Yin Gеzhi rеаdily comрliеd, holding his teаcup аs hе sаid, "Тhаnk уou for уour kind words, Marquis. I dare nоt сlaim tо be stеаdу аnd cоmроsеd—I аm merеly reticеnt."
Мarquis Аnguo laughed hеartily, his еyes fillеd with аdmirаtiоn аs hе lоoked аt Yin Gеzhi. "Entrusting Сhоng'еr to уou рuts mу mind at eаsе. Hоwever, Your Нighness, with recеnt turmоil stirring in thе citу once mоrе, hаve уоu аlrеаdу seсurеd a рlaсe of rеfuge?"
Suсh wоrds wеre fаr frоm оrdinаry pleаsantries. Feng Yue clеnched her hаnds, staring at thе tips оf hеr shoеs as her heart roiled with tumultuous thoughts.
It was clear to many discerning individuals that the Crown Prince intended to sever the wings of General Yi while he was away from the capital, thereby consolidating his own power. Some chose to remain neutral for self-preservation, while others seized the opportunity to pledge allegiance to the Crown Prince and support the imperial authority.
Yet Marquis Anguo, that old fox who forbade political discussions within his own residence, was now asking Yin Gezhi, "Have you found a safe haven?"
For a moment, she even suspected that Yin Gezhi might be an illegitimate son of the Marquis Anguo household. Otherwise, why would Marquis Anguo show such concern for a prince of the Wei Kingdom?
"The storms of the Wu Kingdom have little to do with us from Wei," Yin Gezhi replied calmly. "Watching from the shore, even our sleeves remain dry. However, you, Marquis, stand on high ground—inevitably, the waves will crash against you."
His voice was exceptionally composed, spoken slowly and deliberately, instantly calming one's spirit.
Feng Yue paused, her myriad scattered thoughts vanishing in an instant. Her mind stirred, and she quickly glanced up at the two men before her.
Yin Gezhi sat upright, holding a cup of fragrant tea. Marquis Anguo wore a slightly troubled expression, his eyes tinged with embarrassment.
Feng Yue hadn't paid full attention to their earlier exchange, but now, seeing the Marquis's reaction, she suddenly understood. This wasn't Marquis Anguo worrying about Yin Gezhi—it was the Marquis Anguo household facing trouble and seeking Yin Gezhi's help!
Yin Gezhi was a hostage sent from the Wei Kingdom to the Wu Kingdom, holding no official position or title. To outsiders, aside from his unique status, exceptional martial prowess, and the emperor's favor, he seemed to have little else. But Marquis Anguo was different—he held a high position and carried significant influence. Whenever disputes or conflicts arose, someone would inevitably drag him into taking sides. If he refused to choose, the Marquis Anguo household would inevitably become a target for all.
Such was the drawback of having a voice before the emperor.
A dignified Marquis Anguo, an elder with wrinkles at the corners of his eyes, was now setting a trap for a younger man—how utterly lacking in grace!
Yet the First Prince of Wei possessed grace in abundance. Setting down his teacup, he inquired with utmost concern, "Since you, Marquis, are aware of the impending storm, why not make preparations early?"
"Do you have any suggestions, Your Highness?" Marquis Anguo stared at him, his eyes instantly filled with wariness—a clear sign that he had crossed paths with Yin Gezhi many times and was well acquainted with his shameless nature.
With a gentle and sincere gaze, Yin Gezhi said, "In your earlier years, Marquis, you made an unwise move by choosing sides during the Crown Prince contention. Although you backed the right person, you became embroiled in factional strife, and others no longer see you as a marquis content to live out his years in peace. Now, with the Crown Prince intent on challenging a formidable opponent, if you assist him, you will deepen your involvement in the conflict and offend General Yi. But if you do not assist the Crown Prince, His Highness will inevitably suspect you of betraying him, fostering opposition instead."This is precisely the most agonizing dilemma for the Marquis of Anguo! He's worried sick! His hair has even turned white from worry lately! Helping either side is wrong, and not helping anyone is also wrong. Outsiders think he, the Marquis of Anguo, lives a life of glory and splendor, but who knows the bitterness in his heart?
Wiping away a tear of sorrow, the Marquis of Anguo relaxed his guard again and asked Yin Gezhi with a sigh, "Your Highness, do you have a way to save this old man once more?"
Once more?
In an instant, Feng Yue understood why Yin Gezhi could swagger around even in the Wu Kingdom. That guy had secretly made connections with many people, even the Marquis of Anguo owed him a favor. Moreover, including An Shichong, it seemed no one knew about this, still thinking he had never met the Marquis.
Devious, utterly devious!
"This junior originally had no intention of wading into troubled waters again." With a long sigh, Yin Gezhi said with a melancholic look, "But since I have accepted Shi Chong as my disciple, I must help the Marquis of Anguo's household."
What a great master-disciple relationship this is. He really should give him a red envelope for becoming his master! The Marquis of Anguo beamed with a smile, looking at him expectantly.
Yin Gezhi said, "Since storms rage everywhere, and only this junior remains safe and sound, why doesn't the Marquis consider traveling alongside me?"
"Traveling alongside you?" Slightly taken aback, the Marquis of Anguo pondered for a moment, "May I ask, Your Highness, what do you intend?"
"Shi Chong will soon reach the age of capping. A young man of capping age should hold an official position in the court to be considered accomplished." Yin Gezhi said, "What this junior desires is simply to allow my two disciples to achieve merit, fulfill their aspirations, unrelated to the political storms, and without taking sides. The Marquis is advanced in years. If you can retire peacefully and gradually transfer power to Shi Chong, this junior can ensure the safety and security of the Marquis of Anguo's household."
This is indeed a good idea, the Marquis of Anguo thought. Shi Chong is his legitimate son, and he certainly hopes that boy will achieve something. Transferring power to him isn't difficult; what is called power is merely the network of connections in his hands. Sooner or later, Shi Chong will inherit it. Now, with Yin Gezhi providing protection, it will undoubtedly go even more smoothly. Yin Gezhi doesn't involve himself in court politics; the Crown Prince admires him, and General Yi also thinks highly of him. He can find a delicate balance between the two, and hiding behind him would be absolutely secure.
So, after a moment, he smiled and said, "My son is unruly; I hope Your Highness will take more care of him."
Yin Gezhi reluctantly nodded, his expression and posture perfectly resembling that of a good master who braves hardships and toils for his disciple.
Feng Yue couldn't help but turn her head and softly "pfft."
If she were the Marquis of Anguo, she might also be deceived by this man's sweet talk! Where does he want to help An Shichong achieve merit? Clearly, he wants to use An Shichong to gain the support of the Marquis of Anguo's household, making it more convenient for himself to act! Although he might incidentally help Shi Chong along the way, enabling him to establish himself more quickly in the court, this big-tailed wolf's motives are so impure—how does he have the face to accept others' gratitude?
Thinking of the reverent look An Shichong gives Yin Gezhi, Feng Yue feels heartache for him and even more so thinks the man before her is shameless!
But. She also finds him even more terrifying.
Previously, she had been wondering why he brought her to the Marquis of Anguo's household today, as she couldn't gather any information. But now she understands: Yin Gezhi came to intimidate her.
A newly surrendered person's loyalty isn't very firm. Like captives on the battlefield, after being captured, it's difficult for them to integrate for a while, and they always harbor doubts about their new commander.Yin Gezhi, a seasoned general, had directly played his trump card right from the start, revealing the Marquis of An's Estate to her. The message was clear: follow me, and I have countless ways to help you outmaneuver others. But betray me, and I have countless ways to let others outmaneuver you.
The strong only yield to those stronger than themselves.
Feng Yue was thoroughly convinced, obediently standing by his side with her tail tucked, not daring to breathe too loudly.
The Marquis of An was completely unaware of the other party's ulterior motives, thinking only that he had resolved a major headache for him. His face creased into a wide smile, and he even cast a benevolent glance at her, praising, "This maid is truly excellent. Quite lovely."
Hearing this, Feng Yue immediately flashed him a charming smile and curtsied.
Yin Gezhi glanced at her and said indifferently, "Huaizu sent her. She looks a bit dull-witted but won’t speak out of turn, so I keep her by my side."
The Marquis of An chuckled heartily, teasing in good spirits, "Your Highness’s Envoy's Mansion has always been rather quiet. It’s about time you added some people. Otherwise, those gossipy folks at court will start spreading all sorts of unsavory rumors."
At the mention of this topic, Yin Gezhi’s face darkened. He simply disliked keeping women in his mansion, but he had plenty of dalliances outside. Yet some still spread rumors about his impotence or being a cut-sleeve—truly idle talk.
Glancing at Feng Yue, he suddenly felt it was necessary to take her out for a stroll.
"It’s getting late. Your Lordship should prepare for the birthday banquet. I’ll take my leave now and go for a walk with Shi Chong and the others."
"Very well," the Marquis of An nodded.
And so, Feng Yue followed Yin Gezhi out the door with small, quick steps.
As soon as the door opened, two people nearly stumbled in. Yin Gezhi looked down to see An Shichong and Xu Huaizu both wearing awkward smiles. "Ah, Master, you’re done talking?"
Calmly uttering an "Mm," Yin Gezhi walked out. The two youths hurriedly followed, exchanging glances.
Is Master angry?
It doesn’t seem so. Such a small matter shouldn’t warrant punishment, right? Besides, we didn’t hear anything.
After a silent exchange of looks, they looked up in relief, only to find Miss Feng Yue gazing at them with pity.
"What’s wrong?" Xu Huaizu asked curiously. "Why are you looking at us like that?"
Glancing at the man walking ahead, Feng Yue whispered slyly, "Be careful, young masters. Your master’s rules are strict. Eavesdropping—if you don’t get caught, that’s your skill. But if you do, you’re in for it!"
Xu Huaizu’s heart sank. "It can’t be…"
Before the last word even finished, Yin Gezhi stopped walking ahead, turned around, and said, "Starting tomorrow, you’ll add an hour of horse stance and another half-hour of stake walking."
An Shichong’s face turned pale. Xu Huaizu quickly protested, "Master, isn’t that too harsh? We didn’t hear anything clearly!"
"Hmm?" Yin Gezhi looked righteous. "What didn’t you hear clearly?"
"...Isn’t this punishment for eavesdropping?" An Shichong asked cautiously.
Yin Gezhi shook his head. "No, it’s to make your movements lighter and your foundation more solid."A strict teacher produces outstanding students! While feeling sorry for themselves, the two also sighed, thinking their master’s rules weren’t that strict after all—he didn’t even get angry at them for eavesdropping. But then they heard their master quietly add:
“Master the basics well, and next time you eavesdrop, you won’t get caught.”
Feng Yue couldn’t hold back and burst out laughing.
Xu Huaizu and An Shichong looked stunned. They wanted to beg for mercy, but their master hadn’t even scolded them. Yet not begging for mercy felt too pitiful!
“Master…”
“Be good, get ready for the birthday banquet.” Yin Gezhi turned and continued walking, heading straight to the front courtyard to take his seat.
The two following behind looked as if they had eaten bitter melon, weakly saying, “Miss Feng Yue, you really do understand our master so well!”
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