The city of Yanjing was brightly lit at night, with bustling streets, crowded commercial districts, and lively festivities.
However—
A residential area of siheyuan, less than three kilometers in a straight line from the red-walled compound, was unusually quiet.
The Ye family compound was located here.
Under the cover of night, several guards maintained vigilance, both overt and covert. It was impossible for even a rabbit to sneak into the alley, let alone a living person.
At nine o'clock, an off-road vehicle with military plates arrived at the entrance of the alley and was stopped by security personnel. Though the security guards recognized the vehicle as belonging to the Ye family's eldest young master, Ye Feng, and knew his standing in the military, they still stepped forward to halt the car for routine inspection.
This was the rule, and it was their duty.
Inside the car, Ye Feng cooperated fully with the inspection, his expression blank throughout. He had lost his former sharpness, and his spirit seemed diminished.
All of this was because his trip to Nan'gang had dealt him an unprecedented blow, shattering his composure.
In fact, after returning from Nan'gang, he hadn't voluntarily reported to Ye Zheng. Instead, he had gone directly back to the base of the Zhanlong Special Forces, isolating himself and refusing to see anyone.
It was only today, after receiving a call from Ye Zheng, that he came to the Ye family compound.
After the security personnel finished their inspection, Ye Feng drove into the alley, made a few turns, and finally parked his car in front of the Ye family compound. He then got out and, greeted by Ye Zheng's personal secretary, entered the compound.
When Ye Feng's car reached the alley entrance, Ye Zheng had already been informed of his arrival. He was waiting in his study.
He had changed out of the military uniform he wore during the day into casual wear, but his imposing presence remained.
This was the aura cultivated over years of holding a high position and wielding great power – invisible and intangible, yet clearly palpable.
Such an aura was common in the business and political worlds.
Typically, individuals with weaker psychological fortitude would become nervous and experience an inexplicably quickening heartbeat in the presence of influential figures like Ye Zheng.
"Hoo~"
Ye Feng arrived at the entrance of Ye Zheng's study, took a deep breath, and made a great effort to adjust his expression before knocking on the study door. Upon hearing Ye Zheng's voice from within, he pushed the door open and entered, saluting Ye Zheng. "Grandfather."
"Xiao Feng, you look unwell. Are you sick?" Ye Zheng asked, his tone seemingly casual, but his mind was as clear as a mirror.
He was well aware of the impact the trip to Nan'gang had on Ye Feng and knew what Ye Feng had been doing since his return to the capital.
"I'm not sick, just not feeling quite myself," Ye Feng replied truthfully, shaking his head slightly.
"Did the trip to Nan'gang hit you hard?" Ye Zheng asked directly.
"Yes."
Ye Feng's expression changed, and he nodded slightly, then lowered his head to look at the ground. He seemed like a sharp sword that had rusted, completely losing its edge.
Seeing this, Ye Zheng's brow furrowed slightly, a flicker of disappointment in his eyes, and he remained silent.
"Grandfather, you asked me to come over. Are you here to discuss Elder Li Guyi's birthday? Do you have any instructions?"
A few seconds later, Ye Feng looked up, met Ye Zheng's gaze, and spoke first.
During their last meeting, besides asking Ye Feng to gauge Jiang Wuming, Ye Zheng had also told him that he was to represent the Ye family at Elder Li Guyi's birthday banquet to show respect to the Li family and to foster good relations between Ye Feng and Elder Li Guyi, and the entire Li family.
"I will go with you."
Ye Zheng's words were startling.
*Swish!*
Upon hearing this, Ye Feng's expression changed, and he asked incredulously, "You... you're going too?"
"Yes."
Ye Zheng nodded, confirming it.
Ye Feng was dumbfounded.
He clearly remembered Ye Zheng stating more than once that the aristocratic families and the imperial court were among the most difficult studies in the world, involving countless aspects, where a small matter could be infinitely magnified, triggering a chain reaction.
The most severe of these was interaction between aristocratic families!
Such dealings were extremely sensitive and one of the things the higher-ups most frowned upon!
Given this context, Ye Zheng's decision to personally attend Elder Li Guyi's birthday banquet was incredibly shocking to Ye Feng!
"Grandfather, why did you suddenly make this decision?" Ye Feng asked, bewildered, after his shock subsided.
"You'll know when the time comes."
Ye Zheng evaded the question and then seemed about to speak but stopped himself.
Ye Feng's reaction to his first taste of harsh reality after a life of smooth sailing had disappointed Ye Zheng, who was contemplating whether to talk to Ye Feng.
In the end, Ye Zheng abandoned the idea, deciding to let Ye Feng grow through adversity.
...
Meanwhile.
Zhu Jian, the head of the Enforcement Department of the Martial Affairs Bureau, arrived at the entrance of the innermost courtyard of the Martial Affairs Bureau headquarters. He immediately saw his master, Qi Wufu, meditating in cultivation, cross-legged on the rooftop, the vast starry sky above his head.
For this reason, Zhu Jian stood at the entrance, not daring to disturb Qi Wufu.
*Swish!*
On the rooftop, Qi Wufu suddenly opened his eyes, a sharp glint flashing within them. He beckoned to Zhu Jian. "Come up."
"Yes, Master!"
Zhu Jian respectfully obeyed, sprang up, and leaped onto the rooftop, walking to Qi Wufu's side.
Qi Wufu gazed towards the southwest and casually asked, "Zhu Jian, do you think Elder Li Guyi's birthday banquet will be lively?"
"It will definitely be lively."
Although Zhu Jian didn't know why Qi Wufu had called him over to ask this question, he immediately provided an answer.
"Indeed. Over the years, with the rise of martial arts and the prevalence of cultivation medicine, the Li family's status in Longguo, and even globally, has soared.
Whether it's the dignitaries of Longguo or the major forces in the Longguo martial arts community, they will all send people to wish Elder Li Guyi a happy birthday.
The Medicine God Valley, a few days from now, will likely attract the attention of major top-tier forces from across Longguo and even the entire world!"
Qi Wufu sighed with a complex tone.
"Master, from what I know, Elder Li Guyi has dedicated his life to medicine, seeking fame and fortune, and dislikes power struggles. Why is he suddenly holding such a grand birthday celebration?" Zhu Jian asked, puzzled.
"It's for his precious granddaughter, Li Lianyin," Qi Wufu revealed the reason.
"For Li Lianyin?" Zhu Jian looked bewildered.
As far as he knew, Li Lianyin, hailed as the future successor of the Li family, was even more bent on fame and fortune than Elder Li Guyi!
"The Li family girl plays a good game of chess. This move, playing catch-up, will likely cause many sleepless nights for people in the future."
Qi Wufu sighed softly and then, seeing Zhu Jian looking utterly confused, gave a wry smile.
"Alas, it's like playing music to a cow. Let's talk about business—you will represent the Martial Affairs Bureau at Elder Li Guyi's birthday banquet, and you only need to remember one thing!"
"What is it?"
"If anyone resorts to violence at the banquet, do not intervene, but prevent the strong from bullying the weak!"
Qi Wufu said seriously.
"Uh..."
Zhu Jian was stunned again, remaining so for a full three seconds before asking incredulously, "Master, who would resort to violence at Elder Li Guyi's birthday banquet? Wouldn't that be disrespectful to Elder Li Guyi and the Li family?"
"What if Jiang Wuming goes?"
Qi Wufu countered.
Zhu Jian suddenly understood!