TNIBFT -Chapter 117 Asking Big Brother About This Is Useless

“Teacher once taught us: to establish a heart for Heaven and Earth, to secure a destiny for the people, to carry forward the lost knowledge of past sages, and to open peace for all generations. Each of us has been striving to do this—but what about you, teacher?”

For ten years, the teacher has ignored the affairs of the world, hiding away in Sifang City.

Shouldn’t a man place the world above all else?

Isn’t it every person’s duty to care for the rise and fall of the nation?

They could all work for the welfare of the people. Tao Lichun, full of wisdom and talent, allowed himself to sink into despair, doing nothing at all.

One of the men in jade-crowned robes stood abruptly, anger flashing in his eyes, and challenged Tao Lichun.

The others were startled, quickly rising to hold back Zhao Kang and bowing respectfully to Tao Lichun. “Teacher, Zhao Kang doesn’t mean it like that.”

“He only wants you to come out of seclusion. The world is entering a time of chaos, the people are suffering, and Zhao Kang has their welfare at heart, so—”

Tao Lichun raised his hand, cutting them off.

He covered his mouth and began to cough violently.

“Cough… cough… cough…”

Ye Yunting hadn’t even stepped inside yet, but he heard his master coughing from outside the door. His small face creased, and in a few quick steps, he approached the study. “Sir, I’ve come in.”

After less than two breaths, Ye Yunting pushed open the door.

Swish!

Swish!

For a moment, every gaze fell on Ye Yunting—filled with doubt, scrutiny, and curiosity.

Ye Yunting’s clear eyes swept over everyone. He nodded politely, then hurried to Tao Lichun’s side, quickly pouring tea for him, patting his master’s back with his small hands. “Master, have some tea first to ease yourself.”

Tao Lichun nodded and took the tea Ye Yunting offered.

After a small sip, he finally recovered enough to look at the people seated opposite him. “This is my final disciple, Ye Yunting. I have no other requests—only one: in this Sifang City junior official selection, I want Ye Yunting to participate.”

What?

Everyone’s eyes widened in shock, and some frowned in confusion. “Teacher, how old is he?”

“Yes, even though this is just the junior official selection, it’s not something to joke about.”

“We could agree, but what about the citizens and scholars of Sifang City? Would they accept it?”

“Teacher doing this… isn’t it—”

Tao Lichun held Ye Yunting’s small hand, looking sternly at everyone. “Yunting has a photographic memory. In two to three months, he can memorize the Four Books. At such a young age, he is incredibly gifted and can integrate knowledge deeply. Since you doubt him, I see no need to attend the exam as chief examiner or accept the court’s appointment myself.”

“Yunting, see them out!”

After saying this, Tao Lichun waved wearily, turned his back, and didn’t speak another word.

The others scratched their heads anxiously, exchanging helpless glances.

Ye Yunting stepped forward, bowing politely. “Honorable sirs, my master is tired. Please take your leave.”

His voice was calm and firm.

Despite his small frame, he stood straight and performed the bow flawlessly. He appeared only four or five years old. Though exceptional, wasn’t the teacher joking by having him do this?

After all, the entire Liang Dynasty had never seen a four- or five-year-old official.

“Sigh…”

Some sighed, some remained frozen in place. The Imperial City had long been trying every means to find Tao Lichun, to persuade him to serve the Liang Dynasty. Tao Lichun was the foremost scholar of the realm; his influence and authority were unmatched.

Moreover, Tao Lichun had disciples all over the world, which put them in a difficult position.

“I promise the teacher!”

Zhao Kang spoke up, and everyone was shocked, turning to look at him.

Zhao Kang continued, “This is just an official selection; it must be based on real ability. If Yunting doesn’t pass the assessment, the teacher will still have to honor the agreement.”

“As long as it’s fair and just, I have nothing to say.”

Tao Lichun replied calmly.

Everyone glanced suspiciously at Ye Yunting, then breathed a sigh of relief. Fortunately, Tao Lichun wasn’t asking them to cheat or force Ye Yunting to pass. If that had been the case, they would have had no choice but to comply.

As it stood, this was the best outcome.

One by one, the others left, leaving only Tao Lichun and Ye Yunting in the study.

Tao Lichun stood with his hands behind his back, looking up at the portraits of sages on the wall. He was silent for a long while, and Ye Yunting quietly stood behind him.

“Yunting, do you know why I had you participate in the official selection?”

Ye Yunting’s eyes flickered, and he cupped his fists: “I do not know.”

Tao Lichun turned to look at Ye Yunting’s small head, his eyes full of affection: “A time of chaos is coming. The world will descend into disorder. You and I, master and disciple, have no power or influence—like stray dogs and chickens, we will be at the mercy of others.”

“Yunting, you are the only person I can truly trust.”

Tao Lichun laughed wryly at this, thinking of a lifetime spent studying the sages’ teachings and teaching thousands of disciples, and yet in the end, he only had a five-year-old child he could trust.

“It will be hard on you. I’ve never liked scheming or competing with others, but you are only five years old. I shouldn’t have dragged you into this… but in a chaotic age, no one can remain untouched.” Tao Lichun said with a tinge of regret.

“Master, you have to protect Sister Ling’er. I have to protect my younger siblings and my father. I’m very grateful that you’ve given me this opportunity. I will do my utmost to pass the assessment.”

Ye Yunting’s small face was serious, his gaze resolute.

Tao Lichun nodded with relief. “Do not worry too much. You have me behind you. Whatever happens, I will help you navigate it, and so will Ye Tian. Ye Tian is no ordinary person; your matters are his matters.”

“I only hope that you, I, and Ye Tian together can protect our family and survive in this chaotic world.”

Tao Lichun spoke softly, his eyes staring out the window, lost in thought.

…

Ye Yunting stayed in the study for an hour. By the time he came out, the school had already started lunch.

When school ended in the afternoon, Tao Lichun called Ye Yunting again. Ye Shuangxue and Xiao Jiang were waiting at the door for their elder brother.

Outside the school, the snowfield stretched as far as the eye could see, pure and white.

Ye Shuangxue sat on a stone bench at the gate, resting her cheek in her hand, watching Xiao Jiang picking withered grass by the roadside. She asked, “I wonder what Master and Big Brother were talking about?”

“Could it be… asking Big Brother if he’s willing to let Sister Ling’er become our stepmother?”

The thought made the little girl spring up from the bench in panic. “Big Brother wouldn’t agree, would he?”

“I don’t want a stepmother. Come on, Xiao Jiang, let’s go take a look.”

Xiao Jiang had a piece of withered grass in his mouth. After spitting it out and frowning, he looked at his sister: “Asking Big Brother won’t help. This should be asked of Ye Tian.”

Right!

“Shuangxue, Xiao Jiang!”

Just as Ye Shuangxue was anxious, Tao Ling’er’s voice came from behind. Ye Shuangxue turned and saw Tao Ling’er walking toward them with a small basket, smiling as she handed it to Ye Shuangxue: “These are the dumplings I made. Ye Tian doesn’t know how to cook. Today is the Winter Solstice Festival. You can take these home for him to try.”

Huh?

Ye Shuangxue eyed Tao Ling’er cautiously.

“Take them quickly.” Tao Ling’er pressed the basket into Ye Shuangxue’s hands and continued, “Don’t forget, okay?”