Chapter 82: Hidden Plan

“Sister, I’m hungry.”

“Go eat.” Ye Shuiyao said without lifting her head, her gaze still fixed at the two lotus flowers drawn by Ye Wuchen a few moments ago. Even she could not understand why she insisted on being taught to paint Twin Lotus Flower on One Stalk.

“This… me and Xue-er would like to have a meal with sister, right here. Can we?” Ye Wuchen said impatiently, like the behavior of an attached younger brother.

Ye Shuiyao laid down her brush, taking small steps out of the room, a subtle fragrance wafted from her fluttering light blue skirt. This rich and mellow fragrance of a woman caused Ye Wuchen’s heart some loss of control. He couldn’t help but think of that night; that beautiful body, so beautiful that it was suffocating… and the feel of it….

When she returned, her hands held a wooden tray full of food. She set it down in front of Ye Wuchen and Ning Xue. All her meals were delivered by female servants, and she very rarely ate at the same table as the rest of the family. The more time passed, the more it became the usual practice between her and the whole family.

“Eat.”

“What will sister eat?”

“I’m not hungry.”

“..... It would be better if I asked Xiao Lu to secretly deliver mine and Ning Xue’s food. They won’t notice.”

…………

The small table which was usually only occupied by Ye Shuiyao is now seating three. Wuchen and Ning Xue squeezed in together on one side. On the other side, Ye Shuiyao bent down poised as she supped. Ye Wuchen completely fills small bowl in front of Ning Xue food. Already used to being spoiled by brother, she lightly chewed her food. Most of Ye Wuchen’s attention was fixed on Ye Shuiyao’s face while the corners of his lips curled upwards.

“Stop staring.” She said lowly when she could no longer stand his gaze.

“But it’s nice to look at you while you’re eating. I must say, sister, you are pleasing to watch at all times. Don't you agree, Xue-er?” Ye Wuchen said smiling.

“Yeah! Sister is the most beautiful.” Ning Xue said in a loud and clear voice.

Ye Shuiyao went silent while her heart started beating faster.

“Sister, do you normally dine alone, away from the other family members?”

“..... It has become a habit.”

“Then Xue-er and I will come by to visit more often, is that okay?”

Ye Shuiyao lightly moved the white-jade chopsticks in her hand, seemingly not to have heard what was said. After a long while, Ye Wuchen finally received an “Okay” in response, the sound so soft he almost missed it.

For the entire afternoon, Ye Wuchen stayed in Ye Shuiyao’s room, painting comfortably and leisurely. Completely ignorant to what his parents had been dealing with. Both mentally and physically exhausted, their facial expressions have totally become stiff.

On the other hand.

“Anointing the Head with the Purest Powers? The God of Sword really had such a capability. Hmph. So that’s the way it is. No wonder he could acquire such astonishing strength and talent in a very short time. The God of Sword really cared about this young child though, for what purpose?”

“This, your subordinate doesn’t know.”

“Then why doesn’t he fear fire?”

“According to him, the God of Sword had let him eat some round thing, enabling him to be unaffected by water or fire.”

“So that’s the reason. Indeed he’s the God of Sword, to have possessed such a magical object. But to be able to conceal his breath, how did he do that?”

“They didn’t mention anything about it.”

“Hmph. Ye Nu and Ye Wei both command very strong powers in the battlefield, yet they don’t get involved too deeply into military skills. It’s normal to not have a thorough understanding on this matter. However, since the young child of Ye made this knowledge known to you, it means he is not suspicious about you, nor does he have cause to be. Even if he is clever, he could not know that you have been part of this flawless plan which we’ve been planing for more than ten years now. Your presence and contributions all these years has only caused him to dislike you. From now on, you must stand firm on your current position in the Ye family. Avoid close contact with him as much as possible, refrain from any more conflicts, and have the mind to stay out of his way.”

“Then master, what will be your next move?”

“Ye family has been loyal and devoted for generations. They have amassed countless outstanding military services, their popularity is as bright as the midday sun, even surpassing my own imperial household. If they intend to revolt, from just their military prestige and control of the military powers, even the Royal Family will not be able to counter it. Although we know where their loyalties lie, we cannot be at ease. This… leaves the Emperor with no choice. The Ye family is becoming a problem, but openly targeting them is ill advised, especially with regards to Ye Wei and Ye Nu. Instead, we must do our best to protect them. Tian Long Nation still has need of them, without their presence, our biggest threat—the Gale Nation—will be wild with joy. The original plan was to let you take over the Ye family quietly and ease my worries. But the Ye Family had unexpectedly produced this talent. If the Ye Family continue to prosper under his fame, then this will cause me extreme worry and no end of trouble. He must be eliminated!”

“What should your subordinate do?”

“I don’t need you to do anything. I’ll find someone to contact the number one mercenary—Tao BaiBai!”

“Tao BaiBai? Is he the so-called number one mercenary Tao BaiBai who, in those years, even the Heaven-Level Master Ling Yun failed escape his assassination?”

“That’s right! Rumor has it that he is sure to complete any task given to him, never failing to succeed. The target this time is just a man with a tenth level of power, he won’t have any reason to refuse. This will be a easy task, even if the God of Sword tries to investigate, he will only find an insignificant scapegoat.”

“Master, you are brilliant! The young child of Ye will surely be unable to run away this time!”

…………………………………………………………………………

Late in the afternoon, Ye Wuchen and Ning Xue are finally back to their small courtyard, discovering Wang Wenshu carrying a long and drawn expression, sipping tea and waiting for them to return. She remained calm and unruffled in the midst of these busy times.

“Chen-er, Ning Xue, you have finally come back, sit down first. Xiao Lu, you may step out.”

Ye Wuchen had just sat down when Wang Wenshu started to ask, “Chen-er, do you know of what happened today?”

“Just a little.” Ye Wuchen said carefully. Recalling what he had witnessed beforehand, he still trembled with fear even now. Trying hard to stay calm, but ultimately failing. After all, he had never before encountered such a “violent” incident.

“It’s a good that you are aware. Some influential officials have taken the initiative to come to our Ye Family to propose marriage. I have already seen the daughters of these families before, they are all from very rich families, have beauty and good manners. It is normal for them to be sought after and receive marriage proposal at their doorsteps. I’m thinking, maybe you can marry all of them.”

Ye Wuchen’s eyes opened wide, thinking something must be wrong with his ears. Waving his hands in a great rush, he said, “Don’t… don’t play jokes on me. It is impossible.”

“Why not? I have an excellent son, a few more wives or concubines than normal is nothing. All of them said they only want to marry you and no other men. Don’t worry about their wishes, it’s really what they want. Besides, all of them have influence based on their family background, some of them are only daughters. If you marry them, nobody will dare to provoke our Ye Family in the future. Chen-er, you are not young anymore, you must have wives and concubines. You need not wait until you marry Princess Fei Huang in three years. For our Ye Family, sacrificing a just a little is enough.”

Translated by: Fatty_Uncle

Edited by: seriouspotato