Chapter 399: Chapter 318: An Existence Without Yin Weiyin? (3-in-1 Bonus Chapter)_2
The Cui family’s He had been repeatedly reminded by Luo beforehand, naturally hoping for Chen Yi to nod his head. On either side of her, the housekeeper and servants stood holding gifts for the visit—ginseng, lingzhi, calligraphy scrolls, and the like—politely waiting there. As soon as Chen Yi nodded, everything would be brought into the courtyard.
Holding the invitation in his hand, Chen Yi seemed to be contemplating briefly, and seeing this, He from the Cui family thought he might be inclined. So she struck while the iron was hot and said:
"Chen Qianhu has recently been promoted and is undoubtedly an exceptional man. Now, you’re the talk of the town here in the capital. My master invites you because he desires to share some of your radiance. However, in the officialdom, there’s always mutual benefit to be had. I dare to say that while my master may borrow your light today, there might come a time when you’ll need the Cui family’s connections. If one wants to have smooth sailing in their career, mutual aid is the true path."
Afraid that Chen Yi would decline, He waved her hand slightly, directing the servants to place the gifts on the threshold, signaling that, "With the conversation getting to this point, refusing would be a slap in the face to the Cui family."
The purpose of inviting him to the Cui family’s poetry gathering was self-evident. It was nothing more than leveraging Lin Wanxiao to expand the Cui family’s network. Over the past few days, they had tried to seek Lin Wanxiao and arrange for the two to meet. Who expected that this young widow, after her previous interaction, would fully shut herself away, making it impossible even for her to step outside, no matter how they planned?
Chen Yi casually twirled the invitation He had given him.
He didn’t respond immediately, and He gradually furrowed her brow, a fleeting displeasure flashing across her face.
Though the Lin Party had crumbled and the Cui family had faced some decline, by cutting ties early and timely aligning with the An family, relatives of the royal household, the Cui family’s head, Cui Bu, remained steadily seated as a Ministry of Personnel official. The Cui family still held potential for resurgence, so this time, when they invited various officials to their poetry gathering, they treated everyone with utmost courtesy.
But Chen Yi was the sole exception—keeping them outside the gate and showing little interest in the event.
Your Chen family may boast of your heroic rescue merits, but do you think that alone would allow you to secure roots in the capital? In the past, didn’t the Min family, with their immense prestige, have Min He ascend to chief commander? He was summoned by the late Emperor nearly every few days. Yet what happened? Without a stable foundation, didn’t they fall apart all the same?
Seeing that Chen Yi still hadn’t given a definite answer, He, losing her composure, said:
"Allow me to think on behalf of Qianhu. In this capital, social exchanges are indispensable..."
Chen Yi heard this and slightly lifted his gaze, giving her a faintly amused glance.
He looked puzzled. Suddenly, the sound of horse hooves rang out.
They saw an elderly man with silvery hair riding a fine steed, approaching slowly. When he arrived at the gate, he bypassed the Cui household’s people entirely and came directly to Chen Yi.
The housekeeper was about to intervene, but He suddenly raised her hand to stop him, signaling with her eyes:
"That’s someone from the Prince’s Mansion."
Almost all notable officials in the capital were acquainted, including their wives. He immediately recognized the man as someone from the Prince’s Mansion.
"Chen Qianhu, here’s an invitation to a poetry gathering. The Prince sincerely invites you. May I ask if you would attend?"
The elderly man spoke in a loud, clear voice.
"Moreover, the event is set for the twenty-seventh day of the twelfth month, which happens to be the Prince’s birthday. Will Qianhu honor us with your presence?"
Thinking of who it was, Chen Yi accepted the invitation and nodded at the elderly man, saying:
"Since it’s the Prince’s birthday, even if I don’t go personally, I’ll send someone to convey birthday wishes."
The elderly man didn’t dwell, uttering "The Prince’s Mansion awaits your arrival" before mounting his horse and leaving.
Then, Chen Yi turned toward the Cui family’s people and said casually:
"You may leave. As for your Cui family’s invitation to the poetry gathering, I will consider it later."
He and the housekeeper, along with the servants, froze momentarily but retreated under Chen Yi’s suddenly sharp gaze.
All three wore expressions of disbelief. Wasn’t the Prince’s Mansion supposed to be mortal enemies with Chen Qianhu, constantly locked in bitter conflict? Even though relations might have eased due to the Lin Party’s downfall, they were still expected to remain distant and irreconcilable.
And yet, the Prince’s Mansion had indeed sent someone—their envoy delivering an invitation to the poetry gathering.
If they had known the Prince’s Mansion would show up, what was the point of the Cui family even coming?
He’s expression shifted between pale and livid, filled with embarrassment. All she could manage was a feeble comment:
"If Qianhu is interested, our Cui family will always welcome you. My younger sister has long wished to meet you as well."
Being a woman, He couldn’t help but speculate further upon seeing representatives from the Prince’s Mansion, though she didn’t dare voice her thoughts. Ultimately, she boarded the carriage and left the alley.
Watching the group leave, Chen Yi twirled the two invitations in his hand and strolled back into the courtyard.
Before he even stepped inside, a small fox-like figure poked its head out from behind the doorframe.
Chen Yi quickened his pace and stroked her head, saying:
"You heard everything?"
Yin Tingxue allowed him to ruffle her hair and softly asked:
"Are we going to the poetry gathering?"
Catching her drift, Chen Yi responded with a teasing smile:
"You want to go again, don’t you?"
If asked whether she wanted to go, Yin Tingxue secretly yearned to. Though she didn’t mind staying at home for long stretches, going out to enjoy the scenery and liveliness seemed appealing.
Thus, she nodded at Chen Yi emphatically, saying:
"Let’s go, let’s go!"
"I’ll think about it first."
He replied, glancing at the two invitations in his hands. Ever since they had visited Yintai Temple and started their courtship, Yin Tingxue had become even more considerate and gentle lately. Not to mention her attentiveness in preparing tea and assisting with household matters, she had also grown fond of chatting with him before bedtime.
Such nightly conversations had been rare in the past.
As for these two poetry gathering invitations...
Without a second thought, Chen Yi tossed the Cui family’s invitation into the refuse bucket.