Chapter 126: A Chilling Gleam That Stirs the Heart

After Wang Maozhong fell out of favor, he had never held an official position in his early years. However, over the years, no one dared to mention this fact in his presence anymore. It must be understood that not only did he rise to a high official rank himself, but both his second wife and his legitimate wife held the title of National Lady; he had four sons, the youngest only seven years old, and now they had already been granted fifth-rank official titles. At this moment, seeing his four sons calmly enter the main hall led by the eldest, Wang Shouzhen, there was a low murmur among some guests at the table, but most of the younger generation dared not meet Wang Maozhong’s sharp gaze. Especially Cui, the little chubby one, felt guilty, lowering his head, silently praying while sneaking glances at Du Shiyi, only to find him still composed under Wang Maozhong’s piercing eyes.

Why is Du Shijiu so bold?

As Wang’s four sons finished their salutes and drew their treasured swords from their waists, the eldest, Wang Shouzhen, looked keen and intense, and even the youngest child moved with precise rhythm. Du Shiyi inwardly thanked his lucky stars that Madam Gongsun and her disciples had already left when they entered the hall; otherwise, if Madame Yue, known for her increasingly explosive temper with age, had lost control, the consequences could have been severe. Just as he was distracted, Wang Shouzhen gave a light command, and the four brothers began to sword dance.

Though they varied in age and height, their swordplay was remarkably coordinated. The central space in the main hall was limited, and the cold gleam of their blades often seemed to pass mere inches in front of the guests. Most remained calm, but a few timid ones turned pale. Wang Maozhong did not take his seat but stood respectfully beneath the Prince of Qi, his eyes filled with confident pride. When the young third and fourth sons struck a staggered clash in midair and landed steadily, a triumphant smile spread across his face.

Like father, like son… The Wang family was no bunch of weaklings! He wanted people to see that the imperial appointment was truly deserved by his sons.

This sword dance differed greatly from the earlier one performed by Madam Gongsun and her disciples, which had been like thunder and lightning—here, the movements were less flashy but more disciplined, showing the fruits of past rigorous training. The performance was unaccompanied by music or singing, making the silent dance even more composed. At the most intense moment of the swordplay, the flute music heard earlier suddenly resumed, drawing the attention and admiration of all four tables of guests. Even Doulu Guifei, who had been somewhat puzzled, was moved for a moment.

The emperor himself was playing the flute to honor them—such favor was unique in the entire court!

Du Shiyi’s gaze sharpened. At this moment, while the other three sons sheathed their swords and stood aside, Wang Shouzhen remained in the center, dancing alone. Soon, a silver light seemed to envelop him from head to toe. Had Du Shiyi not previously visited Shaolin Temple several times during his stay on Mount Song, gaining some insight into swordsmanship from Gongye Jue, he might have been truly intimidated by this seemingly impenetrable sword technique.

Within a few breaths, as Wang Shouzhen’s swordplay slowed with the flute’s fading notes, seemingly about to finish, Du Shiyi suddenly noticed Wang Shouzhen’s gaze locking onto him. Then, spinning suddenly, Wang Shouzhen stumbled slightly and deviated from his expected path. In an instant, man and sword together darted fiercely toward him.

Faced with this unexpected move, the guests in the hall nearly forgot to shout in surprise. Doulu Guifei’s expression changed color. Seeing the menacing sword thrust coming straight at him, and recalling a similar scene he had once encountered at the Cui family, Du Shiyi’s lips curled into a cold smile. The hand that had just grasped a copper token finally relaxed.

In such a gathering of distinguished guests, to suddenly attack someone—even relying on the fact that his father, Wang Maozhong, was highly favored by the emperor—Wang Shouzhen would never dare act recklessly!

The sword brushed past his face, as if cutting a few strands of hair from his temple. Calmly, Du Shiyi raised the porcelain cup from the dining table and drank it down in one steady gulp. When Wang Shouzhen swiftly retreated several steps, resumed his sword dance, and finally ended the performance by bowing with his three brothers to offer longevity blessings, the entire hall could no longer contain their astonishment. The room erupted with lively chatter as Du Shiyi raised his cup and laughed:

“Master Wang’s movements are as swift as lightning, his sword like a shooting star—truly dazzling and extraordinary. Though it seems that last strike was slightly off target?”

Wang Maozhong, both puzzled and annoyed by his eldest son's sudden abruptness, saw that Doulu Guifei was somewhat displeased. Naturally, he took the opportunity to ease the tension:

“The young man merely lost his footing for a moment. Please forgive him, Your Highness.”

Though annoyed by Wang Shouzhen’s action, the sixty-year-old Doulu Guifei did not wish to quarrel with the powerful Wang Maozhong, who was in the prime of his influence. She smiled faintly and nodded:

“Heroes have always emerged from youth. With the martial prowess of the Duke of Huo’s sons, it is clear the lineage will continue. Servants, bring wine!”

After that scene, Wang’s four sons naturally would not linger at the Doulu residence; the toast was perfectly timed. After Wang Shouzhen led the drinking, Wang Maozhong promptly took his leave. Once the five men hurried away, the Prince of Qi smiled wryly and said:

“Indeed, such imposing power and dominance. Had that strike been off by just a little more, Du Shijiu might have lost more than just a few hairs. Du Shijiu, have you somehow offended the eldest Wang?”

Hearing this, many guests who had missed the earlier moment burst into lively discussion, casting many curious glances toward Du Shiyi. He shook his head:

“I have never met General Wang before, and this is my first time seeing the eldest Wang tonight. As for offense—well, I don’t even know where to begin. If Wang Shouzhen had not slipped, then he must have been testing my courage on a whim. Why else, I cannot say.”

Princess Yuzhen raised an eyebrow:

“Never met before?”

“Exactly.”

Though this odd incident sparked much gossip, when Princess Yuzhen helped Doulu Guifei leave the hall briefly, the guests relaxed, raising their glasses and sharing lighthearted stories. Du Shiyi remained guarded amidst repeated questioning from Dou Shilang and the increasingly drunken Prince of Qi, answering perfectly. When King Song could no longer bear the sight of the flushed, talkative prince, attendants helped him away. Dou Shilang was also invited elsewhere by acquaintances, giving Du Shiyi some temporary peace.

After speaking quietly with Wang Wei, Du Shiyi slipped away from the hall. Standing outside on the steps, he enjoyed the breeze for a moment before a voice called from behind:

“Du Shijiu, since you’ve come to the capital, why visit Dou Shilang but not me?”

“Ah, Fourth Brother Jiang,” Du Shiyi turned and smiled, cupping his hands in greeting. “I just arrived in Chang’an and went to the Thousand Treasures Pavilion to see the excitement, but was dragged off by Dou Shilang to his residence and kept indoors for ten days straight. I didn’t even have time to visit my sister, who’s temporarily living in Pingkang Lane.”

Jiang Du chuckled:

“You carried that priceless Lo Sandalwood pipa to the Thousand Treasures Pavilion—of course Dou Shilang wouldn’t let you go! By the way, the emperor must be in disguise attending Doulu Guifei’s birthday celebration. The Liu family’s son went to great lengths preparing fine poems, but he can’t show them off. Wonder how frustrated he must be! But tell me, when did you get on the elder Wang’s bad side?”

Du Shiyi smiled faintly:

“It really was my first time meeting him tonight.” Seeing Jiang Du’s disbelief, he lazily added, “Just like I’ve never offended Liu Ximing. Some people are naturally narrow-minded and hold grudges—what can I do? By the way, have your injuries healed?”

Jiang Du’s lips twitched recalling the pain Du Shiyi had once caused him. However, remembering the doctors’ timely emergency treatment and his year-long recovery, his complexion brightened.

“Liu Ximing failed the capital’s examination last year, but he’s determined to succeed this year. I only managed to hold him off for a year to vent some anger. Du Shijiu, if you don’t let him get the upper hand this year, when you pass the imperial exams and await your appointment, I’ll owe you a favor. Deal?”

After dropping this remark, Jiang Du strode away, leaving Du Shiyi both amused and exasperated. The Liu clan’s roots in Guanzhong were deep, and although Jiang Jiao was a meritorious official and imperial favorite, Jiang Du’s efforts to block Liu Ximing from passing the capital exam last year had surely cost him dearly, hence his current encouragement.

Though it was April, the night air was still chilly. Having just been in a crowded, heated hall and drinking some wine, Du Shiyi gently fanned himself with his sleeve, lost in thought. Suddenly, he sensed someone behind him and swiftly sidestepped two paces.

“Oh, Du Langjun, you’re quite alert.”

The smiling figure emerging was none other than Yue Wuniang. Seeing Du Shiyi glance habitually behind her, she said with mock irritation:

“Don’t look back. Master isn’t here. Master is now the emperor’s appointed general of the music camp. Many in the opera world want to apprentice under him, so he can’t just casually meet you. Being seen would be disastrous.”

“Your master can’t come, but you’re free to come and go?”

“That’s natural,” Yue Wuniang said proudly. “I just wanted to see what the palace is like. Now that I have, I have no intention of staying. The emperor summoned a famous master. Since my skills don’t measure up, I can leave anytime. My master has already informed the emperor. Besides, when I visited Doulu Guifei with my master today, you wouldn’t believe how those people looked at me as if they wanted to devour me alive! Rather than someone complaining to the emperor, I’d rather leave cleanly.”

At this, she looked at Du Shiyi with sparkling eyes:

“So, I came to bid you farewell. I wanted to say goodbye to Master Wang as well, but since he hasn’t appeared, please convey my parting thanks!”

Bowing slightly, Yue Wuniang turned and left without looking back. Du Shiyi was momentarily stunned but quickly asked:

“What about the three Misses Feng?”

Yue Wuniang suddenly turned, a sly smile on her pretty face:

“Knowing you would be tenderhearted, I’ve already sent them to the Cui residence in Pingkang Lane on your behalf! That’s nothing to do with me; it was my master’s orders. Elder Kang and the others will also leave the palace soon. Elder Kang’s pipa skills are exquisite; I’m sure you’ll find him useful… Well, I’m off. Until we meet again!”