Chapter 006: The Chaos that Confounded Sima Kao

Brother Zhao, please don't!

Watching Zhao Jiarun calmly directing amidst the chaos, while listening to the uproar of voices, Sima Kao was completely at a loss as to what he should do. The people rushing back and forth paid no attention to who Sima Kao was, simply pushing through in a frenzy. Sima Kao did not dare to step forward to assist; he could only retreat to the edge of the courtyard wall and stand there. Once the situation stabilized, Sima Kao saw Zhao Jiarun approaching him with his attendant Zhao Yong. Just as Sima Kao thought Zhao Jiarun was going to instruct him to do something, he was unexpectedly pulled outward by Zhao Jiarun, who grasped his arm.

Some people were so frightened that they kept retreating, some were so scared that they turned and ran, while many others were so terrified that they could not move at all

Ah

With Zhao Jiaran's initial bizarre movements, coupled with this unusual action that followed, the onlookers all felt that the young man before them had lost his mind. Even the blacksmith, who had just been furious, was so frightened that he no longer shouted.

Let us not discuss whether the 'deceased' is truly dead. The person on the ground has a pen barrel pierced through his neck, clearly suffering a wound that is sufficient to be fatal. This individual not only did not die again, but instead came back to life. Sima Kao was very eager to investigate further, yet the shock was simply too great. Feeling a chill breeze blowing from the front, Sima Kao's vision darkened, and he lost all awareness.

You are not allowed to harm my master! You are not allowed to harm my master! The blacksmith, unable to break free, could only shout.

Haha. Brother Zhao, a sword must be sharpened before it can be sharp. This sword has not been sharpened after it was forged, " Sima Kao explained with a smile

After pondering for a moment, Zhao Jiaran spoke up: "The weight of this sword is quite extraordinary, but it just doesn't feel sharp enough"

"Fifteen years old in nominal age," Zhao Jiaran clarified

The situation has stabilized. There is no need for us to intervene here any longer. It is pointless for us to stay, let us leave. Zhao Jiaran said as he walked away without looking back

Isn't Young Master Zhao already 15 this year?" interjected the gentleman in his forties.

Sima Kao strode to the door, and immediately felt a wave of heat rush towards him, making it somewhat difficult to breathe

Sima Kao felt his arm loosen, and he saw Zhao Jiaran release his grip on Sima Kao's hand and quickly walk over. Upon reaching the now upright injured person, Zhao Jiaran first extended his left hand, placing his index and middle fingers on the neck of the individual who could be considered a corpse. After a brief pause, he gently squeezed the deceased's throat, then took out a small knife from his waist, attempting to pry open the deceased's mouth

Feeling that he had done his utmost in sterilization, Zhao Jiaran took out a sharpened pencil and pressed it against the throat of the deceased, taking a deep breath before forcefully striking the other end. The force he felt in his hand matched the sensation Zhao Jiaran recalled, and the pencil smoothly pierced the man's trachea

Our young master is a newly appointed Jinshi, so it is wise to listen to him! This shout, when uttered, initially left the chaotic crowd uncertain, perhaps believing that a person of high official rank and great knowledge could provide them with a sense of security. Alternatively, they may have been intimidated by Zhao Yong's thunderous roar, as the tumultuous situation quickly improved significantly.

Zhao Jiaran is merely a thirteen-year-old child. Due to excitement and exertion, his voice is extremely shrill, causing Sima Kao to feel a wave of annoyance. Then, a thunderous roar resounds, "Are you all seeking death? If you wish to die, then jump into the molten iron yourselves. If you do not wish to die, then hurry and get out. If you want to extinguish the fire, then listen to our young master. Our young master is a newly appointed Jinshi, following his instructions is the right choice!" If you do not wish to die, then hurry and get out. If you want to extinguish the fire, then listen to our young master. Our young master is a newly appointed Jinshi, following his instructions is the right choice!

It has been over a month since the news of Sima Kao being appointed as an official in Ezhou reached the capital, and the twenty-six-year-old Sima Kao could not help but burst into laughter upon hearing it. Even though he was twenty-six when he passed the imperial examination, Sima Kao had devoted twenty years to his studies, starting from the age of six in primary education. From being a peasant in the morning to ascending the imperial hall in the evening, he had leaped to become the pride of his family and officially embarked on his official career, making his dream come true.

The person next to him, who was crying mournfully, was first taken aback, then filled with rage. He reached out and pushed Zhao Jiaran aside, and in a fit of fury, he swung his fist to strike Zhao Jiaran. Zhao Yong rushed forward in a swift motion and embraced the man from behind. However, the man was a blacksmith and quite strong. With a powerful shake of his arms, he actually managed to shake off Zhao Yong's grip.

Others were unaware of what had happened, standing frozen in place, at a loss. Zhao Jiaran glanced at two women among Sima Kao's group and said to Sima Kao: "Brother Sima, you should escort the women back. Do not let them be frightened. I will go take a look"

Indeed. Since you will be 16 next year, why should Brother Zhao mind? Sima Kao also added: "By the way, since you are here to relax, we happen to have rented a boat on Taihu Lake. If you don't mind, come along with us."

As long as commands are obeyed, there is at least order. By the time Sima Kao rushed into the courtyard despite the sweltering heat, Zhao Jiaran had already gained a firm grasp of the situation. He directed the people in the courtyard to carry the injured out. He also stationed someone at the entrance to prevent chaotic entry and exit. The courtyard was already piled with sand, and some began to transport it. After a period of confusion, things surprisingly started to improve.

Is that true? A gentleman around forty years old, sitting next to Zhao Jiaran, asked a follow-up question.

"To be able to meet Young Master Zhao is indeed a matter of great joy. I shall host the gathering; could it be that Young Master Zhao would not honor us with his presence?" Looking at the brother, who appeared to be around forty years old, he immediately took over the conversation.

Zhao Yong was quite swift; seeing that the person was about to pounce on Zhao Jiarun, he stepped forward and embraced the person from behind.

I see. Zhao Jiaran replied

However, after speaking, everyone's gaze was focused on Zhao Jiaran's face. It was evident that each person was eager to know the private matters of the underage scholar. Seeing everyone so enthusiastic, Zhao Jiaran felt that humanity's obsession with gossip had reached the point of disregarding the privacy rights of minors. Reluctantly, Zhao Jiaran added, "After the palace examination, Brother Sima has already secured a position, but I have not received any news. This time, I am merely here to take a break."

The people around could not help but smile when they heard Zhao Jiaran making unprofessional remarks about the sword. Zhao Jiaran also returned the sword to the brother who was around forty years old. The purpose of Sima Kao and others visiting the blacksmith's shop this time was to retrieve this sword

At this moment, it was not only Zhao Jiaran who was bewildered; apart from Zhao Yong himself, who was tightly holding onto the blacksmith, everyone witnessing this scene was stunned. Even the blacksmith had stopped struggling, staring in astonishment at Zhao Jiaran's astonishing act

Zhao Jiaran's purpose for coming today is not to go boating on Taihu Lake, but rather to find someone at the blacksmith's shop. However, such matters cannot be disclosed to the individuals across from him. Zhao Jiaran quickly put on a reluctant expression, saying, "This... I fear it may not be convenient."

A gentleman does not stand beneath a precarious wall. Sima Qiao must have learned this saying, yet when he saw others leave, he could not help but want to chase after them

"You all apprehend this fellow." With a shout, two more rushed over and, together with Zhao Yong, subdued the blacksmith

Several individuals have suffered burns, and except for the one lying straight on the outside, all are groaning in pain. The person lying on the outside has a purple complexion, while someone nearby is shaking that person and calling out in a mournful tone, 'Master! Master!'

"It is hard to explain in a few words." Zhao Jiaran intended to use this phrase to brush it off.

Sima Kao stood frozen in place, watching helplessly as the Zhao family master and servant entered the blacksmith's shop. He could only shout, "Brother Zhao..." before the two figures disappeared from sight. After a moment of being at a loss for words, Sima Kao managed to utter, "I didn't expect Brother Zhao to be so impatient"

Zhao Jiaran drew a long sword from its sheath, waved it a few times casually, and then praised, "A fine sword."

Amidst the chaos and panic, one of the women who came with Sima Kao exclaimed joyfully in a clear voice, "Look! That person is breathing! That person is breathing! He has come back to life!"

How did the Zhao brothers come to our Suzhou?" Sima inquired about this question that he found very concerning

Sima Kao was bewildered by the changes, completely unable to comprehend the situation. He only knew that the one who came to help was a brother who had arrived together with him, and he was unaware of when his servant had also come out from the courtyard.

The ground suddenly shook, followed by a muffled roar. Everyone was momentarily taken aback, their gazes shifting away from Zhao Jiaran. A series of disturbances could be heard coming from beyond the courtyard wall, causing chaos within the yard. Moments later, thick smoke billowed, as if a fire had broken out.

This question left Zhao Jiaran feeling somewhat at a loss for an answer. The surface of the iron sword can at best be described as not particularly rough. It is in no way comparable to the steel swords that have undergone surface treatment in the 21st century. In terms of feel, the weight balance of this sword was never considered during its casting. As a second-generation member of a paper mill in the Huai River basin, Zhao Jiaran has conducted considerable research on high-quality pastimes, including sailing and fencing, while studying and working in the United States.

Just a moment ago, he was doing everything he could to extinguish the fire, and now he simply walks away. Sima Kao could not comprehend this at all. However, before he could understand, he was already being dragged out of the blacksmith's courtyard by Zhao Jiaran in front and pushed by Zhao Yong from behind. As he stepped out of the courtyard, a cool breeze swept by, and Sima Kao felt as if he had just woken from a dream. It was only the sight of several injured people lying outside the door that made Sima Kao realize he was not dreaming.

Sima Kao did not understand what was happening and could only follow Zhao Jiaran outside, while asking, "Brother Zhao, what do you mean by this?"

The others were meeting Zhao Jiaran for the first time and could not have imagined that this seemingly normal young man would suddenly become deranged in the face of disaster. While others instinctively fled when faced with calamity, he not only did not run away but actually charged towards the site of the fire.

This statement provided Sima Kao with a reason. He sighed and strode towards the courtyard. Just as he reached the entrance, he heard Zhao Jiaran's sharp voice ringing out from within the yard, "Everyone, do not panic. The molten iron is so hot, do not douse it with water. Sprinkle soil on top! Do not use water, sprinkle soil on top! Do not panic, follow my orders!"

Having said that, this young man, wielding an iron sword and accompanied by his servant, rushed into the blacksmith's shop. Sima Kao and the two women were left behind. The newly appointed scholar Sima Kao was also bewildered; he felt utterly perplexed, wondering how it was that in just a moment, everyone had changed so drastically from their usual selves

What further confused Sima was that Zhao Jiaran, upon seeing the interferer being subdued, continued to approach with a small knife, prying open the deceased's tightly clenched jaws to examine the mouth closely

A crisp voice sounded beside Sima Kao, "Sima Daguoren, we will not run around; we will wait here for you to come out. If you wish to go and look after those few, you may do so. There is no need to worry about us."

After observing for a moment, Zhao Jiaran sat cross-legged beside the deceased, took out a brush and a sweat towel from his bag, and cut the brush with a small knife. He then took out a chopstick and inserted it into the brush handle

Listen to the words of the Jinshi official. Listen to the words of the Jinshi official. The gentleman in the courtyard, who appeared to be around forty years old, also began to shout along.

Upon reaching this point, several distinct shouts erupted from the crowd of onlookers

Murder!

Then why should Young Master Zhao be concerned? At most, in a year, Young Master Zhao will already be 16. By that time, if he writes a memorial to the court, it is likely that the court would be pleased to see Young Master Zhao serve it. That brother also spoke very warmly and with great maturity.

Sima Kao was startled awake by this sound, and in a daze, he shifted his gaze from the still cross-legged Zhao Jiaran to the 'corpse' beside him. The once-stiff corpse was still lying there, but the pen that had been thrust into his neck began to tremble, and his neck and chest were rising and falling. It was evident that he was breathing like a living person.

After speaking, he waved his hand to Zhao Yong and walked towards the blacksmith shop. Seeing Zhao Jiarun heading straight for the burning blacksmith shop, Zhao Yong hurried to catch up. Unexpectedly, Zhao Jiarun moved swiftly, and by the time Zhao Yong reached behind him, both had arrived at the entrance. Lightly stepping over the threshold, Zhao Jiarun entered the courtyard.

With his left hand firmly holding the pen holder, Zhao Jiaran slowly and forcefully pulled out the chopsticks that were inserted in the pen holder

Zhao Jiaran felt a surge of displeasure within him. He did not oppose others seeking pleasure, but that did not equate to accepting others interrupting his plans with their pursuit of enjoyment. He had never anticipated encountering an old acquaintance in a foreign land, and for a moment, he could not even find a reason for it.

This childlike trick left everyone bewildered. Sima Kao swallowed hard, continuing to feel at a loss. The crowd then saw Zhao Jiaran pick up a handkerchief to wipe the pen barrel, and then put the pen barrel in his mouth, sucking on it for a moment like a puppy gnawing on a bone

The gentleman, who appeared to be around forty years old, could not help but twitch his facial muscles a few times. However, after a moment, he gritted his teeth and said to Sima Kao, "Wait here, I will go in and take a look"