Chapter 129: The Pitiful Prime Minister Tang

Chapter 129: The Pitiful Prime Minister Tang

In his childhood, Ye Jiangbai was not so overbearing; he was a well-mannered and gentle child. Despite being younger than his peers, he often ranked first in the scholarly institution for noble sons.

Unfortunately, Ye's patriarch never praised him even once.

Initially, Ye Jiangbai thought it was because he hadn't done enough. So, in addition to topping the scholarly institution, he also passed the provincial examinations, the imperial examinations, and eventually became the top scholar. When the good news reached the Ye family, everyone was overjoyed and sang his praises, elevating him to unparalleled heights.

Little Ye Jiangbai looked expectantly at his father, who sat in the main seat. But the patriarch didn't even crack a smile; he seemed to be looking at someone else's child.

A child who strives but doesn't receive their parents' praise will feel hurt. If that praise still doesn't come despite their utmost efforts, resentment can grow. On the day of his birth mother's passing, Ye Jiangbai left the old family residence, establishing his own household with a vow to rise to the pinnacle and force his patriarch to acknowledge his mistakes, sincerely praising him to soothe his resentment!

After all these years of meticulous planning, he was only one step away from success. Yet, Ye's patriarch didn't wait for that final step.

With a scoff, Ye Jiangbai closed the window and muttered softly, "If you won't praise me, there are plenty others in this world who will. Your approval is not indispensable."

Feng Tingyun watched him with a hint of sympathy, but chose not to speak.

Someone as proud as Ye Jiangbai didn't need anyone's pity. It would be more meaningful to accompany him on his path to greatness than to merely pity him.

...

In his residence, Lord Tang sat in frustration, while his concubines wept beside him. "Master, didn't they say we could leave? Yet, as soon as we reached the foot of Three Saints Mountain, we were all sent back. With the prince's army closing in, what are we to do?"

"Yes, our young masters are still so young. They can't endure any hardships."

"Why are there guards outside then? Is Seventh Prince truly so ruthless that he plans to confine us here?"

The commotion only worsened Lord Tang's headache, prompting him to lash out, "Silence!"

He too wished to escape, but Huang Ningzhong was not someone he could intimidate, nor did he show favor to anyone. He only obeyed Seventh Prince, who now commanded troops to guard the area – leaving Lord Tang powerless.

Just as he was fretting, a servant rushed in to report, "Master, someone has delivered a letter."

"Ah?" Lord Tang eagerly took the letter and opened it, his face lighting up with joy.

"There's hope! The prince has sent someone to rescue us!" Rising from his seat, he gestured urgently, "Quickly, pack your things. Bring along the young masters and wait by the eastern gate when night falls."

Upon hearing this, the concubines immediately scattered, each one rushing to gather their jewelry or dowry.

"No nonsense! Just being able to leave unscathed is good enough!" Lord Tang slammed the table in anger.

Despite his frustration, the side gate was still filled with trunks of all sizes by evening. Helplessly, Lord Tang waited. Soon, someone indeed opened the gate.

"Lord Tang, please."

The crowd cheered, then quickly covered their mouths as they exited in an orderly line. Lord Tang got into the carriage and gratefully addressed the escort, "Thank you, Your Excellency, and also thank our Crown Prince! Once we're out of the city, this old man will mobilize my former disciples to serve the Prince."

The guide acknowledged him softly and drove the carriage through narrow alleys. As they neared the city gates, the carriage suddenly stopped.

"What's happening?" Lord Tang poked his head out but found no one at the reins. Instead, there were people standing ahead, each holding long sticks that didn't bode well.

"What are you doing? We're the ones the Crown Prince has come to rescue!"

The leader pulled down the brim of his hat and sternly replied, "Traitors."

He raised his staff and swung it down!

Screams erupted. Before Lord Tang could even attempt to run, he was pinned to the ground and beaten ruthlessly. His concubines weren't spared either; a short, dark-clothed man blocked their path, giving each a brutal blow. Chaos ensued in the alleyway, filled with cries and wails.

After the beating, the black-clad figures vanished without a trace. Huang Ningzhong arrived punctually with his men, escorting the entire group back to the Tang residence.

Individuals accustomed to privilege and comfort had never endured such humiliation. The concubines wailed uncontrollably, while Grand Tutor Tang's face turned ashen; he was utterly confused and fumed upon returning home.

The following day, another letter arrived, stating that the Crown Prince wished to fetch him personally.

Frustrated and suspicious, Tang grand tutor deliberated before deciding to follow the escort alone, accompanied by his steward.

This time, the escort successfully brought them to the city gates.

Overjoyed, Tang grand tutor promptly called out, "Quickly, fetch Young Master and Lady Concubine too!"

"Understood!"

As the entourage was assembled, Tang grand tutor turned joyfully, ready to express his gratitude to the escort.

However, upon turning, he found them gone once again.

His heart sank, and without hesitation, Tang grand tutor dashed forward, only to find his path blocked by the familiar black-clad figures. Once more, they delivered a sound beating, identical to the previous encounter.

"A trap, it's a trap!" Grand Tutor Tang raged, his eyes turning dark as he bellowed, "Who dares to toy with this old man?"

The black-clad figures still surrounded them, but the two, one tall and one short, who had struck, quickly retreated at lightning speed.

"Ha ha ha!" Mu Shufang removed her broad-brimmed hat, laughing as she ran, "How amusing, truly amusing!"

Beitang Miao ran alongside her, his expression neutral as he said, "It might not be appropriate to treat a respected official of two dynasties like this."

"Yes! A veteran of two reigns!" Mu Shufang nodded, looking at him and asking, "Should we go back and give him a few more punches so he knows his place?"

"..." Beitang Miao glanced at her, turned away, and couldn't help but curve his lips slightly.

To be honest, this method was rather crude, but he liked it. There was nothing more satisfying than feeling flesh under his fists, far better than making someone suffer in various ways. It was rare for the young lady of the Mu family to share his thoughts. After three strikes, even if there were really attendants from the crown prince coming to their rescue, Grand Tutor Tang would surely not leave anymore.

Chang Nian could rest a little easier.

When they reached a pavilion, Beitang Miao stopped.

There was a peddler selling flower garlands in the pavilion. He took a look, pursed his lips, and asked Mu Shufang, "Do young ladies like such things?"

Mu Shufang leaned in for a closer look and smiled knowingly. "Of course she would like it. General, are you thinking of getting one for Her Highness?"

After carefully selecting one and paying for it, Beitang Miao's eyes shimmered as he gently placed the flower crown into his sleeve. Only then did he say, "She never asks me for anything, and I have no idea what she likes."

Mu Shufang rubbed his chin, studying the general for a while before abruptly patting his shoulder. "Does the general have feelings for Her Highness?"

Beitang Miao fell silent and turned away.

"Even if you don't answer, I can already guess the answer. Why be shy?" Mu Shufang chuckled. "If you truly like her, tell me about it. Perhaps I can assist you, being a queen myself."

"…You're the Empress," Beitang Miao frowned. "How could an empress help someone win the favor of a prince?"