Yang Hanye paid no mind to the other party's childish actions. In his eyes, the other person was full of ambition but lacked the corresponding intellect and capability. With his current disposition, daring to even think of monopolizing the Yang Royal Mansion was a pipe dream.
If he were in such a situation, he would shamelessly pester the other party, or if that didn't work, quickly offer some benefits in exchange. It was possible the other party's demands were something he couldn't satisfy, but it would buy him time to find a way to resolve the matter. Instead, this person had already offended him and would soon be reporting him to their father along with the newly recruited subordinates.
He shook his head, considering this younger brother a major threat that could not be allowed to remain in the mansion.
Yang Wang listened to the words of the man in black without any emotional fluctuation. After his eldest son was injured, he had indeed suspected who was behind it. While it could have been the imperial court or neighboring vassal kings, his second son was also a possibility. Su Dan Novel Network.
His second son seemed much more subdued recently, but a report indicated that he had been visiting the Xu family more frequently. Given his nature, it was unlikely he had truly settled down. The subordinates deployed this time might very well have been sent by him. Indeed, things were unfolding as expected.
"At the southernmost tip of our fiefdom, there's a county called Chuan County. It's a poor and desolate place. Your brother is too naive and too self-important. Let him go there as a county assistant to thoroughly experience the lives of the common people and broaden his horizons." As soon as the man in black finished speaking, Yang Wang immediately turned to his eldest son. It was evident that they had already decided how to punish the second son before the black-clad man's arrival.
Yang Hanye nodded at once, bowed to his father, and expressed his gratitude. He was not surprised that his father had guessed the culprit. While their father seemed to devote all his energy to external matters and turned a blind eye to the affairs of the mansion, everyone in the residence knew that the King's eyes and ears were everywhere. Every action they took would reach his ears. Even the Yang Wangfei, who had shared a bed with Yang Wang for decades, acted with extreme caution daily.
Whenever she wanted to punish his concubines, she would handle it with a light touch, not because she didn't want to, but because she didn't dare. Initially, some concubines had complained to him, but Yang Wang, not wanting to deal with it, simply ordered them to be sent away. Everyone immediately understood his attitude and could only endure in silence thereafter.
Yang Hanyu had long suspected he would be banished. Yet, as he carried his baggage with only one servant out of the Yang Royal Mansion, he couldn't help but glance back at the magnificent building, his eyes filled with tears. Why were sons treated so differently by their father? He wiped away his tears, secretly vowing that he would return openly one day.
He Sheng timidly approached his mother. Wu Caiwei frowned involuntarily upon seeing him in such a state. Her former affection for her son was now replaced by deep disappointment. She had thought that with her careful upbringing, he could at least live a decent life, even if he couldn't stand on his own. Unexpectedly, after Zhang Dashan found him, who knew what he had fed him that made them grow closer, and his character became increasingly indecisive.
"If you have something to say, say it quickly. I have other matters to attend to shortly." Wu Caiwei felt that any more glances at him would make her want to erupt in anger. She quickly picked up the account book, flipping through it while asking.
Mother was a busy person; everyone knew that. He had initially intended to lower his head and appear remorseful, expecting his mother to inquire proactively. To his surprise, she told him she had to leave soon, so he quickly put away his petty thoughts.
He straightened up, cleared his throat, and said in a low voice, "Mother, can you help my eldest and second brothers find some work? Although the ten taels of silver I give my father each month is enough for his living expenses, it cannot support such a large family. Especially since our food and daily necessities are on a completely different level from theirs. Every time Father visits my courtyard and sees the dishes on my table, he can't bear to eat them, saying he'll take his share back for his grandchildren to improve their lives. My heart aches a little."
"It seems Zhang Dashan has been busy with you lately. You are my son, and I support you. You, in turn, support your father. These are all understandable. But you know what kind of people they are. If we were in dire straits now, do you believe they wouldn't leave us to sleep on the streets or even drive us out of the city to avoid embarrassment? Since others are unrighteous, we must be too."
Wu Caiwei found it difficult to reconcile the man before her with He Sheng from the previous life, who had regarded their family as enemies. Perhaps they had suffered too much in their past lives. In this life, as soon as they left their hometown, Wu Caiwei had protected them. Along the way, let alone suffering, it was even easier than working day and night back home. Later, she brought them along with Yang Hanye, allowing them to live with servants, and their hearts inevitably softened.
The hardships of the original host throughout that life were unfelt by anyone. When they finally settled in that small village, this family came to stir up trouble, and in the end, they broke his leg, leading to their family's tragic fate.
He didn't know about these things. Even if she told him now, he wouldn't feel the agonizing pain. His heart and eyes were only on his father's difficulties, and he might even blame her, thinking she was too heartless.
Of course, as their interactions increased, they likely knew that she had not yet married Chen Renjie. However, since their entire family relied on her for sustenance, they dared not act. This was Yang Wang's territory. As long as Yang Wang acknowledged her capabilities and treated her as an honored guest, they would not fare well. Therefore, no one leaked that matter.
"I know, but I can't just watch them suffer while we live well here. My conscience doesn't allow it. Since ancient times, elders have taught us to be filial. They have realized their mistakes, and of course, I haven't forgiven them so easily. I want to help them, but only to the extent that they can eat their fill, wear warm clothes, and occasionally have a fish meal. This punishment is sufficient for them." He Sheng looked at his mother steadfastly. He knew his viewpoint was not shared by his mother, but today he wanted to clarify things with her to avoid future objections if he continued to support his father.
"I think you are absolutely right. Since a son should be filial to his parents, from now on, you will live with them and earn money with your own abilities to be filial to me and your father. I believe my filial son will be able to do it. After all, which son relies on his mother? It would be an object of contempt if spoken of." Wu Caiwei seemed oblivious to the great impact her words had on her son and did not look at his expression at all.