Chapter 84: The Sage (Third Update)

But Yan Chengtian had no idea that his daughter was already dead; this father had, in a roundabout way, caused the death of his own child.

“Isn’t your father here to take you home?” Ye Ming turned his head and smiled, his meaning clear. This was a feud of the older generation; she was merely a pawn in their hands. These people truly were ruthless—trying to topple him with such underhanded tricks, just as they had always done. Yet sometimes, the basest methods were the most effective.

“But I am already my husband’s wife, now a member of the Ye family,” Yan Muer replied, refusing to leave with Yan Chengtian. In this lifetime, such a thing was impossible—his daughter was long gone.

“Muer, what nonsense are you speaking? Listen to your father and come home with me,” Yan Chengtian commanded sternly. Now was the time to sever ties with the Ye family; if the Sage came seeking accountability, she would be implicated as well.

“No, I belong to my husband now.”

“Muer! It was one thing for you to be willful at home, but why must you behave so here?” Yan Chengtian was growing anxious.

Yan Muer paid him no mind. “Since I have already married into the Ye family, even in death I’ll be a ghost of the Ye family. Isn’t a married daughter like water spilled from a bowl? You should learn to let go.”

Her words left Yan Chengtian dumbfounded—was this truly his daughter? Could she be an impostor?

“Brother Yan, since Muer’s heart has found its home, you as her father should give your blessing,” Dongfang Kua said with a smile. To accomplish such a feat was certainly worthwhile.

Yan Chengtian ignored Dongfang Kua entirely, shouting at his daughter, “Yan Muer! Come here at once! If you don’t, I will no longer acknowledge you as my daughter!”

“That’s wonderful.”

Everyone: “…”

Ye Kun felt deeply moved—Yan Muer had abandoned so much for his sake, even her own father. Even Ye Li, standing by, thought to herself: this cunning vixen is truly ruthless! To win her husband’s favor, she could even forsake her father! By comparison, Ye Li herself could not match her resolve.

Hearing his daughter's reply, Yan Chengtian glared at Ye Ming. “What have you done to my daughter?”

“Muer admires our Kun—what can I do? Kun is simply too outstanding,” Dongmen Meng said gently, standing nearby with a soft smile. This little Muer was adorable, and in crucial moments she was reliable. If Muer left today, the Ye family would lose face entirely.

“Nonsense!”

“No one can halt my steps toward my husband,” Yan Muer declared, each word striking at Yan Chengtian’s heart.

Behind Ye Kun, Ye Qin sighed. Look at sister-in-law—she forsakes her father for brother. Then look at himself… truly, he could not compare.

Beside them, Ye Yang spoke softly, “Little brother, will you choose to leave with us, or must your whole family be arrested?”

“Second brother, you speak as though it were already decided.”

Ye Yang clasped his hands toward the heavens and said, “Years ago, the Sage bestowed mercy, pardoning your crimes. You were forbidden ever to step foot in Taijing again, forbidden to consort with Taijing’s nobility, forbidden to harm the aristocrats of Taijing. Yet look at my son… and at Dongfang Shuang—each one battered and wounded. Your actions have chilled the Sage’s heart, and ours as well.”

“Sage… Sage… are you all dogs?” Ye Ming laughed aloud, bitter sarcasm lacing his words.

Dongfang Kua rebuked him sharply, “Insolence! How dare you disrespect the Sage! Arrest them all!”

“Yes!”

Ye Yang looked at Ye Ming as if to say: try resisting, and your whole family will have to flee Taijing’s borders.

Taijing was the capital, a place of immense authority, but also of bloodshed. The towering imperial city represented the pinnacle of power, the dream of countless young people. To find employment in the palace was a lifelong honor.

In the palace’s rear gardens grew all manner of rare flowers and fruits; yet here, they were but one among thousands, cultivated solely for the Sage’s pleasure.

“Your Majesty, look at these Blood Snow Silks—they are especially lush this year, their white tinged with crimson, dazzlingly beautiful.” A woman of exquisite appearance spoke with a soft, coquettish tone, her manner enchanting. She was Tong Ge’s aunt, Tong Yingying.

Seated beside her, smiling, was the mighty Sage—Changsun Yu.

He showed no trace of age, not a single wrinkle on his face. His imperial robe inspired awe; even as he smiled, only Consort Tong dared exchange words, while the maids around them kept their heads bowed, not daring to meet his gaze.

“If Yingying likes them, I will have several sent to your palace.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty. Will you rest at my palace tonight? I hear the Blood Snow Silk is even more enchanting under moonlight.”

“Oh? Such wonders—I have not heard of this before. I should see it for myself.”

Tong Yingying rejoiced inwardly. Yet just as she sought to charm him further, the chief eunuch hurried over. “Your Majesty, the Director has arrived.”

Changsun Yu waved his hand, smiling. “Yingying, you may go for now. I have important matters to attend.”

Tong Yingying’s favor stemmed from her understanding; she knew when to withdraw. “Very well, Your Majesty. Please take care of yourself and do not overexert.”

Changsun Yu nodded. Soon after, the Director of the Tianluo Institute entered, bowing deeply before the Sage. “Your Majesty, long live the Emperor.”

“Rise.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

Changsun Yu sighed softly, rubbing the bridge of his nose. “How are things on the Ye family’s side?”

“The Ye, Dongfang, and Yan families are applying pressure. As soon as Ye Ming makes a move, Your Majesty can intervene.”

“You have managed this well.”

“Thank you for your praise, Your Majesty. I only seek to lessen your burdens.” The Director of Tianluo Institute was indeed neither servile nor arrogant, his face showing neither flattery nor humility—he possessed a certain character.

“Leaving Taijing is best,” Changsun Yu murmured.

The Director was momentarily puzzled, and asked quietly, “Then… should we rescue those from the three families?”

Changsun Yu glanced at him, and the Director immediately understood. “I see.”

“Go. The fewer who know of this, the better.”

“Yes!”

The Director withdrew, then returned to Tianluo Institute, feeling deeply moved… In order to force Ye Ming’s family to leave Taijing, those sent must die!

If they did not die, Ye Ming would never leave Taijing.

“Director, is everything proceeding smoothly?” Zhang Jin asked.

The Director looked at Zhang Jin. “If Ye Ming discovered it was you, his student, who devised this plan, I wonder what his expression would be.”

Zhang Jin chuckled, “I imagine it would be quite complex.”

“Make preparations—aside from the Ye family, leave none alive!”

“Yes! I will see to it at once!”

The Director took a deep breath. Was the Sage truly helping Ye Ming, or… even he, an old man, could not fathom it.

The Sage’s heart was truly inscrutable.