Chapter 6: This Child Must Have Been a Free Gift with the Swordsmanship

“It’s alright, I know you’re worried about me, brother. Let’s go, let’s go.”
“Honestly, then we have no choice but to leave.” Ye Kun rubbed his forehead, thinking how mischievous these children were. Where should they go to play? That was the question.

Just as the two were about to slip away, Dongmen Meng suddenly appeared.

“Where are you two going?”

Both children jolted in surprise, their plan thwarted before it even began…

“Mother.”

“Mother.”

With no other option, Ye Kun and Ye Qin quickly turned around and greeted her in a flattering tone, hoping it would be of some use.

But Dongmen Meng’s beautiful face was still frosted with cold.

Ye Qin, who just moments ago was ready to shift blame, fell silent. Smack, smack…

But as the elder brother, Ye Kun knew he had to bear the responsibility.

“Mother, it was all my idea. Please don’t blame my little brother.” Ye Kun admitted his fault honestly, trusting their mother would be fair.

Dongmen Meng looked at Ye Qin and said calmly, “Qin Qin, you always want your brother to take the blame. Aren’t you going to explain? How did mother teach you? One must be honest and trustworthy.”

Ye Qin was dumbfounded.

Ah, little brother, it’s not that I won’t shield you, but even if I wanted to, I couldn’t. Truly, a hard life for a younger sibling.

“Show me your hands!”

“Mother, I won’t dare again.” Ye Qin hung his head and spoke softly, wondering why his brother was never scolded. Mother really is biased.

“Mother, punish me instead.” Ye Kun reached out his hands, acting as if he was ready to take the punishment for his brother.

Such behavior pleased Dongmen Meng. Though not her blood, his willingness to shoulder responsibility for his brother was heartwarming.

“Kun Kun, mother knows you’re kind, but this is a matter of principle. I deal with the issue, not the person. So Qin Qin, I hope you’ll remember this lesson!”

Ye Kun sighed deeply. This happened so often that one might think Ye Qin was adopted and he the biological child.

Dongmen Meng lightly tapped her sons twice, just as a reminder.

“You two, come here. I have something to tell you.”

“Yes, mother.” As she turned away, Ye Qin whispered, “Brother, am I a free gift with a sword technique purchase?”

Ye Kun stroked his chin thoughtfully, “There are indeed such deals in the Western Market, but usually it’s buy a sword technique, get a sword.”

“Brother, teach me how to earn mother’s praise.”

“Uh… That must be fate.” Ye Kun rubbed his bare head, not desiring praise, for he’d never done anything worthy of it.

The two children soon followed their mother to the main hall, where Ye Ming was waiting.

“Father…” they greeted respectfully, sensing something was off.

Ye Qin lacked confidence, shrinking behind Ye Kun as if everything was his brother’s idea.

Ye Kun, being experienced, stood upright, embodying righteousness.

Their behavior didn’t go unnoticed by Ye Ming and Dongmen Meng.

Ye Kun had always been sensible, while their own son was less so, which caused them headaches.

Now that they were old enough, it was time to send them to private school. Though it couldn’t compare to those in Ankang Prefecture, at least they’d learn to write and establish a foundation for future success.

“Hm… Did you upset your mother again?” Ye Ming was serious in front of the children.

But Ye Kun knew that this formality was just an act. Father, show your true colors, stop hiding.

Dongmen Meng spoke softly, “Let it be. I’ve already disciplined them. Let’s talk about serious matters.”

Ye Ming shot Ye Qin a glance—clearly, it was his fault.

Ye Qin felt wounded. Why was it always him who suffered?

Ye Kun didn’t explain; the more he tried to take the blame, the worse it was for Ye Qin, ending with himself being praised.

It was truly frustrating.

“You’re both old enough now. I’ve enrolled you in private school. Starting tomorrow, follow your teacher and study well. If I find you slacking off, I’ll break your legs myself!”

Ye Kun’s expression was calm—it was just studying, nothing to worry about.

Ye Qin, however, looked reluctant, which was normal for a child.

But in their parents’ eyes, these expressions took on a whole new meaning—there was really no comparison.

“There will be other children at the school. You can play and make new friends.”

Sure enough, the moment he heard ‘play,’ Ye Qin came alive as if resurrected, instantly interested.

Ye Kun remained composed, and Ye Ming felt this boy was a little too mature for his age—though, perhaps, he always had been.

“Alright, you may go play now, but don’t leave the estate.” Dongmen Meng said gently, granting them leave.

“Yes, mother.” The two children hurried off.

Once they were gone, Dongmen Meng’s expression grew serious. “Husband, is it wise to let them go out at this time?”

Ye Ming understood what his wife meant; yesterday’s poisonous fish was clearly targeted.

“They wanted to sneak out again today.” Ye Ming took a sip of tea.

Dongmen Meng nodded.

“So keeping them locked up isn’t a solution. Let Zhang Tiantian watch over them. This county is complicated.” Ye Ming sighed, wishing for a peaceful life that was out of reach.

“Hiding won’t solve anything,” Dongmen Meng said with a soft snort, then rose and left. Ye Ming smiled helplessly and quickly chased after her to appease her.

The next morning, for the first time, Ye Qin got up without his mother calling him, energized by the prospect of playing with other children.

“Brother, brother, aren’t you excited?” Ye Qin asked, puzzled by Ye Kun’s sleepy demeanor.

Playing with kids was indeed unfamiliar. “I was too excited last night and didn’t sleep well, so I’m tired now.”

“So brother already used up all his excitement. Finally, we can play with something fun.”

This boy was still so young. Wait a few days and he’d surely be clamoring to go home.

Still, being able to leave the estate, Ye Kun was happy—this was true life. Street vendors lined the roads, selling all kinds of goods, their cries making the county seem bustling.

Zhang Tiantian walked behind the children, vigilant, ready to take down any would-be assassins.

Such boldness—to target the young masters, did they not fear the family’s wrath?

Ye Kun and Ye Qin looked around eagerly; before, when sneaking out, they had no time to notice these things. So many delicious foods, so many fun toys.

They soon arrived at the entrance to the private school, where several carriages were parked. Judging by their quality, they must be quite valuable.