In the front yard of the General’s residence.

Over twenty tables were filled with people enjoying their meals, laughing and talking happily.

After a few rounds of drinking, the General’s household showed no sign of urgency, almost as if they had forgotten about the reward meant to let the old general die in peace.

Ye Chuan, satisfied after eating about eighty percent of his fill, looked around. The others at his table, having eaten and drunk their fill, had already left, their plates empty. Most of them were simply mooching off the meal, lacking the ability to take on such a major task.

Ye Chuan couldn’t help but frown.

Something was off.

Looking at the situation, it seemed like the people at the General’s residence weren’t in any rush at all. Was this how they behaved when an old man in the family was about to pass away?

Just as he was thinking this, he suddenly felt a presence next to him.

Turning his head, he saw an old man with a full head of white hair but a remarkably sturdy build, sitting down beside him. Without a word, he poured himself a cup of wine and drank it down in one gulp.

The old man wore a stern expression, looking rather displeased.

“Old man, did you arrive late and miss out?” Ye Chuan blinked and casually greeted him with a smile.

The old man glared at him, his voice deep and full of energy. “Hmph! You little brat sure know how to eat! I’ve been watching you for a while now! A whole table of food, and you’ve eaten half of it all by yourself. You sure are quick!”

“Just a bit of fun,” Ye Chuan said shamelessly, “It’s something I learned in the army.”

“The army?” The old man raised his eyebrows in surprise. “You, a young lad, were in the army?”

Ye Chuan chuckled awkwardly and quickly changed the subject. “Old man, though I eat a lot, I didn’t come here just for a free meal.”

The old man looked at him, clearly curious. “What do you mean by that?”

Ye Chuan nodded, a playful smile on his face. “A thousand taels of gold, who wouldn’t want to earn that? I thought I’d give it a shot.”

The old man squinted. “Just you? Have you even grown up yet?”

Seeing the old man’s condescending gaze, Ye Chuan smiled. “Old man, don’t judge a book by its cover. Ambition isn’t defined by age. You can live a hundred years, but without ambition, it’s all for nothing.”

“Well said!” a voice suddenly boomed from behind.

Ye Chuan turned his head and saw another elderly man, accompanied by a bodyguard with a sword. The man walked over leisurely, exuding an air of authority.

Ye Chuan’s eyes narrowed.

This old man seemed younger than the first one, dressed in fine clothes, and with bodyguards clearly indicating a wealthy or noble background. His manner of walking, with a commanding presence, made him stand out as someone of importance.

This man wasn’t here to mooch off the meal. It was clear he had no interest in the mere reward of a hundred gold taels.

The white-bearded old man seemed a little surprised when he saw this newcomer, and he deliberately turned his head away, not acknowledging him.

The approaching man, however, noticed the gesture and felt a surge of irritation.

This was General Li Xuanwu, a well-known figure who commanded the Northern Front. He had served his country for decades and had earned the respect of everyone, even the Emperor.

The newcomer was none other than Old Master Xia, a man of noble rank, his presence commanding respect from those around him.

Old Master Xia’s eyes scanned the room, but he couldn’t help feeling vexed at the silent treatment from the other elder.

His hands tightened around his wine cup, though he couldn’t show his displeasure too openly.

“Young man, mind if I join you?” Old Master Xia asked as he looked at Ye Chuan.

“Sir, you’re too kind. I’m not the host here, we’re all guests. Please, take a seat!” Ye Chuan responded politely, offering his chair.

The old man with the white beard still ignored him, continuing to drink without paying attention to anyone.

“Allow me to introduce myself. My surname is Xia,” Old Master Xia said with a smile, offering a simple introduction.

“Old man, we’ve just met, shared a meal, no need to be so formal. Let’s just relax and have some wine, chat a bit.” Ye Chuan replied casually, unwilling to disclose his identity.

“Well said!” Old Master Xia chuckled, impressed with Ye Chuan’s easygoing manner. “I like your words. That one about ‘Ambition isn’t defined by age, without it, even living a hundred years is useless.’ Quite insightful! I think we all need to reflect on that. Don’t you agree, Old Brother?”

Old Master Xia turned to the white-bearded old man, a knowing glint in his eye.

The old man snorted, holding his cup. “Naturally, whatever you say is right, Old Master. Who dares to argue?”

Old Master Xia almost rolled his eyes in frustration.

That old man, always this stubborn!

Ye Chuan, observing this exchange, raised an eyebrow in confusion. “Do you two know each other?”

Before Old Master Xia could respond, the white-bearded elder spoke up sarcastically. “I’m just a simple man. I don’t have the honor of knowing such a distinguished gentleman.”

Ye Chuan was even more puzzled. It was clear these two knew each other well, yet their behavior seemed to suggest otherwise. And judging by their unusual demeanor, neither was a typical figure.

Was it a good idea for him to be caught in the middle of this?

Old Master Xia, sensing Ye Chuan’s confusion, smiled reassuringly. “No need to worry, young man. This old fool is just worried I’ll snatch the General’s reward from him, taking credit for what he can’t.”

The old man glanced at him with a sharp glare, but didn’t say anything.

Ye Chuan finally understood. “Ah, so both of you are here for the old General’s case?”

Old Master Xia nodded with a smile. “The General is a respected figure, we simply want to offer our help.”

Ye Chuan couldn’t help but laugh inwardly at the hypocrisy.

The two old men were likely trying to earn favor and gain influence with the General’s family, all while pretending it was some selfless act.

But then, a thought occurred to him, and his eyes brightened. He lowered his voice and said with a more serious expression, “Gentlemen, I may have a way for both of you to gain not just rewards, but also reputation. Would you be interested?”

Both old men exchanged skeptical looks.

This young man, speaking so confidently about something so risky? Many well-known figures in the capital had failed to find a solution, yet here was this lad proposing a way to handle it?

Old Master Xia raised an eyebrow. “Oh? Let’s hear it.”

Ye Chuan leaned closer, his voice lowering even further. “The old General, as you know, is old and clinging to life. There must be something weighing heavily on his mind. You see, when someone’s old and can’t die, it’s because they have something they regret. They have unfinished business. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to offend you, it’s just that, well, I’m referring to the one lying inside.”

The old man with the white beard’s face darkened immediately, a flash of anger in his eyes.

Ye Chuan chuckled inwardly. “I see, you two don’t quite see eye to eye. But if you’re interested in a win-win situation, I’m happy to share more.”

Old Master Xia, amused by the exchange, smiled widely. “Alright, young man, tell me more.”

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