Chapter 42. The Flaw in Discipline (2)

Yan Wei entered the main hall and immediately began his work. However, the documents before him did not register in his mind. He couldn't forget the words his son had spoken just a moment ago.

"Though my intentions may differ, my heart is always here."

Yan Wei's eyes grew deeper.

To say that his intentions differ means that his son truly has his eyes set on the world.

"Truly difficult, my lady."

His wife, who had died not long after giving birth to Zhiping, came to mind.

"I wanted to raise my two sons well so as not to be ashamed before you who passed away first. But I treated them strictly, using the excuse of being the head of the family."

Yan Wei vividly remembered the times when he would scold his eldest son, Yan Hezheng, harshly during his childhood.

Thinking back, Yan Hezheng was only six years old at the time. At an age when he should have been laughing at the butterflies of spring, he spent his days under his father's stern reprimands and rigorous training.

At that time, Yan Wei realized there was a problem with his approach. Seeing his eldest son grow thinner day by day, he understood that his methods were flawed.

So, when teaching his second son, he never pushed him. Though the quiet Yan Zhiping was afraid of him, he still grew up to be a good and kind person.

However, Yan Hezheng was different.

Jealous of his younger brother's talent, Yan Hezheng had strayed. He abandoned his martial arts training and began frequenting taverns.

Yan Wei couldn't bring himself to scold his son. It was because he had raised him that way. He should have taught him that martial arts were not everything, but instead, he had narrowed his son's perspective.

As time passed, Yan Wei realized another thing.

He should have corrected his son when he first started to stray. Instead, he scolded him when he should have encouraged him and ignored him when he should have guided him.

I am a failure.

Yan Wei truly believed this. That's why he always felt ashamed to face his eldest son.

"But, my lady. That Hozheng is growing into a fine young man. He has grown this far without any help from anyone."

When his son changed, Yan Wei couldn't help but feel a deep joy. Despite doing nothing to help, his son seemed to have suddenly realized something.

Though somewhat radical, he lived each day with a heart full of excitement for his son's wonderful growth.

However, the son who had grown so wonderfully had no intention of becoming the head of the Yan family.

"Upon reflection, I can see why he might feel that way."

Yan Wei felt bitter.

"Who can I blame? It's all my fault. If I had shown Hozheng a responsible demeanor, he wouldn't have turned away from the path."

It's already too late. Yan Wei knew he couldn't change his son's mind.

Yan Wei looked out the window.

He saw his son's back as he headed toward his quarters. He looked truly impressive.

"...So, it's a relief that his heart is here."

That's enough. Despite growing up under a poor father, the fact that his son's heart is with the family is something Yan Wei should be grateful for.

He stared out the window for a long time.

"Lord, the Chief Steward is here."

"Let him in."

The door opened, and Taikyung entered.

"It's still quite cold outside."

"Yes, it is."

"How did the duel with the First Young Master go?"

Yan Wei said nothing.

Feeling somewhat embarrassed, Taikyung took out a letter from his sleeve.

"Here, I've brought what you mentioned before."

"Give it to me."

Yan Wei's eyes grew deeper as he read the letter.

"Truly persistent."

"Does this mean the Murong family hasn't given up?"

Yan Wei looked at Taikyung.

Indeed, Taikyung was quick to notice things. Though somewhat frivolous, his wisdom and quick handling of tasks made him a competent Chief Steward of the Yan family.

A thought suddenly came to Yan Wei, and he asked:

"What do you think?"

"About the Murong family?"

"Yes."

It was rare for the head of the family to ask for his opinion on such important matters.

Taikyung answered immediately.

"I think it would be good to form an alliance."

"Why?"

"The Murong family is one of the Seven Great Families, alongside our own. If we form an alliance and expand our business, we can accumulate more wealth."

"..."

"Ah, of course, I know you have little interest in wealth. But you spend a fortune to help those affected by floods every year, don't you?"

"More wealth means more can be done to help the people?"

"Yes. Money is essential in this world."

Taikyung's words had a point.

Yan Wei pondered. His son's affairs were one thing, and business was another. If it could contribute more to the safety and well-being of the people, forming an alliance with the Murong family wouldn't be bad.

However.

"Or are you concerned that the Murong family might have other intentions?"

"The Seven Great Families are different from the Nine Sects and One Sect. They follow the righteous path but aim to solidify their position as a powerful family. Most of them are obsessed with increasing their power."

"Hmm."

After a moment of thought, Taikyung snapped his fingers.

"Ah! Then how about this?"

"..."

"Have you heard about the current head of the Murong family's daughter? She is not only talented in martial arts but also wise and of excellent character."

"Murong Yanhua?"

"You know her?"

Of course, he knew the names of the children of the other Seven Great Families.

"But why her?"

"What if we arrange a marriage between the Murong family's daughter and the First Young Master?"

Yan Wei's eyes sparkled.

"A marriage?"

"Yes. While it might seem excessive to arrange a marriage just for business, the future is unknown. If this business opportunity brings the two families closer, it could lead to more help for the people in the future."

Yan Wei shook his head.

"This is a matter of great importance. I don't think it's right to arrange a marriage for this reason."

Arranging a marriage for the sake of family cooperation was common, but Yan Wei had no intention of doing so.

"But, Lord, it could be good for the First Young Master."

"For Hozheng?"

"Yes. The First Young Master has changed a lot recently. But when you pass the family to him, won't he need someone to support him?"

"..."

"A talented woman from the Murong family could be a great help."

Taikyung didn't know that Yan Hezheng had no interest in the position of head of the family.

Yan Wei, who was about to shake his head, suddenly thought of Yan Hezheng.

"...Aiming for the world?"

Yan Hezheng's change was sudden.

Of course, Yan Wei didn't think Yan Hezheng would revert to his old ways. Still, he was only nineteen, an age when one has much to learn about the world.

He didn't know what his son's dreams were, but having someone to support him would certainly not be bad.

After deep thought, Yan Wei nodded.

"Let's consider it."

"By the way, the sooner, the better."

"I understand your meaning."

Taikyung bowed his head.

"I apologize. Perhaps I overstepped my bounds?"

"I asked you. It's fine."

"Ah, yes."

"Go on, then."

"Alright, then."

As Taikyung left, Yan Wei fell into deep thought.

"A marriage?"

* * *

Yan Hezheng entered his quarters and lay down on his bed.

"Second Young Master?"

He never thought his father would consider appointing him as the Second Young Master.

Yan Hezheng couldn't help but laugh.

"Human affairs are truly unpredictable."

In his previous life, he never wanted to be the Second Young Master. But when he heard that his younger brother would be appointed instead, his inferiority complex exploded.

Now, things were different.

He knew his limits. He could gather and refine a rough black path gang, but leading a white path family was beyond his capabilities.

He naturally expected his younger brother to take the position of Second Young Master. Given his drastic changes, he thought this even more likely.

"Father wanted to test my capabilities as the head of the family, but as a father, he is frustrated that my heart is not tied to the family."

Yan Hezheng closed his eyes.

"I'm sorry."

His father seemed to think this. Though radical, he believed Yan Hezheng would eventually follow in his footsteps. Blood cannot be denied.

But he was wrong.

He was his father's blood, but he had lived a hellish life that even blood couldn't change.

Becoming the head of the Yan family would be a misfortune for everyone.

"And I have something I must do."

The culprit who destroyed his family.

The task ahead was enormous and overwhelming. Just recognizing and preparing for it was enough to make his head spin.

And that's not all.

"The Three Teachings must be stopped."

Participating in the gathering of the future generation, he had a significant realization.

The world is not unfolding as it did in the past. The reason is that he is acting differently from his past self.

The same applies to the Three Teachings. They might appear later than expected, or they might appear sooner.

Or, perhaps, they might already have infiltrated the Central Plains.

"The Three Teachings, especially the Evil Lust Sect, do not compromise. Their blind hatred is almost akin to a religion. To stop them, both the black and white paths must unite."

Yan Hezheng scratched his head, deep in thought.

Thinking about the future made his head spin. Of course, he had a plan.

"In two weeks, when Hou Kai arrives, I'll start then. Until then, I'll focus on myself as much as possible."

Yan Hezheng sighed.

He really needed to rest today.

The next morning.

Yan Hezheng went to the main training ground and saw a peculiar scene.

"Is this training a joke?"

"No!"

"Then why aren't you following my instructions?"

"I'm sorry!"

"I clearly said that everything from meals to rest is meticulously planned."

"..."

"Are you planning to rebel?"

"No!"

"Or do you not trust me?"

"No, no!"

A man stood with his arms crossed, having set up a training formation for the Black Eagle Corps.

Yan Hezheng's eyes sparkled.

"Commander of the Black Eagle Corps?"

It was Jiang Yun, who had recovered the rice balls from the Investigation Hall on the first day he returned to the past.

Jiang Yun said in a cold voice:

"I am stronger than you. I broke through the level you are at over a decade ago. I know exactly how you should train."

"..."

"Since I planned this schedule, why aren't you following it? Don't you want to become stronger?"

"I'm sorry!"

"Or do you want to stand out? Or do you think you have too much free time? Is your energy surging?"

"No!"

He was thoroughly breaking them down.

Jiang Yun was, in a sense, pushing his subordinates to their limits. But it didn't look good.

"Deviation from a meticulously planned schedule is a serious violation of discipline. Are you prepared for the consequences?"

"..."

"Why no answer? Are you deaf?"

"No! I'm sorry!"

Jiang Yun snorted.

"It's the responsibility of the team leader. You will practice the Black Eagle Sword Technique until midnight. There will be no meals or rest. If you have the stamina to stay awake, you can handle this."

"..."

"Why no answer? Don't you want to do it?"

"No, no!"

"Start now. Bring the iron heart wooden swords."

The faces of the Black Eagle Corps members turned pale.

The iron heart wooden swords weighed over ten kilograms. To wield them without rest all day?

"What are you waiting for? Move!"

At that moment.

"Stop."

Jiang Yun turned around.

Yan Hezheng was frowning.

"This isn't a third-rate gang. You're overdoing it."