Free Web NovelChapter 1265: Chapter 1254: Illegitimate Son
After all, this world belongs to the Holy Emperor!
Ye Sheng savored this sentence in his heart, furrowing his brows deeply: "Give me some time to think about it. I’ve just betrothed Jing’er to Prince Kang, and I haven’t found a way to reach Prince An yet."
Li Family let out a sigh of relief, for she knew that her husband’s words were almost tantamount to agreeing.
The next day, as Ye Qiu and Ye Jing, whose health were improving, prepared to have breakfast with their concubine, they waited until the sun was high before their concubine returned from paying respects at the main courtyard.
Ye Jing hurriedly stepped forward to support her, face full of concern: "Did the legitimate mother make you adhere to rules again?"
Aunt Lan looked at her indignant children with a gentle laugh and shook her head: "It’s nothing. I’m a concubine, and she’s the Lady. It’s only natural to serve her a little. Don’t worry, I’m alright."
But Ye Jing still felt uneasy: "Clearly, years ago, concubine wouldn’t have to endure these hardships anymore. But ever since Father arranged the marriage for me, legitimate mother has become even more overbearing. Yet wasn’t it Hui who didn’t want this marriage?"
"Lower your voice. How can you speak such words? What if it gets out? Not only you but your father would also face consequences. How could we choose among the marriages of the Princes? Remember, your father arranged this marriage for you from the start, understood?" Aunt Lan said, trembling with fear.
Ye Jing obediently lowered her head: "I understand, Auntie. I just felt it was unfair to you."
"It’s really no big deal. Besides, this time the Lady has given you such a generous dowry. Even if she makes things difficult for me, I don’t mind. As long as you have the confidence when you enter Prince Kangqing Mansion, your mother can be truly at ease."
"Isn’t that what should be done? She did it just to shut us up." Ye Jing pouted.
Though she said so, Ye Qiu could see that his concubine and sister were happy to secure the dowry. However, he couldn’t share in their joy.
That dowry was indeed substantial for an illegitimate daughter of a declining Earl family, but she was marrying into the Prince Kang’s family. No matter how unloved, he was still the legitimate eldest son of the Empress, and Kang Mansion was one of the wealthiest places outside the Imperial Palace.
Sister would enter as a concubine, but there’s a main wife above her, two concubines, and two concubines of the same rank as her. Which among them isn’t of noble birth? What could my sister’s dowry really do? Even the servants around Prince Kang might disdain it.
So, for his sister to have the confidence to stay in Prince Kang’s Mansion in the future, his task was far from complete. His life didn’t only belong to him. It also belonged to his concubine and sister. To let them live for themselves in this era, he must stand up tall.
"Auntie, there’s something I want to discuss with you." After breakfast, Ye Qiu spoke slowly.
Ye Jing seemed to have guessed what he wanted to say, cautiously watching Auntie.
Aunt Lan, having raised them, immediately noticed their unusual behavior and grew nervous: "Say it."
"I want to enlist in the military," Ye Qiu stated directly. Seeing his concubine’s breathing suddenly became rapid, he quickly reassured her, "Auntie, don’t worry, listen to me first."
Aunt Lan gave him a look, then took a deep breath.
"Though I suddenly decided, I certainly have the confidence. Auntie, my life was given by you and Father. I wouldn’t risk it lightly. Recently, I met a master who taught me many things, and sister knows this." As he spoke, he signaled to Ye Jing.
Ye Jing quietly assisted, "Indeed, Brother taught me many things these past days, both for body conditioning and guarding against inner house plots. Mother, haven’t you been sleeping better lately? That’s because the tea and soup you’ve been drinking have been enhanced with medicinal herbs for health."
Aunt Lan was a bit taken aback: "Why didn’t I notice anything unusual?"
"That’s the magic of those things. Brother shared with me everything useful for my future. He mentioned still having martial arts secrets taught by that master, even more magical than these. So, Auntie, you really shouldn’t worry. We should trust Brother."
"Is what your sister said true?"
"Of course," Ye Qiu nodded. "Auntie knows the fury Father expressed that day, and the injuries I suffered, you saw them. But after just a few days, I can appear unscathed before Auntie. Given my previous constitution, would Auntie think I could recover so quickly?"
Aunt Lan seemed persuaded, carefully examining his body before sighing in resignation: "You’ve grown up. Auntie has limited knowledge. If there’s something you wish to do, go ahead, but you must promise Auntie to always prioritize your safety."
Ye Qiu chuckled softly: "Auntie, no wonder you’re truly mother and daughter with sister; even your words are the same. Rest assured, Auntie. I plan to marry and have children to honor you. I won’t let anything happen to me."
"You’re 17 already, yet I don’t know how your father will arrange your marriage. Auntie’s powerless, unable to speak on such matters, letting you both suffer."
"Auntie’s worked hard enough in this home. We’ll strive to manage our own affairs, and you should relax. Life will get better, and I might even earn an Imperial Decree to take you out," Ye Qiu promised earnestly.
But Aunt Lan didn’t take it seriously: "You’re talking nonsense. I’m just a concubine; how could I be granted an Imperial Decree? Still, I’m happy from the heart to hear you say it, but don’t bring it up again. The Lady would be displeased."
"How would you know without trying? Ye Qiu smiled gently; no one knew what efforts he’d dedicate to this one sentence, nor what achievements he’d attain."
"Do you know what nonsense you’re speaking? It’s sheer ignorance!" The next day, Ye Sheng erupted in fury within the study, with Ye Qiu kneeling before him, surrounded by shattered fragments.
"Our family’s Dukedom was earned through achievements back then. If our ancestors could, why can’t I?" Ye Qiu straightened his spine.
Ye Sheng snorted, "Are you comparable to our ancestors?"
"How would we know without trying? Rest assured, Father, if I don’t make a name for myself, I won’t disgrace the family by revealing our lineage," Ye Qiu asserted once more.
"Have you made up your mind?"
"Yes!" Ye Qiu answered resolutely.
"You’re courting death!"
"I am not afraid of death."
"You..." Ye Sheng’s face turned crimson with anger at his words.
