Chapter 5. The Prodigal Returns (4)

Lee Jeonghak (李正鶴) couldn't help but marvel.

"The kids said to come to Gongyanglou, and there was a reason. I didn't expect the view to be so beautiful."

He had a sturdy build and a rather deep voice. Though he looked young, he appeared more mature than his age.

"What's that lake I see in the distance? Is it Taihu (太湖)?"

"It's not Taihu, but a smaller lake next to it."

"Small? From this distance, it looks quite large."

"Ha ha, compared to Taihu."

The boy explaining beside Lee Jeonghak seemed to be around the same age as Yan Jiping.

The boy, Yang Yu (楊遇), was a student at the same academy as Yan Jiping. Though not as famous as the Yan family, he was the heir to a well-known martial arts school in the region.

"Indeed, Jiangsu has many fine places. Not as good as Anhui, but still."

"Is Anhui that impressive?"

Lee Jeonghak's lips curled up.

"Of course. Don't you know, little brother Yang? They say that after seeing Huangshan (黃山), the Five Great Mountains (五岳) don't even compare."

"Oh! I've heard of it!"

"Anhui's scenery isn't just about Huangshan. I'm not saying this because I'm from there, but there's no place in Central China like Anhui."

Lee Jeonghak turned to the woman standing behind him and asked.

"Isn't that right, young lady?"

The woman nodded briefly, her expressionless face showing a clear lack of interest.

Lee Jeonghak pretended not to notice her expression.

"Anyway, you were right, little brother Yang. It was a good idea to come. With good food and a drink, it should be a great experience."

At first glance, he was too young to appreciate the true taste of alcohol. But Yang Yu clapped his hands in agreement.

"Indeed, it will be. Since we're talking about it, shall we order a bottle of wine?"

"That's a good idea! They say the fish dishes here are famous. Let's order some."

"Sure."

Lee Jeonghak burst into laughter, then suddenly looked at Yan Jiping.

He was trying to manage his expression, but it was obvious to anyone that he looked awkward and uncomfortable. Lee Jeonghak tilted his head.

"Why are you like that, little brother?"

"..."

"Yan little brother."

"Yes? Ah, yes!"

"Your expression isn't very good?"

"Ah..."

Yan Jiping was always polite to everyone, but he wasn't lying.

"Shouldn't we introduce your brother first?"

Lee Jeonghak smiled.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I momentarily forgot about your brother."

It wasn't outright rude, but it wasn't exactly good either.

It was a situation that could be easily laughed off, but Yan Jiping couldn't say it was fine, as it involved his family.

Just as Yan Jiping was about to speak again.

"Ping."

"Yes, brother!"

"Bring me over."

It was a perfect moment. The hesitant Yan Jiping spoke to the woman.

"Let's go."

"..."

"Brother Lee?"

"Hmm? Ah, yes. Let's go."

Lee Jeonghak's face remained relaxed, but those around him didn't notice that his eyes had changed slightly.

As the group walked to the table where Yan Hozheng was sitting.

"Hey? Miss Namgung?"

Unexpectedly, the woman was not with the group.

She sat calmly at a distant table, resting her chin on her hand and looking out the window. She seemed to have no interest in the group's conversation.

Yang Yu's face showed confusion, and a thick vein appeared on Yan Jiping's jaw.

In the slightly chilly atmosphere.

Lee Jeonghak suddenly burst into laughter.

"Ha ha! It seems you're still not in a good mood."

He stepped forward and made a bow to Yan Hozheng.

"I am Li Jeonghak from Anhui Li Family. It's an honor to meet the heir of Bishan Yan Family."

Regardless of his previous behavior, it was a polite greeting.

Yan Hozheng also stood up and made a bow.

"Nice to meet you. I am Yan Hozheng."

Lee Jeonghak smiled awkwardly.

"I hope you understand about my group. There was something that could upset you."

He was referring to the woman, Namgung Xianghua (南宮想華).

Yan Hozheng shook his head.

"It's fine."

"Thank you for your understanding."

Lee Jeonghak's face brightened with relief.

"Yan little brother speaks highly of you at the academy. It's good to see such a strong bond between brothers."

Yan Hozheng glanced at Yan Jiping, whose face turned slightly red.

"He's a good and smart kid, unlike me. I entrust him to you."

"Of course. He's such a good kid."

A rather warm conversation.

Then, a cold voice was heard.

"Did you bring me here just to show me around?"

Everyone's attention turned to Namgung Xianghua. Her face showed subtle irritation.

Lee Jeonghak quickly said.

"How could that be? Brother Yan, it was nice to meet you. I have to go now because of my group."

"Go ahead."

Lee Jeonghak hurriedly walked towards Namgung Xianghua.

Yang Yu, who followed behind, glanced at Yan Hozheng.

His frown deepened as he looked at Yan Hozheng. Though he was close to Yan Jiping, he didn't think highly of Yan Hozheng.

Because of the bad rumors and the fact that Yan Hozheng always made Yan Jiping suffer. He couldn't look favorably on someone who made his close friend suffer.

"Jiping, are you staying here?"

Yan Jiping frowned.

"Staying where?"

Yang Yu pretended not to hear and turned his body.

"No, I'll see you later."

With that, Yang Yu walked towards Namgung Xianghua and Lee Jeonghak.

Yan Jiping, watching Yang Yu's back, bit his lip and sat opposite Yan Hozheng.

"I'm sorry, brother."

"For what?"

"Just... I feel bad for bringing you here..."

He was bothered by the awkward atmosphere and the feeling that the other group was ignoring his brother. Though he wasn't in a good mood, he knew his brother must feel worse.

Yan Hozheng smiled.

"Don't worry about it."

He meant it.

Though they weren't close, he didn't mind a polite conversation. Besides, they were students at the same academy as his brother.

He didn't know how long they would stay at the academy, but he didn't want his brother to be in an awkward situation because of him.

Of course, he had something to say to his brother.

"Being polite and being timid are different. I hope you understand the difference."

"Huh?"

"Jianghu doesn't listen to the words of good people. Being good is fine, but I hope you strive to be a better person."

Yan Jiping tilted his head, not fully understanding but sensing the meaning.

Yan Hozheng smiled.

"Is your money pouch still full?"

"Huh? Oh, yes!"

"Then let's have a drink."

Yan Jiping's face brightened.

"Sure!"

The two immediately ordered a drink.

Though he didn't tell his brother, it was Yan Jiping's first time drinking. He was too young and too busy with martial arts and studies to have time for it.

It was the first time the brothers shared a drink. It was a touching moment for both of them.

How long had it been?

Bang!

A cold silence fell.

"Damn it!"

A sharp voice broke the silence.

"Stop talking! Whether it's the academy or anything else, I don't like it!"

The sharp voice belonged to Namgung Xianghua.

Whether from alcohol or anger, her face was flushed red. Her breathing was heavy, and her eyes were bloodshot.

She was usually very beautiful, but when angry, she was terrifying.

Lee Jeonghak quickly said.

"Miss, don't misunderstand my words. No matter what, I can't disobey the head of the family..."

"Shut up! Do you think I came to this dirty place just to read my father's mind?!"

"Miss, Miss!"

"Relax your head at the academy? Damn old man! You think I'm a child to be sent to this backwater? Damn it, what do you see in me?!"

Her tone was incredibly rough, not at all like someone who had been trained in the ways of a noble family.

Yang Yu cautiously spoke.

"Miss, please calm down a bit."

"What?"

"Um... Brother Jeonghak set this up to cheer you up. I'm afraid others will see, so please calm down..."

Rip!

"Ugh!"

Yang Yu fell to the side.

Namgung Xianghua looked down at the fallen Yang Yu with a cold gaze.

"Following me around like a dog with diarrhea and now you dare to lecture me? Do you want to die?"

Yang Yu looked up at Namgung Xianghua with a dazed expression.

Lee Jeonghak stood up and tried to calm her down.

"Miss, please stop. I understand your situation."

"Understand? Who are you to understand me!"

"Of course, your situation is hard to understand. But I'm saying that Yang Yu crossed the line."

Yang Yu looked at Lee Jeonghak with shock.

Lee Jeonghak ignored him.

"However, there is some truth to what Yang Yu said."

"What?!"

"Miss, you are here representing the Namgung family. I'm afraid others will see this scene."

Namgung Xianghua sneered.

"Others? You or this trash?"

"Miss."

"Or those guys?"

Namgung Xianghua pointed at the Yan brothers.

Lee Jeonghak's face hardened.

Namgung Xianghua shouted.

"Don't try to understand me with your ridiculous words! I am the daughter of the Namgung family! If anyone talks nonsense, I'll tear their mouth apart!"

It was a terrifying sight.

Lee Jeonghak felt awkward. He knew Namgung Xianghua was quite arrogant, but today she was too much.

This wasn't a temper that would cool down quickly. Lee Jeonghak thought hard.

'Maybe it's better to shift this anger elsewhere?'

He suddenly turned around.

Yan Hozheng, sitting with his back to them, couldn't see, but Yan Jiping's expression was far from good.

It was understandable. After all, he had heard her call people "this one" and "that one" while drunk. Anyone would be upset.

Lee Jeonghak's eyes gleamed.

"Still, you must control yourself."

"What?"

"Miss, this is a gathering of the descendants of the seven great families, including the Yan family. Shouldn't we maintain a certain level of decorum?"

"Seven great families? Decorum?"

Namgung Xianghua snorted.

"When did the main family recognize the Yan family as one of the seven great families?"

It was a dangerous statement.

He had intended to shift the anger towards the Yan brothers, but he didn't expect such a statement. Lee Jeonghak quickly backtracked.

"That's not what I meant. Yang Yu and I are concerned for you..."

He trailed off.

His tone was so polite and respectful that it didn't seem to have any hidden intentions.

But to someone with much more sophisticated and dangerous experiences, it was a transparent attempt.

Yan Hozheng smirked.

"You all are playing cute."

"Wh-What?!"

The smirk and the words made everyone's faces freeze.

Even Yang Yu, the least experienced, could hear the voice. There was no way Namgung Xianghua or Lee Jeonghak couldn't hear it.

Bang!

Namgung Xianghua slammed the table and shouted.

"You, what did you just say?"

Yan Hozheng emptied his cup without a word.

There was no hint of hesitation or tension. To Namgung Xianghua, it felt like a deliberate snub.

"What did you say, damn it!"