Chapter 7

Traveling through the night, staying at a mountain temple at midnight, and returning in the morning, Ye Qing even paid some copper coins and hired a ox cart on the way back.

As they approached home, it was nearly noon. The ox cart moved slowly, the bells jingling continuously. Ye Qing sat at the back, half-closed his eyes, and dozed off to rest.

Although this world had Daoist magic, it was not frequently displayed. Moreover, due to the feeding issue, horses were still scarce, so the court issued regulations on clothing, food, housing, and transportation.

Commoners were not allowed to wear silk or ride horses, and officials had specific rules for their carriages.

Although these laws were relatively relaxed, many young masters from noble families still rode horses, but at the official level, it was more serious. Even the county magistrate usually traveled by ox cart.

It wasn't that the county magistrate couldn't get horses, but such a display would be too conspicuous and not in line with his performance. The most important reason was the rules set by the court and the Heavenly Court behind it.

Commoners mostly used ox carts, which were slow but manageable. Now, Ye Qing was sitting in one!

From afar, he could see the ridges of the fields and a large pond. On both sides of the pond, elm and mulberry trees were planted. This vast expanse of land stretched for a mile.

Ye Qing looked from the ox cart; this was the land under his name. He truly didn't know when he would truly control it.

After a moment of hesitation, he paid the fare and walked back, to avoid any gossip. Upon arriving at the Ye residence, which was a large clan, six or seven guests were sitting in the gatehouse, drinking tea and chatting. Ye Qing glanced around and then went straight through the side door, passing through several corridors to return.

However, two gatekeepers saw him from a distance. Seeing Ye Qing enter with a weary look, their eyes lit up, and one of them quickly ran out.

As Ye Qing entered, he passed through a garden and saw a pavilion with stone tables and bamboo chairs in the distance. A dozen clan members were laughing and talking. A cool breeze blew, making him feel refreshed. Unfortunately, this was a privilege for those with titles or in charge, and he was far from that.

After a moment of hesitation, he smiled wryly, passed through the back garden, and returned to a somewhat shabby courtyard in the northwest of the Ye residence. He slowly pushed the door open and prepared to turn around to close it.

At that moment, a lazy voice came from behind: "Brother, where have you been?"

Ye Qing was startled and turned to see a group of people surrounding a handsome young man, who was none other than Ye Sheng.

Looking again, he noticed Qianqian rushing out of the house. Seeing her angry but not distressed, and her clothes intact, he unconsciously felt relieved.

After all, they were clan members, and it hadn't come to the point of a complete falling out. They wouldn't dare to harm the women in his house, but he was still worried about any unforeseen events. As for the current situation, it was trivial.

A great calamity was coming, with storms and heavy rain. This was nothing compared to that.

"Brother Sheng, it's rare for you to come here. What can I do for you?" Ye Qing bowed.

Ye Sheng glanced at him, feeling displeased. In terms of seniority, Ye Qing's family was the seventh branch of the great-grandfather, but at this point, it was just a branch. This calm and indifferent attitude was like a thorn in his heart. He exhaled and said, "I don't dare to give advice, but I admire how you can go out at night without reporting. I reported this to the clan, and Father has ordered you to explain... How about coming with me?"

Behind him, Wu Tiezi immediately puffed out his chest, looking around proudly, and finally sneered at Ye Qing.

It turned out he had been under surveillance. Ye Qing instantly understood and pressed the small copper cup in his chest, thinking it must not be detected.

He also thought about the clan rules. The Ye clan's rules were very strict. Minors who had not yet come of age and had no titles were not allowed to go out without permission. This was to prevent the young from becoming spoiled. Bringing this up now was justified.

Ye Qing coldly glanced at him, straightened his clothes, and said, "Since Uncle has summoned me, I will go. I am weary and dusty, which is not proper. Let me bathe and change clothes, and then I will go to apologize... Is that right, Brother?"

The servants looked at each other and then at Ye Sheng. Ye Sheng was taken aback but couldn't find fault.

Seeing this, Ye Qing smiled slightly and pushed through the crowd. "Qianqian, go heat some water!"

Qianqian hurriedly responded and followed him. They entered the house, closed the door, and left a group of people outside, staring at each other.

Ye Sheng was furious but laughed coldly. "We'll see what you have to say in the clan hall!"

Inside, Ye Qing walked into the inner room, threw his book basket, took off his clothes, and jumped into the bathtub.

Qianqian, without hesitation, exclaimed, "Master, the water is cold!"

"I don't really expect Uncle to wait for an hour," Ye Qing said with a bitter smile, taking off the copper cup and handing it to Qianqian. "String it with a thread and wear it close to your body. Don't let anyone find it!"

"Okay! This cup..." Qianqian was taken aback, took the copper cup, and without asking more, tied a red string through the hole in the cup. She left for a few minutes and disappeared, and it was unknown where she hid it.

At this moment, Ye Qing was completely naked, and Qianqian's face turned red. She helped him wash and asked, "Master, is there anything else you need to arrange?"

"There is..." Ye Qing leaned back, lying in the cool water, and slowly said, "This matter was caught on the spot, and I can't really argue."

"But it's a minor issue. Even if handled strictly, there's no danger to my life, and I won't even get a beating. My second uncle doesn't have the authority, the courage, or the ruthlessness."

"To be fair, my second uncle is relatively fair, but he had no choice because it involves his son's future."

"As for alarming the clan head, I'm not important enough... So no matter what rumors circulate, don't panic. Just do your usual work!"

Qianqian's reaction was quick, and her eyes turned red. "Will they lock you up?"

"Ha... How else can they get their way?" Ye Qing laughed coldly, looking at Qianqian. "But it might not be formal confinement, probably house arrest. As long as my movements are restricted and I miss the child examination, the result will be the same!"

Qianqian shook her head, her small face flushed. "What have you done wrong? How can they do this? This is the child examination!"

Ye Qing smiled bitterly. "If they want to accuse you, they can always find a reason. The family rules, clan rules, and etiquette are all in the hands of those who make the rules... Besides, I did violate the clan rules!"

Qianqian helped him wash, her eyes fixed on Ye Qing. "Master, you will definitely succeed and make the rules."

"You have more confidence in me than I do..." Ye Qing was taken aback and laughed. After several lifetimes, he knew how difficult it was to make rules!

But this was indeed the path of a great man.

A short while later, a large group of people escorted, or rather, escorted Ye Qing to the main hall of the estate.

Because Ye Zifan had long been in charge of the clan rules and was strict, he was called the "Prohibition Hall" by the younger generation.

"Report!" Far from the hall, a servant shouted loudly.

Ye Zifan was drinking tea when he heard the loud report and felt a bit angry. He ordered, "So noisy! Bring him in!"

The servant came in, saw Ye Zifan's stern face, and his legs turned weak. He knelt and said, "Third Master, Young Master Ye Qing has been brought."

"Let him come in!" Ye Zifan sat still and put the teacup on the table.

Ye Qing straightened his clothes at the entrance, raised his head, and walked in, bowing deeply. "Qing greets Uncle. I wonder why you summoned me?"

Ye Zifan looked him over, feeling a bit startled but not eager to confront him. He smiled and said, "In just one day, my nephew's demeanor has improved. Have you had some good news?"

"Thank you for your concern, Uncle. I just had some insights from reading," Ye Qing replied, feeling a bit startled.

Ye Zifan was just making small talk and didn't delve into it. He got to the point, "Reading more is good. It teaches loyalty, filial piety, gratitude, and repayment... Did you think about what I said yesterday?"

First courtesy, then force?

Ye Qing understood and looked at his uncle, refusing slowly, "Heaven, Dao, ruler, parents, and teacher—these are the five cardinal principles. Titles come from the highest Dao, issued by the court, and passed down by the will of my parents. I cannot refuse."

"As for the clan's and Uncle's kindness, I still say this—drop of water, gushing spring. I will repay you in the future." Saying this, Ye Qing bowed deeply, his expression sincere.

There was no need to doubt the promise and ability of a reborn person. If he agreed, it wouldn't take long to get a rich reward.

Reading teaches reason and Dao. Hearing the weight of these words, Ye Zifan felt a strange stirring in his heart. He looked at his nephew, who was wearing a white outer robe and even his boots were half-worn, but he had a radiant and composed demeanor, making him seem extraordinary.

This boy is not an ordinary person. His talent is truly remarkable. If I support him fully...

"Father!" At this moment, Ye Sheng saw the situation and shouted, breaking the atmosphere Ye Qing had created.

Ye Zifan was startled, turned the teacup, and saw his youngest son's anxious expression. He sighed inwardly, "Enough!"

He said coldly, "My nephew is truly ambitious. This is the right path. I won't force you..."

Hearing these cold words, Ye Qing bowed, feeling a chill in his heart.

Ye Sheng was surprised, looking at his father, and was about to speak when he heard his father continue.

"However, you are underage and did not follow the clan rules by going out at night without reporting. According to the clan rules, you should be confined for three months..." Ye Zifan gently moved the teacup lid, his voice calm. "There are national laws and family rules... Do you accept this?"

Ye Sheng turned from surprise to joy, looking at Ye Qing with ill intent. Three months of confinement would miss the child examination.

Ye Qing sighed inwardly. This was due to his lack of fortune. He couldn't avoid this calamity. If he resisted directly, it would be a confrontation with the entire Ye clan, which would be disastrous.

Ye Qing composed himself and smiled slightly. "This is reasonable. I will accept it!"

Ye Zifan's movement with the teacup lid paused. This response surprised and shocked him. He looked at Ye Qing again, feeling a sense of emptiness and regret.

He took a sip of tea and instructed the steward, "Zhang, take Young Master to the third room in the back quarters to study. Treat him well, and I will check personally!"

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