Chapter Fourteen: The Bond Between Siblings

Catching a glimpse of a shadow flickering at the side door, clad in deep blue—was that Uncle Eight? Fish Youngwei spoke nonchalantly, “The star genius of Eastern Tomb Manor hardly needs my help, Second Brother. You must be joking.”

Second Brother replied with rare sincerity in his smile, “I’m speaking from the heart. As for Yu Yan, she’ll stay with the Fish family—you needn’t worry. But when you arrive at the Ning family, be wary of Ning Third. He’s fiercely protective of Ning Fourth, and your fleeing the marriage infuriated him. He even quarrelled with my father yesterday.”

At this, Fish Youngwei grew curious. “That day outside the tavern, the men you brought fought with those icy-faced fellows. Who got the worse of it?”

An embarrassed look crossed Fish Shiyu’s face. He glared at her, refusing to answer.

“Really? The genius of Eastern Tomb Manor bested by Ning Third?” Fish Youngwei teased, watching his cheeks redden. She chuckled lightly, “Come on, tell me—what loss did you suffer? I’ll pay it back double for you.”

“Forget it! He’s the headmaster’s personal disciple from the Celestial Morning Sect, top ten on the Hidden Dragon ranking. His strength surpasses mine; you’re not as strong as me, so how can you pay me back?” Grumbling, Fish Shiyu’s face grew serious as he cautioned, “The Ning family is more deeply rooted and complex than ours. As a new bride unfamiliar with the household, be careful not to fall out with your husband. Ning Third is fiercely protective of Ning Fourth, and your husband is a fool. To protect your branch’s interests, don’t let things sour between you.”

Her heart was touched by his words. Even if Fish Shiyu harbored ulterior motives, he still showed genuine sibling affection. Fish Youngwei smiled gracefully. “I never imagined that icy-faced fellow was the headmaster’s personal disciple. Tell me about the others in the Ning family.”

“Your two sisters-in-law aren’t easy to deal with. Ning First and Ning Second also care deeply for Ning Fourth. You’re clever enough to handle them. But your mother-in-law—you must be extremely cautious not to let her catch you out. Many of Ning Fourth’s attendants have been beaten to death.”

“You’ve gathered information more thoroughly than Hundred Knowledge Tower.”

“It’s all bought from Hundred Knowledge Tower.”

The siblings exchanged a glance and burst out laughing together.

“What are you two talking about, laughing so happily?” Uncle Eight entered, balancing two dishes in each hand like a juggler. In his right hand, auspicious bamboo fungus and crystal pork knuckle; in his left, vinegar-sautéed three delicacies and fragrant fried pipa shrimp—homestyle dishes, tempting in color and aroma. The siblings rose in unison, helping him place the dishes on the table.

As they arranged the food, Fish Shiyu joked, “These are Aunt Eight’s signature dishes. Ninth Sister, you’re lucky today; we get to eat them all.”

“That’s because Aunt Eight dotes on me,” Fish Youngwei replied with a smile. Everyone knew how to play roles. For fourteen years, the Fish family had ignored her; now, needing her as a substitute bride, they sought to win her over.

“You’re a girl who inspires affection,” Uncle Eight said, smiling. Then he asked, “Shiyu, did you visit Hundred Knowledge Tower today?”

Fish Shiyu nodded. “Yes, I bought information and got a VIP card—now I get a twenty percent discount.”

Hundred Knowledge Tower specialized in selling information and publishing tasks for both righteous and unrighteous factions. Their prices were infamous for being high, but their reputation was unmatched. A twenty percent discount was reserved for high-ranking VIPs. According to Uncle Eight, even the imperial family only enjoyed a ten percent discount, and the Fish family never got any. If money was short, one could buy information from Hundred Knowledge Tower and resell it for a profit.

His eyes swept over the siblings, surprised but saying nothing.

“Uncle Eight really has patience—not asking why,” Fish Shiyu said with a smile.

“Why?” Uncle Eight asked, still smiling.

“Because I brought Yu Yan along, and the VIP card was gifted to her by Hundred Knowledge Tower. My father said all future dealings with the Tower will be handled by her.” Fish Shiyu winked at Fish Youngwei.

Fish Youngwei felt much more at ease. Yu Yan now had a proper position in the Fish family, making her stay legitimate and her days less difficult.

Uncle Eight’s smile faded. He asked in surprise, “How did the Mu family girl become acquainted with someone from Hundred Knowledge Tower?”

“She happened to meet Bai Li Feiyan,” Fish Shiyu replied with a smile.

Clearly, Uncle Eight did not quite believe it, but he didn’t probe further. Fish Youngwei certainly wouldn’t undermine the story. After Uncle Eight left, she said, “Yu Yan has met Night Five as well. After I go to the Ning family, it’ll be hard for me to come out for a while. The matter with Thousand Poison Palace needs Night Five’s involvement—Yu Yan can accompany you. Night Five owes me a favor and will help.”

Fish Shiyu was calm but slightly dissatisfied. “You two seemed to live freely at the Mu family, running everywhere. Knowing Bai Li Feiyan is one thing, but you even know Night Five, one of those notorious figures.”

Sensing the jealousy in his words, Fish Youngwei smiled. “Night Five is just a bit solitary, but decent. And really, I’m the one who runs around. Yu Yan, until now, had never left Mu Manor. She met Night Five when he came to see me there.”

Shaking his head, Fish Shiyu muttered, “Never mind, you don’t need to explain. I can tell what kind of person Yu Yan is—no need for wild suspicions. As for Thousand Poison Palace, I plan to ask my sect elders to handle it. Let Night Five keep owing you a favor. Yu Yan can just help me with Hundred Knowledge Tower.”

Fish Youngwei laughed. “Second Brother, you say you’re not jealous, but I can smell the sourness from here.”

“It’s just Aunt’s cooking—she uses extra vinegar,” Fish Shiyu insisted stubbornly. In Eastern Tomb Manor, he was considered a genius, but in a continent filled with talents, he was less dazzling. Night Five and Ning Third were true prodigies. He couldn’t help but worry that after seeing Night Five’s brilliance, Yu Yan might look down on him.

Fish Youngwei laughed heartily, her eyes sparkling.

Uncle Eight, juggling two more dishes, entered and placed them on the table, curious. “What are you discussing, laughing so much? I think I just heard something about Night Five?”

Was the eavesdropper outside not Uncle Eight? Fish Youngwei made up a story. “Uh, I was suggesting Second Brother challenge Night Five of Thousand Poison Palace.”

“Nonsense!” Uncle Eight scolded. “Shiyu has only recently entered the Foundation Establishment stage. Night Five is already at the peak of Foundation Establishment. Challenging him is utterly hopeless!”

“Pressure breeds motivation! What’s the point of challenging someone you’re sure to beat?” Fish Youngwei said brightly, just to tease her brother.

Fish Shiyu grinned, saying nothing.

Uncle Eight, however, stared at her in a daze, finally murmuring, “She really resembles Fourth Brother—especially the way Frost looks.”