Book 2 Chapter 54: The Women of the Yuan Family - Martial God

### Chapter 54: The Women of the Yuan Family In the Yuan family, the residence of Old Master Yuan was a tranquil courtyard located to the west. Though the courtyard was quiet, it was bathed in ample sunlight, even in the winter, allowing sunlight to easily stream into the courtyard, bringing a touch of warmth to the cold season. With He Yitian half coercing and He Yiming half-relenting, the two eventually arrived at Old Master Yuan's courtyard. When He Yitian appeared in the courtyard, he clearly saw the joyous smile on Old Master Yuan's face. For him, being able to present his granddaughter to such a young innate talent was already a cause for satisfaction for both himself and the Yuan family. He warmly welcomed the two inside without adopting any airs of seniority. An unfamiliar observer might have assumed the three of them were old friends with a deep bond. Only, the age difference between these three "friends" was somewhat significant. Once they were seated, Yuan Zeyu gave a subtle signal, and an astute servant understood his meaning. Moments later, two women entered from outside the hall. One of the women was about twenty, tall and with sleek hair pulled back into a high bun, accentuating her graceful features. Her eyebrows arched like brackets above her eyes, which were bright and lively, adding not only to her smile but illuminating the entire room as she entered. As soon as this woman stepped into the room, He Yitian's eyes immediately brightened, and a gentle smile naturally spread across his face, his eyes filled with joy. The woman first looked up at Old Master Yuan, then glanced around furtively. When her gaze met He Yitian's, her eyes swirled like an autumn lake, though she quickly averted her eyes, a faint blush rising on her cheeks. He Yitian glanced at Yiming, his eyes pleading. Seeing the subtle expressions between the woman and his elder brother, He Yiming instantly understood that this was the woman his brother fancied. Although the woman's beauty was striking, she was not an unparalleled beauty like Sister-in-law Cheng Yanli. He wondered what it was that captivated his brother so intensely. Such an undisguised expression of affection clearly revealed his determination. He Yiming, quite vexed, turned his attention to the other woman who entered with measured steps right after. Compared to the first woman, this one's features were equally lovely but carried a certain naiveté. Her demeanor exuded a dignified and graceful aura, seeming to emit a palpable gentleness. Her small mouth held a childlike innocence. Particularly captivating were her eyes, so clear and profound, always vibrant with spirit. Yet, in He Yiming's impression, this young woman did not seem as innocent as she appeared; there was something concealed in the depths of her gaze. Her fair complexion befitted the standards of an upscale family, but sharp-eyed as He Yiming was, he noticed the calluses on her hands. Although these calluses were not obvious and few would pay them any heed, they were clear as day to He Yiming. Honestly, seeing this woman, He Yiming couldn’t quite sort out his feelings. It felt akin to encountering a stranger, not truly touching his heart. However, knowing both the purpose of their visit and the identity of this woman beforehand, his heart naturally carried a sense of curiosity and expectation. The expressions of the He brothers were under Old Master Yuan's scrutiny. Though He Yitian was open in his admiration, the old master was most concerned with He Yiming. It could be said that without He Yiming's status, even being the granddaughter of Yuan Zewei wouldn't have qualified her for concubinage to He Yitian. Yet, Old Master Yuan felt a bit disappointed for he could not discern any hint from He Yiming's gaze. But on second thought, he immediately felt relieved. He Yiming, though young, was an innate talent and unlikely to reveal his thoughts easily. As long as he did not object and was willing to accept his granddaughter, it was enough. "Yiming, let me introduce you," the old man said with a smile. "These are my granddaughters, Yuan Liwen and Yuan Lixun." As he introduced each one, the two women slightly bowed. The old man did not mention that Yuan Liwen was Yuan Zewei's direct granddaughter, nor did he reveal that Yuan Lixun was Yuan Chengzhi's granddaughter. So, He Yiming played along, smiling as he greeted them. Though Old Master Yuan addressed He Yiming by name, his tone was treated with such respect that it didn't at all sound like the words of an elder. His actions expressed affection, goodwill, and esteem toward He Yiming perfectly. In dealing with people, this near octogenarian certainly had mastery. After chatting a bit in the main hall, with the old master constantly wearing a benevolent smile, he eventually stood and said, “This old man is growing weary and shall retire for a bit of rest. You two should entertain our guests well in my stead.” Once Old Master Yuan had departed, He Yitian cleared his throat and said, “Sixth Brother, I have some matters to discuss with Miss Liwen, so we'll step out first.” Yuan Liwen’s expression instantly turned a deep red, showing some signs of awkwardness and anxiety, but the shades at the corners of her eyes brought out an alluring charm. He Yiming was momentarily taken aback; his usually composed brother today seemed somewhat unfamiliar. He cleared his throat and asked, "Brother, might I have a word with you first?" He Yitian hesitated for a moment before responding, "Alright." Turning to the two women, he said, "Ladies, please excuse us for a short while. We shall return shortly." The brothers stepped out together into the courtyard in front of Old Master Yuan’s residence and engaged in conversation. Though not their home, the Yuan family's servants, aware of their status, bowed from a distance, not daring to approach or interrupt. "Brother, you seem different," He Yiming said seriously. “You don’t seem like yourself.” He Yitian's expression changed slightly. "Sixth Brother, I know I've been reckless and put you in a difficult position." He Yiming shook his head with a wry smile. "Brother, we're kin. There’s no need for such formality. Besides, this isn't necessarily a burden to me. But your current mindset seems off, which isn't a good sign." He Yitian pondered for a long time, then sighed bitterly. "Sixth Brother, you're still young and wouldn’t understand some things." "What don't I understand?" He Yiming replied, dissatisfied. He Yitian's smile grew more bitter. "Sixth Brother, if a day comes when you see a woman and suddenly find your eyes constantly drawn to her, your thoughts filled with her image, and your heart preoccupied with her name, then you'll understand how I feel." He Yiming stared at his brother in utter disbelief. He knew his brother had taken a fancy to this woman at first sight, but to be so enamored to this extent was simply astonishing. Involuntarily, he glanced towards the main hall, where the two women sat conversing softly. With his discerning eyes, he could clearly see their every move. Yet, however hard he looked, Yuan Liwen seemed to him only slightly more than an above-average woman. The fact that she could captivate his brother so thoroughly in just a few meetings was almost beyond belief. He chuckled woefully, thinking perhaps only a fated bond could explain such infatuation. Still, he wondered if he would ever encounter such a woman. Perhaps, never. For what he truly pursued was the endless and ultimate path of martial arts. Even though he didn't understand such feelings, since his brother had laid bare his heart, He Yiming knew what decision to make. "Brother, even if you wed Yuan Liwen, you must not overlook your sister-in-law," He Yiming sighed gently. "Yitao has told me how Sister-in-law is caring and well-loved by both Yitao and Yiling.” He Yitian’s eyes brightened instantly, for he knew that since his sixth brother had agreed, the matter was as good as settled. Although He Xuanshen was strict, given He Yiming’s current prestige, as long as he didn’t propose something outrageous like burning down the He estate, the elder would likely not object. He bowed deeply to He Yiming, softly uttering, “Thank you.” Those two words, though soft, fully conveyed the depth of his gratitude. He Yiming shivered slightly, understanding that the deeper his brother's gratitude, the more significant Yuan Liwen was to him. Bringing such a woman into the household could augur either fortune or disaster for both his brother and the He family. Though matters had come this far, resisting now might only result in an immediate rift between the brothers. With a gentle sigh, He Yiming wished he could engage in another three hundred rounds with Lu Xinwen rather than delve into such affairs. Once their conversation concluded, they naturally re-entered the main hall. He Yitian's face was filled with a radiant smile, and with no heed for propriety, he took Yuan Liwen’s hand. Although her face flushed crimson, she did not resist, allowing him to escort her out of the hall. Leaving the main hall, He Yitian and Yuan Liwen walked into the rear garden. This area, abundant with plum blossoms, was where the old master enjoyed the flowers in winter. At its center stood a pavilion and some rockeries, providing a sense of stepping into a fairyland. “Liwen, things have worked out for us,” He Yitian said softly. Yuan Liwen remained silent for a moment before her soft voice emerged, "He Gongzi, yesterday you mentioned it would be challenging to gain your father's approval. Why are you so certain today?" He Yitian laughed heartily, "If I went to plead alone, I wouldn't get past Father’s gate. But with Sixth Brother speaking on my behalf, even if Father were reluctant, he surely wouldn't undermine Sixth Brother's esteem." Yuan Liwen's eyes brightened slightly, "So, Sixth Young Master is the He family’s innate talent who defeated the Blood Butcher Lu Xinwen?" "That's right, it is indeed my Sixth Brother," He Yitian responded with unguarded pride. Yuan Liwen seemed to breathe a sigh of relief, "Since Sixth Young Master is willing to vouch for me, what more could I ask for? From now on, I will dedicate myself to serving you. Just please, for the sake of Liwen's humble request, do not let my branch of the family suffer disgrace." He Yitian halted and declared, “Rest assured, as long as I live, I will uphold today’s promise.” Yuan Liwen lowered her head, a flicker of sorrow and helplessness passing over her strikingly beautiful face. There was even a trace of resentment. But in her mind, she recalled five days prior when her parents nervously brought her before her second grandfather. What her second grandfather had said then was chillingly unforgettable. "Liwen, although your father colluded with outsiders and failed in his bid for the family headship, he remains a member of the Yuan family. I grew up with him; we shared a mother, and as children, we climbed hills to catch birds, swam in rivers, and hid each other's misdeeds from our parents. We once lived in harmony," the old man sighed, his wrinkles deepening. "But as adults, the struggle for the family headship drove a wedge between us, leading to fratricide. Now that your father has passed, I must preserve his bloodline. While I live, no one dares slight your branch, but after I’m gone, Chengzhi's temperament will certainly lead to countless challenges—that will be your end..." "If you wish your family to lead a life as before, you must stay by He Yitian’s side. If you can win his favor, I assure you that as long as Chengzhi is in charge, he will not harm your branch. Although you won't have power, you’ll live comfortably. Sometimes, steering clear of family affairs is a blessing..." "Though He Yitian isn't as gifted as He Yiming, he is a steady man. If you earn his respect, you’ll have a good life..." “I’m aged and can’t hold out much longer. Think it over carefully...” The thought of her second grandfather's kindly words with their piercing chill left an indelible mark. Her family's pleading eyes held no anger or resilience, only tentative anxiety about the future. When Yuan Zewei died, her family's spirit crumbled, as if extinguished completely. Her head drooped lower, sorrow fading into resolve, quietly buried in her eyes. Perhaps no one might ever glimpse this hidden emotion again. “Liwen, what's wrong? Aren’t you happy?” “No, I’m very happy. Truly, I am happy...very...happy…” ※※※※ In the main hall, He Yiming sat with furrowed brows, lost in irresolvable thoughts. After He Yitian left with his beloved, a weighty atmosphere lingered in the room. Yuan Lixun dared not speak before He Yiming initiated the dialogue. Fully aware of his unmatched status, unlike any ordinary noble scion, she intended to make a favorable first impression during their initial encounter. Long after, He Yiming still couldn't find a topic to discuss, picking up a teacup and draining it in one gulp. Though an innate talent, when it came to managing interactions with women, his experience was virtually nil. For sixteen years, starting inner strength training at age five, besides his mother and sisters Yiling and Yilong, he had never been alone with another woman. Yuan Lixun rose, quietly refilling his cup with tea. Surprised, He Yiming glanced at her; this was his first time receiving such a gesture. At He Manor, if he wanted tea, he did so himself, no one offering to serve. Even when He Wude visited, he’d get tea brewed with cold water only. Hesitant, He Yiming drank again, though the tea’s quality remained unnoticed. Whether good or bad, tea was all the same to him, indifference his norm. Yet now, the experience felt appealing. Yuan Lixun’s face seemed forever tinged with a smile. This seemingly innocent girl’s first impression wasn’t unwelcoming. Again, with a slight smile, Yuan Lixun poured more water into his cup, leaving He Yiming wondering if he should continue drinking. Just then, faint commotion was heard from outside. Though distant, seemingly from the manor’s entrance, such noise, under normal circumstances, wouldn’t attract He Yiming’s attention. Yet, given his focused state, his ears naturally caught external sounds. His ears slightly twitched, discerning phrases like "The master has returned, Lord He is back" amid voices of greeting. Realizing that Yuan Chengzhi and He Xuanshen had finally returned from handling post-incident matters, he felt a mix of anticipation and concern.