Chapter 556 Zi Shao Announces War
Ye Shengsong's family of four usually ate separately. Although the family was large, they also ensured individual time with the children to facilitate better communication and emotional bonding.
Once Xiao Mi'er was seated, she couldn't stop glancing at her mother, constantly watching her expression to signal for help at a moment's notice.
There were no rules about not talking while eating or not talking while sleeping at the dining table. In Ye Shengsong's opinion, the dining table was the best place for conversation.
The meal had a good atmosphere, and they talked a lot about interesting things at school. Xiao Mi'er's misdeeds were not mentioned at all.
This allowed Xiao Mi'er to relax and chatter non-stop.
Zi Yisheng found his daughter's chatter a bit headache-inducing. The girl was a little slow.
After the meal, just as Xiao Mi'er was about to run into the yard to play, she heard her mother's changed tone.
"Zi Mi'er, come to the study."
"Ah! Yes."
Xiao Youyou didn't even glance at his sister and went back to his room. He still had homework to finish.
Zi Yisheng was left alone in the dining room, drinking tea. It was too obvious that he was not allowed to participate, so he could only wait.
Gu Ning knelt by the bedside, feeding his father. Although his movements were a little unsteady, they were gentle.
"Dad, the new school is beautiful, and the teacher speaks very gently. Unlike on the island, I couldn't understand what the other students were saying."
Gu Miao smiled and took the bowl. Even though his hands and feet were weak, he could still eat by himself, but he couldn't refuse his son's thoughtfulness.
"If you like it here, you must study hard. This is all thanks to your Aunt Shengsong's opportunity. You must cherish it."
"Yes, I will. Aunt Shengsong is very gentle. Today, she even held my hand and asked if I was happy at school."
Gu Miao felt a pang of sadness seeing the fondness in his son's eyes for Ye Shengsong. It was his fault that his son had never experienced maternal love.
"Your Aunt Shengsong is a very good person. When you grow up, you must repay her well."
"I will. Oh, Dad, I want to learn martial arts too. Youyou practices martial arts every morning, and he can fight several people by himself."
"You saw him fight?"
"Yes, today I was helping Xiao Mi'er fight, and someone sneak-attacked. When Youyou came to pick us up, he saw it and knocked them out one by one. He fought so incredibly well."
Gu Miao felt like putting his hand to his forehead. All three of them got into fights on their first day of school. He wondered if they would cause chaos in the entire school once they became more familiar.
It was better to learn martial arts, so they wouldn't need Youyou's help when they got into trouble in the future, and at least they could protect Xiao Mi'er.
"When Uncle Asen comes tomorrow, I'll ask him if he can take you as a disciple."
"Why doesn't Dad teach me?"
"Dad isn't as good as Uncle Asen and the others, but it'll be fine once Dad picks it up again."
"I'll ask myself. Dad said to do my own things myself."
Gu Miao nodded, letting his son find whoever he could get as a master.
"Go ahead, be polite, and don't force or whine, understand?"
"Okay, I'll go after I finish feeding you."
"Go now, Dad can eat by himself."
Gu Ning stubbornly insisted on finishing feeding him before leaving. Gu Miao lay down with relief, knowing that he and his son would live very well.
Zi Yisheng saw his wife come out but didn't see his daughter. His wife then went directly to their son's courtyard. He quickly walked to the study and saw his daughter hunched over the table, practicing calligraphy. No, she was crying and being punished to practice calligraphy.
"Xiao Mi'er, how many pages of calligraphy did your mother make you write?"
"Wuwuwu, Mom made me write ten pages."
"Oh, then write it well. Try not to be punished next time."
Xiao Mi'er was so choked by her father's words that she started crying hiccups, her eyes filled with resentment.
"What did your mother go to do? Why did she go to your brother?"
"To punish him. He hit four people today."
Zi Yisheng raised his eyebrows. He should leave quickly.
"Cough, cough, sit up straight and write well. Dad is going to be busy too."
"Wuwuwu, Dad."
Zi Yisheng closed the door neatly and left quickly, otherwise, he might get himself into trouble.
On the way to school that afternoon, the three children were all silent. Neither Alon nor Aning spoke a word.
After sending the children to school, Ye Shengsong lay down in her room for a while. Scolding children was very draining of energy and strength.
When Ouyang arrived with his people, Zi Yisheng sent someone to inform them that they would have to wait a while before meeting. Aunt Zhen was responsible for taking them to the pavilion to wait.
"Please wait here for a while and drink some tea. Don't run around in the yard."
After Ouyang finished giving instructions, he went to find Zi Shao. He had work to report today.
"Hey, it's really beautiful here."
Bao Xixi picked up a cup of tea from the table and took a sip.
"It is indeed beautiful. It has preserved the original ancient architecture as much as possible, and the integration is very good."
Ji Zeng also looked around. It seemed that their future boss was a person who understood life.
"Do you think the boss is easy to talk to? I'm even more nervous sitting here."
"What are you afraid of? As long as we do our jobs diligently, it'll be fine."
Yu Lei just realized how timid Wen Miao was. He hadn't noticed it before.
Jia Yannian, however, remained silent, maintaining his usual quiet demeanor.
Ye Shengsong had set an alarm and didn't keep them waiting for long.
Her appearance made Bao Xixi's eyes sparkle, and she looked like she wanted to get closer to admire her beauty.
"Thank you for waiting, everyone."
Ye Shengsong had originally planned to meet them in the study, but fearing they might be too reserved and not perform well, she chose the garden.
"Greetings, Madam."
"Please sit, don't be polite or reserved. I've asked you here today to know how your harvest has been this past month."
Because Ye Shengsong herself was quite amiable, the atmosphere was relatively good despite it being an assessment.
However, the atmosphere in the study was very tense, mainly because Zi Yisheng had been looking at the documents without saying a word.
"Zi Shao, what do you think the meaning of this document from above is?"
"He would issue such an order, it's simply foolish. He's playing with the territory."
Zi Yisheng threw the document in his hand and paced back and forth in the study.
Ouyang picked up the document and put it back on the desk. He hadn't expected the confrontational situation to arrive so soon.
"What does Zi Shao plan to do?"
Zi Yisheng stopped and stood by the window, looking at the lotus flowers in the pond.
"J Team is not under his jurisdiction. Issue a formal document."
"Yes."
"Dispatch a team of diplomats to Honghai for the first friendly negotiation, led by Ye Mu'en himself for escort. If there is any deliberate obstruction or coercion, engage immediately.
The rear will be led by He Tu and Feng Lang, who will be on standby at all times. If there is danger ahead, merely inquire with Ye Huaijin for the combat plan."
As Zi Yisheng spoke, Ouyang quickly jotted it down. Every word he wrote felt heavy, as if he were directly slapping the authorities in the face.
"Execute immediately. Announce a high-level meeting for tomorrow, to be held at Hong Yu Pavilion."
"Yes, I will issue it immediately."
Ouyang's running steps were heavy. This was the real war.
Zi Yisheng remained in the study until dinner. It was only when his father-in-law and brother-in-law came home from work that he was called out.
Zi Yisheng patted his brother-in-law's shoulder, acknowledging that he was taking on the greatest risk this time.
"It's fine. This is the best opportunity for my promotion."
"The person who must go this time is someone I trust the most. The authorities actually want to cede half of the sea territory for friendly relations and trade."
"Bang."
Ye's father slammed his fist heavily on the table, his anger evident. What kind of world had he transmigrated into? Someone would directly act as a traitor without any negotiation.
"Dad, this time you need to gather all your men to secure the rear. Our biggest worry now is him, and it's likely he is the one we will truly fight."
"Don't worry, I've already notified all the brothers this afternoon. We didn't intend to lose when we decided to act."
This was also why Zi Yisheng had let his father-in-law work outside for many years; he had to hold the majority of the military power.
The atmosphere in the house today was felt even by the children. No one dared to run around and play wildly. After dinner, they all retreated to their own courtyards.
"Wife, I might have to stay at the military compound for a while."
Ye Shengsong held her husband's hand, full of worry. She had initially thought it was just a difference of political opinions, but now they were directly at odds.
"You just go and do your work. I will take good care of the home."
Zi Yisheng hugged his wife and kissed the top of her head. With many people left at home, he wasn't as worried, but they absolutely couldn't be brought to the military compound.
"I've already arranged for Ah Rong to recall all those stationed elsewhere. Our home will be the safest. You must have escorts when you go out."
"Okay, I'll try not to go out. Why don't we keep the children home from school? I can teach their lessons myself."
"That's fine. It's safer at home."
Ye Shengsong pushed her husband away and took out two savings books from the drawer, handing them to him.
"I can't help much with anything else. This is money I don't need to spend. Mom also called today saying that she and the Bai family will provide financial support for this negotiation. Don't worry about the expenses."
Zi Yisheng didn't accept them. This was an issue between countries, and all expenses should be borne by the state. He wasn't so useless as to need his wife's family to contribute manpower and money.
"Take it. If it comes to a point where we need to borrow money, it will be the downfall of the nation."
"Take it. Let our people not suffer too much when they are abroad. And food, I have a lot here. If needed, send a car to transport it."
"Be good. Don't worry about these things. You just need to prepare more special medicine for Big Brother. He will need it."
Ye Shengsong nodded and scanned the stock in her space with her consciousness.
"When does Big Brother officially depart?"
"In three days."
"That's enough time. By the way, do you need any from your side?"
Ye Shengsong's glance made Zi Yisheng immediately understand. He reached out and tapped her forehead.
"You're truly bold."
"How will I know if I don't try? If there's really a problem, it could explain the current changes."
"This isn't a recent change. Do you know what the secret report I received says? He hasn't had anyone personally attending to him for over ten years, and he hasn't exercised his body either. All the changes started more than ten years ago."
"Was it after you left?"
"Yes."
Ye Shengsong rested her head on her husband's shoulder. It was truly a series of twists and turns.
"Be careful. If it's true, you'll be in great danger."
"It's okay. He's not so arrogant as to attack me in public, and he needs me."
Before dawn the next day, Zi Yisheng left. The children slept until they woke up naturally. When they saw the time on the wall, they panicked.
When they learned they couldn't go to school again, only Xiao Mi'er was overjoyed. Gu Ning, with regret, followed Xiao Youyou to study.
Ye Shengsong spent the whole day making medicine in her space. Although her medicines were not officially recognized, they were very useful in critical moments.
"This is exactly what Zi Yisheng would do. Has he arrived?"
"He just arrived at Hong Yu Pavilion."
"You go out. I'll change clothes and be right out."
An old face appeared in the mirror again. Her withered hands pressed all over her face.
"I've seen enough of this face."
Hong Yu Pavilion was already full. When Zi Yisheng entered, everyone stood up.
"Please sit. We'll begin when Elder Yan arrives."
"Leader Zi, isn't this negotiation a bit too hasty?"
Zi Yisheng looked up. It was Lian Zhaozhen, Elder Yan's most loyal old comrade.
"Elder Lian, if we're not hasty, we'll have to give half of the sea territory away."
Zi Yisheng's sarcastic words and gaze made Elder Lian purse his lips. In fact, no one present was willing to have their territory divided.
"Some people can get used to being dogs their whole lives, but they shouldn't learn to eat shit, otherwise, they'll truly be dogs."
"You, young as you are, should still know to respect your elders."
"Who the hell are you to spew nonsense here? You old fossil who should have retired long ago is occupying a position and not doing anything."
Ye Huaijin would never let the old man act superior due to his age. Those who fought with their lives and blood hated useless people who only knew how to talk.
"Ye Huaijin, what right do you have to argue with me?"
"I'm at the same level as you, and twenty years younger. Do you think I have the right? It's not about who is older or who has more influence here. Those who should be in a coffin should hurry up and go home. Just looking at you is infuriating."
Zi Yisheng knew that his father-in-law's temper had been worsening over the years. He was like a firecracker, and he hated people who acted superior due to their age but lacked real ability the most.
"Elder Lian can consider it."
"You and your son-in-law ganging up to bully people, is that what you call gentlemen?"
"Bullshit. Ask how many people present are willing to be traitors. You're already so old, if you're scared, then voluntarily give more opportunities to the younger generation. Hand over your position and contribute to the country."
Many people present looked at Ye Huaijin with admiration. He had spoken their minds. Everyone coveted a vacant position.
At this moment, the person they had been waiting for walked in, leaning on a cane but with a light step.
Zi Yisheng's gaze did not leave the newcomer, wanting to find some clues on him. When he saw the way he stepped, he glanced at it again before looking away.
"I heard you all shouting from a distance. What's there to argue and make noise about? Just to show off your loud voices."
"Greetings, Elder Yan."
"Greetings, Elder Yan."
"......"
Zi Yisheng, who should have sat opposite Elder Yan, stood up.
"Elder Yan, take care of your health. They are just speaking loudly because they are upset. Don't mind them."
Zi Yisheng personally helped Elder Yan to the head seat, and then he returned to sit opposite Elder Yan.
"You brat, you're good at playing the good guy."
"No one calls me a good guy, so Elder Yan's words don't count."
"Hahaha, still like speaking the truth, just like before."