Chapter 3, The Poor Youth Who Was Deceived

"The neighbor of Young Master Chen," Young Master Qiao pointed in a direction, "is the third house down the road, the one with a phoenix tree in the courtyard; that is my humble abode."

"Young Master Chai, do not be so angry," Young Master Qiao said with a smile, showing no fear. "Indeed, Young Master Chen is currently a young man in distress, but was what he just said not true? Do not look down on the youth in poverty. Young Master Chai, if you frequently use your power to oppress others, it will not only harm your reputation but also reflect poorly on the dignity of Duke Chai, wouldn't it?"

In Huaiyuan, while supervising the grain and supplies for Emperor Yang of Sui's second campaign against the Goguryeo, Chen Yingliang, who had successfully gathered information about Li Yuan's whereabouts, first felt delighted, then suddenly froze in surprise, exclaiming: "This sounds strangely familiar, as if I have heard it before"

I am divorcing your sister!" Chen Yingliang said loudly, "Your Chai family looks down on me, and I look down on the girls of your Chai family, so I am divorcing your sister! The marriage contract between our two families is hereby null and void!

"What did you say?" The young master Chai's fair face turned dark as he shouted at Chen Yingliang: "Say it again if you dare!"

Chai Sicong! Young Master Qiao Song was also furious, blocking Young Master Chai and pointing at his nose, he shouted: "Do you still have any regard for the laws of the Great Sui? You broke your promise and ruined the engagement first, nearly causing a loss of life, and then resorted to violence, utterly lawless to the extreme! Don't think that just because you are the son of the Duke of Chai, you can act recklessly; the Great Sui still has laws! There is still justice in the world!"

"What do you mean?" Young Master Chai asked in confusion.

Chen Yingliang was getting increasingly furious, thinking to himself, is there really such a domineering family in this world? It's one thing to disdain the poor and love the rich, and to break off an engagement, but to actually force the person who was rejected to leave the city they live in and never return? Isn't this going too far? They don't see me as a human being at all

"Announcing the cancellation of the engagement in public," Chen Yingliang said with a smile, "Please, Brother Sichang, publicly disclose the reasons for your cancellation of the engagement, as well as the conditions for me to leave Daxing. Then, someone will divide today’s events concerning Brother Sichang into nine episodes, which will be shared daily without interruption. The audience should not be small. After that, I will publicly agree to the cancellation of the engagement and will leave Daxing City forever. What do you think, Brother Sichang? This condition of mine is quite simple, isn’t it?" What do you think, Brother Sichang? This condition of mine is quite simple, isn’t it?

The display of the Lao Chai family was grand, with twelve well-dressed servants arranged in two lines, marching forward to clear the way. Each servant carried a saber at their waist, their steps synchronized, heads held high, and an air of superiority about them. A young nobleman in white attire rode a tall white horse at the center of the servants, flanked by four maidens in colorful dresses who walked closely beside him. Following behind were a dozen more tall servants, also arranged in formation. The line was so long that the end could not be seen from the front, and its width nearly blocked the narrow street, creating an imposing and overwhelming presence.

Thank you for your concern, elder brother, and thank you, Uncle Chai, for your concern. I am well now. " Chen Yingliang cupped his hands in salute, and inwardly scoffed, " Worried about me? You are worried about the reputation of the Chai family, aren't you? "

You ... ... "Young Master Chai glared at Young Master Qiao again, but Young Master Qiao showed no fear and returned the glare with a cold smile

Seeing the indifferent expression of Master Chai, Chen Yingliang's anger intensified. Although Chen Yingliang, who used public funds to purchase a kidney machine as office supplies, did not possess the commendable habit of respecting the elderly and cherishing the young, as a modern individual, he still found it unacceptable to witness an elderly man with white hair bowing and pleading before him, while remaining oblivious to the situation. In his fury, Chen Yingliang abandoned his initial plan to agree to the annulment of the engagement at once. Instead, he went to support the weeping and shouting Chen Laosan, while coldly sneering, "Brother Sichang, have you ever heard a saying?"

"I will accompany you to the end!" Chen Yingliang replied loudly

"You dare to speak to me like that," Young Master Chai said with an exceptionally grim expression, enunciating each word: "In the future, do not regret it"

Chen Laosan had already knelt down, but Chen Yingliang remained motionless and even pulled Chen Laosan up. Although Chen Yingliang did not fully understand the etiquette of ancient times, he was aware that it was not necessary for peers to kneel in greeting. The young master Chai before him could be considered Chen Yingliang's future brother-in-law in terms of reputation, and naturally, Chen Yingliang was unwilling to kneel before him

What do you want to do? The expression on Young Master Chai's face changed slightly

Young Master Qiao Song nodded slightly and smiled as he said, "However, my wise brother, this Young Master Chai does not seem to be a person of broad-mindedness. By confronting him so today, you must be wary of his potential retaliation in the future"

After listening to the kind advice of his neighbor, Young Master Qiao Song, Chen Yingliang still chose to act with magnanimity. He followed the proper etiquette and stepped out of the courtyard to welcome them, seizing the opportunity to witness firsthand the grand spectacle of the powerful elite of this era.

"Brother Sichang, our matter is not yet resolved." Chen Yingliang, fearing that his good neighbor, Young Master Qiao Song, would suffer, hurriedly struggled to stand up while enduring the intense pain in his chest, and asked loudly with a forced smile, "Brother Sichang, you are already aware of the conditions I proposed. Please choose: will you accept my conditions, or will you allow me to marry Miss Chai?"

"Then I shall not stand on ceremony," Young Master Chai said with a slight nod. "Brother Ying Liang, I have two purposes for visiting you today. First, I came to see you. I heard that the day before yesterday, you, in a moment of despair, attempted to take your own life by hanging. I am concerned about your situation, so I specifically came to visit you today, also on behalf of my father, to express our condolences.

"Brother Zichang, I am your younger brother, Chen Yingliang, paying my respects to you." Chen Yingliang clasped his fists and bowed, imitating the ancient customs to pay his respects to Young Master Chai, while secretly murmuring to himself, "Chai Zichang? Never heard of him, just a minor character."

Seeing the arrogant demeanor of Young Master Chai, Chen Yingliang, filled with anger, straightforwardly said: "If Brother Sichang wants to break off the engagement, fine. I can agree to the annulment, but I have only one condition, a very simple one. As long as Brother Sichang agrees and fulfills it, I will immediately break off the engagement! Moreover, I will leave Daxing forever and never return!"

Young Master Chai nodded slightly, raised his head, and entered the dilapidated courtyard of Chen Yingliang's home. He surveyed the surrounding environment and glanced at the several ramshackle earthen houses that were leaning in various directions. Frowning slightly, he simply stood still in the courtyard and turned to Chen Yingliang, saying: "Brother Yingliang, I still have to go to the palace to handle some matters later, so let us speak here."

Casting a glance at the arrogant Young Master Chai, Chen Yingliang coldly remarked: "You are now wealthy and powerful, able to look down upon me, this poor youth, and deem me unworthy of your sister. But do you dare to ask yourself honestly whether this wealth and glory are truly earned by your own efforts? A crow can become a phoenix, and even an ugly duckling has its day to transform into a swan. I am still young, with plenty of time and opportunities to rise above. Today you may break off the engagement, but do not regret it in the future. A crow can become a phoenix, and even an ugly duckling has its day to transform into a swan. I am still young, with plenty of time and opportunities to rise above. Today you may break off the engagement, but do not regret it in the future.

"What is the Duke of Tang doing?" Young Master Qiao Song's expression became somewhat peculiar

Young Master Chai just mentioned it. Young Master Qiao Song said expressionlessly: "He said that his esteemed father-in-law is currently in Huaiyuan preparing provisions for His Majesty the Emperor's expedition against Goguryeo, and he wishes to recommend you for a position under Duke Tang's command, but you, my virtuous brother, outright refused.

"Sichang is the courtesy name of that Young Master Chai." Qiao Song's response completely shattered Chen Yingliang's last hope, "His name is Chai Shao. He married the third daughter of the Duke of Tang last year. Good brother, you and he are considered family friends; how could you not know this?"

Upon hearing Chen Yingliang's words, Young Master Chai instinctively halted his steps, wanting to turn back. However, he felt that continuing to quarrel with Chen Yingliang would be beneath his dignity and would also tarnish his family's reputation. Gritting his teeth, he ultimately chose to walk away with his head held high. The armed attendants accompanying Young Master Chai quickly followed suit, each of them glaring angrily at Chen Yingliang as they exited. Chen Yingliang, unfazed, responded with a cold gaze.

"As long as you are willing, these silver coins are yours," Young Master Chai said with a satisfied nod and a smile.

Chen Yingliang also nodded, and it was evident that the young Master Chai was not someone to be easily trifled with. Given the current situation, he would certainly not let this matter rest. Chen Yingliang needed to quickly devise a strategy to deal with the potential retaliation that might follow. After casting a glance at the imposing Master Qiao Song, Chen Yingliang suddenly recalled his intention to seek favor with Li Yuan, and seizing the opportunity, he asked Master Qiao Song: "Elder brother, you are older and more knowledgeable than I am; may I ask if you are familiar with Li Yuan?"

Since my dear brother has already recovered, this is naturally the best outcome. Young Master Chai feigned concern and said, "The second matter is still regarding the issue between you and Third Sister."

Young Master!" Chen Laosan shouted, rushing over to protect Chen Yingliang with his frail body

"Who are you?" asked Young Master Chai with a very unpleasant expression.

The young nobleman in white reined in his horse in front of the Chen family gate, fixing his gaze on Chen Yingliang. Chen Yingliang, undaunted, raised his head to meet his gaze. He noticed that this young nobleman was in his early twenties, strikingly handsome, with fair skin and features like a painting. His two sword-like eyebrows were prominent, and amidst his good looks, there was a palpable air of vigor. It was evident that he was indeed the arrogant Young Master Chai mentioned by the boastful servant.

Then you are doomed!" Young Master Chai was furious

I would like to inquire about where he lives and where he is currently located" Chen Yingliang replied

"Brother Sichang, there is no choice left, is there?" Chen Yingliang sneered and said loudly, "Your time is precious, but my time is even more valuable. Let’s not waste words; you may leave! There is no need for you to use money or official positions to bribe me into canceling the engagement. I will divorce your sister right now! She is free to remarry, and I will not have any regrets!"

What? "https://mhetushucom.com" Chen Yingliang exclaimed in shock, pointing in the direction where Young Master Chai had left: "That Chai Sichang just now is the son-in-law of Emperor Li Yuan of the Tang Dynasty?"

"In the future, you will surely regret it!" Chen Yingliang sneered, enduring the intense pain in his chest as he spoke loudly, "Let it be known here, within three years, I will make the Chai family regret today's choice!"

Chen Yingliang chuckled coldly, understanding the meaning behind Young Master Chai's words but too lazy to respond, simply opting for a smile without speaking

Young Master Chai dismounted silently in front of Chen Yingliang. After the servant led away the tall white horse, he slightly cupped his hands towards Chen Yingliang, forcing out a faint smile, and asked: "You must be Brother Yingliang, right? It's a pleasure to meet you for the first time. Duke Chai of Julu is my father, and the Chai and Chen families have been family friends for generations. You can call me Brother Sichang."

What if I insist on refusing to agree to the annulment of the marriage?" Chen Yingliang replied with a cold smile.

Young Master Chai's face was both pale and dark, almost making him want to pounce on Chen Yingliang and tear him apart on the spot. Young Master Qiao Song, however, stood tall in front of Young Master Chai, preventing him from erupting in violence again.

Please bestow your guidance, Brother Sichang. In fact, Chen Yingliang had long anticipated the intentions of Young Master Chai and nodded.

"You scoundrel, you won't shed a tear until you see the coffin!" Young Master Chai felt a surge of anger in his heart and said, "Brother Ying, I believe you understand my intentions. One hundred taels of silver is enough for you to live comfortably for half your life and to marry a wife. In addition, I will provide you with further compensation."

This was the first meeting between Chen Yingliang and Young Master Chai. The outcome of this meeting was that both parties found each other somewhat displeasing, failing to leave a good impression in each other's eyes—this is what is known as an incompatible fate.

Li Yuan? Young Master Qiao Song was momentarily taken aback. Just as he was about to say that there were many people with that name, he suddenly recalled someone for certain reasons and blurted out in response: "Is the Li Yuan you are asking about the Duke of Tang from the previous week? The Li Yuan who currently holds the position of Deputy Minister of the Imperial Guard?"

Upon hearing Chen Yingliang's words, Young Master Chai, whose face had turned a shade of iron, relaxed his expression and nodded, saying: "What conditions do you want? Speak up. Is an eighth-rank official position and one thousand taels of silver sufficient?"

In an instant, Chen Yingliang even had the thought of rushing out to chase after Young Master Chai.

"You lowly fellow! I have long found you displeasing!" Young Master Chai had once again found a target to vent his frustrations on. Clenching his fist, he shouted at Young Master Qiao, "What do you think you are? Dare to be so audacious in front of the Chai family?"

Of course. Chen Yingliang smiled politely, stepped aside to make an inviting gesture, and said with a smile, "Brother Sichang, please."

I want to hit you!" Young Master Chai muttered to himself, first waving his hand to dismiss the servants, then, with a blank expression, said to Chen Yingliang: "I don't want to waste my breath with you. I will ask you just one question: are you going to withdraw from the engagement or not?"

"For the reputation of the Chai family," Young Master Chai candidly replied, "Although I have allowed you to voluntarily withdraw from the engagement, your continued presence in Daxing City still poses a certain hindrance to the prestige of my Chai family. Therefore, you must leave Daxing and do not return in the future"

Young Master Chai glared at Chen Yingliang with gritted teeth for a long time, then suddenly turned around and shouted, "You, Chen, and the library, just wait and see!"

"Do you still want me to leave Daxing? Never to return?" Chen Yingliang was somewhat taken aback and asked in confusion, "Why? Why can't I return to Daxing City?"

As Chen Yingliang assessed Young Master Chai, Young Master Chai was, of course, also evaluating Chen Yingliang. He found that Chen Yingliang's appearance was somewhat better than he had imagined, with a youthful face that was quite pleasing to the eye. Even though he was dressed modestly, he could still be considered a handsome young man. However, it was Chen Yingliang's calm eyes that made Young Master Chai extremely uncomfortable. In Chen Yingliang's gaze, there was not the slightest hint of the awe and flattery that common folk typically displayed towards Young Master Chai; instead, it was as if he were looking at an equal—this was something that Young Master Chai, who was at an ambitious age and held a deep contempt for his future brother-in-law, found difficult to accept. Even though he was dressed modestly, he could still be considered a handsome young man. However, it was Chen Yingliang's calm eyes that made Young Master Chai extremely uncomfortable. In Chen Yingliang's gaze, there was not the slightest hint of the awe and flattery that common folk typically displayed towards Young Master Chai; instead, it was as if he were looking at an equal—this was something that Young Master Chai, who was at an ambitious age and held a deep contempt for his future brother-in-law, found difficult to accept.

At this point, Master Chai raised his hand and clapped twice. Immediately, a servant outside the courtyard entered, holding a brocade box. He knelt on one knee before Master Chai, raising the box high above his head with both hands. Master Chai casually opened the box, revealing it to be filled with silver, and then smiled at Chen Yingliang, saying: "Brother Yingliang, do you see this? One hundred taels of silver"

Chen Yingliang certainly did not know what position Li Shimin's father currently held, but hearing the word "Tang" was sufficient. Therefore, Chen Yingliang quickly nodded and said: "Yes, yes, it is him, Duke of Tang, Li Yuan"

"You fool! You seek death!" Young Master Chai was furious, leaping forward in a single bound, delivering a heavy kick to Chen Yingliang's chest. Although Chen Yingliang had some fighting skills and instinctively tried to evade, unfortunately, the current body was far inferior to that of the previous police captain. Being kicked in the chest by Young Master Chai, he immediately fell over, landing on his back with his feet in the air.

I see it. "Chen Yingliang nodded.

What did you say? The furious Young Master Chai, with anger boiling inside him and nowhere to vent, turned around to seek out the person who was applauding. Chen Yingliang and Chen Laosan, along with others, also turned their heads to look in the direction of the sound, only to unexpectedly discover that the one cheering and clapping was none other than the good neighbor, Young Master Qiao Song, who had been standing in the corner of the courtyard, wearing patched trousers and having provided assistance to the Chen family in their time of need.

"My esteemed father-in-law is currently overseeing the transportation of grain and supplies for the Emperor's second campaign against Goguryeo in Huaiyuan," said Young Master Chai. "I can write a letter of recommendation for you to meet my father-in-law. He will grant you a position; although it may not be a high one, it will ensure that you will be free from worries about food and clothing for the rest of your life"

"How bold of you not to kneel and bow your head." Young Master Chai felt increasingly uncomfortable towards Chen Yingliang. He forced himself to suppress his displeasure and said: "Brother Yingliang, I have come today to visit you and discuss some matters. This is not a suitable place for conversation; may I come into your home to talk further?"

Crying uncontrollably, Chen Laosan repeatedly kowtowed to Young Master Chai. Unfortunately, Young Master Chai did not even blink, nor did he cast a glance at Chen Laosan, and naturally, he paid no heed to Chen Laosan's wailing pleas.

Young Master Qiao Song's expression became even more peculiar, and after a long pause, he finally replied: "Lord Tang is currently in Huaiyuan, overseeing the supply of provisions for His Majesty's second expedition to Goguryeo."

"Young Master Chai, is it not enough to bully the weak? Do you still wish to kill to silence them?" Young Master Qiao, unable to tolerate Young Master Chai's attitude, interjected coldly and said: "Perhaps Young Master Chai has the audacity to do so, but the vast world of the Sui Dynasty is not something you can control single-handedly. The grand historical records and the voices of the people will provide their own judgment. His Majesty the Emperor will certainly be aware of this matter. When that time comes, let us see how you will explain this to His Majesty, the laws of the land, and the public opinion of the world!"

"But I have one more condition: you must never return to this Daxing City again," Young Master Chai added. "You must adhere to this; otherwise, I will make you regret it for a lifetime."

"I do not desire Brother Sichang's official position, nor do I wish for his wealth," Chen Yingliang shook his head and smiled as he spoke. "It is a very simple condition. Remember that the most luxurious restaurant in Daxing City is Tianxing Tower, where the guests are almost all high-ranking officials and prominent figures of the time. I dare to request Brother Sichang to take the lead in hosting a grand banquet at Tianxing Tower, inviting dozens to hundreds of dignitaries. The more dignitaries, the better, but it must not be fewer than one hundred people."

"Young Master Chai, please show mercy!" Chen Laosan suddenly cried out, kneeling down with a thud before Young Master Chai, and sobbing loudly, "You cannot do this. The marriage between my young master and the third Miss Chai was personally arranged by the Old Master and Old Master Chai back in the day, and they even exchanged tokens. You cannot go back on your word, and you cannot force my young master to his death!"

Young Master Chai's expression suddenly turned extremely unpleasant, while Chen Yingliang smiled again. Just as he was about to take the initiative to propose the annulment of the engagement, someone nearby began to applaud loudly, exclaiming: "Good! A timeless saying! What a great line: 'Do not bully the young and poor!' This phrase should be recorded in history to warn future generations!"

"Brother Qiao, you flatter me; I am unworthy of such praise," Chen Yingliang said with a forced smile. "I initially did not intend for matters to escalate to this point; it is he who has gone too far."

"Brother Yingliang, I truly admire you." It was only after all the members of the Chai family had left that Young Master Qiao Song turned to Chen Yingliang, raised his thumb, and smiled, saying: "To be unyielding in power and wealth, and to be able to achieve this, is a rarity among the people of the world."

Young Master Chai's face turned ashen, his fists clenched tightly, glaring at Young Master Qiao. The bodyguards brought by Young Master Chai did not hesitate at all, immediately surrounding Young Master Qiao from both sides, their fierce gazes indicating they were ready to strike at any moment. Chen Yingliang, filled with rage, stepped forward to stand shoulder to shoulder with his good neighbor, Young Master Qiao, and loudly asked: "Brother Sichang, what do you mean by this? Do you intend to attack my guest?"

It is a very simple sentence. Chen Yingliang suddenly raised his voice and said loudly: "Do not underestimate the youth in poverty"

"Elder brother, please speak." Chen Yingliang smiled.

"Indeed, you are just a pauper." Young Master Chai snorted coldly in his heart, his expression growing even more unpleasant as he shouted, "Since you are not from the Chen family, what right do you have to speak? Get lost immediately, and don't bring trouble upon yourself!"

Compared to the elegantly dressed Young Master Chai, Young Master Qiao, in his coarse long gown, certainly cannot compete in attire. However, in terms of presence, he does not fall short of Young Master Chai in the slightest. Young Master Chai glares at Young Master Qiao with a face ashen with anger, his fierce gaze almost capable of killing. Yet, Young Master Qiao remains even more unafraid than Chen Yingliang, offering a slight smile to Young Master Chai and cupping his hands in salute, saying: "Young Master Chai, please do not take offense. I acted presumptuously; upon hearing Young Master Chen's brilliant words, I could not help but applaud in appreciation. I hope you will forgive any disturbance caused."