TNIBFT -Chapter 244 A scholar will die for one who understands him

Ye Tian frowned. “These were always meant for you. You pour your heart and soul into your work every day. Without you, I wouldn’t even dare to imagine how Sifang City could be managed in the future.”

“These supplements—you must accept them!”

“Take good care of your health. A long life is the greatest blessing for the people of Sifang City.”

Ye Tian’s expression was sincere.

Tao Lichun had never been favored by the emperor throughout his life. Now, seeing Ye Tian’s concerned gaze, his heart felt a complex mix of emotions—both warmth and irony.

He had dedicated himself to Daliang with tireless effort, yet his suggestions and policies had never been adopted.

For ten years, no one in Sifang City paid him any attention.

When Ye Tian rebelled, Tao Lichun was the first to resign, proving his integrity as a scholar. Yet Ye Tian had never held it against him; he was willing to entrust Sifang City to him.

“Scholars die for those who truly understand them”—at this moment, he felt he finally had some understanding of that saying.

Tao Lichun lowered his head, his weathered face showing an awkward expression. He nodded repeatedly, unable to find words to refuse.

The two remained silent as they slowly walked toward the city.

After a moment of thought, Tao Lichun voiced his concern: “Now that you’ve returned, you must have plans for what comes next, right?”

“What plans?”

Ye Tian turned in surprise.

Tao Lichun’s expression darkened. Seeing Ye Tian’s naive look, he continued earnestly, “You think that after killing Zhao Boping, the Emperor of Daliang and the Imperial Consort would just let you go?”

“If news of this reaches the capital, that will be the day Daliang sends troops to attack Sifang City.”

Ye Tian nodded.

“So, all these Daliang soldiers must be detained. Anyone who tries to escape without permission shall be killed without mercy!”

Hearing this, Tao Lichun’s heart sank. Ye Tian’s thinking was far too simple—did he really believe that as long as no one sent a message, the capital would never learn of it?

“Forget it.”

“Forget it!” Tao Lichun waved his hand. Clearly, Ye Tian had never considered that future strategies would still rely on him.

Tao Lichun sighed, “For now, the only option is to vigorously develop the city. When our troops are strong and the city thrives—given Sifang City’s location on the border between two nations—these advantages might still give us a glimmer of hope.”

Ye Tian nodded in full agreement. “Then it’s all up to you, Master Tao!”

He clasped his fists, then casually threw an arm around Tao Lichun’s shoulders, smiling warmly. “Under your governance, turning Sifang City into a paradise isn’t impossible. We’ll also vigorously build schools, providing free compulsory education to all, regardless of age or gender, as long as they’re willing to learn.”

“Spread knowledge, enlighten the people.”

Compulsory education?

Tao Lichun’s whole body trembled. He looked up at Ye Tian in astonishment—he hadn’t expected Ye Tian to have ambitions of this magnitude.

“Then we’ll implement the imperial examination system, selecting the capable regardless of background, as long as they have talent to benefit the people.”

“Officials will be honest, the system sound…”

Tao Lichun’s eyes went unfocused as he immersed himself in Ye Tian’s vision. What kind of world was Ye Tian talking about?

His heart raced uncontrollably, blood boiling, surging with energy.

“So, the revolution is not yet successful—comrades must keep striving!” Ye Tian’s eyes were resolute as he made a fist-pumping gesture toward Tao Lichun.

The gesture was lively and energetic.

Tao Lichun stared blankly at Ye Tian. Seeing Ye Tian’s expectant gaze, and not wanting to dampen his enthusiasm, he too clenched a fist. Ye Tian finally smiled in satisfaction.

Behind them, Qin Fengyi and the others, hearing Ye Tian’s words, gained a new understanding of him.

Though seemingly carefree and lazy, Ye Tian harbored such a grand blueprint in his heart.

“I was shortsighted—Ye Tian is truly a talent of our time!” Nanfeng whispered in admiration.

The people of Dazhou nodded in agreement.

Even Fang Shenghu and the Ye family’s personal guards behind them wore expressions of pride. Their young master had truly come into his own—worthy of being General Ye’s son.

Only Qin Fengyi remained silent.

Ye Tian knew exactly what Tao Lichun wanted, constantly dangling promises before the old man, making him willingly serve like a beast of burden, ready to rebel alongside him.

“Brother Ye Tian!”
“Brother Ye Tian!”

Sweet voices rang out, and everyone looked up.

Tao Ling’er appeared, wearing a peach-red cotton jacket embroidered with pale orchids. She looked both delicate and elegant. The collar was lined with white rabbit fur, framing her small face with an almost divine beauty. Her almond-shaped eyes stared blankly at Ye Tian, gasping for breath. Her embroidered shoes under her skirt were half-soaked from running all the way.

Ye Tian turned to look. Overjoyed, Tao Ling’er covered her mouth and sobbed, her eyes squinting with happiness, paying no mind to the crowd.

She lifted her skirt and ran toward Ye Tian. “Brother Ye Tian, I thought I’d never see you again!”

Sobbing, her nose red from crying, she lunged at him.

The next moment, Tao Ling’er felt her back tighten as an immense force lifted her into the air. She opened her eyes in surprise and saw that Ye Tian was still two fists away. Her collar seemed fixed by something.

She twisted around in shock.

Behind her stood a woman in black armor, her gaze cold and detached, looking down at Tao Ling’er with unmistakable hostility.

“You…”

Tao Ling’er’s red lips moved slightly. Qin Fengyi, expressionless, let go and looked up at Ye Tian, her voice calm: “You shouldn’t let her do that to Ye Tian.”

“Ah?”

Tao Ling’er didn’t understand—how was that bad for Brother Ye Tian? She frowned, about to protest.

Qin Fengyi raised an eyebrow. “It’s bad for his reputation.”

Tao Ling’er’s face immediately flushed. Feeling the weight of the curious gazes around her, she forced herself to stand properly, embarrassed.

After that, Qin Fengyi glanced at Ye Tian, flicked her cloak, and rode off with her subordinates. Watching her heroic figure disappear, Tao Ling’er pouted in frustration. “Brother Ye Tian, do you know her?”

“Yes.”

Ye Tian replied with a smile, a warm sense of satisfaction spreading in his heart. He didn’t forget to take a few quick steps and shouted after Qin Fengyi’s departing figure, “At noon, I’ll wait for you!”

Qin Fengyi glanced back.

Clearly, she had heard him.

With a response received, Ye Tian’s face lit up with joy. He would have to figure out how to make Qin Fengyi stay.

Then, he’d have a wife.

And his children would have a mother.

Seeing Ye Tian so fixated, Tao Ling’er felt uneasy. A woman’s intuition is sharp, and she suspected Brother Ye Tian might like the woman from earlier.

“Yunting and Shuangxue are still at home waiting.”

“The two little ones must be worried sick. Brother Ye Tian, let’s hurry back!” Tao Ling’er changed the subject. Sure enough, mentioning the children immediately made Ye Tian anxious.

Tao Lichun spoke up as well: “Yunting came to see me yesterday. That’s when I learned you went to assassinate Zhao Boping. The boy is young, but he worries more than you do. You should go back and check on them.”

Ye Tian nodded. He parted ways with Tao Lichun and headed back to the hotpot restaurant with the Ye family guards.

…

Inside the hotpot restaurant, the hall was empty. Business had stopped while Ye Tian was away these past two days.

Ye Shuangxue, bored out of her mind, lay on a table, too listless to do anything. She looked up at the bustling street and frowned at Old Yang. “I miss my father.”

“When will he be home?”