Chen Yi had risen early as well, washed up, and dressed.
Since he was going to Guiyun Academy, Xiao Die had specially rummaged through chests and cupboards to find him a dark navy long robe.
It was made of satin and cut in a fairly fitted style.
A matching sash was tied around his waist, with a double-fish jade pendant hanging from it, while he wore a pair of black boots on his feet.
It would neither make him seem overly extravagant nor too plain, lest people think he was being mistreated in the Xiao Family.
At a glance, Chen Yi looked every bit the handsome, refined scholar.
Xiao Die smoothed out the creases of his clothes, nodded her little head in satisfaction, and said with a smile:
"Son-in-law, if you go to the academy looking like this today, they'll definitely envy you."
Whether they would envy him or not, Chen Yi did not know. What he did know was that most scholars did not judge people by their appearance.
Even if he were draped in gold and silver, if there was no ink in his belly, he would likely still be looked down upon.
Among literary men, comparisons ultimately came down to learning and talent.
Of course, Chen Yi would not tell Xiao Die such things, lest they add a few more worries to her innocent little head.
"Go have the carriage brought around from the manor. Load those calligraphy practice booklets onto it first."
Xiao Die nodded in acknowledgment and ran downstairs ahead of him.
Chen Yi, meanwhile, unhurriedly made his way to the main hall and ate breakfast with Xiao Wuge and Pei Guanli.
The three chatted idly, picking up and dropping the conversation as they pleased.
Most of the chattering came from Tiger Girl, Pei Guanli.