The Double-Chapter 698 - 214: Annihilation_4

At first, she was terrified, anxious, begging for forgiveness, but eventually, she became numb, resigned, and learned to turn a deaf ear, a skill mastered in just a few years. Madam Yin even found some twisted comfort thinking, although he neglected her and refused to share a bed, and showed no concern for her, at least he didn’t seek other women, which showed some respect for her. At least he had left her with a daughter.

In front of Yin Zhiqing, Madam Yin acted as if nothing was wrong. Thus, Yin Zhiqing never realized that his parents had become strangers to each other, which was highly abnormal.

Indeed, it was better when Yin Zhiqing was there. When he wasn’t, and Madam Yin was alone with Yin Zhan, she always felt like she was his servant, humble, subject to his every command, not daring to voice her own needs, cautiously trying to please, only to be met with his impatient dismissals, just as it had happened moments ago.

She knew what the maids said about her behind her back, that despite her pretty and charming face, she couldn’t even keep a man, which was a real empty-headed move. Madam Yin could only respond to these comments with a bitter smile. As the saying goes, "prescribe the right remedy for the ailment," but how could she do that when Yin Zhan’s change seemed to happen overnight and she knew neither the reason for his change nor the remedy for it? All she could do was watch as the disease worsened and simply muddle along.

With quick steps, she returned to her own courtyard.

Meanwhile, in the study, Yin Zhili picked up a tea bowl from the desk and tasted it carefully, saying, "Mother’s cooking is very good, Father should try some, to avoid hurting Mother’s heart."

"I have already eaten at the palace," Yin Zhan said. "Since you like it, eat more and finish this bowl too."

"Father is really... too harsh on Mother," Yin Zhili said with a smile, shaking his head as if he disapproved of Yin Zhan’s actions.

"You don’t need to worry about this," Yin Zhan said. "Your mother and I know what to do with our matters."

"Yes," Yin Zhili replied. "I haven’t had the chance to congratulate Father today. This time you’ve won a great victory, annihilating Prince Cheng’s rebels and achieving another success."

"Prince Cheng was stubborn and self-righteous, not worth mentioning. Defeating him is not something to be proud of. Don’t get complacent. If I hadn’t been worried about trouble in Yanjing City, I would have let you join me," Yin Zhan said.

"I wanted to join you," Yin Zhili laughed. "Killing enemies on the battlefield is exhilarating." As he said this, the scholarly air about him faded, and the valor typical of a military family shone through. This valor made his temperament, which was usually so different from Yin Zhan’s, seem suddenly very similar. Anyone who saw them then would definitely believe that they were indeed father and son.

"At the upcoming palace banquet, His Majesty may confer rewards for merits. I don’t lack titles or gold; I want to discuss with you about obtaining an imperial edict," Yin Zhan said.

"What imperial edict?" asked Yin Zhili.

"An edict granting you and Miss Jiang the Second an arranged marriage," Yin Zhan said. "A military triumph in exchange for a marriage alliance isn’t a bad deal. What do you think, Zhili?"

Yin Zhili momentarily froze, not speaking, but just looking at Yin Zhan.

"What’s wrong? You don’t like Miss Jiang the Second?" Yin Zhan asked.

"No, it’s just..." Yin Zhili hesitated.

"Since you like her, there’s nothing to question," Yin Zhan patted Yin Zhili’s shoulder. "I’m thinking of your best interests. Miss Jiang the Second is now of marriageable age; following the affair with Prince Cheng, the Jiang Family is bound to rise to power. Many will want to marry into the Jiang Family. If I don’t vie for this, someone else might beat us to it. I’ve spoken to Jiang Yuanbai, and from what I see, the Jiang family members seem to like you too."

"But Miss Jiang the Second doesn’t know about this, does she?" Yin Zhili said. "This must be too unexpected for her."

"Do you think Miss Jiang the Second isn’t smart enough? A girl who can accomplish so much in Yanjing City isn’t ordinary. With your frequent visits to the Jiang Family, even if Miss Jiang the Second doesn’t realize it herself, the Jiang family members would hint at it. If she hasn’t strongly rejected you, I would take it as an implied consent. Tell me, has she shown any resistance to this marriage?"

Yin Zhili hesitated briefly and said, "No."

"My son, you are the finest man in Northern Yan; how come you have become so indecisive? With your qualities, would Miss Jiang the Second prefer someone else? Stop worrying about it. Miss Jiang the Second’s birthday is also coming up. On that day, accompany her well."

After speaking, Yin Zhan laughed as he walked out the door, not looking back at Yin Zhili. Yin Zhili stood there, staring at the two bowls of pristine cold dishes on the table, but his mind was on the gaze of Jiang Li in the Jiang Family Garden.