Chapter 411 Major Events
"The joy of tonight..."
As he silently recited those four words, Yuwen Yuan slowly turned his head and looked at Yuwen Ye sitting on the other side. For the first time, a look of bewilderment appeared on his dignified face.
It's as if, in an instant, I've been drawn into some kind of memory.
Yuwen Ye sat there motionless, seemingly oblivious to and unaffected by all of this.
The somewhat eerie atmosphere puzzled Shang Ruyi, but she dared not say anything and only watched them cautiously. Aunt Hui, on the other hand, seemed to sense something and a tense expression appeared on her face.
She never expected that everything she did today was for Yuwen Qian to finally give up his cultivation and return to the Yuwen family after many years. In order to highlight the unparalleled status of the Duke's heir, she arranged all of this and wanted to suppress everyone else. Everything was going so smoothly, but it suddenly changed after she presented this jar of wine.
Yuwen Yuan, who was originally overjoyed at the return of his eldest son, seemed to have other emotions arise the moment he looked at this jar of wine.
"The Duke..."
Aunt Hui was about to say something, a little nervous, when Yuwen Yuan raised his head and gave her a deep look.
This glance held no anger, nor did it alter his expression in the slightest. Yet, the innate aura of a military general and the imposing presence emanating from Yuwen Yuan sent chills down one's spine. Aunt Hui's throat tightened, and she was rendered speechless.
All of this was observed by Yuwen Qian, who was standing to the side.
He smiled and said, "Aunt Hui, my return home today is already too ostentatious with all the lanterns and decorations. This jar of wine... is from our wedding years ago, and it's really inappropriate for today's occasion."
"..."
"It's better to put it away and keep it until there's a really happy occasion."
After saying that, he looked at Yuwen Yuan: "Father, is this alright?"
Yuwen Yuan remained silent for a moment before saying calmly, "As you said."
Yuwen Qian immediately waved to Aunt Hui, who didn't dare to say anything more and hurriedly took the wine jar and went downstairs.
The servants on the other side then served the wine again.
The newly presented wine was a jar of Fushui Chun. Although it couldn't compare to Jiu Yun Chun, which had been aged for over twenty years, the wines stored in the Duke's mansion in Daxing City were all rare treasures. Opening just one jar released an aroma that was intoxicating. Although Yuwen Yuan's mood was somewhat heavy, a cup of wine did alleviate his emotions a little.
Looking up at her two sons again, she smiled with a sense of relief.
Yuwen Yuan sighed softly and said, "Regardless, tonight is a happy occasion. I am already very gratified to see you two brothers here. If all three of you were here, then—"
Yuwen Qian said, "It's a good thing that my third brother is now stationed in Taiyuan to gain experience."
Yuwen Ye, standing to the side, did not seem too reassured.
He paused for a moment and said, "But Father, Elder Brother, is it really safe to entrust such an important place as Taiyuan to Third Brother?"
"..."
"He's still young, and he's never been on the battlefield before..."
Yuwen Yuan smiled and said, "I left Huang Gongyi there. Although Cheng'er is unruly, with someone like him by his side to keep him in check, he won't make any serious mistakes."
"..."
"Once the situation in Daye City is stabilized, things will be much easier."
His words caused a flicker of excitement in the eyes of those in the dining hall.
Especially Shang Ruyi.
Even if others dared not think about it, or even if they did, they dared not express it easily, she understood very well that the situation in Daye City that Yuwen Yuan spoke of was definitely not just about him stabilizing the situation as the Grand Chancellor at the moment.
Having come this far, he should be thinking about more things.
Therefore, he also had to keep Yuwen Cheng guarding Taiyuan, and not let it be easily lost, because once his great undertaking in Daye City was truly completed, then Taiyuan would become the second most important city in the entire world after Daye City, which meant—
The land where dragons rise!
However, Daye City is indeed facing a crisis.
Thinking of this, she subconsciously wanted to say something, but hesitated. After all, this was a family dinner, and given her status, it was really not appropriate for her to say too much at this time.
Just then, Yuwen Ye, who had been looking down at the shimmering amber light in his cup, suddenly stood up, raised his cup to Yuwen Qian, and said, "Brother."
Upon hearing this, Yuwen Qian also stood up.
Yuwen Ye said, "You have been traveling for several years and have finally returned today. This is not only a joy for the whole family, but also a blessing for me as your brother. From now on, whether it is a small matter in the manor, a big matter for the Yuwen family, or even a big matter for Daye City, we will have to rely on you, elder brother."
Yuwen Qian smiled faintly and said, "Fengchen, you have been the one who has been filial to our father all these years, and you have also made great achievements and brought glory to our family. As the eldest brother, I am really ashamed. Now that I have returned, I can't say that I am relying on you, but with the brothers working together, I think there is nothing we cannot do."
"...!"
Yuwen Ye's eyes lit up, and he immediately said, "Okay!"
After saying that, the two raised their glasses and drank the wine together.
When Yuwen Yuan, who was sitting in the center, saw this scene of brotherly affection and respect, a gratified smile finally appeared on his face. He patted his knee with one hand and said repeatedly with a smile, "Good, very good!"
As he spoke, he looked at Yuwen Qian and said, "Over the years, Ye'er has indeed done his best for the family. Now that you, as the eldest brother, have returned, you should also take on your responsibilities."
Yuwen Qian lowered his head and said, "Your son understands."
Yuwen Yuan then smiled and looked at Yuwen Ye, saying, "Ye'er, you've been traveling around for over a year, and it's truly been hard work. Ruyi has also suffered a lot because of it. From now on, you should spend more time with her and also work hard to ensure the continuation of the Yuwen family line..."
"Father,"
Yuwen Ye interrupted him again, but this time, his attitude was not harsh. He just glanced down at his wife beside him. The two of them seemed to instinctively recall everything that had just happened in the room, and both blushed slightly. Yuwen Ye immediately said, "Let these things take their course."
"How can we just go with the flow? You brothers are not young anymore."
"..."
"And Qian'er..."
Mentioning this matter, Yuwen Yuan, as the father, seemed to regain his interest. He didn't even mind being interrupted by his son. He turned to look at Yuwen Qian, about to say something, but hesitated because of Shang Ruyi beside him.
At that moment, an awkward atmosphere filled the dining hall.
Shang Ruyi lowered her head even further.
Although Yuwen Yuan didn't finish speaking, the people in the dining hall understood what he wanted to say—after all, his brother Yuwen Ye was already married, but his elder brother was still single, which was rare in aristocratic families. He should have been urged by his elders, but with Shang Ruyi present, Yuwen Yuan probably had to consider her feelings and didn't dare to speak up.
On the contrary, Yuwen Qian smiled and said, "Father, with important matters at hand, let's put these things aside for now."
The "important matter" he mentioned changed the atmosphere in the dining hall once again.
Even Yuwen Yuan's eyes flashed with a sharp light.
Ultimately, he is now the Grand Chancellor of the Daye Dynasty, second only to the emperor, and also the Duke of Sheng, who has already made outstanding military achievements and is full of ambition. No matter how big or small the family matters are, no matter how small or big the matters of the world are, his mind is naturally a different picture when it comes to "big matters".
What's more, it's a "major event" that just came from the news.
At this moment, Yuwen Ye said, "Speaking of brothers working together, there is something I need my elder brother's support for right now."
"oh?"
Yuwen Qian raised an eyebrow slightly, looked up at him, and smiled calmly, "Feng Chen is right—"
Yuwen Ye said, "I'm sure you've heard the news from the Ministry of War. Xue Xian's 300,000-strong army is heading towards Daxing City and is almost at Fufeng. If he really takes Fufeng, there will be no more obstacles on the road to the east, and I'm afraid Daxing City will fall into the same predicament as Luoyang."
"..."
"Therefore, it concerns the safety of Daxing City, and even the entire imperial court."
"..."
"I want to lead troops to aid Fufeng and defeat Xue Xian."
As Yuwen Ye spoke, he looked intently at Yuwen Qian and said, "I hope my elder brother can support me." After saying that, he turned to look at Yuwen Yuan and said, "I also hope that my father can grant my request."
As soon as he said these words, the entire dining hall fell silent again.
Sitting next to him, Shang Ruyi stared at him with wide eyes in surprise—
Why would Yuwen Ye be so direct as to make this request?
Although the two had just discussed this matter in the room, it was, after all, a matter of great importance to the military and the country. Moreover, there was also Yuwen Qian, the heir who had just returned to the Yuwen family. Even if Yuwen Ye wanted this merit and wanted to go to war, he should have softened his tone in his words first.
Unexpectedly, he went straight to the point.
But the next moment, looking at Yuwen Qian sitting opposite them with a calm expression that showed no surprise, Shang Ruyi immediately came back to her senses.
Yuwen Ye understood the current situation better than he did.
I also understand this older brother better.
He knew the significance of the Battle of Fufeng to the court, and he also knew that Yuwen Qian would definitely react after learning about the Battle of Fufeng. Therefore, he did not beat around the bush, which saved both sides some effort.
Even at this moment, Shang Ruyi suddenly realized something—
Yuwen Qian seems to be thinking and acting too quickly.
She and Yuwen Ye had just received news that Xue Xianbing was heading to Daxing, and they had just discussed in their room about leading troops into battle. Yuwen Qian not only knew about this news and not only thought that Yuwen Ye would go to war, but also thought that he should stop Yuwen Ye.
She even thought ahead about how to stop Yuwen Ye by convincing herself.
This is far too fast.
It happened so quickly, as if he knew about the battle in Fufeng before tonight.
Thinking of this, Shang Ruyi's heart suddenly skipped a beat again. She looked at the person opposite her with a solemn expression, only to see Yuwen Qian with a calm expression, who simply smiled and said, "Feng Chen, do you want to go to war?"
"yes."
"But this battle may not be so easy to win."
"That's why I'm not comfortable entrusting this battle to someone else, and I hope you can support me, brother."
"..."
"Brother, what do you think?"
As Yuwen Ye spoke, he stared intently into the other man's bluish-gray eyes, his gaze unwavering. That resolute, almost sharp look caused Yuwen Qian's eyes to flicker for the first time.
He did not respond immediately.
Just then, Yuwen Yuan's deep voice came from the side, asking, "Ye'er, why do you want to go?"
Yuwen Ye immediately turned to him and said solemnly, "Father, this battle concerns the safety of Daxing City, and I have an inescapable responsibility. Moreover—"
"What?"
"Father now commands all officials, but not everyone is truly convinced. A great victory at this time is more effective in stabilizing people's hearts than many decrees or even imperial edicts."
"..."
His words were reasonable and logical, and although Yuwen Yuan's expression was solemn, he couldn't help but nod in agreement.
However, when he looked up at Yuwen Ye again, his eyes became even more profound.
Shang Ruyi immediately noticed that his gaze was somewhat similar to the bewilderment he had shown when he saw the jar of Jiu Yun Chun wine...?
Shang Ruyi couldn't help but feel a little puzzled.
Just then, Yuwen Qian smiled and said, "Fengchen, didn't Father just say that this time when you return to Daxing, you should stay at home and spend more time with your sister-in-law?"
"...!?"
A chill suddenly flashed across Yuwen Ye's eyes.
Yuwen Qian remained unmoved, instead looking at Shang Ruyi and asking without hesitation, "Sister-in-law, what do you say?"
"..."
This immediately created an awkward and strange atmosphere in the dining hall.
Shang Ruyi didn't expect him to bring her up on his own initiative. When she thought about what he had just said to her, she hesitated for a moment.
Her hesitation seemed to immediately alert Yuwen Ye, who was beside her, who turned to look at her.
At this moment, Yuwen Yuan slowly said, "That's right, Ye'er, since you and Ruyi got married, you've been separated for long periods of time. You shouldn't neglect her too much."
"..."
"Moreover, you have been injured on these several campaigns. This time, when we went south to Jiangdu, I heard from Cheng Qiao today that you were also seriously injured."
"..."
"Such continuous expeditions are not suitable for you."
"..."
"So you should stay home this time and spend more time with Ruyi."
Yuwen Ye's brows furrowed even more tightly.
Although he had anticipated that securing a mission to Fufeng would not be easy, and that Yuwen Qian would fight for it and Yuwen Yuan would obstruct it, he did not expect them to use Shang Ruyi as an excuse.
However, at this moment, his greater doubts came from the people around him.
Just now, the two of them had discussed this matter in the room. Shang Ruyi should have reacted immediately, so why is she still silent?
Yuwen Ye frowned, his brows furrowing so deeply that several fine lines appeared between them, as he stared intently at her.
At that moment, Shang Ruyi looked up at him.
As they met eyes, her gaze flickered even more intensely, mirroring the turbulent beating of her heart.
Yuwen Yuan looked at her kindly and said, "Ruyi, what do you say?"
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com