Chapter 17: Ye Kun! The Outstanding One!

“Brother Yuan, you truly have the children’s best interests at heart. I, Ye Ming, admire you.” Ye Ming cupped his hands with a sigh—how wonderful to be wealthy, to truly do as one pleases.

As the two conversed, County Magistrate Batay and Zhang Jin entered the hall together.

All the dignitaries rose to their feet and greeted them with respect.

The county magistrate’s authority was no small thing, but everyone’s attention was drawn to the young man at his side. Judging by their strides, the young man walked slightly ahead, with the magistrate following behind. Clearly, this youth was no ordinary figure.

“This venue must have cost a fortune. If the Sage were to learn that such extravagance was made in a humble county, I wonder what he would think,” Zhang Jin murmured as they walked, sending Batay into a cold sweat.

“Your subordinate… I…”

Suddenly, Zhang Jin chuckled. “Master Ba, all eyes are on you. Don’t act this way—it was just a jest.”

Batay felt thoroughly unwell, fearing he might collapse at any moment.

“Brother Ye, that young man is remarkable to leave the magistrate so unsettled,” Yuan Xinzhou marveled at the mysterious newcomer.

Ye Ming nodded. “Indeed, he must have an impressive background. What do you think, wife?”

Dongmen Meng shot Ye Ming a sidelong glance but said nothing.

The crowd whispered among themselves about Zhang Jin’s arrival, though none dared speak openly.

“Master Ba,” Old Wei approached and bowed.

“Sir.” Batay’s expression remained stiff, even his greeting awkward.

Old Wei’s gaze landed on the jade pendant at Zhang Jin’s waist, and his aged face changed color as if he were about to fall to his knees in salute.

Zhang Jin gently supported him with a smile. “No need for such formality, sir. You understand well enough.”

Old Wei, seasoned as he was, composed himself and pressed his hands together. “My lord, I understand.”

“Very good, then let us begin,” Zhang Jin said with a smile.

Batay was thoroughly bewildered by now.

Old Wei glanced at Batay, who whispered, “Let’s begin—let’s not have any mishaps.”

“Understood, Master Ba.” Old Wei nodded. With such a distinguished guest present, he had to be even more cautious.

Zhang Jin did not take the seat of honor, choosing instead a place slightly below it. Batay had wanted to invite him to the principal seat, but recalling Zhang Jin’s character, he refrained.

All was prepared. Old Wei waved his hand, and the doorkeeper announced loudly, “Enter!”

The children filed into the hall in neat rows, greeted by thunderous applause that filled the room with encouragement and support.

After all, they were only children; few had ever faced such a grand occasion. The deafening clapping left their minds blank, unsure even of what they were doing.

Parents seated nearby watched their children standing among the others and felt a surge of pride and contentment.

Old Wei took his place in the center, his aged yet powerful voice ringing out, “Today is the Festival of Qingyuan! I wish all present peace and prosperity!”

“Peace and prosperity for Qingyuan!” the children shouted in unison, as they had rehearsed.

The parents beamed with joy, their children seeming so grown-up.

Old Wei scanned the assembly with pride. “I have taught many students over the years, but few have truly satisfied me. Today, however, I must especially commend one student.”

Ye Kun felt a sense of dread.

Please, not me… please…

“That student is Ye Kun! Though young, he possesses exceptional insight and stands out among his peers.”

Ye Kun: …

He wished he could disappear. Receiving such praise at the outset—oh, teacher, your student is about to undertake something important, and now you’ve drawn all this attention. If things go awry, it will be my own face I slap.

Heaven help me, how did this happen? I wish I could vanish…

The audience buzzed with speculation.

“That bald child is called Ye Kun? To earn Old Wei’s praise is no small feat.”

“Indeed, it’s the first time I’ve heard Old Wei commend a student. This boy’s future must be limitless.”

“Certainly. Ye Kun… with the family name Ye, could he be of the Ye clan?”

Ye Ming and Dongmen Meng were positively beaming, especially as they overheard the crowd’s remarks. This was far more gratifying than acquiring some rare treasure or profound sword technique—Kun Kun had truly brought them honor.

Ye Ming felt he might float away from pride; if he didn’t find someone to boast to, it would be a crime against nature.

“Brother Yuan, my son’s not bad, eh?” You could tell from Ye Ming’s tone he was fishing for praise.

Yuan Xinzhou’s mouth twitched. He managed a strained smile. “Your son is indeed excellent, Brother Ye.” Then he immediately fell silent, showing no desire to continue the conversation.

Ye Ming paid no mind and waggled his brows at his wife. Dongmen Meng shot him a glare—just look at you, showing off.

“Oh, that’s my son,” Dongmen Meng boasted to a nearby woman.

Ye Ming: …

Within the ranks, Ye Qin was also elated. Once again, his brother had been singled out for praise by their teacher. But after today, he was sure he, Ye Qin, would also receive such recognition.

Ba Wanqing glanced at Ye Kun and huffed softly.

The little girl clearly held a grudge.

Yuan Zhen and Feng Dian were even more disgruntled. That bald brat—one of these days, I’ll draw a turtle on your head!

Old Wei’s voice rang out again, “The literary and martial contest will begin with a battle of words, and Ye Kun will start us off!”

Applause broke out once more, but inside, Ye Kun felt utterly desolate.

To be the first—how did this happen? He had hoped to observe the other children’s performances and then pick out a weaker one to follow. But to lead the charge himself, there were simply too many unknowns.

“Brother, do your best. Don’t let your little brother surpass you,” Ye Qin whispered earnestly and stepped aside to wait.

Soon, only Ye Kun stood alone in the center of the hall, sunlight reflecting off his bald head in a gleaming halo.

“Ye Kun, begin. I look forward to your performance,” Old Wei said kindly before taking a seat.

All eyes were on Ye Kun, curious what verse he would recite. Since Old Wei had praised him, he must be extraordinary.

Ye Ming and Dongmen Meng held hands tightly, these two fierce souls now wracked with nerves.

Ye Kun himself did not feel nervous but was seized by a sudden impulse—what if I sang a song instead?

To be honest, Brother Kun here sings very well.

But no, not only would that embarrass his teacher, but his parents, too.

He would have to settle for the most ordinary poem.

Ye Kun suddenly made a sweeping gesture; his sleeve fluttered as he placed his right hand behind his back and his left hand before his abdomen.

The manner was perfect, but when performed by a child, the meaning shifted entirely.

Ye Kun had forgotten he was still just a boy.

Applause thundered through the hall once more, and if one looked closely, it was Ye Qin and Dongmen Meng who began clapping first.