Chapter 4: Breaking into the Inner Courtyard

Ah, little puppy..." Chen Jiuniang called out the name of a passing young servant again. This lad is getting married and has caused quite a bit of trouble for Chen Jiuniang, asking her to help him with his embroidery work.

Mother, I want to practice martial arts, I want to learn to read!" Ye Kong shouted as he ran back to his family's courtyard

It is easy for Ye Kong to deal with a few servants, but when it comes to skilled martial artists and the renowned formidable guards of the Ye family, he is still self-aware.

In fact, these are merely the household servants of the outer courtyard, all of whom are uneducated laborers. If Ye Kong were to go to the back courtyard, those household servants would be trained soldiers; how could they possibly fear a mere child like you

It must be said that Ye Kong's method is quite good, and Chen Jiuniang cannot refute it. However, she does not dare to let Ye Kong cause any more trouble, so she quickly said, "Kong'er, you already fought with Li Laosi last night; you must not cause any more trouble for your mother."

First, the two servants at the entrance of the inner courtyard stopped him

Ye Wen smiled and said, "It's not that it's impossible, the key is that my father has recently been shutting the door to guests. Not to mention you, even I cannot see him."

However, Ye Kong was disappointed to find that Chen Jiuniang had no money. It is important to understand that education requires investment; without compulsory education, many people cannot afford to attend school. While studying literature may be manageable, pursuing martial arts entails significant expenses. Even the least skilled martial arts instructor charges at least ten taels of silver per month, which Chen Jiuniang could never afford. In fact, their monthly food expenses were already quite tight.

Chen Jiuniang felt somewhat embarrassed, embarrassed that none of the house servants and maids showed her any respect, and Ye Kong certainly would not hold onto anyone any longer

Dington paused for a moment and then said, "If you seek your own misfortune, that is your choice, but please do not involve us in your troubles. I advise you to return instead."

Ye Kong said coldly, "This does not require Second Brother to worry."

"Mother, in fact, such matters need to be conveyed through action to everyone." Ye Kong said while holding Chen Jiuniang's arm with a smile, "As long as we find a hapless person and publicly beat him up, just like we did to Li Laosi last night, I guarantee that by noon, no one will look at me as a fool anymore"

Rest assured, if others do not provoke me, I will not provoke them either Ye Kong smiled proudly

In fact, coming to a foreign land has its advantages; at least I no longer have to worry about monogamy. Once I become wealthy, I will also establish a large estate, filled with elder sisters and young ladies, and keep a group of maids and servants. When I have nothing to do, I can even take a few wicked slaves to the streets to tease some young ladies. Hehe, this wicked young man in another world is indeed quite fortunate.

Ye Kong felt like he was about to spit blood. I am the son of Ye Haoran, how did I become just a miscellaneous person in the idle and leisurely library? Are you blind, you servant?

Ye Kong did not want to remain angry any longer, as his own anger was only tormenting his mother. Suppressing his frustration, he comforted her, "Mother, do not worry, do not be anxious. Do not take on any embroidery work. I will find a martial artist who costs nothing and is even better than them!"

Ye Kong smiled and said, "Mother, you can rest assured, I am neither foolish nor reckless. Why would I seek death by challenging that old man? I am merely going to discuss the learning issues of his eighth son. Don't worry, I cannot defeat the old man; I won't be foolish enough to clash with a rock using an egg."

However, it seems that the effect is not good. Chen Jiuniang, originally unattractive and lacking eloquence, has no power or influence and only a foolish son, making her someone whom no one cares to engage with. When she greets others, they appear to be oblivious to her presence; conversely, it is rare for others to greet her.

Looking at the large pile of clothes in front of her, Ye Kong felt a pang in her heart. ... I have to work in the manor until the middle of the night every day, and if I take on embroidery work from outside ...? ... How long is this going to last, am I not supposed to sleep?

"Gentlemen, I kindly ask for your understanding and allow me to enter," Ye Kong said with a smiling face to the two guards.

You, after more than ten years of not using your brain, now that you finally do, even your mother can't keep up with you. Chen Jiuniang smiled as she tapped Ye Kong's head, but suddenly her expression changed as she thought of a very bad possibility

Ye Kong cleared the foolishness from his memory and immediately recognized that the visitor was the second madam's son, Ye Wen, the second young master of the Ye family, followed by the fiercely renowned personal guards of the Ye family.

However, Ye Kong was disappointed; the dining hall of the outer courtyard was filled with servants and maids. These individuals did not have as much leisure time as the young masters and mistresses. Mornings were their busiest hours, as they rushed about while gnawing on steamed buns. Who would have the time to play with a fool?

Gratitude and retribution? Perhaps it is about seeking revenge and settling scores? However, with your strength and martial arts skills, you will never have the chance in this lifetime. Ye Wen did not expose the truth, instead, with a smile that did not reach his eyes, he said, "Of course, Second Brother is always welcome."

"Kong'er, when you see your father, be sure not to upset him." After finishing breakfast, Chen Jiuniang helped Ye Kong tidy his clothes while reminding him a few things.

Hehe, aren't you all bullying me for being foolish? Come and try to bully me today; I, the young master, am waiting!

Not allowing entry, and not even permitting a message to be delivered, is it really so difficult to see one's own father? Ye Kong's anger surged as he pointed at the servant and scolded, "What are you talking about? Do you believe that I can have you beaten right now at hetushu.com?"

Ye Kong was annoyed, and he tugged at the servant's clothes, forcefully stopping him, "Where do you think you're going! My mother is talking to you!"

Indeed, care is just a combination of insults and fists. Ye Kong felt a deep resentment in his heart, yet he did not show it on his face. He smiled and said, "Then I thank you, Second Brother. Rest assured, I will definitely remember your kindness and repay it."

However, what may seem trivial to others is not so simple for Ye Kong

Clearly, Ye Kong has underestimated the significance of meeting Ye Haoran. On Earth, it is not a big deal for a son to see his father; if one wishes to meet, one can do so at will, and there is no need to go oneself; a simple call will suffice, and the father will appear.

Chen Jiuniang, concerned that her son might get into trouble, hurriedly took some steamed buns and porridge, and set off with Ye Kong to return home. She felt relieved that Ma Jie, who often made things difficult for her, was not present today

Ye Wen, however, was not provoked by his tone. He then smiled and said, "I do have some news that can reassure you, Eighth Brother. Within ten days, you will definitely be able to see Father."

Ye Kong did not wish to say much to him, and then said, "Since Second Brother has arrived, may I, as the younger brother, go in to see Father?"

To learn martial arts, one must seek a master for instruction. If one attempts to learn secretly without a master... the consequences can be quite severe, ranging from the loss of limbs in serious cases to having one's eyes gouged out and tongue cut in lighter cases, to ensure that the skills do not leak out

The young servant scoffed sarcastically, "Did you receive a reward? Perhaps you received a beating instead? It seems your mind is still not right. Sorry, but we do not wish to accompany you in receiving punishment"

That servant unexpectedly turned around and shouted into the inner courtyard, "Come quickly! Someone has intruded into the inner courtyard!"

Ye Wen and others had already anticipated that Ye Kong was coming to see their father, and they had been waiting for quite some time. They smiled and responded with the words they had prepared earlier, "Eighth Brother, you really are well. I am greatly relieved, you have no idea how much I cared for you when you were in a daze!"

"Kong'er, don't worry, Mother will definitely work hard on the embroidery. I have already asked Aunt Li and the others to help me find some embroidery work outside, so we will have money to hire the martial arts master," Chen Jiuniang comforted Ye Kong.

Fool, you are truly fortunate to have such a wonderful mother

Ye Kong's opportunity to establish his authority by fighting had collapsed, but he did not mind, as he had a more important matter to attend to, which was to meet his father, Ye Haoran

Chen Jiuniang wanted to find a breakthrough from him, but to her surprise, he completely ignored her and walked past her without a glance.

Ye Kong said seriously, "Mother, I am speaking the truth. Do not think I am joking. In this world, as long as one uses their brain more, there is always a way to cope with things"

"Who said I was going to steal skills?" Ye Kong laughed and said, "Mother, you misunderstood. I want to follow Father to practice martial arts... Didn't you say that he is highly skilled and had no rivals in the entire An Country when he was young? What do you think of my idea?"

The dining room is located in a corner of the outer courtyard. Chen Jiuniang led Ye Kong over, hoping that everyone would know that her son had recovered, his mind was clear, and that they should no longer call him a fool.

"Mother, please do not overexert yourself; this matter is not urgent." Ye Kong felt his eyes uncontrollably welling up with tears as he grasped Chen Jiuniang's hands, and he found himself somewhat choked with emotion.

Using violent means to block the other party, then seriously informing them, "I hereby officially notify you that I am no longer foolish... now you may leave." Isn't this absurd?

However, he could not express his anger towards the smiling old servant, so he could only plead, "Elder brother, that was in the past; now I have recovered, haven't I? I kindly ask you to go in and report this. When I receive my reward later, I will not forget the two elder brothers."

"Gentlemen, I am Ye Kong, the eighth son of General Ye. Please allow me to enter and see my father." Ye Kong said, suppressing his anger.

The twelve-year-old boy has not yet developed, and like a featherless bird, he cannot fly high. This compels him to temporarily set aside his thoughts of indulging in the beauties of another world. Of course, this is only a temporary reprieve; he has always been a rogue. Since ancient times, rogues have loved beautiful women, and beautiful women have loved rogues. Not loving beautiful women is akin to being a eunuch.

Chen Jiuniang said tearfully, "It is my inadequacy that has caused you to suffer, Kong'er..."

"Eighth Brother, don't rush to leave," Ye Wen said with a beaming smile as he caught up. He continued, "Eighth Brother, if you wish to see Father, there is no hope in the near future. Even if you were to climb over the wall into the inner courtyard, there are still guards outside Father's room. Whether you get to see him or not is secondary; if you provoke Father's displeasure and end up getting punished, that would be a significant loss."

Ye Kong did not expect that Ye Haoran would dislike him so much, to the point that they couldn't even meet. This is too much!

However, in the Ye residence of the Cangnan Continent, it is different; a report must be made. Of course, if it were other children, it would not be a big deal; a report would suffice.

Ye Kong was unsure of the truth of what he said, but he knew that meeting Ye Haoran today was likely out of the question

I curse you and your ancestors of the * book * ! Today, I will truly confront you ! " Ye Kong shouted, throwing a punch directly at his deserving face.

"Kong'er! Are you planning to steal the teachings? This absolutely cannot be allowed!" Chen Jiuniang exclaimed in panic, grasping Ye Kong's hand. In the world of Cangnan Continent, which reveres martial power, the methods of cultivating a martial art, the internal energy techniques, and even the martial moves are all kept confidential and must never be disclosed to outsiders

If the general is willing to teach you, that would be wonderful, but I am afraid..." Chen Jiuniang hesitated, wondering if someone like her, who was not well-regarded, would be taught by Ye Haoran to his own son

Sigh, why is it so small? In the restroom, after finishing urinating, Ye Kong still hesitated to pull up his pants, lowering his head to ponder over the symbol of his masculinity

My son is no longer foolish, which is quite pleasing. However, it seems that his temper is not as good as it used to be, as he often wants to fight and cause trouble.

After finishing his words, the old housekeeper paused, allowing Ye Kong to understand for himself that although he was the Eighth Young Master, he was not favored by the master and was even disliked by him

"It's nothing, it's nothing. I just wanted to say... my son is no longer foolish." Chen Jiuniang felt somewhat awkward; she had intended to mention it casually, thinking it wouldn't matter if she didn't, but unexpectedly, Ye Kong directly brought the person over.

In order to achieve the ideal of a future scoundrel, one must endure hardships for now! Study! It is essential to study!

At that moment, another servant entered the latrine. Ye Kong felt it was inappropriate to look any longer, so he pulled up his pants and shot a glare at the servant. Surprisingly, this rogue's tactic was quite effective; the young man trembled in fear, nearly wetting his pants.

Chen Jiuniang laughed, "Kong'er, you are truly getting better at making me happy, a martial artist stronger than them, and it doesn't even cost any money. Where can one find such a good thing?"

Ye Kong was infuriated, "Damn it, everyone has high-ranking martial masters, and even the best expert in the military. Damn it, I can't even afford the low-ranking ones, this is just too unfair!"

You can rest assured, I will definitely become stronger! I will ensure that your mother lives a good life! Because she is also my mother! Ye Kong truly regarded Chen Jiu Niang as his own mother in his heart

"How can we know if it will work if we don't give it a try?" Ye Kong said with a smile as he stood up. "Mother, let's go have breakfast. After we finish, I will go seek an audience with Father."

I know, I know, I'm leaving. Ye Kong adjusted his clothes and swaggered out the door, suddenly wondering if this swaggering walk was somewhat unrefined. Hmm, I still need to stand firm and walk in a straight line. Hehe, dear old dad, we father and son are about to meet!

Oh. The little dog and the book nodded, walking two steps as if in a dream, scratching her forehead, "Her son is not foolish anymore... What does that have to do with me?"

Another older servant said, "I respectfully address you as Young Master Ba. Please do not make things difficult for me. Young Master Ba, I heard today that your mind is quite sharp, but you must also consider why the wives and concubines of the various rooms can reside in the inner courtyard, while you alone are living in the outer courtyard"

"So it turns out to be the second brother." Ye Wen is ranked second, hence he is referred to as the second young master. Ye Kong quickly clasped his fists and said, "I, the younger brother, wish to see my father, but this wicked servant refuses to let me. May I ask, what kind of reasoning is it to prevent a son from seeing his father?"

After her son became sensible, Chen Jiuniang was also pondering, but she could never think of a solution. Now, when her son inquires, she can only sigh and shake her head, feeling guilty towards her son

Chen Jiuniang replied, "The second madam's household has two high-level martial arts instructors invited from her family, and I heard that the monthly teaching fee is one hundred taels of silver. The third madam practiced martial arts before marrying the general, and her three children are taught by skilled masters she invited. Moreover, the ninth madam is the most favored; her Ye You is also clever and intelligent, being taught by the top martial artist in the army invited by the general"

The two servants laughed heartily. One played the role of the 'red face,' while the other took on the 'white face' role

Ye Kong controlled his emotions and asked again, "Isn't the father involved in the son's education? Does it still require the mother to pay? How do the others study then?"

"Who is your elder brother? Unauthorized personnel are not allowed to enter." The servant showed no respect to Ye Kong at all

That housekeeper had long received the instructions from the second wife. He let out a cold laugh and said, "I know you are Ye Kong, Ye Kong, your head is empty, haha"

The more Ye Kong thought about it, the happier he became; however, the current situation weighed heavily on his mind

Chen Jiuniang was still not at ease and reminded, "Kong'er, you must not argue with your father. Even the most favored Ye You would not dare to contradict him. Whatever you have to say, just hold it in. Mother knows you have a bad temper. If the general is unwilling, then so be it. If he scolds you a bit, just bear with it..."

Thank you very much, I shall take my leave now. Ye Kong performed a bow and turned to leave

Oh. The puppy bit into a steamed bun, blinking its sleepy little eyes, gazing at Chen Jiuniang with a foolish expression

"Who dares to intrude into the inner courtyard! Do you not know the rules of the Ye family? Those who trespass into the inner courtyard will be treated as assassins!" A stern shout rang out as a tall, handsome young man with a fair complexion stepped forward, followed by a dozen or so fierce soldiers armed with broadswords.