On the eaves above the main entrance of the manor, Shi Dingxuan stood facing the wind.
Seeing Shi Dingxuan's arrival, Shi Dinghao felt a surge of joy and momentarily forgot to evade. As a result, Zhao Dagongzi's palm struck his back, sending him flying.
Observing his younger brother's failure to defend himself, Shi Dingxuan's expression turned serious. In a swift motion, he leaped into the air and charged directly at Zhao Dagongzi.
Sensing the formidable aura approaching, Zhao Dagongzi's demeanor instantly grew solemn.
The two figures clashed in mid-air, resembling a fierce tiger descending a mountain and a mighty lion leaping. Their fists met with a resounding clash that echoed through the air.
"Boom!"
The powerful impact forced both combatants to recoil.
As Shi Dingxuan rotated rapidly in the air, he gracefully returned to the rooftop. At the same time, several tiles fell to the ground, dislodged by his movements.
Meanwhile, Zhao Dagongzi slid back several meters, leaving a long streak on the ground.
The swift and explosive exchange of that single blow reverberated through the surroundings, bringing an abrupt silence to the scene.
"Brother, he attacked me. Quickly defeat him," Shi Dinghao's loud complaint shattered the stillness. He had been sent over ten meters away by Zhao Dagongzi's strike and now sat on the ground, looking rather disheveled.
"Brother, knock down that imposter of a brother of his," Zhao Xiaogongzi also yelled defiantly.
Both Shi Dingxuan and Zhao Dagongzi gazed intently at each other, their expressions serious. Their eyes revealed a glint of excitement that arises from encountering a worthy adversary.
After a brief moment of eye contact, Zhao Dagongzi spoke first, "Shall we spar?"
Shi Dingxuan replied, "Agreed."
With that, they immediately launched themselves towards each other.
By the time Shi Fuxin, Shi Fuyin, and Shi Fuxin arrived on the scene, the two had become deeply engaged in combat, their intertwining forms moving too swiftly for others to easily distinguish who was who.
Despite using only their bare hands, they managed to create a whirlwind of excitement and tension, reminiscent of a battle with weapons.
This astonishing sight left the members of the Shi family in disbelief.
Zhao Dagongzi, Zhao Shengming, was a renowned young general in Great Chu, who had been granted the title of Third-Rank Distinguished Brave General by the Emperor at the age of eighteen. He had gained fame on the battlefield at the border at a young age, due to his exceptional martial prowess.
However, at this moment, Shi Dingxuan was matching him blow for blow.
Although the Shi family had a martial background, their focus had shifted towards literature and scholarly pursuits under the leadership of Shi's grandfather. Among the direct descendants, only the eldest son, Shi Zhengmao, possessed some martial skills. The rest followed a path of scholarly endeavors.
In this generation, the ability to fully comprehend the techniques of the two fighters belonged only to Shi Fuxin, Shi Fuyin, and Shi Dinghao.
Although the others couldn't fully grasp the intricacies of the fight, the intensity emanating from the two combatants made it clear that Shi Dingxuan was holding his ground.
Amid the awe of the spectators, including the senior members of the Shi family, the realization dawned that Shi Dingxuan was giving as good as he got.
Both Shi Lao Taiye and Shi Wu Lao Ye, who had rushed to the scene upon hearing the news, were equally astounded by the display of martial prowess.
Among the onlookers, Niu Jiaoyu, who had been invited by Shi Qilao Ye to instruct Shi Dingxuan, was also excited. Although he had already recognized Shi Dingxuan's proficiency in martial arts from their interactions, he was still taken aback by his exceptional skill.
Zhao Dagongzi, a peerless young general who could lift a thousand catties, was being evenly matched by Shi Dingxuan, the same Shi Dingxuan who was able to hold his own against him!!!
While the others were left awestruck, Shi Dinghao, having recovered his breath, climbed to his feet with determination, exclaiming loudly, "Brother, avenge me and knock that guy down!"
His voice, loud and sustained, along with his excited hand movements, prompted Shi Fuxin and Shi Fuyin to halt in their tracks as they were approaching to check on his injuries.
His breath is so stable; he shouldn't be seriously hurt.
Evidently, Zhao Dagongzi had been measured in his strike, not intending to hurt Shi Dinghao. His earlier strike was meant only to force him back.
Seeing Shi Dinghao being sent flying by Zhao Dagongzi and then promptly getting back up to demand revenge, Zhao Xiaogongzi also yelled towards Zhao Dagongzi, "Brother, don't hold back. Knock down that imposter of a brother of his."
"You should clean up your mouth a bit. Who's the imposter here?"
"You are the imposter. You tarnished my reputation and took away my jade bok choy. You deserve a beating."
"Listen to you talking like you have a reputation. You're just blowing yourself up. The jade bok choy was won fair and square. If you lost, you should own up to it. I can't believe you, losing and then bringing adults to complain. You're nothing more than a crying baby."
"You're the baby. I have a brother. Why shouldn't I call him when I'm being bullied? You got beaten up and immediately called for your brother too, didn't you? You still have the nerve to talk about me."
In front of the manor's gates, Zhao Dagongzi and Shi Dingxuan continued their intense battle, while Shi Dinghao and Zhao Xiaogongzi stood on opposite sides, gesticulating and taunting each other.
Their gestures, their fervor, were just as intense as the two older brothers locked in combat. In fact, their angry expressions seemed to surpass them.
"Imposter, you better apologize to me while you still have a sense of shame. Return my jade bok choy. I won't hold a grudge over what happened earlier."
"Get real. Stop daydreaming. I never pretended to be you, and the jade bok choy was rightfully won by me. I won't give it back."
"Try it, my father is the Commander of Huaiyuan."
"My father is the heroic figure who set fire to Northern Yan's grain depot."
"My brother is an invincible young general, unbeatable in battle and invincible in offense."
"My brother is the hero who infiltrated deep into Northern Yan's territory, rescued our father, and struck a heavy blow to Northern Yan."
Listening to each other's words, Shi Dinghao had some comebacks for himself, which left Zhao Xiaogongzi extremely frustrated.
He was frustrated, and that made Shi Dinghao happy. "Hehe, keep going. Tell me more about your family. Let me see who else you've got."
Inside the manor's entrance, as Shi Dinghao continued to provoke Zhao Xiaogongzi, Shi Wu Lao Ye felt a bit uneasy and wanted to step out to intervene. However, Shi Lao Taiye stopped him.
"Father, Jiulang's words are too unrestrained. If this continues, he might anger Zhao Xiaogongzi."
Shi Lao Taiye's gaze remained fixed on Shi Dingxuan and Zhao Dagongzi. "Jiulang and Zhao Xiaogongzi are just children exchanging jokes, no need to take it seriously."
Shi Wu Lao Ye paused for a moment and then glanced at the ongoing battle between Shi Dingxuan and Zhao Dagongzi. "Father, should we really not go out to stop them?"
Shi Lao Taiye responded, "Wulang is sixteen years old this year, while Zhao Dagongzi is already twenty. Since Wulang and he are evenly matched, if we were to intervene, he might feel uneasy about it."
Shi Wu Lao Ye nodded quickly. "Father's consideration is thorough." Losing face in front of children was not the same as losing face in front of adults.
While they were speaking, suddenly, a sound of breaking rang out.
The two of them looked and saw that Zhao Dagongzi and Shi Dingxuan had leaped onto the eaves, causing some tiles to break and fall to the ground.
Neither Shi Dingxuan nor Zhao Dagongzi wanted to cause damage. After exchanging a few moves on the rooftop, they quickly jumped down from the eaves.
In the moment of their descent, they immediately swung punches at each other again.
"Boom!"
"Boom!"
The collision of their fists produced explosive sounds. The tremendous impact caused both of them to recoil several meters before regaining their footing.
Outside the manor gates, Zhao Dagongzi and Shi Dingxuan stood facing each other.
They locked eyes for a moment, and then Zhao Dagongzi clenched his fist. "Zhao Shengming."
Hearing that, Shi Dingxuan also saluted with a fist. "Shi Dingxuan."
After exchanging names, the atmosphere lightened from its previous seriousness and tension to become softer and more relaxed.
Zhao Dagongzi walked towards Shi Dingxuan with a smile. "I greatly admire the hero who risked his life to set fire to Northern Yan's grain depot. Visiting today was quite audacious of me. Next time I come, wise brother, you must introduce me to your father."
Clearly, Zhao Dagongzi had heard the conversation between Shi Dinghao and Zhao Xiaogongzi.
Seeing Zhao Dagongzi's courteous and polite behavior, Shi Dingxuan felt a growing fondness for him and quickly responded, "I will certainly extend a warm welcome."
"I won't disturb you any longer today. Farewell."
Zhao Dagongzi smiled, nodded at Shi Dingxuan, then turned to Zhao Xiaogongzi, and together they boarded the carriage of the Zhao family.
"Brother, what about my jade bok choy?"
Zhao Dagongzi looked at his sulking younger brother. "The jade bok choy was just a bet. Since I didn't win it from someone else, I naturally can't ask for it."
Zhao Xiaogongzi furrowed his brow. "Brother, can't you even beat that imposter's brother?"
Zhao Dagongzi pinched the right hand that had just clashed with Shi Dingxuan. Right now, his whole arm was numb.
Such strong internal power!
"Didn't I tell you to stop calling him an imposter? The Fourth Branch of the Shi family returned from the northwest border, and they entered the capital on the same day as us. The people under us wanted to please Father, so they mistook Shi Jiulang for you. It's not his intention to impersonate you."
"Should I just let it slide?"
"You can go take care of it yourself."
"But I can't beat him." Zhao Xiaogongzi looked gloomy. "Hmph, that Shi Jiulang is really annoying. He has a brother, and I have one too. They're both as powerful as you, no wonder he's so arrogant and smug."
As the two brothers talked, the Zhao family's carriage slowly moved away from Changle East Street.
Watching the carriage disappear into the distance, the neighboring Yong'an Marquis Manor of the Wu family and the Ministry of Justice's Deputy Right Minister's Fang family, both of which had been alerted by Shi Dinghao's shout, were filled with some commotion.
Yong'an Marquis Manor's elderly patriarch, Xu Lao Ye, looked towards the direction of Wu Marquis Manor and sighed, "The Shi family mistook their child, leading to much mockery, but I never thought that family would be so underestimated."
Zhao Dagongzi, he was no ordinary fame-seeker. He was a genuine young general who had earned his reputation on the battlefield.
Wulang, who had only recently been brought back to the Shi family, was actually evenly matched with him!!!
It was quite unexpected.
"Is the Shi family turning their fortunes around?"
"I really look down on that Zhao Shenghao. He can't win, so he runs home to complain. If he had the courage, he should practice harder and reclaim his reputation himself."
"But what did he do? He immediately went to find his older brother."
"He has an older brother. Do I not have one?"
Muttering and grumbling, Shi Dinghao followed the others back to the manor.
Seeing Shi Dinghao full of energy, Shi Wu Lao Ye hesitated for a moment and couldn't help but ask, "Jiulang, are you okay after being slapped by Zhao Dagongzi?"
Shi Dinghao chuckled and shook his arm. "Uncle Wu, my body is fine, no worries."
Shi Dingxuan chimed in, "That was Zhao Dagongzi holding back. If he had used full force, you'd be lying in bed now." As he spoke, he lightly moved his right arm, which had clashed with Zhao Dagongzi, and winced as a sharp pain shot through.
Shi Fuyin noticed his discomfort. "Brother, are you okay?"
Shi Dingxuan shook his head. "Don't worry, it's not a big deal."
Shi Fuxin added, "It's not a major issue, but his right arm can't move."
At this point, Jin Yue'e rushed over with concern, anxiously inspecting Shi Dingxuan and Shi Dinghao, tugging at their arms as she looked them over.
"Mother, we're fine, just had a friendly exchange with Zhao Dagongzi." Shi Dingxuan quickly reassured her.
Shi Fuxin playfully added, "But my brother's arm can't move."
Jin Yue'e's expression changed, and without a second thought, she grabbed Shi Dingxuan's arm and guided him towards Yixiang Court. "Let's go back and apply some medicine."
Shi Fuyin, Shi Fuxin, and Shi Dinghao followed quickly.
Seeing the entire family leaving and leaving them behind, Shi Wu Lao Ye and the others exchanged puzzled glances.
How did Jiulang know Zhao Xiaogongzi? Why did Zhao Xiaogongzi come with Zhao Dagongzi to confront them? Jiulang's martial arts skills were unexpectedly high. They were eager to understand all these details.
"Why did they just leave without a word?"
Although the Shi family was worried, they tactfully refrained from urging them to hurry back to Yixiang Court.
Today, Shi Dingxuan had delivered a significant shock to them. Even Shi Dinghao had surprised them greatly.
They had believed that these two, who seemed inexperienced and unskilled, could never excel. Yet, they proved to be astonishingly capable. This transformation was too significant, and they needed time to adjust.
As soon as the news reached Deputy Right Minister Shi Zhengmao at the Ministry of Justice, he hurried back to the mansion upon hearing the circumstances. After understanding the situation, he immediately sent someone to invite Jin Yue'e and her family to Yixiang Hall.
Aware that they were going to be asked about the matter with the Zhao family, and seeing that Shi Dingxuan had already applied the medicine and his arm wasn't as painful, the family headed to Yixiang Hall.
"You did what? You were the one who helped apprehend the three notorious river bandits for the Supreme Court?"
Shi Zhengmao stared at Shi Dinghao in disbelief.
Shi Dinghao nodded, "They offered me silver, and it was hard to refuse. Because of that, Zhao Shenghao accused me of impersonating him. I'm really unjustly accused."
"I had just arrived in the city that day. How could I know who he was?"
"Even if he's the son of a Deputy Minister, I have no reason to impersonate him. I've seen Deputy Minister Zhao before; his family is not the only one. It's like he thinks everyone is envious of him."
Upon hearing this, Shi Zhengmao's wife quickly inquired, "Do you know any Deputy Ministers?"
Since it wasn't a secret, Shi Dinghao directly answered, "Deputy Minister Cai."
Shi Zhengmao's wife was about to ask how they knew each other, but she noticed Shi Zhengmao's gaze and held back her words.
Shi Zhengmao redirected the conversation to the Zhao family. "What about the story of you winning his jade bok choy?"
Shi Dinghao immediately vividly recounted the events that happened at Shu Ji Lu Xiang that day.
As soon as he finished, everyone's gaze shifted to the jade bok choy at his waist, and their expressions turned wary. "This is mine."
Shi Fuxin beside him discreetly moved to cover the jade bok choy hanging from her attire.
The twin jade bok choy ornaments were not only exquisite but also intricately carved, making them highly appealing to both Shi Fuxin and Shi Dinghao.
These subtle gestures were observed by Shi Zhengmao's family.
Shi Dinghao asserted again, "I won this fair and square."
Shi Zhengmao corrected him, "That belongs to Zhao Dagongzi."
Shi Dinghao retorted, "Maybe before, but he lost to me. So, it's mine now."
Shi Zhengmao didn't continue arguing with Shi Dinghao, instead looking at his parents, "Father, Mother, although the impersonation incident isn't Jiulang's fault, he is at the root of it. Therefore, I think it would be best for us to pay a visit to the Zhao mansion and clarify matters."
Shi Dinghao objected, "Why should we explain anything? This has nothing to do with me. He accused me of impersonating Zhao Shenghao, and I could say the same about him."
As Shi Zhengmao was about to advise Shi Fuxin and Shi Dinghao, the family matriarch, Shi Lao Taiye, spoke up.
Shi Lao Taiye looked at Shi Dingxuan with concern. "Wulang, did you get hurt during your exchange with Zhao Dagongzi?"
Hearing this, Shi Fuxin muttered softly, "Finally, someone remembers to care about my brother."
Shi Dingxuan reassured, "Grandfather, I'm fine."
Shi Lao Taiye continued, "Zhao Dagongzi is known for his innate strength. If you're injured anywhere, don't hesitate to see a doctor, and don't be embarrassed about it."
Shi Dingxuan reiterated, "Grandfather, please rest assured, I'm really fine."
Shi Lao Taiye nodded, then turned to Shi Dinghao, "You, young man, got slapped by Zhao Dagongzi, but you seem full of energy. I suppose you weren't hurt too badly."
Shi Dinghao grinned, "Grandfather, I'm in good health."
Shi Lao Taiye chuckled, "It's good to have good health. With a healthy body, you can work well and live well. Health is the most important thing."
After showing concern for their well-being, Shi Lao Taiye got to the point, "Regarding the Zhao family, we should pay them a visit. We need to explain the impersonation incident. As for the jade bok choy, Jiulang, you can handle it."
Shi Dinghao still hesitated, about to voice his objections, but Shi Fuxin tugged at his sleeve.
"Sister, what's wrong?"
"Spend some time with Zhao Dagongzi and Zhao Xiaogongzi. It's a chance to expand our social circle. Currently
, our circle is limited to the mansion. It wouldn't hurt to know more people."
Shi Dinghao pondered for a moment and nodded thoughtfully. "That makes sense." Then, he cleared his throat, "Alright, I'll go to the Zhao mansion with my brother and explain things."
Hearing this, Shi Zhengmao felt relieved. He immediately stood up and was about to take Shi Dingxuan and Shi Dinghao to the Zhao mansion.
Shi Lao Taiye intervened, "There's no need to rush. Wait for your father to return from his official duties, then you can all go together."
After that, she looked at Shi Fuxin and Shi Dinghao, who were now whispering to each other.