Chapter 46 Born Noble (Three Chapters Combined, Including Bonus Chapter...)
This "visiting the daimyo" mission requires not only his own efforts but also the help of others.
Uchiha Shi is a must-have; she is loyal and capable enough to handle many trivial matters. Uchiha Masaki is also indispensable; he is meticulous and tactful, playing a crucial role in negotiations (or rather, intimidation and bargaining). Moreover, he knows some inside information, making him easy to use.
However, the problem is that Uchiha Masaki currently holds a position, and if he is to be temporarily removed from his post, it must be approved by his direct superior, namely Uchiha Madara.
Speaking of freckles...
Yan Sheng glanced at his cramped quarters. He was still under Ban's confinement order. Ban's exact words were: "You are not allowed to leave the clan territory until your physical condition has recovered to a level that I deem acceptable."
Thinking of this, Yan Sheng checked his physical condition.
It must be said that Hashirama Senju's immense life force was truly astonishing. It not only replenished the life force he had previously overexploited, but also repaired his organs that had been damaged by forcibly using breathing techniques and enduring the impact of tailed beast chakra.
In addition, he has been following the doctor's orders and taking the prescribed medication on time these past few days, and has not engaged in any high-intensity training.
Therefore, objectively speaking, his body has almost fully recovered.
That should be enough.
Yan Sheng got up and went to find Jiu Si.
As Jiu Si was organizing the medicinal herbs, he looked up and saw Yan Sheng walk in expressionlessly. He immediately felt a familiar sharp pain in his stomach. Reflexively, before Yan Sheng could speak, he blurted out, "Young Master Yan Sheng, I will not give you a fake medical report."
Things are different now; he doesn't want to be punished by the clan chief's iron fist.
Yan Sheng was taken aback by his words, frowned slightly, stared at him for two seconds, and said with displeasure at being misunderstood, "Am I that kind of person?"
Jiuji: "..."
Aren't you the same?! Put your hand on your heart and tell me! How many false reports have I made for you, how many injuries have I concealed? And now you're pretending to be innocent with me?
Hisashi was internally screaming, but his face could only turn slightly pale from holding it in.
Yan Sheng seemed completely oblivious to his breakdown and continued in that matter-of-fact tone, "You're overthinking it. Whatever the result is, that's what it is. Just write up the investigation report for me."
Hisashi looked at his face, which seemed to say, "I'm really being honest this time," and his lips twitched involuntarily.
Who does this self-righteous demand for "truthfulness" resemble? Even the former clan head, Lord Tajima, though profound and dignified, wasn't this... well, hard to describe. Lady Kaori, gentle and sensitive, is certainly not this kind of person.
--etc.
Hisashi suddenly thought of something.
It seems... that the two older brothers of this little darling are also like this in some ways? Lord Madara is an absolute tyrant and self-centered person, and his decisions are not open to questioning; Lord Izuna, on the other hand, is all smiles on the surface, but he never hesitates to scheme against people.
They all belong to the type who believe they are entitled to everything and have done nothing wrong.
So, is Yan Sheng's personality inherited from a previous generation? I wonder how many generations ago he inherited it from a particularly domineering, self-centered ancestor who thought he was always right?
Hisashi sighed inwardly, resignedly putting down the medicinal herbs in his hand. Oh well, what's meant to be will be.
"Alright, Young Master Yan Sheng, please sit down." He took out his examination tools and began to diligently conduct a comprehensive physical examination for Yan Sheng.
After a thorough examination, Hisashi had to admit that Yan Sheng was indeed not lying this time. His physical functions had recovered remarkably well; most of the energy he had previously lost had been replenished by Hashirama's power, and the internal injuries had healed well as well. Judging from the health report alone, he had indeed reached the standard where he could move around normally and even perform some not-too-excessive tasks.
but!
His conscience as a doctor compelled him to offer some advice: "Young Master Yan Sheng, your physical condition is different from that of ordinary people. Although you've recovered well this time, it would be best if..."
Before he could finish speaking, Yan Sheng snatched the still-wet report showing his "basic health" status, turned and left decisively, leaving behind only a cold, indifferent back view and a sentence lingering in the air—
Thank you.
Hisashi's outstretched hand froze in mid-air, the remaining half of the sentence, "It's best to rest for a while longer. We can't use the Senju clan leader as an endless refill charger," stuck in his throat.
Jiuji: "..."
Looking at the empty doorway, all his helplessness finally turned into a longer and deeper sigh.
That's all.
What is he worrying about? As the saying goes, once a person starts worrying, they'll never have enough. Especially when you have a boss like this who is so opinionated and doesn't care about his own health.
Anyway, the report is true, so he'll have evidence to rely on if Lord Madara asks. As for what if something goes wrong... let those old fogies deal with it themselves.
Yan Sheng couldn't find Ban in the study, so he went to the training ground, the meeting room, and even Ban's residence, but couldn't find him anywhere.
He frowned and casually stopped a passing clansman to ask him a question.
"Lord Madara? Lord Madara went out with Lord Izuna early this morning, they probably haven't returned yet."
Yan Sheng looked up at the sky. The sun was already setting in the west, and the dim afterglow draped the Uchiha clan's territory in a hazy twilight.
So you're saying you've been gone all day and haven't come back?
Yan Sheng decided to come see Ban later.
Time passed quietly until night completely enveloped the earth and the stars twinkled sporadically. Madara and Izuna finally returned.
The two entered the clan's territory one after the other; one's footsteps were steady and powerful, while the other's footsteps sounded slightly depressed.
The camera pans up, revealing Madara's expression as usual, cold and unreadable. But Izuna, following behind him, looks quite different: a shadow hangs over his handsome face, his lips are tightly pressed together, and although his Sharingan has disappeared, a trace of lingering redness seems to remain at the corner of his eye.
More obviously, there were obvious signs of wear and tear on the cuffs and hem of his robe, and it was covered in dust—this appearance clearly indicated that he had been sparring with someone, and hadn't gained the upper hand, as evidenced by his visibly bad mood.
Madara, who was walking ahead, couldn't help but glance at his younger brother, who had been in a low mood the whole way. He said in a slightly helpless tone, "Why are you arguing with Tobirama Senju?"
It would have been better if he hadn't mentioned it, but as soon as the name "Tobirama Senju" was mentioned, Izuna exploded like a lit firecracker.
He suddenly raised his head, his voice filled with barely suppressed rage: "That damn white-haired guy...! Brother! The rumors about you in the village lately, the ones that are so nasty and spread so fast, it's definitely him pulling the strings behind the scenes! Who else could be so insidious!"
Did Madara Uchiha not know about the gossip about him in the village? Of course he did. Regardless of whether anyone mentioned it to him, the undisguised awe and fear in people's eyes when he walked through the village was enough to attract his attention.
He just doesn't care.
Hearing Izuna's indignant accusation, Madara's expression remained completely unchanged, and he said lightly, "Let him say what he wants."
This nonchalant attitude left Izuna feeling powerless. He took a deep breath, suppressing the anger surging within him, and adopted a rational tone, subtly reminding him, "Brother Madara, rumors can be devastating. Letting these rumors spread like this will ultimately harm your prestige and reputation in the village. Sometimes, you still need to pay attention."
He hoped his brother would realize the importance of public opinion.
Unfortunately, Madara Uchiha's way of thinking was quite different from ordinary people. Upon hearing this, he merely scoffed, with absolute confidence and arrogance: "A lie is a lie. In the face of absolute power, any rumor will crumble on its own. Wasting time on these trivial matters is pointless."
Seeing his brother's unwavering demeanor, Izuna was completely at a loss.
He understood Madara. Often, Madara wasn't so oblivious as to not notice the schemes and tricks lurking in the shadows; he simply had too much faith in his overwhelming power and believed that any underhanded tricks were no match for true strength, so he often chose to let things go unchecked.
This approach isn't necessarily wrong, since Ban does indeed possess such resources.
But what if? What if unexpected changes occur one day? What if the rumors spread to a certain extent, really shaking people's hearts, or even affecting his real interests?
Izuna let out a long sigh in his heart.
never mind.
Since his older brother didn't care, he, as the younger brother, would clean up these shady dealings in the shadows. He couldn't let those petty people really think the Uchiha were easy to bully.
Just as Izuna was making up his mind, Miku walked over and handed the medical report to Madara.
"Brother Ban, I'm much better now." His voice was calm and even. "Please lift my confinement order."
Ban took the report and quickly glanced at it. It had Hisaji's signature and detailed examination data, showing that Yan Sheng's physical condition had basically recovered and there was no major problem.
He casually put the report away.
The moment Izuna saw Mikatsu, he shut his mouth, which was about to continue denouncing Tobirama Senju. The anger and annoyance on his face quickly subsided, replaced by a relatively calm expression. He didn't want his younger brother, who had just recovered, to worry about these messy rumors and conflicts.
Ban raised his eyes and looked at his younger brother again. Unbeknownst to him, Yan Sheng was already fifteen years old, no longer the sickly child who needed constant care. He had grown much taller, and although he was still rather thin, he stood tall and straight like bamboo, and standing there, he was already almost as tall as Ban himself.
"Are you in such a hurry to leave?" Ban asked, his voice revealing neither joy nor anger.
Yan Sheng stood ramrod straight and answered methodically, "No matter what, you promised that you would be released from confinement once you recover."
Ban wasn't the type to go back on his word; once he made a promise, he would keep it. He just wanted to confirm Yan Sheng's purpose.
Where to?
"capital."
Regarding the location, Yan Sheng had no intention of lying, nor could he; Uchiha Masaki's transfer required a clear destination. However, the purpose could be appropriately modified.
Meeting Madara's gaze, Yan Sheng delivered his prepared speech: "Although Konoha Village has now been rebuilt, we ninjas have always focused on missions and battles, and lack experience and understanding in governing villages, dealing with secular power, and even economic and livelihood matters. I plan to go to the capital to personally observe and accumulate some knowledge and experience, which may allow me to discover some shortcomings in the village's current system or planning, and propose some helpful suggestions for change."
These words sound grand and dignified.
As expected, Madara Uchiha's eyes softened instantly when he heard that his younger brother's trip was for the development of Konoha. He had always known that Kokushibo was a deep thinker with many ideas, but he never expected that he would be able to consider this aspect.
He said in a deep voice, "These matters are currently being handled by me, Hashirama, and Izuna. You don't need to worry too much. Focusing on recovering your health is the most important thing."
Yen Sheng said firmly, "But I want to help."
Ban stared directly into his younger brother's deep eyes, which gleamed with the familiar stubbornness that was hard to change once he made up his mind, and remained silent for a moment.
Since his younger brother had this intention and was indeed physically fine, he seemed to have no reason to forcibly stop him.
"Alright," Ban relented. "I'll have someone take you there."
“No need,” Yan Sheng refused. “The village is newly established and manpower is urgently needed everywhere. There’s no need to specially allocate manpower for my trip.” He first expressed his attitude of considering the overall situation, then changed the subject, seemingly backing down but actually proposing his own choice, “However, if Madara is really worried and insists on sending someone to accompany me... then let Uchiha Masaki come with me. He’s reliable and I’m used to him.”
Ban pondered upon hearing this. He knew Yan Sheng's xenophobic nature and his aversion to contact with strangers.
Uchiha Masaki is a capable and meticulous individual. More importantly, he has been recruited by Mikoto and is considered his younger brother's confidant. Having him follow him would indeed put Mikoto at ease than sending other clan members, and would allow him to wholeheartedly assist his brother.
Thinking of this, Madara turned to Izuna beside him and asked, "Izuna, has there been any urgent matter to be dealt with regarding Uchiha Masaki recently?"
Izuna: "He has already finished handling the urgent matters such as the inventory and distribution of the previously accumulated supplies, and there are currently no matters that cannot be interrupted or replaced."
Dianban nodded and made a decision: "In that case, let Uchiha Masaki go to the capital with Yan Sheng. Izuna, go and make the arrangements."
“Okay.” Izuna agreed, giving Yan Sheng a complicated look.
He was equally worried about his younger brother's health, but also relieved that his brother was willing to take the initiative to think about the family and the village. As for the danger in the capital... with Uchiha Masaki with him, it shouldn't be a big problem.
With his goal achieved, Yan Sheng felt a slight sense of relief, but his face remained calm.
Departure time is set for tomorrow.
As for Uchiha Masaki, Izuna was there to inform him and arrange the handover, so Yan Sheng didn't need to worry about it. Therefore, Yan Sheng only contacted Shi.
The little girl wasn't resting; she was silently practicing basic swordsmanship by the moonlight, her movements meticulous. Hearing footsteps, she immediately put away her weapon and stood obediently at attention.
"Poetry," Yan Sheng said calmly, "Make preparations. Tomorrow morning, come with me to the capital."
"The capital?!" Shi's eyes widened instantly, as if starlight had fallen into them, bursting forth with a bright brilliance.
Because she was born with a heart defect, and her mother had a good relationship with the second-in-command, Uchiha Izuna, who was willing to protect her, she never went to the battlefield and rarely had the opportunity to leave the clan's territory.
Later, as he grew older, his underdeveloped heart seemed to have repaired itself somewhat, and he was able to withstand a certain intensity of combat. However, by then, the Senju and Uchiha had begun to reconcile, followed by the establishment of the village, so he naturally lost the opportunity to go to the battlefield.
But this does not mean she is weak. Yan Sheng spends time guiding her almost every day. Under his "devilish training" and generous "experience feeding", Shi's strength has improved by leaps and bounds. Although she is still young, she has reached the level of an upper-middle-class ninja in the Uchiha clan.
That being said...
The poem is filled with curiosity and longing for the legendary, incredibly prosperous capital of the Fire Kingdom, a place he has never visited.
Seeing Shi's excited and joyful expression, Yan Sheng swallowed back the words he was about to say. He had originally wanted to emphasize that this trip was not for leisure, but at this moment, he didn't want to spoil her fun.
That's all.
He said silently to himself.
Experiencing local customs and gathering intelligence are not mutually exclusive with executing plans. His earlier statement to Madara about "going to the capital to gain experience" was not entirely a lie, but rather a concealment of his deeper purpose.
Play and work can absolutely coexist—at least for poetry.
"Go and prepare," he finally said simply.
"Yes! Brother Yan Sheng!" Shi's voice was filled with barely suppressed joy. She immediately ran back to her small room and began to pack her things carefully.
The next morning, just as the sky was beginning to lighten and the morning mist had not yet completely dissipated.
Shi, carrying a suitcase almost as big as herself, stood spiritedly waiting outside Yan Sheng's door. Her eyes sparkled with anticipation, showing no sign of early morning drowsiness.
Yan Sheng pushed open the door and came out, a dagger at his waist, his expression cold and indifferent.
"Brother Yan Sheng!" Shi exclaimed happily.
"Okay." Yan Sheng nodded. "Let's go."
The two walked one after the other towards the entrance of the Uchiha clan compound.
The tribe's territory was quiet in the early morning. Only a few early risers saw them and cast curious glances their way.
At the gate of the clan's territory, an unassuming but sturdy carriage was already waiting.
Beside the carriage stood Uchiha Masaki. Today he had changed into a more practical set of everyday clothes—a version without the clan crest. Of course, Shi and Mikoto were the same.
Upon seeing Yan Sheng and Shi approach, Uchiha Masaki stepped forward and bowed, saying, "Young Master Yan Sheng, Miss Shi, everything is ready."
His gaze swept over the huge suitcase behind Shi, a barely perceptible smile flashing in his eyes, but he said nothing more.
Yan Sheng's gaze fell on the carriage. Uchiha Masaki immediately understood and stepped forward to lift the carriage curtain.
The interior of the carriage was clearly well-arranged, with thick, soft cushions to ease the fatigue of a long journey. A small table was fixed in the center, on which were placed several plates of pastries and sweets wrapped in oil paper, along with a clean tea set and a thermos.
A thin blanket was neatly folded in the corner.
— Clearly not an ordinary carriage for traveling, its level of comfort far exceeds what is necessary.
Yan Sheng glanced at Uchiha Masaki.
Uchiha Masaki lowered his head slightly and said in a low voice, "The journey is not short and the travel will be tiring, so I have made some preparations."
Yan Sheng said nothing, tacitly acknowledging the thoughtfulness. He boarded the carriage first, and Shi followed closely behind, curiously observing the comfortable interior.
Uchiha Masaki lowered the carriage curtain, sat in the driver's seat, and gently flicked the reins.
The carriage slowly started moving, its wheels rolling over the bluestone road, carrying the three of them out of the Uchiha clan's territory in the morning light, gradually heading further and further away from the capital of the Land of Fire.
......
Three days later.
The carriage rumbled along the official road leading to the capital. The closer they got, the smoother and wider the road became, and the more frequent the pedestrians and caravans came and went.
Unlike Tairi Town, which was near the former Uchiha clan territory and which Yan Sheng had visited before, the capital city, as the political and economic center of the Land of Fire, was subject to much stricter checks.
As they approached the towering city gate, vehicles and pedestrians lined up, each undergoing inspection by the city guards. When it was their turn, a guard in standard armor stepped forward and routinely extended his hand: "Travel permit."
Uchiha Masaki was already prepared. He calmly took out a travel permit bearing the official seal of the Land of Fire from his pocket and handed it over.
The document clearly states the three people's aliases, origins (disguised as members of a small merchant family in a certain place), and reasons for entering the city (visiting relatives and friends and making purchases).
The guards carefully examined the seals and contents of the document, then glanced at the carriage and the three people inside. The driver, Uchiha Masaki, had a calm demeanor, like a reliable butler or bodyguard; a corner of the curtain was lifted, revealing a young man with a cold yet undeniably noble face; the little girl beside him was curiously peering out, her eyes clear.
There seemed to be nothing suspicious about it.
The guard handed the travel permit back and waved his hand: "Let him through!"
The carriage drove through the huge city gate, passed through the thick city walls, and the view suddenly opened up before us.
The capital city is indeed the capital city; its prosperity far surpasses that of a small place like Taili Town.
The wide, clean streets were lined with shops, their banners fluttering, selling goods from all over the country. The streets were bustling with people: well-dressed nobles, hurried merchants, hawkers calling out their wares, and ordinary people who, though busy, had relatively rosy complexions, creating a vibrant scene.
The air was filled with a complex mix of aromas from various foods, spices, and cosmetics, noisy and vibrant.
The people living here, even the lowest-class commoners, have a much better standard of living and a better mental outlook than people outside.
Shi was mesmerized. She pressed her face against the car window, her eyes fixed on the dazzling world outside, like a bird released from its cage, seeing the vast world for the first time, filled with wonder and excitement.
If she hadn't kept Yan Sheng's rules and Uchiha Masaki's instructions firmly in mind, she almost would have jumped out of the car to check out every interesting stall.
Uchiha Masaki skillfully drove the carriage, avoiding the main roads with the most traffic and choosing a relatively quiet side road. At the same time, he asked in a low voice into the carriage, "Young Master Yan Sheng, how many days do you plan to stay in the capital?"
There was a moment of silence in the carriage before Yan Sheng's cool voice rang out: "Three days for now. Further arrangements will depend on the situation." Three days was enough time for him to make initial contact with the target and complete the first phase of observation and planning.
"Yes," Uchiha Masaki replied. "Then I will find a suitable hotel and book a room first, and then meet you later."
"Hmm," Yan Sheng responded indifferently.
For ninjas, especially those with keen chakra perception like them, agreeing on a specific meeting place is not necessary.
Each person's chakra fluctuations are a unique identifier, like a light in the darkness. As long as they are not deliberately concealed, within a certain range, Uchiha Masaki can easily sense the location of Kokushibo's chakra and thus find him.
This is a more accurate way of locating a location than any address description.
The carriage stopped at a relatively quiet street corner. After confirming Kokusatsu's instructions again, Uchiha Masaki got out of the carriage and left, his figure quickly disappearing into the streets and alleys, heading to find a safe, comfortable, and inconspicuous place to stay.
Yan Sheng, still excited about the poem, stepped down from the carriage. He didn't rush into action but stood quietly by the street, his dark eyes calmly scanning his surroundings.
Shi stood obediently beside him, trying hard to suppress the urge to look around, but the curiosity in her eyes did not diminish at all.
Yan Sheng withdrew his gaze from the bustling crowd and landed on Shi, who was trying to remain calm but couldn't hide her excitement. He said calmly, "Shi, go and explore by yourself. Be back before sunset."
He was not worried that the poetry gathering would be in danger.
Even though the capital city harbors a dark and sordid undercurrent of power struggles, with Shi's skills, ordinary troubles are no match for her. Even if there are foolish villains or bullies who abuse their power, Shi will never be the one to suffer in the end. He has complete confidence in her abilities.
"Really? Thank you, Brother Yan Sheng!" Shi cheered, like a fledgling bird finally allowed to fly freely, instantly merging into the crowd and quickly disappearing in front of a stall selling colorful windmills and sugar figurines.
Yan Sheng stared blankly in the direction she disappeared. After a moment, he casually raised his hand and straightened the cuffs of his robe, which were without any wrinkles.
The surrounding hustle and bustle seemed to be separated from him by an invisible barrier. His cold and noble temperament seemed out of place in this lively marketplace, yet strangely not out of place at all, as if he was meant to stand above all others.
***
Yan Sheng's plan was already quite clear.
He could break into the daimyo's residence directly, but first he wanted to observe the situation to avoid any potential problems later. Therefore, he needed a stable, discreet entry point, an identity that would allow him to deeply observe the core of the Fire Kingdom's power structure and subtly exert influence.
His background and experiences in his previous life provided him with an excellent disguise.
In his previous life, as Kokushige Tsugikuni, he was not only a powerful samurai but also a legitimate nobleman who inherited a castle and became the lord of a region. How to be elegant and dignified, how to command respect without anger, how to use his eyes and subtle gestures to show his status and make people not dare to underestimate him... these were already engraved deep in his soul and could be revealed naturally without deliberate imitation.
What he wanted to exploit was this noble air that was ingrained in his very being.
The first step in the plan: observation and integration.
Yan Sheng turned and strolled leisurely toward the most prestigious area of the capital, a place exclusively for nobles and the wealthiest merchants. There you would find the most elegant teahouses, the most expensive restaurants, and the most refined galleries and bookstores.
He chose a teahouse that appeared extremely quiet, with an understated facade yet exuding ultimate luxury. The elegantly dressed waiters at the entrance, dressed in kimonos, did not show him any disrespect despite his seemingly ordinary attire—those who worked in this area possessed exceptional insight. They could immediately discern that the coldness and nobility in the young man's brows were not qualities cultivated in ordinary families; it was an aura forged only by long-term exposure to power and authority.
Yan Sheng didn't say much, only glancing at the waiter indifferently. The waiter immediately bowed and silently led him into a quiet tea room facing the street.
Sitting in the tea room, sipping the expensive tea served by the waiter, Yan Sheng's gaze seemed to casually fall on the occasional ornately decorated carriages or nobles in elaborate robes passing by on the street outside the window. But his ears caught the faint, hushed conversations coming from the other private rooms in the tea house.
The topics were mostly about romance and art appreciation, but occasionally they would also include subtle comments on current affairs, speculation about the recent moves of the Daming Prefecture, and anecdotes about the various noble families.
He was like a silent sponge, absorbing all the seemingly useless but potentially crucial information. He observed the words and actions of these nobles, their ways of communicating, and even the invisible hierarchical boundaries between them.
The second step of the plan: to create a "chance" encounter.
For two consecutive days, Yan Sheng appeared in similar settings. Sometimes at teahouses, sometimes at a ryotei (traditional Japanese restaurant) that required an introduction to enter, and sometimes at a suburban horse racing track favored by nobles...
—As for how he got in, it was a genjutsu passed down through the Uchiha clan.
Yan Sheng always maintained a just-right distance: he did not take the initiative to talk to people, but when he occasionally made eye contact with others, he would give a slightly scrutinizing yet not offensive nod that was appropriate for his status.
His unique and dazzling aura quickly attracted the attention of some people.
Some speculated that he was the son of a daimyo from a distant fiefdom, traveling for study; others suspected he was a descendant of a fallen ancient noble family. In any case, his imposing presence commanded respect. More and more curious gazes fell upon him.
The time is gradually ripe.
On the third day, Yan Sheng chose a top-tier ryotei (traditional Japanese restaurant) renowned for its tea ceremony and gardens. He knew that this was a favorite haunt of many high-ranking nobles who truly held power and those closely associated with the daimyo.
He sat on the veranda in the courtyard, with tea set in front of him, seemingly admiring the dry landscape garden, but in reality, his senses were fully awakened.
Finally, the person he was waiting for appeared: an elderly man of about fifty years old, with a dignified demeanor, wearing a haori that represented a family crest of extremely high status, walked in surrounded by several attendants.
Judging from the subtle reactions of the other guests and the extremely respectful attitude of the waiters, this person held a prestigious position in the capital's aristocratic circles and was likely a frequent visitor to the Daming Mansion.
Yan Sheng did not step forward immediately; he was waiting for the most natural opportunity.
As the old man walked alone into the depths of the courtyard to admire a precious bonsai, Yan Sheng also seemed to have just finished admiring it and got up to leave.
The two met "by chance" at the corner of the corridor.
Yan Sheng paused slightly, stepping aside to make way, his movements fluid and elegant, without the slightest awkwardness. He did not bow his head, but looked at the old man with an equal, slightly distant gaze, nodding slightly, his voice clear and pleasant: "Excuse me."
The old man indeed noticed the extraordinary-looking young man. He stopped, his gaze filled with scrutiny and curiosity, but he showed no disdain for the young man's youth. Instead, he returned a polite smile befitting his status: "It's alright. I see you are quite handsome; are you not from the capital?"
The fish has taken the bait.
Yan Sheng maintained a calm and composed demeanor as he began his performance.
He used a slightly archaic style of language, the kind only truly ancient nobles would use, to weave together a half-true, half-false identity as a reclusive noble family from afar, and a reason for coming to the capital of the Fire Kingdom out of admiration for its culture.
His eloquence, his knowledge, his deep-rooted familiarity with aristocratic etiquette, and the natural, unpretentious air of nobility he exuded quickly dispelled the old man's doubts and even earned his admiration.
After that, his conversations with the old man named Sanjo Ieyasu were limited to refined matters—the tea ceremony, classical literature, appreciation of garden bonsai, and occasionally mention of the local customs and traditions of distant fiefdoms (naturally part of the background he had carefully crafted).
His words were subtle yet insightful, neither overshadowing the main point nor undermining his profound refinement, just like a young nobleman truly immersed in culture and art.
Sanjo Ieyasu was clearly very interested in this exceptionally talented young man who had suddenly appeared. In the rigidly hierarchical aristocratic circles of the capital, fresh faces were rare, especially someone so outstanding yet neither servile nor arrogant.
Yan Sheng's explanation—that he came from a remote but historically significant fiefdom, that his family had always maintained a low profile, and that he was traveling to broaden his horizons at the behest of his elders—was delivered flawlessly. His innate nobility and composure left no room for doubt.
As they parted, Sanjo Ieyasu took the initiative to mention, "There is a small gathering at the manor recently, all of whom are like-minded people. If you have the time, you might as well come and join us." With that, he handed over a beautifully crafted invitation.
Yan Sheng understood perfectly, but on his face he showed a restrained joy that met expectations, and accepted the invitation with both hands: "I am honored by Lord Sanjo's kindness, and I will certainly be there on time."
After leaving the restaurant, Yan Sheng returned to his inn.
This is a long-established hotel located at the intersection of the city center and the "aristocratic district". It has a quiet environment, attentive service, and pays great attention to the privacy of its guests.
Pushing open the door, Shi excitedly showed Uchiha Masaki the various trinkets she had bought that day: pretty hairpins, sweet pastries, and several interestingly shaped clay sculptures.
Uchiha Masaki listened patiently, a gentle smile on his face.
Upon seeing Yan Sheng return, Shi immediately stood up: "Brother Yan Sheng, you're back!"
Uchiha Masaki: "Young Master Yan Sheng."
"Hmm." Yan Sheng responded lightly, glancing at Shi's small gains without saying much, only saying to Uchiha Masaki, "Get ready, you'll be attending the banquet with me tomorrow night."
A knowing glint flashed in Uchiha Masaki's eyes as he replied, "Yes."
Shi blinked and asked curiously, "What kind of banquet?"
Yan Sheng glanced at her: "You're not going to have fun. You stay at the hotel."
Shi's face fell immediately, but she quickly perked up and nodded obediently, "Yes, I understand." She knew that what Yan Sheng was doing must be very important.
The following evening, Uchiha Masaki somehow acquired two sets of kimono robes that were appropriate for aristocratic status, made of exquisite materials yet not overly flashy. After Yan Sheng changed into them, his already imposing noble air was even more evident, as if he was born to wear such attire and stand in the magnificent courtyard.
The banquet was not held at Sanjo Ieyasu's residence, but at a more secluded and elegant private villa in the city. Clearly, this was a gathering of a higher level and greater privacy.
The carriage stopped at the entrance of the villa. After the invitation was presented, the attendant respectfully led them into the inner courtyard.
-----------------------
Author's Note: Nobles are all arrogant, and my demeanor is undeniable, which is why I can easily fool people like this.
Of course, this is also because they are not smart people; this trick wouldn't work for cautious, smart people.
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