"So it's like that. The Wei ancestors truly are impressive figures," after taking in the whole story, Shen Liang couldn't help but praise sincerely.
"Indeed, but no matter how impressive a predecessor they are, that is in the past tense context. Neither this lord nor you will lose to them."
Pei Yuanxian turned around to look at him as he changed the subject: "Liangliang, as of now, the Imperial Family would be stirred and frightened by the existence of the nether Guards. It'll be for the better to not expose them completely. Let them continue to hide themselves for now. Perhaps, it may come to be of great use in the future."
Shen Liang's safety would have more of a guarantee. The moment the Imperial Family were to derive that the Nether Guards were in Shen Liang's hands, they would either force him into marriage with an Imperial Family member or use their efforts to completely eradicate Shen Liang. Regardless of which, neither was an end Pei Yuanxian wanted to see.
"En, I understand. I only told you because you're different." Shen Liang was no longer the fool he was in his previous life. He would not waste the good cards he had in his hands.
"This lord likes to hear such words. In the future, say more of these kinds of statements. If you coax this lord well, then this lord will let himself be ordered by you!" As reality proved that men indeed liked to hear sweet words.
Shen Liang was amused and laughed: "I wouldn't dare to order you, the good duke, around. But there is a matter I do need your help with."
"What is it?" Pei Yuanxian turned to look at him with a wide grin plastered on his face. The more he looked at his family's Liangliang, the more beautiful he felt Liangliang was. There simply wasn't another being in this world who could compare!
"It's regarding the Wangyue City's dam..." With a solemn expression, Shen Liang suddenly leaned over and murmured his knowing to Pei Yuanxian. The smile on Pei Yuanxian's face immediately dissipated as his face gradually darkened.
"Are you certain?"
Meeting Pei Yuanxian's deep gaze, Shen Liang nodded heavily, "En. In this matter, it is not convenient to let the Nether Guards carry out. General Ling would be a more appropriate candidate. But he may not necessarily believe my words. My lord, I can only bother you to dispatch your Ironclad Guards."
"Just leave he matter in my hands. It can't be that you have other arrangements as well?" One can't fault Pei Yuanxian for being suspicious. He always felt Shen Liang had something unfinished to say.
Knowing that it was impossible to hide it from Pei Yuanxian, Shen Liang smiled mischievously: "I indeed do have other plans. My target is Wen Yuan, the Minister of the Ministry of Rites."
"You want the case of the civil exams cheating overturned and the man in the palace held responsible?" the moment he heard the name Wen Yuan, Pei Yuanxian immediately understood Shen Liang's intentions. Wen Yuan was one of the chief examiners last autumn but the officials held responsible were some new examiners in charge of the six classics and some irrelevant people. For Liangliang to involve Wen Yuan at this time, it was evident that he was intending to overturn Fu Yunxi's case for him.
"No, I just don't like my people to bear crimes in their name that they were not responsible for." Fu Yunxi was his person now. He naturally had to scheme for him. Of course, there were other reasons as well, but those were only incidental and byproducts.
"What do you mean by your people? You speak as though you have something with him. Do not provoke this lord," Pei Yuanxian slid Shen Liang an annoyed glance. He then released Shen Liang's hands and stood up, "Rest assured. This lord will fully cooperate with you. Since you intend to keep You'er, then I won't object to it either. Let Tianquan, Tianxuan, and Yuheng stay here for tonight. When your people are in place, we can have them retreat then. We cannot afford to take any risksin this matter. Don't make this lord worried."
His slender fingers caressed against Shen Liang's cheeks as his shadows reflected against Pei Yuanxian's seductive, phoenix eyes.
"En. You too. I'm still waiting for the day when the city would be donned in red and you will marry me into your manor in full glory," Shen Liang rose and gave him a light smile. It seems like in this very night, both of them had took a massive leap towards each other and their feelings.
"I won't let you wait for too long anymore," After leaning over and kissing him lightly on the forehead, Pei Yuanxian then threw Shen Liang a "rest early" before leaping out the open window.
Shen Liang hurried over to the window but was only greeted by the darkness. He closed the window and then turned around to head over to Fu Ying and the others' room. Perhaps because they were all worried that the three of them were huddled around the infant and had not yet fallen asleep.
"Liangliang," when they heard the door open, the three of them all stood up reflexively. Shen Liang raised a hand to stop them from proceeding. He strode over to the bed to take a look. The child was suckling on his own finger and in deep sleep. His round and tender face displayed features familiar to Shen Liang. Shen Liang couldn't help but reach out as he gently brushed his fingers against the white and tender cheeks of the baby. His eyes reddened inexplicably. This was his elder brother's child. He was the only close family of Shen Liang's whom he never had the opportunity to meet in his previous life.
"Liangliang..." sensing his abnormality, the three of them couldn't help but be perplexed. Why did Liangliang look at this child like he was looking at his own son? If they didn't know any better, they would start to doubt and wonder whether the infant lying on their bed was Shen Liang's long-lost son.
"Uncle Fu, Yue Ge, Xuan Ge, in the future, this child will stay in our Zhonglin Courtyard," after stabilizing his emotions, Shen Liang turned to look at the three of them and declared. In terms of caring for the child, Shen Liang was afraid he would still have to leave it to them in many matters. AS for him, he would have to cast and wield a firm and large protective net for You'er. He had to keep this Zhonglin Courtyard safe.
"This... this isn't very wise? Liangliang, you are, after all, an unwed Ger. If the others were to find out that you have a baby in your courtyard, how will others look at you. Also, those members of the Shen Family..."
When they heard Shen Liang's decision, the three of them couldn't help but exchange anxious glances with one another. Their brows displayed their hesitation and unwillingness. However, Shen Liang only raised a hand to stop Fu Ying's persuasion.
His gaze then landed on Qi Xuan and Qi Yue: "His name is Shen You. He is five months old and he is my brother's son."
"What?!" Qi Yue and Qi Xuan both exclaimed in shock. Fu Ying was also stunned and gape at Shen Liang. No wonder they had to care for the child in spite of everything. It turns out...
"Eldest master has already married?" Qi Yue, who had recovered from the shock headed forward and looked at the child with widened eyes. Their eldest master had a child?
"No, this matter is complicated, and it isn't convenient to explain. The only thing you need to know is that You'er is indeed, without a doubt, my brother's son." Shen Liang shook his head as he chose to keep Huo Yelin being a Ger a secret from them. It wasn't that he didn't trust them but rather, this wasn't his matter and he didn't have the qualifications to disclose such a secret. Even if it had to be revealed to them, Shen Liang wouldn't be the one to do so.
"Alright. Since it's the eldest master's son, then we can't just ignore this matter. But Liangliang, to raise him in Zhonglin Courtyard, I'm afraid it'll be highly dangerous," Qi Yue took a few deep breaths before he accepted Shen Liang's statement. In the end, he was only concerned for their future wellbeing. After all, the Shen Manor was a den filled with animals that had all of their sights gathered on Shen Liang.
"En. Which is why from tomorrow on, the Zhongling Courtyard will be surrounded inside and outside, three layers deep. None of you should feel uncomfortable about the matter. As long as no mishaps occur, those people should not be able to appear within our sights," for them grown men, they could afford to be more tolerant. But the child must not suffer from the slightest risk and danger.
"I understand what to do. From tomorrow on, I will personally handle purchasing the ingredients and food for Zhonglin Courtyard. I'll ensure that no accidents will occur," understanding the severity and seriousness of the matter, Qi Yue displayed his intent and cautiousness.
Fu Ying nodded: "I have some experience with taking care of children. Liangliang, rest assured. I will make sure that the young master is taken care of well and raised to be white and plump." *Basically means clean and fed well*
"Then I'll have to trouble all of you. If there's anything any of you need, just buy it. Don't worry about saving money for me. If we run out, I'll just find a way to earn more," seeing such, Shen Liang finally revealed a smile. As long as they all worked together, there was no reason that they couldn't protect the child well.
"Liangliang, Liangliang, then what can I do for the young master?" Qi Xuan's whose reaction was late by several beats finally excitedly and nervously pulled on Shen Liang and looked at the rice bun lying on the bed. This was great. The elder master has a son now.
"Ah you? You can just handle, kissing, hugging, and playing then," hiding a smile, Shen Liang exchanged a few glances with Fu Ying and Qi Yue before responding to Qi Xuan, filled with teasing. He still remembered when he was younger, Qi Xuan, who was taller than him would often pick him up and throw him into the air. But what often ensued was the both of them falling hard on the ground.
"Liangliang!"
"Haha..."
As though recalling the foolish acts he did when he was younger as well. Qi Xuan immediately protested with dissatisfaction. Shen Liang and the other two laughed loudly, and didn't give him face at all.
"The child is only five months old. He cannot step his weaning. Liangliang, see if you can find us a reliable nanny. Otherwise, could we purchase a milking sheep first? By the time he reaches six months old, we should be able to make and boil some rice milk for him to eat."
After kidding around, Fu Ying, who was the most experienced with raising children, spoke up with the smile still on his face. This was an urgent matter.
"En..." hearing this, Shen Liang placed a hand on his chin and pondered, "We'll buy a milk goat first. We're all men here. It won't be convenient to hire a nanny. Besides, Zhonglin Courtyard lacks to room to inhabit another person."
The most important thing was they might know the person and face, but could never know the other party's heart and thoughts. There's no guarantee that the nanny they hire back won't be bribed or threatened by others.
"En, I share the same thoughts. Then Qi Yue, Qi Xuan, the two of you can head out to see if you can buy a milking goat back. I see that the child's cry is both loud and crisp. I imagine he has a good appetite."
"Alright," Qi Yue and Qi Xuan naturally don't have any objections. Seeing that all of them had made their own plans, Shen Liang had no need to intervene. He stood up to go and see the baby. Only after planting a kiss on the child's cheek did he leave.
In the dead silence of the night on the streets of the Imperial City, two figures flew over the eaves and walls, shuttling between the houses before entering the largest manor located in the eastern inner region: the Duke of Qingping Manor.
"Is there something you want to say?" Once in the room, Pei Yuanxian tore his cloak off nonchalantly and leaned lazily back against his seat. His curved lips revealed his good mood. Only Tianshu, who had followed him back, looked at him with hesitation.
Only after a long while did he grit his teeth and ask, "Master, why didn't you have the Wangfei take a look? Since the scriptures are in his hands, he must have a way to help your condition."
Not only him, but Tianquan and the others who had been left behind at Zhonglin Manor also shared his opinions. For the past few years, they had searched high and low for the scriptures. It was only with great difficulty that they ascertained the scriptures' location and it just so happened to be in their future Wangfei's hands. Why did their Master remain silent about the matter?
"En?" hearing him, Pei Yuanxian slowly opened his eyes. He rested his head on his right hand as he lied back and gazed at the roof, "This lord doesn't want Liangliang to misunderstand that I only approached him for the scriptures."
Could this be considered another form of awkwardness between men.
Before Pei Yuanxian realized his true feelings, Pei Yuanxian could afford to be more carefree. But after sensing his feelings, he just wanted what he and Shen Liang had between them to be purer, without such complicated factors mixed in with it.
"But Master, your health..."
"It's alright. So many years have already passed. What is there to worry about. Only when it's absolutely necessary will this lord tell Liangliang," raising a hand to stop his subordinate, Pei Yuanxian jumped up suddenly, "Tianshu, watch your mouths. With regards to the scriptures and Nether Guards, I don't want any more people knowing about them."
"...Yes." After meeting his gaze for a while, Tianshu still conceded his defeat. But in his mind, he had already decided that if something were to happen to his Master again next time, even if he would be sent to the Huanxi Tower, he would ask the Wangfei for help.
"Tianshu, I understand that you mean well for me. Rest assured. I have propriety and know my limits," Pei Yuanxian rose and patted Tianshu on his shoulders. He then said in a deep voice: "Summon Tianji. Order him to take three hundred armored guards to infiltrate the City of Wangyue immediately. When Tianxuan and the others return tomorrow, have them each take another thousand armored guards to Wangyue City's da and the body of water beneath. Remember, this must be kept confidential. No one else should know of this matter."
"Yes," Tianshu did not inquire for the reason. For the orders he received, he had always only concerned himself with carrying them out.
"You may leave now," waving his hand, Pei Yuanxian turned around and headed back into the room. Tianshu watched his back and clenched his fist. A moment later, his figure disappeared from where he was.