Chapter 21: Well, I’m Helpless

Amid the applause of the crowd, Bata hung the jade he always carried around Nightkun’s neck and then displayed him for all to see. Nightkun felt as if he’d been decorated with a big red flower; the feeling was so awkward he could scarcely describe it.

Though it was only a small piece of jade, in the little county of Taixi, it meant one could walk anywhere with their head held high. Everyone was saying that the Ye family was blessed by their child’s good fortune and was about to ascend to great heights.

Ye Ming and Dongmen Meng couldn’t have been prouder of their children’s accomplishments—at last, the family name was shining bright.

Once they returned to the group, before Nightkun could speak to his younger brother, Ba Wanqing came over and thanked him sincerely. “Thank you for saving my father.”

“There’s no need,” Nightkun replied, his tone carrying a certain distance, as if he had no interest in conversing with Ba Wanqing—though in truth, he simply wished to speak with his younger brother.

To Ba Wanqing, however, his expression made it clear he wanted nothing to do with her. Frustrated, she stamped her foot.

Watching from the side, Feng Dian and Yuan Zhen felt a glimmer of satisfaction. Clearly, the ‘princess’ of Taixi County couldn’t stand Nightkun. Perhaps it was time to join forces and teach the arrogant boy a lesson—he’d stolen all their thunder.

“Brother,” Nightkun greeted his younger brother Ye Qin with a smile.

“Brother...” Ye Qin’s tone had changed; he sounded deeply aggrieved.

Nightkun suddenly felt as if his younger brother were not a sibling but a wife, one who constantly needed comforting.

“Brother, I—”

“I know what you’re about to say. It was all an accident. I understand.”

Nightkun was speechless. Looking at his brother’s expression, he wanted to protest: What do you think you understand? You think your brother is lying to you? Would I, someone so honest, ever lie? Would I be so childish?

“Brother, you don’t need to explain. One day, I’ll surpass you and earn everyone’s recognition.”

This was bad... From his look and tone, it seemed as if Ye Qin was ready to cut ties.

On the way home, Ye Qin was pulled along by their father, Ye Ming, while Nightkun walked with his mother, Dongmen Meng. There was a rift between the brothers.

Ye Ming and Dongmen Meng noticed as much. In truth, their constant praise of Nightkun was meant to motivate their son as well. Besides, Nightkun had been adopted, so it was only natural to show him a little extra love. Yet now, it seemed they had overlooked their son’s feelings.

Though the boys were still young, they were quite perceptive—and their silent sulking made that clear.

“Qin, you did well today. You’re pretty impressive yourself,” Ye Ming said, trying to lighten the mood and coax a smile from his son. After all, he had come in first place, even if all the glory had been swept away by his brother. No one was talking about who won the archery competition; everyone was talking about Nightkun.

“Thank you, Father,” Ye Qin replied softly, obviously unhappy. At this moment, what he wanted wasn’t his parents’ praise, but the recognition of all the adults—just like his brother.

Nightkun, filled with self-reproach, made a decision then and there:

From now on, if his younger brother was competing, he would not take part. The glory would belong to his brother.

It seemed a sound solution.

Dongmen Meng gently rubbed Nightkun’s shaven head. “Kun, how did you notice what you did today?”

“Mother, it was just a lucky mistake, really,” Nightkun answered earnestly. Even if no one else believed him, surely his mother would.

Before Dongmen Meng could reply, Ye Qin interjected, “Brother always says it’s a mistake or an accident.”

Dongmen Meng chuckled softly; her son’s complaint was clear.

“Kun, we’re family. There’s no need to hide things. Qin is a big boy now—he doesn’t need you to hold back,” Dongmen Meng said. She understood—Qin wasn’t jealous of Kun, but rather resented how his clearly outstanding brother kept pretending to be ordinary.

“I…” Nightkun felt like crying. Why did he have to admit to such unfathomable things?

Looking at his parents’ and brother’s expressions, it was as if they were all urging him: just admit it—everyone will be happy.

Not wanting to disappoint his family, Nightkun nodded helplessly. It seemed he would have to end this ridiculous winning streak with a deliberate failure.

“Brother, that’s more like it. Don’t say it was an accident or a mistake anymore. You’re clearly amazing, yet you act…” As soon as Ye Qin saw his brother nod, his attitude changed completely. He rushed over and threw his arms around Nightkun, laughing merrily.

Nightkun hadn’t expected such a reaction. He nodded unconsciously, even saying, “I understand.”

As soon as the words left his mouth, he realized something was wrong—wasn’t this deceiving his brother all over again?

He…

Seeing their two children get along again, Ye Ming and Dongmen Meng were delighted.

“Come, let’s go home. I’ll make something delicious for you both.”

“I want to eat too,” Ye Ming muttered from the side.

“You? You can have the leftovers.”

Seeing their father’s aggrieved expression, everyone burst out laughing.

Late that night.

A strange cooing echoed in the darkness, a sound somewhat like a birdcall. But what bird would be wandering outside at such an hour?

Bang!

“Why are you making such a racket? Can’t you use some other method? Didn’t I tell you to stay away? Everyone knows I’m here, yet you still come!”

Ye Ming, without much ceremony, smacked the intruder on the head and began to scold. Fortunately, they were in the forest outside the city, where few people ever came.

“Teacher!” Zhang Jin paid his scolding no mind. He knelt before his teacher at once.

Ye Ming sighed, helping Zhang Jin to his feet. He spoke in a low voice, “Why did you interfere in my affairs? Didn’t I tell you to live your own life?”

“A teacher for a day, a father for life! Your enemy is my enemy!” Zhang Jin declared.

Ye Ming slapped him lightly again, then laughed. “When did you get so sentimental?”

“Teacher, shouldn’t you be a bit more serious right now?” Zhang Jin replied earnestly.

“What for? There’s no one else around,” Ye Ming said indifferently, glancing at the jade pendant Zhang Jin wore.

“Tianluo Academy is a place that eats people alive. You’ve taken a huge risk coming here. If there’s something you want to say, then say it.”

“Don’t worry, teacher. I’ll find a way to explain things if need be. I came here to tell you something important—something big!”

Seeing the seriousness on Zhang Jin’s face, Ye Ming couldn’t help but grow solemn as well. Had something truly major happened?

“Go ahead.”

“I bought a residence in Taijing.”

“Hmm?”

“And I’m raising a jade horse.”

Ye Ming’s expression grew more severe. “And?”

“I even hired someone to take care of the jade horse.”

“If you want me to beat you to death, just say so,” Ye Ming said, clenching his fist. This boy was getting too cheeky—even daring to joke with his teacher.

Zhang Jin immediately put on a fawning smile. “Teacher, don’t be like that. I was just joking.”

“I’d really like to thrash you! I need to go home and sleep, so get to the point!”

Zhang Jin nodded, his smile fading. “Teacher, the Sage has sent a secret order to Tianluo Academy.”

Ye Ming gestured for him to stop, then set up a small barrier.