Chapter 18: Kun Is Very Unhappy

Ye Kun felt his scalp tingle with anxiety and quickly stopped his flamboyant gestures; a line of poetry surfaced in his mind. This poem might not be the best, but it certainly wasn’t the worst—something moderate would suffice. Since he had made up his mind, he decided to go with this one.

“In spring’s slumber, dawn is unperceived.
Everywhere, the songs of birds are heard.
Last night, the wind and rain resounded—
How many blossoms have fallen, who can know?”

With a deep yet slightly stirring tone, Ye Kun recited the poem aloud. He felt he had captured the essence of the lines and shouldn’t lose too badly. He glanced around—why had everyone gone silent? Was it too simple? If only he hadn’t been the first; then he could have gauged everyone else’s level and adjusted accordingly.

Just as Ye Kun’s confidence faltered, Elder Wei unexpectedly took the lead and began to applaud! With Elder Wei’s cue, the crowd snapped out of their daze, and the applause thundered as if it would reach the sky. Even Zhang Jin joined in with a light clap, murmuring, “This child is remarkable.”

Ba Tai, overhearing, quickly said, “He’s from the Ye family.”

“The Ye family? No wonder,” Zhang Jin replied with a faint smile, saying little more.

Ye Qin, having just heard his brother’s poem, was left utterly bewildered. This was a different league altogether. His own poem… it was just like the time he tried painting—an utter, crushing defeat.

Ba Wanqing, too, was visibly surprised, though her expression soon shifted to annoyance. This Ye Kun is just too stingy!

Feng Dian and Yuan Zhen were not convinced at all—it had to have been taught to him by someone else! Their suspicions weren’t unfounded, but they had no proof.

“Husband, did you teach Kun-kun?” Dongmen Meng asked in confusion. Kun-kun was so young, able to paint and write poetry, yet she’d never seen him study at home.

“No, did you?” Ye Ming was equally puzzled. How could this child be so clever?

Dongmen Meng shook her head, but found herself growing fonder of Kun-kun. Look at that little face—after composing such lines, he even seemed dissatisfied, the very picture of a child constantly striving to improve. If only she knew her son’s true thoughts, Ye Kun would surely protest: I’m not striving at all—I’ve never even tried to strive…

It’s all a misunderstanding; I don’t deserve such applause. Please, everyone, don’t clap—I, Ye Kun, am unworthy. How I wish I could just disappear… My poor little brother, I hope you have a better poem; your elder brother has done his best.

“Wonderful! Wonderful! Wonderful!” Elder Wei exclaimed three times, revealing his excitement.

These words left Ye Kun momentarily dazed.

“Ye Kun, you are indeed the child I had hoped for,” Elder Wei praised him openly, much to Ye Kun’s distress. If he had known things would turn out like this… he would have…

“Ye Kun, say a few words so the other children may learn from you,” Elder Wei said, stroking his beard and smiling gently.

All Ye Kun wanted was to keep a low profile. After all, too much talent draws jealousy, and that can be fatal. But fate seemed dead set against letting him remain modest. Now his teacher wanted him to say something? He hadn’t even thought about what to say.

Better to keep things simple. With so many children here, antagonizing them was the last thing he wanted.

“As long as you study diligently, you will surely achieve greatness in the future,” Ye Kun said, offering only a few perfunctory words to avoid further trouble.

Elder Wei nodded. “It seems Ye Kun has been studying hard at home to achieve such success today.”

Ye Kun couldn’t help but twitch at the corners of his mouth.

Ye Qin knew his brother well—he hadn’t studied at all this month. Was his brother’s talent really just that high? Was he truly no match?

Ye Ming and Dongmen Meng were equally perplexed. Kun-kun didn’t seem that dedicated. Perhaps it was just raw talent.

Ye Kun could even feel his little brother’s gaze, as if to say: Brother, can’t you let me win just once? We’re family!

“Ye Kun, go rest and prepare for the archery. I have high hopes for you,” Elder Wei said warmly, growing ever fonder of this quiet, unassuming child with such hidden depths.

Ye Kun bowed to the audience and went to stand beside Ye Qin.

How could he explain things to his brother? The guilt gnawed at him. Should he teach Ye Qin a poem right now? Better not—otherwise it would seem like he was offering charity, and that would only provoke another tantrum.

“Brother,” Ye Qin whispered from his side.

Ye Kun paused. “What is it?”

“Brother, why are you so amazing? No matter how hard I try, I can never catch up,” Ye Qin said, his tone so plaintive it could melt one’s heart.

Heavens above, just strike me down with lightning, Ye Kun thought. Can’t I let my little brother win just once? Can’t you see how upset he is?

“Little brother, I just said whatever came to mind, truly.”

“If your casual words are this impressive, what if you got serious…” Ye Qin replied, his disappointment deepening.

So exhausting—my heart is weary, Ye Kun thought. Who will save my poor little brother?

“Don’t lose heart, little brother. You’ll do great in the archery. I’m terrible at it,” Ye Kun said honestly, his eyes sincere.

Ye Qin pouted. “Every time you say you’re terrible, you turn out to be the best. I don’t believe you anymore.”

It’s over… My brother doesn’t believe me anymore. What a disaster…

I, Ye Kun, swear to the heavens: if I so much as touch the target in archery, I’ll shave my head and become a monk!

Still, nothing was certain—perhaps someone else’s poetry would outshine his. But as the contest went on, Ye Kun realized the general level—his first place was all but secured.

But he didn’t want to be first. Truly, he didn’t.

Yet to the adults, his poem was clearly not the work of an ordinary child—Ye Kun was something else entirely.

When Elder Wei announced the results, Ye Kun won first place in the literary contest, easily and without suspense. But it felt hollow, lacking all meaning—his brother was unhappy, so the victory was empty.

But as for archery, Ye Qin had practiced at home—first place should be no problem. That should be a sure thing.

Because his performance in the earlier round was so outstanding, Ye Kun became the last to compete—so that the contest would begin and end with him.

Ye Kun understood his teacher’s intention, but he was determined to lose on purpose in archery.

Disappointment seemed inevitable.

But for his brother’s sake, he was willing to endure a little embarrassment—anything was worth it.

With a burst of applause, the targets were brought out, placed about thirty paces away—not far, since all the competitors were children. Still, even thirty paces was difficult for a child.

Ye Kun felt reassured—at home, Ye Qin could shoot from sixty paces! Three arrows, three bullseyes. As long as he performed normally, his brother would surely take first place!

Archery was contested in pairs—the first match was between Feng Dian and Yuan Zhen.

Both boys seemed nervous, their hands shaking as they gripped their bows.

“We can do this!”

“That’s right! Let’s amaze everyone!”

They encouraged each other with great enthusiasm, even shouting aloud.

Yuan Xinzhou was overjoyed—he was sure his son would hit the bullseye with all three arrows.