Once, I Was a Legend | Chapter 27 | The Commander's Test | Novela.app

The atmosphere in the Warm Pavilion was pleasant, cozy, and harmonious. Even Grandfather of the State Yin, who had previously had a brush with Ye Zhao, did not speak up to ruin the mood, preferring to remain an observer. Among the group, Minister Song was the most enthusiastic, chatting with Ye Zhao about everything under the sun, nearly prying into every detail of the young man’s life. When Eunuch Babao pushed open the door, he paused for a moment upon seeing Ye Zhao before walking in without missing a beat. After exchanging greetings with the others, he stepped toward Ye Zhao. Ye Zhao, showing no sign of formality, greeted him directly, "Eunuch Babao." "Young Master Ye, it has been a long time." Ye Zhao smiled. "I saw you earlier at the front, but you looked busy, so I didn't want to disturb you." Babao was quick-witted and replied playfully, "I saw you as well. But as the saying goes, a single day apart feels like three autumns. By that logic, quite a long time has indeed passed since then, hasn't it?" "I suppose so!" Ye Zhao was taken aback for a second before nodding in agreement, laughing. "Did you miss me?" Babao drew out his words, "I did..." As they finished speaking, their eyes met, and neither could suppress a smile. Babao composed himself quickly, while Ye Zhao instinctively pulled out his folding fan to lightly shield his laughing lips. The two interacted with such natural ease and familiarity that the others watching were somewhat surprised. Their thoughts even began to wander in certain directions. Babao asked Ye Zhao, "Are you hungry, Young Master Ye? I shall have someone bring some pastries." "Yes, please." Ye Zhao hadn't eaten all morning. He hadn't noticed it before, but now that it was mentioned, his appetite was stirred. "Then please wait a moment. I will have them prepared immediately." Ye Zhao gave a word of thanks and watched as Babao walked away. At that moment, Pei Shian spoke up. "You have met Eunuch Babao before?" "Yes. I met him the last time I entered the palace," Ye Zhao answered simply. Minister Song couldn't help but ask curiously, "You only met him that once? How are you so familiar with him?" They had indeed only met once, but perhaps the man simply appealed to Ye Zhao’s sensibilities. He replied frankly, "I just find him likable." He lowered his voice and whispered, "Uncle Song, don't you think Eunuch Babao is exceptionally endearing? He’s quite cute." Unfortunately, everyone else heard him. Their expressions were almost identical—a look of utter speechlessness. Endearing? Where was the "endearing" part? That was the head of the hidden guards, a man who held a status equal to the Commander of the Yulin Guard! In the entire imperial court, one would likely struggle to find a second person who would dare say such a thing. For a moment, the group was at a loss for words. "..." After a brief daze, Wei Xiyang spat out, "What damn use is being cute! Get your head straight. He’s not a child; he’s more than a decade older than you. How do you have the nerve to call him cute?" "..." Wei Xiyang’s words were as sharp as ever. He felt an internal awkwardness at the mention of that word. Once, someone else had said the same thing. He couldn't help but mutter another sentence under his breath, "Truly father and son; their taste in people is exactly the same!" As if awakened by this sentence, the others present felt a corner of a long-buried memory clear up. Suddenly enlightened, they turned their heads to look at Ye Zhao. Ye Zhao... Ye Zhao was currently marveling at the fact that he and his father were indeed cut from the same cloth! The others were marveling at the same sentiment, but the subject of their comparison was slightly different... The sacrificial ceremony lasted until the Shen hour before the entire process was finally completed. By the time they were to leave the palace, Ye Zhao was doing fine, but Jiang Ziqi was both exhausted and starving. Fortunately, Ye Zhao had the foresight to take a good amount of pastries from the Warm Pavilion for his parents and his friend. As the crowd flowed along the palace path toward the exit, they spotted a figure standing by the gate in the distance—Wei Feng. Noticing the man’s gaze fixed on him, Ye Zhao paused. After a moment of thought, he patted Jiang Ziqi on the shoulder. "You go ahead. I have some business to attend to." "What business?" Jiang Ziqi asked, his voice muffled as he chewed on a red bean cake. Ye Zhao thrust the pastries wrapped in a handkerchief into Jiang Ziqi’s arms. "Stop talking. Take these to my father and mother. And don't you dare eat them all on the way." Considering his friend’s tendency to be a bit of a liability at times, Ye Zhao made sure to give a specific warning. Jiang Ziqi rolled his eyes and sauntered off with the pastries, saying nonchalantly, "Don't worry! Just hurry up. The carriage won't wait for you if you're late." "I know..." Ye Zhao waved him off and walked toward Wei Feng. A short while later, two people stood in a corner beneath a palace wall. Ye Zhao didn't waste any time and went straight to the point. "Commander Wei, have the people who tried to assassinate me been caught?" There were many people in the palace today, and Wei Feng was responsible for palace security and maintaining order. He was already irritable from the numerous chores, and hearing Ye Zhao bring this up only soured his mood further. "Catching people is my business. You are still alive and well, so why ask so much?" Ye Zhao was choked for words. *I was the one being assassinated! Can't I be concerned about my own life?* He paused, then asked persistently, "Are there any leads? Do you have any suspects regarding the mastermind?" Wei Feng’s gaze was now one of extreme impatience. His expression was cold and intimidating, but Ye Zhao remained unfazed. They stared at each other as if the air had frozen. After two full seconds, Wei Feng spoke. "Are you that afraid of death?" "Knowing that someone in the shadows is always eyeing my life makes me feel rather uncomfortable," Ye Zhao said sincerely, before adding, "Besides, I am my parents' only precious treasure. If I die, they would be heartbroken." Wei Feng kept a stony face, his eyes fixed on Ye Zhao with a deadened stare. After saying his piece and being stared at like that, Ye Zhao slowly began to feel a bit of awkwardness. He had almost forgotten—the other man wouldn't understand the humor... Ye Zhao inwardly scolded himself. *If I’d known, I wouldn't have been so cheeky. Why did I have to blurt that out!* Perhaps thanks to Ye Zhao’s nonsensical remark, Wei Feng had time to calm his mind and return to the main topic. He said, "My men have been watching you every day. Since that incident, they haven't made another move." So? "...So there's been no progress?" Ye Zhao instinctively spoke his mind, causing Wei Feng’s face to darken another shade. In all his years of handling cases in the Yulin Guard, this was the first time he had encountered such a situation. Thinking of the person still being tortured beyond recognition in the prison, his expression grew even more foul. "There is no need for you to worry! Just stay quiet. I will naturally investigate this until the truth comes to light." Seeing that Wei Feng was about to turn and leave, Ye Zhao quickly called out, "Wait!" "What else?" Ye Zhao felt that the look Wei Feng gave him was laced with murderous intent. The question had become a flat statement, showing just how bad the man’s mood was. Ye Zhao immediately became well-behaved and said, "I just wanted to ask if there is anything Commander Wei needs me to help with. I will certainly cooperate actively!" "After all, waiting for the rabbit to hit the tree is not as good as taking the initiative." After speaking, he offered a slight smile, appearing friendly and gentle. Wei Feng narrowed his eyes. "You certainly know how to look out for your own life. You're not afraid now?" "What use is fear? Only by dealing with the enemy as soon as possible can I sleep soundly." From the way those people had hunted him that day, Ye Zhao knew they wouldn't let him off easily. It was either his death or theirs. Therefore, he had to brace himself and face it! Wei Feng looked at him, his thoughts unreadable. After a long while, his expression changed slightly. He was no longer cold-faced, but the change made Ye Zhao’s heart skip a beat instinctively. "Speaking of which, you and I are now considered partners. Shouldn't you show me your true colors?" Before the last word fell, the saber at his waist suddenly flew through the air toward Ye Zhao’s feet. Ye Zhao only had time to show a look of fright before a sharp pain hit his right shin, and he tumbled directly onto the ground. "Ow!" "Damn..." Feeling the pain in his leg, Ye Zhao’s expression turned sour. He lay on the ground for a long time without getting up. This sudden attack left Ye Zhao not only dazed but also bewildered. "What are you doing, Commander Wei? How have I offended you?" Faced with Ye Zhao’s questioning, Wei Feng’s own expression was even more bizarre and strange than his. "Why didn't you dodge?" *Could I have dodged that?!* Ye Zhao felt like he had been cursed. He gave a fake smile and said, "Commander Wei’s blade is like the man himself—fast as lightning. I simply lacked the ability. Fortunately, the blade was not drawn, otherwise I fear my foot would be lost, and my entire family would have to rely on you for their livelihood from now on..." "..." Wei Feng fell silent. Today, he had once again experienced Ye Zhao’s talent for sarcasm. And as for that word "fast," he felt there was something strange about it... After a moment of stunned silence, he coughed, stepped forward to pick up his saber, and then helped Ye Zhao up. "It was my misunderstanding. Please forgive me, Young Master Ye." *What kind of misunderstanding requires you to hit me?* *How about I hit you instead?!* Ye Zhao rolled his eyes ungracefully. Considering their respective combat levels, he kept that thought to himself. Seeing that Ye Zhao could stand, Wei Feng spoke. "If there is a need, I will have someone notify you." He cupped his hands. "Farewell." Ye Zhao didn't want to deal with him right now. With a long face, he waved his hand and said without much sincerity, "Goodbye..." *Ideally, let's never meet again.* But Ye Zhao knew that was impossible—at least not until those people were dealt with. Not long after Wei Feng left, Ye Zhao moved his foot. As soon as he took a step, "Hiss... ah..." He stumbled, nearly losing his balance. He muttered under his breath, "He didn't break my bone, did he? What did that Wei Feng grow up eating to have such strength?" He wanted to crouch down and check the injury on his leg, but after hesitating for a while, he didn't roll up his trouser leg. It was simply too inconvenient in this freezing weather, and he didn't have any medicine on him anyway. What would looking at it achieve? Ye Zhao leaned against the palace wall and limped forward. He hadn't gone more than two steps when a familiar head popped out from around the corner ahead. Ye Zhao frowned. "Jiang Ziqi?" The other boy first looked suspiciously in the direction where Wei Feng had disappeared, then hurried over. Ye Zhao asked him, "What are you doing here? Didn't you leave the palace ages ago?" "Also, where are the pastries I told you to take?" Jiang Ziqi was supporting Ye Zhao when he heard this. His movements stiffened, and he looked up. "Uh... I think I ate them all..." His voice grew more sheepish as he spoke. Seeing the pastry crumbs that hadn't been wiped clean from the corner of his mouth, Ye Zhao felt his temple throb. His voice rose. "You *think*?" "Whether you ate them or not, don't you know for yourself?!" Ye Zhao began to roll up his sleeves. *See if I don't beat this idiot to death!* Jiang Ziqi reacted incredibly fast, dropping him and running away. However, after a few steps, he realized something was wrong. He stopped and looked back to see Ye Zhao still standing in place, smiling ferociously. He suddenly realized, "Oh right, your leg is hurt! You can't catch me!" *Yes, you just realized that?!* Ye Zhao was almost driven to laughter by anger. "Yes, so why are you running? I won't hit you." "Come back and help me." Jiang Ziqi’s round eyes darted around. He shook his head. "No way. You're full of lies; I don't believe you!" "Huh? When have I ever been full of lies? What nonsense are you talking about now? Stop wasting time and come help me." Ye Zhao leaned against the wall. Jiang Ziqi stood a few paces away, arms crossed, standing tall as he watched him. "No." He said, "I knew you were hiding a lot from me! If I hadn't been smart enough to follow you and hear it with my own ears, I wouldn't have known about you and Commander Wei." "And also, that assassination—when did that happen? Why have I never heard you mention it?" Ye Zhao was stifled. He said expressionlessly, "So you were eavesdropping and eating at the same time, and you didn't even notice you finished all the pastries?" Ye Zhao looked at him as if he were a complete moron. Hearing this, Jiang Ziqi immediately became awkward. He coughed and said righteously, "Don't change the subject. I'm asking you about serious business!" Ye Zhao sighed, leaning his back against the wall in a relaxed, idle stance. "What serious business? The matter is exactly what you heard. Now you know—someone wants to kill me." He spoke casually, failing to notice the gravity and sincerity on Jiang Ziqi’s face. "When did it happen?" Ye Zhao clarified for him, "A few months ago. You know about the bloodbath at the South City Gate? That was an attempt on my life. I managed to escape." Jiang Ziqi had certainly heard of it. He had been shocked at the time—that someone would dare to kill so brazenly in the capital and even clash with the soldiers was beyond bold! Only now did he learn that the one being hunted was his best friend. For a moment, Jiang Ziqi didn't know if he felt more surprise or more fear. He steadied his expression and said, "Then you truly are blessed with great fortune to be alive!" "I think so too." Perhaps due to the weight of this serious matter, the previous playful atmosphere vanished. Jiang Ziqi unconsciously walked over to Ye Zhao and draped the other's arm over his shoulder. The two talked as they walked. "Have the people who want to kill you been caught?" "No. Didn't you hear what Commander Wei said earlier?" "Oh, right." Jiang Ziqi realized he had asked a redundant question. "Then how did you escape?" Ye Zhao really couldn't answer that question; it involved palace secrets. He said, "I fell into a hole. Those people didn't see me, so I escaped a disaster. Then I ran to the palace to seek help." "Oh, so that's how it was." Jiang Ziqi didn't suspect a thing. "Does Uncle Ye know about this?" Ye Zhao: "No. It's better not to tell them for now." Jiang Ziqi gave an "oh" and asked again, "Are you hiding anything else from me?" "No, no..." Ye Zhao hurried to deny it. "Really? I don't believe you." "Really. Between the two of us, would I lie...?" "..." On the palace path, the figures of the two supporting each other slowly receded, their voices gradually fading into the distance. *** Glossary Table: Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation ---|---|--- 工部尚书 | Minister of Works | One of the Six Ministers; Song He's title. 国丈 | Grandfather of the State | The father of the Empress; Yin. 八宝 | Babao | Literally "Eight Treasures"; the name of the eunuch. 羽林卫 | Yulin Guard | The Imperial Forest Guard; elite palace guards. 暗卫 | Hidden Guard | Secret guards/intelligence agents. 申时 | Shen hour | The period from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. 魏风 | Wei Feng | Commander of the Yulin Guard. 宝贝疙瘩 | Precious treasure | A term of endearment for a beloved child. 南城门 | South City Gate | A location in the capital.