activa-t Chapter 57 So this is what you care about? You should have said so earlier!
Chapter 57 So this is what you care about? You should have said so earlier!
"Whatever it is, I have to test the waters, otherwise there won't be any room for maneuver later!"
Yang Yan made a decision immediately, but a perfectly timed look of curiosity and youthful eagerness suddenly appeared on his face.
"Oh? Uncle has a gift for your nephew? This is truly an honor for your nephew."
He raised his head, looked directly into Yang Guang's eyes, and even took a half-step forward, interrupting Yang Guang's rhythm:
"I've always been an impatient person and can't keep things to myself. Since this gift is so precious, it really piques my curiosity. Uncle, why don't you give it to me now? That way, you won't have to take it to the palace and go through all that trouble."
Yang Guang was slightly taken aback.
He never expected that his nephew, who had always seemed timid or had only recently shown some promise, would not panic at all in the face of such an obvious threat, but instead dared to reach out and ask for it directly.
This reaction is wrong.
It wasn't fear, it wasn't begging for mercy, but... a game of strategy.
Yang Guang narrowed his eyes, re-examining the sixteen-year-old boy before him. Beneath that gentle gaze lay a barely perceptible hint of solemnity and murderous intent.
interesting.
It seems the rumors were true; this little lamb has grown tusks.
"Oh? You want it now?"
Yang Guang smiled, but the smile didn't reach his eyes. He gently stroked the jade thumb ring on his thumb, his gaze sweeping back and forth between Yang Yan and Yang Yong, as if he were weighing something.
"Since Yan'er is so eager, how can his second uncle, as an elder, not grant his wish?"
Yang Guang nodded, but did not go to take the things directly. Instead, he turned to look at Yang Yong, who was already sitting on pins and needles.
"In that case, how about I give it to you separately?"
Yang Yan's heart tightened, but he showed no hesitation on the surface: "Since Second Uncle has made this request, how dare I disobey?"
He had to take this risky step.
Yang Guang was clearly pleased with Yang Yan's tact. He turned around, gave Yang Yong a smile full of "brotherly affection," and spoke with impeccable sincerity:
"Brother, it's getting late. You should go to the palace first. Today's court meeting concerns the expedition against Liao, which is a matter of great importance to the country. Father hates being late the most. As the crown prince, you must set an example and not be late."
As he spoke, he pointed to Yang Yan and said, "I haven't seen my nephew Yan'er for a long time. The boy wants a gift again, so I'd like to have a private chat with him. I'll be there shortly."
Yang Guang's words were reasonable, yet they carried an unquestionable tone.
Seeing that Yang Yong remained motionless, Yang Yan understood his intentions, but he was now testing him.
"Father, don't worry, I'll have a chat with Second Uncle. You didn't get much rest last night, please go inside!"
"Well... alright then. Yan'er, since your second uncle has something to say to you, then... then listen. Remember, never be disrespectful to your elders."
Seeing that Yang Yan had taken the initiative to request entry, Yang Yong, though worried, could only enter the palace gate step by step, turning back every few steps.
The warriors of the Prince of Jin's mansion, dressed in black, dispersed silently, seemingly casually, but in reality, they had blocked all of Yang Yan's escape routes, isolating this small area into a secluded island cut off from the world.
The smile on Yang Guang's face gradually faded away as Yang Yong's figure disappeared.
At this moment, he was no longer the obedient younger brother, nor the kind second uncle.
He stood with his hands behind his back in the shadow of the dawn, like a demon crawling out of hell, exuding a suffocating chill and domineering aura.
"Yan'er, you're very brave."
Yang Guang said softly, his gaze passing over Yang Yan's shoulder and looking at the inconspicuous blue cloth carriage, his voice revealing a bloodthirsty excitement.
"I have also heard of your article. It is truly a gem of wisdom, demonstrating your talent for governing the country. With a prodigy like you in the Yang family, how can we not have peace in the world?"
A prodigy?
It was already 597 years ago, and only a few years had passed since Yang Guang ascended the throne. To be praised as a "Qilin'er" by Yang Guang at this time was no different from the King of Hell marking a name in the Book of Life and Death.
Without the slightest hesitation, Yang Yan lowered his posture to the dust, his voice trembling with fear: "Second Uncle, you flatter me! Nephew...nephew is truly unworthy of such praise."
He lowered his head, feigning fear: "That was merely my youthful arrogance and ignorance of the world, violating ancestral rules by participating in the imperial examinations. This nearly led to a great disaster. If it weren't for the magnanimity of my grandfather and grandmother, who only punished me with a few strokes of the cane, I would already be a prisoner in the Court of Imperial Clan Affairs. How could I possibly deserve the title of 'talent for governing the country'!"
He attributed all his plans to "youthful arrogance" and "luck".
His current behavior is like that of a spoiled brat who has gotten into trouble but escaped punishment by sheer luck; he feels nothing but lingering fear.
Yang Guang looked down at him, a hint of amusement flashing in his narrow, phoenix-shaped eyes.
That's such a convincing performance!
If it weren't for the news from that informant saying how calm and composed the boy was inside the palace, he probably would have been fooled by this timid and submissive exterior.
"To admit one's mistakes and correct them is the greatest virtue. Young people should have some vigor, even if it's arrogant. If used correctly, it can be a sharp sword."
Yang Guang abruptly changed the subject, his previously gentle tone turning deep and somber: "Not only is your writing excellent, but I've also heard that Father Emperor greatly admires your military strategy and insight. A few nights ago, Father Emperor summoned several ministers for a meeting, and he even had you listen in."
At this point, Yang Guang paused slightly, his gaze suddenly becoming sharp as a knife as he stared intently at Yang Yan.
"This is an honor that even I and the Prince of Han have never received, Yan'er. Your imperial favor is making your second uncle a little envious."
"So, this is what truly bothers Yang Guang! As a prince, and as the Prince of Jin with his illustrious military achievements, he has to carefully consider the emperor's intentions in matters of state and military affairs."
"Why should I, a mere illegitimate grandson who is not yet twenty, be allowed to bypass him and directly participate in core decision-making? This is even more threatening to him than the Crown Prince himself."
Yang Yan felt a sudden chill. He looked up, his face showing just the right amount of bewilderment, flattery, and even a hint of being startled and helpless.
"Second Uncle...Second Uncle, you're really making your nephew feel terrible!"
"That night...that night I just happened to be there; it was all because of what happened in the exam hall!"
"When my grandfather asked, I dared not not answer, so I just mumbled a few words about the shallow things I had memorized from military books."
"How could I, a mere child who has never left the capital, understand such important military and national affairs? Military analysis is absolutely impossible for me. It's just that when you gentlemen arrived, I was still inside the palace. My grandfather was afraid that I would disgrace the royal family and the Crown Prince's reputation, so he had me hide behind the screen!"
These words were spoken flawlessly.
He acknowledged his presence, but downgraded his role from "participant" to "someone who happened to be there"; he acknowledged responding, but belittled it as "a bookworm parroting words".
Even the micro-expressions that convey "I feel helpless and embarrassed" are perfectly captured.