"My cousin just came back to the capital city earlier this day, and he has already given people reason to gossip about him by not having returned home to see his elders. If we go back like this, soon rumors will be floating around in every corner of this city, which will seriously undermine my cousin's reputation," Yuwen Feng added.

With a frown on his face, the guard thought for a few moments and replied, "Then please wait a while. I'll go inside and ask again."

Yuwen Feng felt a sense of relief. "I appreciate it."

The candid guard went through the front gate and, when he was out of the sight of those outside, rolled his eyes upwards. 'They think I'm a fool? Had the Marshal not instructed me to let them wait longer, I would never have bothered walking back here.'

A few moments ago, Ling Zhang had been woken up by the voice of the guard coming to pass word of the presence of the visitors, but he had not distinguished his words. After a while, it had fallen quiet and he had drifted off again. At this moment, he was having a dream, in which he was still in Tanyang. He was enjoying himself in the dream when he was woken up again by the voice of the guard coming to report. Sleepy, he got a little annoyed. "What's going on? Is it really too much to ask for them to let me have a good sleep?"

In the realization that Ling Zhang had been woken up twice in a row, Yuwen Tong, who didn't have the heart to let him be awoken for a third time, got out of bed, held him in his arms and patted him. "It's okay. Just go back to sleep."

Ling Zhang rubbed his head against Yuwen Tong's chest and then rolled over with his butt to Yuwen Tong.

Yuwen Tong was very much enjoying the rub given by Ling Zhang when Ling Zhang rolled over, leaving his arms empty and his heart filled with disappointment.

He felt an urge to put his arms around him and roll him over to let him rub his chest again but kept from doing so for fear that he might be woken up again.

Eventually, he resignedly straightened himself and went outside to deal with the two fools who had caused interruptions to their sleep.

...

"Cousin."

Yuwen Feng and Yuwen Qi were finally led into the residential compound and also met Yuwen Tong.

"Sit. What is it you want to see me about?" After telling them to sit down, Yuwen Tong picked up a cup of tea and took a sip.

"Cousin, why didn't you go home after returning? We waited for quite a long time," said Yuwen Qi in a reproachful tone of voice immediately.

Yuwen Qi didn't feel there was anything wrong with his tone at all. He believed that the reason why Yuwen Tong had not returned home was because that male courtesan, Ling Zhang, had bewitched him, that this was the sole reason. He had some time ago forgotten what his elder brother had reminded him of at home, why Yuwen Tong was angry, as well as the fact that he himself had been the one who went to Tanyang and threatened Ling Zhang. He had only himself to blame for Yuwen Tong's giving him the cold shoulder.

Yuwen Tong didn't even glance at him. He took another sip of tea and then put the teacup down on the table.

Seeing Yuwen Qi's somewhat sulky face, Yuwen Feng hurriedly said, "Cousin, you and Childe Ling must be really tired after journeying for so many days. Given that Childe Ling has just moved into this residence, there must be many inconveniences here. You and Childe Ling might as well go back home. There are more servants there. My mother could also save you much bother of dealing with domestic chores, and you can rest better."

Yuwen Feng's words were much more tactful than those of Yuwen Qi. He had avoided mentioning the fact that Yuwen Tong had not returned home, and just focused on the convenience of living at home in order to convince Yuwen Tong to go back.

"My parents have also been looking forward to your return. After hearing that Childe Ling would come to the capital city with you, they have been eagerly anticipating the day they would see him in the flesh. Since Childe Ling is your betrothed, all of us are very curious about him."

Yuwen Tong gave a smile, thinking, 'Yuwen Feng is still as he always has been. Both his words and acts are rather diplomatic. No matter what he truly thinks, at least he never shows any signs on his face.'

"That's very considerate of you. It's just that Younger Brother Zhang and I are not there yet. I'm afraid there would be rumors and gossip if I let him live into the residence of Yuwen family just like this. Of course, he will move in with me after we get married."

"You've already decided to marry Childe Ling? This is such good news." Yuwen Feng appeared to be pleasantly surprised but was secretly taken aback. 'Yuwen Tong is talking about getting married now. Is he really going to marry that Ling Zhang guy?'

"What? Are you out of your mind, Cousin? You really want to marry that Ling Zhang guy?! Ling Zhang is a nobody from an obscure family in a small place, and he's a man! You are seriously going to sacrifice yourself just to honor that engagement?!" But Yuwen Qi jumped in a startled fashion.

Yuwen Feng's smile froze, feeling somewhat annoyed. 'Yuwen Qi is such an idiot!'

"An obscure family in a small place? Who the hell do you think you are?" Yuwen Tong looked at Yuwen Qi flintily.

Yuwen Qi was shocked. "What do you mean, Cousin? How could you compare me to that Ling Zhang guy? I'm in a totally different league from him!"

"You have neither learning nor skill, and are capable of nothing but acting arrogantly and domineeringly. Younger Brother Zhang outshines you in every aspect. Yuwen Qi, I told you not to be a busybody as far back as when I was still in Tanyang. It seems that my words just went in one ear and out the other." Yuwen Tong replied in a cold tone. His words were so sharp that it took Yuwen Qi quite a while to pull himself out of shock.

"I–I'm not..." Yuwen Qi subconsciously tried to defend himself.

"Cousin, my younger brother is like this by nature. He has a quick tongue and always say what he thinks without much deliberation, but he means no harm, so cut him some slack. It is because he cares about you that he said those words. After all, neither of us have met Childe Ling, so we are somewhat uncertain about what kind of person he is. And we worry that you might get yourself into an unhappy marriage," Yuwen Feng hurriedly remarked.

No matter how slack Yuwen Qi was, they were still brothers. He couldn't just stand by and let his younger brother anger Yuwen Tong. These years, as Yuwen Feng's rank rose, he had been feeling more and more deeply how formidable Yuwen Tong was, while Yuwen Qi barely had any acquaintance with the situation in the imperial court and was also opinionated, so he naturally couldn't see this.

"There's no need for you to worry about anything. I know very well what kind of person Younger Brother Zhang is. Besides, this is my marriage; it's inadvisable for you to get too involved. After all, I'm in sole charge of the primary Yuwen family, and I've never interfered in any of the secondary Yuwen family's affairs. Respect should be a two-way process. Am I right, Younger Brother Feng?" said Yuwen Tong slowly.

After a brief change of his face, Yuwen Feng replied, "You put it too seriously, Cousin. We have no intention to interfere with your marriage. We're just fairly worried. Never has either of us meant any disrespect for you. Apart from anything else, we are family, and blood is thicker than water. You are our cousin. How could we not wish you the best?"

"I'm quite gratified to hear this, and I hope others share your opinion." Yuwen Tong slowly flicked a glance at Yuwen Qi.

Yuwen Qi gave an involuntary shudder as he saw the unmistakable warning in Yuwen Tong's eyes.

For fear that Yuwen Qi might make some other offensive remarks, Yuwen Feng said, "Where's Childe Ling? Can we see him?"

Yuwen Tong replied, "He's still sleeping."

'Still sleeping? He's treating us like some insignificant nobodies?' Yuwen Qi's face changed and was about to make some sarcastic remarks.

Yuwen Feng, quick of eye and deft of hand, hurriedly kept him from speaking, rose to his feet and said, "If that's the case, I think we should stop disturbing you and take our leave. When are you going back home, Cousin? My parents have been anxiously waiting for you. They haven't seen you for quite a long time and miss you very much."

Yuwen Tong responded, "Tomorrow I'll visit my father's uncle and then return home."

'Tomorrow?' Yuwen Feng secretly frowned. 'Judging from Yuwen Tong's words, it's impossible to get him back home today. No matter what, it's good news that he's not moving in with Ling Zhang. We can wait another day.'

"Then I'll tell my parents after we get back, so that they could stop worrying. By the way, all of us are going to the welcome reception tonight. They'll be able to see you," said Yuwen Feng.

Yuwen Tong nodded. "Okay. Now if you have no other business here, you should be on your way back. Pardon me for not going to see you out myself."

Yuwen Feng gave a smile. Before leaving, he suddenly put on a serious face and said, "Oh, I almost forgot this. Congratulations to you on your victory against the Wan Kingdom. After this crushing defeat, the Wan Kingdom won't be able to regain enough strength to make trouble for us during the next few years. This is such a great victory that my parents have already burnt joss sticks in front of the memorial tablet of our ancestors to inform them of this good news. You should do the same when you get back, Cousin. Grandfather, uncle and aunt will no doubt be very happy to see you back."

The last remark brought a slight change to Yuwen Tong's countenance. When he spoke again, his tone had softened considerably. "I see. I'll go back early in the morning."

Yuwen Feng felt a sense of relief and said with a smile, "Then I'll take my leave, Cousin."

Yuwen Qi had been kept from speaking by his elder brother all along. Eventually, he had no choice but to utter "See you later" and then followed his elder brother out of the room.

After they left, Yuwen Tong pondered for a while and then rose to his feet and walked inside.

'Yuwen Feng is indeed quite different from others. At least he knows what will sway me,' Yuwen Tong thought. If there was still anything in Yuwen family he held dear, it would be what Yuwen Feng had mentioned. Indeed, after returning to the capital city with a victory, he should go to the ancestral hall and light some joss sticks.

At this moment, Ling Zhang, who had got up and taken a bath, was drying his hair. Seeing Yuwen Tong return, he asked, "Was it Yuwen Feng and Yuwen Qi who came here? They were here to ask you to go home?"

Yuwen Tong inclined his head. "They were anxious because I didn't go back."

Ling Zhang said, "I also thought that you would go home first after leaving the imperial palace."

Yuwen Tong replied, "They showed such a lack of respect for you. I feel obliged to help you get even with them."

Ling Zhang gave a smile. "Thank you, Grand Marshal. You should go back tomorrow. No matter what, that's your home. You have to return and take a look."

Yuwen Tong nodded. "Tomorrow morning we'll pay a visit to my father's uncle first. Then we'll go back to the residence of Yuwen family."

Ling Zhang thought for a few moments but didn't decline. "All right, but know this, if they mess with me again, my words might get quite offensive."

Meeting people of Yuwen family was unavoidable, so he might as well go and take a look. As the saying goes, 'Knowing oneself as well as their enemy is the only way to stay undefeated.'

Yuwen Tong replied, "They won't dare in the presence of me."

Hearing his words, Ling Zhang could barely keep from laughing. 'It turns out that Yuwen Tong is the most arrogant guy.'

"There's a welcome reception in the imperial palace tonight. Are you coming with me?" Yuwen Tong inquired of him.

"They invited me as well?" Ling Zhang looked at him.

"The emperor asked me to take you there. I said that you were tired," Yuwen Tong responded.

Ling Zhang thought for a few moments and said, "Give me some time to think about it."

If he went there, those people would definitely focus their attention on him like a money. Some of them might resort to covert tricks or even stab him in the back. However, this was also an opportunity to strike up acquaintance with all dignitaries in the whole capital city, and only by getting acquainted with them could he find out who's who according to what Tao Feng had told him previously. Since he had already come to the capital city, he couldn't just hide in his own house. Sooner or later he would have to face these people, and the difference between facing them sooner and facing them later was merely that he would have gained more acquaintance with those involved forces in the capital city and be in a less passive position if the latter was the case.

"Okay. There's still plenty of time left before the evening banquet starts. Take you time," said Yuwen Tong, having no intention to try to rush Ling Zhang into making a decision.

When Ling Zhang said that he needed some time to consider, he had actually made a choice already. It was just that he had now developed a habit of weighing and balancing before taking action.

"I'll go," said Ling Zhang.

Yuwen Tong gave a smile, eyes gleaming with ill-concealed appreciation for Ling Zhang's decision.

Ling Zhang had risen to his feet and summoned Xia Feng. "I'll go to the imperial palace with Yuwen Tong tonight. Bring me all clothes in my wardrobe suitable for that kind of occasion."

It was no exaggeration to say that this welcome reception would be a war without bullets, and he didn't want to end up being an embarrassment to Yuwen Tong because of his poor taste of attire. As regards Ling family, Ling Zhang knew very well what level Ling family was at, but thinking of Ling family, Ling Zhang couldn't help but recall those matters concerning his grandfather's past. In the knowledge that this time, when he was in the imperial palace, there would definitely be some unthoughtful people raking those things up, Ling Zhang had a fairly flinty look in his eyes.

He was standing with his back to Yuwen Tong, so his facial expression didn't come to Yuwen Tong's notice. In an amused tone, Yuwen Tong said, "There will be something entertaining tonight."

"Something entertaining?" Ling Zhang turned around. His eyes had returned to normal. "What do you mean?"

Yuwen Tong lowered his head and whispered something in Ling Zhang's ears. Ling Zhang slightly squinted his eyes and looked at Yuwen Tong. "Wouldn't that be beyond the pale?"

"Won't that be a good thing? I thought we'd be celebrating my returning to the capital city," Yuwen Tong replied, as if what he had just suggested were a matter of course.

Ling Zhang fell speechless with embarrassment.

'This guy's indeed wildly arrogant!'

Yuwen Tong walked into the inner room to check the garments that Xia Feng had picked. A lot of them had been rushed out before they departed for the capital city. After thinking for a while, Yuwen Tong picked one and said, "This will do."

Ling Zhang followed inside, run an eye over all the attire selected by Xia Feng and looked at Yuwen Tong, a confused look on his face. "Why this one?"

'It's not that this one is unsuitable. It's just... a little too sumptuous,' he thought.

'I don't want to dress so... ur... cockily the first time meeting those people.' Ling Zhang preferred to be low-key. 'If I put on the finest clothes this time, how am I suppose to best myself in the future?'

Yuwen Tong said, "This looks pretty good. It suits you."

Ling Zhang fell speechless with embarrassment. After a few moments, he commented, "It'll make me appear a little cocky."

But Yuwen Tong responded, "What's wrong with that? I mean, your behavior earlier this day was already cocky enough. Don't you think, Childe Ling?"

Ling Zhang exchanged glances with Yuwen Tong and with that his eyes gradually lit up. 'That's right. I appeared cocky enough earlier this day anyway. It would be a divergence from my previous behavior at the city gate if I wear low-key attire.' Thinking of this, he said, "Okay. I'll take this one.

Fortunately you reminded me of this. Otherwise I might let the cat out of the bag."

...

"Just the two of you? Where's Yuwen Tong?"

The moment Yuwen Feng and Yuwen Qi returned home, their mother, bursting with impatience, asked them where Yuwen Tong was, since whether she would be able to show her face in front of all those wives of officials in the capital city depended on this matter.

"Ask my elder brother." After making a brusque reply, Yuwen Qi stormed into the living room.

Zheng shi, who failed to stop her younger son, had no choice but to look at her elder son and asked expectantly, "How's it going?"

"My cousin will come back tomorrow," Yuwen Feng responded.

"Tomorrow?" Zheng shi's face changed. "He's not coming back today?"

"I would never have taken 'tomorrow' for an answer had elder brother not been keeping me from speaking!" Yuwen Qi yelled in the living room.

Yuwen Feng's face darkened. "Had I let you do the talking, he wouldn't even set foot in this house again, let alone come back tomorrow."

"Exactly what happened there? Can either of you two give me a clear explanation?" huffed Zheng shi.

"Yuwen Tong said that he would pay a visit to his father's uncle early tomorrow morning before coming back here," Yuwen Qi informed her.

"His father's uncle?" Zheng shi's forehead corrugated in a frown. "What did Yuwen Tong mean by that? It's us who are the most closely related to him. Master, why do you think Yuwen Tong is doing this?"

Zheng shi anxiously went inside. 'The root of Yuwen family is here. Yuwen You and his offspring are merely an offshoot. Yuwen Tong decided to visit them first instead of coming back here. Is he out of his mind?'

"How dare he!" Yuwen Zhi flew into a temper. With a piercing look in his eyes, he looked at Yuwen Feng. "Didn't you say that you'd get him back? Tell me exactly what happened."

"Father, elder brother didn't have the balls to say a single word carrying weight. He agreed to Yuwen Tong's every remark and made no efforts whatsoever to convince Yuwen Tong," huffed Yuwen Qi loudly.

Yuwen Feng's face darkened. "Yuwen Qi, curb your desire to stir up trouble."

However, Yuwen Zhi instructed him, "Enough. Tell me the details."

Resigned, Yuwen Feng had no alternative but to tell the whole story from beginning to end. "Cousin was displeased with us getting too involved in this matter. He cares about Ling Zhang more than we expected. Father, he's sending a word of warning to you."

Yuwen Zhi heavily smacked his fist onto the teapoy sending the tea set jumping. "Who does Yuwen Tong think he is!"

"Tell me about it. You're his elder, Father. How could he treat you like this?" said Yuwen Qi.

"Stop being so talky, will you?" Yuwen Feng looked at him in displeasure.

Yuwen Qi reluctantly shut his mouth.