Ye Yunting returned from his conversation with Yin Hongye just in time to catch sight of Ye Boru hurriedly leaving.
“What’s wrong with him?” Ye Yunting thought that he looked like he’d seen a ghost.
Li Fengqi lifted his chin, casting a glance at Ye Yunting with an air of someone claiming credit. “He tried to seduce me, but I scared him off.”
He studied Ye Yunting’s face smugly, figuring that he’d be jealous.
That day, Ye Yunting wore a dark red cotton robe embroidered
with Buddhist motifs, and a cloud-patterned jade belt buckle around his waist.
His feet were shod in sheepskin boots, while a black crane cloak draped over
his shoulders. His long black hair was tied back by a white jade crown, leaving
the ends to fall loosely down. This ensemble lent him an air of gentle
elegance, but also exuded a sense of spirited vigor. Li Fengqi dressed in the
same style, only in a darker black.
Though their outfits were similar, one exuded warmth and refinement, the while other nobility and aloofness. But when they went together, the pair seemed in perfect harmony.
Ye Boru watched as the pair approached slowly. His eyes seemed slightly enchanted, and he stepped forward to greet them with a smile. "Your Highness Prince, Eldest Brother." He looked at Ye Yunting with an expression of great joy. "I thought you wouldn't be coming today." He even reached out to take Ye Yunting's arm, ready to lead him inside.
The news that the Duke of Qi was planning to open the ancestral hall and recognize a new son quickly spread throughout the capital's aristocratic families. Everyone was abuzz, discussing where Ye Zhili’s new son might have come from.
At that moment, the emperor issued an imperial decree: Ye Boru, second son of the Duke of Qi, was recognized for his meritorious service in protecting the Emperor and promoted to Assistant Minister of Personnel. This Ye Boru, a son of a concubine with a humble background, rose to become the youngest official of fourth rank, a lucrative position within the Ministry of Personnel, envied by countless others.
The previously-contentious issue of his murky origins was now legitimized by the emperor's own edict.
He sat there, his eyebrows relaxed, expression fearless. His icy eyes were lowered, as if he was truly prepared for death.
Li Zong's fingers hanging at side trembled faintly, and his jaw clenched hard, nearly gnashing his teeth. But he couldn’t say a single word.
Today, Han Chan had laid bare all his thoughts, leaving him without a shred of hope. He took several steps back, then turned and strode away. When he reached the doorway, he saw that Cui Xi had arrived with the Shence Army, waiting outside the door.
True to his word, Ye Yunting took the empty food box and left. For a long moment, Li Fengqi stared at the doorway. Finally, he picked up...