"True enough," Elder Yan agreed. "With the reforms underway, many eyes are on the top. Old Man Yun’s position is crucial. If anything happens there, the military will lack a true leader."
Yan Aohan multitasked, listening while reviewing documents. After signing one, he looked up. "We shouldn’t interfere. Regardless of changes above, our stance is maintaining national stability. As long as the country is stable, we do not question other matters. Aristocratic families have their own rules, not to be broken lightly."
Elder Yan glanced at him. "I remember these rules better than you do. Otherwise, why would I have supported the first leader during the war? It was for national stability. But now, it is not easy to withdraw."
"I know," Yan Aohan nodded. "That is why I keep watch. Old Man Yun’s health is poor, so I arranged medical care for him. Soon, many older veterans will return. As for the hidden forces, I have people investigating. They are merely remnants left by that person."
Seeing Yan Aohan’s confident demeanor, Elder Yan said, "It is good that you have a clear plan."
Yan Aohan looked at his father. "I always have a plan. Father, death is inevitable. If it comes naturally, I accept it. But if it is a trap, I will act. Rest assured, everything is under control. There will be no major danger, though minor troubles may arise."
Elder Yan sometimes could not understand his son. His abilities and methods far exceeded his own. He did not know who the son resembled, but his personality was certainly not like his own. "I say, Fourth Son, can you speak to me more gently?"
"I have always been this way," Yan Aohan replied, knowing his father was bored and seeking attention. "I heard Second Brother is going down soon. Shouldn’t you go care for him?"
"They have all grown up and abandoned me. Are you abandoning me too?" Elder Yan looked aggrieved, as if Yan Aohan were a heartless man.
Yan Aohan did not even look up, continuing to work quickly. "If you have so much energy to bother me, why not go with Mother and create a Fifth Son? I think I could accept that."
"You brat! Do you know how old I am? I am in my sixties, and you want me to have children? You unfilial son!" Elder Yan was displeased.
"You cannot give birth. Mother can," Yan Aohan teased without mercy. He knew the old man had nothing to do. If he did not provoke him, the old man would likely bother him anyway. He was busy and had no time for idle chatter.
Elder Yan pointed at him. "I will tell your Mother you bullied me. You unfilial son!"
"Have a safe trip. No need to see you out," Yan Aohan waved casually. Piles of documents lay before him, leaving no time for Elder Yan.
Elder Yan was furious. His eyes twinkled with an idea. "By the way, the Grand Elder called yesterday. He discussed with the Zheng and Yang families. The three families will hold a banquet. They will send young girls over for you to choose." He finished, secretly observing Yan Aohan’s reaction.