Chapter 235: When a Scholar Meets a Soldier

 Chapter 234: A Unique Gift

A full hundred acres of sunflowers stood proudly in the field, their golden heads turning toward the sun, swaying gently in the breeze. In the center of the flower sea, seven large characters spelled out Happy Birthday, Xiao Yeyang, crafted from carefully planted sunflowers. Their wider spacing made them sway even more vigorously, as though cheering or waving in greeting.

Xiao Yeyang, Daohua, and the others stood on a small hill, taking in the breathtaking scene.

“Want to go down and take a closer look?” Daohua tilted her head and asked Xiao Yeyang, uncertain of his feelings as his expression remained neutral.

Xiao Yeyang inhaled the floral-scented air deeply before smiling brightly. “Sure!” With that, he leaped from the ridge, landing steadily on the path below. He turned back, smiling as he extended his hands.

“Isn’t it a bit too high?” Daohua hesitated, eyeing the ridge's height warily. “Maybe I should go around.”

Xiao Yeyang coaxed her, “What’s there to worry about? If you fall, I’ll cushion you.”

Seeing her hesitation, Xiao Yeyang teased, “You’re usually so bold. Why hesitate now over a little jump?”

Daohua frowned. “It’s not about courage; it’s about safety—”

Before she could finish, she felt a sudden push, and her body pitched forward uncontrollably.

“Ahhh!”

Caught entirely off guard, Daohua let out a startled cry as she fell. Fortunately, Xiao Yeyang reacted swiftly, catching her securely before she hit the ground. Still, the manner of her fall left her clinging to him like a koala.

Xiao Yeyang froze for a moment, his original intention having been only to guide her gently down. He hadn’t expected her to end up entirely in his arms.

Relieved that she hadn’t fallen, Daohua quickly realized their awkward position. Embarrassed, she scrambled down from him and turned back toward the ridge, glaring furiously.

“Who pushed me?”

Up on the ridge, Yan Wenkai’s hand was still extended mid-push, his face full of mischief. But seeing his sister’s fiery glare, he immediately withdrew his hand, his grin faltering.

“I-I just saw you dithering and thought I’d help you make up your mind. See? You’re safe now!”

Yan Wenkai even dared to flash a you should be thanking me look.

Daohua glowered at him, her tone biting. “Fourth Brother! Do you have any idea how dangerous that was? What if Xiao Yeyang hadn’t caught me? What if I’d broken an arm or leg? Would you take care of me for the rest of my life?”

Yan Wenkai’s playful demeanor quickly vanished. He muttered nervously, “It couldn’t have been that serious, right?”

Daohua huffed indignantly. “Of course it could! Do you remember Second Uncle’s wife’s cousin’s grandfather? He fell on a path like this and ended up paralyzed!”

Yan Wenkai turned to Yan Wentao for confirmation. Yan Wentao nodded solemnly, his expression carrying a hint of disapproval.

Yan Wenkai swallowed hard, mumbling, “But Xiao Yeyang was right there. He wouldn’t let you fall.”

Daohua’s anger began to subside, though she still glared at her brother. “There’s always a chance! What if he hadn’t caught me? I’d have fallen face-first. Even if I didn’t break something, I could’ve ruined my face.”

“I wouldn’t let you get hurt,” Xiao Yeyang interjected suddenly. Daohua turned to him, surprised. Avoiding her gaze, he added, “Weren’t you saying we should take a closer look? Let’s go.”

With that, he led the way into the sunflower field, leaving Yan Wenkai behind to face Yan Wentao’s scolding.

“You really shouldn’t play tricks like that. It’s fine with boys, but girls are different. What if you scared her?”

Yan Wenkai pouted but nodded. “I get it. I wouldn’t do that to just anyone. And I only did it because Xiao Yeyang was there.”

Meanwhile, Xiao Yeyang and Daohua walked deeper into the sunflower field.

“These can’t all be your handiwork, can they?” Xiao Yeyang asked, glancing at Daohua skeptically.

Daohua huffed, “A hundred acres of sunflowers? Do you think I’m superhuman?”

Xiao Yeyang chuckled. “Fair enough. But the thought alone is enough.”

Daohua wasn’t ready to let it go. “Though I didn’t plant them all, I personally selected and cultivated the seeds. And—” Before finishing, she darted ahead.

Xiao Yeyang quickened his pace to follow.

Soon, Daohua pointed to the central part of the field, where the sunflowers were sparser. “These seven characters spelling out your birthday wish? I planted them myself.” She spoke with pride, hoping he could see the effort she had put in.

Xiao Yeyang gazed at the vibrant words surrounded by the golden sea of flowers. A deep smile formed on his lips.

This gift was unlike any other he had ever received—utterly unique and unforgettable.

Others’ gifts to Xiao Yeyang typically consisted of rare antiques, famous paintings, or calligraphy scrolls. While these were undoubtedly thoughtful and required effort to procure, they were things he neither lacked nor truly valued. Such items could easily be re-gifted, their origins and previous owners unknown, having passed through countless hands before reaching him.

But Daohua’s sunflower field was different. It was a gift crafted uniquely for him—just for him. No one else had a share in it.

This exclusivity and personal touch made Xiao Yeyang feel genuinely cherished.

Daohua glanced at Xiao Yeyang, observing his expression carefully. Seeing him smile continuously, she ventured, “So, do you like my gift?”

Xiao Yeyang turned to her, his eyes brimming with warmth. “I like it. I like it very much.”

Hearing this, Daohua’s eyebrows arched in delight, and she exhaled in relief. “I’m glad you like it. To be honest, I was worried you might not.”

After all, flowers were usually more appreciated by women.

Xiao Yeyang chuckled. “With the thought you put into it, how could I not like it?”

“Sister Yanmei really plays favorites!”

From the ridge above, a voice dripping with playful jealousy interrupted them. Turning, they saw Dong Yuanxuan approaching with a group of others, including Zhou Jingwan, Dong Yuanyao, and Su Shiyu.

Yan Wenkai was surprised. “What are you all doing here?”

Dong Yuanxuan glanced at him and Yan Wentao. “You two are quite something—sneaking off with the Young Prince while leaving us behind at the palace.”

Yan Wenkai scratched his head sheepishly. “We got dragged along unexpectedly. Otherwise, we’d have called you, of course.”

“Hmph!”

The group collectively scoffed in disbelief. As if they’d buy that excuse.

“So this is sister’s birthday gift to the Young Prince? Truly one of a kind,” Yan Wenxiu remarked, gazing at the sunflower sea with a hint of envy.

As a man of letters and a connoisseur of floral beauty, he found this gift far more elegant and meaningful than gold or jewels. Sadly, it wasn’t meant for him.

Dong Yuanxuan and the others, seeing the elder brother's envious expression, suddenly felt much better about not being the recipients themselves.

Chapter 235: When a Scholar Meets a Soldier

"Yan Yi really knows how to think outside the box—a sea of flowers as a gift. That’s quite creative."

On the ridge, Dong Yuanyao, Zhou Jingwan, and Su Shiyu stood together, chatting quietly.

Su Shiyu glanced at the radiant smiles on Daohua and Xiao Yeyang’s faces as they wandered through the sea of sunflowers. In a gentle tone, she remarked, “It’s not just creative; it’s poetic and artistic as well.”

“Compared to other worldly gifts, this field of sunflowers is elegant, unique, and visually stunning,” Zhou Jingwan added. “Didn’t you say earlier that sunflowers are also called ‘sun flowers’? The name fits perfectly with the Young Prince’s title. I’m sure this gift is very much to his liking.”

Zhou Jingwan nodded knowingly. “Of course he likes it. Didn’t you see how much he was smiling? If someone gave me a flower field like this, I’d be overjoyed too.”

Watching Daohua wander through the sunflowers, Zhou Jingwan grabbed the other two by the hand. “Come on, let’s go find Daohua. Such a beautiful field—it’s a shame to let them enjoy it all by themselves.”

The three girls descended the slope, followed shortly by Yan Wenxiu and Zhou Chengye, who couldn’t resist the allure of the flower field. As scholars, they were naturally drawn to such beauty.

“Honestly, I’ve never walked through a flower field like this before. Let’s go experience it ourselves!”

With their lead, the rest of the group quickly followed.

Amid the sea of flowers, Daohua and Xiao Yeyang didn’t talk much.

Daohua walked slowly, her arms outstretched as her fingers brushed against the sunflowers. Her face lit up with a bright, carefree smile as she immersed herself in the field.

Behind her, Xiao Yeyang silently followed. His gaze never left her face. Every time her smile deepened, the corners of his own mouth would lift a little more.

“Daohua! Daohua!”

Hearing the calls, Daohua turned her head. When she saw Zhou Jingwan and the others approaching, her smile bloomed even brighter.

Her radiant smile—her sparkling eyes and delicate laughter—suddenly struck Xiao Yeyang like a bolt of lightning. For a moment, he froze, his heart skipping a beat as though something had hit him hard.

“Jingwan!”

Unaware of Xiao Yeyang’s stunned state, Daohua waved and ran toward the three girls.

“Sister Dong, Sister Su, you’re here too?”

“What’s that supposed to mean? Are we not welcome?”

“Of course not! Having two fairy-like sisters to keep me company is more than I could ever dream of.”

“Oh, my, did you eat honey today? Your words are so sweet!”

“Sister Dong, her words are always sweet, honey or not. Sweet enough to charm the life out of anyone!”

“Hahaha~”

Daohua and Dong Yuanyao quickly fell into playful banter. Zhou Jingwan occasionally added fuel to the fire, and the three were soon laughing and chattering like close friends.

Su Shiyu, a bit reserved, didn’t join in their antics but still enjoyed herself. Watching their carefree laughter brought a gentle smile to her face.

Xiao Yeyang finally snapped out of his daze when the girls’ laughter reached his ears. By then, he noticed Dong Yuanxuan and the others had also arrived. Quickly, he masked his emotions and returned to his usual composed demeanor.

Holding a sunflower, Yan Wenkai approached and called out, “Sister, don’t forget to include Sister Su in your fun!”

Su Shiyu immediately waved her hands. “No, no, I’m fine just watching from here.” She smiled shyly. “I can’t run fast like them. If I join in, I’ll be out of breath in no time.”

Yan Wenkai’s eyes widened. “So your body’s a bit weak, huh?”

His blunt comment, especially in front of everyone, instantly turned Su Shiyu’s face crimson. She fidgeted with her handkerchief, unsure of how to respond.

Yan Wenkai meant no harm and didn’t realize he’d embarrassed her. Just as Su Hongxin was about to step in to defend his sister, Yan Wenkai continued.

“Sister Su, you need to exercise more! My grandmother always says a girl needs a strong, healthy body, or she’ll suffer later in life.” He pointed toward Daohua.

“Look at my sister. She runs faster than a rabbit! Sure, she may seem a bit wild, but she’s in great shape. If I ever dare bully her, she’d fight me head-on.”

Su Shiyu’s eyes widened as she looked at Yan Wenkai. His proud and smug expression while talking about how his sister could hold her own in a fight was so absurd it dispelled her earlier embarrassment. The irritation she felt moments ago quickly vanished, and her cheeks cooled.

Lowering his voice, Yan Wenkai leaned closer. “My sister once said something really wise: ‘Your body is your own. Don’t neglect it because of what others say.’”

Su Shiyu quickly shook her head. “I don’t neglect my health.”

Yan Wenkai gave her a skeptical look. “Then why do you look so frail?”

“…”

Yan Wenkai nodded knowingly. “I bet it’s those strict tutors at home, stuffing your head with rules and etiquette, telling you not to do this and not to do that. That’s why you’re so skinny, like a bamboo stick.”

“I—”

Su Shiyu had just opened her mouth to speak when Yan Wenkai cut her off. “I get it. You’re probably going to say that the world sees delicate and demure as beautiful, so you’ve cultivated this image.”

“But you need to know, being frail isn’t necessarily beautiful—it might just mean you’re unwell. Look at my sister, Sister Dong, and sister Zhou. Their kind of beauty comes from being healthy!”

As she listened, Su Shiyu became annoyed again. She bit her lip and glared at Yan Wenkai in frustration.

Was this Fourth Young Master Yan implying she was sick? Unhealthy?

Unfortunately, the thick-headed Yan Wenkai didn’t notice her irritation. Instead, he assumed she was taking his words to heart. With an expression of approval, he looked at her like a teacher satisfied with a promising student.

“Don’t worry too much. When you get home, try moving around more, and your body will naturally get better. Oh, and eat more! I’ve seen you eat—it’s like watching a little kitten. You eat so little, it’s no wonder your body isn’t strong. Listen to fourth brother: go home and eat more, okay?”

He finished with a look that said he was doing this entirely for her own good.

On the side, Su Hongxin had initially planned to confront Yan Wenkai, but seeing his usually quick-witted sister rendered speechless by Yan’s bluntness, he decided against it.

He sneered inwardly, A scholar meets a soldier—reasoning is futile, huh?  

Yan Wenkai, that bullheaded guy, had a way of delivering his points that left others unable to counter.

Now my little sister finally understands how considerate I’ve been to her, Su Hongxin thought smugly.

Satisfied that Su Shiyu seemed to be listening without arguing back, Yan Wenkai nodded approvingly. He then handed her the sunflower he was holding and said generously, “Here, take this to play with!”

He looked every bit like a caring big brother.

Su Shiyu glanced at the sunflower in her hand, then back at Yan Wenkai, who was beaming with pride as if he’d accomplished something extraordinary. She took a deep breath.

Forget it, she thought. Big Brother did warn me that fourth young master Yan isn’t the sharpest tool in the shed. I’ll let it slide.  

“Don’t just stand there! Go play with my sister and the others!” Yan Wenkai urged, his face suddenly stern when he saw her hesitate.

Su Shiyu: “…”

At that moment, Daohua ran over. She had also noticed that Su Shiyu had been left standing alone and wanted to pull her into the fun. Seeing the scene unfold, she burst into laughter and said to Su Shiyu, “Sister Su, are you feeling a string of black lines over your head right now?”

“What?!”

Su Shiyu widened her eyes and stared at her.

Black lines over my head?  

Is this how all the Yan siblings talk—utterly incomprehensible?  

(End of Chapter)