Chapter 364: Let Me Tell You a Secret
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Yun Yang’s heart clenched in pain, an indescribable emotion engulfing his heart…
Looking at Bao’er’s innocent face and distinctly black and white eyes filled with endless yearning, Yun Yang swallowed the bitter wine, at a loss for words.
Eldest brother, fourth sister, don't you long for us at all?
Don't you long for your child?
On that very night, Yun Yang decided to let go of his burdens and got drunk in this small, secluded village.
The men from the village crowded around Yun Yang, cajoling him to drink; they were all easy-going people, emptying the goblet’s contents once it came near the mouth. There was naturally a lack of splendid dishes and wine in such an isolated village, but Yun Yang relished the simple meal.
He gave away one delicate toy after another, managing to coax Bao’er into his embrace after only a short while and convinced him to sit on his knees happily while snuggling up in his robes.
Whether it was due to the child’s innate shyness or the factor of his environment, Yun Yang could not say, but he did not speak much nor did he show much emotion even when he was absolutely happy.
The little man held his favorite toy, his eyes crinkling into lines, but his lips were pursed together unlike usual children who would have been dancing with joy. Only his hands were quietly moving but each time he stroked the toy, his eyes turned into crescents discreetly.
Yun Yang watched him with utmost adoration, wanting nothing but to hug him tightly forever.
…
On the second day, Yun Yang walked out of the village with Bao’er holding his hand, sending him reluctantly to the exit with a small white kitty in his embrace.
It was Whitey Four.
Yun Yang had intentionally left an Eclipse Panther to guard Bao’er. Of course, everyone had thought that it was the normal, ordinary pet kitten. Other than praising Yun Yang for being a considerate uncle for making a long journey here, he had actually brought along a living creature – very thoughtful indeed!
Other than that, Yun Yang left five thousand silver taels worth of banknotes. It was not that he was reluctant to leave more money, but in such a creepily isolated place, there was nothing to buy even with money; showing excessive wealth might only attract trouble.
Yun Yang did not hope to see these loyal and naïve men arguing over some silver taels; that would go against his initial wish. When the arrangements had been made and everyone had gotten more experience upon moving to Tiantang City, it was not too late to slowly recompense them.
"Uncle Feng, will you come to see Bao’er again?" Bao’er asked innocently, raising his head.
"Of course. I’ll come back very soon. When I come back again, we’ll move into the city together." Yun Yang squatted and said smiling, "It’ll be very fun there! I’m sure Bao’er will like it."
Bao’er patted the obedient Whitey Four in his embrace lovingly and said, "Why is it called Whitey Four? Are there three more Whiteys before it?"
Yun Yang chortled. "Bao’er is very smart. Yes, there are three more Whiteys. When you’ve moved into the city, you’ll get to see them!"
Even until Yun Yang had walked a great distance away, Bao’er’s lonesome self was still looking on from the village’s exit, wearing a face of longing.
Since he was small, nobody had been as nice to him except his parents. The entire village, including Li Yingqiu, served Bao’er like a small young lord, yet nobody had dared to show love and concern from a family elder’s point of view like Yun Yang had.
Bao’er was reluctant to let him go, but he dared not ask Yun Yang to stay.
"Uncle Feng has important things to do." Bao’er comforted himself. "He’ll be back with mama and papa to visit me again very soon."
Whitey Four, snuggled within his arms, mewled sadly at the direction Yun Yang had left in, "Why was it me? Why wasn’t it Whitey Two? Why wasn’t it Whitey Three or Five?"
"I have been betrayed!"
Bao’er hugged Whitey Four, stroking it with his tiny hands, and comforted it, "Whitey Four, don’t worry. We’ll follow him back when uncle comes back again. You can go play wherever you like then!"
Whitey Four mewled in agreement.
Bao’er said, "We can play together in the future, You can’t ignore me; we’re best friends, aren't we?"
Whitey Four mewled arrogantly and turned its head away before emitting sounds of contentment as he blissfully ignored the boy's words.
"I have no interest in coaxing a child…"
"It’s great that you agree, how wonderful!" Bao’er petted it happily, cajoling Whitey Four with vigor.
White Four straightened its feet miserably, "Can't you tell that I refused you?"
"Just say you don’t understand if you don’t understand, don’t simply connect the dots."
"Oh, my heart!"
…
Now that he had finally found Supreme Earth’s child, Yun Yang was slightly relieved.
Still, he did not dare to face Bao’er clear gaze, especially when he raised his head asking, "Uncle Feng, when will my papa and mama come see me? How long is very long?"
Yun Yang could feel his soul tremble at that question.
When will your papa and mama come see you? I am sorry, child! I can only give you a grandfather who loves and dotes on you wholeheartedly at most, but I can do nothing about your papa and mama!
Leaving the village, Yun Yang turned into wind and inspected a thousand-mile-wide perimeter, before sitting on the snow-white hilltop to think of his issues.
He only left when the day grew dark and the sun had finally set.
…
The wind blew strongly through Tiantang City.
The old marshal was observing a map in his study quietly to plan for the war in the east.
The sound of the wind suddenly grew stronger. The silhouette of a man landed in front of him with a soft crack of air being displaced.
The window was not even opened in the slightest, but this silhouette had emerged out of thin air and appeared here, right in front of him.
"Supreme Wind?" The old marshal was delightfully surprised. "You’re a rare guest. Why have you come to this old and useless one’s place?"
"I’ve come today to privately discuss a matter of importance with Old Marshal." Yun Yang spoke in a low tone; the voice that emerged carried Supreme Wind’s usual accent.
"What is it?" The old marshal said joyfully, "As long as it’s an order of Lord Supreme Wind, this old man will always obey it!"
This was said in a playful manner, but the old marshal’s truly meant it.
Under the black cape, Supreme Wind’s unique voice spoke unhurriedly, as usual, "Old Marshal is courteous. This matter puzzles even I, making it difficult for me to make my choice. Hence, I’ve come to ask for Old Marshal’s advice. It’s gravely serious, so I’ve come in the dead of night; I ask for Old Marshal’s forgiveness and for generosity in his advice."
Qiu Jianhan turned serious and formal at once when he heard Yun Yang. Something that even Lord Supreme Wind felt tricky and needed someone’s advice was nothing petty; feeling weighed down, he was also very honored at the same time.
There weren't many people in the entire Yutang who could obtain such trust!
"Do speak, Lord Supreme Wind. No matter what the ultimate outcome of this matter is, this old man’s lips will always be kept sealed and will divulge nothing."
Obviously, Old Marshal Qiu understood Supreme Wind’s words.
Gravely serious, come in the dead of night – these eight words had already spoken something aloud.
Not only was this matter crucial, it was urgent and needed to be solved as soon as possible; Qiu Jianhan dared not tarry then, feeling even more adamant to help with all he could!
Yun Yang mulled over his words before speaking, "This is related to the head of the Nine Supremes, Supreme Earth."
Old Marshal Qiu’s serious face turned even darker, a sense of caution added to the grimness. Perhaps others may not know it, but the old marshal was one of the only three informed people in this world that knew that Supreme Earth was His Majesty’s eldest son!
He was His Highness, the crown prince!
"What is it?" the old marshal asked seriously.
"Recently, I have stumbled across Supreme Water’s will by chance."
Yun Yang said slowly, "What the will mentioned has disconcerted me. While I was very delighted, I’m also very hesitant."
Old Marshal Qiu sat up straight at those words.
He, who was much experienced in life, had already discerned that the matter might be bigger than what he had imagined. Yun Yang had mentioned Supreme Water suddenly but was not speaking of Supreme Earth, the main character he spoke of earlier. Obviously, the matter was related to both Supreme Earth and Supreme Water, two of the nine Supremes. How could it be something insignificant?
"My fourth brother Supreme Water is actually a woman and has tied the knot with my eldest brother, Supreme Earth; they were husband and wife."
Yun Yang’s words were groundbreaking. The old marshal, despite having some mental preparation, had stood up at once, his eyes almost bulging out of his sockets while his usual strong self actually quivered.
It was an earth-shattering secret!
The old marshal wanted to say something, opening his mouth, but his lips quivered without letting out a sound. He stared unblinkingly at Supreme Wind before him.
"The rest of us brothers did not know about eldest brother and fourth sister becoming husband and wife. I only found out after reading the will. Other than this, I’ve gotten to know something else…"
Yun Yang’s voice was low as he slowly whispered, "They have left behind a legacy in this world; a two and a half years old boy."
"What?"
The old marshal felt as if a thousand suns had exploded in his head!
He jumped up, almost disbelieving his own ears. "What did you say?"
Supreme Wind, nodded softly, affirming his words without saying anything.
The old marshal staggered and almost sat back down bonelessly.
Stars were swimming in his vision as his body swayed, he swooned as if he was about to faint from this sudden news. He knew more than anyone the importance of this piece of information!
It was an incendiary that could shake the entire nation right now – this child’s identity was truly important beyond belief!
A direct descendant of royalty! The eldest grandson of the eldest son! The descendant of the Nine Supreme's bloodline to boot!
The existence of this child was one of immeasurable superiority in the Empire of Yutang!
Not only would he possess the greatest honor once he was born and the deep guilt and remorse His Majesty had for both his son and grandchild, the child would have the entire Yutang people’s reverence once his birth was made known. In addition to that, he would have the full support of the sole survivor among the Nine Supremes, Supreme Wind!
Besides, Supreme Wind was standing right in front of Qiu Jianhan due to this matter. Supreme Wind’s concern for this child was so great, it was a cause he would risk his life for!
A spread of Supreme Wind’s arms was almost equal to the entire army! Which one of Yutang’s soldiers had never been saved by the Nine Supremes? The military, civil and ordinary citizens would respond equivocally to his call, ready to serve.
Yet now… the Empire of Yutang had its crown prince! A perfectly justifiable heir to Empire of Yutang’s throne.
Empire of Yutang faced the enemy’s threat from all sides; the external pressure was extremely relentless, putting the empire in a precarious position.
If this information was made public during these nervous times, it would be like a wildfire ha spread through the Empire of Yutang! The massive conflagration would definitely stir the most ferocious waves and tides!