A Deception

"Ah, this idiotic brother of mine," Su Kang sighed, though his eyes remained calm.

"Fate, did you take a look at my brother's destiny?" he asked.

Fate paused for a moment before responding, "Hmm… it's not much, but the quality is good."

Su Kang raised an eyebrow. "Be specific."

"His destiny points are around 5,000, but 10% of it is purple—which means his fate has received favor from the Heavenly Dao."

"What purple? Can't you explain from the basics now? You are suddenly skipping a lot of things." Su Kang frowned.

"Fine. You need to understand that destiny is divided into five quality levels, each represented by a color—Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, and Purple."

Orange represents the lowest level of destiny quality. It means that the person is average, destined for a simple and unremarkable life.

Yellow is the second tier, indicating someone who may face some challenges but has the potential to rise above their station with hard work and perseverance.

Fate continued, "Green represents the third tier; these individuals are often born with innate talents or inheritances that grant them a higher starting point in life."

The fourth tier is blue, which signifies that the person has an extraordinary destiny, marked by significant opportunities and achievements that will shape their life.

Purple is the rarest of all, representing the fifth tier of destiny. It is a destiny that transcends the ordinary and can influence the very course of history.

Su Kang's fingers tapped against the table, absorbing the information. "So… what's mine?"

"Fate responded without hesitation, "You have a large chunk of Green, with 10% Blue and some Yellow mixed in."

"As for your brother, his destiny is 10% Purple. That means he's received some level of Heaven's blessing, but he's nowhere near the level of a Child of Destiny like Li Fang."

Su Kang nodded thoughtfully. There was an enormous gap between 5,000 destiny points and 30,000—while his brother was gifted, he still wasn't at the level of true destiny-altering figures, like Li Fang.

Destiny wasn't just about numbers—it was a complex tapestry of different hues, each representing struggles, opportunities, and the divine will shaping a person's future.

"Su Kang's mind drifted to Li Fang. "What about him?"

Fate's tone became unreadable. "I'll need to observe him again to get a full reading."

Su Kang exhaled. "And Yue Mei?"

"Her destiny consists of 10% purple, 15% blue, with the remainder being green and yellow. While she faces some obstacles, her overall quality is quite good."

After listening to Fate's words Su Kang got basic idea of it. This new guest of their family is quite good.

"She's totally got the potential to be someone big in the future, but looking at her doing something like this...." Su Kang thought and chuckled as he looked at the jade scroll.

"I should make their morning a little more interesting," he mused.

The rich aroma of freshly baked bread and sizzling meats filled the air, blending with the faint scent of dew-kissed grass. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting soft golden patches over the elegant dining setup in the eastern garden pavilion.

At the center of it all sat Su Ting and Yue Mei, sharing a luxurious breakfast.

Su Ting was the first to spot him, his face lighting up with his usual exuberance. "Brother! Come, join us!"

Across from him, Yue Mei barely lifted her gaze, offering only a subtle nod in acknowledgment before resuming her meal.

Su Kang took his time approaching, his movements deliberate. "Good morning," he greeted, his voice calm yet carrying an unmistakable edge.

He slid into the seat beside his brother, eyes sweeping over the extravagant spread before him—steamed dumplings, fragrant congee, stir-fried greens, spiced meats.

A clear show of hospitality.

"For a mere breakfast, my brother sure knows how to impress," Su Kang thought with amusement.

"I didn't realize you preferred eating here," he remarked, a teasing lilt in his voice. "Usually, you enjoy the comfort of your palace." His gaze flickered toward Yue Mei. "It seems her charm has swayed you."

Su Ting choked on his tea, his face turning a shade redder. "Brother, what nonsense are you saying?"

He hurriedly waved his hands. "Miss Yue merely mentioned that the garden is beautiful, so I thought it would be nice to eat here!"

Su Kang said nothing, merely smiling knowingly.

His gaze shifted to Yue Mei. Even as Su Ting flailed, she remained composed, her expression unreadable as she continued eating with measured grace.

Her movements were refined, elegant—too practiced.

Su Kang observed the way she held her chopsticks with precise control, her posture naturally poised.

"Her bearing is that of nobility. She was raised in an environment of strict etiquette."

He leaned slightly forward. "I hope everything is to your liking, Miss Yue," he said, his tone polite yet laced with subtle intent. "We want to ensure your stay here is as comfortable as possible."

She finally met his gaze, her crimson eyes unreadable. "The meal is agreeable," she replied, her voice as smooth as still water. A brief pause. "Your chefs have a way with spices."

Su Kang chuckled. "I'm sure you're not here just for the food. If so, I wouldn't mind sending my brother along with you. Our chefs are excellent, but I'm sure he would be a better companion, and who knows he might grow up as well."

Su Ting groaned. "Brother!"

A flicker of emotion passed through Yue Mei's eyes, but she quickly suppressed it.

"Interesting," Su Kang thought.

He pressed on. "So, Miss Yue, what brings a person of your stature to a place like Jiang State?"

He wasn't expecting the truth—only the excuse she had prepared.

Yue Mei remained composed. "My journey brought me here by chance, Young Master Su. I was searching for knowledge regarding rare medicinal herbs said to grow in this region."

"The spiritual energy here may seem weak, but for the right eyes, this land holds many valuable treasures."

Su Kang hummed thoughtfully. A plausible answer, but not the full truth.

He smiled, concealing his thoughts. "It's always refreshing to see talented individuals pursue their passions. I hope your search proves fruitful."

Then, as if the topic no longer mattered, he smoothly changed direction.

"And you, Brother? Have you been entertaining our esteemed guest well? If not, there will be consequences."

Su Ting blinked in confusion. "Consequences?"

Su Kang sighed, his expression turning grave, his voice lowering just enough to draw Su Ting in.

"Family head, has decided to punish you for your actions," he said. "I reduced your punishment, but… you will have to lose one of your limbs."

Su Ting's entire body froze. Family head? His eldest uncle but why?

His mind stalled, unable to process the words immediately.

Then, slowly he thought about Yue Mei, his eyes widened. His face became pale.

Across the table, Yue Mei stiffened, her posture going unnaturally rigid.

She turned toward Su Ting, her red eyes flickering with something Su Kang hadn't seen before—unguarded disbelief.

She opened her mouth as if to speak. But no words came.

She merely stared at Su Ting, at the quiet acceptance in his face. Su Ting decided to talk with his uncle, but not now.

Su Kang watched it all unfold, catching every flicker of emotion, every unspoken word.