Free Web NovelChapter 1276: Chapter 1265: Illegitimate Son
"Brother, you’re back." Ye Sihui stepped forward and slipped herself between the two of them. "I’ve been waiting for you for so long."
"Waiting for me for what?" Ye Qiu looked at her in apparent surprise, as if he truly didn’t understand what she meant.
Ye Sihui felt awkward for a brief moment, but quickly adjusted and spoke to him in an intimate tone: "Of course I’ve missed you. I haven’t seen you for so long and wanted to have a good talk with you. The night before last we just met in passing, we barely exchanged a few words!"
"Then whatever you want to say, say it now. I’m taking Jing’er out for a bit. If we leave any later it’ll be dark." Ye Qiu said bluntly.
Ye Sihui drew in a deep breath. "Big Brother is taking Elder Sister out? Don’t you have anything you want to say to me?"
"Say what? I heard from Father that you’re doing quite well in Prince An’s Mansion, so I’m relieved. My nephew is still young; if there’s nothing else you should go back early. When he’s older, bring him home to visit. Though by then I might no longer be living at home. Before I leave, I’ll have you take this meeting gift from me as his uncle back with you; think of it as my small token of regard."
"Then I’ll thank you on Rui’s behalf in advance for Big Brother’s kindness." Ye Sihui’s smile did not change. "Where is Big Brother planning to take Elder Sister? I happen to be free as well. Could Big Brother take me along too?"
"I’m afraid that wouldn’t be appropriate." Ye Qiu refused outright.
"Why?" Ye Sihui pressed him. "Is Big Brother really that biased? I’m your younger sister too."
"But back then, when I was ill and bedridden, the only one who came to visit and care for me was Jing’er." Ye Qiu spoke without any concealment. "Sihui, I understand what you’re waiting for me about today, but I also ask that you tell Prince An this: I have no such intentions. Ask him not to waste his time on me."
Ye Sihui’s expression cooled at once. "Big Brother, are you truly this resolute?"
"How can you say that, little sister? I know it’s hard for you, marrying into the Imperial Family; there are many things you’re forced into. But you have to consider the rest of the family. If it succeeds, fine. But if it fails? I’m not willing to gamble the entire Ye Family."
"Big Brother surely understands our Prince’s strength. And besides, wasn’t Eldest Sister summoned home today by Prince Kang?" she said with mocking eyes. "I just don’t know whether Father is aware of what you really think."
"As long as I don’t get involved, what does it matter even if Father agrees? Everyone in the capital knows our father plays both sides. Little sister, let me give you some brotherly advice: just do your duty as a concubine quietly. I haven’t seen the Princess Consort as impatient as you. Sticking your head out too far in everything is never a good thing. Be careful not to be used and end up making a wedding dress for someone else."
At first, Ye Sihui scoffed at his words. With a rebirth, what could there be that she didn’t know? But after thinking it over more carefully she suddenly jolted: she really had been a bit too high‑profile lately, and the Princess Consort had been unusually quiet as well.
"If I were you, I’d rein in my temper for a while, focus on carrying and raising the child properly. As for the other matters, stay out of them as much as you can. Don’t always think you’re the cleverest in the whole World. I’ll say no more than this." Having finished, he stopped paying her any attention.
But Ye Sihui, standing where she was, grew more and more alarmed the more she thought. The Princess Consort did seem a bit too quiet. The recent period of glory had almost made her forget how, in her previous life, Ye Jing had died in the back courtyard of Prince An’s Mansion.
And she had always thought Ye Qiu would never refuse her request. After today, she didn’t even dare imagine how the Prince would treat her once he learned of this outcome. And even if the Prince said nothing, wouldn’t those women in the inner court settle scores with her when they saw she hadn’t accomplished the task?
Ye Sihui took a deep breath. She had been far too full of herself lately, always thinking that everything was in her grasp, without realizing that she was also nothing more than a chess piece in their hands. To think she had previously believed victory was already in her pocket.
But how many women in the inner court would truly be able to tolerate her? They were just waiting. If she succeeded, they would deal with her at their discretion later. If she failed, they would have even less scruple.
Ye Qiu was right. The most important thing for her now was to raise her son well. As long as her son stayed healthy, she would never be completely knocked down.
Ye Sihui quickly figured out the crux of the matter, but even so, she still bore a grudge against Ye Qiu. She thought, if only Ye Qiu weren’t so stubborn, if only he agreed to join Prince An’s camp, she wouldn’t have to worry about so many things.
"Brother, is it really good to deceive her like that?" In the carriage, Ye Jing asked worriedly. "What if she finds out in the future that you’re helping me?"
"How did I deceive her?" Ye Qiu asked with a smile. "I only said I wouldn’t help Prince An. I never said I wouldn’t take part in the factional struggle. So what if she finds out?"
"Ye Sihui may only be a concubine, but standing behind her is Prince An. She came home especially today under his instructions. If Prince An finds out he’s been tricked, I’m afraid he’ll retaliate." Ye Jing said uneasily.
"There’s nothing he can do to me. I’m now a Second-rank Marquis personally ennobled by Your Majesty. If I were useless, why would he come trying to recruit me?"
"Brother, you don’t need to comfort me. Recruiting and retaliating are not the same thing at all. For the Royal Family, as long as someone is useful to them, they can cast aside all rules and humbly court them. But when something goes against their will, destroying that person is just a single thought away. I know you’re currently valued by the Holy Emperor, but if we really compare, what is a second-rank Marquis beside a superior Prince? Even the least favored Prince Kang—I know very well he has never truly taken you seriously. To them, Brother, you’re just a tool they can use."
Seeing Ye Jing lay things out so clearly, Ye Qiu laughed from the heart. "Not bad. You’ve finally grown up, to see things this clearly."
"Brother!" Ye Jing looked at him, uneasy. "I know you’re very capable. I used to always think there was nothing you couldn’t do. But after actually marrying into the Royal Family, I realized some things aren’t as simple as they look on the surface. Brother, don’t get involved in the factional struggle, and don’t help Prince Kang anymore, all right? It’s too dangerous."
"Don’t worry. Since even you can think of this, how could I possibly overlook it? In truth, everyone in this world is the same. Living in this world, we all want to obtain what we desire. For that goal, nothing more than you using me and me using you. The Princes want my support to give them more confidence and strength to compete for that position, while we use their power to gain a foothold in the capital. It’s a fair trade for everyone. There are risks, yes, but if a person lives in this world only for safety, wouldn’t they have to give up too much?"
"But..."
"No buts. Would you really be safe even if you hid away in some remote mountain forest? In some impoverished backwater where you have to do everything with your own hands—would such a hard life be what you and your mother want? I certainly wouldn’t. Don’t worry. Your brother has his own plans. I promise you that even if I fail, I’ll still be able to withdraw intact. Is that enough?"
"Brother, you’re not lying to me?"
"When have I ever lied to you?"
