Chapter 303: Chapter 303

Little Eyes Yin’s eyes weren’t particularly large, but they weren’t small enough to be a distinguishing feature either. His nickname came from being petty-minded and vindictive. The battle during the day hadn’t gone smoothly, and the more he thought about it, the more irritated he became. However, he didn’t hate his opponent from that time, but rather Miao Yuan, who had intervened to break up the fight.

Prince Dai’s mansion was brightly lit, and the banquet continued. Little Eyes Yin picked up his wine cup and drained it in one gulp, his gaze passing over countless heads to stare at the most brightly lit main hall, sneering continuously. Miao Yuan originally had no qualifications to enter the hall, but because he was a relative of the Cui clan and had connections to the Emperor, he too had been invited inside.

There were too many young nobles who had followed the Emperor to Jincheng City, and fewer than thirty percent had been invited to the banquet. Even here, they were divided into different ranks. A few could enter the main hall to drink and converse with their host, while the rest could only sit in the courtyard. Although the food and wine were the same, their status differed greatly.

The young nobles were accustomed to such distinctions of rank and no longer minded. Being invited at all was already good fortune. Only a very few harbored resentment in their hearts, and Little Eyes Yin was one of them.

“If my uncle were still alive…” he murmured, wanting to complain, but no one paid him any attention, not even those sitting at his table. “The Chancellor has only just passed away,” he raised his voice and withdrew his gaze, glaring angrily at these companions he had known since childhood. “Truly, when someone dies, the tea grows cold. Your fathers and brothers are ungrateful wretches, and you are even worse—you deserve the words: despicable and shameless.”

Still no one paid him any mind. The young men at the table whispered among themselves, chatting happily.

“Lou Ji!” Yin Xiaoyaner shouted angrily.

The son of the Victory Marquis, Lou Ji, could no longer pretend to be oblivious. He glanced sideways and said, “What?”

“Are you an ungrateful wretch?”

Everyone burst into laughter. Little Eyes Yin’s face flushed red, and he loudly protested, “That’s not something I can decide! Not a single member of the Yin family has returned home… The court has retained the Yin family. My uncle devoted himself wholeheartedly to the court, and His Majesty and the Empress Dowager both saw this. They’ve repeatedly asked us to stay and not leave the Capital. Moreover, this is precisely when the court needs capable people…”

The laughter grew louder. Everyone knew that the so-called ‘asking to stay’ was merely politeness. The Yin family had already lost power, but they refused to admit it and stubbornly remained in the Capital.

Little Eyes Yin flew into a rage and grabbed his wine cup to hurl at Lou Ji. Lou Ji dodged aside, but was splashed by the wine in the cup. He too became furious, but being somewhat older and of lower status, he dared not cause trouble in the prince’s mansion. He snorted but didn’t explode on the spot, turning instead to talk with his companions.

Little Eyes Yin drank alone in sullen anger, cursing everyone he knew under his breath, while others paid him no mind.

Drinking alone was boring but filled his belly. Little Eyes Yin stood up to find the latrine, swaying as he walked and having to ask three servants before finding the right direction.

The latrine was pitch black. Yin Xiaoyaner complained continuously, “Hey, even relieving oneself requires fumbling in the dark. The prince’s mansion surely has better latrines, but those dog-eyed servants who look down on people won’t tell me where they are.”

Another person arrived and stood alongside Little Eyes Yin. Though he had arrived later, he finished first. Little Eyes Yin felt contemptuous and snorted, straining his lower abdomen to make his stream louder and more forceful.

“When one person achieves enlightenment, even his chickens and dogs ascend to heaven. This time Miao Yuan has truly become imperial family,” Lou Ji said, his tone much more gentle.

Little Eyes Yin showed no appreciation and remained silent. Only when he truly couldn’t squeeze out another drop did he say, “What can be done? He relies on the great tree that is the Cui clan. Sigh.”

“So you’re just going to endure it?”

Little Eyes Yin turned to look. Drunk and in the darkness, Lou Ji appeared as ethereal as a ghost in his eyes. “Sowing discord?”

“Hey, you’ve gotten smarter. Have you heard about something?”

“Hmm?” Little Eyes Yin wasn’t quite that smart yet.

“Let’s go outside to talk. The smell here isn’t pleasant.”

Lou Ji walked out of the latrine, avoiding the lamplight and standing in the shadows beneath the wall. Little Eyes Yin followed behind in confusion, nearly bumping into him.

“What exactly is this about?”

“His Majesty has us taking turns commanding troops, right? Actually, he’s testing us to see who has the qualifications to become a real general.”

”Why didn’t you say so earlier? I’ve already had my turn.” Little Eyes Yin was filled with regret, as he hadn’t taken commanding troops seriously and hadn’t shown his true capabilities.

“Fool, I’m not talking about you. I’m talking about Miao Yuan.”

“Miao Yuan is just a child. Where did he get the courage during the day to ride his horse and charge in to mediate the fight?”

“That’s right, I was wondering about that too. He’s not the only imperial relative – even Cui Teng didn’t meddle in other people’s business. Where did Miao Yuan get the courage… Oh, I understand now. That kid clearly saw the Emperor observing from a distance, so he deliberately put on a show to curry favor with the Emperor.”

Lou Ji patted Little Eyes Yin on the shoulder.

Little Eyes Yin cursed under his breath, “That little bastard, knowing how to step on others to climb up at such a young age. If I don’t get revenge for this…”

He really didn’t know how he could get revenge.

“Right now none of us can afford to provoke Miao Yuan. If you want revenge, there’s only one way.”

“Tell me quickly. Among all of us, you’re the smartest.” Little Eyes Yin said urgently, once again finding some of that feeling of camaraderie among scoundrels.

Lou Ji pulled Little Eyes Yin a few steps away and whispered, “Have you heard? The Cui clan’s third young lady has also come to Jincheng City.”

“What does that have to do with me? She’s the Empress’s sister – I can afford to provoke her even less.”

“She’s not just the Empress’s sister, she’s also the Champion Marquis’s widow.”

“The Champion Marquis’s son came to Jincheng City with her.”

“These two are now staying in the prince’s mansion – I can only say this much. You’ll have to figure out the rest yourself. It’s a great achievement, if you dare to do it.”

After saying these cryptic words, Lou Ji hurried away. He couldn’t be away from relieving himself for too long – he needed to let his tablemates see him, and even forget about his brief absence.

Little Eyes Yin thought for a long while before finally understanding Lou Ji’s implied meaning. He couldn’t help but break out in a cold sweat, sobering up somewhat. Soon, however, he was moved by this idea again, murmuring, “Wealth and honor are found in danger. Without my uncle, what does the Yin family have to rely on for a comeback? The Emperor despises the Champion Marquis’s son. The Cui clan sending him to Jincheng City at this time must have deep meaning. Rather than let them achieve great merit again, I might as well…”

If Little Eyes Yin had sobered up a bit more, or if someone had been there to dissuade him, he wouldn’t have dared to do such a thing. But now the more he thought about it, the bolder he became. He strode outside, no longer swaying, full of confidence and determination to accomplish something big tonight.

He first went outside to find his attendant, gave him several taels of silver, and had him go inquire about Young Lady Cui’s residence.

Powerful families always had complex relationships and connections, so the attendant naturally didn’t ask many questions. He took the silver and left, returning quickly. “It’s in a courtyard compound to the west. Go through the side gate next to the main hall, and it’s not far from there. Young master, should I go deliver a visiting card?”

“Not tonight, tomorrow will do.”

Little Eyes Yin returned to the banquet and drank several more cups, not looking at anyone, especially not at Lou Ji, and no one looked at him either.

As the wine took effect, Little Eyes Yin became more and more convinced this plan could succeed. He got up and walked away. Everyone thought he was going to relieve himself again. Only Lou Ji glanced at his retreating figure and let out a very soft snort. People without backing who still dared to act recklessly and offend others randomly were simply seeking death.

The banquet would continue until dawn. The Emperor could leave early, but everyone else would rather get so drunk they collapsed on the ground than leave, to avoid being called discourteous. With all the noise and commotion, no one noticed Little Eyes Yin’s movements.

The imperial guards were all concentrated on the side where the Emperor resided. The prince’s mansion guards didn’t dare compete with them and had all withdrawn to the perimeter to prevent unauthorized people from approaching, leaving other areas lightly guarded.

For Little Eyes Yin, this was both a lucky night and his most unlucky moment.

He easily passed through the side gate and walked along the covered walkway, searching for the entrance to the courtyard compound. He actually found it – the courtyard gate was tightly closed, with no lights inside, and the residents had clearly gone to bed long ago.

With only a wall separating them, the noise from the banquet outside was reduced to just some strange laughter and shouting, as if separated by thousands of mountains and rivers.

Little Eyes Yin raised his hand to knock on the door, then suddenly remembered something – he had no weapons on him. On second thought, the Champion Marquis’s son should be very young, so he could handle it with his bare hands. Thus steadying his nerves, he raised his hand and knocked on the door.

After knocking three times, a glimmer of light appeared from within, followed by a woman’s voice asking, “May I ask who is visiting so late at night?”

“Does the Champion Marquis’s wife live here?” Little Eyes Yin asked vaguely.

“Are you from the prince’s mansion?” the woman inside asked suspiciously. Thᴇ link to the origɪn of this information rᴇsts ɪn novel⦿fire.net

“I… I am Cui Teng.” Little Eyes Yin had a flash of inspiration and gave this answer. In all of Jincheng City, probably only Cui Teng could directly visit Miss Cui at such a late hour.

“So it’s Second Brother, why didn’t you say so earlier? Has His Majesty agreed to see Third Sister? It can’t be right now, can it?” the person inside said while opening the door.

The door opened, and the two people, one inside and one outside, stared at each other in bewilderment.

“Who are you?” the woman demanded angrily. This was a prince’s mansion, the Emperor lived not far away, and she was the noble wife of Marquis Ping’en. Even when encountering a strange man, her immediate reaction was anger rather than terror.

Little Eyes Yin didn’t recognize the wife of Marquis Ping’en. His mind went completely blank, and he didn’t understand what “Second Brother” or “Third Sister” meant either. Taking her for a servant of the Cui family, he pushed her aside and barged straight in, saying, “Stand aside! Where is the Champion Marquis’s son?”

The wife of Marquis Ping’en was pushed and stumbled, dropping the lantern in her hand. Only then did she realize the visitor had ill intentions. She cried out for help, but just as she uttered one word, her mouth was covered by a hand.

Little Eyes Yin hesitated for a moment. Though he hated the Cui family, he still felt this wasn’t the time to kill ruthlessly. So he covered her mouth with one hand while restraining the woman with his arm, picked up the lantern with his other hand, and strode toward the main hall.

The door wasn’t closed. Little Eyes Yin kicked it open with one foot. Inside stood two young maidservants who screamed and fell to the ground, trembling with fear.

Little Eyes Yin ignored them. After a quick glance and seeing no one else, he stepped toward the inner room and likewise kicked that door open.

The wife of Marquis Ping’en was no match for him and could only follow him inside.

Little Eyes Yin raised the lantern and saw a young woman sitting by the bed, also trembling with fear.

“Where is the Champion Marquis’s son? Speak quickly!” Little Eyes Yin couldn’t find his target and grew anxious, his tone becoming menacing.

“He’s… he’s not here,” the woman replied in a trembling voice.

Little Eyes Yin didn’t believe her. He released the woman he had been restraining and strode toward the bed, determined to search thoroughly.

The young woman had never witnessed such a scene. She screamed and fainted.

Little Eyes Yin had already lost his head. As he bent down to examine the bed, he suddenly heard someone roar angrily behind him, followed by a sharp pain in his head. Turning around, he saw that the newcomer was actually Cui Teng.

Cui Teng was one of the people Little Eyes Yin feared most. Just as he was about to explain, Cui Teng had no patience for it. Raising a stool with both hands, he brought it down mercilessly. Little Eyes Yin soon collapsed to the ground.

“That’s enough, Second Brother, stop hitting him. Quick, check on Third Sister,” the wife of Marquis Ping’en was the first to react.

Cui Teng’s anger hadn’t subsided. Still gripping the stool in one hand, he reached out to check his sister’s breathing. “She’s still alive.”

Looking at Little Eyes Yin lying bloodied on the ground, Cui Teng asked, “What did he come here for?”

“He came looking for the Champion Marquis’s son… no, wait.” The wife of Marquis Ping’en also had a flash of inspiration and came up with a better explanation. “This man lusted after Third Sister’s beauty and intended to commit an indecent act!”

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