I Just Wanted To Live but I Somehow Became Better Than the Protagonist

“What do you think of Ye Yong?” The first thing to understand was, of course, his daughters’ impressions.

“Young Master Ye, at such a young age, possesses such spirit. He speaks confidently before Father and the ministers, neither servile nor overbearing, displaying all the proper etiquette without a hint of arrogance. Though the Sixteenth Brother is older and more accomplished, he pales in comparison to Young Master Ye’s composure and humility. Forgive me for lacking in flattering words, but I believe Young Master Ye is truly exceptional.” The Ninth Princess, with her serious and straightforward nature, offered a remarkably high praise.

“Young Master Ye speaks eloquently, sometimes using phrases I have never heard before. His words are clear and well-structured, showing that he possesses not only strength and talent but also a remarkable literary quality. No one would doubt him if he were called a scholar,” the Eleventh Princess echoed with equal admiration.

“If there exists a perfect person in this world, I believe that must be Young Master Ye from the Ye family,” the Fifteenth Princess stated simply and directly.

“Returning to Father, I have encountered many prodigies and talents within the sect, noble sons of the kingdom, and heirs of great families. I once believed I had seen all the exceptional figures of the Great Zhou Dynasty, yet the appearance of Young Master Ye has shattered my previous understanding,” sighed the Eighteenth Princess.

“Father, may I go to Tianluo Sect? I wish to cultivate the Three Arts of Sound, Painting, and Sword,” spoke the Twentieth Princess.

“You struggle even with just the sword; how can you think of mastering all three? Nonsense! It’s best you abandon such thoughts, or you will only hinder your own progress. As for leaving Hanqing Sect for Tianluo Sect, do you think great sects allow you to come and go as you please?” Zhou Suren waved his hand, then turned to his youngest daughter, “Xiaodie, what do you think of Ye Yong?”

Zhou Xiaodie shook her head repeatedly; what opinion could she have? It was simply that this big brother was so handsome, so impressive.

Zhou Suren chuckled, shaking his head; little girls were truly easy to read: “In any case, I have decided to keep him in the palace. Though time is limited, opportunities must be seized by oneself. As for your youthful matters, I do not wish to meddle too much; just grasp the chance.”

With that, Zhou Suren dismissed the princesses, but called for the Eleventh Princess, Zhou Yunqi, to stay behind.

“Father, is there something you wish for me to do?” Zhou Yunqi asked, puzzled.

“No, I merely wish to tell you that you have a better chance than your sisters.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“Ye Yong’s Seventh Master, an old friend of mine, you know him. He has signaled to me that Ye Yong has taken a special interest in you.”

At these words, Zhou Yunqi’s heart fluttered. Though she was considerably older than Ye Yong, cultivators did not place much weight on age; she regarded Ye Yong as a man, not a younger brother.

Ye Yong’s talent and performance were evident to all. Superiority is relative; perhaps Zhou Yunqi could stand tall before others, but in Ye Yong’s presence, the roles would reverse.

“Father, what should I do?” The usually astute Zhou Yunqi found herself at a loss, a hint of panic creeping in.

“Do not force anything.” Zhou Suren pondered for a moment, “How about this: I command you to help Ye Yong familiarize himself with the palace. With this task, your approach will not seem out of place, but do leave some opportunities for your sisters.”

“I understand, I shall take my leave now.”

Among the six daughters, Zhou Yunqi was the most perceptive and observant, and Zhou Suren felt reassured. Once she departed, he sat alone in the vast hall: “Before meeting Ye Yong, I thought he could not compare to Fan’er, but today’s encounter proved that it is Fan’er who cannot match him.”

Recalling the details of Zhou Feifan’s three sparring sessions with Ye Yong, Zhou Suren grew increasingly displeased, lifting his dragon robe and hastily exiting the hall, using his spiritual power to drift like mist toward the palace where Zhou Feifan resided.

According to the testimony of a certain eunuch, Prince Feifan returned to his quarters in a sullen mood, unleashing a storm of fury within, smashing various items. After a while, when he finally calmed down, the Emperor arrived, and soon thereafter, the prince’s cries echoed from within, marking a first in history.

——

The palace of the Great Zhou Dynasty could be roughly divided into five parts: the Eastern Palace, the Golden Luan Hall, the Western Palace, the Inner Palace, and the Forbidden Treasury.

The Golden Throne Hall stood at the very center, divided into the Grand Audience Hall and several smaller chambers.

To the east lay the Eastern Palace, the residence of princes and male guests.

To the west was the Western Palace, home to princesses and female guests.

To the north, the Inner Court, where the queen and concubines resided, a place where men dared not tread.

To the south, the Forbidden Treasury, the foundation of the wealth of the Great Zhou Dynasty, heavily guarded. The one who dwelled within its confines was the enigmatic guardian of the void.

Ye Yong found himself curiously assigned to the Golden Throne Hall, near the side of the Western Palace. As the eunuch led him here, Ye Yong immediately grasped Zhou Suren’s intent.

To reside in the Golden Throne Hall, even in a side chamber, was no ordinary privilege. Though Ye Wen also occupied a space within the hall, it was closer to the Eastern Palace. And Qin Shiming had been placed directly in the Western Palace.

“Lord Ye, should you require anything, please do not hesitate to command this servant,” a few high-ranking eunuchs retreated, leaving Ye Yong standing in the hall, momentarily lost in thought.

Everywhere he looked, gold glimmered, and if one were to peel away a bit of the wall, it could fetch a handsome price outside.

Though it was a side chamber, it was far from small. Ye Yong turned in a circle—study, bathing room, parlor, retreat chamber, training room, bedroom—every conceivable facility was at his disposal, prompting a sigh at the royal opulence.

It was morning, and after three rounds of sparring with Zhou Feifan, Ye Yong felt somewhat drained, though not excessively tired. He settled into the parlor, just about to brew himself a pot of spirit tea when a voice rang out from outside.

“Princess Eleven has arrived.”

Moments later, a eunuch hurried in, explaining the reason for the princess’s visit and inquiring if Ye Yong wished to meet her.

“To familiarize me with the palace?” Ye Yong recognized the excuse as false, but the visitor was Zhou Yunqi, which surprised him. He had considered seeking information about the Sacred Academy and the new female master from her, but lacked an excuse to approach. Now, she had come to him unbidden… Could it be that Zhou Suren had misinterpreted his lingering gaze upon her?

Ye Yong could not know that it was his good Seventh Master’s doing; even if he did, it would change nothing—he would only be grateful to the Seventh Master for creating this opportunity.

Before long, Zhou Yunqi entered, accompanied by several palace maids. Her demeanor bore a resemblance to Mu Qingyin, exuding an air of scholarly grace, her eyes shimmering with a depth of intellect.

“Yunqi hopes her visit has not disturbed Lord Ye’s rest,” she said, slightly bowing in greeting.

“Not at all, it is rather the honor of this humble servant to be guided through the palace by Princess Eleven,” Ye Yong replied, a hint of formality in his tone.

“Lord Ye is too kind; it is Yunqi’s privilege to answer your queries,” she responded, the customary politeness of scholars weaving through their exchange.

After the pleasantries, Ye Yong invited Zhou Yunqi to sit, preparing to gradually inquire about the Sacred Academy.

Palace of Shadows

The palace maids and eunuchs, upon witnessing the scene, instinctively withdrew from the hall. As they debated whether sparks might ignite between the two, an uninvited guest arrived.

The maids, devoted attendants to Princess Zhou Yunqi, were deeply concerned for their mistress’s affairs. They turned to the intruder, saying, “We sincerely apologize, but our princess is currently engaged in important discussions with Young Master Ye. It may not be convenient for you to enter.”