Chapter 135: The Dagger Revealed

In the great hall, Tie Xinsheng sat upright on the dragon throne. He appeared troubled, lost in thought as he stared at the memorials before him. Guan Hanyu walked in from outside, and upon observing Tie Xinsheng’s expression, asked softly, "May I ask what has displeased Your Majesty?"

Guan Hanyu knew that Tie Xinsheng was a man of great cunning. If the sovereign did not wish for his inner thoughts to be known, he would certainly be able to suppress them. Since he was openly displaying his emotions, it meant he wished for someone to inquire. This little game between monarch and subject had been played for decades; he knew exactly when he should express his concern.

"I bestowed twenty palace maids upon Ye Xin today," Tie Xinsheng said languidly. "The boy seems a bit unable to keep his composure. While he didn't immediately sink into a bed of indulgence, he was quite hands-on, teasing each maid in turn. This..."

"Your Majesty worries too much," Guan Hanyu laughed. "Who hasn't done a few frivolous things in their youth? Not to mention others, the Fifth Prince is even younger than Ye Xin, and he has long since been enjoying the comforts of the boudoir."

"That is true..." Tie Xinsheng’s expression softened. "But I always feel that... Wen Rong may not be a suitable match for Ye Xin."

"Your Majesty, what makes you say that?" Guan Hanyu was taken aback.

"Ye Xin is a young genius. Even Ye Guanhai, back in his day, did not master his killing techniques until he was nearly thirty," Tie Xinsheng said slowly. "Looking across the nine kingdoms at all the brilliant talents, they have all been far surpassed by Ye Xin. Since Ye Xin is a talent of the highest order, he should have a wife of the highest order, lest it bring shame upon the Ye family."

"This old servant has heard that Wen Rong has a slight reputation at the Longteng Martial Arts Academy; her ability, talent, and looks are all top-tier," Guan Hanyu said. "For decades, the scions of every noble family have entered the Academy’s First Battalion, and the Cold Martial Hall has frequently been won by the First Battalion. That the Cold Martial Hall fell to the Fifth Battalion today is entirely due to the great contributions Wen Rong made to the Academy last year. From this, it is clear her abilities are indeed excellent; she is merely young and lacks experience."

Guan Hanyu’s way of serving was unmatched in the imperial court, and he was deeply trusted by Tie Xinsheng. If he were to simply follow every suggestion Tie Xinsheng made and loudly support him, he would be nothing more than a sycophant. Tie Xinsheng, who considered himself a heroic sovereign, would never have valued him so highly.

Thus, Guan Hanyu’s habit was to first oppose Tie Xinsheng, engage in a brief discussion, and then, after being "persuaded," completely change his stance to become Tie Xinsheng’s staunchest supporter. This not only demonstrated his own unique perspective but also allowed Tie Xinsheng to discover that he possessed such great charisma—a tactic far more effective than any flattery.

Simply saying "Your Majesty is brilliant" was too base; it was far better to let facts speak for themselves, letting the sovereign realize that his own rhetoric possessed such infectious power.

"Wen Rong is indeed excellent, but she is not the most excellent," Tie Xinsheng shook his head. "Compared to Huizhen alone, she falls far short. Huizhen is also sixteen, only a few months older than Wen Rong, but Huizhen has already tempered her natal skill. As for Wen Rong... I fear she will not even be able to attempt it for another half year."

"Wen Rong naturally cannot compare to the Seventh Princess." Guan Hanyu immediately understood Tie Xinsheng’s intention, yet he feigned ignorance. "But among the eligible young women in Nine Tripod City, only Wen Rong or perhaps Shen Miao could be considered a match for Ye Xin. Could it be... Your Majesty intends to betroth the Seventh Princess to Ye Xin? That would be elevating him far too much!"

"Since I am determined to use him, I must naturally elevate him without reservation." Tie Xinsheng, having his ambitions validated, was in a great mood.

Tie Xinsheng had originally been hesitant, but hearing the word "elevate," his heart was set. This was the greatest favor one could show Ye Xin; he should be kneeling before the throne in gratitude!

"Tsk, tsk... I never imagined Your Majesty would bestow such favor upon a child..." Guan Hanyu sighed.

"Ye Xin possesses the strength of a Pillar of State; he is no longer a child. At the very least, we cannot view him through the eyes of a child," Tie Xinsheng said sternly.

"Everything else is fine, but I fear the Wen family..." Guan Hanyu said, stammering. If Tie Xinsheng forced the annulment of the engagement between the Ye and Wen families, the Wen family would surely go mad. They had all once thought Ye Xin was a piece of trash, and only Wen Hongren had the eye to see his true worth, deciding to marry his precious daughter into the Ye family. Oh, and now that Ye Xin had proven his ability, you come to snatch the bride? Is there no shame? Is there no natural justice?

If Tie Xinsheng dared to let this news out, there would be an uproar in the court. Furthermore, the attitude of the Ye family was unknown; if Ye Suifeng rejected the marriage of the Seventh Princess, Tie Xinsheng would have dealt himself a heavy blow, losing all face.

"Indeed..." Tie Xinsheng sighed, knowing he was in the wrong.

"And then there is Ye Xin. I hear he has been with Wen Rong these days; a young man and woman in love..." Guan Hanyu said.

"I bestowed twenty palace maids upon Ye Xin today; he did not go to the academy to pick up Wen Rong." Tie Xinsheng said calmly. These two events seemed unrelated, but they contained his own logic, proving that Ye Xin’s nature could be swayed.

"He is merely temporarily bewitched by beauty," Guan Hanyu said with a wry smile. "Mere palace maids, how could they control the inner affairs of the Ye family? Even if Ye Xin were muddled, the Ye military clan would never allow it."

"Old Guan, is there any way to make the Wen family voluntarily annul the engagement?" Tie Xinsheng finally revealed his true intent.

"There is absolutely no room for that; it is impossible." Guan Hanyu shook his head. "Wen Yuanren’s spirit is growing more vigorous, as if he has suddenly become decades younger. He has even changed his usual habits, moving about everywhere—all because the Wen family has found a good son-in-law. To make the Wen family annul the engagement, it would be easier to simply kill Wen Yuanren."

"That old dog, Wen Yuanren!" Tie Xinsheng showed anger. "He is the same age as Han Sanmei. Han Sanmei remains the Grand Chancellor, yet he retired early and still doesn't know how to reflect on himself? Arrogant because of his past merits, speaking carelessly, always bringing up how the former king did this or that, and how I do this or that. If he knew what was good for him, how could I have stripped him of his power?!"

"Your Majesty, whether Wen Yuanren knows how to reflect is one thing; making the Wen family annul the engagement is quite another," Guan Hanyu said with another wry smile.

"Old Guan, even you have no way?" Tie Xinsheng asked in a deep voice. Guan Hanyu was the Grand Steward of the palace, his most reliable aide, and his brilliant strategist. For over twenty years, countless successes had been achieved through Guan Hanyu’s planning. Tie Xinsheng knew this matter was thorny, and he had to pin his hopes on him.

Guan Hanyu was silent for a long time before saying in a strained tone, "There is a way, but it is rather ruthless..."

"Oh?" Tie Xinsheng’s spirits lifted. "Tell me!"

"Starting today, Your Majesty must not mention the annulment to anyone. On the contrary, you must spread the word that you intend to personally officiate the wedding for the Ye and Wen families at the end of the year," Guan Hanyu said, word for word.

"Why is that?" Tie Xinsheng was puzzled.

"To take, one must first give..." A smile appeared on Guan Hanyu’s face.

* * * *

At the Ye residence, Ye Suifeng hurried in to find Ye Xin, who was lounging in the back garden with two maids, flirting with them.

Ye Suifeng sighed softly and gave the two maids a glare, but to his surprise, they showed him no respect, remaining nestled in Ye Xin’s arms. Before entering the Ye estate, they had known that the true master of the house was the Pillar of State, Ye Xin, and that the so-called "Ye military clan" was merely a figurehead.

Ye Suifeng was furious and shouted, "Get out!"

The two maids froze and looked at Ye Xin with aggrieved expressions. Ye Xin smiled and patted them on the hips, saying, "Go on, go on... I’ll find you again later."

Seeing that Ye Xin still favored them, the maids felt secure and strolled past Ye Suifeng without even offering a bow.

Ye Suifeng was about to explode, but Ye Xin interrupted, "Second Uncle, why such a temper?"

"Xin'er, although you have never mentioned it, I know you have put in much effort and heart to reach where you are today, which is why I have never had the heart to scold you," Ye Suifeng frowned. "But you like this... it worries me greatly..."

"Second Uncle, no one knows better than I what I am doing," Ye Xin smiled. "Why did you come to see me?"

"The decree has been issued; I must depart for the southern front today, and you must depart in three days," Ye Suifeng stared at him. "Also, you should go to the new army camp; you are the commander-in-chief!"

"Leaving so soon?" Ye Xin sighed. "These pretty girls have only been here a few days. I haven't had enough fun yet..."

"Xin'er!" Ye Suifeng frowned again.

"Fine, fine, I’ll go." Ye Xin rose and smiled. "I also wanted to see the Blood Mountain Legion, though I fear I won't have the chance this year."

"The mobilization of a great army involves many trivial matters. Otherwise, I will speak to His Majesty and go with you, so I can help you," Ye Suifeng suggested.

"No need," Ye Xin said hastily. "His Majesty will naturally provide me with staff. Second Uncle should hurry to the southern front; I fear something might happen with Qiu Jiecha."

"Very well, as you wish," Ye Suifeng said. "I will go back and prepare."

"Good," Ye Xin smiled. "Second Uncle, I will host a farewell dinner for you tonight."

"No need," Ye Suifeng said irritably.

As Ye Suifeng left the back garden, only Ye Xin remained. He stood still for a long time, his eyes flashing with a blade-like sharpness.

Xue Baiqi and Hao Fei walked in one after the other. Xue Baiqi whispered, "My Lord, the message has been sent from Mr. Ghost. The time has come."

"Tell Mo Yan to be prepared," Ye Xin said, word for word. "Also, go to the Wen family and bring Shan Pao here. That fellow is quite interesting, and I don't want him to die in this chaotic mess. This time, I will recruit him into the Sky Wolf Army; the Wen family will at least give me that much face."

"Understood," Hao Fei nodded.