The rising sun cast a long shadow of the three-story wooden building of Hongxiuzhao, merging with the shadow of a large tree beside it. From a high vantage point, the shadow resembled a giant with one arm reaching for the sky.
Perhaps only at dawn and dusk does the capital city of Chang'an possess a touch more gentleness and a hint of grimness.
The procedures for Hongxiuzhao to reopen in Chang'an were cumbersome and complex. Therefore, early in the morning, the steward, Tu Wu, led a group of people to the Chang'an government office with gifts. Even if the officials didn't make things difficult, it wouldn't be possible to complete all the formalities in a day or two.
Xi Huamei, who hadn't slept all night, stood by the back window, gazing at the scenery of the backyard and the people within it. Just as she was lost in thought, several officials in military uniforms entered the gates of Hongxiuzhao. The servants, who were tidying the main hall, rushed forward and, upon inquiring, learned that these people had come to seek Fang Jie.
The servant gestured for the officials to sit down, then served them hot tea. He hurried upstairs to report to Aunt Xia. Xi Huamei pondered for a moment and said, "Since it's officials looking for us, it shouldn't be anything serious. Go and fetch Fang Jie, and also call Master Luo. I need to discuss something with him."
The servant acknowledged and went downstairs to the backyard. Fang Jie and Master Luo returned together. Out of politeness, Fang Jie went upstairs first to bid farewell to Xi Huamei.
Xi Huamei glanced indifferently at Fang Jie's severed arm, bound with half a withered branch, picked up a packet of wound medicine she had found earlier from the table, and handed it to him, saying, "Sometimes being too stubborn isn't a good thing."
Fang Jie thanked her and smiled, saying, "At times like these, it's inevitable to feel uneasy."
Xi Huamei didn't mention practicing her sword again. After thinking for a moment, she said gently, "The capital isn't a small town like Fan Gu. The people here aren't like the villagers of Fan Gu. Especially officials; when you see them, bow your head as much as possible. Nod if you can, even if it's difficult, try your best not to shake your head."
Fang Jie felt a warmth in his heart, bowed slightly, and took his leave.
Xi Huamei didn't give any further instructions, but for some reason, she sighed slightly as she watched the young man's retreating figure. The old cripple seemed to sense something and asked softly, "Is something wrong?"
Xi Huamei shook her head slightly, thinking that perhaps she was overthinking things.
When Fang Jie reached the lobby on the first floor, the officials from the Ministry of War were all taken aback by his disheveled appearance. Especially the severed arm hanging around his neck, it looked truly pitiful. The leading official glanced at Fang Jie, simply said, "Come with me to the Ministry of War for a meeting," and then turned and left.
Fang Jie nodded humbly, showing ample respect to these lowly officials. He knew that in the capital, even a minor official with no real power could ruin his career. For example, the sixth or seventh-rank officials in the Ministry of War would be disgusting enough if they refused to stamp his application to participate in the Martial Arts Academy.
Faced with such indifferent and arrogant attitude, Fang Jie could only smile and shake his head.
The biggest difference between officials in the capital and those in local areas was that the former were better at putting on airs. A seventh-rank official in a local area was equivalent to a county magistrate, wielding power over the criminal justice and people's livelihood of their county; they were practically irresponsible in their territory. But in the capital, Chang'an, seventh-rank officials were as numerous as dogs, and most had no real power. Even so, the air of superiority displayed by officials in the capital was still somewhat unsettling.
Stepping out of the Red Sleeve Pavilion, Fang Jie saw a carriage parked by the roadside.
Upon seeing the carriage, Fang Jie couldn't help but pause slightly in surprise.
The carriage was unmarked.
In the Sui Dynasty, whether it was a government department or a powerful family, each had its own insignia representing its status. For example, the carriages used by the Ministry of War usually featured a black design of a shield and a sword. The carriages used by the Ministry of Revenue typically depicted a balance scale, with books on one side and silver ingots on the other.
Powerful families often used flowers, trees, and wild animals as their family symbols.
For example, the Yu family's carriage featured a vibrant green ivy, representing the family's enduring prosperity. The carriages of the Li family of Longyou featured a tiger with wings on its ribs, a design personally chosen by the late emperor, representing the Li family's military background, bravery, and loyalty.
But this carriage was very ordinary.
Fang Jie's expression changed slightly, and he looked down at his severed right arm, frowning slightly. It was unclear whether he was worried about something or simply experiencing unbearable pain at the break.
When the leading official reached the carriage, his attitude softened considerably. He even personally lifted the carriage curtain for Fang Jie, saying, "Please." Fang Jie quickly feigned surprise and declined a few times before boarding the carriage. The leading official followed, but the others didn't.
"You're lucky today."
Once inside the carriage and the curtain was lowered, the official's attitude became even more enthusiastic. Perhaps he was deliberately feigning indifference in front of others, or perhaps it was to hide his own unease.
"How so?"
Fang Jie asked.
The official chuckled, "We don't need to go to the Ministry of War; we'll go directly to the martial arts arena outside the city. Today is the final match of the top three in the martial arts academy, and the officials from the Ministry of War will all be watching. You might be lucky enough to get in, but after I drop you off, I'll have to wait outside."
"What does the Minister of War want with me?"
Fang Jie asked cautiously. "How would I know? I'm just following orders."
The official chuckled self-deprecatingly. "Those who can enter the martial arts arena to watch the matches are all important figures. Even Prince Yi represented His Majesty, which shows how much the court values this final competition for the top three in the martial arts academy."
"Forgive my ignorance."
Fang Jie asked, "Who are the top three in the martial arts academy?"
"Yu Xiao, the young master of the Yu family; Luo Wen, the young master of the Luo family; and Li Fubo, the young master of the Li family."
At this, the official immediately launched into a long list of names, as if reciting a familiar story: "These three are extraordinary figures. For three years in the martial arts academy, the top three positions have changed hands constantly, but no one else has had a chance; it's always been these three young masters. Today is their final competition after three years, and it concerns their future."
...
...
The official's conversation grew increasingly animated along the way, and Fang Jie heard quite a bit about the martial arts academy. It's just unknown how much of what this official of his rank said was true, and how much was fabricated. You know, the two types of people with the strongest gossip instincts are gossipy women and government officials.
"According to custom, the top student in each term at the Martial Arts Academy is directly appointed as a fourth-rank general, entering the ranks of the Sixteen Guards of the Great Sui Dynasty, with a promising future. The second and third place winners are generally appointed as fifth-rank lieutenants, but they cannot directly enter the ranks; they usually first have to gain experience in border armies across the land."
The official smiled proudly, pleased with his extensive knowledge. "This is not merely a difference in rank, but a great honor."
"Yu Xiao is the eldest grandson of the Yu family. It is said that the Yu family patriarch holds him in high regard. Upon entering the Martial Arts Academy, he gifted Yu Xiao the Yu family's heirloom, the Tiger-Striped Pearl. This treasure is reserved for the Yu family patriarchs. The meaning behind the patriarch's actions is self-evident."
"Young Master Luo Wen is the only son of Luo Yao, the Left Vanguard General of Yongzhou. He has been exceptionally intelligent since childhood..." "General Luo Yao is an unparalleled ninth-rank expert of our time. Given his family's martial arts prowess, Young Master Luo Wen's abilities are quite evident. Moreover, unlike the other two young masters, he has followed General Luo Yao in battle since childhood. Yongzhou, located in the southern border region, is often plagued by rebellions from stubborn indigenous tribes, and the General kills hundreds or even thousands of them every year."
"As for Young Master Li Fubo of the Li family, he is the most low-key of the three. Three years ago, he rode a poor horse and carried a bag into the capital. No one knew he was a member of the Li family, and for a time after entering the Martial Arts Academy, no one paid him any attention. But from the very first assessment, he astonished everyone. It is said that even Dean Zhou of the Martial Arts Academy praised him highly."
After listening to the official's introduction of the three most sought-after figures at the Martial Arts Academy, Fang Jie couldn't help but sigh inwardly.
The Martial Arts Academy is known as the most unique place in the Great Sui Dynasty, yet those who truly shine are still from aristocratic families. Even if a child from a poor family had the opportunity to enter the Martial Arts Academy, they would likely amount to little. However, Fang Jie understood that this wasn't because the academy's professors favored children from wealthy families, but rather because the knowledge and experience gained by those from aristocratic families from a young age far surpassed that of children from humble backgrounds. While those from poor families were still struggling to make ends meet, children from wealthy families had already thoroughly studied classical texts and military strategies.
Different starting points, different futures.
"Sir, what is this final competition about?"
Fang Jie asked. "It's said to be a siege and defense exercise... There's an earthen city, about four li in circumference, in the training grounds, specifically built for practicing sieges and defenses. The three young masters will each bring a certain number of troops to attack the city; let's see who prevails."
The official chuckled self-deprecatingly, "How could I possibly know the specifics?"
"Sir, could you tell me why the officials from the Ministry of War summoned me? I'd like to be prepared and avoid being impolite."
Fang Jie pulled a silver note from his sleeve and tried to slip it into the official's hand, but the official refused to accept it.
"I don't know."
At this, the official's face immediately turned cold again: "Once you arrive, someone will escort you in. As for what the officials want to ask you, how would I know?"
Fang Jie hummed in agreement and didn't ask any more questions.
He looked down at his severed arm, a hint of worry flashing in his eyes.
Red Sleeve Pavilion.
The old cripple looked at Xi Huamei and asked, "That kid was suddenly summoned by the Ministry of War. Could something be wrong? That girl's whereabouts are unknown, so I had to settle for teaching this clumsy boy a lesson. If he disappears too, wouldn't I have missed out on something I wanted?"
Xi Huamei frowned slightly, staring at the scenery in the backyard for a moment before saying, "Master Luo… don't you think Fang Jie and he are somewhat similar?"
"Stubborn?"
Master Luo asked after a pause.
Xi Huamei didn't answer, looking hesitantly at a sandalwood box on the table.
"I just returned to the capital. I don't want to cause any trouble for Hongxiuzhao," she said.
The old cripple's expression changed, and he nodded, saying, "I understand." He turned and left, his back looking somewhat lonely and desolate.
…
…
The martial arts arena, the viewing platform.
Seated in the center was the current emperor's sixth brother, the only one of the princes still remaining in Chang'an. During the struggle for the throne among the seven princes, after the eldest and third princes failed, one was exiled to Ning'an Tower to guard the border, and the other was imprisoned in a remote area of southern Xinjiang, living a life of isolation. The seventh prince, later known as Prince Zhong, disappeared ten years ago and has not been heard from since.
The second prince was enfeoffed as Prince Guo, with his fiefdom on the eastern coast. The fifth prince died and was posthumously enfeoffed as Prince Jia. The sixth prince, the one now sitting on the observation platform, chatting and laughing, was enfeoffed as Prince Yi. He remained in Chang'an instead of returning to his fiefdom in Boling County in the northwest. It is said that when he bid farewell to the emperor, he wept bitterly, and the emperor, moved by brotherly affection, allowed him to stay.
This Prince Yi rarely participated in court affairs, spending his days tending flowers and birds or fishing by the lake. He has traveled extensively throughout Chang'an.
However, as the only prince currently residing in Chang'an, and given his amiable, benevolent, and indifferent-to-wealth nature, coupled with his sociability and chivalrous spirit, he enjoyed high prestige among the court officials. This Prince Yi was also a refined gentleman, reportedly having many admirers in the brothels along the Xinshui River in the capital.
Although middle-aged, he possessed an elegant demeanor, refined speech, and a touch of magnanimity.
Wealthy and with ample leisure time, how could women not be attracted?
Prince Yi was a man who knew how to enjoy life. Even when watching the martial arts competition for the top three prizes, he was accompanied by four beautiful maids, drinking wine from the Western Regions. The jade thumb ring on his thumb, a priceless artifact from the previous dynasty's royal family, was a vibrant green.
He particularly loved tea, but he brewed it only with spring water from Qianshou Mountain, thirty li outside the capital.
He carried no sword or dagger, but one of his maids held the Moon-Inviting Blade, a treasure the Emperor of Eastern Chu had once offered a great city in exchange for, but to no avail.
He loved fine wine, beautiful women, beautiful scenery, and all things beautiful.
His name was Yang Yin, a seemingly carefree and idle prince.
"When do we begin?"
He asked with a smile the person sitting beside him.
Sitting beside him was a tall, imposing old man with jet-black hair, not a single gray hair to be seen. He wore a soft, comfortable cotton robe, cloth shoes, and white socks, his legs crossed, holding two walnuts in his hand. His complexion was ruddy, with few wrinkles, yet he seemed quite old.
Prince Yi, Yang Yin, asked, but received no reply.
He turned his head to look and couldn't help but chuckle.
The old man had fallen asleep.