Chapter 10, Struggling with Others

Fan Xicheng also did not wish to see the Zhao family father and son again, but the words had already been spoken first by the young master Han Qian; could he still say "no"?

Isn't the entire responsibility of the matter due to Fan Wucheng completely disregarding the words of the young master Han Qian and hastily expelling the Zhao father and son from the Tianzhuang?

If the young man Zhao Wuji before me can truly be of use to me, he may be more trustworthy than those old fellows Fan Xicheng and Zhao Kuo

The old servant will now take Zhao Kuo and the others to the county to retrieve the body of Wu Cheng

However, even if he could rid himself of the arduous task of accompanying the prince, the deep schemes of the Late Red Mansion reveal their greatest flaw in him. At this moment, can he escape the protection of the family guards and possibly survive to flee to Xuanzhou?

Of course, Han Qian also suspected that it was because he had been cooped up in the villa for too long that he found the mountain girl quite appealing.

I express my unwavering loyalty and have absolutely no intention of usurping the estate

What can he express

Although Fan Xicheng felt an immense bitterness in his heart and had unresolved grievances, he could no longer say anything since the head of the family, Han Daoxun, had already expressed his thoughts to this extent. After all, the entire matter still rested with Wu Cheng himself

At this moment, exposing everything and leaking it out, who knows if it will force them into a corner, leading them to eliminate both him and his father to silence them

Han Qian trembled upon hearing the news. Although he was no longer familiar with matters of the imperial court, he understood that Yao Xishui and others had gone to great lengths to kill him and fabricate the illusion of his sudden illness and death. It was highly likely that this was related to the matter at hand, as someone did not wish for him to accompany the Third Prince in his studies

Even he had to endure and accept the promise made by the young master Han Qian regarding the tenant's entry into the mountains, yet Wu Cheng could not suppress his anger and sought to drive the Zhao father and son away, only to be caught off guard and shot dead by the young Zhao Wuji

As a father, what I resent the most about my son is not his lack of knowledge, but his failure to repent.

Zhao Kuo humbly bowed and saluted, retreating to the forest below, yet not straying too far, to demonstrate his continued duty to closely protect the young master Han Qian

Your father probably said that this bow is inauspicious; if it weren't for this bow, such a calamity would not have been provoked, right

The matter began with the young master Han Qian making reckless promises to the tenants, allowing them to enter the mountains for hunting. Is this wrong?

Han Qian should not take pride in the opportunity to accompany the prince as a reader

Han Qian glanced at Zhao Wuji's sister

After the villa, one passes through a narrow and steep forest path, where the terrain opens up slightly. A sloped area is enclosed in a hollow of the mountains, and a new grave stands solitary beneath a century-old tree that can only be embraced by two people.

What else can Fan Xicheng say

When the car reaches the mountain, there will surely be a way; even the late red building is a formidable character, yet it is still human

It is often said that accompanying a ruler is like accompanying a tiger. Han Daoxun also feels as if he is walking on thin ice in the court, completely unaware of what might happen with Han Qian accompanying the Third Prince, the Marquis of Linjiang, in his studies.

This matter is the fault of the child—if it were not for Qian's impulsiveness, agreeing to allow the tenants to enter the mountains for hunting without consulting Master Fan, today's incident would never have arisen. Master Fan bears no blame in this matter; if there is to be blame, it should be directed at Qian's recklessness. However, the situation has already occurred, and if the Han family were to take the law into their own hands, it would tarnish my father's reputation. My father often says that the court is fraught with danger, and one must act as if walking on thin ice, never to be careless or reckless. Master Fan is heartbroken over the loss of his son, and Da Hei feels deeply for the loss of his brother. The child did not wish for matters to escalate further, which is why he spoke some harsh words to Master Fan, but in his heart, he did not truly mean it. "Han Qian" with a 'thud' fell to the stone floor, kneeling down and immediately regretting it; the stone floor was incredibly hard, causing his knees to ache painfully, and he inwardly cursed. Steeling himself, he began to express the words he had long prepared.

It is said that the Third Prince, the Marquis of Linjiang, is to choose a day to leave the palace, but at this moment he has not yet departed. Han Qian, being one of the four ministers' sons appointed by the Empress, sees no necessity to go to the Marquis of Linjiang's residence at this time and will continue to stay at the mountain villa to cultivate himself for the time being

Han Qianqiang suppressed the urge to call out to his father and reveal everything

Han Qian acknowledges his mistakes and, after the incident, understands the need to make amends, preventing the situation from worsening. What more can Han Daoxun reprimand him for

Upon hearing Han Qian's words, Zhao Kuo couldn't help but sigh inwardly, realizing that the young master had indeed intended from the very beginning to use the hand of the young Zhao Wuji to kill Fan Wucheng, which he had previously misjudged.

Han Daoxun looked at his son with considerable surprise, wondering why he, who had a stubborn temperament that could not be swayed even by a donkey, was now willing to admit his mistake

In order to comfort Fan Xicheng, Han Daoxun still put on a stern face and ordered Han Qian to continue kneeling there. With a look of deep sorrow, he helped Fan Xicheng up and said

Look at the good trouble you have caused! You should kneel and reflect properly.

Han Qian had neglected his training for too long. Regardless of how powerful the Shigong Fist and this archery technique were, he did not expect to become a top-tier expert in the world within three to four years

The young Zhao Wuji looked up at Han Qian, his eyes reflecting a hint of confusion, yet no one noticed. In contrast, at that moment, the eyes of the young girl Zhao Ting'er, gazing at the ground, shone brightly.

Seeing his father Han Daoxun's worried expression, Han Qian understood that his father did not wish for him to accompany the Third Prince for his studies, as he did not want him to attract trouble. Moreover, the Late Red Mansion was going to great lengths to create the illusion of his sudden illness and death, clearly not considering the interests of the Han family.

Of course, Han Qian did not intend to share all of this with his father

"Wu Cheng is after all a member of the Han family. After the case is concluded at the county office, you should go and retrieve his body, and choose a suitable place with good feng shui on the back mountain for burial". Han Daoxun did not wish to linger on the matter of Fan Wucheng, but he would still express what needed to be said

However, it is a great honor for the minister's son to accompany the prince in his studies, and there will be corresponding rewards. Naturally, Han Daoxun cannot refuse this.

... ...

"If it were not for this bow, even if you were not sent to the county office for punishment, you would still be driven out of the fields, left homeless and destitute. Are you truly willing to accept that?"

Go ahead..." Han Daoxun signaled Fan Xicheng and the others to go about their business first, as he still had matters to discuss with his son Han Qian

Fan Xicheng, in his early years, was notorious for his violent deeds, with his hands stained in blood. As he aged, his temperament softened. Today, he allowed the young master Han Qian to create such turmoil, without any thoughts of avenging his adopted son Fan Wucheng, contemplating that perhaps Wucheng's fate was meant to be this way

Han Qian watched his father Han Daoxun's carriage, which was escorted by two family guards. After maneuvering around the mountain path, he returned to the villa on horseback with Fan Xicheng, surrounded by Zhao Kuo and other family guards.

You have no intention of bowing down in your heart, and you are not someone who kneels before others, so why make things difficult for yourself? Han Qian smiled faintly, allowing the young Zhao Wuji to stand there and speak.

Han Qian smiled inwardly and said with his hands behind his back

Han Qian has stated that making such remarks in public was merely to prevent them from acting rashly in their excitement; his original intention was not to convey that.

Moreover, if the Late Red Mansion dares to scheme against the Third Prince Yang Yuanpu, who knows how powerful the forces behind them are and how deep their plans run

Young Zhao Wuji stood up, holding the black cloud bow, and was about to kneel before Han Qian to express his gratitude for saving his life

The young Zhao Wuji's eyes revealed a look of gratitude as he handed over the black cloud bow, saying, "My father said this bow is too precious, and Wuji should not accept such a heavy gift from the young master"

Although such an incident occurred at the villa this time, Han Qian, surprisingly, was not so enraged that it caused him heart pain. However, after staying at the villa for three days, Han Daoxun returned to the city after Fan Wucheng's funeral, still filled with worry.

Watching Fan Xicheng ride a thin horse towards the villa, he appeared dejected as if he had suffered a serious illness, his spirit and energy significantly diminished compared to before. Han Qian's expression brightened slightly as he recalled a phrase from the dream world: "Fighting against others brings endless joy; fighting against heaven brings endless joy..."

"That little brat Zhao Wujie should be made to observe mourning at the tomb of Wu Cheng, and we cannot let these lowly commoners take advantage of the situation. Otherwise, the people around here will truly not take the Han family seriously!" Han Qian said while kneeling on the ground

Regardless of whether this is a means for his father Han Daoxun to win people's hearts, it is understandable that Fan Wucheng, having heard such words, would have delusions of taking his place after his untimely death. It is no wonder that he occasionally exudes an uncontainable air of arrogance, even if he was not bought off by the late Honglou; he deserved to die.

Compared to this, he would rather escape back to Xuanzhou, living a carefree life as a scion of a prominent family, patiently awaiting the death of Emperor Tianyou four years later

Zhao Kuo, you may step back for now; I wish to impart a segment of archery techniques to Zhao Wujie," Han Qian said to Zhao Kuo.

I have not mastered archery, but I have a good master who taught me a technique during my youth. Although I cannot achieve any remarkable skill in archery, it may be useful to you," Han Qian said, and then he imparted to the young Zhao Wuji the archery technique that the old Taoist had taught him back in Chuzhou. "Draw the bow with both hands in front of you, a towering tree stands on the wilderness, the spacing is just right like a full moon, the form is ample and appears perfectly round, the spirit is lifted and remains calm, the whole body swells and swirls..."

The young Zhao Wuji, upon hearing Han Qian's words, finally felt his resolve strengthen, and with his still somewhat youthful hands, he gripped the black cloud bow even tighter

Han Qian nodded in satisfaction, then bid farewell to Zhao Ting'er and her brother Zhao Wuji, and confidently descended the mountain

A frail girl dressed in a linen garment was cleaning the bowls and dishes that the young Zhao Wuji had used, placing them into a bamboo basket. Upon seeing Han Qian and Zhao Kuo coming up the mountain, the girl boldly glanced over several times, but only lowered her head when Han Qian and the others approached.

"You are to observe mourning at Fan Wucheng's grave, not because others wish to humiliate you, but because I have proposed this. You should not be unable to endure even this slight humiliation. Be patient and practice archery here; in a few days, I will come to teach you Shigongquan," Han Qian said. "Additionally, do you know how to read?"

... ...

"If you believe that your entire family should be driven out, then return this black cloud bow to me. If you feel any resentment in your heart, then keep this black cloud bow. Should any wicked servant dare to take away the land that belongs to you and your family in the future, you may use this bow to kill them!" Han Qian said

Han Qian knelt down, his knees feeling both sore and numb, cursing under his breath. He stole a glance at his father, Han Daoxun, who was frowning deeply under the candlelight, seemingly troubled by some concern weighing on his heart. It was evident that he was hesitating over whether to share certain words with his unfilial son.

Han Qian stood to the side, watching his father Han Daoxun's face, illuminated by candlelight, shift between expressions of gloom and brightness. He knew that his father Han Daoxun absolutely did not want to see Fan Xicheng, the family soldier who had been with him for many years, leave just like that. Fan Xicheng was different from other family soldiers; he had redeemed his status through military achievements in his early years and thus had the freedom to choose his own path. Currently, he remained by Han Daoxun's side, considered a retainer.

A simple thatched hut was built beside the grave, where the young Zhao Wuji sat cross-legged inside, his expression haughty, with a black bow resting across his knees

Wucheng is a good child, well-versed in human affairs and possessing great talent. I have also considered taking this child under my wing. With such an incident occurring, my heart aches no less than yours

Who would believe it if you said it

He has not yet arrived beside the Third Prince, the Marquis of Linjiang, to accompany him in his studies, yet the behind-the-scenes forces are willing to use Yao Xishui as a pawn to poison him, attempting to create the illusion of his sudden illness and death. Is this really a good job

Although they lowered their heads, being in a lower position allowed them to see Zhao Ting'er’s small face, which was as clean as a mountain spring. Beneath her long eyelashes, her eyes sparkled like stars in the night sky, making it hard to imagine that such beauty could exist in the wilderness—yet she was too thin, her body too frail, which made her appear somewhat unremarkable.

"I do not recognize!" said the young Zhao Wuji

At present, Han Qian did not care about how Fan Xicheng would feel and directly asked Zhao Kuo to accompany him to the back mountain

Han Qian was still filled with doubts about how Fan Wucheng could collude with Yao Xishui to harm him. Upon hearing this, he thought that the root of the disaster might lie in this matter.

The night is deep, and the eastern courtyard of the Autumn Lake Mountain villa is brightly lit by candlelight

The old servant laments his inability to teach his children properly and admits that he is overwhelmed in managing the estate, which has led to this unfortunate incident. He feels he has let down the master and is filled with shame, feeling unworthy to continue serving the master and the young master. Fan Xicheng kneels in front of the hall, crying and pleading with tears and snot to be allowed to leave the estate.

Even if he is arrogant and ignorant, he knows that being a companion to the prince is certainly not a good job

It is unclear how Han Qian has changed his disposition, and Han Daoxun is also filled with reprimands that he cannot express.

Even if he were to mention his departure at this moment, it would only make him appear to disregard the kindness of the family head and be ungrateful.

Han Qian said this, and not to mention Han Daoxun, even Fan Xicheng had a look of astonishment on his face, truly feeling a myriad of grievances in his heart, yet for a moment, he found it impossible to express them.

Han Daoxun originally did not want to meddle, thinking that after this matter, he would just expel Zhao Laoguan, Zhao Wuji, and their family from the Tianzhuang. However, upon hearing his son Han Qian say this, he asked Fan Xicheng: "If you think it is feasible, then send a message to Liu Yuan. I believe he will give my Han family this little favor..."

The third prince, who has just been granted the title of Marquis of Linjiang, is already thirteen years old. It is not appropriate for him to remain in the palace for long. A date will soon be chosen for him to move outside the palace, and at that time, four sons of ministers will also be selected to accompany him in his studies at the Marquis of Linjiang's residence. You will also be by His Highness's side to accompany him in his studies..." Han Daoxun sighed heavily, sitting in front of the candle as he spoke

... ...

Han Qian has admitted that this is his fault

Thank you, head of the family, said Fan Xicheng

"The command of the young master is something that I, Zhao Wuji, would never dare to forget or neglect," the young Zhao Wuji said firmly

Upon seeing the young master Han Qian turn around to look, Zhao Kuo lowered his head, avoiding the young master Han Qian's piercing gaze that could kill.

"Being illiterate is not acceptable," Han Qian said while stroking his chin. "It is not necessary to be highly knowledgeable in reading, but you must be able to read books fluently. How about this: I will stay at the villa for a few more days, and during this time, you will come down to the eastern courtyard every morning, and I will teach you to read. If anyone dares to stop you, you know what to do."