Two days earlier than planned, Ye Yunting arrived at the Duke of Qi's estate.
Li Fengqi had originally worried and wanted to accompany him. However, after some thought, Ye Yunting realized that since this trip was solely about Ye Wang, if Li Fengqi were to go along, it was likely that more conflict would ensue. This would not only fail to dissuade Ye Wang from going to Yun Rong, it might even force him to choose between two sides, caught in the middle.
Therefore, in the end, Ye Yunting boarded the carriage alone under Li Fengqi's resentful gaze.
As the carriage drove away, Li Fengqi turned to Wu Geng and asked, "Do I look like the sort of person who would make trouble unreasonably?" He mused that Ye Yunting's refusal to let him tag along clearly meant he wanted to get rid of him entirely.
Wu Geng glanced at his own prince, then recalled all sorts of instances where Li Fengqi had acted similarly, concluding that, no, he didn't just look unreasonable—he was unreasonable.
But he didn't dare to say it aloud. Life sometimes forced one to lie for their own sake
Instead, he replied righteously, "Of course not!"
Li Fengqi tsked before saying, "I thought so too, which is why I believe he still wants to get rid of me."
With a disgruntled expression, Li Fengqi turned around and wheeled back into his courtyard residence, thinking to himself that while he would let things slide this time, he absolutely must make up for it next time.
Meanwhile, after two quarters of an hour, the carriage pulled up before the front gate of the Duke of Qi's estate.
This was Ye Yunting's first return since joining Prince Yong'an's estate. He lifted the curtain and stepped down from the carriage, then looked up at the plaque above the gate, momentarily lost in thought.
This large mansion had imprisoned him for nineteen years. On that fifth day of August, he'd been forcibly sent to Prince Yong'an's estate as part of a marriage. It was a desperate situation, but it was also where he found new life.
Now, less than two months later, autumn had already passed and winter was upon them. He returned to this familiar place, but he was no longer the naive young master who could only endure humiliation and accept his fate.
Ji Lian followed behind him, watching the head steward who came to greet them, and muttered quietly, "These people sure know how to judge someone by their appearance." When their young master had resided here, they never received such warm treatment.
Comparing these two instances made him appreciate Prince Yong'an's estate even more.
In this grand mansion, aside from a handful of good memories, most were dark and gloomy.
The steward Guan Xi heard his muttered words, and his smile froze. However, Ye Yunting's status had risen exponentially, and those who served him now enjoyed a similar ascent. The steward could only pretend he hadn't heard anything and courteously invited Ye Yunting inside. "The Lord, Madame, and Second Young Master have been looking forward to your arrival all morning. Finally, Wangfei has come."
He was exaggerated in his praising, and Ye Yunting just smiled and passed him by.
To say that Ye Wang had been looking forward to seeing his return might be true, but Ye Zhili and Yin Hongye likely never wanted to lay eyes on him again.
Ye Yunting followed the steward deeper into the residence, and Ji Lian followed behind, carrying the gifts for the visit. Just as the trio stepped through the front gate, Ye Wang rushed out enthusiastically. Today, he was dressed in a sharp ensemble with azure sleeves adorned with butterfly patterns, a leather belt around his waist, and long black sheepskin boots. His hair was neatly tied up high with a crown, his ponytail trailing down like a horse's tail at the back of his head.
He had shed some of the childish airs of a young master of a noble family, replacing it with youthful vigor. With broad shoulders, a slim waist, and long legs, he exuded an aura of heroism.
Dressed like this, it was clear that Ye Wang was looking forward to joining the military.
Ye Yunting examined him, worry etched across his eyebrows.
After seeing this group approaching, Ye Wang slowed his pace but couldn't hide his eagerness. He took big strides as he walked over and lifted his chin when he got closer. "I'm setting off in two days. I thought you wouldn't come."
He had finally managed to persuade his parents to send out an invitation to the palace, and the steward returned saying that Ye Yunting agreed to see him off before leaving. Yet despite waiting every day, he never caught even a glimpse of the man.
This morning, when the servants announced the arrival of the palace's carriage, he rushed outside after tidying himself up, unable to contain his excitement.
"How could that be?" Ye Yunting looked at him, forgiving this slight bit of incoherence, then took a long box from Ji Lian's hands. "It took me some time to pick out a present for you."
Ye Wang's eyes immediately lit up, and he stared eagerly at the box, reaching out a hand to take it. However, Ye Yunting didn't hand it over, so he could only restrain himself politely. "What sort of gift is it? Since I'll be traveling far away from home, I won't be able to bring much."
"I know." Seeing his eagerness, Ye Yunting keep him in suspense any longer and handed the box to him. "It's a weapon for your protection, chosen from the prince's collection."
The smile on Ye Wang's face widened at these words, and he eagerly opened the box as soon as he received it.
Within the mahogany wood case lay two weapons of varying lengths: a sword and a dagger. The scabbards were simple, without any embellishments save for simple patterns.
"Prince Yong'an's collection doesn't look that particularly impressive..." Ye Wang said with disdain, but he couldn't hide his delight. He picked up the dagger, unsheathed it, and tested its sharpness against a nearby branch. Yet before Ye Wang could exert much force, the branch cleanly snapped in half.
"!"
Ye Wang's eyes widened, startled yet delighted. He returned the dagger to its sheath like a prized treasure. He turned to test the longsword. "It looks so unassuming, but it's so powerful. Is this what they mean by 'a blade that can split hair'? What are their names?" Usually in plays, such legendary artifacts often had grand titles.
Smiling, Ye Yunting replied, "The prince said these swords and daggers were acquired through fortuitous means and so haven't been named yet. Why don't you choose their names?"
This was different from those in plays. Ye Wang felt momentarily crestfallen, then quickly perked back up. "Once I made great achievements in battle my reputation spread far and wide, I'll give them appropriate names. There's no point in naming them now when nobody would know their names."
The young man was full of spirit, brimming with self-satisfaction.
Shaking his head, Ye Yunting thought of why he had come today and ventured tentatively, "You're leaving in two days, so have you made arrangements regarding Yunrong?"
"Everything's arranged," Ye Wang nodded. "My maternal grandfather has already made arrangements for me. I'm going to Yunrong and joining Zhongzhou's army first, so that I can become accustomed to military life."
Ye Wang's maternal grandfather was Yin Xiaozhi's eldest son, Yin Chengwu.
Grand Commander Yin Xiaozhi of Yunrong had two sons: his eldest, Yin Chengwu, served as Governor of Zhongzhou, while his youngest, Yin Chengru, served as Governor of Jizhou. Luzhou's governorship fell under the jurisdiction of Yin Xiaozhi's deputy general.
In this way, all three prefectures surrounding the capital were firmly within the Yin family's control.
With the recent incident involving Yin Chengru, if the Yin family harbored any rebellious intentions, they would not have permitted Ye Wang to enlist in the military at such a time.
Ye Yunting lowered his gaze and tactfully said, "Your uncle had just finished his business, and Yunrong must be very busy right now. Will your maternal grandfather be able to spare attention for you when you arrive in Zhongzhou?"
At the mention of Yin Chengru, Ye Wang also furrowed his brow. "There may have been some troubles these days, but Grandfather has always loved me. He said it wouldn't be a problem if I went."
Ye Yunting frowned more, but the housekeeper stood closer behind him. Any more words might reach Yin Hongye's ears, which could be interpreted as Ye Yunting trying to incite conflict between Ye Wang and his grandfather. Thus, he could only close his mouth and change the conversation topic with Ye Wang instead.
As they spoke, the pair crossed through the corridor and arrived at the hall.
Ye Zhili and Yin Hongye were already present. After learning from their previous mistakes, they knew Ye Yunting was no longer as easy to manipulate as before, so instead of resorting to underhanded methods to suppress him, they began maintaining appearances of courtesy.
At the sight of Ye Yunting and Ye Wang walking together, Ye Zhili's eyes flickered slightly, and he said, "So you're here." He turned toward Ye Wang. "I didn't see you around this morning, so I thought you must have gone out to greet someone. But even before today, I've never seen you treat your elder brother with such attentiveness."
Hearing him talk about the past, Ye Wang guiltily glanced at Ye Yunting, but saw that his expression hadn't changed, which eased his mind somewhat. Unenthusiastically, he replied, "The past is the past; if I wasn't attentive in the past, why can't I be attentive now?"
As he spoke, he gleefully presented the sword and dagger Ye Yunting had given him, offering them like treasured gifts. "Look, Elder Brother gave these to me."
"Your grandfather sent you so many finely crafted swords made by famous craftsmen, but I've never seen you so excited," Yin Hongye said, glancing at those plain sheaths with disappointed. "But look how delightedly you hold these pieces of scrap copper and rotten iron."
She was indirectly criticizing Ye Yunting for giving Ye Wang such inferior things.
Ye Yunting was used to her barbs; this stepmother had grown up doted upon and spoiled. Even after marrying into the Duke's mansion, she lived a life of high nobility. Her speech was always direct and merciless.
Never mind him, Ye Zhili had also been on the receiving end of her sharp tongue more than once.
Ye Yunting didn't mind, but Ye Wang did not take it well.
He drew the dagger and neatly shaved off a corner of the table with ease, then declared proudly, "How can it be the same? All the gifts from Grandfather are just for show, not suitable for actual use. Since I'm going to enlist, I have to choose a weapon that suits me."
Those blades had been set with precious stones and decorated in gold; certainly impressive, but nothing compared to the weapon Ye Yunting gifted him.
Yin Hongye had nothing left to say at this sight, only offering a forced smile. "It seems the Eldest Son has indeed put some thought into his choice. It is not in vain for Wang-er to mention your virtues eight hundred times a day before me."
After exchanging some polite words in the main hall, the four prepared for dinner.
The servants spread out the large octagonal table, and once all the exquisite dishes were served, the four took their seats.
Since it was a family gathering, rank mattered little. As usual, Ye Zhili sat at the head, Yin Hongye beside him, and Ye Yunting next to Ye Wang.
Etiquette within the Duke's Manor ran deep, emphasizing silence during meals. Naturally, no one spoke while eating.
But Ye Wang had been holding himself back for days; he really did have much to say to Ye Yunting and whispered incessantly at his ear. Most of the time, Ye Yunting listened quietly, occasionally nodding or murmuring "mm" in response.
Ye Zhili sat on the head seat listening to their whispers like buzzing flies, until finally he could bear it no longer and slapped the table. "Don't speak when eating or sleeping! Is there anything you can't discuss after finishing your meal?"
Ye Wang paused, then sighed softly before picking up his bowl and pretending to eat.
"Disrespectful," Ye Zhili scolded with a frown.
Yin Hongye nudged his arm from beside him, laughing lightly as she attempted to smooth things over. "Wang-er hasn't seen his elder brother in quite some time, so of course he has more to say."
"We're all family, so there's no need to be so strict about these rules." Seeing that Ye Wang was shooting glances at him, Ye Yunting also spoke up.
With dinner almost finished, he set down his chopsticks, picked up his teacup, rinsed his mouth, and said, "It just so happens that I came here today because there's something I wish to discuss with Father and Mother."
The servants cleared the tables and brought fresh tea, and Ye Yunting brought up business.
"At Zhanran Pavilion last time, Ye Wang bravely protected me, which left quite an impression on the Prince. On top of seeing how skilled Ye Wang is, we've heard that he plans to enlist, so the Prince decided to let him join the Xuanjia Army."
This was Ye Yunting's carefully considered reason, one that was both plausible and less likely to raise suspicion.
Not everyone could enter Prince Yong'an's Xuanjia Army.
Caught off guard by this topic, Ye Zhili and Yin Hongye exchanged bewildered glances. After a long moment, Ye Zhili spoke up. "We know how capable your younger brother is. How did he manage to catch Prince Yong'an's eye?" He narrowed his eyes slightly as he examined Ye Yunting, as if attempting to discern his true intentions.
Yin Hongye also chimed in, "The northern border is harsh and unpredictable, and your brother is still young. It's safer for him to go stay with his maternal grandparents for now. There's no need to trouble Prince Yong'an."
Ye Yunting had anticipated such a reaction.
Sighing, he refrained from continuing his argument, lest they grow suspicious. "The Prince has only been thinking of the connections between our families. If Father and Mother do not agree, then so be it."
Listening from the side, Ye Wang was secretly happy and promptly agreed. "I'm getting experience no matter where I go. Since everything has already been arranged by my grandfather, I don't need to trouble the Prince."
He had heard of the stories about the unforgiving cold of the northern border, where noses were said to freeze right off during winter.
Though joining the army required courage and resilience, it would be better to suffer less under this grandfather's army. If one really had to suffer, that suffering could wait until later.
Since his attempt at persuasion was futile, there was no need for Ye Yunting to stay any longer. After half a day spent at the Duke of Qi's estate, Ye Yunting bid his leave.
Ye Wang escorted him out.
At the gate, Ye Yunting thought it over once more, dismissed the servants and said to Ye Wang, "Think carefully on what I said earlier. Zhongzhou...may not be a good place to go to. If you go to the northern border, I may be able to take care of you from time to time."
The suspicion that the Yin family intended to revolt against the throne was merely conjecture; it wasn't something he could convince Ye Wang with. Besides, even if he said it, they wouldn't necessarily trust such words.
"Are you going to the northern border?" At these words, Ye Wang wavered.
"I will eventually," Ye Yunting replied.
"But the person sent by my maternal grandfather is arriving tomorrow." Ye Wang scratched his face, hesitating before saying, "Forget it, then. I'll train under my maternal grandfather first, and afterward, I'll go find you in the northern border." He spoke confidently, "Don't forget me when the time comes."
Afterwards, he shot a glance at Ji Lian, then added coyly, "Although I don't have such great strength, I won't be far behind you in the future."
Ji Lian: ???
He suspected that Ye Wang was implying something.
Ye Yunting sighed at these words, knowing he couldn't stop him after all. He could only remind him, "Once you arrive in Zhongzhou, be careful in everything you do and remember to write to me." After a moment of hesitation, he added, "If you encounter any danger, remember to protect yourself first."
He lifted his hand to pat Ye Wang on the head. "Remember, no matter what happens, I'm your elder brother."
=== Author's Notes ===
77: You didn't even bring me with you when you went back to your parents' house. Has your love disappeared?
Tingting: ... (speechless)
=== Translator's Notes ===
Ye Wang: You're my rival! You!
Ji Lian: *has no idea whatsover*
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