TNIBFT -Chapter 120 The Stubborn Brat

Ye Yunting frowned at Ye Tian.

Ye Shuangxue and Xiao Jiang, who had been joking a moment ago, suddenly froze and turned to look at Ye Tian in surprise.

What’s going on today?

Usually, the eldest brother and Ye Tian were very polite and reserved—why did they suddenly want to share a bed?

Ye Shuangxue’s big eyes darted back and forth, first glancing at her eldest brother, then at Ye Tian, before she finally spoke: “I want to sleep with you too!”

Wrapping herself in a blanket, Ye Shuangxue climbed out of bed. She wore a pink inner garment, her soft hair cascading around her shoulders, adding an extra touch of childish charm. Her small, delicate face was like a finely carved jade figurine, her lips red, teeth white, and cheeks pink and adorable.

“Don’t you know that boys and girls shouldn’t touch like that?” Ye Tian said with a smile, looking at his daughter as he firmly refused.

Ye Shuangxue puffed out her cheeks, gave Ye Tian a big eye-roll, yanked the blanket over herself, and stubbornly went to sleep.

Xiao Jiang peeked at Ye Tian and the eldest brother, unsure what was going through their minds, then obediently lay down quietly without saying a word.

The candlelight flickered dimly in the night.

Ye Tian washed the dirty clothes he had changed out of, and once he saw the children were asleep, he quietly took the candlestick and walked toward his own bed. Hearing his footsteps, Ye Yunting opened his eyes, sat up, and looked at Ye Tian without a trace of sleepiness.

“Y-You… have something to say to me?”

Ye Yunting spoke first, his voice still young, though calm.

Ye Tian set down the candlestick, undressed as he spoke, and asked, “Do you know what officials do?”

Ye Yunting frowned. “They govern Sifang City and follow the orders of the city lord.”

“That’s not wrong either!” Ye Tian smiled and nodded. Then, wearing only his inner garments, he lay down and beckoned to his eldest son: “Good boy, my feet are cold. How about we sleep together tonight?”

Ye Tian looked at Ye Yunting with a face full of longing.

Ye Yunting’s face instantly flushed to his neck. Usually, Ye Tian only said such affectionate, playful things to his younger siblings. Hearing it directed at him felt frivolous, even scandalous—almost unbearable to his ears.

Seeing Ye Yunting lower his head, Ye Tian continued, “Oh, you’re not scared, are you?”

“When my son gets shy, he’s like a little girl,” Ye Tian teased, grinning.

Ye Yunting’s heart raced. He clenched the blanket with both small hands, pretending to stay calm as he said, “Who’s like a little girl?”

Then he lifted his blanket and lay down at Ye Tian’s feet.

Psychological tricks still work!

Ye Tian chuckled secretly, looking at the little bundle under the blanket, feeling a warm sensation in his heart.

Children are like little heaters—the moment they snuggle under the covers, it instantly gets warmer. Ye Tian shamelessly nudged his big feet closer to Ye Yunting. Ye Yunting scowled, letting Ye Tian’s slightly sour-smelling feet inch nearer, but he didn’t move a muscle.

Ye Tian felt gratified. “Raising children is great. When it really matters, you can always count on your son.”

“I know about a country where officials are called the servants of the people. Calling them officials isn’t quite right—they truly serve the people.”

“In that place, officials are supervised by the citizens…”

Ye Tian recalled news he had read online and spoke at length.

Ye Yunting listened, deep in thought.

What Ye Tian described was a world he had never seen before—a place where people were equal and free, with no war, no slavery, where everyone lived in peace and prosperity. Ye Yunting felt a yearning in his heart; if one day he had the power, he would try to build a city like that too.

“I just worry about you!”

Ye Tian suddenly changed his tone and spoke.

“You’re still too young. There’s too much scheming and deceit among adults. I’m afraid you can’t handle it, and even more, I’m afraid of watching my own son get hurt right in front of me.” Ye Tian’s tone was heavy and troubled.

Ye Yunting’s heart pounded wildly.

So Ye Tian was worried about him?

He had thought Ye Tian was angry because he didn’t inform him in advance about what he had promised the teacher.

He had misunderstood Ye Tian.

Feeling guilty, Ye Yunting treated Ye Tian even more kindly. He spoke, “I… don’t be sad. What the teacher said was either about handling official duties or striving for a kind of civil examination position. Even if the teacher isn’t around, I can still see officials without kneeling, and even without recommendations, I can pursue a career in government.” Ye Yunting finished speaking in one breath and accidentally touched Ye Tian’s large foot with his small hand.

The skin was cold. Ye Yunting thought for a moment, then loosened his inner garment, wrapping Ye Tian’s foot in it, holding Ye Tian’s ankle with both hands.

Ye Tian froze.

The foot felt soft and warm, with the smoothness of a child’s skin.

At that moment, it was as if countless warm currents surged from his feet straight into Ye Tian’s heart. No one had ever treated him like this. His nose tingled, his throat felt bitter, and his voice hoarse, he said, “Don’t catch a cold. My feet are cold.”

After speaking, Ye Tian lightly tried to pull his foot away.

Ye Yunting didn’t move, holding Ye Tian’s ankle tightly, remaining silent.

Unable to free himself, Ye Tian didn’t know what to say. Overwhelmed by the child’s gesture, he murmured to himself, “Naughty little boy!”

“The disobedient little brat.” As he spoke, tears slipped uncontrollably from the corners of his eyes onto the pillow.

“Father will definitely protect you all…”

…

In the schoolhouse.

The candlelight flickered. Tao Lichun’s shadow looked desolate as he stood by the window, motionless for a long time.

Tao Ling’er, wearing a white fur scarf, her delicate face flawless, held a steaming porcelain bowl in her hands, frowning as she looked toward the study window, a helpless expression on her face.

“Father, it’s time to take your medicine!”

After speaking, Tao Ling’er pushed open the wooden door of the study: creak! The stiff hinges groaned.

Tao Lichun turned, seeing his daughter entering. His expression softened considerably. The cold wind swept in, causing a tickle in his throat. He covered his mouth with his hand, bending over and coughing repeatedly.

“Father…”

Tao Ling’er, anxious, quickly put down the medicine bowl and reached out to support Tao Lichun.

Tao Lichun shook his head, coughing until he was out of breath. After a long moment, he finally caught his breath and said in a low voice, “It’s an old illness. Don’t worry.”

“Father…”

Tao Ling’er’s eyes glistened with tears. Seeing her father so thin, skin stretched over bones, aged, she felt sorrowful but didn’t know what to say.

“I know my own body, Ling’er. One day, everyone will face this. As long as you live well, I’ll have no regrets.” Tao Lichun held his daughter’s hand, speaking sincerely. Looking at her face, eight parts resembling his late wife, he felt a mix of emotions.

“Zhao Kang and Ye Tian are both good. These two have excellent character; in these chaotic times, they can be your support. I’ve also arranged for Yunting. This child is loyal and righteous; a drop of kindness will be repaid with a fountain of gratitude. It’s just a pity I can’t do more for him.” Speaking of Ye Yunting, Tao Lichun’s eyes were full of regret.

Ye Yunting was the best talent he had ever seen.

His future was limitless, but he was born ordinary, with no backing. Tao Lichun could help him as far as he could, and that would have to be enough.

“Father, as long as you are well, I’ll do whatever you ask of me.”

Tao Ling’er shook her head through her tears. Tao Lichun’s words were undoubtedly his final testament.

She had made so many mistakes before. Now, looking back, she felt foolish. Urgently, she said, “If Ye Tian is willing, I am also willing to marry Ye Tian.”