Hou Ye's palm heart is a black lotus

Chapter 793 The Shift in Offense and Defense (Second Update)
Her weak voice was hoarse, like someone who had endured a long period of hardship, finally managing to utter broken syllables after suffering through wind and sand.

However, Ye Chutang heard it, and so did Ye Jingyan.

Ye Chutang was startled, then finally realized what was happening and looked sharply at Xiao Wu in her arms.

Ye Jingyan was even more astonished and lost in thought, almost unable to believe his ears.

That sound just now... that was...

"Little five?"

He murmured in disbelief.

Ye Chutang suppressed the emotions surging within her, wiped away the tears on Xiao Wu's face, and asked softly, "Xiao Wu, what did you call me just now?"

Xiao Wu opened her mouth, but her tears fell even more fiercely. She wrapped her thin arms around Ye Chutang's neck and cried even louder.

It's as if they're returning all the tears they've silently swallowed over the past few years.

She's still just a five-year-old child, how could she possibly bear so much?

The last time she lost her father, mother, and brother, she was still an infant and knew nothing.

But this time is different.

Her fourth brother would stay by her side and sometimes tease her on purpose, but she knew that they were blood relatives.

Having lost it and found it again, all the worry and fear of the past few days have finally turned into gratitude and joy at surviving a disaster.

Ye Chutang patiently patted her back gently, letting her cry and vent her emotions.

"It's good to cry it out."

As she spoke, she looked outside and said softly,
"The sun will always shine again after the rain, won't it?"

……

The scene of Ye Chutang welcoming Ye Yunfeng's coffin home in the rain quickly spread.

Everyone knows that Ye Silang died on the battlefield, and the entire Ye family wept bitterly.

Even his youngest sister cried so hard she fainted and developed a high fever.

Because it was still during the national mourning period, Ye Yunfeng's funeral was not held in a grand manner. However, Ye Chutang specially invited Master Shiyuan of Feiyun Temple to perform a Buddhist rite for him, and he was later laid to rest.

White lanterns were hung at the gate of the Ye family mansion, and the doors were closed to visitors.

Everyone was sighing.

"What a pity! Such a promising young general, with such a bright future ahead of him, now—"

"Isn't that right? We thought Ye Yunfeng would make a name for himself, but who knew he would suffer such a crushing defeat and die like that! It's pitiful for the Ye siblings; they lost their parents and elder brother at a young age, and now that they've finally recovered, this has happened to them..."

"Serving in the army on the frontier is a life-or-death situation; who can guarantee that they will come back alive from the battlefield?"

"That's what they say, but no one would feel good about this situation..."

"Fortunately, Ye Jiasanlang is also quite outstanding. It is said that many people have placed bets on him, betting that he will definitely pass the imperial examination!"

"Who can say for sure... Besides, things are still chaotic in the south. Who knows what the future holds!"

Shh! Don't say things like that! You'll lose your head!

……

The guests downstairs were talking amongst themselves, and the murmurs carried up to the second floor.

Xun Cheng put down his wine cup, feeling that it tasted rather bland.

Long Jiu observed his expression. "Young master, would you like to change the pot?"

"No need."

Xun Cheng shook his head.

As July progressed, the weather became increasingly hot and dry.

After the national mourning period, the capital city gradually became lively again.

However, because of Ye Yunfeng's matter, Yunlai Tavern remained closed.

Xun Cheng casually chose another restaurant, but having gotten used to the ones at Yunlai Tavern, he felt that other restaurants were just not quite the same.

"Anyway, I'd already drunk enough." He looked down at his legs, his tone wistful.
"Luckily, she had given me quite a lot beforehand, otherwise my legs wouldn't have healed so quickly."

Long Jiu nodded repeatedly, "Yes, Miss Ye really helped you a lot, young master."

"So, it's time for me to repay this favor." Xun Cheng smiled, his features clear and bright.

Long Jiu was surprised, delighted, and somewhat incredulous. "Young Master means... you're planning to go back?"

"Although the capital is prosperous, it is ultimately not suitable for me." Xun Cheng shook his head, his expression somewhat distant as he seemed to be thinking about something. After a while, he took out a letter from his bosom. "Go and deliver this letter to the Ye family. She will understand after reading it."

"Yes."

……

"The situation in the southwest is at a stalemate, and I am really worried about it."

Princess Qinyang paced back and forth in the room, her brows furrowed. Finally, unable to contain herself any longer, she strode to the table, clasped her hands together, and prayed.
"Brother, please put in a good word for me with His Majesty and let me go!"

Shen Yanchuan was writing a letter and didn't even look up when he heard this.

"Even if His Majesty agrees, how will you explain it to the Eldest Princess?"

"I--"

Princess Qinyang was speechless, her head throbbing with pain.

She grew up under the care of the eldest princess and they had a deep bond. In the past, she could have simply told her that she wanted to go find her father.

It's just war; the Princess herself is a veteran who fought her way to the top! How could she possibly refuse?

The key issue is that the eldest princess's health has been poor lately, so Princess Qinyang dares not say much in front of her, lest she worry too much and harm her health.

"Then what should we do?!"

Princess Qinyang slapped her forehead, deeply troubled.

"Although we managed to hold the border and temporarily repel the Nanhu people, there are still rebels causing trouble in the south! No matter how good my father is at fighting, he can't withstand being attacked from both sides!"

Either way, it's a huge problem!
Any mishandling of this matter could lead to disaster!

Shen Yanchuan finally stopped writing, looked up and asked, "If you go, can you guarantee that all these problems will be solved?"

"Even if we can't solve everything, we can at least solve some of it!" Princess Qinyang said with high spirits and full of confidence. "I've dealt with those Southern Hu people at the border in my younger days! If I go, it would be good to help share some of the burden!"

Shen Yanchuan remained silent.

"Moreover..." Princess Qinyang sighed, thinking of something, "Moreover, ever since Ye Yunfeng defended Duzhou and dealt a heavy blow to the Nanhu, their military strength has been greatly weakened. Now is the perfect time to press our advantage!"

The Nanhu people suddenly launched an attack, sparing no expense to take Ye Yunfeng's life.

Now that Ye Yunfeng is dead, they want to withdraw their troops and retreat.

Where would you find such a good deal?
"As long as we have enough manpower and organize our forces, we can change the balance of offense and defense! This way, my father can concentrate his efforts on dealing with those rebels."

Princess Qinyang asked persistently,

"Brother, don't you want to avenge Ye Silang?!"

Shen Yanchuan naturally wanted to.

but……

"If you want to go, then go ahead."

A deep, powerful voice suddenly came from outside the door.

Shen Youyan arrived at some point and naturally overheard everything Princess Qinyang said.

"Master Hou!"

Princess Qinyang immediately stood up and obediently bowed.

Although she was bold, she could only act shamelessly in front of the Prince of Yannan. When facing Shen Youyan, she would still feel awe and respect for the invisible pressure emanating from him.

But she couldn't contain her excitement, "Your Excellency keeps your word! I'll go back and pack my bags right now!"

After saying that, she bowed again and left in a hurry.

Shen Yanchuan stood up. "Father."

Shen Youyan's gaze fell on the letter on the table.
"Have you found out the identity of that 'Crown Prince'?"