Starting Reward – A Three Thousand Assassin Network

Chapter 49 — Lin Wan’er Comforts Ye Wudao

“By the way, Chen’er has prepared a gift for all three of you!” Saying this, Ye Wudao took out three books from his pocket.

He then handed one to each of the three siblings.

“Sky Frost Fist! Cloud Ranking Palm! Wind God’s Kick!” Ye Xiaoyun, Ye Qingfeng, and Ye Xue looked at the three big characters on the covers of their books.

“Grandpa, what is this …” Ye Xiaoyun asked.

Ye Dingtian drank a cup of tea and said, “These three books are martial arts manuals from Chen’er’s hands. Surely, you all know that anything Chen’er values must be extraordinary. These three martial arts correspond to three different realms, matching your names perfectly. Perhaps, it’s a design from the heavens! In the future, practice diligently, don’t let Chen’er’s kindness go to waste. Especially you, Xiaoyun. Compared to your two brothers, you need to work harder in the future!”

The three siblings nodded quickly, feeling an intuition that practicing these martial arts would bring unexpected gains.

“Rest assured, Grandpa, we will definitely practice diligently.”

Ye Dingtian nodded, “Very well. After you have had your meals, go back and transcribe these martial arts. Tomorrow morning, hand them all over to me. This matter is crucial to the rise and fall of the family. Absolutely do not leak it out, do you understand?”

Seeing the sudden seriousness in the old man’s tone, the three siblings also realized the importance of the martial arts manuals they held.

Lin Wan’er, who was on the side, observed everything and felt extremely gratified.

Among the four children, Lin Wan’er was most concerned about Ye Chen. From a young age, he had shown extraordinary talent. Every peculiar item he possessed had its use. Using these items alone, Ye Xue had acquired immense wealth, and these were just ordinary items for regular people.

Now, Ye Chen was presenting something extremely valuable for martial arts. Lin Wan’er couldn’t fathom where Ye Family was heading with Ye Chen’s contributions.

However, she knew that once these things were leaked, as the old man had said earlier, everyone would become an enemy. Lin Wan’er understood human nature very well.

After a satisfying meal, Ye Dingtian left, leaving Lin Wan’er and her three children sitting at the dining table.

“Mom, Dad …” Ye Xue pointed outside.

Lin Wan’er glanced at Ye Wudao and said, “Don’t mind him. Let him think it over. Nowadays, there are some things don’t allow him to act recklessly.”

Seeing their mother saying this, the three siblings could only nod helplessly.

“Alright, each of you go back to your rooms. Transcribe the martial arts manuals Grandpa gave you. Remember, don’t let it leak out,” Lin Wan’er reminded again. This matter concerned Ye Family and Ye Chen, so she had to be cautious.

“Mom, we understand!” The three siblings bid farewell to Lin Wan’er and went back to their rooms.

After the three siblings left, Lin Wan’er slowly approached Ye Wudao and pulled him to the dining hall.

“Wan’er, am I exceptionally foolish? I couldn’t understand such simple reasoning.” Ye Wudao looked at Lin Wan’er earnestly.

Hearing this, Lin Wan’er shook her head, “You are not foolish; you just act too hastily. Some things cannot be rushed! You need to think more, observe more. Now, with the situation Ye Family is facing, you should understand better than me. Every step we take, we need to carefully examine whether there are traps waiting for us ahead. Every matter concerning Ye Family is significant. I guess Chen’er and your father might be planning something in secret. You cannot disrupt their arrangement. Do you understand?”

Ye Wudao nodded, “But I still don’t understand. What is Father hiding from me? Why doesn’t he tell me? Is he afraid I’ll leak it out? And, Chen’er is only twelve. How can Father involve him in this?”

“That’s your mistake. Your father cannot tell you about certain plans. Only he understands the reasons. Do you think he would harm you?” Lin Wan’er immediately scolded Ye Wudao.

“That’s not it! It’s just that it’s uncomfortable when he doesn’t tell me certain things. I want to do more for Ye Family!” Ye Wudao picked up a cup of tea from the table and drank it.

“Now, as the Grand General of the North, you have the identity of the imperial family. That’s probably why your father didn’t inform you. Otherwise, I can’t understand why he would hide things from you,” Lin Wan’er speculated.

Indeed, it was as Lin Wan’er guessed.

As the Grand General of the North, responsible for guarding the northern border of Grand Xia, if Ye Wudao knew about those things, it would be tantamount to treason. Ye Family had been loyal for generations. If Ye Wudao knew about it, what would he do? Should he keep it a secret and betray his ancestors? If he didn’t keep it a secret, it would place Ye Family in a dangerous position. Balancing loyalty and filial piety was difficult. How should Ye Wudao choose? So, for the continuation of the family, Ye Chen persuaded his father to resign from the position of Grand General. Since he was no longer in the court, the constraints of the court wouldn’t affect Ye Family. This was the only way to make Ye Family free from worries. The bond of three hundred years was also a shackle.

Lin Wan’er’s words instantly woke up Ye Wudao. He mumbled to himself, “So, that’s how it is. That makes complete sense! Now, Grand Xia and Ye Family are secretly at odds, but on the surface, they haven’t torn apart this piece of paper. As the Grand General of the Northern Province for Grand Xia and also the head of Ye Family!” Ye Wudao found himself caught in the middle. “If I resign from the position of Grand General, it means Ye Family is giving up on the entire Liangzhou. How will we deal with the imperial family?”

After pondering for a moment, Lin Wan’er shook her head, “This is just my guess. After all, it’s difficult to balance loyalty and filial piety.”

“Loyalty and filial piety are hard to balance!” Ye Wudao murmured, “Yes, I can only choose one between Grand Xia and Ye Family. If that’s the case, what if I give up Grand Xia? Ye Family is still my root. A person cannot forget their roots. If you forget your roots, can you still be considered a person? Even if I die, I will be with Ye Family!”

Lin Wan’er patted Ye Wudao’s hand, “Forget about living or dying. Your father must have planned something, and he won’t let Ye Family fall into dire straits. Keep this in your heart. As long as your father hasn’t mentioned this matter, consider it as if you don’t know anything. Be careful in your actions outside.”

Ye Dingtian nodded and then looked at Lin Wan’er, saying, “Wan’er, I am so fortunate to have married you in my lifetime!”

“We are an old couple. Why talk about these things? Besides, as the daughter-in-law of Ye Family, I naturally have to consider the interests of Ye Family.” Lin Wan’er smiled tenderly.

Then she glanced at the remaining food on the table, “The meal has turned cold. Let me reheat it for you.”

“No need. I’ve eaten all sorts of things while serving in the military before. There’s nothing I haven’t eaten.” After saying that, Ye Wudao picked up his chopsticks and enjoyed his meal heartily.

Seeing this, Lin Wan’er felt somewhat relieved. She was afraid that Ye Wudao would still be as impatient as before.