Chapter 52: Confrontation

The Guozijian, located thirty li east of the imperial city, is the highest academic institution in Tianyu. Only children of officials ranked fifth grade and above are eligible to attend. The grand and magnificent institution presently witnessed an elder with a spirited demeanor standing with his hands clasped behind his back in a relaxed manner at the martial arts training ground. Opposite him were five boys with varying expressions, silently exchanging glances, all displaying shock on their faces.

“Old master, did you say we need to run ten laps around the field?” asked Mu Fengwu, the eldest of the group and the legitimate grandson of Duke Mu, representing the others. He truly hoped he had misheard, so he deliberately dug at his ear to ensure he could hear more clearly.

“Any objections?” General Xiao asked, locking eyes with Mu Fengwu.

Under General Xiao’s piercing gaze, Mu Fengwu felt his palms sweating, his legs trembling, and an ominous foreboding rising from the depths of his heart.

“If you have objections, then…” General Xiao’s gaze swept across each boy’s face, pausing briefly. Just as the Mu family boy and two others showed faint signs of joy, Yun Yichen turned his head, and Yun Yifan sighed lightly, General Xiao coldly continued, “Then make it fifteen laps.”

Mu Fengwu collapsed to the ground in despair. Instead of reducing the punishment, it increased! This old master was way too ruthless.

“Un…mhm, mhm!” Yun Can, the youngest son of Prince Qi, was silenced with both a drag and a hand over his mouth by Yun Yichen and Yun Yifan, who both felt fortunate to have acted in time. Who knew how many laps they might have to run otherwise?

By the time the five of them finished fifteen laps, the sun had already begun to set. In the glow of the beautiful sunset lay five boys, twisted and sprawled in various positions, and standing erect was the same elder with an upright posture.

When they met again, the group had become much more disciplined. With their newly learned obedience, it was time to officially start martial arts training. Beginning with horse stance and basic skills, everything seemed to proceed smoothly—until General Xiao’s next actions baffled and perplexed them.

“Yun Yichen, hold your horse stance for an extra incense stick’s time.”

“Yun Yichen, run five more laps.”

“Yun Yichen, clean the training ground thoroughly.”

…

Yun Yichen could hardly endure General Xiao’s “special treatment” passively. So he began asking General Xiao about military tactics one day and requested help drawing formations the next. Ha! Who in the entire capital didn’t know that General Xiao was illiterate? If he had to choose between writing and fighting, he’d pick fighting without hesitation.

“You’re doing this on purpose!” General Xiao roared, furious.

Yun Yichen couldn’t help but laugh. “As if you weren’t deliberately bullying me first.”

“Don’t you know how to respect your elders?”

“And do you know how to care for the young?”

Mu Fengwu, having gradually adapted to General Xiao’s teaching methods, thoroughly enjoyed watching the old master and Yun Yichen bicker. After all, one was someone he dared not provoke, and the other surpassed him in everything. Who knew that learning martial arts would come with such unexpected entertainment? It truly made this worthwhile!

General Xiao wasn’t truly angry at Yun Yichen’s antics, nor did he escalate the punishments. In fact, he admired talent and ensured all tasks assigned to Yun Yichen were within his capabilities. Unexpectedly, the boy not only failed to appreciate this but also dared to retaliate. Humph! If you dare make a move, I will counter. Let’s see whether the seasoned general or the brash youth prevails.

During this time, Prince Jing personally invited General Xiao for a drink again, formally entrusting his son to him. He assured that for the next five years, he would not interfere in any of the general’s decisions and promised that once the term ended, he would request a plaque inscribed by the emperor for the Xiao family. Furthermore, should the Xiao family ever require assistance, Prince Jing’s household would do everything in its power to support them.

General Xiao couldn’t fathom how a refined and courteous prince could father such a cunning son who was always at odds with him. That wretched boy! If I don’t teach you a lesson, my surname isn’t Xiao, he thought to himself.

While the Guozijian simmered with tension, a battle of wits and wills unfolded within the Xiao family.

With the dragon-phoenix twins’ second birthday approaching, Tong Mingyu began pondering her daughter’s upbringing. At two years old, it was surely time to recite Three Character Classic and Hundred Family Surnames.

Tong Mingyu’s intentions were noble, but she didn’t anticipate her daughter’s strong resistance. Thus began a silent confrontation between the mother and daughter with their differing agendas.

“Have you two been arguing?” asked Xiao Jingkang as he entered, glancing at his dignified wife and then at his once-demure daughter. What could have caused such a transformation? He was genuinely curious.

Following him were his three sons, all equally intrigued.

“I just want her to learn a few things. Is this reaction too extreme?”

“I’m a child!” Xiao Yao pouted. Could her carefree childhood end so soon? She was only two—just two years old!

Seeing that it wasn’t a real argument, father and sons simultaneously relaxed. As long as it wasn’t serious conflict.

“You all should judge fairly,” Tong Mingyu said, signaling her husband with her eyes. If all four supported her, their daughter would surely relent.

Campaigning for votes? Mother plans to isolate me and enforce majority rule. Old ginger is indeed spicier! Xiao Yao thought. She hadn’t truly wanted to oppose her mother, much less avoid learning altogether. Yet, to suppress her rightful plea without discussion was just too pitiful!

As a child, she had no power, no say—how tragic!

Xiao Jingkang had intended to observe from the sidelines, not become embroiled. Yet, somehow, the conflict now involved him. Refusing to take a stance would upset his wife, but siding with her meant betraying his internal preference for his daughter.

“Your turn,” Xiao Mingyu turned to the sons. No reason why I should struggle alone while you enjoy the show!

Xiao Yi chose the opposite route, finding a distant spot to sit comfortably. Dragging your sons into this mess? Not very honorable, father. Don’t blame me for staying out of it.

Xiao Jingkang glared at his cunning son. Dare to undermine your father? Just wait; I’ll deal with you later.

Xiao Yang stood firmly beside his mother. On other matters, he might favor his sister, but when it came to principles—especially regarding her education and upbringing—he needed to take a clear stand.

Xiao Yao puffed her cheeks at her third brother in protest. Xiao Yang offered an apologetic smile. Seeing her rigid brother crack a smile was rare. Xiao Yao decided to let him off, then turned her attention to her father and fifth brother. Choose your side; let’s make it a game.

Without hesitation, Xiao Jun strode toward his sister, mimicking his father’s gestures as he patted her shoulder reassuringly. “How about that? Isn’t your fifth brother reliable? No matter what happens, I’ll back you.”

Two versus two. Xiao Jingkang found himself in an awkward position. His choice now became critical. Curse Ah Yi! Couldn’t you have supported one side and let me mediate? Now, what do I do?

“Let’s call grandfather!” Xiao Jun whispered loudly into his sister’s ear. If grandfather steps in, his authority will override everyone’s. What’s there to fear then? How brilliant am I! Before he could bask in self-satisfaction, Tong Mingyu walked over and twisted his ear. “You brat! What nonsense are you spouting?!”

“Ouch! Mother, let go!” Xiao Jun exaggerated his reaction. Wasn’t teamwork supposed to mean helping each other come up with ideas? What did I do wrong?

“Mother, let go of Fifth Brother. I’ll behave,” Xiao Yao quickly relented. She had never meant for a small matter to escalate into a mother-daughter dispute, a family vote, and almost a full-scale mobilization.

Tong Mingyu hadn’t truly applied force. Hearing her daughter’s words, she released her grip. She crouched to tidy Xiao Yao’s hair and gently said, “We’ll take it slow. I won’t force you, but you must understand—you are the eldest daughter of the Xiao family. In your future interactions with others, there are rules and principles you must know. Your words and actions represent not just yourself but the entire Xiao family. Do you understand, Ping’an?”

Of course, she understood. Xiao Yao gazed quietly at Tong Mingyu and responded with a smile. She would work hard and do her best—not to bring glory to the Xiao family but to ensure she didn’t disgrace their name either.