As Luo Wei and Ning Fei were deep in their conversation, Xie Yu arrived.

“Big brother Xie Yu,” Luo Wei saw him coming in and quickly stood to greet him.

When Luo Wei had been in Yu Zhou, Xie Wang Bei had been sent away from the capital to assume another position. Naturally, Xie Yu moved into the Luo estate and became less of a disciple and more a part of the family. “Master is asking you to hurry up,” Xie Yu said to Luo Wei, “Are you planning to skip morning audience today?”

Luo Wei pointed at Ning Fei, who stood beside him, and said to Xie Yu, “Big brother, this is Ning Fei, the future second in command to my eldest brother, and sure to be one of the great generals of Greater Zhou,” Then he said to Ning Fei, “Young Master Ning, this is Xie Yu, he’s a disciple of my father’s, and an absolute key to the success of our nation.”

Xie Yu was blunt enough for a member of the family as he nudged Luo Wei, “You’re talking nonsense again!”

Ning Fei couldn’t hold back his grin, then paid respects to Xie Yu, “A pleasure to meet you, Young Master Xie.”

Xie Yu regarded this Ning Fei. Tall and upright, with a youthful and handsome face. He did not especially efface himself in front of Luo Wei either, instead being the very picture of an earnest man. Xie Yu nodded and thought to himself, Luo Wei was a good judge of character. He smiled and addressed Ning Fei, “Xiao Wei didn’t say any other nonsense to you, did he? This guy’s pretty normal one moment and absolutely crazy the next, I hope Vice-General Ning wouldn’t judge us on his behalf.”

“Hey!” Luo Wei yelled, “Why don’t you ask Ning Fei himself if I’ve said any other nonsense to him!”

Both of them stared at Ning Fei. Being a cautious and reserved person, Ning Fei wasn’t used to this sort of teasing from Luo Wei and Xie Yu, so he shook his head.

Luo Wei brightened up immediately at Xie Yu, “See? I’m just such an honest, down to earth person! I don’t say anything unnecessary, how could I talk nonsense? Oh, wait, that’s not true. I’m not absolutely certain if you’ll be a key part of our nation in the future, but I am pretty sure that Ning Fei is going to be a great general!”

“Time to head out already!” Xie Yu grinned and gave a little slap at the back of Luo Wei’s head, “You’re the one who says the most unnecessary things in this house! If you’re not going to head out now, you’ll really be late! You’re the emperor’s disciple, have some discipline!”

“Big brother Ning Fei, I’ll leave you to yourself then,” Luo Wei rubbed where he’d been slapped and gave a little wave to Ning Fei before running off.

Xie Yu turned his head before heading out as well, addressing Ning Fei, “Let’s chat tonight.” Seeing that Ning Fei returned a little nod, Xie Yu went on his way as well.

Ning Fei came to his mother’s side. Madam Wang had already finished feeding the two little ones breakfast.

Xiao Xiao had been helping the three of them with their breakfast, but seeing that Ning Fei had arrived, he quickly excused himself, “I’ll let you four talk. Let me know if you need anything!”

Madam Wang pulled Ning Fei to her, and asked, “What did the third young master say to you?”

Ning Fei answered, “He’s arranged a position in Yun Guan for me, to be the second in command, the Vice-General to his eldest brother.”

Madam Wang’s entire body shook, “You’re going to join the army?”

Ning Fei nodded.

Madam Wang sighed, “Is it okay if you don’t go? We can be normal people, I could go find work, and we can live happily together like a family. I’ll go beg the third young master, maybe he’ll spare you.”

“Mother,” Ning Fei held his mother’s hand, finding it cold, “The third young master means well. If we were just commoners, how could the master of the villa let us just be? Mother, you know how devious and capable Ming Jian Villa is.”

Madam Wang was shocked into silence, and a moment later, she cried, “This is all because of me, because I’m useless, and lost favor with the master of the villa. I’ve pulled you all down with me.”

“Mother!” Ning Fei couldn’t stand watching his mother like this, “Why are you saying this again? I’ve always wanted to join the military. Believe me. I will earn my status there!”

Madam Wang watched her son through her tears, “Fei Er, people say that blades will cut down anyone on the battlefield, regardless of status, I’m just… worried about you.”

Ning Fei smiled as he shook his head, “The third young master just said that I would be a great general of Greater Zhou in the future, would you believe in me less than he does? Don’t worry, he’ll take care of you for the time being. When I’m settled in Yun Guan, he’ll send people to take you there.”

Madam Wang sighed, “The third young master is good to us. We owe him everything.”

Ning Fei said in a serious tone, “What we owe him, we may not be able to pay back in this lifetime.”

Madam Wang replied, “We four will repay him together. If we can’t pay him back in this lifetime, there’s always the next.”