EBE Chapter 7 Heart-to-heart talks with family (2)
Chapter 7 Heart-to-heart talks with family (2)
Hearing Fifth Brother's words, the huge weight that had been hanging over everyone's hearts seemed to lift instantly, slowly settling down with a muffled "thud." Yes, if the hero who saved Yao Yao really was He Yanxi himself, then what did they have to worry about?
At this moment, Qin Yaoyao shifted her gaze from her fifth brother and swept it over everyone present. She was surprised to find that everyone around her wore an expression of relief, as if a heavy burden had suddenly been lifted from their shoulders. However, in stark contrast to the others, Qin Yaoyao herself was filled with doubt and confusion.
"What's wrong with you all? Just now, when you heard that He Mingwen might have ulterior motives, you were all frowning and worried! How come you all suddenly became so relaxed and cheerful when you said that the person who saved me was someone else? This complete change in your attitudes really makes me baffled!" Qin Yaoyao couldn't help but widen her eyes and ask with a face full of curiosity.
As she asked her question, she observed everyone's reactions, trying to find the answer in their expressions and eyes. However, everyone seemed immersed in joy and did not immediately answer her question. This made Qin Yaoyao feel that something was strange, and her doubts deepened.
Her gaze, like a scanner, slowly swept over everyone present, carefully observing every subtle change in their faces, attempting to glean some clue to unravel the mystery in her heart. But to her surprise, these people showed no reaction to her questioning, merely exchanging glances before revealing an indescribable smile. This knowing smile deepened Qin Yaoyao's suspicions; she couldn't wait to know what had happened.
Seeing her daughter's suspicious expression, the mother frowned and said softly, "Yaoyao, you have to trust your mother. He would never hurt your brother. After all, he's your brother's best friend!" Hearing this, Qin Yaoyao's doubts only deepened. Her eyes widened as she loudly questioned, "Just because he's close to my brother, you have no suspicions about him? Have you considered that perhaps he's deliberately getting close to my brother with ulterior motives? As the saying goes, 'It's easy to draw a dragon or a tiger, but hard to draw their bones; it's easy to know a person's face, but hard to know their heart.' Who can guarantee he isn't a person with malicious intentions?"
Just then, Fifth Brother, who was standing next to her, finally couldn't suppress his impulse. He raised his hand and gently tapped Qin Yaoyao's forehead, and said with a smile, "You, you clever little rascal, I was just praising you for being smart and quick-witted. How come you've become so confused now? I've known and dated Jingzhi for several years now. Do you think I don't know his way of doing things? And Yaoyao, you know better than anyone what kind of person he is. He would never do anything to hurt any of us."
In fact, Qin Yaoyao was very clear about He Yanxi's character and conduct, and she was quite certain that He Yanxi had absolutely no intention of harming them. However, she was simply too curious. She was eager to know what kind of unique charm or talent He Yanxi possessed that could make his family trust him so wholeheartedly and without reservation.
At that moment, the mother noticed the confused look on Qin Yaoyao's face, so she smiled and explained gently, "Child, do you know? Your brother's life was saved by someone who risked everything! Even if others had ulterior motives, so what?"
Upon hearing this, Qin Yaoyao was shocked. Her eyes widened in disbelief, and she eagerly asked, "What exactly happened? Did my brother encounter danger? When did all this happen? Why did I know nothing about it?" Her mother sighed softly, gently stroking Qin Yaoyao's hair, and replied slowly and heavily, "You were still young at the time, and I was afraid of frightening you, so I never dared to tell you the truth."
Qin Yaoyao's anxiety grew. She gripped her brother's hand tightly, circling him repeatedly, her eyes burning with concern as she scrutinized his entire body. "So how are you now? Is there anything unusual or uncomfortable about your body?" she anxiously inquired. Her eyes were filled with worry and concern, as if she didn't want to leave her brother's side for even a moment longer. Finally, when she heard her brother say that he felt no discomfort and had fully recovered, Qin Yaoyao's tense nerves relaxed slightly, and she let out a long breath.
Qin Yunji deeply felt the meticulous care from his younger sister, and his heart was filled with joy and emotion. He quickly comforted her, saying, "Little sister, don't be afraid. I'm fine now. Just relax!" Qin Yaoyao nodded slightly to show that she understood, but still couldn't suppress her curiosity and continued to ask, "What exactly happened? Why was brother so badly injured?"
The mother slowly began to recount: "Four years ago, your elder brother traveled to the Jiangnan region to discuss business. Who would have thought that on his return journey, he would encounter a band of vicious mountain bandits? Faced with numerous and incredibly fierce enemies, your brother and his companions were surrounded and isolated, in an extremely dangerous situation. Just when it seemed that Xiao Wu was about to be overwhelmed, at this critical moment of life and death, they happened to meet Yan Xi, who was away on official business in the capital. Thanks to Yan Xi's righteous assistance, they were spared from being killed and were fortunate enough to escape with their lives. Not only that, it was Yan Xi who assigned his subordinates to safely bring Xiao Wu home. At first, we didn't know who had saved their lives."
Qin Yaoyao's beautiful eyes widened, her face full of suspicion. She pressed on relentlessly, asking, "Then how did you find out later that it was him who saved you?"
Looking at his sister's adorable appearance, Qin Yunji couldn't help but laugh. Then he patiently explained, "Silly girl, although I didn't know his true identity at the time, I'm not blind. Since I've seen his face before, I can naturally recognize him! I remember once at a palace banquet, I saw him sitting in the front row and heard how the people around him addressed him. That's when I suddenly realized that he was actually the famous, spirited, and unruly Prince Zhenbei—He Yanxi."
Qin Yaoyao was still somewhat puzzled and continued to ask, "But brother, even if you recognize him, you can't be sure he's the one who saved your life! You know, there are many people in this world who look alike. Aren't there any other possibilities?"
The second sister's lips curled into a faint smile as she softly said, "Silly sister, there are indeed many people in this world who look alike, but it's almost impossible to find two people who look exactly alike. If they weren't twins born of the same mother, how could such a coincidence happen?" Her voice was gentle yet firm, as if she were telling her sister an unshakeable truth.
Qin Yunji smiled slightly and patiently explained, "At first, I did have such doubts. But when I observed him carefully, I found that he had a unique temperament. His righteous and resolute expression made me convinced that he was the hero who saved me from danger that day. Moreover, during our conversation, I felt more and more that he was sincere and his demeanor was extraordinary. All of this made me even more certain of my judgment."
After listening, Qin Yaoyao nodded thoughtfully, seemingly understanding her brother's thoughts. She then asked, "So, what happened next? How did you become friends?"
Qin Yunji was lost in deep memories, scenes from the past flashing before his eyes like a movie, especially his acquaintance and friendship with Prince Zhenbei, He Yanxi, which filled him with emotion. He slowly said, "After that court banquet, I went to Prince Zhenbei's residence to visit He Yanxi with deep respect and gratitude. When I saw the Prince Zhenbei, who was renowned throughout the land, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe, but even more so, I felt heartfelt gratitude."
However, to my surprise, this legendary arrogant and unruly Prince Zhenbei was actually so kind and approachable. Faced with our family's gratitude, he smiled and said it was nothing but a small matter, not worth mentioning, and sincerely invited us to visit often. From then on, we often gathered together, enjoying fragrant tea, discussing poetry, and talking about world affairs. As time went by, our understanding of each other deepened, and friendship quietly took root and blossomed.
During those leisurely and carefree days, we had almost no secrets from each other. Our topics of conversation were wide-ranging, ranging from in-depth discussions of the meaning of life to the analysis of military strategies; from romantic love affairs to reflections on national governance. Each conversation was like a grand intellectual feast, from which we both benefited greatly. In particular, I deeply admired He Yanxi's profound knowledge, noble character, and extraordinary talent. It was precisely because of these frequent and close interactions that a deep friendship developed between us, a friendship that has withstood the test of time, becoming ever stronger and unbreakable.
At this point, Qin Yunji's face was filled with a satisfied and joyful smile. He couldn't help but sigh, "Sometimes, the arrangements of fate are truly magical and mysterious beyond belief. If it weren't for that sudden change, I probably would never have had the chance to meet this exceptionally talented and virtuous friend. Therefore, it can be said that every stage of life is a precious treasure, often bestowing upon us unexpected surprises, joys, and abundant rewards."
Then Third Brother added, "Besides, they have money and soldiers; they don't need us at all." "Hmm, what do you mean? Isn't he the biggest playboy in the capital?" Qin Yaoyao asked疑惑地. Qin Yunji replied, "That's only one side of him. Don't underestimate him; he's very clever."
The father continued, "Back then, when the Crown Prince was poisoned, the Imperial Hospital lacked a crucial herb. It was said that this herb grew on an extremely dangerous cliff, and since it hadn't yet flowered and couldn't be picked, Yanxi went alone to the cliff edge and waited for three days. Finally, when it bloomed, he picked the herb and brought it back to the capital to save the Crown Prince. However, this offended those who wanted to kill the Crown Prince, so he was assassinated on his way back to the capital. It was because of this incident that the Emperor granted Yanxi 300,000 troops to protect him. So don't underestimate him just because he's a spoiled brat."
"So that's how it is," Qin Yaoyao murmured softly, her eyes looking somewhat confused, but quickly regaining their clarity.
The mother watched her daughter silently, her heart aching at her weakened state. She knew Qin Yaoyao had just woken up and was still very fragile, needing more time to rest and recover. Therefore, the mother decided to have everyone else leave first, so as not to disturb Qin Yaoyao's rest.
The mother turned to everyone and said gently, "Alright, everyone has been watching for so long. Yao Yao has just woken up and needs to rest for a while. Let's go back now so she can focus on recovering."
Everyone nodded in understanding. Although they still had many questions and concerns, they knew that the most important thing at this moment was to ensure Qin Yaoyao got enough rest. Led by her mother, the group slowly walked out of the room, each person's face showing worry.
Before leaving, the mother looked back several times at Qin Yaoyao lying on the bed, her eyes filled with endless love and tenderness. She slowly walked to the bedside, gently stroking Qin Yaoyao's forehead, and whispered, "Yaoyao, you must get better." Then, the mother turned around, smiled slightly at Yingchun and Banxia standing beside her, gently patted their shoulders, and earnestly instructed them, "Yingchun, Banxia, I'm entrusting Yaoyao to you. You two must take good care of her with all your heart. If you need any help, or if you notice any signs of discomfort in her, remember to let me know immediately."
Upon hearing this, Yingchun and Banxia looked serious and earnest, and replied in unison, "Please rest assured, Madam, we will do our utmost to take good care of Miss!" Their voices were firm and strong, showing their determination to complete the task.
After her mother and the others left, the room became eerily quiet. Yingchun and Banxia silently guarded the bedside, their eyes never leaving Qin Yaoyao, afraid of missing any subtle movement or change in her expression. Qin Yaoyao, however, kept her eyes tightly closed, as peaceful as a sleeping fairy…
However, just as Yingchun and Banxia thought Qin Yaoyao had really fallen asleep, they quietly left the room and closed the door behind them—Qin Yaoyao suddenly opened her eyes, her gaze clear as a mirror, and quickly began to organize her thoughts.