Embroidered spring knife, flying fish attire.
If Huo Ling received a warm welcome at the Dexing Restaurant based on his appearance, then Ye Xiao achieved the effect of "keeping one’s distance" with his attire. In the eyes of the public, the Jin Yiwei usually did things related to "exterminating families" so even though they knew they were innocent, upon seeing the flying fish attire, they couldn’t help but shudder and instinctively make way for them.
Ye Xiao arrived neither early nor late, but he still managed to sit in the best spot with his back to the wall―before he even had a chance to ask if the other person could share the table, the customer who was sitting there hurriedly paid the bill and left, not only saying "please" to him as he left, but also stating that his expenses for the day would be covered by him.
Seeing this, Huo Can couldn’t help but sigh, "The name of Jin Yiwei does live up to its reputation." Just looking at it was awe-inspiring.
He didn’t say anything to Huo Can, Ye Xiao just turned his head back and looked at the person who had made way for him, squinting his eyes.
He looked somewhat familiar, but unfortunately, he couldn't remember who it was, perhaps it was one of the people he had dealt with before.
Thinking like this, Ye Xiao nonchalantly waved his robe, sat down at the table after it was tidied up, and gestured to Huo Can, "Sit."
It was a very ordinary word, but not only did Huo Can instinctively respond, he even unintentionally said thank you when he sat down. By the time he realized it, Ye Xiao was already talking to the shop assistant by the side, not giving him a chance to save face.
After ordering the signature dish and wine of Dexing Restaurant, when the shop assistant left, Ye Xiao divided his attention between the storyteller on stage who was praising his grandfather and tapping his index finger lightly on the table. He then turned to the somewhat restrained Huo Can and asked nonchalantly, "Do you want to join the Jin Yiwei?"
"Yes, joining the Jin Yiwei is my dream."
Unfortunately, his dream was still in the "dream" stage, and it was shattered by the elders. After Huo Ling beat him, he took leave citing "embarrassment". Subsequently, without going to study in the study room, Huo Can secretly tried various ways to get close to the commander of the Jin Yiwei―Ye Xiao.
He had considered using Huo Ling as a "backdoor" entry. However, Huo Ling had done something so excessive to him that Huo Can couldn’t bring himself to do it. After going around in circles and spending a lot of time and money, he finally caught Ye Xiao's attention.
Dreaming of the day when he could wear the flying fish attire and carry the embroidered spring knife, Huo Can made a promise to Ye Xiao, "I'm willing to pay any price as long as you can help me get into the Jin Yiwei."
"Any price?" Ye Xiao repeated Huo Can's words with a playful tone, "Do I look stupid to you?" Though Ye Xiao was precise and meticulous in his actions, it didn’t mean he was foolish. Huo Can was not so exceptional that not being able to join the Jin Yiwei would be an irreparable loss for the Great Zhou. What made him think that Ye Xiao should help him? Was it the two gold bars given by Huo Can?
In the Jin Yiwei, as long as the offerings are legitimate, they belong to the individual as additional income. As for the requests made by others, they are dealt with according to the rules.
―Jin Yiwei is principled.
Adhering to principles, Ye Xiao rejected Huo Can. At the same time, without returning the gold bars, he indicated a way for him, "As a companion to the Crown Prince, why don’t you seek his help?"
Speaking of Huo Ling, Ye Xiao looked up and glanced at Huo Ling sitting by the window.
As their eyes met, Ye Xiao gently bit his lip. Huo Ling: "… Surprise!"
Without waiting for Huo Can to mull over and rephrase the phrase "I can’t bring myself to do it", the attendants sent by Huo Ling had already approached their table, "The young master is summoning you."
Ye Xiao put down his teacup, stood up, smoothed out the wrinkles on his clothes, and patted Huo Can's shoulder, who was still not fully aware of the situation, "Let's go. If you have something to say, just say it to him directly."
Huo Can: "Huh?"
Without any intention of explaining to the bewildered Huo Can, Ye Xiao directly grabbed his collar and led him with the attendants to the private room where Huo Ling was.
Meanwhile, because he was discovered and had to call someone in, Huo Ling, while waiting for the person, appeared somewhat restless. He brushed his sleeves and touched his hair from time to time, fearing that his cousin would see him for the first time and immediately start tidying him up.
As it turns out, Huo Ling's concerns were not unfounded.
When Ye Xiao entered the private room, as he warmly greeted Huo Ling who came up to him, he first wiped his hands with his handkerchief, then started adjusting Huo Ling's slightly crooked collar, and also adjusted the position of his hairpin.
"Being a Crown Prince and his age, how can't you even dress properly?"
Although Ye Xiao's expression was indifferent, his movements were patient and meticulous, his words carried a sense of dissatisfaction, almost like a "father" who wanted his son to grow up, making Huo Can, who had just been snubbed by Ye Xiao, realize how different he was from the strict and ruthless commander he expected. Ye Xiao was the one who raised Huo Ling when he was seven years old, and it wasn't an exaggeration to say so. In a sense, Ye Xiao's presence made up for the lack of "fatherly love" in Huo Ling's life, though this "paternal love" sometimes made others a bit uncomfortable... Thwarting Ye Xiao's attempt to reach his waistband, Huo Ling grinned at him, "My younger sister made this outfit for me, do you have that?"
Seeing Ye Xiao's sudden silence, Huo Ling felt relieved—good, the topic had successfully changed.
The next moment, Ye Xiao drew the embroidered spring knife, "You're looking for trouble, are you not feeling well?"
As the knife was unsheathed, a cold flash appeared.
Before Ye Xiao could completely draw out the embroidered spring knife, the guards protecting Huo Ling had already drawn their swords and stood in front of him, showing that they were ready to strike back if Ye Xiao dared to move.
Seeing Huo Ling hiding behind the guards, Ye Xiao intended to teach this "little rascal" a lesson, and his voice suddenly turned cold, "Come out." If he had the nerve to do this, he should be able to find help. "No, I won't!" hiding behind the guards, Huo Ling felt safe. It was the first time he realized that being a Crown Prince had its benefits. He laughed mischievously and poked his head out, also giving a friendly reminder to Ye Xiao, who also liked fluffy little animals, "Cousin, it's alright to scare me, but it's not good to scare my 'little sister' at home."
"You must be kind, and not always use knives and guns, it's not good, especially as it can easily hurt the hearts of the young ones."
Ye Xiao: "..." Looking at the fully satisfied cat rolling on the table and the little dog who was biting his robe and looked like a sincerely protective little animal, Ye Xiao, after a moment of silent contemplation, actually felt less angry and put away the embroidered spring knife. After he holstered his knife, the guards who had been blocking Huo Ling also put away their swords and returned to their positions, acting like unobtrusive flower vases. Huo Ling laughed and warmly led Ye Xiao to sit by the table, "Cousin, please have a seat." He personally brought Ye Xiao a cup of tea. Huo Ling then looked at Huo Can, who had already sat down at the table, "Oh? When did you get here?"
The habitual "ya" that was brought up by Huo Ling made Huo Can think of the "panic" that he used to have under his rule. He remained silent and then eventually chose to address Huo Ling, who was one year younger than him, as "Uncle Huo."
"Ah, my dear nephew." Satisfied, Huo Ling decided to spare his dear nephew. "You're such a good boy."
Patting Huo Can on the shoulder, Huo Ling sat down beside Ye Xiao, who was too engrossed in caressing a little cat's belly to pay attention to them. In front of Huo Ling, he directly asked, "Cousin, why did you and Huo Can come to Fengyue Building?"
"I came to eat, and he came to ask for my help." Ye Xiao casually replied, and then carried the little cat in his arms. "I have something to do at the Imperial Guards tonight, so I won't delay you. I'll take the cat with me." Ye Xiao said as he stood up, holding the most expensive wine pot on the table. "If you can't handle your liquor, then don't drink. I'll take this pot of wine with me."
Accustomed to having fewer members of his "cat and dog army" each time he met Ye Xiao, even though he sometimes felt a headache at the thought of the other party, Huo Ling was also used to Ye Xiao's "control" of him. Not only did he allow Ye Xiao to take away the liquor that he rarely had a chance to enjoy, but he even asked, quite smoothly, "Do you want more?"
"Yes."
"...Oh."
Despite the calm expression on Ye Xiao's face as he carried the cat and the wine, there was a relaxed smile in his eyes and brows. In a good mood, Ye Xiao, out of the kindness of his heart, helped Huo Can before leaving, "Young Master Huo has something to discuss with you. I won't disturb you."
Huo Can, who hadn't decided whether or not to "ask" Huo Ling, looked on helplessly as the person he wanted to ask for something left. When Huo Ling turned back towards him with interest, Huo Can instinctively gave Huo Ling a smile. "Uncle."
As the dog that wouldn't allow anyone to take his position barked "woof!" with a casual gesture, Huo Ling picked up the dog to showcase its presence and directly sat down beside Huo Can. He reached out and pulled the other's shoulder, "Speak up, what difficult situation have you encountered? Tell me, it will make me happy."
Huo Ling's gloating tone made Huo Can wish that he could turn back time to the moment he arrived at Fengyue Building. If he had known that Huo Ling would be there today, he would definitely... have made another appointment with Ye Xiao.
The unpredictable twists and turns of life led to nearly two months of hesitation, but Huo Can eventually "implored" Huo Ling. Upon hearing Huo Can's request, Huo Ling couldn't help but tilt his head and carefully observe Huo Can, "I can't tell, you actually have such determination?"
Surprised by his words, just as Huo Can thought he might be laughed at or even rejected, Huo Ling pushed the little dog in his arms towards him, followed by a pat on the chest, "Having a dream makes anyone extraordinary. You just want to enter the Imperial Guards, right? I'll help you."
"I will go talk to Uncle, I will help you."