The Yu family had been in seclusion since the death of the old Duke, and Yu Zeyan had felt stifled working in the Ministry of Justice all these years.
Arriving in Jizhou, however, felt like a rebirth, a chance to reclaim a world of their own.
Madam Cui finally felt a little relieved after hearing Yu Mingjing’s words, but she also knew that a welcoming banquet had been specially prepared for Yu Mingjing, with everyone from the second and third branches coming to offer their congratulations.
Compared to the veiled sarcasm of previous household banquets, this one was filled with harmony. The young lords and ladies of the household centered their attention on Yu Mingjing, their concern genuine.
Yu Mingjing was somewhat surprised. Seeing his sister subtly wink at him, signaling him to relax, he understood.
It seemed that many things had happened in the household during his absence.
Even the sixth young master, who had initially been quite hostile towards Yu Mingjing, no longer wanted to stay in his wet nurse’s arms, constantly leaning in Yu Mingjing’s direction.
Laughter filled the household, and Xie Jiaoyan next door couldn't help but curve his lips. Though he couldn't see the scene, he imagined it was warm and loving, truly a family.
Xie Jiaoyan sat in the pavilion, moonlight flowing like water, the chirping of insects only emphasizing the quiet of the night.
The sounds of laughter from next door gradually faded, eventually ceasing altogether. The night deepened, and the family banquet must have ended.
A hint of coolness rode the night breeze, yet Xie Jiaoyan showed no intention of returning to his room. After an unknown period, he heard footsteps.
Xie Jiaoyan’s lips curved slightly. He rose from the stone bench and made a gesture of invitation, signaling Yu Mingjing to sit. "Congratulations on your triumphant return, Brother Mingjing!"
Wine and food were already prepared on Xie Jiaoyan's table, clearly, he had anticipated Yu Mingjing's visit today.
Yu Mingjing raised his cup and toasted Xie Jiaoyan, "Thank you for your assistance, Brother Jiaoyan."
Yu Mingjing was well aware that the Luo family dared to instigate rebellion with the backing of the Five Great Clans.
Yet, at a critical moment, a troop of men appeared as if from the heavens, claiming to be retainers of the Five Great Clans. They could deceive the Seventh Prince, but not Yu Mingjing.
And during the recent turmoil in the capital, if not for that timely secret report, the situation might not have been resolved so quickly.
Yu Mingjing was destined to inherit the Duke’s mansion, and the Cui family had invested more effort in him than in Yu Mingyue.
Although the Cui family was based in Qinghe, they also had their own influence in the capital. Yu Mingjing had been introduced to some of their associates by the Cui family a few times since he was nine years old.
When it was inconvenient to mobilize the Duke’s mansion’s personnel, Yu Mingjing would utilize these connections.
He possessed a personal seal, a secret family emblem of the Cui family’s leaders in the capital, personally bestowed by his maternal grandfather. Seeing the seal was like seeing the patriarch, yet none of those men recognized it.
Though their identities were shrouded in mystery, their actions were honorable and their spirits soaring.
Later, through discreet investigation, their identities were revealed. Yu Mingjing privately hosted a few of them, and one of them, an elder brother surnamed Zhao, spoke frankly, stating they were assisting on behalf of someone else. After repeated pleas, he learned the truth.
Xie Jiaoyan had already received their message, which was why he had set up the banquet in the pavilion waiting for him.
"It was merely a small effort, Brother Mingjing is too kind," Xie Jiaoyan said with a smile.
"Forgive my directness, Brother Jiaoyan, but why did you have them impersonate the retainers of the Five Great Clans? What is your connection to the Five Great Clans?" Yu Mingjing's tone was not accusatory, but it was clear he would not be easily satisfied without a proper answer.
There were constant undercurrents between the imperial court and the Five Great Clans, and Xie Jiaoyan's actions were undoubtedly aimed at easing the conflict between them.
Since he was not of royal blood, he must be connected to the Five Great Clans.
It was a good thing for the Five Great Clans to have someone with such foresight among them.
Xie Jiaoyan's expression was calm. After drinking his wine, he said, "I won't hide it from you, Brother Mingjing. I do have some connection to the Five Great Clans, but I am not a member of their families."
Yu Mingjing raised an eyebrow, his eyes carrying an unreadable emotion. "If Brother Jiaoyan wishes to ease the conflict between the royal family and the Five Great Clans, I fear it is a task as difficult as ascending to heaven."
How could one sleep soundly with a tiger lying beside their bed? Without eradicating the Five Great Clans, the Sage could not find peace.