IDWBE -Chapter 364 Those Bird-Men Flying About

Truly—ever since Hong Ying left, Lin Yi hadn’t had a single proper night’s sleep.

A Grandmaster’s endurance far surpassed that of ordinary men. When in seclusion, going without food or sleep was common; they could endure far more than most. But if there was nothing pressing—who would willingly torment themselves? Only a fool would.

So eating, drinking, and sleeping soundly—that was the proper way to live.

The moon hung high in the sky.

Lin Yi couldn’t sleep. Reclining in a chair, he took occasional sips of wine.

Mingyue and Zixia stood on either side of him, waving their bamboo swatters. Quick-eyed and quick-handed, each swing crushed several mosquitoes at once.

The woven bamboo paddles were smeared dark red with blood.

“No need to keep swatting. There aren’t that many mosquitoes,” Lin Yi said after another sip. “No need to tire yourselves.”

“This servant isn’t tired,” Mingyue replied with a smile.

Lin Yi was about to speak again when a figure suddenly appeared before him.

For a moment, he thought he’d drunk too much and was seeing things. He rubbed his eyes repeatedly.

It was indeed Hong Ying.

“Chief Steward—”

Mingyue and Zixia stared in disbelief.

They hadn’t expected him to return so suddenly.

“Greetings, Your Highness.”

Hong Ying approached, bent low, and knelt, kowtowing three times with resounding thuds.

“I thought you were dead,” Lin Yi snapped. “No news for so long. If you’d come back a few days later, I would’ve set up a memorial tablet for you.”

“I deserve punishment,” Hong Ying said with a grin. “Please discipline me, Your Highness.”

“I really did want to beat you to death,” Lin Yi grumbled. “Damn it. Leaving without even saying a word.”

Hong Ying rose, poured wine into Lin Yi’s cup, then gestured for Mingyue and Zixia to withdraw. After they left, he smiled and said, “This humble one’s death would be nothing. I only feared Your Highness might lack someone to attend you.”

Lin Yi snorted. “Two-legged toads are hard to find. Two-legged men are everywhere. Do you think I’d lack attendants? Now speak. Where have you been all this time? Why not a single message?”

“Reporting to Your Highness,” Hong Ying said, “I was in Chuan Province. I was no match for Jingyi. So I returned in defeat.”

“That simple?” Lin Yi said irritably. “You’ve been gone for months. Why so long?”

“The journey to Chuan Province is long. The mountain roads are difficult. I was delayed a bit. I’ve caused Your Highness concern.”

“Tell the truth. It can’t be that simple,” Lin Yi said coldly. “Do you take me for a child? Lie to me again and I truly won’t spare you.”

“How would I dare deceive Your Highness?” Hong Ying hesitated before forcing a smile. “My skills are ultimately lacking. I suffered a minor injury and needed time to recover before returning. However, rest assured—regarding the martial arts of Jizhao Nunnery, I’ve grasped most of it. Even if I can’t defeat them next time, they won’t have the advantage either.”

“You were injured?” Lin Yi frowned.

“It’s long healed,” Hong Ying said quickly. “See? Alive and well.”

Lin Yi tilted his head, examining him up and down. Nose, eyes, limbs—all intact.

Only then did he relax. “You still don’t know your own limits. Don’t show off next time. What’s the use of going alone? In the future, group fights are the true way.”

Of course—there were also his cannons.

Once the northern campaign proved the effectiveness of artillery against martial arts masters, once the frontier was pacified, the first thing he would do was march on Chuan Province.

He’d set up cannons right at the gates of Jizhao Nunnery.

If one wasn’t enough, then hundreds.

If hundreds weren’t enough, then thousands!

He had no shortage of craftsmen. No shortage of silver.

He refused to believe he couldn’t blast those flying bird-men out of the sky!

“Your Highness is wise,” Hong Ying said, emboldened by Lin Yi’s easing expression. “Where Your Highness’ banners point, victory is assured.”

“Hmph,” Lin Yi rolled his eyes. “Spare me the flattery. You’ve changed. Hiding things from me now. If there are matters you won’t say, I won’t press you—but you’d best know what you’re doing. Rest tonight. Tomorrow at dawn, you’ll enter the palace and take up the seal of the Directorate of Ceremonial. I trust no one else.”

“Your Highness,” Hong Ying said with a smile, “Xiao Xizi may be somewhat rash, but he’s grown more measured in his actions. Perhaps let him remain in the palace. I’ll stay by Your Highness’ side and serve you.”

“You trust him that much?” Lin Yi sighed.

He understood Hong Ying well.

Yet he was surprised. As a eunuch, Hong Ying seemed to have no craving for power.

And Lin Yi did not believe it was an act.

Hong Ying knelt again. “I raised that child myself, taught him carefully. I admit a little personal affection—but his loyalty to Your Highness is absolute.”

“If not for his loyalty to me, would I have let him manage the palace?” Lin Yi snorted. “Still, the boy’s getting a bit carried away lately. You’d better discipline him well. If he commits some unforgivable blunder and earns universal hatred, I won’t be able to save him.”

Sometimes, out of human nature, Lin Yi felt genuine affection for those around him.

But history’s lessons kept him wary.

People always said what he liked to hear. If he wasn’t careful, he might lose sight of reality.

“Yes,” Hong Ying bowed his head. “I’ll keep a close eye on the little bastard. If he steps out of line, I won’t spare him.”

Lin Yi glanced at him, then stood and stretched. “You… I don’t even know what to say. Rest early.”

“Respectfully seeing Your Highness off.”

Only after Lin Yi entered his chamber did Hong Ying turn and look at Pan Duo, who slowly emerged from behind a corridor pillar.

“Bold as a dog. You dare eavesdrop?”

“I wouldn’t dare,” Pan Duo bowed. “I sensed someone entering the grounds. When I came and saw it was Chief Steward, I intended to leave. But since you did not expose me, I remained—awaiting your instruction.”

Hong Ying’s face was expressionless. “If you have something to say, say it. I have little patience.”

“There is one matter I cannot decide,” Pan Duo said carefully. “Xiao Xizi killed Lai Ru. I do not know whether to report it to His Highness.”

“She was nothing but a maid who didn’t know her place,” Hong Ying said coldly. “His Highness bears heavy burdens each day. Must such trivial matters trouble him? The prince keeps you to handle affairs. If everything requires his judgment, what use are you?”

“I understand.”

Pan Duo bowed and withdrew.

If the prince ever took issue with it, the blame would not fall on him.