Chapter 123: It Felt Like a Dream (Part Three)

On the carriage, Yan Mu’er covered her mouth, laughing softly. “Husband, just now Yuan Zhen and Feng Dian’s expressions were so funny, as if they had fallen into a cesspit.”

Ye Li’s mouth twitched slightly. Now, whenever he thought of the latrine, he recalled those humiliating memories—it was truly embarrassing...

Ye Qin chuckled lightly. “Sister-in-law might not know, but when Brother and I used to attend the private school, we always walked. Yuan Zhen and Feng Dian both had carriages, so their expressions earlier were quite telling.”

“So that’s how it is. Husband, never mind the teasing—tell us about your childhood,” Ye Li coaxed, nestling his arm around Ye Kun’s.

To be honest, Ye Li enjoyed this feeling. It was when he felt truly himself, not the exalted emperor seated on the throne.

Ye Kun lowered the curtain and stepped out of Pingkang Lane, which was indeed as prosperous and bustling as described in the book.

“That’s right, husband, tell us! Mu’er wants to hear~” Even Yan Mu’er was coaxing alongside him. With two such beautiful women plying him with sweetness, any man would melt, including my brother Kun.

Along the journey, Ye Kun recounted stories from his childhood, though the word “accident” seemed to appear quite often.

Ye Qin kept emphasizing that his elder brother was merely being modest.

When the tale reached the Misty Forest, Yan Mu’er was nearly infuriated.

“Cat demon! Cat demon!” she exclaimed.

Before they knew it, dusk had fallen. The carriage sped along, and by nightfall, they arrived at the eastern city of Ankang Prefecture.

This was where the noble families of Ankang resided; those with power and influence gathered here. It was a classic case of birds of a feather flocking together.

“Young master, we’ve arrived,” Zhang Tiantian called from outside the carriage. Dong Ci and Da Ci leapt down as well. As professional servants, what was their first move?

Ah, of course!

They were providing their master a human shield—literally.

Dong Ci and Da Ci crouched beside the carriage, leaving Zhang Tiantian utterly stunned.

Such professionalism.

Ye Kun bent down and stepped out. Seeing their exaggerated display, he sighed.

“Don’t do that anymore,” Ye Kun said softly. Anyone unaware might mistake him for a spoiled playboy.

Dong Ci and Da Ci froze, wondering if their performance had fallen short. The master was actually displeased!

It seemed they needed to research how to be excellent servants; this rigorous training was proving difficult...

Ye Kun jumped down and reached out to lift his wife from the carriage. Clearly, my brother Kun knew how to cherish his bride.

However, as everyone laid eyes on the mansion before them, they swallowed hard.

It was more than twice the size of the one in Tai Xi County! And look at the grand gate—there were guards stationed!

My heavens, what’s happened to father and mother?

If you have this much wealth, why didn’t you say so earlier? Our journey hasn’t been easy...

Look at these stone lions by the gate; that stone must be some rare jade! Aren’t they afraid it’ll be stolen in the middle of the night?

“Chant the slogan!” Zhang Tiantian suddenly shouted.

The guards standing in two neat lines at the gate bellowed in unison, “Young master, thank you for your hard work! Young master, thank you for your hard work!”

Everyone fell silent.

Honestly, the slogan was awkward at best, creating an atmosphere that was both embarrassing and overly formal.

“Brother, this smells like a conspiracy...” Ye Qin said, unable to believe it. Even Zhang Tiantian’s expression changed. This had to be a sham.

Hearing this, Ye Kun felt the same—it was far too staged.

“Young master, don’t just stand there. Come inside,” Zhang Tiantian said with a smile as he leaned forward.

Ye Kun was curious to see what awaited inside.

The guards pushed open the heavy red bronze doors with a deep groan.

Ye Kun stepped inside and was stunned.

Was this a paradise hidden from the world? The entrance featured a wooden bridge, beyond which stood a three-zhang (approximately nine-meter) high jade mountain. Judging by its formation, it must have been imported.

Remarkably, there was even a lake beside it! In the lake stood a pavilion divided into east and west halls, its walls adorned with handcrafted patterns. On both the north and south sides, nine winding corridors connected the banks to the pavilion, which was reflected perfectly on the water’s surface—surpassing the legendary Water Palace itself.

“Oh my,” Yan Mu’er was enchanted by the scene, her bright blue eyes sparkling with delight.

Even Ye Li was awestruck by the craftsmanship—this was undoubtedly the work of a master artisan!

Both Ye Kun and Ye Qin found it hard to believe. After all, they were children from poor families; this couldn’t be true.

Dong Ci and Da Ci were at a loss. Was this really the result of such harsh training?

Within the pavilion, Ye Kun spotted two figures—it was none other than Father and Mother.

What on earth was going on?

Ye Kun exchanged a glance with Ye Qin, then walked toward the winding corridor. A gentle breeze brushed their faces, bringing instant relief.

From afar, Dongmen Meng spotted the children and rose, calling softly, “My Kun Kun and Qin Qin, come here for a hug~”

Ye Kun: “......”

Ye Qin: “......”

Mother, this was fine when we were kids, but now that we’re grown, it’s a bit embarrassing.

Before the brothers could react, Dongmen Meng swept them into a warm embrace. “I was so worried! Afraid you’d been eaten by some fierce beast.”

“......”

“Oh, and here are my Mu’er and Li’er! Come let Mother hug you~”

Ye Li and Yan Mu’er remained silent.

Mother was certainly enthusiastic, but the girls didn’t mind.

Dong Ci and Da Ci pondered how to politely decline such affection.

Yet they were completely ignored...

Ye Kun suddenly noticed that Father was standing with his back to him, not even rising to greet them.

Judging by the scene, Father might be in trouble.

“Mother, what’s wrong with Father?” Ye Qin asked anxiously.

Dongmen Meng spoke softly, “Sit first, husband. The children have returned; won’t you come see them?”

Ye Ming turned his head slowly, speaking in the dialect of Shen City, “My neck feels a bit stiff.”

“Oh? Shall I help you twist it a bit?”

“Ah, it suddenly feels better. Isn’t that strange?” Ye Ming turned around.

Ye Kun’s jaw nearly dropped at the sight of Father’s bruises. Were those really genuine?

“Father, what happened to you?” Ye Qin’s heart ached. Had he known earlier, he could have reported it and at least gotten some money.

Since Father was going to get beaten anyway, being punished by Mother might at least have some meaning.

If Ye Ming knew what his own son was thinking, he might faint from anger.

“Father had a bit of an accident on the way here,” Ye Ming said, wincing.

Dongmen Meng murmured softly, “Fortunately, it’s nothing serious. Mother is heartbroken.”

Suddenly, Mother seemed terrifying—a chilling feeling washed over the room.

Even Dong Ci and Da Ci shivered; their teacher’s mother’s smile sent chills down their spines.

“Mother, let’s eat,” someone suggested. Everyone had barely eaten today, and now the table was laden with dishes—it was wonderful.

Dongmen Meng replied softly, “Not yet. We’re still waiting for guests.”

“Guests?” Ye Kun asked, puzzled.

Suddenly, Ye Qin spotted a familiar figure approaching.