Wan Xiang said, “I heard it was Young Master Yan Su’s idea.”
“What exactly happened?” Yan Ge asked, “Tell me in detail.”
“When you were away, I went to see Madam Yan a few times. One time, she was in a terrible mood, so we chatted for a while, and that’s when I found out what happened— Lady Ruan is really clueless,” Wan Xiang said, getting angrier as she spoke, “Young Master Yan deeply loves her, but she insists on him marrying her cousin. Young Master Yan disagreed, and they argued about it several times. She pushed him too far, and he decided to divorce her. Only then did Lady Ruan regret it and said she didn’t need him to marry her cousin. Young Master Yan was already heartbroken and insisted on the divorce. It was only when he offered to give Lady Ruan some money that she agreed to the divorce. So, the matter was resolved peacefully. But Lady Ruan thinks it’s Young Master Yan’s fault. She didn’t cause any trouble at the Yan Mansion, but later she spread rumors in the city, saying that if it weren’t for your status, they wouldn’t even consider Young Master Yan. She also said that Young Master Yan is acting arrogantly because of your position—”
“That’s enough, no need to say anymore,” Yan Ge pressed his lips together. He could guess that Lady Ruan’s words were far from pleasant. His family must be very unhappy because of this.
“Papa, I’ll get off here,” Yan Jin, who had been quietly accompanying them, spoke up at that moment. He had come out of the palace to visit the new amusement park attraction—the cable car.
“Alright. Be careful,” Yan Ge lifted him off the carriage and handed him over to Gao Feng, saying, “Take good care of him.” Gao Feng responded, “Young Master, rest assured.”
“Prince Ji, long time no see,” a passerby greeted Yan Jin. Yan Jin waved his small hand, “Long time no see. You’ve worked hard!”
Yan Ge: “…” Do you think you are the chief inspecting troops?
When the carriage arrived at the Yan Mansion, Yan Xiaojing, Madam Yan, and Yan Su had already received the news and were waiting at the entrance.
“Father, Mother, Big Brother!”
“Mmm, let’s go inside before talking,” Yan Xiaojing always maintained his strict-father image.
Madam Yan pulled Yan Ge aside and asked about his journey, showing concern and asking if he encountered any danger.
“No, everything went smoothly.” Yan Ge had the eunuchs bring the gifts from the carriage inside, “Father, Mother, Big Brother, these are the gifts I bought for you. Steward Yan Fu has worked hard for our family all these years, so I also prepared a gift for him. Take a look and see if you like them.”
“Thank you, Young Master, whatever you give, I will like it,” Yan Fu wiped his eyes, feeling touched.
After some small talk, Yan Ge looked at Yan Su, “Big Brother, I heard that you have divorced?”
Yan Su had lost some weight, but he looked to be in good spirits. He nodded calmly and said, “Thank you for your concern. Lady Ruan and I talked calmly before the divorce. You don’t need to worry.”
Madam Yan sighed and didn’t have the heart to continue looking at the gifts Yan Ge brought back. After dismissing the irrelevant people, she said, “Ge’er, try to persuade your Big Brother. I don’t know what your Big Brother is thinking, he actually wants to join the army!”
Yan Ge was surprised, “Join the army? If I remember correctly, Big Brother is a civil official, right?”
Yan Su said, “Mother, please don’t worry about this matter.”
Yan Xiaojing said sternly, “Nonsense! How can someone who wields a pen wield a sword?”
Yan Su patiently said, “Father, I have made up my mind, please don’t try to persuade me anymore.”
Yan Ge narrowed his eyes and asked tentatively, “Is it because of the idle gossip from those boring people?”
Yan Su paused for a moment, but did not deny it, “It is somewhat related to this matter.”
Yan Ge could understand Yan Su. The higher his position, the more attention Yan Xiaojing and Yan Su’s every move received, and the pressure became greater. After all, Yan Su was still a young man in his twenties , it was not easy for him. If this were in modern times, he would still be a university student.
“Big Brother, I have wronged you and Father.” Yan Ge patted Yan Su’s shoulder.
Yan Su frowned at him, “Second Brother, what are you saying? We are happy for what you have achieved. How can there be any troubles? Isn’t that right, Father?”
Yan Xiaojing nodded, and Madam Yan said, “Alright, enough of this family talk. Ge’er is impressive, but Su’er is also outstanding. He has been an official for several years, who can find fault with him? You two brothers are excellent. Su’er, give up this idea soon. You haven’t even settled down with a wife yet. If anything were to happen to you in the military camp, how would your father and I live?’ Madam Yan’s eyes welled up with tears as she spoke.
Yan Ge and Yan Su quickly surrounded her, trying to persuade her. Yan Su gestured to Yan Ge.
Yan Ge shrugged, “Mother’s concerns are not unreasonable.”
“Second Brother,” Yan Su said helplessly. “I’m asking you to persuade Mother, not add fuel to fire!”
Yan Ge spoke earnestly, ‘I am not joking with you. Once you join the army, you can only retire after at least three years. It won’t be easy to quit at that time. That’s one aspect…”
He cautiously surveyed the surroundings to ensure there was no one outside the door before continuing, “Yuchen intends to reform the military conscription system—”
“Ahem!” Yan Xiaojing interrupted with a stern face, “The Emperor has not mentioned this.”
“Father, rest assured, there is no one else here. As long as the four of us keep it a secret, there won’t be any issues.” Yan Ge waved his hand.
Yan Xiaojing was left speechless, and his beard twitched in frustration.
Yan Su chuckled; Father still can’t deal with Second Brother.
Yan Ge continued, “In the future, there will be periodic exchanges between soldiers in the mainland and those stationed at the border. Even if you serve in the mainland, if you happen to be transferred to the border and encounter any conflicts, how can we not worry?”
Madam Yan nodded repeatedly, “Yes, yes.”
Yan Su furrowed his brow, “But I truly want to join the army; it’s not an impulsive decision. These past two years, I’ve been serving as an observer, I don’t have to worry about anything because Father and other superiors take care of everything. I practically receive a salary from the court without doing anything. I’ve been wanting to make a move for a long time, and Lady Ruan’s matter served as a catalyst.”
Every man desires to make achievements. Yan Ge and Yan Xiaojing were momentarily speechless.
Madam Yan tried to persuade more, “But… what if something happens to you… wouldn’t our Yan family be cut off?”
Yan Su readily replied, “I can get married first before leaving.”
Yan Ge, Yan Xiaojing, and Madam Yan all looked at him in astonishment. Yan Ge shook his head subtly; it seemed that his eldest brother had been affected by his first marriage. Clearly, it was just to fulfill the duty of continuing the family line.
Madam Yan was overjoyed, “Recently so many matchmakers have come to your door to talk about marriage, but you didn’t say anything. Mother thought you didn’t even like anyone. You already have a match? Which girl is it?”
Yan Su said: “There was a matchmaker for Miss Wen last time. She doesn’t speak much and has a simple personality. I have asked someone to inquire about her, and I am very satisfied with her.”
Madam Yan hesitated, “Miss Wen? If I remember correctly, although she is the eldest daughter of the Wen family, she is the daughter of a concubine…”
“Mother,” Yan Ge interjected, “It’s not her fault for being born to a concubine. All that matters is that she is a good person, has a good relationship with Big Brother, and gets along well with mother. Wouldn’t that make everyone happy? Our family doesn’t need to rely on marriage for status.”
Madam Yan smiled and clapped her hands together, “Right, it’s Mother’s mistake. Su’er, are you sure she won’t turn out to be as eccentric as Lady Ruan?”
Yan Ge burst into laughter. Where did his mother learn this term?
“Little Jin mentioned it,” Madam Yan explained.
Yan Su: “I’m sure.’”
“Alright then,” Madam Yan said, “I’ll instruct the servants to make preparations.”
“Mmm. Sorry for the trouble, Mother,” Yan Su said.
Yan Xiaojing said, “You should inform the Ministry of Rites first, and I will go say a few words as well. It shouldn’t be a problem.”
“Thank you, Father and Mother, for your understanding.” Yan Su stood up and bowed.
“The imperial edict has arrived!” Xiao Changzi’s voice could be heard from the courtyard.
Yan Xiaojing opened the door and went out to greet him. Everyone knelt down. “Long live His Majesty, long live His Majesty…”
Xiao Changzi unfolded the imperial edict and began to read, “Bearing the fortune of heaven, the Emperor decrees: The Consort Yan Ge possesses exceptional talent, extraordinary wit, and worries for the country and its people. He is a blessing to us and a great fortune to the world. He shall be promoted to Caiqing, and rewarded with ten thousand taels of silver, a carved jade crown, and a carved gold pen. Thus decrees His Majesty!”
“Long live His Majesty!”
After the ceremony, Xiao Changzi handed the imperial edict to Yan Ge and congratulated him, “Congratulations, Yan Caiqing.”
“Thank you,” Yan Ge smiled and took out a five-tael silver ingot, handing it to him, “Please have some tea, Eunuch Changzi.”
“Thank you for the reward, Yan Caiqing.” Xiao Changzi said, “The Emperor also wants me to tell Yan Caiqing to finish work and return to the palace early today. He has good news to share with you.”
“I understand.”
Xiao Changzi took his leave.
Yan Ge and Huangfu Yuchen still had deep affection for each other, and Madam Yan, Yan Xiaojing, and Yan Su felt quite relieved.
After having lunch at the Yan Mansion, Yan Ge said to Yan Su, “Big Brother, please accompany me.”
Yan Su knew that he must have something else to say, so he nodded, “Alright.”
The two brothers left the residence together and got on the carriage. Yan Ge said, “I support you in pursuing your dream, Big Brother. However, I can’t deny that your sudden decision is influenced by the rumors and gossip in the city. It shows that you still lack stability in your character. I only hope that once you join the army, you will think twice before taking action, plan carefully before making a move. If you make impulsive decisions at the instigation of others, it will only let them have their way. And if something happens to you, Father, Mother, and your future wife will worry. As for the Ruan family, you don’t need to concern yourself with them. When you achieve success and fame, they will regret their actions.”
Yan Su stared at Yan Ge in surprise for a moment and chuckled, “You are indeed my younger brother. I will remember what you said.”
Yan Su also understood that Yan Ge couldn’t say too much.
From his sleeve, Yan Ge took out a small blue porcelain bottle and handed it to him, saying, “Your bones have already formed, and it’s not suitable for you to practice martial arts. But the pills inside this bottle can improve your physique and help you withstand rigorous training. Although it can’t cultivate inner strength, you can learn martial arts. Take it when you go back.”
Yan Su nodded, accepting the bottle. Yan Ge then handed him a secret martial arts manual he bought from the system store. “You can practice martial arts according to this manual.”
Next, he took out a small porcelain bottle from his sleeve, took off the Zhantian Vine on his head and squeezed out a drop of sap. He sealed the bottle with a stopper and handed it to Yan Su. “Practice diligently every morning and evening. In about two months, you should master the martial arts techniques in the manual. At that time, you can drink this drop of sap. Although you won’t be enough to deal with top martial artists, it will be sufficient for self-protection.”
“Thank you, brother,” Yan Su said gratefully to his younger brother. Yan Ge reached into his sleeve once again.
Yan Su chuckled, “How many more things are you going to give me?”
Yan Ge replied, “This is the last one,” as he handed him a thumb-sized pendant, saying, “You must carry this with you at all times. If you suffer a severe injury that cannot be treated, consuming the life-saving pill hidden inside can save your life.”
Yan Su received it and said, “I’ll wear it immediately. Thank you, Second Brother.” After Yan Su got off the carriage, Yan Ge instructed Xiao Shuanzi to drive to the company.
The first two days back in the capital would keep him busy.
