Chapter Fifty-Six: The Master of the World Where Appearance Reigns

At this moment, Ye Ling was no longer the person she used to be. She was well aware of the power her brother wielded, and when she heard Shao Xue express her pity, she didn’t get angry. Instead, she smiled—a mysterious, knowing smile.

“Honestly, Young Master Ye, you really clean up well,” Han Yuanzi joked.

“Ugly beast, you have no right to speak,” Ye Xin shot back.

“Hey—how am I an ugly beast?!” Han Yuanzi protested.

“Yuanzi, that depends on who you’re comparing yourself to,” Wang Meng said slyly. “Next to Brother Xin, you really can’t compete.”

“I can let it slide when Young Master Ye says it, but Wang Meng, please, do yourself a favor and look in the mirror first,” Han Yuanzi retorted, redirecting his ire.

“I’ve never denied I’m ugly,” Wang Meng replied, giving Han Yuanzi a peculiar look. “But at least I’m better than you. You stare into the mirror every day and still won’t admit the truth.”

Wang Meng’s attacks were rather self-deprecating, like wounding himself first before striking out, but surprisingly effective—Han Yuanzi was left sputtering, nearly choking in indignation.

“Here, pass me the mirror,” Ye Xin interjected, suddenly interested in his reflection.

Ye Ling handed him the round mirror. Ye Xin scrutinized his face with a satisfied smile, then remarked, “If this world truly judged by appearances, I’d already be its master…”

A sharp crack rang out on his helmet. It turned out Iron Lantern, finally unable to bear the banter, had thrown a bamboo chopstick, landing it squarely on Ye Xin’s helmet.

Ye Xin’s words had been provocative enough to rile everyone up. The elders wouldn’t stoop to his level, and the girls like Wen Rong weren’t familiar enough to tease him back, but Iron Lantern and the others couldn’t let it go.

“Brother Xin, could you not be so nauseating?” Wang Meng exclaimed. “I was trying to help you, but now—I solemnly declare my betrayal! Yuanzi, let’s…”

“Get lost,” Han Yuanzi snapped, pushing Wang Meng away without hesitation. “Maybe I’m not as good-looking as Young Master Ye, but I’m at least decent. Why should I team up with you?!”

“You’re really shameless!” Wang Meng cried, then turned to Ye Xin. “Brother Xin, isn’t this guy just too much?!”

“Don’t bother me. I recall someone just declared their betrayal,” Ye Xin replied with a smirk. “Go cool off somewhere else.”

“Third Brother, they’re ganging up on me!” Wang Meng appealed to Iron Lantern.

“That’s what you get,” Iron Lantern replied, grinning. “I’ve always sided with Xiao Xin. If you betray him, you betray me.”

Iron Lantern spoke loudly, making sure the veteran generals of the Sirius Legion could hear.

“My heart aches… I’m so hurt…” Wang Meng clutched his chest, lips trembling as if about to burst into tears.

While laughter and playful banter filled the main hall, in a side courtyard of the Ye estate, a confrontation was narrowly avoided.

Eight Boundless Sirius Wolves, the mounts of the old generals, lay in the yard. A burly man with a massive axe had somehow slipped in and was sitting beside one of the wolves, tracing gentle patterns on its head with his fingertip.

Boundless Sirius Wolves were fiercely alert, nearly impossible to approach unless you were their master. Yet this man sat right beside one, a perplexing sight—if the old generals had witnessed it, they would have been shocked.

However, a closer look revealed that the wolves weren’t relaxed, but rather drained. They whimpered softly, their limbs making weak, sporadic movements. The wolf closest to the man strained to distance itself but couldn’t move away.

Suddenly, the man’s hand stilled. His mouth was half open, and a strand of clear saliva dripped from the corner of his lips. Then, as if he’d reached a decision, he tapped the wolf’s head with his fingertip. His fingers curled into claws, ready to grab the wolf’s skull.

At that moment, a voice called out from behind, “Who are you? What are you doing here?”

The man’s movement froze. He stood up slowly, turned, and grinned at the newcomer. “These big dogs are so cute… heh heh…”

“Answer me—who are you, and what are you doing here?” Hao Fei’s tone turned cold. His hand rested on his sword hilt as he advanced step by step.

Between warriors, unless they channeled their inner power, it was impossible to gauge strength at a glance. Yet after countless battles, warriors honed a near-instinctive sense for danger.

Hao Fei was fully alert, his intuition screaming that this was perhaps the most dangerous opponent he’d ever faced.

“I came for the Young Marshal’s wedding,” the burly man replied with a goofy grin.

“Oh?” Hao Fei was taken aback. “Then why did you end up here?”

“I stepped out for a bit and got lost,” the man said. “The Ye estate is huge. There must be hundreds of rooms here, right?”

“Show me your invitation,” Hao Fei demanded.

“My invitation is with my lady. I came here with her,” the man replied.

“And your lady is…?” Hao Fei pressed.

“Wen Rong,” the man answered. “And my master is here to officiate the wedding. I just came along with them.”

Just then, Xue Baiqi appeared at the courtyard entrance. He called out, “Xiao Fei, it’s a misunderstanding—he’s one of us. I greeted them when they arrived, so I remember him. His name is rather peculiar—your name is Mountain Cannon, isn’t it? It’s hard to forget.”

“That’s right, I’m Mountain Cannon,” the burly man responded cheerfully.

Hao Fei relaxed. If Mountain Cannon had been wandering near Ye Xin’s residence, Hao Fei would have acted at once. But this was only a side courtyard, with nothing critical, and the Sirius Wolves were highly alert. If the man had posed a threat, the wolves would have attacked.

Hao Fei glanced at the wolves, seeing them sprawled idly, the atmosphere calm.

“Sorry for the misunderstanding,” Hao Fei said, smiling as his hand left his sword.

“No, no, it’s my fault,” Mountain Cannon replied hastily. “I just love being around fierce beasts. I couldn’t help myself when I saw so many here.”

“No harm done,” Xue Baiqi said. “Heading for the main hall? I’ll show you the way.”

“Thank you, brother,” Mountain Cannon replied.

A moment later, Xue Baiqi led the burly man toward the main hall, pointed the way, and excused himself. “It’s just over there. I have other matters—please go ahead.”

Mountain Cannon sighed in relief. Once Xue Baiqi left, he slipped quietly toward a side lane. With so many hired hands around for the wedding, he hunched down and melted into the crowd, unnoticed.

Back in the main hall, Deng Qiaoying was growing restless. Yesterday, she’d taken Ye Ling’s advice and didn’t hire a bridal procession, instead sending a servant to the Zong household to deliver a message. The servant returned, trembling, reporting that the Zong stewards flew into a rage and scared him so badly he barely paused for breath before fleeing home.

Now, with the sun climbing higher and still no sign from outside, Deng Qiaoying’s anxiety mounted. At first she sent servants to check, but soon she went out herself again and again.

Wen Hongren, seated at the head of the hall, looked solitary. His gaze toward Ye Xin grew increasingly sympathetic.

Counting the old generals of the Sirius Legion, fewer than thirty guests had come to the wedding. The offerings displayed were meager. If the Wolf Commander were still alive, things would never be so bleak!

Even the most humble merchant’s family would host a livelier affair. What stung him most was that not a single court official had come—he alone represented the court. Worse, the master of the Deng family, Deng Gaofang, had yet to show his face!

The Dengs and the Ye family were related by marriage. Ye Guanhai had often helped Deng Gaofang, who was Deng Qiaoying’s elder brother. Was the fall of the Ye family’s pillar enough to cast aside all bonds of kinship and friendship so heartlessly?

Despicable! Wen Hongren felt a tightness in his chest. He coughed and took several gulps of tea, swallowing his resentment.

In truth, Ye Xin cared nothing for Deng Gaofang’s absence, but as an outsider, Wen Hongren was fuming on his behalf…

Laughter echoed from Ye Xin’s side as Iron Lantern threw an arm around Ye Xin’s shoulders in a show of camaraderie.

Looking at the bright and handsome Ye Xin, Wen Hongren was struck by a sense of déjà vu—he seemed to see a young Ye Guanhai once more.

“Hongren, you’re not suited for officialdom or the military. The best path for you is the Longteng Martial Academy. Endure for a few years, and with the ruler’s trust, you’ll likely become the principal. You can still serve the nation and the people.”

Ye Guanhai’s words echoed in his mind. He’d been resentful then, but after decades, it was clear Ye Guanhai had judged him accurately. His own position had become increasingly marginalized, his power waning, until now he was little more than a fixture at court, involved in nothing of consequence.

Wen Hongren knew his failings—his blunt tongue, his knack for offending people at the worst times. Perhaps it was truly time to retire…

At that moment, Deng Qiaoying hurried in, her face finally bright with relief. “Quick! They’re here!”

“Brother Xin, don’t move—I’ll go check,” Wang Meng leapt up and strode outside.

“Xiao Xin, your ceremonial robes are a mess. Let me help you fix them,” Iron Lantern said.

A moment later, Wang Meng returned, brow furrowed. “What’s the Zong family playing at? Only two carriages of dowry?”

“It’s fine, we’re not fussed about these things,” Deng Qiaoying forced a smile.

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