The words "useless" dropping into Yue Rujing’s ears scared him into a stumble.
He steadied his forehead and slurred, "Senior brother, we should only whisper such matters behind closed doors. You mustn’t talk recklessly in public. No matter what, the Emperor is your birth father, and his attitude will largely determine whether you can succeed in the end.
"Ah, even if you dislike him, you must keep it to yourself. At most, curse him in secret with a few talismans, but never criticize him to his face."
"Hmm, I still have to ingratiate myself with him?" Jin Zijin said emotionlessly.
"Isn’t that the way?" Yue Rujing sighed, "I know full well how stubborn you are, and I fear you cannot yield to compromise, which is why I originally advised you to take the path of the State Preceptor."
"Compromise?" Jin Zijin smiled faintly, "Ajing, you worry too much. All beings suffer; it’s not that I cannot bear compromise."
"Mm, that’s good." Yue Rujing wiped away the cold sweat.
"When do you plan to acknowledge your ancestors and return to your clan?"
"I haven’t decided yet."
"The time hasn’t come yet!" Jin Zijin added.
Yue Rujing was impatient, saying, "What are you waiting for? Just show that jade to the Emperor, and everything will be settled. I’ve seen how well he treats that substitute of yours; with you, the real deal, he will treat you even better. Maybe he’ll be so pleased that he’ll make you the Crown Prince right away, saving a lot of trouble."
"I’ve lost the Jade Pendant," Jin Zijin stated indifferently.
"What...?" Yue Rujing, tongue-tied in shock, stammered, "You... you’ve lost the Jade Pendant? The one left to you by Empress Xiao? The one that proves your identity?"
"Indeed." Compared to Yue Rujing’s unrest, Jin Zijin seemed utterly composed.
Yue Rujing felt tortured; it’s like the saying ’the Emperor isn’t in a hurry, but the eunuch is dying of anxiety’, and he felt like he was that anxious eunuch.
"You’ve lost it, you lost something so crucial... Senior brother, how could you not have lost yourself too?"
At Jin Zijin’s icy glare, Yue Rujing shut his mouth.
"When did you lose it? Where did you lose it? I’ll have someone search for it right away."
"No need," Jin Zijin said. "If he wishes to acknowledge me, no jade is needed. If he doesn’t wish to, what use is the jade?"
...Yue Rujing was completely baffled and only partially understanding.
Senior brother’s words seemed reasonable, but they made no sense when it came to acting on them.
Without the Jade Pendant to prove your identity, if you suddenly ran up to the Emperor claiming ’I am Xiao Qinqin’s true son, and the daughter they brought back is a fake,’ who would believe you?
You’d be chased out as a lunatic, and that would only be out of respect for the Dao Sect.
"So what’s your plan now? Without the jade, the Xiao Family won’t acknowledge you, and we’re short a hundred thousand troops."
"The Xiao Family has always known I am the true descendant," Jin Zijin revealed.
"The Xiao Family knows?" Yue Rujing found unexpected joy, but a moment later he furrowed his brows, somewhat displeased, "Senior brother, you’re treating me like an outsider, not telling me such an important matter."
In Yue Rujing’s view, he and his senior brother were as close as brothers, sharing everything without secrets.
But Jin Zijin replied, "I feared you couldn’t keep your mouth shut. Before the political situation becomes clear, I cannot reveal my identity."
"Well, that’s true." Once explained, Yue Rujing understood; whatever his senior brother said or did must be right.
"Since the Xiao Family acknowledges you, let’s have General Xiao escort you to the palace to recognize your relations with the Emperor?"
Jin Zijin looked at Yue Rujing and sighed, "I’ve said it’s not yet the time."