Chapter 143: Before Departure (3)

The two brothers stood beneath the towering cedar trees in the family estate as he began to speak. Their conversation was drowned out by the crackling of fireworks, but Qi Yun’s shock was unmistakable. He stared at his younger brother for a long time, speechless, before finally managing to utter, “…Jingchen, you… how could you come up with such an absurd idea?”

Qi Yun’s emotions were intense, whereas Qi Ying remained calm. At that moment, he was gazing off at the children of the clan laughing and playing, not immediately responding. The fiery blossoms of light from the fireworks reflected faintly in his phoenix-like eyes, making him appear, for a fleeting moment, as though he stood apart from the mortal world.

He seemed to sigh softly, then said something seemingly unrelated: “Hui’er is still so young. I hope she can remain carefree like this forever.”

Upon hearing this, Qi Yun was startled and instinctively turned to look at his daughter. She was frolicking with the other children, running joyfully around the courtyard, her giggles ringing out. Her toothless smile was comically adorable, bringing smiles to those who watched her.

Around her, there were many other children and adults, all surnamed Qi. The adults either held positions of power or possessed boundless wealth, and when they grew old, they would pass everything on to their descendants.

Generation after generation repeated this cycle, perpetuating the endless glory of this century-old aristocratic family.

This auspicious and joyful scene left Qi Yun somewhat entranced. Just then, he heard Qi Ying call him “Elder Brother,” his voice calm and serene, somewhat incongruous with the surrounding festive cheer.

He said, “It is only natural that all things reach their peak and then decline. The Qi surname wields too much power, and the Privy Council  (Imperial Secretariat) holds too much importance. My continued existence within the family may now be more of a hazard than a blessing.”

These words came both abruptly and naturally. Upon hearing them, Qi Yun immediately turned to look at him, feeling as if the winter wind had suddenly grown colder, pulling him out of the warmth of the festival.

He found himself at a loss for words.

At that moment, Qi Ying glanced at him, his features as distant and tranquil as far-off mountains, exuding a sense of clarity and openness that seemed to dispel the heavy chill, bringing a sense of calm.

He said, “I have been the sharp blade paving the way through thorny paths, but what the Qi family needs now is no longer a blade, but a resilient thread to hold everything together—Elder Brother, you are that thread, better suited than I to sustain all of this.”

Qi Yun understood these words—Jingchen wasn’t joking. He truly intended to leave, and now, he was entrusting everything to him.

There had been much gossip among the people, saying that Qi Ying, the second son, held such immense power that the Left Chancellor would surely disregard the order of seniority and pass the position of family head to him. Qi Yun also knew that many secretly mocked him behind his back, laughing at how his younger brother had overshadowed him, making him a pitiable figure living in Qi Ying’s shadow.

But he had never cared about any of that.

He knew how extraordinarily talented his younger brother was, and how indifferent and magnanimous he was. He had never harbored thoughts of competing with Jingchen. He willingly served as the supporting branch, working alongside him to maintain the prosperity of the family and the stability of the nation.

He worried that Jingchen’s decision to step back was made out of consideration for him.

Qi Yun immediately said, “Where did this idea come from? Setting aside the family, let’s just talk about the court—if you weren’t there, how could it have survived these years? Forget about warfare—even the reforms wouldn’t have progressed!—You mustn’t worry about me. Between us brothers, I absolutely don’t…”

Before he could finish, he saw Qi Ying raise his hand and smile, then say, “I know Elder Brother very well. How could I harbor such thoughts?”

Qi Ying’s gaze was clear, revealing his trust and respect for him. Seeing this, Qi Yun felt a wave of relief and a faint sense of comfort.

His younger brother hadn’t misunderstood him—thank goodness.

At this moment, Qi Ying once again turned his gaze to the children playing in the courtyard, his expression tinged with a distant haze. He said, “I’ve done everything I possibly could. The northern campaign can ensure a decade of peace for Jiangzuo. This decade will be a time for deepening reforms and recuperation. If we seize this opportunity, in ten years the nation will be strong, the people prosperous. We can retreat to secure Jiangzuo’s stability or advance to reclaim lost territories—it will be a time ripe for all possibilities.”

“And these matters no longer require me as much.”

Qi Yun’s brows furrowed deeply as he called out, “Jingchen…”

Qi Ying turned to him, giving a faint smile, his eyes calm and open. “The Imperial Secretariat is a place of intrigue and deception. My role has merely been to contend with the machinations of men. Master Wang once said that this is not the righteous path of a gentleman, nor is it sustainable. Fortunately, after sitting in such a sharp-edged position for so long, I gained the authority to enact change. Thankfully, I secured some vitality for the Liang Dynasty—I believe I haven’t failed my mission.”

These words pierced Qi Yun’s heart, evoking a newfound sympathy—he realized that his younger brother knew everything, understood everything, yet still bore all of this alone.

Over the years, while it seemed he ascended effortlessly, step by step, he was not truly happy because he was not enamored with scheming for power.

He had allowed others to walk the noble path of reform and saving the people, while he himself tread a dark, muddy road of conflict. On one side, he was flattered and praised by the world, while behind closed doors, he was criticized and slandered, bearing countless wounds.

His younger brother…

Qi Yun felt a lump rise in his throat.

“Now, all matters have finally reached a conclusion,” Qi Ying’s demeanor relaxed, as if experiencing a sense of liberation. “I suppose I can finally rest.”

There was a faint trace of relief and joy in his eyes.

Qi Yun looked at the expression in his eyes and found it strangely familiar.

How long had it been since he had seen such a spark in Jingchen’s eyes?

In their childhood, they studied together, marveling at the grandeur of rivers and mountains and the vibrant debates among scholars. During breaks, their mother would bring them fragrant, glutinous porridge and pastries. They would play together with their younger brothers, who were still learning to speak, chasing crickets in the spacious courtyard of their ancestral home.

Those were indeed joyful times.

But what happened later?

Later, they entered the political arena, entangled in complex human affairs and caught in the emperor’s tests. Every day, they were trapped amidst piles of documents. And Jingchen, far more than anyone else, bore the weight of life and conspiracy in the Imperial Secretariat—dirty, burdensome, and exhausting.

Gradually, the sparkle in his eyes dimmed, replaced by caution, aloofness, detachment, rigidity…

And… weariness.

Did he want to live like that?

Of course not—it was simply unavoidable.

Qi Yun suddenly understood him.

A thought struck him, and he asked Qi Ying earnestly, “Leaving here will make you more comfortable, won’t it?”

Qi Ying responded frankly, nodding at his elder brother. After a moment’s hesitation, he added somewhat awkwardly, “I plan to take Wenwen with me. She and I…”

He didn’t continue, but his gentle expression spoke volumes.

Qi Yun understood. After a brief pause, he laughed, patting Qi Ying’s shoulder joyfully. “Is that so? You two have finally settled down…”

As he spoke, he seemed to feel a wave of nostalgia. “Time flies. Back when she first came to our family, she was still half a child. When your sister-in-law said you liked her, I didn’t believe it. Who would have thought…”

Both brothers laughed, reminiscing about those days. Meanwhile, Qi Ying couldn’t help but reflect inwardly—had he really been so outrageous back then?

Qi Yun, however, harbored no such thoughts. His eyes brimmed with sincere blessings as he nodded, saying to Qi Ying, “Miss Fang is wonderful. Since you like her so much, your future will surely be smooth.”

Qi Ying lowered his head and smiled softly, his phoenix eyes shimmering slightly. He replied, “Mm, I like her very much.”

In the political arena, few spoke openly of their likes and dislikes—not out of pretense, but because concealing one’s true feelings was necessary for safety. Yet here he was, saying he liked her very much.

How much did he like her to be so certain? And how much did he trust his elder brother to speak so openly?

Qi Yun was deeply shaken.

He found himself inexplicably beginning to agree—agreeing with his younger brother’s absurd notion of leaving home, leaving Jiankang, shedding his identity through a fake death, and disappearing into obscurity.

Still, Qi Yun was troubled. He said to Qi Ying, “But Father is stubborn. He will certainly oppose your plan. If he uses the family’s influence to stop you, what will you do then?”

Qi Ying’s expression didn’t change. From his sleeve, he took out a letter and handed it to Qi Yun.

Qi Yun took it, quickly scanning its contents as he listened to Qi Ying explain, “I have only discussed this matter with you, Elder Brother. I will not mention it to Father or Mother. If anything happens after I leave, please deliver this letter to them.”

Qi Yun skimmed through the letter, seeing that Qi Ying briefly explained the situation, especially detailing the fake death. It seemed he wanted to prepare them to comfort Mother, should she become overly grief-stricken.

Speechless, Qi Yun followed Qi Ying’s gaze toward the distance, where he saw their third and fourth brothers playing with the younger generation.

Qi Ying continued, “Third Brother and Fourth Brother both had misunderstandings with me due to certain circumstances. I won’t have time to make amends or care for them in the future.”

“Fourth Brother is not without talent, but his temperament is unsettled and lacks refinement. He may harbor resentment over being dismissed from the spring examinations. After I leave, please encourage him to continue studying. If an imperial grace examination is held next year, he can pass.”

“As for Third Brother…” His tone shifted, tinged with regret. “Perhaps he isn’t best suited for scholarly pursuits. If Father insists on him becoming an official, he will need continuous support in the political arena. Otherwise, his wavering heart could lead to disaster…”

He spoke calmly, without a single superfluous word, yet he had already considered every detail of the family, leaving nothing overlooked.

He had thought everything through.

Qi Yun was at a loss for words. When he looked up at Qi Ying again, he saw his phoenix eyes glowing brighter than the fiery blossoms of the night, yet tinged with a heavy sorrow. He said, “While one’s parents are alive, one should not travel far—I am unfilial. While the nation is unsettled, a minister should not resign—I am disloyal. I can only hope that Elder Brother will take care of our parents and restore the nation. I am eternally grateful.”

With that, he solemnly bowed to Qi Yun.

At this moment, the fireworks ended, and little Hui’er, having finished watching the spectacle, ran back to her father. With her toothless grin, she asked her tall, handsome second uncle, “What is Second Uncle doing? Why are you bowing to Father?”

She didn’t realize that her father was close to tears, struggling to conceal his emotions because she was nearby.

She then saw her father raise his hand to help Second Uncle up, saying to him, “You’ve already done enough. From now on, leave it to your older brother.”

Amidst the festive noise, families reunited. Amidst the sound of fireworks, the tumultuous seventeenth year of Qinghua finally drew to a close.

The first year of Jiahe began.