Zhan Chun - Chapter 27
This request wasn't excessive, but it greatly surprised Yang Shen, who had initially thought the person was trying to recruit him. The Yan Clan had expanded its influence considerably in recent years, recruiting many talented individuals, and he had prepared a polite excuse to decline.
This Second Young Master Yan is indeed no simple character. The time is not yet ripe. If he immediately brings up the matter of winning them over, he will surely be rejected. It would be better to retreat in order to advance, keep the two of them by his side for the long term.
Yang Shen's personal opinion is one thing, but the key lies with Yi Chun. If she is tempted to stay, it means Yang Shen will also stay.
He thought for a moment, about to speak, when he heard Yichun readily agree: "Sure, no big deal. Who's after you?"
She jumped into the jar without a second thought. Yang Shen simply shut his mouth.
Yan Yufei nodded slightly to her, thanking her for agreeing so readily: "This matter is a long story. In recent years, my Yan Clan has been trying to expand its ranks and has cooperated with many sects in the Central Plains, with which we have always gotten along well. Two years ago, my elder brother went to Yuzhou in Sichuan to discuss cooperation with the Wanhua Sect, but his mission was unsuccessful and he was assassinated. His right leg was cut off, but fortunately, he survived. My father was furious and arrested more than ten Wanhua disciples, placing them under house arrest. Since then, the Sichuan Wanhua Sect has colluded with other sects and provoked the Yan Clan at every turn. The poison I was poisoned in Xiande Town that day also originated from the Sichuan Wanhua Sect. The people of Sichuan are skilled in making poisons and assassinations, making them difficult to guard against. I am also very worried about this trip. Therefore, I implore you two to stay for the time being. Once the matter is settled, I will present you with a generous gift and will not dare to be disrespectful."
This person's speaking skills are indeed superb; you can easily get caught up in his words if you're not careful.
The truth is likely that the Yan Clan wanted to annex the power in the Bashu region, but encountered resistance. Enraged that his son was injured, the Yan Clan leader went on a killing spree, which not only failed to win over the people but also provoked even greater resistance.
Therefore, Ningning might be connected to Wan Hua, perhaps sent to assassinate Yan Yufei. Unfortunately, she was outmatched and revealed her true identity first. Given Yan Yufei's shrewdness, it's impossible he couldn't have discovered Ningning's identity, yet he didn't expose her, clearly giving them both face.
Yang Shen couldn't help but nod in approval, praising the man for his excellent work. This meant they would owe him even more favors, and the debt would likely be impossible to repay in the future.
He glanced at Yichun again, guessing that her muddled mind must be completely confused, and he was about to get excited without hesitation.
Yi Chun said solemnly, "I've heard people say that no one in the world hurts others without a reason, unless they're crazy. The reason why Bashu Wanhua is resisting like this must be because your Yan Clan did something they don't approve of. Young Master Yan, you saved us, and I will definitely repay this kindness. If the people from Bashu come to kill you, I will help you hold them off, but I will not help you kill anyone."
Everyone was stunned by these words, and Uncle Yin's brows immediately furrowed: "How dare you speak to the young master like that!"
Yi Chun stood up and clasped her hands in a fist and palm salute to Yan Yufei, saying apologetically, "I'm sorry, I'm not very good at speaking, and some of my words may be unpleasant to hear. I don't want your generous gift, but I will help you, so please rest assured."
Perhaps not expecting this seemingly foolish girl to be so clear-headed, Yan Yufei's expression changed for a moment, but he immediately smiled and said gently, "What you say is right, young lady. The Yan family has also gone too far in this matter. In any case, I want to thank you for your chivalrous hearts, young lady and young hero. I'll be relying on you two during my time in Tanzhou."
After Yichun and Yang Shen left, Uncle Yin shook his head and said, "Young Master, I'm afraid these two young men will cause trouble. I'd better find an opportunity to make sure they never leak any more information."
Yan Yufei rubbed his temples, held the teacup to his nose and took a gentle sniff, then said in a low voice, "...Let's talk about it later."
Outside the window, the warbling of orioles filled the air, a scene of tender spring beauty. He couldn't help but push the window open wide, just as a flock of cranes fluttered their wings and took flight.
He stared at it, somewhat mesmerized, and softly asked, "Uncle Yin, do you still remember my uncle?"
Uncle Yin remained silent.
Once, a man of extraordinary talent emerged from the Yan Clan, named Yan Qingchuan, the youngest brother of the Clan Master. This man was ambitious and far more capable than the Clan Master, yet he was ultimately defeated by an unknown swordsman. Rumor had it that this man was unrestrained and unconventional, but possessed unparalleled martial arts skills. Yan Qingchuan tried desperately to win him over, but their paths diverged, and when Yan Qingchuan pushed him too far, the man pierced his heart with a sword, and Yan Qingchuan departed singing.
This is a tragedy within the Yan family; even the sect leader, now, is moved to tears when he speaks of it.
Yan Yufei smiled, a cold smile that seemed to carry a hint of mockery.
"I won't become like my uncle. I won't be soft-hearted at all when it comes to those who deserve to die."
There are always some people in this world who cannot be controlled or made to serve. They are like the wind, birds born to soar.
But they are exceptionally beautiful, their wings shimmering with sunlight, so that even if they are buried deep underground, they can be spotted at a glance.
However, things that cannot belong to oneself, if too beautiful, can be a scourge.
They might think that one day they might suddenly turn around and hinder them, or that they might be captured by a more skilled hunter.
Therefore, killing is the simplest and most effective method.
Uncle Yin took a step back, bowed his head respectfully, and said, "Young Master, I have learned that Shu Jun has not yet left Tanzhou and is lingering in the southern part of the city, seemingly waiting for someone."
This is another beautiful but unruly bird; you can't even get close to it.
Yan Yufei slowly shook his head: "Let's withdraw. Don't follow him any further for now."
Ge Yichun and Yang Shen seem to have some connection with him. If we keep them here, we'll run into him again someday. Let's think about it carefully.
Uncle Yin nodded, cupped his hands and was about to leave when he suddenly heard a light knock on the door. His subordinate, who was stationed outside, whispered, "Uncle-Master, Young Master, the person has been brought."
Yan Yufei turned around and saw two subordinates carrying a thin woman as they walked in.
It was Ningning. Her mouth was gagged, and her struggles were useless, so she simply pretended to be dead. She was held still and stared blankly at the ground.
Yan Yufei said calmly, "It must be someone sent by Bashu Wanhua again. I have investigated thoroughly. Your sister is indeed a maid in my Yan family. She was expelled a year ago because you, her younger sister, had joined Bashu Wanhua's family. Now your sister has committed suicide, and your father has been taken hostage by Wanhua, forcing you to come and assassinate me. It's a good plan, but unfortunately you've chosen the wrong person."
Ningning remained motionless, as if she hadn't heard anything.
He added, "You have been poisoned by me, and you will inevitably suffer a seizure and die in six months. Your right arm should have turned purple by now."
Her subordinates immediately tore open her sleeve, and sure enough, half of her arm had turned purple, as if it had been burned, which was extremely horrifying.
Ningning gritted her teeth and said, "Kill me if you want, torture me quickly if you want, no need to say more."
After saying that, she gave a sinister laugh: "You, the second young master of the Yan family, have indeed mastered the essence of the Yan family. You clearly sent someone to kill that young lady, but you framed someone else, putting on quite a show, very entertaining indeed! The Yan family dreams of dominating the martial arts world, with all heroes following their lead, but at least do something virtuous, right?"
Ignoring her provocation, Yan Yufei said coldly, "I'll give you half an antidote. You'll work for me for a year. If you succeed, I'll give you the other half. I've already sent people to rescue your father. You don't need to listen to Wan Hua anymore."
He gestured for his men to release her, then took a letter from his sleeve and handed it to her.
Ningning was skeptical, but after scanning the letter from top to bottom, she was overwhelmed with mixed feelings.
It was indeed her father's handwriting, indicating that Yan Yufei had rescued him from Wanhua and settled him in a secluded place. As long as she did her job diligently, father and daughter would eventually reunite. There was also a secret pattern drawn at the end, known only to the two of them, confirming it was indeed her father.
Ningning stuffed the letter into her bosom, and when she looked up again, her face was calm and expressionless.
She knelt down immediately: "Please give your orders, young master."
****
The next day, Yichun and Yang Shen became Yan Yufei's personal guards and went out with him.