***

The grand patriarch began to pour the tea into three cups.

“Grandfather, let me.”

“I don't care about such formalities when I'm talking to my son and grandson. Your father told me you have good news, Yun.”

He looked at his father and then back at his grandfather. “Yes, Yuyan is pregnant.”

The Grand patriarch could not help but smile. He always wore a tight and serious face and now he showed his age. His many wrinkles showed as his skin rolled against itself.

“Congratulations, Yun.” He let out a quiet cackle. “I’m getting old.”

“Father, nothing is certain yet.”

“Don't speak like that. Aren't you happy for the boy?”

“Father, you know as well as I.”

“Look at you already becoming a grumpy grandpa. Yun, don't worry it will be fine.”

“Yes grandfather.”

“Now, I also have news.” He sipped his tea slowly. “I've gotten word from the Zhu and Du families.”

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“Already!”

“What did they say?”

“They have felt the same pressure. The new families in the north are also eyeing their thrones.”

“How long do you think we have?”

“There are many more families to the north, but they are all small. It will take them a while to figure out who is incharge and make the necessary arrangements.”

“We need to strengthen the northern routes.”

“I'm sending your brother to be an emissary.”

The patriarch did not say anything. He only looked at his father blankly.

“What’s that for? Are you worried that your brother will gain support outside the clan.”

The patriarch’s brows began to lower but he kept his face as straight as he could.

“Now is not the time for the family to fall apart. We'll need everybody to make this a success.”

“But grandfather, what about the farmers.”

“The farmers can return to their fields. We should focus on training soldiers.”

“Understood grandfather.”

“Yun, what's the name of that boy?”

“Do you mean Chao, grandfather?”

“Chao, I like that boy. I think I’ll take him.”

“Father you know you can't.”

“Since when have I needed your permission, boy.”

“Father things will get very messy if you train a disciple and–”

“You think I'm unaware? I won't train him as a disciple.”

“Then what?”

“A well trained dog who will bite to protect its owner.”

“Grandfather, Chao is only six.”

“A perfect time to cultivate, no? You shouldn't be so worried Yun, soon you will have to help Yuyan.”

Yun looked at the ground, “Yes grandfather.”

“How will you explain it to the rest of the clan father?”

“That boys getting older. Unless you want him to remain a boy forever he'll become Yè’s attendant.”

“As you wish father.”

“And Yun, I trust you will be careful with your words when you tell Yuyan.”

He nodded and he did not look at his grandfather.

“Good. Leave and let your father think.”

Yè and Yun bowed and left. The grand patriarch sat for a while, sipping on the tea. He had a great many things to think about but they all lead to the same place. When he finished his tea he felt more determined to train the young boy.

“I'm doing this for you,” he said out loud. “I'm doing this for you.”

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