That night, Nathan Ye's name spread across the entire capital and soon, rumors of his bravery and sacrifice would ripple through all of Zhou. Many people were sleepless that night, captivated by tales of his unwavering courage, but Nathan slept soundly, completely undisturbed.
To him, nothing was more serious than life and death, and since he was unafraid of death, there was simply no reason for him to be anxious or worried.
He stretched luxuriously after waking, rising from the bed refreshed and content. Ancient life, with all its quaint inconveniences, was something he still had to adjust to. At least he enjoyed a decent house for a minor official: a modest estate with three courtyards just outside the city, tended by an elderly servant and a cook.
After a simple breakfast, Nathan reclined comfortably on a rocking chair, pondering new strategies to hasten his quest for death. Yesterday's failure was merely an accident, and Nathan wasn't one to be deterred by one unsuccessful attempt.
Yet, his thoughts were repeatedly interrupted by his elderly servant.
"Master, more people have sent visiting cards!"
The elderly servant, surnamed Huang, called himself Old Huang. Though the name didn't quite suit him, Old Huang was clearly flustered by the mounting attention.
"I, Old Huang, humble servant to Master Nathan, once led a simple life." He thought. "Yesterday, Master went to court as usual, and now everything's changed!"
Today, opening the gate, he found a veritable crowd of people standing outside! Scholars in plain robes, stewards dressed in silk, servants from noble families—all waiting with a single purpose: to pay their respects to Nathan Ye.
Staring at the mountain of visiting cards heaped before him, Old Huang felt as if the world had turned upside down. How could a mere Keeper of the Seal command such a presence?
Nathan barely glanced at the cards, sweeping them aside with little interest. He had no intention of meeting any of them. Old Huang hesitated; many of these visitors were from distinguished families. Though he wasn't well-versed in official matters, he knew enough to worry that ignoring so many prominent families might bring trouble. After all, in official circles, support often relied on mutual gestures of respect.
Yet, Nathan's answer was surprisingly blunt.
"Would any of them kill me if I met with them?" he asked.
Old Huang stood stunned. "That... that seems unlikely," he admitted.
"Well then, if they won't kill me, why should I bother meeting them?" Nathan shrugged dismissively.
Old Huang was at a loss for words. "Master, do you realize what you're saying?" he thought.
Not daring to question further, Old Huang shuffled out to inform the waiting guests that his master was occupied with studies and could not meet them. To his surprise, instead of reacting with displeasure, many visitors praised Nathan all the more.
"Admirable! The esteemed Nathan Ye dedicates himself to his studies—an inspiration to us all!"
"Early morning is the best time for reading! We should all strive to be like him."
"Very true! I'll come back tomorrow after a morning of studying myself!"
Seeing this, Old Huang was thoroughly bewildered. His casual excuse had unexpectedly drawn even greater respect.
"What in the world did Master do yesterday?" Old Huang wondered, still clueless about the events that had transpired at court.
Many scholars left satisfied, only for a new wave of visitors to arrive, all eager to see Nathan. Old Huang had to keep inventing excuses.
"Master's still asleep."
"Of course, Master Ye bears the burden of our nation's worries—he needs his rest."
"Master has an upset stomach."
"Poor Master Ye! I have some spare silver here; please use it to buy some medicine."
By the end of the day, Old Huang was exhausted from greeting and sending off each wave of visitors, his nerves stretched thin. Finally, however, one visitor's arrival forced him to pay careful attention.
"The son of Left Chancellor Liu— Sang Liu, the current Undersecretary of the Ministry of Personnel—has come to see Master Ye!"
Seeing the man standing at the gate in a long green robe, Old Huang trembled with shock. The son of the chancellor! A figure of true importance!
He hurried to inform Nathan, who merely frowned in exasperation.
"The chancellor's son?" Nathan muttered. "I have no interest in meeting him."
But in the end, Sang Liu entered anyway. Old Huang simply hadn't dared to refuse someone of his rank and stature.
Smiling warmly, Sang Liu greeted him. "Ah, Brother Nathan, a pleasure to finally meet you!"
Nathan narrowed his eyes, nearly responding with, "And who exactly are you?" But before he could speak, Sang Liu leaned in, whispering with urgency.
"Nathan, are you aware that your life is in great danger?"
Hearing the words 'life in danger' immediately lit up Nathan's face. This was precisely the news he had been hoping for.
"Ah, Nathan, please, come in! Why, you even brought a gift—there's no need for such formality between friends!"
This book is provided by FunNovel Novel Book | Fan Fiction Novel [Beautiful Free Novel Book]