As night fell, Murong Ye ran into Falling Snow Pavilion with his head covered in sweat. His jet-black eye pupil glowed with intense excitement, âXun Fengâs swordsmanship is so good. With his advice, my technique has improved a lot in just a few hoursâŚâ
Good advice was beyond all price. Murong Ye had now understood the truth meaning of the words.
Murong Xue looked up to heaven, speechless. From Murong Yeâs return to the mansion until now, he had been discussing swordsmanship with Xun Feng. He didnât eat breakfast and only had a plate of cakes for lunch. He was really diligent and learned to forget all about eating and sleeping. Was he trying to make up for the time wasted by his incorrigibly obstinate years?
âWhere is Prince Ouyang?â Murong Ye looked from left to right but could not see Ouyang Shaochen, so he couldnât help asking. Ouyang Shaochen was the reason why he could get Xun Fengâs guidanceâŚ
âHe had something to deal with and went back to Lord Freedom Mansion!â Murong Xue said faintly, looking up at him, âItâs getting late, we could discuss these later, now wash your hands and have some food first!â
There were five or six small dishes on the stone table in front of them. The aroma was overflowing, making people salivating. Murong Ye suddenly felt hungry, realizing he didnât eat much the whole day and smiled unnaturally, âAwesome!â
Putting the sword on the chair beside him, Murong Ye quickly washed his hands. He sat down at the table, picked up the bowl and chopsticks, and ate the food gracefully and quickly. After eating a few mouthfuls, he found that he was the only one eating. He couldnât help raising his head and looked at Murong Xue puzzled, âSister, why donât you eat?â
âIâve already finished my meal, these are specially prepared for you.â Murong Xue said flatly, pushing the dishes toward him, âEnjoy your meal.â
âOkay!â Murong Ye nodded and ate slowly. Looking out of the corner of his eye at Murong Xueâs bright little face, he thought for a moment, and then said casually, âSister, I heard you broke off an engagement with Ye Yichen.â
âYes.â Murong Xue nodded. It was not a secret and had long been known to the public. So it was not surprising that Murong Ye heard the news in the barracks.
âI feel happy for you. The ruthless guy Ye Yichen is not worthy of you at allâŚâ Murong Ye was indignant and felt injustice for her. His eyes flashed and his voice was lowered, âWhat is your relationship with Ouyang Shaochen, sister?â
âJust friends!â Murong Xue answered softly.
âJust friends?â Murong Ye raised his eyebrows and looked at her, obviously not believing her words.
âWhat do you think?â Murong Xue looked up at Murong Ye.
He thought Ouyang Shaochen would be his future brother-in-law. After all, he shared a room and a bed with his sister. That was the intimacy between husband and wife.
If Ouyang Shaochen became his brother-in-law, he could take good care of his younger sister and often teach him sword moves, which served double purposesâŚ
But his sister seemed not having that kind feeling for Ouyang, but how could she let Ouyang sleep in her room?
Murong Ye was puzzled. Just as he was about to ask her politely, a servant came up at a brisk pace and said, âYoung master, please go to the front hall and have some talks with your second uncle.â
Murong Jianâs command was definitely not a good thing!
Murong Ye curled his lips and said casually, âWhatâs the matter with him?â
âYoung master, a guest has come to the mansion. Your second uncle wants you to go to the front hall to accompany the guest.â The servant replied respectfully.
Murong Jianâs friends were all birds of a feather. He had no heart to go to the front hall to pretend politeness and compliance to them!
Murong Ye disdained and hummed lightly, saying leisurely, âI have something to do tonight, so I wonât be able to go thereâŚâ
âWellâŚâ The servant frowned and was about to open his mouth to exhort. At that time, a familiar voice sounded, âCousin, what are you busy with? You donât even have time to eat with me?â
Murong Ye looked up and saw Murong Ji swaggering came in, his canthus and brow filled with arrogance!
Murong Yeâs dark-jade eyes narrowed and he said casually, âItâs some trivial things in the barracks, which need to be carefully sorted out. You have never been to the barracks and I guess you couldnât understandâŚâ
Murong Xueâs eyes brightened and she looked at Murong Ye in surprise. He actually learned to innuendo people. It was really not easy. It seemed that barracks could really train peopleâŚ
Murong Jiâs face was slightly gloomy. Just a monthâs experience in the barracks and look at him! What could he be proud of? Murong Ji himself would soon be able to enter the barracks too, âToday the guest is an old family friend. As the marquis, it makes no sense you refuse to goâŚâ
Murong Ye disagreed, âI think second uncle alone is capable of entertaining the guest. He is my elder. Itâs reasonable to let him entertain guestsâŚâ
âBut the guest named to see you!â Murong Ji said flatly and looked at Murong Ye with his eyebrows raised.
âIt that so?â Murong Yeâs eyes were faint. He was the marquis and would come into contact with many civil and military officials in the future whether he entered the imperial court or stayed at the barracks. He also planned to meet those elders who had a good relationship with his father. âIâll go to the front hall.â
Murong Ye put down the bowl and chopsticks, stood up leisurely and solemnly told Murong Xue, âKeep the food for me and Iâll be back soon.â
âOkay.â Murong Xue nodded and looked at the figure of Murong Ye walking away gradually. Her bland eyes narrowed slightly: In order to seize Murong Yeâs position as the marquis, Lady Du had been trying every mean to block Murong Yeâs contact with various family friends. How could they offer to let Murong Ye contact with them this time? Something was not quite rightâŚ
Murong Xueâs eyes sank. She quickly stepped out of the Falling Snow Pavilion and ran after them two.
On the smooth bluestone road, Murong Ye and Murong Ji walked side by side. Murong Jiâs eyes flashed and whispered, âCousin, what do you usually do in the barracks?â
âArchery, sword practice and troop deployment⌠You will know when you enter the barracksâŚâ Murong Yeâs casual tone was perfunctory.
Murong Jiâs face was sullen and his chest was filled with anger. However, he choked back his anger and said in a low voice, âCousin, are you used to the life in the barracks?â
âQuite good.â Murong Ye nodded and said casually, âI practice sword during the day and shoot arrows at night. Itâs tiring, so I naturally eat and sleep well at nightâŚâ
Eat and sleep well? Like a pig? Strictly speaking, Murong Ye was a stupid pig. After so long experience in the barracks, he had not seen any progress in his life except for his glib talk skills and his ability to ridicule people.
Foolish people would not become wiser even after much experience!
Murong Jiâs eyes flashed a trace of contempt, and he looked at the rockery pond near at hand. His mouth curved with a strange smile, and he exclaimed, âCousin, look, what fish is swimming in the pond?â
âDo we have fish in the pond?â Murong Ye said puzzled and looked up at the pond.
Murong Jiâs eyes were cold, he stretched out his hand to push Murong Ye intoâŚ\n