Chapter 11: Sensing Something Amiss

Ye Ming and Dongmen Meng seemed to sense something as well. How could boys not have a competitive spirit? At home, they played together without needing to compete for anything, but now that they attended the academy, things were bound to change.

Kun was clever and quick-witted from a young age, while Qin was much more ordinary.

If Ye Kun knew what his mother was thinking, he would surely feel a bit frustrated—her words made it sound as if he, Ye Kun, were somehow abnormal.

After dinner, Ye Kun and Ye Qin went to the backyard together.

"Brother," Ye Kun draped an arm over Ye Qin’s shoulder, playing the part of good siblings who share fortune and adversity alike. Yet, it had always been Kun who enjoyed the good fortune, and Qin who bore the hardships.

Ye Qin pressed his lips together, looking like a child sulking. Ye Kun knew all it took was a bit of coaxing.

"Come on, don’t be upset. Your brother was wrong, alright?" Ye Kun spoke with genuine intent. He was no expert at comforting children.

"You weren't wrong, brother."

Why did this kid act like a girl?

"Then how will you forgive your brother?"

Ye Qin pursed his lips, and slowly said, "You just need to admit it."

"Admit what?" Ye Kun was puzzled.

"Admit that you took first place."

Goodness, his little brother wanted him to acknowledge something so elusive.

"I..." Ye Kun wanted to explain, but seeing the earnest look on his brother’s face, he decided a harmless lie was best.

"Alright, alright, I admit it."

"Hmph, then why did you lie to me, brother?"

This kid was even more troublesome than a girl.

Seeing his brother struggle, Ye Qin muttered, "Were you afraid I’d be hurt, so you said that? But I want you to know, I don’t need you to hold back for me."

Ye Kun’s scalp tingled; what was this all about? Winning first place out of nowhere felt like a burden.

"One day I’ll surpass you, brother," Ye Qin declared, clenching his small fists. At such a young age, he already had a life goal—to surpass his brother.

Watching his brother’s silhouette disappear into their room, Ye Kun felt uneasy. This was practically sowing discord between brothers.

He had no choice but to use his secret weapon.

Ye Kun entered the room too; after all, the brothers shared it.

Soon after he walked in, Ye Qin’s laughter echoed within.

"Brother, it tickles... stop it..."

"Isn’t it fun, little brother?"

"You’re bullying me!"

"Hehe..."

When dawn arrived, the two brothers followed behind Zhang Tiantian, chatting and laughing, having forgotten yesterday’s troubles.

They watched wealthy children arrive in carriages, but paid no mind—after all, the Ye family owned a carriage too, only kept out of sight for modesty’s sake. The real reason, though, was their horse was gone.

Inside the academy, Ye Kun saw his painting had been framed and placed at the very center, complete with his signature.

Brother Kun felt utterly undeserving.

"Ye Kun, I have something to say to you." As they entered the classroom, Ba Wanqing, who had never even exchanged a word with them, blocked their way.

Ye Kun immediately sensed trouble.

It seemed his little brother was interested in this girl; during class, he often stole glances at her—Ye Kun had noticed several times, though he never mentioned it.

But perhaps he was overthinking. They were still children, after all; how could their thoughts run so deep?

"Why are you looking for my brother?" Ye Qin asked curiously. It was his first time speaking to Ba Wanqing this close, and her eyes were indeed large.

Ba Wanqing’s expression was serious. "I want your brother to teach me how to paint."

Ye Kun hesitated—what was he supposed to teach her, risk his life?

"Brother, she wants you to teach her," Ye Qin said excitedly. He felt his brother was truly remarkable—even Ba Wanqing wanted his guidance. If his brother taught, he could learn too, and study alongside Ba Wanqing.

But wait... this meant Ba Wanqing would have a chance to spend time alone with him.

So, asking his brother to teach painting was just a pretense; she really wanted to see him.

Ah, it was a bit embarrassing—so forward.

Ye Kun could read his brother’s thoughts from his expression; he clearly wanted to get closer to Ba Wanqing. Considering yesterday, as his brother, Kun decided to grant him a little favor.

"Are you sure you want me to teach? I’m not very good at it," Ye Kun replied earnestly. He wasn’t joking—the previous day’s success was a fluke.

But Ba Wanqing saw his seriousness as humility.

"No matter, let’s start today. After class, shall we go to your house or mine?"

Goodness, this girl was so bold—wanting to go to his house right away.

"Let’s go to mine," Ye Kun said, preferring discretion. The Ye residence was in the poor quarter of Taixi County, while the magistrate’s mansion stood in the bustling western market.

"Alright," Ba Wanqing replied, returning to her seat.

"Brother, you must teach well," Ye Qin laughed, heading to his own seat.

Ye Kun rolled his eyes—how was he supposed to teach well, make things up?

Indeed, he could just make things up.

Soon, Master Wei arrived, his expression toward Ye Kun noticeably changed, making Ye Kun uncomfortable.

"Students, next month is the Festival of Prosperity. I plan to invite your parents then to witness your achievements. In the coming month, you must prepare well."

Upon hearing this, Ye Kun felt uneasy.

Looking around, the other children were all excited, eager to perform and bring honor to their parents.

"Teacher, what should we prepare?" Yuan Zhen asked.

"Literature and martial arts."

The students fell silent; they had expected a performance, but the teacher had other plans.

Feng Dian quickly asked, "Teacher, what do you mean by literature and martial arts, so we can prepare?"

"In one month, compose poetry; for martial arts, archery."

As soon as the tasks were announced, the children began to discuss enthusiastically.

"Enough, quiet now. I look forward to your performance. Let’s begin class."

Ye Kun felt that composing poetry was quite a challenge—they were all just children, after all. And archery—could their little arms even draw a bow?

Wasn’t this making things difficult for them?

Yet Ye Qin saw it as a great opportunity—to surpass his brother next month. The thought of being praised by everyone was exciting.

After class.

Ye Qin, full of enthusiasm, dragged his brother along to discuss poetry, forgetting altogether that the magistrate’s daughter was waiting outside.

"Ye Kun, Ye Qin," Ba Wanqing called, her voice clear and pleasant.

"Ba Wanqing, what are you doing here? Why not go home?" Ye Qin asked curiously, caught off guard.