The Second Elder might be stubborn in many ways, just like other clan elders, but towards Ye Chen, he was truly selfless.
It was precisely because of this grandfather that Ye Chen had refrained from seizing total control of the Mittal family by force.
Grandfather might have many flaws, but at the end of the day...he was still his grandfather.
Hurting him was something Ye Chen could never bring himself to do.
"Good lad, you've grown taller again! You're even taller than me now."
Huayuan chuckled as he looked up at his beloved grandson.
"Chen'er, in just a year it'll be time for your coming-of-age ceremony.
Don't worry, Grandfather will make sure it's grand and glorious!"
"Thank you, Grandfather."
"Come, let's talk inside."
Ye Chen took Huayuan's arm and led him toward the inner hall.
Once they sat down, Huayuan asked with some curiosity,
"Chen'er, isn't the Yunlan Sect about to hold its Grand Competition soon? How come you still have time to come home?"
"At such a critical moment, you should be training even harder. If you can win first place, that would make your grandfather incredibly proud."
Ye Chen smiled confidently. "Grandfather, rest assured.
First place in the Grand Competition is already guaranteed...it's mine."
"You brat, confidence is good, but don't let it turn into arrogance."
Huayuan frowned slightly, his tone full of concern. He knew his grandson's talent was exceptional, but Yunlan Sect was full of young geniuses. He couldn't help but worry.
Ye Chen, however, only chuckled. "You'll understand once the results are out.
But actually, Grandfather, I came back this time because there are some important matters I need to discuss with you."
"Oh?" Huayuan's eyes sharpened slightly. "What matters?"
Ye Chen didn't beat around the bush. "In half a month, I plan to marry Nalan Yanran."
"What?!"
Huayuan froze. "Marry… Nalan Yanran? That little girl from the Nalan family?"
"That's right," Ye Chen nodded. "After the Grand Competition, my teacher has agreed to accompany me to the Nalan family to formally propose. Two weeks later, we'll hold the wedding."
"This… isn't that a little too fast?" Huayuan blinked, clearly stunned.
Of course, he had heard rumors about the closeness between Ye Chen and Nalan Yanran, but he had never taken it too seriously.
Young people falling in love was natural....he wasn't the kind of elder to interfere.
Besides, Nalan Yanran was the precious young lady of the Nalan family, and also the personal disciple of the Yunlan Sect's leader.
Her beauty, talent, and background made her the perfect match for Ye Chen.
He could see no real problem with them being together. In fact, such a union would strengthen ties between the two families.
But… to hold a wedding in just half a month? That was far too sudden.
They were both still so young, neither had even celebrated their adulthood ceremony yet. Why rush into marriage?
Ye Chen hesitated for only a moment before speaking honestly, "Grandfather, I won't hide it from you. Yanran… she's already carrying my child."
"What?"
Huayuan's eyes widened in shock. For a long moment he was speechless.
Then suddenly, his serious expression melted into laughter.
"You little rascal! Moving that fast, are you? Hahaha! Excellent, excellent! Truly my grandson—you have your grandfather's style from back in the day!"
Huayuan had seen Nalan Yanran before. Over the years, that girl had only grown more beautiful and refined.
She was a true genius, admired by countless young men across the empire.
Yet somehow, Ye Chen had managed to win her heart… and even make her pregnant!
Thinking of that, the old man's heart swelled with pride.
Nalan family, you raised such a flower carefully for years, and now that flower belongs to my grandson.
"Grandfather, please don't tell anyone about this. If rumors spread, it could damage Yanran's reputation."
"Don't worry." Huayuan waved his hand dismissively. "My lips are sealed.
Just focus on preparing for the proposal. As for the wedding, leave everything to me...I'll make sure it's grand beyond imagination."
Ye Chen nodded gratefully, then his expression turned serious again. "Grandfather, there's another matter I need your help with."
"Speak. You don't need to be polite with me. As long as it's within my power, I'll do it."
"Can you arrange to have Sister Ya Fei transferred back to the imperial capital?"
"Ya Fei?" Huayuan blinked in surprise. "Why do you want her back? Wait… don't tell me you went to meet her during your trip to Wutan City?"
His expression suddenly grew complicated. "You brat, don't tell me you and Ya Fei…"
Ye Chen didn't hesitate. He always faced things directly. "Yes. Sister Ya Fei is also carrying my child."
"What?!"
Huayuan nearly jumped out of his seat. He stared at Ye Chen in disbelief.
"You… you brat… you really have some nerve!"
For a long moment, he didn't know whether to laugh or scold. In the end, all he could do was shake his head with a sigh and a bitter smile.
The evening sky above the imperial capital was painted in shades of crimson and gold.
Inside the grand estate of the Nalan family, heavy silence hung in the main hall.
The elders and family heads were gathered, their expressions a mixture of curiosity and unease.
For days, rumors had been spreading throughout the capital.....rumors that Ye Chen, the talented senior disciple of Yunlan Sect, would soon visit the Nalan family with none other than Sect Leader Yun Yun herself.
Their purpose? To formally propose marriage on behalf of Nalan Yanran.
The engagement between Nalan Yanran and the Xiao family had been dissolved long ago.
Although the Nalan clan's elders had opposed it at first, Yanran's reputation and the influence of Yunlan Sect had allowed the family to suppress the matter.
But now, the announcement that Ye Chen himself...the rising star of the entire Jia Ma Empire....was going to marry Yanran made waves that no one could ignore.
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