The thirtieth of the lunar new year.
Morning.
The north wind howled.
The branches in the courtyard swayed with the wind, making a sobbing sound that stirred a sense of sorrow.
Noon.
The sun shone brightly, the sky clear and boundless.
The Ye family decorated the courtyard festively, preparing to welcome the Spring Festival.
Ye Wudi thought it unnecessary, as after tonight, this top family in the capital might vanish forever.
But the old man insisted.
The old man said, “Even if we die, we should have a reunion dinner first, carrying the festive spirit on our way.”
Still, everyone’s hearts remained heavy.
To celebrate the festival, the old man personally cooked a few dishes, a rare occurrence.
One o’clock in the afternoon.
The family gathered for a reunion dinner.
Ye Qiu returned to his room, calling Qian Jinglan, Lin Jingzhi, Bai Bing, Qin Wan, Su Luoying, Qianshan Xue, and Xu Changjin in Korea.
Afterwards,
Ye Qiu brought gifts and visited the Bai family to see Old General Bai.
This year, Bai Bing stayed in Jiangzhou for the festival, and Bai Yujing and his son were abroad, leaving the Bai household unusually quiet.
When Ye Qiu saw Old General Bai, he was wearing a greyish-yellow military coat, sitting in the courtyard by a fire.
Two guards accompanied him.
“Little Ye, today is critical, why do you have time to visit an old man like me?”
“You shouldn’t have come.”
“You should be fully preparing for the battle.”
The news of the duel had spread widely in the capital, and as a surviving founding hero, Old General Bai was well aware.
“Old General, it’s New Year’s Eve, and since Sister Bing didn’t return, I’m visiting on her behalf.”
Ye Qiu asked with concern, “How’s your health lately?”
“Since your last treatment, I’ve been much better,” Old General Bai gestured, and the two guards quickly left.
Then, his smile faded as he asked, “Little Ye, are you confident about tonight’s battle?”
“No,” Ye Qiu answered honestly.
Old General Bai’s expression changed. “If you’re not confident, why not escape?”
Ye Qiu said, “Some things must be faced; running isn’t the answer.”
Old General Bai praised, “Knowing there’s a tiger in the mountain yet heading toward it, that’s the act of a brave man.”
“Little Bing didn’t misjudge you, you truly have courage.”
“I hope you survive tonight; I don’t want Little Bing widowed.”
Ye Qiu smiled, “I’ll do my best.”
Old General Bai added, “The Forbidden City sent invitations to all major families in the capital to witness tonight. I’ll be there too.”
“I think everyone invited will go.”
“Little Ye, I’m too old to help, so tonight depends on you.”
“You must survive!”
His concern for Ye Qiu was evident.
Ye Qiu smiled, “Old General, no need to worry, I’ll give it my all.”
“Mm,” Old General Bai nodded slightly.
“I have things to attend to, so I won’t stay. If I survive tonight, I’ll take you to Jiangzhou,” Ye Qiu said. “It’s a nice place with mountains and lakes.”
Old General Bai nodded, “Good.”
Ye Qiu stood, took a few steps, then turned back to Old General Bai, saying, “If one day I kill Bai Yujing, you won’t blame me, will you?”
Old General Bai was silent for a moment before answering, “Little Ye, you’re a doctor, saving lives and helping the wounded.”
“I know you’re not bloodthirsty.”
“If you kill Bai Yujing, it must mean he deserved it.”
“I won’t blame you.”
“With your words, I’m at ease,” Ye Qiu said, leaving the Bai household.
As he left, the two guards returned to Old General Bai’s side.
“Do you know what shameful things Bai Yujing has done?” Old General Bai asked.
Both guards shook their heads, “No idea.”
Sigh!
Old General Bai let out a long sigh, “I fought my whole life, how did I end up with such a disgraceful grandson? A misfortune to the family, a misfortune!”
…
After leaving the Bai household, Ye Qiu returned to the Ye residence.
Evening.
The clear sky turned gloomy, covered in dark clouds.
A sense of oppression hung over the capital, like a storm was brewing.
Six thirty in the evening.
Darkness had fallen.
The Ye family set out.
Ye Dabao and his mother saw them off at the gate.
“Dabao, if we don’t return, don’t seek revenge. Live well for the rest of your life,” the old man said.
Ye Wuwei added, “Dabao, take care of your mother.”
Ye Qiu patted Ye Dabao’s shoulder, saying, “You’d better pray I die tonight, or you’ll be stuck in the devil training camp for years.”
Surprisingly, Ye Dabao smiled and said, “Brother, I believe you’ll come back alive.”
Ye Qiu said, “If I do, I’ll find you a wife.”
“Someone like Third Aunt.”
“Then you’ll really be in for it.”
Ye Dabao’s mouth twitched.
“Let’s go!” The old man, in a woollen coat, led the way with determination.
Ye Qiu, Ye Wuwei, Ye Wudi, and Dragon Lady followed.
Master Duer, in red robes, holding a vajra staff, brought up the rear.
Three cars waited outside.
Before boarding,
Snowflakes began to fall, adding a touch of melancholy to the oppressive atmosphere.
The old man reached out, a snowflake landing in his palm, melting in less than five seconds.
“Human life is like this snowflake, beautiful but fleeting.”
The old man sighed and asked, “Ye Qiu, what is our purpose today?”
Ye Qiu answered, “To kill Long Yi and destroy the Forbidden City.”
“And if we don’t return?” the old man asked.
Ye Qiu declared, “Then we don’t return!”
The old man laughed heartily, “Well said, worthy of being my grandson, Ye Zhengling.”
“What’s to fear in life or death? A true man stands tall, doing what must be done, avoiding what must not.”
“Ye Qiu, join me in my car, to the Forbidden City.”
Everyone boarded.
At that moment, Ye Dabao and his mother knelt at the Ye residence gate.
“Grandfather, Father, Third Uncle, Brother—”
“You must come back!”
“Alive!”
Ye Dabao shouted hoarsely, keping until blood dripped from his forehead.
His mother, watching Ye Wuwei’s car, wept silently.
Ye Qiu’s mind echoed with two lines: The wind howls, the Yi River is cold, the hero goes, never to return.
“Move out!”
At the old man’s command, the cars headed for the Forbidden City!
