After returning, Yun Changge had lunch with his older brother. It had been a long time since the two of them had shared a meal together. Afterward, Yun Changge took A’Li back to his room for a nap.

Meanwhile, Yun Yi sat across from the Third Prince of the Beiming Kingdom, barely restraining his urge to throw the man out.

Beiming Jing and Yun Changge had grown up together like childhood sweethearts, their relationship so close it often felt ambiguous. Rumors had even circulated that they were already a couple, which infuriated Yun Yi to the point where he personally beat up the rumor spreaders.

The Third Prince of Beiming was a man of gentle manners, calm, and holding partial military power. Yet, no matter how others saw him, Yun Yi just couldn’t stand him.

Others might be fooled, but Yun Yi wasn’t blind. He could see clearly that Beiming Jing’s interest in Yun Changge had a purpose. Even the kindness he showed was all calculated. Everything he did was part of a plan.

Yun Yi speculated that his true goal was the throne. Yun Changge was his only younger brother and the sole family member of the Yun Sect’s leader. If Beiming Jing were to marry Yun Changge, he would undoubtedly gain the full support of the Yun Sect, making his path to the throne effortless. With such an easy shortcut, who wouldn’t be tempted?

Step by step, through feigned tenderness, Beiming Jing had wormed his way into Yun Changge’s heart. It seemed Yun Changge had even developed feelings for him.

But Beiming Jing was only using Yun Changge. The way he looked at Yun Changge was the same way one would look at a chess piece. Once his goals were achieved, Yun Changge would be discarded.

Yun Yi had tried to warn his brother, but Yun Changge seemed completely under his spell, refusing to listen. Every time Beiming Jing visited, Yun Changge would light up with joy, which only made Yun Yi more frustrated—he often wanted to slap some sense into his foolish younger brother but couldn’t bring himself to do it.

Meanwhile, Beiming Jing continued stringing Yun Changge along. If not for Yun Changge’s feelings, Yun Yi would have banned him from the estate long ago.

And now, here he was again.

With barely concealed annoyance, Yun Yi led Beiming Jing toward Yun Changge’s courtyard.

Why not send someone else, like Yaoguang? Because the way Beiming Jing looked at Yaoguang was practically predatory! While playing with Yun Changge’s emotions, he was also eyeing Yun Yi’s young disciple. Shameless!

Yun Yi would rather betroth his disciple to someone else’s senior apprentice than let Beiming Jing anywhere near him.

Upon arriving at Yun Changge’s courtyard, only Qingyan was outside, holding little A’Li in his arms. The moment Qingyan saw Beiming Jing, his expression shifted to obvious displeasure and disdain.

“Changge is napping. Don’t disturb him,” Qingyan said bluntly, holding A’Li protectively as he all but ordered Beiming Jing to leave.

“It’s fine. I’ll wait until he wakes up. Is this child…?” Beiming Jing’s eyes softened as he noticed A’Li, smiling warmly.

“Changge’s,” Qingyan replied casually.

Beiming Jing froze, clearly stunned.

Yun Yi, watching his reaction, could barely suppress a smirk.

Quickly regaining his composure, Beiming Jing forced a smile. “Young Master Qing must be joking. Changge is a man. How could he possibly have a child?”

Qingyan, unbothered, continued spinning his tale. “The world is vast and full of mysteries. Who knows? Maybe he encountered a ghost.”

Beiming Jing was left speechless, unable to find a retort. Instead, he glanced back at A’Li in Qingyan’s arms.

Their gazes met.

Beiming Jing smiled softly, his expression gentle and warm.

A’Li stared at him.

Stared at him.

And then—he burst into loud, wailing cries!

His sudden sobbing startled both Qingyan and Yun Yi.

After all, ever since Yun Changge had rescued him, A’Li had never cried. Yet now, a single smile from Beiming Jing had frightened him into a full-on sobbing fit!

“A’Li, be good, be good. Don’t cry, don’t cry, okay?” Qingyan hurriedly comforted, holding the sobbing A’Li, who was hiccupping as he cried, and quickly moved him away from Beiming Jing. Surprisingly, A’Li gradually stopped crying.

Yun Yi suddenly felt a bit fond of little A’Li. This little cub had potential! Beiming Jing definitely couldn’t be allowed anywhere near Yun Changge!