Chapter 15: Yang Yun's Decision

The moment the moonlight settled, her expression changed instantly. Her brows shot up, and she erupted in fury, exclaiming, "Well! Well! Well! I never expected there would be such a brazen steward in the manor, instead of seeking pardon through meritorious deeds, he chose to abscond out of guilt. Clearly, he no longer cares for his life."

From Mingyue's perspective, half a year had passed, and there had not been the slightest news of the Crimson Gold Silver-Eyed Fish. Steward Liu’s disappearance must be due to his fear of being implicated by Shen Yan and punished by the household. After all, for a mere servant to catch a Crimson Gold Silver-Eyed Fish within a year was pure fantasy. Since misfortune was inevitable, it would be wiser to escape early.

In the blink of an eye, Mingyue imagined an elaborate drama and felt nothing but disdain for Steward Liu. "The fools in the Fisheries Court are endless. If he was going to flee, why not sooner or later, but on the eve of Shen Yan’s capture of the Crimson Gold Silver-Eyed Fish!" The more she thought about it, the more absurd it seemed. Mingyue was on the verge of ordering a search for Liu’s whereabouts.

But remembering that preparations for the eldest lady’s celebration banquet were underway, it was not wise to stir up trouble. Her expression darkened for a moment before she finally waved her hand and said, "The Crimson Gold Silver-Eyed Fish is to be left behind, and your crime of privately consuming spiritual fish ends here."

She paused, her eyes scrutinizing Shen Yan for a moment before she continued, "As for Steward Liu, you need not concern yourself. Since you have presented the Crimson Gold Silver-Eyed Fish today, from now on, you shall be the steward of the Fisheries Court."

Shen Yan’s face lit up with joy upon hearing this, and he repeatedly bowed to Mingyue, saying, "Thank you, Miss Mingyue, thank you! I shall devote myself to my duties and never let your efforts be in vain."

Mingyue caught the hint of allegiance in Shen Yan’s words and nodded with satisfaction. "Stay quietly in the Fisheries Court for the next few days. Once I have finished my business, I will find you."

"Then I won’t take up any more of your time, Miss Mingyue. I take my leave."

Leaving Mingyue’s courtyard, Shen Yan glanced at a palace under construction not far away, his eyes gleaming. It seemed the Qian Emperor was building this palace for Yang Yun, the foreign princess.

After Shen Yan departed, Mingyue pondered for a moment, then took the Crimson Gold Silver-Eyed Fish and headed to the room of the eldest lady, Yang Yun.

There was no urgency in tracking down a runaway steward; the important thing was to let the eldest lady know that she had found another Crimson Gold Silver-Eyed Fish.

...

Yang Yun’s former chamber was surrounded by defensive formations she had arranged. Without her permission, unless the formation was breached, not even Yang Ze could enter.

Inside, Yang Yun sat cross-legged on a meditation cushion, practicing her breathing exercises. Outside the formation, Mingyue’s respectful voice sounded:

"Miss, Mingyue has urgent business and requests an audience!"

Yang Yun’s delicate brows furrowed. What could Mingyue want at this late hour? But Mingyue had grown up with her and knew the gravity of matters, so it must truly be important.

"Miss, the servant who found the Crimson Gold Silver-Eyed Fish half a year ago has presented another one today."

At these words, Yang Yun was stunned. Another Crimson Gold Silver-Eyed Fish? When had they become so easy to catch?

"Where is the spiritual fish?" she asked, immediately stepping out and opening the formation.

Upon seeing Yang Yun, Mingyue knelt directly, raising the Crimson Gold Silver-Eyed Fish with both hands.

"It truly is the Crimson Gold Silver-Eyed Fish!"

After a moment, Yang Yun stood up, a trace of excitement flashing across her face. Even within the Jade Immortal Sect, such innate spiritual creatures were rare. As a disciple at the peak of Qi Refining, she received similar treasures only once every ten years. Moreover, the innate purple aura of this fish surpassed the previous one.

"Was this caught by the household, or was it secretly withheld from the offerings to the Jade Immortal Sect?" Yang Yun suddenly asked.

If it was caught by the household, it would belong to her; with her current status, even the Qian Emperor wouldn’t dare object. But if it had been withheld from the sect’s offerings, it would be a grave offense.

"Reporting to Miss, this Crimson Gold Silver-Eyed Fish was caught by the same servant who previously consumed the spiritual fish without permission."

Yang Yun paused, curiosity piqued. "Was it the one who ate half a spiritual fish?"

"Yes!"

Yang Yun’s eyes lit up. A servant able to catch the Crimson Gold Silver-Eyed Fish twice must possess some fortune. Thinking this, her gaze sharpened as she stared at the fish, the corners of her lips curling slightly. "Go and invite Father over."

As her thoughts spun, Yang Yun realized she needed to replace someone on the list of companions she had previously discussed with her father for entry into the immortal sect.

Not long after, Yang Ze hurried into Yang Yun’s courtyard with Mingyue.

"Yun’er, you called me over at this hour—do you have urgent matters?"

With Yang Yun’s promotion to a true disciple, the Yang family’s status had soared. Lately, countless dignitaries and nobles had sent precious gifts, making Yang Ze beam with pride. Especially those who knew Yang Yun could bring someone into the immortal sect—they offered treasures, hoping for a janitor’s spot.

"Yes, Father, there is something I must discuss. I need to replace someone on the list of those accompanying me to the Jade Immortal Sect."

Yang Ze was instantly anxious and surprised. "Replace someone? But we already agreed, and I’ve accepted their gifts. Changing now would break our word!"

"Father!" Yang Yun abruptly interrupted, her tone calm yet full of resolve. "I recruited disciples to assist my cultivation. If there are talents among kin or friends, I am not reluctant to nurture them. But now, things are different. The person I wish to replace will be of great help to me. He has brought me innate spiritual creatures twice, so he must be blessed with fortune."

A strange light flickered in her eyes. "Such a person, if not early bound to our family, would likely have soared long ago. If he can devote himself to seeking innate spiritual creatures for me, my cultivation will progress rapidly."

"This matter is not open to discussion, Father. Please handle it promptly."

Seeing Yang Yun’s unwavering attitude, Yang Ze realized he could not change her mind and sighed helplessly. It seemed he would have to break his promise and revoke the previously granted spot.

The thought of returning such a treasure pained him deeply, as this opportunity would likely never come again. Yet, reflecting that all their current glory was thanks to his daughter, he reasoned that offending one noble was a small price if it helped Yun’er advance in her cultivation.

After all, Yang Yun was his daughter, and her improvement meant everything to him.

"In that case, let’s do as you wish," Yang Ze nodded reluctantly, though he soon frowned. "You say that servant is fortunate—if he gains advancement in the future, might he become a threat to you?"