TNIBFT -Chapter 207 If the City Stands, I Stand; If It Falls, I Fall

Accompany Meng Yuquan on a stroll?

Ye Yunting’s eyes flickered—clearly, he was willing.

You had to know, even when Ye Shuangxue wanted to go shopping, Ye Yunting would refuse outright and never accompany his little sister. Yet now, he had such a good impression of Meng Yuquan?

Ye Tian narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing him.

Feeling guilty under the gaze, Ye Yunting said, “Getting close to Meng Yuquan isn’t for personal reasons—it’s for the grand plan of peace in Sifang City.”

Afraid Ye Tian wouldn’t believe him, a suspicious blush crept onto his small face as he added, “Mainly… for the peace talks.”

The eldest kept a serious, poker-faced expression.

Ye Tian didn’t believe a word.

While hurriedly packing things away, Ye Tian said, “Then I’ll go with you. Not because I’m afraid my son might get abducted—mainly to ensure your safety.”

Ye Yunting smiled.

His chubby little face looked even more childish when he smiled.

Seeing Ye Tian stuffing things under the bed, Ye Yunting thoughtfully suggested, “Dad, I think you should put them in the cabinet and lock them up. My younger brother and sister both know you hide your valuables under the bed.”

“Is that so?”

…

Early the next morning.

The snow had cleared, and it was a rare fine day. Stretching lazily, Ye Tian walked toward the hot pot restaurant hall.

He had to get up early.

Because today, Meng Yuquan might invite the eldest out at any moment. He had to keep watch and figure out what Meng Yuquan was really planning.

Meng Yuquan—the son-in-law of the Left Chancellor of Great Zhou.

Rumored to be handsome, fond of women, and skilled in poetry.

But from what he saw yesterday, the person had delicate skin, no Adam’s apple, and a frame noticeably smaller than a man’s—very obvious feminine traits. As a modern man who had seen plenty of women, how could he fail to recognize someone disguised as a man?

So what exactly was Meng Yuquan’s true purpose?

Ye Tian couldn’t figure it out.

Just as he entered the hall, breakfast had already been prepared. Several staff members, along with Duan Qingshan and the others, were busy setting out the meal.

“Thump, thump, thump—”

The staircase on the second floor shook as if an earthquake were happening.

Ye Tian looked up and saw Xiao Xun’er rushing down from upstairs. Her high ponytail swayed with her steps. Today, she was dressed in a fitted outfit, looking spirited and heroic.

Not at all embarrassed by everyone staring at her, Xiao Xun’er strode forward boldly, stepped onto a nearby chair, tilted her head back, and gulped down several mouthfuls of warm millet porridge.

Then she grabbed a bun from the table and started devouring it like a starving ghost.

Yuan Heipang, with a white towel draped over his shoulder, muttered softly, “My chair…”

Xiao Xun’er shot him a glare.

Yuan Heipang immediately shrank his neck like a bullied underling and retreated to the side in grievance.

Ye Tian said, “Hero, eating this much today—planning to rob the rich and help the poor?”

“Pfft!”

Xiao Xun’er burst out laughing, turning her head to cough a few times.

Ye Tian continued, “Haven’t seen you these past few days—what grand scheme have you been plotting?”

The others in the hall were also full of curiosity.

Xiao Xun’er’s eyes darted around. Seeing everyone looking at her, she immediately grew excited. Turning to Ye Tian, she said mysteriously, “I’ve got good news for you.”

A smile played on her lips.

Her bright almond-shaped eyes were full of joy, dimples faintly visible as her lips curled upward.

If she was this happy, it had to be great news.

Everyone leaned in, waiting for her to continue. Xiao Xun’er set down the porcelain bowl of millet porridge with a carefree motion and announced cheerfully:

“My father is back!”

What?

Everyone in the room looked at each other, wide-eyed—no one could laugh.

Xiao Xun’er lifted her chin, idly twirling a strand of hair in front of her chest. “What? The City Lord is back, someone’s finally in charge again. As citizens of Sifang City, shouldn’t you be happy?”

The crowd avoided her gaze.

One after another, they lowered their heads.

The atmosphere turned awkward. Ye Tian said, “Of course you’re happy your father’s back. He’s not our father—why should we be happy?”

Xiao Xun’er frowned, but after thinking about it, she found his words reasonable and didn’t argue.

Seeing that no one seemed to welcome Xiao Haoyang’s return, she didn’t stay long. She strode toward the door, but just as she was about to leave, she suddenly turned back and looked at Ye Tian.

“Oh, right. My father has had dealings with the chief eunuch Gao Defu for years. His backing in the capital is connected to Gao Defu. You all… be careful.”

With that, Xiao Xun’er stepped out of the hotpot restaurant.

Ye Tian let out a sigh.

Of all times, Xiao Haoyang had chosen now to return.

That old fox had clearly realized that Sifang City was safe again—Da Zhou wouldn’t start a war, and the refugee crisis had been resolved—so he came scurrying back.

“Boss…”

“Boss, I…” Yuan Heipang hesitated, his face full of worry. Xiao Haoyang knew Gao Defu—if he kept up his disguise, he’d definitely be exposed. And once that happened, he’d be paraded through the streets and executed. Just imagining it made him shudder.

Ye Tian frowned, also thinking about what to do next.

Old Yang dragged Yuan Heipang away. “The boss is figuring something out.”

“Aren’t I here to protect you? What are you scared of!”

Only then did Yuan Heipang calm down a little.

…

Meanwhile—

Inside the City Lord’s residence.

Xiao Haoyang led a grand procession through the city gates. The entire city witnessed his return. But unlike when the envoy from Da Zhou arrived—when the citizens filled the streets and knelt in welcome—there was silence when he left, and now, upon his return, no one paid him any attention.

“Smash!”

“Crash—!”

The sharp sound of porcelain shattering rang out, followed by a series of furious crashes.

Inside the main hall, veins bulged on Xiao Haoyang’s forehead. He swept the tableware to the ground in one motion, but it still didn’t ease his anger, so he continued smashing the exquisite decorations in the hall.

The maids, Ji Zhengping, Xiao Tianyi, and the others stood in silence, too frightened to make a sound.

“Tao Lichun is quite capable!”

Xiao Haoyang panted heavily, his sharp gaze sweeping across the room as he sneered, “In today’s Sifang City, people know only Tao Lichun—not me, Xiao Haoyang.”

“I am the City Lord personally appointed by the Son of Heaven. This is a blatant insult to imperial authority!”

“Taking advantage of my absence to receive the envoy from Da Zhou ahead of time—and even Gao Defu, the chief eunuch, has been won over by Ye Tian and his group. What are they trying to do? Replace me?”

Xiao Tianyi’s eyes turned vicious as he stepped forward. “Father, you are the City Lord. In Sifang City, deciding who lives or dies is just a matter of a word, isn’t it?”

“For example… Ye Tian?”

Tao Lichun’s daughter, Tao Ling’er, admired Ye Tian. She often brought him food, clothes, and shoes. Rumors spread throughout the city, and the people regarded them as a perfect match, a couple made in heaven.

Tao Ling’er was a woman Xiao Tianyi had failed to obtain.

So Ye Tian couldn’t be allowed to have her either.

At that moment, Xiao Xun’er, who had been excitedly rushing toward the entrance, suddenly stopped when she heard Xiao Tianyi’s words. The smile on her face vanished as she stepped into the hall.

“Father!”

Hearing the movement behind him, Xiao Haoyang turned around. Seeing his daughter, whom he hadn’t seen for many days, the anger on his face faded, replaced by joy. He looked at her with affection and smiled.

“Xun’er, you’re back.”

Seeing her usually doting father now looking worn, with white at his temples, Xiao Xun’er’s nose stung. She rushed forward, clutching his arm tightly as she said emotionally:

“Father, we’re not leaving anymore.”

“If the city stands, I stand. If the city falls, I fall!”