Chapter 380: Past Affairs

Yan Yu was filled with exclamations.

He looked about the same age as her elder brother.

So strong?!

“Go inside and put on an extra layer, accompany your uncle, and don’t keep our noble guest waiting.”

Yan Huaiwen was eager to learn more about this Heir to Prince Ying.

In the previous life, this Heir Apparent died young, perishing on the battlefield.

The Consort of the Heir Apparent gave birth the following year, leaving behind an infant still in swaddling clothes, and then succumbed due to postpartum weakness.

Prince Ying, with affection for the young, raised him by his side, and when the former assumed the throne, things remained unchanged.

The latter grew to become the most favored Imperial Grandson^[1].

Meanwhile, the second prince at the time, currently Prince Ying’s three-year-old son, showed impressive capabilities upon entering the court. Though a bit rebellious in nature, his youthful arrogance was not considered a major flaw.

At that time, the court and the public longed for peace and stability, and everyone hoped the Emperor would establish a crown prince early to avoid future disputes.

Unfortunately, the Emperor’s stance was ambiguous.

He never issued an edict to promote the second prince to crown prince.

The discord between the Emperor and Empress was an open secret.

Everyone knew that the Emperor likely favored the most beloved Imperial Grandson.

Back then, Yan Huaiwen stood firm in the court and cared little for claiming credit for acts of support.

Whoever took the throne or succeeded him, what difference did it make to him?

By the time the next Emperor ascended, he might have already retired from his official duties.

The second prince had the support of the court officials, the Imperial Grandson had the Emperor’s favor, inevitably setting them on a path to conflict.

But what did that matter to him?

Yan Huaiwen was without heirs, alone in the world.

Rather than investing in either, it was better to cultivate and empower more promising young talents within the court.

Having long held a position of power and even manipulated the succession of the throne, he had lost his sense of reverence…

Whoever sits on the throne is irrelevant. All things have their laws and balance, and governing the country has its rules. Even the true Son of Heaven^[2] cannot act on whims!

He saw promise in Prince Ying back then and strongly supported his rise, not because of any exceptional capability, but because of his compassion for the elderly and weak, and his kind nature.

The imperial power is distant from the common people.

Having an Emperor who understands the hardships of the people is a blessing for them.

As his thoughts gradually withdrew, Yan Huaiwen’s gaze once again fell on the Heir to Prince Ying before him, with a newfound curiosity and scrutiny.

In his previous life, having no ties or concerns, he acted without many worries.

But today, with his entire family intact, he must restrain his sharpness, act cautiously and thoroughly, ensuring that every step he takes is steady.

…

“Heir Apparent, this is the Bamboo Crossbow used in the village.” Yan Huaiwen once again invited the Heir to Prince Ying into the Arrow Tower and opened the cellar below.

The Heir to Prince Ying glanced at the youngest member of the Yan family.

Yan Yu returned the look with a shy and bashful smile.

Yan Huaiwen did not offer further explanation, instead observing the Heir to Prince Ying’s reaction.

“This is crafted in imitation of the army’s Iron Crossbow,” the Heir Apparent affirmed, handling it and firing two arrows, quickly grasping its essence. “It’s not the equal of the Iron Crossbow, but among the people, it’s undoubtedly a powerful weapon.”

Yan Yu stood to the side, slightly lowering her head.

On one hand, she listened as the Heir Apparent and her uncle debated the differences between Iron Crossbows and Bamboo Crossbows, their costs, and further extended the discussion to the advantages of Bamboo Crossbows in hunting, as well as large siege weaponry like ballistae and Zhuge Crossbows^[3].

On the other, she reflected on the words her uncle had just shared with her.

Deeply regretting her lack of foresight.

Her uncle explained that the Bamboo Crossbow had already been revealed to the Gufeng city defense troops. Although it was under the cover of darkness, the proximity to the observers, if they were attentive, would immediately highlight differences from longbows.

Those in the army are especially sensitive to such differences.

While at Crouching Tiger, Gufeng’s representatives had inquired, only refraining from pursuing the matter further due to his busy duties.

Since it couldn’t be concealed, it was crucial to choose the best time and person to report the matter.

Yan Yu understood; it meant maximizing benefits.

The Heir to Prince Ying was of esteemed status, and in advocating for Xiao’an Village citizens to join the army based on merit, he was indeed generous, making him the ideal candidate.

At this moment when reporting victories, the improvement in military equipment was a significant accomplishment, an opportune moment.

Yan Huaiwen, well-versed in numerous topics, spoke with authority.

His insights often stunned, cutting to the heart of matters, with his charisma and extraordinary demeanour.

The Heir Apparent held him in high esteem, becoming increasingly humble and courteous in his conduct.

Yan Yu listened intently as the Heir Apparent turned her desire for a reward of silver into a joking matter with her uncle, swiftly raising her head to gauge her uncle’s reaction.

Yan Huaiwen smiled slightly, speaking in a warm tone, “Heir Apparent, you jest; we are humble folk. If we can receive silver to supplement our household, it would be most delightful.”

The Heir Apparent paused, then replied with understanding, “Sir, with your great talents, you naturally need not concern yourself with such minor merits. Your success in the imperial examinations is just around the corner. However… should you have a brother or a son, reporting in their name might…”

Yan Huaiwen politely declined the Heir to Prince Ying’s proposal.

The Heir to Prince Ying did not bring it up again.

…

Yan Lao’er squatted in a circle with a group of men from the village.

Among them were quite a few who huddled with their shoulders hunched, hands in their pockets, their heads bowed. They looked so honest it made Yan Lao’er anxious. With men like that, if they wanted to join the military, he’d have to stop them.

“Quickly, let’s talk about this. We didn’t think about the issue of military service before. We won’t be able to escape it in the future, not just in Guanzhou. It’ll be the same wherever we go; every few years, we’ll have to deal with it. On the bright side, if we’re stationed nearby, there’s now a chance to become a Squad Leader or Platoon Commander. In the future, whoever from our village serves can look out for each other. That’s a good thing.”

“Yan Lao’er, then who should we send?” Luo San asked.

A group of men raised their heads, all indicating they wanted Yan Lao’er to make the selection.

Yan Lao’er: …

Why do I worry so much!

But he still said, “Those who are too honest shouldn’t go; we need someone clever.” He scanned the group and felt a headache. None of them seemed particularly smart.

The men looked at each other, then all turned their gaze to Yan Lao’er.

Yan Lao’er: …

Lower your heads, all those looks!

“Don’t look at me. I just became a student of a teacher, our Crouching Tiger City’s big lord. Come spring next year, I’ll have to take the exams and maybe even bring back a Tongsheng title.”

“Why didn’t Qi Da and the others come?” Sun Erdan looked towards the Qi Family’s courtyard.

“Big Brother Qi and the others can’t do it; they’re too naive and would get bullied to death in the army,” Luo Er bluntly said.

Suddenly, Yan Lao’er’s eyes lit up.

“Luo Er, you, yes, you. You’re one of them.”

Luo Er backed away immediately.

“Not me, not me. Old San, Old San, you go.” He squeezed towards Luo San.

Luo San dodged him like avoiding a disaster, fleeing hurriedly, “Oh heavens, big brother, stay away from me. Don’t choose me. I’m not going…”

Yan Lao’er thought: What kind of world is this where no one wants to be an officer?

He immediately put on a stern face.

“Alright, that’s enough. What are you doing? Being an officer means you’ll be in command of several people, have a salary, and be respected. Why are you acting like it’s something terrible?”

“Here’s what we’ll do: when the Northern Rong came, didn’t you group together with door panels? Each team pushes one person forward, and then we’ll pick from them.”

Author Note:

This chapter has undergone several revisions to lay out Old Yan’s background before his rebirth.

It took a few hours, but I managed to finish it. o(╥﹏╥)o

Old Yan before rebirth: As a power-holder, emperors may come and go, but I remain steadfast.

Old Yan after rebirth: I must remain as steady as an old dog^[4], to protect my family’s safety.

(End of Chapter)