Free Web NovelChapter 1261: Chapter 1250: Illegitimate Son
Ye Qiu quickly analyzed the intentions of his legitimate mother to send this body’s younger sister to Prince Kang’s harem.
Firstly, to manipulate him and the concubine, Prince Kang’s harem is a pit of fire; if they want Ye Jing to be safe, wouldn’t they have to obey the legitimate mother? Secondly, to gain a future prospect, what if Prince Kang really ascends the throne later? It’s not a loss either way; if Prince Kang fails to seize power, a concubine daughter is disposable.
The legitimate mother’s move is beneficial in multiple ways, but to the original group, it’s a disaster. The legitimate mother can disregard Ye Jing’s life, but can they? Knowing well that Prince Kang’s harem is a pit of fire, they have no means to intervene.
Yesterday, the original refused to comply and was punished with a beating by the Father. Unfortunately, the body was already weak, and this beating cost the life, perhaps part of the legitimate mother’s calculations.
"Brother!" As Ye Qiu pondered, a slender and gaunt young woman entered, even with makeup, traces of fatigue were visible on her face; this was the original’s younger sister, Ye Jing.
"Brother, don’t move." Seeing Ye Qiu attempting to get up, she quickly approached to sit by the bedside, gently smoothing his disheveled hair.
"Brother has suffered for me, Father’s decisions are rarely altered, especially with the legitimate mother..." Ye Jing sighed, "Actually, marrying Prince Kang is no big deal, a concubine is at least third-rank, isn’t she? On par with Father!" freeweɓnovēl.coɱ
"How can that be the same?" Ye Qiu said with a dark expression, "Everyone knows Prince Kang’s harem is full of intrigue, rivaling even the Holy Emperor’s harem. Entering Prince Wang Mansion is akin to walking into death. Calling you a concubine sounds nice, yet above there’s a main wife and two concubines. I initially planned to ask Father to let you be an official wife, regardless of status, but now..."
Ye Jing smiled bitterly yet gathered her thoughts: "I know Brother means well, but how can we defy Father and legitimate mother’s orders? Brother, don’t oppose Father anymore; otherwise, legitimate mother will find excuses to punish you and the concubine."
Ye Qiu felt profound guilt: "It’s all my fault for being useless, unable to make decisions for you."
He truly felt powerless now. As a bastard in this feudal state, his fate was dictated by Father and legitimate mother, and he lacked status and health, leaving him at others’ mercy.
"Brother is already very formidable, no need for self-recrimination. Besides, who says entering Prince Wang Mansion is certain death? Perhaps Prince Kang might favor someone like me?" Ye Jing attempted to appear calm and smiled.
"You needn’t comfort me anymore; everyone in the capital knows about Prince Wang Mansion’s circumstances." Ye Qiu’s gaze grew deep; the harem faced various complications due to the Holy Emperor’s displeasure, filled with women from different factions, with a couple dying from ’accidents’ annually. Moreover, Prince Kang only has two sickly concubine daughters and no sons, a point of contention against him being declared Crown Prince.
If Prince Kang had the capability to manage the harem well, he wouldn’t be childless at twenty-three; while his similarly aged brothers have a string of sons. Either he’s biding his time to lower vigilance, or he’s genuinely lacking ability. Either outcome bodes ill for Ye Jing.
Neither Ye Jing, him, nor their Father Marquis Anyang holds leverage with Prince Kang. It won’t be protection but rather suspicion that Ye Jing is a spy for other factions.
Faced with Prince Kang’s suspicion and pressures from the women of this harem, Ye Jing’s prospects in the harem are challenging, yet fortunately, there’s still a month to teach her a few things.
"Brother, I’m not as weak as you imagine; plus, I lack ambition. If I endure the first two years, once everyone knows my traits, they’ll leave me be." Ye Jing spoke lightly.
Despite her words, Ye Qiu felt deep heartache. His sister, merely fifteen, was already so understanding. Given better circumstances, which girl wouldn’t want to be raised with pampering? Who wishes to mature with such sensibility?
Clearly still a child, but forced to shoulder burdens suited for older, left yearning for a dignified and doting husband of high standing. Yet she had no choice, compelled to embrace it all and reassure him in turn; Ye Qiu’s heartache was overwhelming.
"Jing’er, do you trust Brother?" Suddenly, his gaze was resolute as he looked at Ye Jing.
Surprised, Ye Jing smiled faintly: "Of course, I trust Brother!"
"No." Ye Qiu shook his head, "I mean if I have a way to protect you, would you trust me?"
Ye Jing hesitated briefly and questioned softly: "Brother has a way to save me?"
"I can’t currently save you from the fiery pit, but I can teach you how to protect yourself in Prince Wang Mansion’s harem, and you can wait for some years. Brother promises to become prominent enough that no one can manipulate you."
Ye Qiu’s words were indeed bold; even Ye Jing found them audacious, yet she felt confident looking at her brother, as if his promises were bound to come true.
Ye Jing knew if others heard of her faith in Brother, she’d be ridiculed, as presently Brother is ineffective in both academia and combat, unable to inherit the Duke title. Where does his confidence stem from?
But when she looked at Brother’s eyes, she believed he would fulfill his promises, as if her brother was truly different now!
"I believe." Hence, facing Ye Qiu, she nodded slowly yet surely, "I trust Brother."
Ye Qiu smiled genuinely: "Then from tomorrow morning, after checking in, come to my courtyard; I’ll teach you how to protect yourself in Prince Wang Mansion’s harem."
"Alright."
"Good girl." Ye Qiu’s doting smile regarded her, "Now go back, console the concubine somewhat, tell her I’m fine, so she needn’t worry."
Ye Jing followed his words to rise: "Then Brother, take care of yourself; I’ll visit tomorrow."
"Have the servant prepare a cloak for you; the autumn wind’s strong, your health is frail; avoid catching a cold. To live well in Prince Kang’s Mansion, your health mustn’t deteriorate."
"I will."
"You must eat more; you’re too thin."
Ye Jing chuckled lightly: "So does Brother, Brother should eat more too, Brother really isn’t much healthier than me."
Feeling his weak body, Ye Qiu turned sombre; not only does his sister need strengthening, but his health must quickly improve too.
