This Is Going to Be Epic!

"I see, so you're Zhang Wan, the scholar from Xiang Lan Nation that was invited to teach by the emperor. Nice to meet you, I'm the Clan Lord of the Fang Clan, Fang Qiu Ye. What business does Scholar Zhang have in our clan?"

Zhang Wan forced a smile, and his yellow teeth made it turn creepy, although there was no bad intention. His dark skin and brute looking face does not suit him of being a scholar at all. Still, as a person invited by the emperor, the Fang Clan could not afford to disrespect him at all.

"Back in Xiang Lan Nation, I was in charge of calculating the provisioning and supply. My job was making sure that all the food, horse and weapon supply will arrive at the battlefield with precision and the right amount. Because of my help, although the power of our Xiang Lan Nation was not considered strong, we were able to survive and last long."Scholar Zhang looking proud of himself. "As the Emperor truly cares about the condition of each of his people. He invited me to teach and spread my knowledge. Fang Clan's power was heard throughout the land, especially the contribution to the war. That's why I'm here, so the Fang Clan can prosper and be more glorious in battle."

"Thank you very much for Scholar Zhang's offer. In that case, we will send several of our smartest ones to study under you."

"Several..." Scholar Zhang made a troubled expression on his face.

"Is there a problem?"

"Earlier today, I have the privilege of being accompanied by one of the Elder to look around the area. To be honest, this place does not have the best atmosphere to study. I'm afraid that several is a bit too much..."

"I see would three students be sufficient?"

"Three is a bit..." Scholar Zhang crossed his arm with a dark face on his face.

"I guess three is still a bit too much. Let's make it two students then."

"Hmmm..." The troubled look on his face was still there.

"Perhaps... One?" The Fang Clan Lord said wryly.

"Ahh. Yes, that's perfect! A good idea! I can teach one person, and he can share my knowledge with the other after our lesson is finished."

[What's with all of that!? Just say that you only want to teach one person!] The Fang Clan Lord calmly suggested, "In that case, I implore Scholar Zhang to teach our next clan lord personally."

"Huh... Min Yue Miao? You can't possibly suggest her, right?"

"Is there another problem?"

"Why do you ask? It is clearly a problem! I don't see why you Fang Clan wants an outsider to be your next clan lord. If I teach her, the one who will get the benefit is not the Fang Clan but the Min Clan."

"Scholar Zhang may see it that way. But, we trust in the Min Clan and Min Yue Miao."

"Trust?! The last time I saw someone believe in those words, he ended up in a graveyard. Lord Fang Qiu Ye, I'll say this for your own good, do you believe the Min Clan won't stab you in the back?"

The Fang Clan Lord slightly creased his eyebrow. The alliance between the Min Clan and the Fang Clan was tight like water and river, or cloud and wind. But, Scholar Zhang seemed to be indignant about it although he has no relations to the two clans. Yet, there's just no way he can win in an argument against a scholar. Fang Qiu Ye decided too shut up and go with whatever Scholar Zhang requested.

"If Scholar Zhang insists I will oblige then. Please teach my son..."

"Ehhh... Your son? It's not that I don't want to teach him, but perhaps I should teach someone younger. It would be better if it were a girl around the age of 13 or 14."

The Clan Lord twitched his eyes as the Scholar has too many requests. "I see. Then, how about one of our brilliant girl, Fang Ye Na."

"That would be perfect." Scholar Zhang smiled. But, this time it was different from the previous. Somehow, there was a hidden darkness that lies between that smile.

The Clan Lord was confused as to why the Scholar would have those kinds of requests as if it seemed he was deliberately choosing Fang Ye Na all along. It can't be, right? Perhaps, it was just his imagination.

***

The next day early in the morning, Fang Ye Na was summoned to attend the Scholar's Zhang lesson.

"You are Fang Ye Na?"

"That's right. Nice to meet you, Teacher Zhang." Fang Ye Na gracefully bowed. She gazed at the scholar. "What will I learn today?"

However, instead of answering Fang Ye Na's question. He asked a question of his own. "They said you were supposed to be chosen by the holy guardian. Instead, a girl from another clan stole it from you. Aren't you angry at this situation?"

"Not at all, If I was not chosen, it simply means I was not worthy enough. I believe Min Yue Miao will carry the Fang Clan to a glorious future." Fang Ye Na seemed unfazed, but it was evident that she was slightly disturbed by Zhang Wan's words.

"There's no need to play dumb. I can see that you're jealous. Someone younger and more beautiful than you took your position. How can you live with someone weaker than you commanding you around?", Scholar Zhang sneered. "It's okay, tell me. I will keep it a secret. But, most importantly, I can help you take back what's yours. You want it, right? The Clan Lord position."

"Scholar Zhang. Please don't test me!" Fang Ye Na could not stand it. He was tempting her to turn her back against the Clan will. She glared right back at the Zhang Wan's eyes "I have no intention of betraying Yue Miao nor my Clan. If you tell me one of those things again, I won't stay quiet."

"Haha... As expected. Your mind is full of peace and harmony. I'm sorry for testing you. I just want to get my student to always be in the right mindset. Now, let's get started with the lesson." Zhang Wan smiled and started teaching theories.

"...", Fang Ye Na was speechless. It just looked so real. But, now the Scholar just pretended like it never happened by making excuses that he was testing her. However, it's not like she could do anything.

Still, the man called Zhang Wan was too suspicious. She did not like him at all. "Teacher Zhang, are you really invited by the emperor?"

"Of course, are you doubting me? I got the invitation with me, do you want to see it?"

"...", Fang Ye Na slowly shook her head. "No, it's all right. I'm sorry for doubting Teacher Zhang."

"It's okay, as long as you understand."

[Tchh... I can't use this girl. She does not have any ambition at all, and she even doubted me. It can't be helped if there's a slight change in the plan. What should I do then?]

Scholar Zhang suddenly smiled more vicious than ever.

[I guess, I will have to visit the Min Clan after this. Hehee... This is going to be epic!]