426 Troublesome Duke (2/2)
-
Behind the Sacred Court, there was a quiet courtyard. Ye Qingxuan walked through the greenery with the scholar dressed in white.
”I still haven't thanked you, Mr. Hu,” Ye Qingxuan said. ”You must have done a lot for me.”
”I just hope you won't mind me butting in. To be honest, I didn't think it would turn into this.” Mr. Hu scratched his head, feeling a bit awkward.
”Even if I didn't do anything, you would have been fine. Today was only the first trial. Maxwell has many cards hidden even deeper… I haven't met him many times but I think that the man probably still has things that no one knows about.”
Ye Qingxuan chuckled but did not reply.
”In a few days, I will return. After all, I came to the West in the beginning with the mission to find Ye Lanzhou.” Mr. Hu sighed. ”After all these years, I couldn't find him but found his son. I should go back now… I'm sure many people were unhappy that I was wandering around outside.” As he spoke, he pulled out a thick notebook. ”These are the music scores that I have been collecting for you. Jiu Xiao Huan Pei is a very good instrument. Do not let it down.”
Ye Qingxuan accepted the sheets. He did not know what to say and just felt emotional all of a sudden. All this time, he had learned much from Mr. Hu. His advice had helped Ye Qingxuan break through the Barrier of Knowledge. He had even helped collect the rare Eastern music scores. The notebook was thick and almost all were handwritten. Mr. Hu probably had started preparing this long ago.
”When are you leaving?” Ye Qingxuan asked. ”I'll see you off.”
”No need. You are a marquess now. It would not be right.” Mr. Hu shook his head. ”If the East hears of it, those people will probably be able to write books of complaints. It's the thought that counts.”
”Marquess?” Ye Qingxuan chuckled dryly. ”To be honest, I can't accept the fact that I'm suddenly nobility. The name Marquess Changyu sounds weird too. Like the Earl of Glamorgan, it sounds uncomfortable.”
Mr. Hu smiled. ”Wear the hat proudly and pull the gird long. The clean and dirty mix and only a pure nature will not become tainted,” he said. ”You must understand what the Majesty means.”
Ye Qingxuan's mind was blank. ”What does she mean?”
Blanching, Mr. Hu's expression grew awkward. He finally realized that this kid had grown up in the West and did not understand classical Eastern language…
”This is a quote from an ancient essay,” Mr. Hu explained. ”It basically means that to wear a tall crown and long accessories. Even if spices are mixed with mud, the purity would not decay.”
Hearing this, Ye Qingxuan was still a bit confused. ”So the Majesty wants me to be a good person?”
”Something like that.” Mr. Hu said meaningfully, ”You must be a good person but who's good person?”
Ye Qingxuan was still confused.
”You must have heard about the East,” Mr. Hu said nonchalantly. ”As the Majesty matured, the people have been calling for the Regent to return. The Majesty and the Regent seem amiable but they are actually clashing dangerously.
”Even the children's folk songs sing, 'the emperor is tyrannical; there is Bai Heng. Support the country; distinguish between clean and tainted…
”Bai Heng has the urge to revolt. If not for the title, righteousness, and that some officials still wish to protect the true leader, he probably would have assassinated the Majesty long ago.
”There are only six families left of the Nine Dragon Bloodlines. Three have pledged allegiance to the Bai family now. If not for now understanding Bai Heng's plans, they probably would have prepared the necessary procedures.”
Mr. Hu paused and studied Ye Qingxuan. ”Do you understand how troublesome your position is now?”
Ye Qingxuan asked, ”The Majesty wishes for me to support her?”
Mr. Hu nodded. ”Even if the Ye family is just an empty shell, there are still countless people who know the name. As long as you're willing to return, you can revive the family no matter what. You can just lie there and make babies for the rest of your life.”
”To be honest, I'm anticipating the life of just whiling my days away.” Ye Qingxuan chuckled dryly. ”But I think Bai Heng must hate me now.”
”You just realized? Ever since your news traveled to the East, you became something to get rid of.” Mr. Hu shook his head. ”And in his eyes, you are not just the heir of the Ye family.”
”Huh?” Ye Qingxuan did not understand.
”I don't know if telling you now is too early or not but I can only say that Bai Heng's identity is not just a rebel. In a few years, I think he may…” Here, Mr. Hu stopped. He started again, hesitated, and finally smiled wryly. ”Never mind. Speaking of these unsure things can only add more frustration.”
After a long silence, Ye Qingxuan asked, ”So you don't wish for me to return?”
”I don't know.” Mr. Hu shook his head and sighed softly. ”After being out here for so long, I sometimes think that the East is just a huge quagmire. Young men like you have nothing to do with it and should live freely. But sometimes, I also think that other places aren't any better… Look, the entire world is like an overcooked haggis soup. You can't block the smell even when you hold your nose. So whether you return or not is up to you.”