Sickly Jade - Chapter 11

“National Preceptor, your grace remains as it ever was.” Ye Xiao’s hand, which had been suspended in the air, fell, his face still wearing a smile as he unconsciously scrutinized the person he hadn’t seen for a long time.

Ye Shaoyun wore black robes, with a few strands of white hair hanging down before his chest. Beneath the black robe was a silk brocade belted tunic. His frame seemed even slighter, appearing as frail as a willow in the wind, but those eyes remained bright and spirited.

Ye Shaoyun smiled politely. “General, you flatter me. I heard you visited my manor earlier. My health has been frail recently and I often feel exhausted, so I have been waking up late. Please forgive me for the poor hospitality.”

Ye Xiao looked up at the sun, now past its zenith, and shook his head with a smile. “Not at all, not at all. It’s just that I didn’t expect the National Preceptor’s health to have declined to such a state. His Majesty just gifted me a few stalks of thousand-year-old ginseng; I shall have them brought for you shortly. It is windy outside, let us enter the manor to speak.”

As he spoke, he ushered him into the manor.

The residence of a military family was decorated somewhat simply. Ye Xiao invited him to take the seat of honor, but Ye Shaoyun gazed at the pure wooden table and chairs. “I shall not sit. The physician instructed that standing more is beneficial for physical recovery.”

Ye Xiao naturally did not contradict him. “Very well, I shall stand with you. Someone, bring tea.”

“Ah, National Preceptor, why are you carrying a weapon when you go out?”

Ye Xiao noticed the Qingyun Spear held by Mu Yun behind him. His eyes brightened, a memory suddenly flashing through his mind. Looking at the person before him, he suddenly felt a sense of regret.

“I recall years ago, waving/brandishing spears in a contest atop the Beacon Tower the spirited demeanor of that time. I wonder if there will ever be such an opportunity again.”

Ye Shaoyun bowed. “General, you remain as you were for many years. It is my failing. Today, I wished to gift this spear to you. If you return to the battlefield in the future, it will not have been in vain.”

“Gift it to me? Truly?” Upon hearing this, Ye Xiao was first delighted and surprised, then his expression turned somber. “Are you truly unable to use a spear?”

“At present, I am naturally unable to use it. If it remains with me, it will only gather dust. It is better to gift it to someone who can use it.”

Ye Xiao understood his meaning. He lowered his eyes, accepted the Qingyun Spear, and weighed it in his palm. “It is indeed a fine weapon, but it is a pity to gift it to me.”

Ye Shaoyun’s delicate brows furrowed. Knowing they had reached the critical moment of this visit, he hurriedly asked, “What is the matter, General Ye?”

Ye Xiao sighed and ushered him further inside. Ye Shaoyun understood immediately and waved the attendants away. “General, do you have something to tell me? I heard you entered the capital with the First Prince; does this concern him?”

Ye Xiao shook his head repeatedly. “No, it is not as you think. I know your health was harmed by him; I would certainly never involve myself with him.”

“I know General Ye’s character.” Ye Shaoyun smiled, gently coaxing him. “Is there something you wish to say to me?”

Ye Xiao: “Call me Fanglan; there is no need for such distance between us.”

Fanglan was Ye Xiao’s courtesy name, and also his childhood name. Ye Shaoyun hesitated for a moment before calling out, “Fanglan.”

“That is what I wanted to tell you. I was not originally with the First Prince. I encountered him at Liancheng in Jiangnan when I was returning in triumph, and thus we returned to the capital together. On the way… the First Prince said some things to me, and I thought I should tell you.”

Ye Shaoyun: “Oh? What is it?”

According to the system’s current judgment, Qi Chu was now capable of handling the events that were to follow, but knowing Qi Chu as he did, his actions would be far too extreme. That was why he decided to make the trip himself; gifting the Qingyun Spear was also intended to appease him.

Ye Xiao could not be allowed to rebel. If he were to rebel, the entire nation would fall into chaos, and the prosperous, peaceful later years Ye Shaoyun craved would not be secured. He could not watch such a thing happen.

Seeing the other’s hesitation, Ye Shaoyun took the initiative to grasp his arm. That solid forearm visibly trembled. Ye Xiao’s ears turned secretly red, and he began to stammer, “I trust Shaoyun… so I tell you this, though it is merely my conjecture.”

“It is fine. You may tell me; I shall devise strategies for you.”

Ye Shaoyun smiled gently, like a May breeze quietly brushing across Ye Xiao’s parched heart.

“I feel the First Prince wishes to win me over; he said some strange things to me.”

“What strange things?” Ye Shaoyun pressed.

“I also find it strange that the First Prince returned to the capital at this time. His Highness’s excuse is that Noble Consort Chun’s birthday is approaching, but the birthday is still two months away; returning now is far too early. A few days ago, while chatting idly, he mentioned the death of Noble Consort Auntie and touched upon the events of that year. I could sense that he was attempting to provoke my loyalty to His Majesty.”

Ye Shaoyun nodded. “I understand. What does the General intend to do?”

“I… I just wanted to ask your intent. I hear the current Crown Prince is your cousin, Qi Chu. If he ascends the throne in the future, I would naturally assist him.”

Ye Shaoyun saw that he had concerns and sought to appease him as best he could. “The current court situation is stable. Barring any accidents, he shall ascend the throne in the future.”

“But the First Prince now holds great military power and is in the capital, and His Majesty’s health worsens day by day. If the First Prince has rebellious intent, this may be troublesome. Is there anything that needs to be done?”

Ye Shaoyun squeezed his arm. “Does Fanglan trust me?”

“Naturally, I trust you!” Ye Xiao replied without a moment’s hesitation. In this capital, he trusted only Ye Shaoyun.

Ye Shaoyun: “If the First Prince approaches you again, pretend to agree with him. Inform me immediately of any movements he makes.”

“Very well, I shall listen to you.”

“What are you two discussing? I wonder if I might hear a little?”

As the two spoke, the palace door to the side was pushed open, and a voice rang out quickly. Before Ye Shaoyun could retract his hand, the harsh light from outside flooded in. A moment later, he recognized the voice.

“Your Highness?”

Qi Chu had only listened for a moment outside. When he pushed the door open, he saw Ye Shaoyun’s hand resting on Ye Xiao’s arm, the two whispering secrets, their bodies almost touching. Suppressing his anger, he looked at them. “What private matters are you two discussing? Why is it necessary to close the doors in broad daylight?”

Mu Yun ran over hurriedly, looking at the two with a panicked expression. “Your Highness, Master!”

Ye Shaoyun simultaneously withdrew his hand and his gaze. Ignoring Qi Chu outside the door, he said to Ye Xiao, “Many have come to visit the General today, so I shall not disturb you further.”

Ye Xiao glanced at Qi Chu outside the door. Sensing nothing abnormal, he reached out to pull Ye Shaoyun back. “It is no matter. His Highness is family. It is not yet late; stay for lunch, National Preceptor.”

Qi Chu stared at Ye Xiao’s hand gripping Ye Shaoyun’s wrist, looking on with longing and expectation.

“Indeed. Since my cousin says so, National Preceptor, do stay for lunch. I happen to be hungry as well. Cousin, you do not mind adding one more person, do you?”

Ye Shaoyun looked up at the person who had entered. Only he knew how strange Qi Chu’s expression was at this moment, but he did not pay it much mind. He had a clear conscience, and that was enough.

Ye Xiao: “Of course. The kitchen has already prepared the meal. Everything is what Shaoyun enjoys.”

“General Ye has been very thoughtful.” Ye Shaoyun.

Qi Chu also spoke at this moment, his back molars grinding slightly, though his face bore a smile. “The General has fought on the battlefield for so many years, yet you still remember what the National Preceptor likes to eat. How rare!”