Chapter 74: Kindness

The night descended upon Bright Star City after a chaotic day that the citizens would never forget. The news about everything that had happened in the Martial Exchange spread like wildfire, drawing attention from everyone.

Everyone was interested in the politics, either simply for fun or for their own benefits. The merchants checked their connections and reconsidered their reliance on the Ye Clan. Those who were deeply involved with the Ye Clan cried in despair that day.

Even at night, the city buzzed with activity, filled with gossip and a festival-like atmosphere. No one was going to sleep tonight. They didn’t dare to, afraid that something big might happen again.

What they knew for sure was that the Ye Clan was almost finished. Only a miracle could save them from the wrath of the Song Clan.

Meanwhile, a carriage surrounded by a dozen Rhyshadiums traveled along the city’s northeastern walls. The emblem of the Song Clan, a ferocious black dragon coiled around a frost-covered mountain peak, displayed its origins proudly.

Inside the carriage sat three people, resting themselves on soft, cushion-like seats. The atmosphere inside was warm, and a beautiful fragrance calmed everyone’s nerves.

Ye Jun sat alone facing Song Liangxue and Meihui before him. Meihui had dropped her disguise, returning to her dazzling female form since Song Liangxue already knew about it.

In the Martial Exchange, Ye Jun had told Han Yuexin that they would meet later and that he would give her his answer then. For now, he wanted some time alone with the only people he trusted in this world.

“You should have washed first,” Meihui commented, looking at his bloodied state. “Fortunately, the wounds aren’t too deep. You were too reckless inside the tomb.”

Her face was full of concern, and even as she spoke to him, she didn’t look into his eyes. She sat there with her face lowered as if she had committed a grave sin.

Sitting beside her with elegant poise, Song Liangxue placed her hand on her shoulder and said, “What happened between you two? I thought you shared a good relationship. And I’m generally good at reading people.”

“She feels ashamed because she felt pity over what happened with Ye Heng,” Ye Jun said, which made Meihui bury her head in her lap. “She’s the eldest among us, yet she is also lacking in many departments.”

“I’m sorry,” she mumbled softly.

“Hmm, a sheltered or caged upbringing,” Song Liangxue said, crossing her arms over her chest. “Or maybe both.”

Meihui didn’t reply.

“I told you it’s not your fault,” Ye Jun sighed and leaned forward. “You need to understand that not everything is black and white. You can’t define every human through those lenses.”

Taking her hand, he spoke softly, “A person can be both good and bad. It just depends on perspective. For me, Ye Heng was akin to a monster who deserved to die a cruel death.”

“Sorry for taking that away from you,” Song Liangxue bowed her head slightly.

“It’s fine.” Ye Jun turned his attention back to Meihui. “What I’m trying to say is that Ye Heng was the villain of my life. He deserved it from my perspective, and I’m right about that. But it isn’t the only perspective.”

He patted her hand, finding it soft as if there were no bones within it. So fragile. He continued speaking.

“For Ye Zhong, he was a good brother. From his perspective, Ye Heng always did work that benefited him and the clan. Ye Zhong didn’t believe his brother deserved such a death, especially while he was still grieving the loss of his son. The same goes for the other members of the Ye Clan.”

“But he did so many wrong things. How can they still take his side?” Meihui asked, her eyes tearing up.

“Because emotions make humans blind. They ignore the wrongdoings of their loved ones. It happens all the time,” Song Liangxue answered. “It’s a martial world. The line between good and evil is very thin for us, dear.”

She tapped the carriage lightly and said, “Take my family for example. We stand high, but if you look down, you’ll see a mountain of bones.”

“Is that what the emblem represents?” Ye Jun asked.

“Yes. The mountain represents those bones, and the frost represents our excuses and justifications to cover those vile acts. My clan doesn’t shy away from admitting our wrongdoings, but we still commit them. That’s the way of the Martial World.”

She looked at Meihui and said, “You come from a strong family. I can tell that. Ask yourself this, did your clan reach their prominence without committing any vile acts?”

Meihui buried her head even further.

“We don’t mean to make you uncomfortable,” Ye Jun spoke softly, still caressing her hand. “But we need you to understand that you didn’t do anything wrong.”

“I did. I should have seen things from your perspective, not theirs,” Meihui shook her head.

“Why is that? Because I’m your friend?” Ye Jun asked. “You are kind, Meihui. That’s the reason my instincts told me to trust you. That kindness allowed you to see the other perspective as well. It isn’t a bad thing.”

“But…”

“Shh! Let me finish first,” Ye Jun placed a finger on her lips and said. “Seeing another perspective isn’t a bad thing. It allows you to look at the world with clarity. The problem arises when different perspectives collide inside you and make you unable to act.”

He smiled and continued, “But you didn’t act recklessly. When Ye Heng was attacking me, you almost summoned your weapon, right?”

Meihui nodded weakly.

“You were ready to defend me, and you also didn’t stop Liangxue from killing him. I’m pretty sure you could have done that, right?”

She nodded again.

“See? That’s the difference. Gain that clarity, but know when to act as well. Don’t let it consume you and make decisions for you.” Ye Jun said, still gently caressing her hand.

Finally, Meihui looked up and asked, her eyes regaining hope, “So, you don’t blame me? You don’t hate me?”

“Of course not, silly girl. Heck, I don’t think I even have the right to hate you after everything you’ve done for me,” Ye Jun laughed and said. “So, do you feel better now? You really should stop letting these thoughts consume you.”

She nodded again, a soft, beautiful smile forming on her lips. Her dazzling eyes, with tears hanging at the corners, made Ye Jun’s heart freeze for a second.

He gripped her hand tightly and asked, “Can you do one thing for me?”

She hummed in agreement.

“Don’t ever lose your kindness,” he said, looking straight into her eyes. “Hold onto it. Because I don’t think I have any left.”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep