The Duke's Pampered Darling is So Scheming-Chapter 83: Missing

"Zhao Hanguang has served as Minister of the Ministry of Rites for the past three years, in charge of imperial banquets. He’s a cautious man and hasn’t made a mistake in all that time, so his position is secure. He has indeed not been replaced."

Although Lian Zhou had been with his master in the Northern Land, he was still quite knowledgeable about matters in the Capital City.

Shen Yanchuan said, "As I recall, he and Han Tong were classmates?"

Lian Zhou nodded. "Yes. They’ve known each other for over twenty years and have competed constantly, both openly and in secret. Later, they both entered the Guanglu Temple, each one dead set on seizing the position of Minister of the Ministry of Rites. Unfortunately, Han Tong fell just short and ended up becoming Zhao Hanguang’s subordinate. Rumor has it they can’t stand each other and have argued several times at the Guanglu Temple."

Of course Han Tong wanted to replace him. He just never had the chance.

Shen Yanchuan nodded. "Then, let’s give him a helping hand."

Lian Zhou was surprised. "Master?"

’Han Yao offended Doctor Ye. Why would the Master want to help his father?’

Shen Yanchuan seemed to smile.

"Outsiders all think those two are at odds despite appearing friendly, but what they don’t know is that both of them actually serve the same master."

Lian Zhou was instantly stunned. "What!? But Han Tong follows the Second Prince... so you’re saying Zhao Hanguang is also one of the Second Prince’s men!?"

’But isn’t he said to be neutral and unremarkable, having never chosen a side? This...’

Shen Yanchuan lowered his gaze, spreading out a fresh sheet of rice paper. His tone was casual.

"The Second Prince is gloomy, unpredictable, and ruthless. What he despises most is infighting among his subordinates. Han Tong appears compliant, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t truly covet that position. All it would take is one mistake from Zhao Hanguang for him to advance. Since that’s what he wants, we’ll give it to him."

Lian Zhou understood. "So, you mean... to take them all out in one fell swoop?"

Shen Yanchuan replied flatly, "His men have controlled the Guanglu Temple for long enough. It’s time to clear the place out."

...

「Imperial College.」

After Murong Ye left, everyone quickly quieted down again, opening their books at their respective seats.

Ye Yunfeng also looked away.

"Hey! Hey!" The young man who had spoken to them first waved his hands frantically. "Sit down, quick! If the Lord Dean sees you causing trouble, you’ll be done for!"

Ye Yunfeng said casually, "You mean that guy outside? He’s already gone."

"Who? Who are you talking about?" The young man looked completely lost.

Ye Jingyan changed the subject. "Everyone seems to be particularly in awe of the Lord Dean?"

"Of course!" The young man’s attention was immediately diverted. He covered his mouth and whispered, "You guys really don’t know the Lord Dean’s background? He’s General Feng’s own nephew!"

Ye Jingyan’s heart skipped a beat. "You mean Feng Cheng, the National Guardian General who once had the honor of saving the emperor’s life?"

"That’s him! The old general was one of the founding heroes of the dynasty! Both of his sons died on the battlefield, leaving our Lord Dean as his only nephew. Just think about it—what kind of status does that give him!"

At this, Ye Yunfeng’s interest was finally piqued.

"With a background like that, why would he come to the Imperial College to be a mere Dean?"

’It’s a minor Sixth-Rank Official position. Any family with even a bit of standing probably wouldn’t let their son take it.’

The young man gave a sly chuckle and said mysteriously, "It’s normal that you don’t know, since you’re new to the Capital City! Actually, the Lord Dean used to lead troops in battle, but then that incident happened three years ago! The battle at Tongtian Pass. He was planning to lead his troops to provide reinforcements, but somehow, he got delayed on the road—"

Ye Jingyan’s hand, which was turning a page, suddenly froze.

Ye Yunfeng also narrowed his eyes slightly. "Tongtian Pass?"

"Yeah! It was because of General Huo..." He coughed at that point. "You know, the battle where tens of thousands of soldiers were trapped and slaughtered. By the time the Lord Dean arrived, it was already too late. Maybe he was traumatized by the sight, because not long after, he requested to be discharged from the army and returned to the capital."

"I heard he locked himself away for three whole months and refused to come out. Old General Feng couldn’t stand it anymore, so he basically threw him into the Imperial College."

The young man spread his hands. 𝑓𝘳𝑒𝑒𝓌𝘦𝘣𝘯ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝑚

"That’s pretty much the gist of it."

"The Lord Dean comes from a military camp, so he doesn’t bother with a lot of pointless rules. If he sees someone he doesn’t like or who’s being disobedient, a slap is sure to follow!" For some reason, a bitter look appeared on the young man’s face. "And it hurts like hell!"

Ye Jingyan looked him over.

"I see. Thank you for telling us. I just don’t know your name..."

The young man chuckled. "I’m Qiao Zimo!"

Ye Jingyan was a little surprised. "Is your father... Mr. Qiao, the Minister of the Ministry of Industry?"

Qiao Zimo’s eyes widened in surprise. "You know of him? I thought since you just arrived in the Capital City, you wouldn’t—oh, right! You even guessed Murong Ye’s identity earlier, so it’s not surprising you know who I am!"

’The Capital City is truly full of hidden dragons and crouching tigers. Especially here at the Imperial College, a random person you talk to could very well be the scion of a prominent family.’

Qiao Zimo secretly pulled a slingshot out from under his book and turned to Ye Yunfeng. "You’re Ye Yunfeng, right? I saw just now that you seem pretty strong. Want to go shoot some birds after class?"

Ye Yunfeng clasped his hands behind his head, looking completely uninterested. "Sounds boring. I’m not going."

Unwilling to give up, Qiao Zimo pressed, "Come on! Don’t tell me you don’t know how."

Ye Yunfeng glanced at his slingshot and scoffed, "That piece of junk? You think you could even hit two birds with it? You’d have a hard time taking down a rabbit!"

Qiao Zimo’s eyes widened. "Wh-what did you say? I spent several hours carving this myself!"

Ye Yunfeng snorted and took the slingshot from him.

"Watch this."

...

By the time Ye Chutang returned to the Ye Mansion with Xiao Wu, the sky was already growing dark.

She was carrying a box of pastries she had bought from Lan Yue Building.

Xiao Wu clambered over to the small table, arranged the chestnut cakes on a plate, and picked up the first one to give to Ye Chutang.

For Big Sis!

Ye Chutang took it and had a bite.

It melted in her mouth, sweet but not overly so.

They had actually already eaten at Lan Yue Building, but the pastries still tasted delicious.

Sigh.

Ye Chutang propped her chin on one hand, feeling a wave of melancholy.

Xiao Wu took a bite of her chestnut cake, and seeing her sister’s expression, scooted over to sit next to her.

Does Big Sis miss Third Brother and Fourth Brother, too?

’It makes sense. In her memory, they had always been together and never been apart.’

’Suddenly being without two people felt really strange.’

Ye Chutang turned to look at her.

Xiao Wu sniffled and pointed at the remaining chestnut cakes on the plate.

There should be some for Third Brother and Fourth Brother, too! Should we save some for them?

She misses them so much...

Sigh.

Ye Chutang sighed again.

"With your Fourth Brother gone, there’s no one to cook for us anymore."

Xiao Wu, who was just about to put the chestnut cakes away to take to her third and fourth brothers at the Imperial College tomorrow: "..."

She silently finished the remaining half of the chestnut cake in her hand.

Ye Chutang mused, "I wonder if those two are adjusting on their first day at the Imperial College?"

...

The night grew deeper, and all was quiet.

Suddenly, a sharp, piercing sound cut through the air!

SWISH—CRASH!

A large flock of birds suddenly took to the sky!

A voice, thick with shock and anger, rang out in the night.

"Who did this!?"