Chapter 089

Chapter 89: Second Brother Seems Quite Pitiful

That was… far too fast.

“I sensed it too. Let’s return to the manor,” Yun Zheng said in a low voice. With a flick of his sleeve, he strode toward the front gate.

Yun Zhan pursed his lips and quickly caught up, moving to walk beside Yun Zheng as he leaned in, transmitting his voice with inner power: “Big Brother, aren’t you planning to do something?”

Yun Zheng’s brows twitched. He also replied through inner power: “Do you have a good idea?”

“This kind of existence is far beyond our comprehension. We know nothing about it—so no, I don’t.”

Yun Zheng fell silent.

Exactly. Apart from putting up passive defenses, they had no way to counterattack.

If not for Little Fourth, they wouldn’t even know something like that had been summoned into this world. What else could they do?

Right now, the wisest move was to eliminate all those shady elements hiding in the dark.

“But Big Brother,” Yun Zhan continued, “even if we can’t defeat it directly, that doesn’t mean we have to sit around waiting to die. I have two ideas.”

“Let’s hear them.”

“First, we ask Eldest Sister-in-law and the others if Little Fourth said anything today about how to deal with that thing.”

“As for the second… we gamble. I’ll kill that girl myself. Meanwhile, Big Brother can lay the groundwork and arrange for someone to wipe out the entire Su family. That way, there won’t be any lingering threats.”

Yun Zhan’s gaze narrowed slightly, and a glint of coldness flashed in his eyes. Since they had already confirmed that the Yun family’s downfall was tied to that girl, it was better to remove the calamity early.

“Unwise,” Yun Zheng sighed and transmitted back. “During the winter banquet, that girl clearly died once already. Yet not only did she come back to life, she even summoned that invincible entity.”

“So what if we kill her again? Who knows whether she’ll just come back again? Or if something even more terrifying will appear next time?”

“Besides, with that thing around, even if we tried to strike now, we might not succeed.”

That entity definitely possessed more than just time reversal.

And the Su family—many among them were innocent. Even Su Jian, in his current state, did not deserve death. If they truly slaughtered the entire Su family, how would that make them any different from the novel’s female lead?

“I understand everything you’ve said,” Yun Zhan replied, “but how will we know if we don’t try? If she revives again, then I’ll just kill her again.”

If that girl truly intended to bring ruin to the Yun family, then he could only stake his life on stopping her.

Because once the Yun family’s secrets were exposed, the fallout would drag in far more than just their household.

“Let’s set that aside for now,” Yun Zheng said. “Go back and accompany Miss Yin Shuang. I’ll go ask your Eldest Sister-in-law if she’s heard anything. Once we’ve confirmed the situation, we can prepare accordingly. As for your method, that will only be our final option—if all else fails.”

“Very well. Once Big Brother finds out anything, let me know.”

“Mm.”

“Alright, Big Brother. I’ll be going, then.”

With that, the two parted ways—one heading toward Qing Garden, the other toward Peace Keeping Courtyard.

Peace Keeping Courtyard.

At the sound of approaching footsteps, mother and daughter turned their heads. When they saw it was Yun Zheng, Yun Wan Yao quickly rose to greet him.

“Father, you’re back.”

“Yes,” Yun Zheng answered. The sight of his wife and daughter soothed some of his earlier agitation, softening his expression.

Then he glanced toward the beauty couch by the window—normally the domain of his little milk bun—but now, it lay empty.

“Where’s Little Fourth?”

He looked at Yun Wan Yao, then turned to Madam Yun.

“Uh…” Yun Wan Yao found herself tongue-tied. She didn’t know how to explain the truth, so she shifted her gaze toward Madam Yun.

With a calm smile, Madam Yun replied, “Ye’er took her out to play. They should be back soon.”

Yun Zheng: “……”

It seemed he’d need to thoroughly interrogate that brat Yun Wan Ye tonight.

[Oh no, Father’s back.]

[This is bad, really bad. Father’s perception is much sharper than Mother’s or Big Sister’s. What if he notices that Second Brother’s acting strange?]

[No wait, why am I panicking?]

[Sure, Second Brother’s odd behavior is technically my fault, but Father doesn’t know that. Even if he notices something, so what? He’ll definitely suspect someone else—not me. At most, he’ll go investigate others.]

Yun Zheng: “???”

What was going on?

He turned toward the open doorway, but there was no one there. Not even the sound of footsteps.

So how had he just heard Little Fourth’s inner voice?

Was it an illusion?

Yun Zheng lifted his eyelids slightly, his sharp gaze sweeping toward Madam Yun and Yun Wan Yao. Yet both wore their usual expressions. Nothing seemed amiss.

He had a thousand questions, but didn’t dare ask a single one aloud, afraid that Little Fourth might hear him.

A moment later, footsteps echoed outside. Yun Zheng turned just in time to see Yun Wan Ye stepping through the moon gate, the little milk bun nestled in his arms. He walked along the pebble path toward them, his pace unhurried.

[Back, back—we’re back. I’d better lift the control on Second Brother now.]

[Second Brother, I’m leaving the rest to you.]

Just as they stepped through the doorway, Yun Wan Ning withdrew her spiritual power. Yun Wan Ye’s mind instantly cleared, but he stood frozen, staring blankly at Yun Zheng, momentarily unable to process what was happening.

“Father? You’re here? When did you get back?”

His memory had stopped at the moment when his little sister said she wanted to control him and have him carry her to the center of the residence. So now, suddenly seeing Yun Zheng, his brain nearly crashed.

Yun Zheng gazed at him coolly and said, “Just got back. So… where exactly did you take Little Fourth?”

“Ah???”

The question jolted Yun Wan Ye like a lightning strike. He instinctively looked down—and there she was, the little milk bun nestled in his arms, staring up at him with her big, bright eyes, spinning like little marbles.

He was so startled he nearly dropped her.

Yun Zheng’s face darkened immediately. With a stern expression, he scolded, “What, didn’t eat enough? You almost dropped her! Hand her over.”

He reached out and took Yun Wan Ning into his own arms.

Yun Wan Ye stood dazed, completely at a loss.

Why was he carrying Little Sister?

When did this happen?

Why didn’t he remember anything?

Oh right—Little Sister had said she was going to control him. So the task had already been carried out?

But why didn’t he have even the slightest recollection of it?

[Ugh… Second Brother really does seem kind of pitiful. He was used as a tool by me, completely unaware of what was happening, and then got scolded by Father too.]

[And now he looks so bewildered. He must be in shock from seeing me in his arms all of a sudden, probably wondering if he was sleepwalking during the day.]

[Ah, it’s my fault, Second Brother. It’s because my spiritual power isn’t strong enough yet, so I can’t weave new memories for you.]

[Once I grow stronger, I’ll be able to create fresh memories to patch up what you lost while under my control.]

Yun Wan Ye: “…”

So, this whole matter was already over and done with? He ended up being nothing more than a tool character, and now he didn’t even remember a thing?

Originally, he had planned to be clever and sneak a peek at her protective barrier. But now…

Having overheard those heart voice thoughts, Yun Zheng raised his eyebrows and cast a glance at him. A flicker of surprise swept through his eyes—so it really had been Little Fourth who controlled Ye’er to go out?

Then, what exactly had she gone out to do?

Normally, Little Fourth wouldn’t take such actions just to sneak outside for a stroll. There must have been an important reason.

Could it be related to that mysterious power he and Yun Zhan had sensed upon returning to the residence?

Suppressing his speculation, Yun Zheng carried Yun Wan Ning over to the couch by the window and sat down.

“Little Fourth, where did your Second Brother take you just now? You mustn’t follow him around so carelessly. He’s unreliable—what if he lost you?”

[Absolutely not!]

Upon hearing that, Yun Wan Ning instantly objected in her heart.

[That’s not right at all, Father. I was the one who controlled Second Brother to take me outside—it wasn’t him leading me astray. And yes, even if Second Brother can be a bit of a scoundrel sometimes, he really cares for me. He’d never lose me.]

[Just like last time, when we went out to play in the snow—he was so afraid I’d catch a chill, he used his inner power to shield me from the cold the whole time.]

[Wait a minute. Father, didn’t you notice how strange Second Brother seemed when we came back?]

[No way! How could Father’s perception be that dull?]

[Unless… because I was with Second Brother, he focused all his attention on me and didn’t notice anything off about Second Brother?]

[That might be the only explanation that makes sense.]

Yun Zheng: “…”

Little Fourth had quite the knack for justifying things, turning even the most absurd situations into something that sounded perfectly reasonable. She really saved him the effort of putting on an act.

“Yun Wan Ye.”

He suddenly looked up, calling to the boy who was still frozen in place by the doorway.

“What is it, Father?”

Yun Wan Ye snapped out of it and strode over in a few quick steps, his expression confused.

“When your Seventh Uncle and I returned earlier, we sensed a very strange, mysterious energy within the estate. Do you know anything about that?”

“…”

Yun Wan Ye blinked, stunned. He immediately guessed that what Father had sensed was likely the result of his little sister’s protective barrier.

But of course, he couldn’t say that out loud.

He shook his head and, without thinking, turned to glance at Yun Wan Ning. Her gaze changed instantly.

[Second Brother! Father’s asking you—why are you looking at me?]

[No way, Second Brother. Don’t tell me you’re actually starting to suspect me now?]

[I’m just a baby. I don’t know anything. What happened today was just an accident. That Su Qian Xue and her system targeted our family, and I had no choice but to try something.]

[Also, I knew Father’s perception was sharp. He only trained in inner power, but he could still sense spiritual power fluctuations. And now, he even picked up on the protective barrier’s energy.]

[What amazing talent. It’s truly a waste not to cultivate.]

[What a shame… such a shame!]

As those thoughts rang out, everyone’s heartstrings trembled—especially Yun Zheng and Madam Yun.

Just last night, they had speculated that Su Qian Xue might target their family next. They hadn’t expected Little Fourth’s thoughts to confirm it so soon.

Was this what people meant by “tempt fate and it will come for you”?

Their minds grew chaotic for a moment, but then they remembered the “protective barrier” mentioned near the end of her thoughts. Judging by her tone, the reason she controlled Yun Wan Ye to go out today had to be this matter.

Could this protective barrier be her method of defending against the system?

With that possibility, their hearts settled slightly.

By afternoon, after Yun Wan Ning had eaten her fill, she happily cuddled her cloth tiger and drifted off to sleep.

Once she was sound asleep, Yun Wan Ye found himself dragged into a three-person interrogation.

Madam Yun raised an eyebrow and asked, “Ye’er, you were the one with Little Fourth this morning. Hurry up and explain exactly what happened, in full detail.”

“That’s right. Every single word. Not one is to be left out,” Yun Zheng added meaningfully.

Yun Wan Ye: “…”

“Yes, Father, Mother, rest assured. I promise I won’t miss a single word.”

With a sigh of exasperation, he recounted the morning’s events in full.

“Little Sister said she wanted to place a protective barrier around our estate to resist the system’s surveillance.”

“But whether or not it’ll actually work, we’re still not sure. The system is currently busy keeping tabs on Prince Qi and hasn’t paid attention to us yet.”

“She also said that the best location for the protective barrier was the very center of our estate. But since she can’t walk, someone had to carry her. She picked me and Yun Wan Yao as her tool characters.”

“Of course, I was her first choice. Yun Wan Yao was just the backup.”

Yun Wan Yao: “…”

“After I was controlled, I don’t remember a thing. I don’t know how I left the estate, where she chose to place the barrier, or how I got back.”

As he finished, a sudden thought came to him—Prince Qi.

He glanced at Madam Yun and Yun Wan Yao, then chose to speak privately to Yun Zheng using inner power transmission.

“Also, Father, Little Sister said that His Majesty has secretly sent Prince Qi to investigate Su Jian. Tonight, Prince Qi will sneak into the Grand Commandant manor.”

“But everything he does is being watched by the system, and the system has already revealed this to Su Qian Xue.”

“She’ll no doubt set up a trap. If Prince Qi truly enters the Grand Commandant manor tonight, she’ll certainly try to capture him and use him to complete her task.”

“What should we do? Remain bystanders, or intervene and help Prince Qi escape?”

Yun Zheng: “…”

Just one storm after another.

The Grand Commandant manor was practically the system’s headquarters. Interfering would be like diving into a tiger’s den. If they disrupted its plans, they would only earn its deeper hatred.

Yet if they stood by and did nothing, the system might still come after them once its task was complete.

After all, the system and Su Qian Xue were aiming to reclaim the female lead’s destiny—and Little Fourth was their daughter. Whether they wanted it or not, they were bound to clash.

Besides, hadn’t Su Qian Xue already made her intentions clear this morning? That once she finished her current task, she’d be turning her sights on the Yun family, aiming to destroy them and see him fall from grace?

Under such threats, how could they simply sit and do nothing?

With that thought, Yun Zheng narrowed his eyes and replied via inner voice.

“We’ll interfere. We have to.”

“Even if it wasn’t for Yao’er’s sake, we absolutely cannot allow that female lead to succeed.”

“Eh? Father? Second Brother? Why are you two suddenly so quiet? And Father, why do you look so strange?”

Yun Wan Yao couldn’t hear their secret conversation. After the sudden lull in discussion, she couldn’t help but speak up in curiosity.

They were talking about such a big issue—why had the conversation just come to a halt?

Wasn’t Father going to say anything in response to what Second Brother had just revealed?

“Yao’er, let me ask you this: do you still like Prince Qi?”