I am Peerless Mad

Chapter 659 The Bitter Stratagem, The Emperor's Affection

If speaking strictly, this was Jiang Wuming's third visit to the Ye family's estate.

On the day the Martial Department established its guardian squad, Jiang Wuming had also visited the Ye family estate once more, meeting Ye Zheng in private, unknown to anyone.

In the summer of Yanjing, the sun set late. At six o'clock, the setting sun still lingered reluctantly on the western horizon, the afterglow filling the sky like a blazing inferno igniting the clouds.

Under the setting sun, Yanjing welcomed its rush hour for commuting. The streets were choked with traffic, and the customer flow in some shops also increased. However, the area where the Ye family estate was located, not far from the red-walled compound, remained quiet.

Besides the Ye family estate, this area also contained several courtyard houses, whose owners all held distinguished identities and statuses in Dragon Country.

As Jiang Wuming entered the alley, he clearly sensed the hidden security personnel scattered everywhere.

Those security personnel also saw Jiang Wuming's arrival but did not step forward to stop or question him. They simply reported it immediately.

Upon receiving the report, Secretary Wang immediately went to the entrance of the Ye family estate to await Jiang Wuming.

"Master Wuming."

Upon seeing Jiang Wuming, Secretary Wang took the initiative to greet him, a rare, warm smile on his face.

The reason it was considered rare was that a secretary was an extremely specialized profession. Those who were competent not only had to be perceptive but also had to be discreet and capable in their work, rarely showing their inner emotions on their faces.

As Ye Zheng's secretary, Secretary Wang was almost at the pinnacle of the secretarial profession. In the past, he always wore a stern, serious expression.

"Hello, Secretary Wang."

Jiang Wuming responded, acting very politely.

"Master Wuming, the entire Ye family is here and waiting for you to start the meal. Please come in."

As Secretary Wang spoke, he made a gesture of invitation, secretly admiring Jiang Wuming's current high profile and lack of pretentiousness, which was uncommon among the younger generation.

"Alright."

Jiang Wuming nodded, then followed Secretary Wang into the Ye family estate.

Just as when Jiang Wuming had first visited the Ye family estate, all the Ye family disciples were gathered in the outer courtyard.

The difference this time was that in addition to Ye Wenhai, Ye Wentao, Ye Wenming, and Ye Wence, who had brought their respective wives, they had also brought their children.

This was Ye Zheng's request.

Moments ago, they had been chatting in a main hall in the outer courtyard. Upon learning of Jiang Wuming's arrival, they all emerged from the hall and came out into the outer courtyard.

At this moment, as Jiang Wuming followed Secretary Wang into the courtyard, he immediately drew everyone's attention.

Among them, Ye Wenhai and Ye Feng's family had complex expressions; Ye Wentao, Wang Hong, and Ye Rui's family looked displeased; Ye Wenming and Ye Qian's family wore looks of hatred; and Ye Wence's family remained composed.

"Ye Feng, long time no see."

Jiang Wuming calmly met everyone's gaze, then focused his eyes on Ye Feng and took the initiative to greet him.

Although he knew that Ye Feng, like the rest of the Ye family except Ye Zheng, had held opinions against him before, Ye Feng had been able to set aside personal opinions and grudges during the Genius group competition of the Global Martial Arts Conference. He had even stepped forward to protect Jiang Wuming at the risk of his own life.

This had caused Jiang Wuming to change his perception and attitude towards Ye Feng.

"Uh..."

Upon hearing Jiang Wuming's words, the Ye family members and Secretary Wang were slightly stunned.

Including Ye Feng, no one had expected Jiang Wuming to initiate a greeting!

Conversely, they all thought that Jiang Wuming would, as he had on his first visit to the Ye family estate, arrogantly criticize the Ye family members and embarrass them.

"Long time no see."

After a brief moment of stunned silence, Ye Feng responded with a complex expression.

If the Ye family's influence were set aside, from a personal perspective, he did not hate Jiang Wuming. Instead, he greatly admired Jiang Wuming's achievements in martial arts and everything he had done to protect Dragon Country.

But there were no "if"s in life. Jiang Wuming's first visit to the Ye family had embarrassed all the second-generation Ye family members, including Ye Feng's parents. This had always bothered Ye Feng and became the motivation for his diligent cultivation – he wanted to surpass Jiang Wuming and make Jiang Wuming apologize to his parents one day!

He had wavered due to Jiang Wuming's strength and impressive record, but he ultimately persevered.

"Wuming, I heard that you led the guardian squad in heroic battles against extraterrestrial enemies three times at Putuo Temple, the War God Pharmaceutical Research Institute, and the Donghai Martial Arts University. You fought against the odds and achieved victory, successfully protecting the lives and property of the nation and its people. Remarkable!"

Seeing his son Ye Feng respond to Jiang Wuming, Ye Wenhai was moved and quickly said with a smile, giving Jiang Wuming a thumbs-up.

"Uncle, you flatter me. This is within our scope of duty. Just like when Brother Ye Feng leads the Sharp Blade squad of the Southern Region Legion on missions."

Ye Wenhai's proactive praise was somewhat unexpected for Jiang Wuming. He pondered for a moment, then smiled and responded.

As the saying goes, one doesn't hit a smiling face. Since he had acknowledged Ye Feng in his heart, he naturally wouldn't embarrass Ye Wenhai in front of Ye Feng.

Swish, swish, swish...

Hearing Jiang Wuming address him as "Uncle," Secretary Wang and the Ye family members' expressions changed again.

Among them, Ye Wenhai and his wife were somewhat surprised and pleased!

On the other hand, Ye Wentao, Wang Hong, and Ye Rui looked resentful and jealous!

When they learned that Jiang Wuming was to succeed Qi Wufu as the head of the Martial Department and had the support of Grand Elder Long Shengzhe, they had actively visited Jiang Wuming, attempting to resolve their past conflicts. However, they did not succeed.

Now, Ye Wenhai's family had achieved all of this without doing anything, so how could they not be jealous?!

As for Ye Wence's family, they seemed to be deep in thought.

Meanwhile, Ye Wenming's family's expressions became even more awkward!

Before Jiang Wuming's first visit to the Ye family estate, he had forcibly gone to the Luo family for Xing Tian and crushed them under his heel!

Ye Wenming and his wife were furious about this incident and wanted Ye Zheng to stand up for Ye Qian. However, Ye Zheng not only did not stand up for Ye Qian but instead strongly supported Jiang Wuming and canceled Ye Qian's engagement to Luo Yu!

Moreover, Jiang Wuming had been very disrespectful to them, the couple, when he arrived at the Ye family that day!

Compared to Ye Wenming and his wife, Ye Qian's expression was the most awkward, and her anger and hatred surged instantly. She sneered sarcastically in public, saying,

"Heh... You really know how to seize an opportunity, don't you? Uncle just said one sentence, and you're already calling him 'Uncle.' Do you really think you're a member of the Ye family? I advise you to look in the mirror, wipe your eyes clean, and see what kind of creature you really are!"

"Uh..."

Perhaps no one had expected Ye Qian to confront Jiang Wuming so directly in public. For a moment, Secretary Wang and the Ye family members were stunned.

Jiang Wuming narrowed his eyes slightly and, at the same time, clearly sensed Ye Zheng's approaching presence.

Ye Zheng suddenly appeared at the entrance connecting the outer and inner courtyards, his face cold. He reprimanded, "Ye Qian, how dare you speak to Wuming like that? Slap yourself!"

"Grandpa, I..."

Ye Qian's expression changed. She feigned a wronged look and put on her "green tea" act in front of Ye Zheng.

However—

Before she could finish her subsequent words, Ye Wenming interrupted her clumsy performance: "Dad, Xiao Qian spoke impulsively and said the wrong thing. I'll make her apologize to Wuming."

"Dad..."

Ye Qian's expression immediately changed, and she tried to stop her father.

"Since you're unwilling to slap yourself, then let your brother do it for you."

Ye Zheng said with a cold face, giving Ye Qian no chance to speak. His gaze swept towards Ye Feng. "Xiao Feng, you are the eldest grandson of the Ye family. Go and give her two slaps!"

"Uh..."

Upon hearing Ye Zheng's words again, everyone in the Ye family, including Ye Feng, was dumbfounded.

Secretary Wang also looked bewildered.

Only Jiang Wuming understood the situation clearly.

"Grandpa, my sister..."

After a brief moment of stunned silence, Ye Feng tried to intercede for Ye Qian.

"Do you mean that no one in the Ye family listens to me now?!"

Ye Zheng's cold shout interrupted Ye Feng's words, his voice suddenly rising.

"Yes, Grandpa."

Seeing Ye Zheng getting angry, Ye Feng had no choice but to swallow his words, changed his reply to an order, then glanced at Jiang Wuming with a frown, and walked directly to Ye Qian, saying, "Little sister, I apologize."

"Slap! Slap!"

As soon as the words fell, Ye Feng, without waiting for Ye Qian to speak, instantly delivered two slaps.

Although he had deliberately controlled his strength when he acted, the sound of the slaps was extremely loud.

Ye Qian's cheeks turned red from the blows, and she looked wronged, but she dared not say another word, only glaring venomously at Jiang Wuming.

Not only her, but her parents, Ye Wenming and his wife, were also like that.

Even Ye Feng's gaze towards Jiang Wuming had changed slightly from before.

Clearly, they all knew that Ye Qian's two slaps were entirely because of Jiang Wuming!

"Wuming, come inside and eat with me."

Ye Zheng, having witnessed all of this, then said to Jiang Wuming with a smile.

"Alright."

Jiang Wuming nodded, then followed Ye Zheng into the dining room.

"Don't speak recklessly anymore. Let's go in too."

Ye Wenhai, the eldest of the second generation of the Ye family, looked at the backs of Ye Zheng and Jiang Wuming and reminded, both as a reminder to his son Ye Feng and to others – at this juncture, provoking Jiang Wuming was no different from bringing humiliation upon oneself!

Perhaps due to Ye Zheng's outburst, or perhaps due to Ye Wenhai's reminder, during the subsequent dinner, only Ye Zheng and Jiang Wuming conversed, while the others ate in silence.

This was the most stifling meal they had ever eaten in their lives!

After dinner, Ye Zheng asked the Ye family disciples to leave and kept Jiang Wuming behind.

"Your stratagem of suffering a feigned injury is truly brilliant."

Jiang Wuming sat on the sofa in the study, looking at Ye Zheng, and said sincerely.

"The blade hasn't been sharpened yet, and the whetstone cannot be broken. Ye Feng cannot afford to offend you, but he must continue to hate you. I could only resort to this desperate measure. I apologize if this makes you laugh."

Ye Zheng said with a calm expression, not at all evasive about his feigned-injury tactic just now.

"When can the four-star bullets for the custom sniper rifle be ready?"

Jiang Wuming changed the subject and asked the question that concerned him.

This was also the purpose of his visit today – Ye Zheng had told him that the four-star bullets for the custom sniper rifle were close to successful development and that he would discuss the specifics in person.

"At the earliest, a month; at the latest, three months," Ye Zheng replied.

"Thank you."

Jiang Wuming's heart rejoiced upon hearing this and he expressed his gratitude.

According to Ye Zheng, the four-star bullets were theoretically capable of killing a four-star War God.

With Qin Xiaozhi's absolute marksmanship, it was highly likely that theory could be turned into reality!

"If I'm not mistaken, Long Shengzhe met with you and asked about your helping Xia Xueqin recover her vitality, and he wants you to help him extend his life!"

Ye Zheng suddenly said something astonishing.

Huh?

Jiang Wuming was first stunned, then nodded: "Yes, but he misunderstood. I cannot help people who are aging normally to extend their lives." Dafeng Novel Network

"Heh heh, then he's probably going to be very disappointed."

Ye Zheng seemed to have predicted this. He first let out a mocking laugh, then restrained his smile and added, "Wuming, here's a piece of advice for you."

"What is it?"

"Throughout history, emperors have often been ruthless."

Ye Zheng spoke slowly, his expression somewhat unusual.

At that moment, he shed his identity and authority as the Ye family patriarch and the leader of the military, like an ordinary grandfather warning his grandson.

...