Chapter 30: Father and Son's Joyful Moment

How could this happen? Was that dream actually real? Did I really apprehend a wanted criminal? And then, just like that, I was gifted a fine physique? Ye Kun let out a sigh of relief—this was a good reward, nothing too extravagant. If I'd been given some outrageous weapon or sword technique, then I'd have to burn it, just as I promised. But wait! Isn't this just another way of tempting me not to work hard? This physique is only supposed to come through effort, and yet, here it is, handed to me without the slightest struggle! I, Ye Kun, just want to strive on my own—why won't you let me? Always using these methods to make me slack off, but it's useless; I will keep working hard.

He checked his reflection in the mirror—quite satisfactory—but he mustn't let his little brother see, or that boy would surely be jealous. Donning his long robe, Ye Kun took a sip of water and lay down to rest, hoping he'd soon be allowed to train. Mother really was making a fuss over nothing. Still, his heart was warmed by the thought of his parents' care and affection over the years—more devoted than if he were their own son.

He hadn't revealed to Ye Qin that he was adopted, and Ye Qin still believed they were true brothers. If his brother ever found out, who knows what he'd think.

Ye Kun lay in bed, pondering many things. Just then, the door opened and Ye Qin entered, his face full of grievance, calling softly, "Brother..."

It was as if he were pleading, "Brother, you must stand up for me. We’re partners in crime, so why am I always the one taking the blame?"

Seeing his little brother walk unsteadily, Ye Kun knew he'd been spanked again—a pitiful child, rarely escaping their mother's wrath since birth.

"Brother, we can't provoke Mother," Ye Kun chuckled. In this family, Mother was the law, and everyone obeyed.

"Brother, how can you laugh? Mother has swollen my backside, and Father just stood by laughing at me. Now you laugh, too. Are we even brothers any longer?" Ye Qin’s face was filled with grievance. What harm was there in saving a few gold coins? It was as if he were a criminal.

"Enough, you know Mother’s temper. It's mostly Father’s fault for leading the charge; otherwise, things wouldn't have turned out this way."

"Father laughed at me, so I’ll make sure Mother punishes him, too. Last time I caught Father sneaking about—he must have been hiding some money. I’ll report him!"

Ye Kun gave a thumbs-up—his brother’s plan to trick their father was indeed clever.

"Oh, right. Mother asked me to bring you some medicine," Ye Qin said, pulling several ornate boxes from his pocket.

Ye Kun’s lips twitched. He’d been dosed with medicine since childhood, to the point it had lost all effect. But that wasn’t the real issue—the main point was these weren’t ordinary medicines. Left outside, people would fight over them, but here, he swallowed them so often he’d lost all interest.

"Brother, I’m fine. I don’t need any medicine."

"No way. Mother said I have to watch you take it," Ye Qin replied with a mischievous grin, knowing full well his brother hated medicine, especially after teasing him just moments ago.

Ye Kun forced a bitter smile. "Are we even brothers anymore?"

"Of course! As brothers, it’s my duty to see you recover, so I can rest easy. Be good and take your medicine... or I’ll tell Mother!"

That boy was ruthless—always threatening to tell Mother.

Ye Kun swallowed the fragrant pill, suppressing his discomfort. To anyone watching, he looked as if he were taking poison, face contorted in agony.

Watching his brother take the medicine, Ye Qin nodded in satisfaction. "Brother, you rest here. I’ll go get you something to eat."

As Ye Qin left, Ye Kun smiled warmly. That was his true brother—so different from his blood brother. He hoped never to meet that one again.

Time passed. Ye Qin resumed his regular training, while Ye Kun remained at home "recovering." No matter how he explained that he was fine, Dongmen Meng wouldn't relent, only easing her worries half a month later.

Ye Mansion.

"Brother, I have some news for you!" Ye Qin called out as he returned from the training academy, running straight to the stone bench where Ye Kun was playing chess with Ye Ming.

Ye Ming's expression hardened. "Qin Qin, how many times have I told you? A young man should be steady, or you’ll end up marrying a wife just like your mother."

Ye Kun: "..."

Ye Qin: "..."

Well, Father only dared to speak so boldly when Mother wasn’t around.

"Hmph, I’ll repeat those words to Mother verbatim," Ye Qin retorted, unafraid and ready to confront his father.

Ye Ming’s lips twitched. Just days ago, his wife had raided his private stash—clearly this rascal was behind it!

"Qin Qin, looks like you need some discipline. I’ll have to teach you properly."

"You still have another stash, don’t you?" Ye Qin said smugly, seeming more like the parent than the child.

Sure enough, Ye Ming was dumbfounded by those words—this was truly his son, always ready to set him up without hesitation.

"You little rascal, don’t run! Let me catch you!"

"Ha! There’s no way I’m not running!" Ye Qin pulled a face and darted off.

But he was caught in seconds.

"Father! You're bullying a child!" Ye Qin protested, indignant that his father had to use martial arts to chase him.

"I am, so what? You’re my son! If you have the nerve, try being my father!"

"I don’t want to be your father," Ye Qin pouted, while Ye Kun was nearly doubled over with laughter.

"Husband, Qin Qin, what are you two doing?" Dongmen Meng appeared from the side, followed by Xiao Ling.

"Mother, I—" Ye Qin was about to continue his plan to set up his father.

But Ye Ming quickly covered his son’s mouth. "Nothing, we’re just enjoying some father-son bonding time."

Ye Kun turned away, sure he’d die laughing in this household one day.

"Are you trying to suffocate Qin Qin?" Dongmen Meng’s beautiful eyes flashed with annoyance.

Ye Ming, embarrassed, released his grip at once. "Qin Qin, how many times have I told you—when you make a mistake, admit it. You really let me down."

"Father... you..." Ye Qin looked at his father in disbelief—was this really his dad?

Ye Ming gave his son a meaningful look—as long as you stick with me, you’ll live well.

Ye Qin seemed to understand, and whispered, "Father, I was wrong."

"That’s my good boy. All right, everything’s fine now," Ye Ming clapped his hands, not forgetting to wink at his wife, which made Xiao Ling’s scalp tingle behind them.

He hoped the young masters wouldn’t grow up to be like the master—otherwise, they’d never find wives.

"Dinner is ready. Come inside, everyone, and wash your hands first."

The three men pursed their lips and obediently went to wash up.

During the meal, Ye Ming asked curiously, "Qin Qin, what was it you wanted to say when you came running in?"