Chapter 438: Chapter 438: Become Her Blade
It had been many years since Feng Zhang had set foot on a battlefield.
Everyone had assumed he would remain at the Imperial College, living out his days in quiet stability.
That was why Ye Yunfeng was so surprised.
Feng Zhang didn’t hide it from him, simply nodding. "There’s nothing interesting about staying here."
He spoke with a casual air, but Ye Yunfeng could see a torrent of emotions swirling deep in his eyes.
After a moment’s hesitation, Ye Yunfeng asked softly, "Is this... because of General Huo?"
Feng Zhang’s hand slowly brushed over the sword at his waist.
The scabbard was heavy, its relief carvings grand and unadorned. Just looking at it, one could almost feel its sharp, piercing intent.
Ye Yunfeng had hit the nail on the head.
After a long silence, Feng Zhang finally said, "The dead can’t be brought back to life, but a debt must always be repaid."
He, too, was involved in Huo Yucheng’s death.
For the past few years, he had tried to console himself, telling himself those events weren’t what he thought, that he had no direct connection to them.
But in truth, he knew in his heart that he owed far too much to Huo Yucheng and those eighty thousand soldiers.
If only he had thought more, been more cautious, more vigilant—would the outcome have been different?
Day and night, the guilt and self-reproach buried deep in Feng Zhang’s heart had grown, until it finally erupted.
"Huo Yucheng was once stationed in Xia City. He was extremely fond of the Yellow Stone Wine there. I’ll go and drink a jug in his stead. As for this Capital City..."
Feng Zhang glanced around, then smiled, a look of release on his face.
"There’s nothing worth staying for!"
Wealth and glory had never interested him.
Now, it was his turn to atone.
Voicing these long-suppressed feelings brought him a great sense of relief.
Feng Zhang looked at Ye Yunfeng again.
He truly did admire this young man.
He had originally planned to cultivate his talents, but now, it seemed he wouldn’t get the chance.
A wave of regret washed over him, and he found himself looking at Ye Yunfeng much more favorably. For the moment, he decided not to dwell on the trouble the boy had caused in the past.
"You came to see me today for a reason, didn’t you?"
Feng Zhang clapped Ye Yunfeng’s shoulder magnanimously.
"Just say the word! I’ve already spoken with the Lord Sacrificial Officer; the transfer orders will be issued tomorrow. While I’m still here, if there’s anything I can do to help, I will!"
His words were undeniably sincere.
Anyone else who received such appreciation and support would be endlessly grateful.
Ye Yunfeng was no exception.
He gazed at Feng Zhang, his eyes fervent.
’My sister said that some people go their whole lives without ever meeting such a benefactor.’
’I have to seize this opportunity!’
"Lord Master, this student does indeed have a favor to ask of you."
Feng Zhang glanced at him.
’This kid is rarely so polite,’ Feng Zhang thought. ’Although he’s trying his best to hide it, I can tell he’s quite nervous.’
’It seems he’s worried I’ll refuse him.’
Feng Zhang immediately waved a hand dismissively. "Out with it!"
Unable to hide his excitement and trepidation, Ye Yunfeng took a step forward.
"Lord Master, can you take me with you?"
Feng Zhang: "..."
Feng Zhang: ???
He snapped back to his senses, finally certain that Ye Yunfeng had, in fact, just spoken.
And what he’d said was utter nonsense!
"What the hell are you talking about!" Feng Zhang finally lost his composure and aimed a kick at him. "You little brat, how old are you?! You want to join the army!? You’re not big, but your nerve is something else!"
"Hey—"
Ye Yunfeng twisted slightly, letting Feng Zhang’s kick land on him but deflecting the force so that it slid off.
It looked like he’d been kicked, but in reality, it didn’t hurt at all.
Still, he winced and grimaced. "Lord Master, weren’t you the one who told me to speak? If you’re willing, you’re willing. If not, then not. Why resort to hitting a student?"
Feng Zhang laughed in exasperation.
Of course, he’d seen through Ye Yunfeng’s little trick just now. He was both surprised and amused.
He really had no idea where this kid learned such strange and bizarre moves. He was as slippery as an eel.
He couldn’t be bothered to argue, and simply smacked the back of Ye Yunfeng’s head.
"Who told you to say such nonsense! What kind of place do you think Xia City is? It’s a border fortress! Enemy troops attack every so often, and battles are a common occurrence! One moment of carelessness and you’ll leave your life behind! Is that a place for you?"
Ye Yunfeng took the blow without flinching. Instead, he stubbornly lifted his head.
"If you can go, why can’t this student!?"
"You—"
Feng Zhang was about to retort but was met by a pair of resolute, unyielding eyes.
A fierce flame seemed to burn in the depths of the boy’s dark eyes, carrying a courage that could sweep away everything in its path.
For a moment, Feng Zhang was speechless. The words caught in his throat.
"I know the border is harsh and cold, and I know it’s fraught with danger. But so what?"
Ye Yunfeng clenched his fists, speaking word by word.
"In these past years, I’ve probably seen more dead people than most new army recruits!"
Feng Zhang was stunned.
He had forgotten. This boy before him had indeed clawed his way back from the brink of death.
Unlike the coddled, privileged young masters of the Imperial College, he had already suffered immensely and become accustomed to the sight of death.
"In five days, I’ll be thirteen years old."
Ye Yunfeng held his breath, meeting his gaze steadily.
"Did you know that when my older sister fled south all those years ago—alone, with our third brother, me, and Xiao Wu, who was still a babe in swaddling clothes—she was barely fourteen?"
Feng Zhang opened his mouth but didn’t know what to say.
He could feel Ye Yunfeng’s powerful will. In a situation like this, nothing anyone else said could dissuade him.
Besides, what Ye Yunfeng had said was all true.
The blood and storms he had personally experienced had long since seeped into his very bones, becoming a part of his resilient and courageous nature.
Feng Zhang was silent for a good while before finally asking, "Does your sister know about this?"
Ye Yunfeng faltered, but ultimately shook his head honestly.
"I haven’t told her yet."
He’d actually had this idea for a long time. With each and every incident they encountered in the Capital City, the thought had grown stronger day by day.
Finally, the moment he learned that Xiao Chengxuan, despite his many crimes, had merely been demoted to a commoner, he could no longer suppress it!
’My sister said there’s no true fairness in this world.’
’There’s so much injustice, so much inequality!’
But all Ye Yunfeng knew was that he couldn’t accept it!
After this series of upheavals, he had come to a clear realization: relying on his sister alone was not enough.
He had never met anyone more capable than his sister, and yet, even so, she had strived for so long and sacrificed so much to achieve this result.
He had to become his sister’s strength, her sharpest blade.
A blade that could slay her enemies and, more importantly, protect her peace!
Feng Zhang frowned. "How could you not discuss something this major with her?"
Ye Yunfeng immediately seized on the key point. "Does that mean you agree?"
"You—"
Feng Zhang hesitated, finally saying,
"This matter requires her permission!"
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