu, a high-ranking official of the Sui Dynasty. They immediately felt a sense of dread, knowing that this matter would surely reach the Yuwen family. However, at this point, the Chai father and son could not afford to think too much; they hurried to the notice board to check the situation. As a result, they were not prepared for what they saw, and upon looking, their anger nearly caused their lungs to explode.

After finishing his murmuring, Chen Yingliang took the opportunity to speak to Fang Xuanling about a long-prepared statement, saying: "Elder brother, I have a bold question to ask you. If one day in the future, I am able to achieve success and establish a government office, would you be interested in coming to my office to showcase your talents and ambitions?"

Scoundrel! Wretch! I will take your dog's life!

On the notice board, there is a large, brand-new announcement, written in neat regular script, adorned with punctuation marks never seen in this era. The text format is also distinctly different from the ordinary notices of this time. The title reads 'Solemn Declaration,' four large characters that the Chai family has never encountered in their lifetime. The content is as follows:

When the sky turned completely dark, Fang Xuanling arrived at Chen Yingliang's dilapidated courtyard with a bottle of wine to bid farewell to Chen Yingliang. He also brought a handwritten letter of recommendation as promised. The meticulous Fang Xuanling intentionally left the letter unsealed, allowing Chen Yingliang to see its contents. In the letter, the future renowned minister Fang Xuanling praised Chen Yingliang with many flattering words, earnestly requesting his father, the currently prominent military governor of Liaodong, Fang Yanqian, to give Chen Yingliang significant responsibilities.

"A pledge sealed with a clap." Chen Yingliang, seizing the opportunity, simply raised his palm. Fang Xuanling smiled and extended his hand to give Chen Yingliang's palm a hearty slap.

Thank you, brother, cheers!" Chen Yingliang replied with a smile, raising his cup with Fang Xuanling and downing the thin wine in their bowls, filled with great spirit

Roaring, with bloodshot eyes, Chai Shen's lips and entire body trembled as he reached out to tear down the notice. Unfortunately, Chen Yingliang had deliberately used glue to affix the paper notice very securely, and after more than half an hour, it had long since stuck firmly to the bulletin board. Chai Shen wondered how he could possibly pull it down. After several futile attempts, he simply drew his sword and began to slash at the bulletin board. Similarly, Chai Shao, with equally bloodshot eyes, did not hesitate to draw his sword and strike fiercely. The onlooking citizens and soldiers of Daxing, however, erupted in laughter.

"Isn't that so?" Li Shimin, puzzled, said: "Then why is it that someone posted a uniquely worded formal declaration on the notice board outside Yanping Gate, announcing the dissolution of the engagement with Sister Qian'er? It was articulated so convincingly that it seemed entirely genuine, causing a stir throughout half of Daxing City.

After noon, this feeling of unease intensified, as after finishing his duty at the palace, when Chai Shen was leading a large group of servants home to enjoy his newly acquired thirteenth concubine, many people on the road suddenly began to point and whisper about him, most wearing expressions that suggested they wanted to laugh but dared not. Chai Shen was completely baffled by this, almost thinking that he had worn the wrong clothes or that he had accidentally gotten some stain on his face.

I am willing to bear legal responsibility for the authenticity of the above information. For detailed circumstances, you may consult my neighbors, who will surely provide satisfactory answers. I also welcome all artists to include my story in their works, adapting it into operas, storytelling, dramas, musicals, or dance performances for exchange and dissemination. I will not charge any copyright fees, nor will I pursue any copyright liabilities. This is a formal declaration made by me, Chen Yingliang, the former prospective son-in-law of the Duke of Julu.

"Those who do not plan for the future will inevitably face immediate troubles. A talent like your elder brother is something one can encounter but cannot seek. " Chen Yingliang replied with a smile, "I, as a younger brother, only wish to ask for one promise from my elder brother. If one day I truly have the opportunity to establish a government and build my own administration, and your official position is still below mine, I humbly request that you agree to serve in my office at that time"

Moreover, correspondingly, one of the parties involved, Chen Yingliang, also gained notoriety due to this incident, to the extent that his fiancée, Chai Qian, whom he had never met, was filled with rage, exclaiming, "Dog thief! Once I catch you, I will definitely cut you to pieces!"

"It should not be the case," Chai Shao replied. "Xiu Ning has already analyzed this earlier. If it were one of the servants in our household who accidentally let something slip, the matter would only spread gradually. It would not become widely known all at once, nor could it spread this quickly."

Li Shimin did not respond, but quickly dismounted and rushed in front of Chai Shao, lowering his voice to ask: "Brother-in-law, does Qian'er have a betrothal arranged since birth?"

What further puzzled the Cheshire Duke was yet to come. Upon entering the affluent neighborhood of Taipingfang, Chai Shen unexpectedly ran into his political rival, the Crown Prince's Deputy, Pei Xin. Although Chai Shen was not afraid of this greedy and lecherous colleague, who was ambitious yet lacking in talent, he was also reluctant to offend the powerful Wenxi Pei family behind him. Thus, as usual, he clasped his hands in greeting while on horseback, preparing to ride past. However, Chai Shen could never have anticipated that Pei Xin, who usually acted arrogantly due to his family's influence, had inexplicably decided to block Chai Shen's horse and engage him in polite conversation.

On that night, Chen Yingliang and Fang Xuanling parted ways after a delightful evening. The next morning, which was also the fifth day of the sixth month in the ninth year of the Daxing era of the Sui Dynasty, as the gates of Daxing City opened, Chen Yingliang bid farewell to his long-time companion, Chen Laosan, and set off on his journey. He had not yet exited the city through the nearest Anhua Gate, but instead took a considerable detour while leading his horse. He left the city through the Yanping Gate in the west of Daxing, attended to some matters outside the city, and then rode towards the east, heading in the direction of Tongguan, officially beginning his adventure away from home.

After drinking three large bowls with Fang Xuanling, they exchanged some words of mutual care and entrusted Fang Xuanling to look after Chen Laosan. Suddenly, Chen Yingliang asked, "Elder brother, this time our uncle intends to recommend you for an official position in Liaodong. Since sister-in-law is pregnant and you cannot go, what are your plans for the future? With your extraordinary talents, it would be a pity to remain idle for so long"

Fang Xuanling nearly laughed out loud, thinking to himself that this virtuous younger brother of mine is truly amusing. He is already relying on my recommendation to enter officialdom and has begun to consider the issue of staff after establishing his office. He even wants me to serve in his office. This foresight is indeed commendable, but isn't it a bit excessive? While secretly chuckling, Fang Xuanling smiled and said, "Virtuous brother, you are perhaps thinking too far ahead. The positions of secretary and record keeper that I am recommending for you are not merely a matter of a gap of seventeen or eighteen ranks from establishing your office."

What? Both Chai Shao and Chai Shen screamed in agony like pigs being slaughtered, "That poor boy, has he posted a notice to inform the entire city?"

By the way, although the servants of the Chai family burned the bulletin board to ashes, what left the Chai father and son feeling cold with anger was that on the night of the same day, all seven gates of the outer city of Daxing were unexpectedly plastered with a copied solemn declaration from Chen Yingliang! As for who ordered the transcription of the original text and who commanded it to be posted on the bulletin boards of the seven gates of the outer city of Daxing, the Chai family could not uncover it no matter how hard they investigated. Meanwhile, the current Crown Prince's Deputy Commander, Lord Pei Xin, could swear to the heavens that although he very much wished to remove that damned 'Deputy' title, he would never resort to such despicable means.

Having been delayed by Pei Xin, when Chai Shen returned home, his son Chai Shao, who was also on duty at the palace today, had already arrived and came to the front gate to greet Chai Shen. He personally helped Chai Shen down from the horse. Before even entering the house, Chai Shao leaned in and whispered to Chai Shen: "Father, something seems a bit off. As I was leaving the palace, there were people along the way who kept pointing at me and laughing quietly."

"I remember you came to Long'an to seek refuge with Li Er right after Li Yuan raised his banner. Your ability to assess people and seize opportunities is commendable." Chen Yingliang thought to himself, secretly reflecting: "Unfortunately, you only know how to sit at home waiting for opportunities, too afraid to venture out and seek them, which is why you are destined to be Li Er's subordinate."

Pei Xin and Chai Shen were chatting about nothing of substance. The only official matter they discussed was something that had already been decided two days prior in the palace. While Chai Shen secretly laughed at Pei Xin's poor memory, he suddenly noticed that Pei Xin's eyes were filled with mirth. If one were not careful, they would see him squinting with laughter, a smile that was both strange and mysterious, as if he had just encountered some unmentionable joy. It was as if he was already laughing heartily inside, yet unable to let the sound escape, leaving him in a state of discomfort, experiencing both pain and pleasure.

"Taking one step at a time." Fang Xuanling was a person who adapted to circumstances. He replied with a smile, "Although I have some ambitions in my heart, I neither have the opportunity to realize them nor the courage like my younger brother to venture out and seek opportunities on the battlefield of swords and horses. Therefore, I plan to deliberate before taking action, first observing the situation in the capital of Daxing, and when the opportunity arises, I will make a decision without delay.

Li Shimin nodded and quickly said, "I heard from the servants at home that there has been a commotion over by Yanping Gate. The crowd is so dense that not even water can pass through. My family exerted great effort just to squeeze in and catch a distant glimpse."

"Go! Immediately head to Yanping Gate!" Without any hesitation, Duke Chai Shen rushed towards the steed he had just dismounted from. In the process of mounting, he slipped on the stirrup and nearly fell off. His family rushed to assist him, but he kicked them away with a foot. Meanwhile, Chai Shao, with a face full of anger, quickly mounted his horse and, along with Li Shimin and Chai Shen, galloped towards Yanping Gate, the center of commerce in Daxing.

The Cheshire Duke and his son, for the sake of their reputation, plan to eliminate me after the storm has passed. However, this is merely a rumor among the people. I personally believe that the Cheshire Duke and his son are not so ruthless and petty-minded.

2. The son of the Earl of Cheshire, Chai Shao, came to the door to break off the engagement, first forcing me to attempt suicide by hanging, and then physically assaulting me. This was truly out of a brotherly love for his sister, and not an act of bullying the weak or oppressing the poor. I fully understand this, so I will not hold this matter against him. Please rest assured, Young Master Chai Shao.

"What?" Chai Shaoxian was taken aback at first, then quickly came to his senses, shaking his head and saying, "Is there such a thing? Erlang, you must not listen to the nonsense of outsiders. Your sister Qian'er is still in her boudoir, so how could there be any engagement arranged by others?"

After a brief calculation, Chai Shen instructed, "Send someone out to inquire if there are any rumors in the market that are detrimental to our Chai family. Furthermore, after some time, find a way to eliminate that poor boy, to prevent future troubles, but remember, it must be kept confidential"

As they were speaking, a swift horse suddenly charged in from the end of the street, shouting loudly at the Chai family father and son from a distance. It galloped directly to their side before halting. Just as Chai Shen and Chai Shao were about to enter, they turned around and were surprised to find that the rider was actually Chai Shao's brother-in-law, the second son of Duke Li Yuan of Tang, who was only fifteen years old—Li Erlang, better known as Li Shimin.

"Very well, I shall agree to your request today," Fang Xuanling replied with a smile, saying, "If my virtuous younger brother truly has the day to establish a government and build an office, and if you do not mind my limited abilities, I will certainly serve under your command."

This is as far as I can go. Chen Yingliang sighed inwardly, Given my current situation, if I were to ask Fang Xuanling to follow me and acknowledge me as the leader, he might just slap me across the face. I can only lay the groundwork for now and discuss it further in the future.

"My dear brother, you are being too polite; it is merely a small effort, so there is no need for thanks," Fang Xuanling said with a smile, humbly raising the shabby wine bowl provided by the old Chen family. He continued, "Come, my dear brother, I wish you a smooth journey to Liaodong this time, may you achieve great success. Cheers!"