Chapter 232: Courage and Strategy

 Chapter 232: Courage and Strategy

"Big Sister, now that Big Brother and I have lost our allowances, you have to help us out," Yan Wenkai quickly stopped Daohua as they exited the old madam’s room.

Behind him, Yan Wenxiu and Yan Wentao looked at her with expectant faces.

There was no other way. Among the younger generation in the family, only Daohua had achieved financial independence. For the rest of them, life at the academy without any silver would be inconvenient, whether for purchasing stationery or joining classmates on outings—everything required money.

Daohua refused. The three brothers had gone to Fenxi on their own without informing the family. No matter what reasons they had, it was wrong, and she didn’t want to encourage such behavior.

"No way! While you might have your reasons, the family was genuinely worried about you. If you do something wrong, you should accept your punishment. Right, Big Brother?"

Caught off guard by Daohua’s pointed look, Yan Wenxiu’s face stiffened.

He had often lectured his little sister in this exact manner.

And now, so soon, she was using his own words against him.

Yan Wenxiu quickly regained his composure. "Little Sister is right. The Yan family values its traditions, and mistakes must be punished."

Yan Wenkai shot a disgruntled glance at his older brother. Big Brother was too spineless—Daohua had barely said a word, and he had already surrendered, leaving no room for Wenkai to play his usual tricks.

Realizing there was no hope of getting any silver, Yan Wenkai pulled Daohua aside, glancing around furtively before whispering like a thief, "Big Sister, fine, I won’t ask for money. But you need to give me some of the knockout powder and itching pills you gave the young prince."

Those were perfect tools for catching people off guard!

If not for the young prince accidentally letting it slip, Wenkai wouldn’t have known his sister had created such incredible things.

This time in Fenxi, these two items had played a big role in helping them dismantle a bandit hideout.

Daohua was speechless as she looked at her fourth brother, who seemed so sneaky yet conspicuous with his burly frame. His expression screamed, I’m hiding something.

Yan Wenxiu and Yan Wentao were equally embarrassed, averting their eyes.

Initially unnoticed by the others, Wenkai’s antics now drew everyone’s attention. Nobody left, all standing and staring.

Realizing his foolishness, Wenkai immediately barked at them, "What are you looking at? I’m having a private conversation with my sister!"

With that, he dragged Daohua away.

Daohua allowed herself to be led but pulled her hand free once they were far from the others.

Wenkai hurriedly said, "Big Sister, did you hear what I said earlier? I want—"

Daohua cut him off, "I heard you! Let me ask you this—did Xiao Yeyang tell you about it?"

Wenkai shook his head, then nodded. "The young prince didn’t mean to, but he couldn’t resist bragging and accidentally let it slip."

Daohua snorted. "Who else knows about this?"

A young lady possessing knockout powder and itching pills was hardly something to brag about—it would only harm her reputation if word got out.

Wenkai hesitated. "Just us: me, Big Brother, Third Brother, the young prince, Brother Dong. Wu Hongda kept asking about it, clearly wanting the recipe, but we didn’t tell him a thing."

Hearing that only familiar people knew, Daohua finally relaxed.

She knew Wu Hongda—he was close to Brother Zhou and came from a family of physicians. His grandfather was the head of the imperial medical bureau. Wanting the recipe was understandable, but she was confident Xiao Yeyang wouldn’t give it to him.

After some thought, Daohua warned, "I’m telling you now, this stays between us. If this gets out, it will ruin my reputation."

Wenkai nodded earnestly. "Don’t worry! The young prince and Big Brother have already warned us several times—I’m sick of hearing it."

As he spoke, he tugged at Daohua’s sleeve.

"Good Sister, so, are you going to give us those things or not?"

Daohua considered briefly and said, "Tell me everything that happened after you arrived in Fenxi, and I’ll prepare some for you."

"Deal!" Wenkai agreed instantly and began recounting their adventures in Fenxi with great enthusiasm.

As they walked, Daohua listened attentively. Her heart tightened when she heard how Xiao Yeyang and his group had infiltrated the bandit hideout.

"Big Sister, I must say, this time I truly realized how impressive the young prince is. He’s not only courageous but also highly strategic and bold."

"From the moment we set our sights on the bandit hideout, he planned to lead a team to dismantle it. Every step he took was calculated, and he anticipated the bandits’ every move. Honestly, when he led us, he truly felt like a general."

"Before, I thought Brother Dong and Su Hongxin only obeyed the young prince because of his status. But now I understand—they respect his talent and abilities, too."

Daohua nodded silently.

From the first time she saw Xiao Yeyang, she felt his unyielding spirit.

Proud individuals often had reasons for their confidence.

From his usual conversations, it was clear Xiao Yeyang wasn’t just diligent in martial arts but also well-read. Even the panda she embroidered for her fourth brother’s pouch was something he recognized from the records of Bashu County.

The next day, Yan Wenxiu, Yan Wentao, and Yan Wenkai left after spending a night at home.

Before they left, Daohua gave them five pouches, each containing some knockout powder and itching pills.

Wangyue Academy.

Xiao Yeyang and Dong Yuanxuan quickly snatched a pouch each from Yan Wenkai’s hands.

After inspecting the knockout powder and itching pills inside, Dong Yuanxuan chuckled. "Looks like Yan Meimei didn’t forget me this time."

While Dong Yuanxuan was pleased, Xiao Yeyang was utterly annoyed. What used to be his exclusive treasure was now distributed to everyone.

Xiao Yeyang flipped through the pouch. Seeing it wasn’t handmade by Daohua, he lost interest, casually putting it away before turning to Yan Wenkai. "Did you ask about the thing I told you to?"

Yan Wenkai, who had been gearing up to brag about how hard he worked to get the pouches for them, froze at the question.

Seeing his reaction, Xiao Yeyang instantly knew the answer. Rolling up his sleeves, he approached. "Did you forget?"

Yan Wenkai laughed awkwardly, backing away as he did. "Heh heh..."

He knew better than to fight Xiao Yeyang. After all, his martial arts training couldn’t compare. The young prince had the imperial physicians tending to his health and multiple instructors guiding his practice, making his progress far superior.

No way was he going to pick a fight!

"Your Highness, does it really matter whether I asked or not? Either way, you’ll only find out what my sister prepared for you on your birthday!"

Xiao Yeyang was exasperated. Of course, he knew he’d have to wait until his birthday to see what Daohua’s gift was.

The reason he told Yan Wenkai to ask wasn’t to spoil the surprise—it was to remind Daohua.

That scatterbrain could very well forget to prepare a gift for him altogether!

(End of chapter)