Chapter 426: The Barbarians Know How to Flirt

Even though Ji Yuan was merely an accompanying guest, seated somewhat on the periphery, and despite Emperor Hongwu engaging him only briefly at the start before focusing on conversation with his prospective in-laws, both parties were subtly working to foster a connection between Yin Qing and Princess Changping.

However, this did not mean Ji Yuan was ignored. In fact, Emperor Hongwu was quite interested in Ji Yuan, despite his commoner status, and the Yin family's attention was even greater, naturally. The Emperor, for his part, observed discreetly. The Yin family, concerned Ji Yuan might not enjoy such social events, refrained from initiating much conversation with him to avoid disturbing him.

At this moment, seeing Ji Yuan drinking alone and subtly shaking his head with a faint smile, Emperor Hongwu, who had just praised Princess Changping's intellect as surpassing that of his own sons, abruptly shifted the conversation towards Ji Yuan.

“Master Ji, why the head shake? Yin Qing tells me you are somewhat of an elder to him, which suggests a very close bond with the Yin family. Don’t you agree that my Princess Changping and Yin Qing appear perfectly matched?”

Earlier, upon arriving at the Yin residence, the Emperor had been more reserved, suggesting Yin Qing escort the princess for a walk, without explicitly revealing his intentions. Now, with the lively dinner conversation and Yin Qing and Princess Changping showing no strong objections, the Emperor and the Yin family, who were equally agreeable after understanding his purpose, had effectively laid their cards on the table.

Upon hearing the question directed at him, Ji Yuan turned to face the Emperor and offered a slight bow.

“Both Yin Qing and the Princess are intelligent and talented individuals. If they were to unite, they would indeed be a match made in heaven. I have no objections.”

Ultimately, this was a family matter. Seeing that Yin Qing and Princess Changping, the two individuals concerned, were quietly dining and occasionally smiling in agreement, it was hardly Ji Yuan's place to interfere.

“Oh, so what you were thinking about earlier, Master Ji, had nothing to do with Yin Qing and Changping, then? Was it something amusing? Do tell me.”

The Emperor pressed, and Ji Yuan replied with a smile.

“Not exactly. Listening to you speak of childhood earlier, I was reminded of Yin Qing when he was young. I simply tend to dwell deeply on my thoughts and became lost in those memories, only just now returning to the present.”

Emperor Hongwu nodded.

“It seems Master Ji and the Yin family indeed share a deep history and profound friendship.”

“Haha, when I first settled in Ning’an County back then, Master Yin was virtually my only friend in the county. Naturally, I hold him in high regard.”

Princess Changping, being a perceptive individual, was pleased to see the conversation shift. She was also curious about Ji Yuan and the Yin family's past, and upon hearing a particular word in Ji Yuan's reply, she spoke up to ask a question.

“Master Ji, you refer to Prime Minister Yin as ‘Master Yin’?”

It is widely known that both within and outside the imperial court, Yin Zhaoxian is respectfully addressed as ‘Lord Yin’ or ‘Prime Minister Yin.’ Even members of the imperial family largely follow this custom, and in some areas, he is even called ‘Yin Wenqu.’ Ji Yuan's address of ‘Master Yin’ is therefore quite distinctive.

While this was originally a matter of Ji Yuan's habit, after a moment of careful thought, he felt there was more to it. After some deliberation, he spoke.

“In the past, Master Yin was a county scholar, and everyone in Ning’an County respectfully called him ‘Master Yin.’ Although he is now a Grand Chancellor of the nation, I still believe he is a renowned prime minister who governs the world and a great Confucian scholar deeply committed to education. Hence, I respectfully address him as ‘Master Yin.’”

“I see!”

Emperor Hongwu observed Ji Yuan's unassuming yet dignified demeanor. Even without detailed inquiry, he increasingly felt that Ji Yuan was a truly talented individual. As the saying goes, 'a great hermit hides in the city,' and to be a close friend of Yin Zhaoxian, his capabilities must surely be considerable.

Although Yin Zhaoxian had previously mentioned Ji Yuan's disinterest in official positions, Emperor Hongwu still couldn't resist extending an olive branch at this moment.

“Master Ji, have you ever participated in the imperial examinations? What rank did you achieve?”

No one present was foolish; upon hearing this question, even Yin Zhong sensed the Emperor's appreciation for talent.

Ji Yuan chuckled inwardly, recalling that he had indeed taken a college entrance exam in his previous life. He shook his head and replied,

“I have never participated in the imperial examinations, nor do I have any desire to. Furthermore, I know I am not cut out for an official position.”

“Oh…”

Emperor Hongwu nodded, not angered, but he did not give up there.

“Sir, you are a close friend of my esteemed Minister Yin. I presume you also possess scholarly achievements. Have you, perhaps, authored any books or composed any poems?”

Books? Mostly texts on divine abilities and magic arts.

“To answer Your Majesty, I have not authored any books nor gained any renown, nor do I possess any particularly outstanding talents. Master Yin’s friendship with me is simply out of consideration for old ties.”

Ji Yuan's reply was rather formulaic.

“Alas, it seems Sir genuinely has no intention of serving in office!”

Emperor Hongwu let out a soft sigh. He did not believe Ji Yuan was without ability; his mere calm demeanor in the presence of an emperor was something few possessed. He concluded that Ji Yuan's evasive words likely meant he genuinely had no interest in political life. Emperor Hongwu also didn't want to press too hard, especially with Yin Zhaoxian present, so he could only let the matter rest.

“Come, come, everyone, don’t just sit there. Please, begin eating. I was merely asking casually at the dinner table; today’s main focus remains my Princess Changping and Yin Qing.”

“Indeed, indeed, please eat!”

Yin Zhaoxian breathed a sigh of relief. It had been a long time since he had felt such a subtly tense and stimulating sensation. He had been somewhat afraid of the Emperor's anger, not out of concern for Ji Yuan being punished, but rather for potentially incurring Ji Yuan's displeasure as well.

At this dinner, Princess Changping and Yin Qing were seated next to each other. In a feudal society, such seating arrangements for unmarried men and women were highly unconventional and improper, indicating it was done intentionally.

Noticing her imperial father and Prime Minister Yin beginning to chat casually, and her mother and Madame Yin conversing with smiles, she quietly leaned closer to Yin Qing. Without turning her head, she softly whispered to him,

“Assistant Minister Yin, has Master Ji truly never participated in the imperial examinations or authored any books? I heard he simply lives in a small courtyard in Ning’an County. What exactly does he do, and where does his income come from?”

Such questions were somewhat prying and not entirely proper. Princess Changping did not ask them publicly, choosing instead to privately ask Yin Qing, with whom she had grown somewhat acquainted.

Yin Qing paused, slightly surprised, then turned to glance at Princess Changping. This princess was indeed intelligent; while livelihood was a major concern for common people, for a 'golden branch and jade leaf' who had never worried about sustenance, it was a triviality, something one would least expect her to consider.

Just then, Yin family servants brought in two plates of steaming, crispy chicken. Perhaps due to ample seasoning and having just come out of the pot, the fragrant blend of spices and chicken instantly filled the room, overpowering the aromas of all other dishes on the table.

Yin Qing was about to find an excuse to answer Princess Changping. He had barely opened his mouth when a sudden 'thud' sounded from outside.

Almost simultaneously, another sound followed: “Ouch…”

The sudden sound silenced those at the dining table. The surrounding guards became slightly tense, maintaining full alert. A few shifted their feet slightly, ready to spring to the windows at any moment, confident that their colleagues outside had already taken action and someone would be dispatched to investigate the source of the sound.

Yin Qing’s heart tightened; he recognized the voice as Hu Yun’s. He instinctively looked at Ji Yuan, but found the latter sighing slightly with a smile. Noticing Yin Qing’s gaze, Ji Yuan simply pointed towards the crispy chicken.

Outside, Hu Yun, being a fox, was too short. Not wanting to scratch the Yin family's wall, he had propped a thick wooden stick against the window for his discreet observation. He was squatting on top of it, using his minor supernatural ability to see through the paper window and observe the situation inside.

Normally, maintaining balance this way would be no problem for Hu Yun's abilities, but as soon as the crispy chicken arrived, the fox was utterly captivated.

Having fallen, Hu Yun quickly scrambled away in a panic. Yet his mind was still filled with images and the scent of crispy chicken, and he felt a surge of indignation.

‘Unfair, unfair! Everyone else gets to eat, but not me and Little Paper Crane – wait, Little Paper Crane doesn't need to eat. It's just me!’

The fox leaped directly onto the dining hall roof. But as soon as it landed, it suddenly saw two armed guards, light as swallows, also leaping onto the ridge. Their footsteps were eerily silent, like ghosts.

‘Oh, this isn’t good!’

Hu Yun quickly flicked his tail and leaped off the roof in another direction, frantically employing his demonic arts. The two guards only saw a flash of red shadow disappearing from the rooftop.

A moment later, a guard entered the dining hall to report.

“Reporting to Your Majesty, the sound just now came from a fiery red cat. There were no other anomalies.”

“Hehehehe… So it was just a cat. Look how tense these guards are. Is it possible for assassins to be in Prime Minister Yin’s home?”

Emperor Hongwu smiled, easing the atmosphere, and Yin Zhaoxian quickly interjected,

“Ah, Your Majesty, you speak wrongly. The guards are loyal and devoted; one can never be too careful when protecting the emperor!”

Yin Qing, standing nearby, couldn't help but chuckle as he imagined Hu Yun's craving for the crispy chicken. Princess Changping looked at him, then leaned closer and asked,

“Assistant Minister Yin, you know that cat?”

“I do, I know it all too well. It’s a truly gluttonous cat, especially fond of chicken. It was likely agitated by the aroma of the crispy chicken that was just served.”

“Your residence has a red cat? I’ve never seen such a cat before.”

“The world is vast and full of wonders!”

Yin Qing casually spun a tale with a smile, while dipping his finger in some wine and tracing the outline of a cat on the table.

“That’s a very good drawing. I look forward even more to Assistant Minister Yin drawing a portrait of me!”

“I will certainly ensure Your Royal Highness is satisfied!”

Neither of them noticed that the Emperor, Consort De, and several members of the Yin family had quietly shifted their attention to them. They were overjoyed to see the two conversing and laughing privately.

Even Ji Yuan was slightly surprised; he widened his spiritual eyes and saw that the two individuals’ auras had quickly become more harmonious.

‘This young man is quite the charmer!’