When Fang Jie left Xi Huamei's room, he asked, "Xi Huamei, do you think Luo Yao is sleeping well every night?" Xi Huamei was speechless, even feeling a surge of anger. But as Fang Jie's departing figure disappeared from her sight, she suddenly realized that if this young man could truly achieve what Luo Yao had, shouldn't she be even more furious?
Whether Luo Yao slept well or not, no one knew.
But Luo Wen hadn't slept well for two days.
The title of top student in the Martial Arts Academy had already fallen to him, but he felt no joy whatsoever. The young man who had killed over a dozen of his servants in the martial arts arena and then quietly disappeared had haunted him for the past two nights, keeping him awake like a dream. The Emperor's decree hadn't arrived yet, and his position as a fourth-rank general hadn't been confirmed. This was another reason for his unease, but compared to that young man, this worry was insignificant.
As long as that young man was alive, he couldn't find peace.
His top ranking was a lie.
If the Emperor of the Sui Dynasty knew that the plan to jointly breach the city wasn't his idea, then forget about the top spot; the crime of deceiving the Emperor would likely land him in prison. He had never met his brother, Luo Wu; he was born after Luo Wu's death. But Luo Wu's story had always been a shadow in his heart. He had asked himself more than once if, one day, he too committed a crime, would his father, like years ago, personally rip out his own heart?
Every time he thought of this, every time he asked himself this question, he would break out in a cold sweat.
Because he knew that his father, General Luo Yao, the Left Vanguard General, a powerful figure standing at the pinnacle of the Sui Dynasty's military glory, would definitely do it.
If his father found out about the deception, he could fully imagine how miserable his fate would be. But he couldn't resist the temptation of being the top-ranked soldier in the Martial Arts Academy, the temptation of rising directly from a fourth-rank general to a regular soldier. He learned through clandestine channels that the imperial court might soon launch a major military operation, possibly on the northwestern frontier. The top student from this year's Martial Arts Academy would be appointed to the Right Valiant Guard stationed in the northwest—a tremendous opportunity.
He was confident that his abilities would allow him to excel in the war.
Perhaps soon, when people mentioned Luo Wen, they wouldn't add, "He's the son of General Luo Yao."
He wanted to break free from his father's shadow, to break free from his elder brother Luo Wu's shadow.
He didn't want to be a junior general; he only wanted to be General Luo.
Leaning back in his study chair, Luo Wen stared blankly at the commendation order issued by the Martial Arts Academy on the table. He hadn't disgraced the Luo family… Luo Yao's son, having entered the Martial Arts Academy, had to be number one. These were the words his father, Luo Yao, had said to him when he left Yongzhou, patting him on the shoulder.
Luo Yao's son… Thinking of those five words, a flash of hatred crossed Luo Wen's eyes. From birth until now, no matter what he had done, no matter how successful he had been… People wouldn't attribute his success to his hard work and struggle, but rather to the fact that he was Luo Yao's son. Sometimes, people would even maliciously say, "Luo Wen... is he the younger brother of Luo Wu, the one whose heart was ripped out outside the Taiji Palace many years ago?"
If he did well, if he succeeded, people would consider it normal because he was Luo Yao's son. If he failed, people would immediately jump out to mock him: "Look there, Luo Yao's son is exactly the same as the one who died before, a good-for-nothing wastrel." It was taken for granted that the son of a great general would succeed; no matter how much he sacrificed, no one would pay attention or praise him. But if he failed, he could imagine how many people would gossip behind his back.
His father's stern face was even more powerful than the gossip. From childhood to adulthood, he had never dared to sit face-to-face with his father, never dared to look him in the eye.
These things caused Luo Wen immense pain.
"Erlang…"
Luo Wen rubbed his throbbing temples, his voice hoarse as he asked, "What is that person's background? Have you found out yet?"
"Young Master… not yet. I don't have many men left, and they've all been sent out to inquire. But the capital is too vast; finding someone is like searching for a needle in a haystack. Please give me a few more days, Young Master. I will definitely find that guy in Chang'an."
"Place people in two places to keep a close watch. If he wants to expose my deception of His Majesty, these two places…" "The most suitable places are... the Martial Arts Academy and the Ministry of War."
"They probably won't go to the Ministry of War."
Luo Erlang thought for a moment and said, "Although the government is suppressing the news of the night attack on the Ministry of War that killed over a hundred military officers, and the people don't know yet, rumors are already circulating. That young man probably won't go to the Ministry of War at this time. If it's true that he was tricked into the Martial Arts Academy, then the person who framed him must be connected to the Ministry of War."
Luo Wen hummed in agreement, knowing that he was being overly concerned; even Luo Erlang had thought of this, but he had overlooked it.
"Keep an eye on the martial arts academy. Once you spot that young man approaching, kill him immediately. Don't worry about losing a few men; once you spot him, leave no survivors."
"Understood."
Luo Erlang responded, then hesitated before asking, "This noon, the Li family's young master and the Yu family's young master invited you to a banquet at Hongxiuzhao to celebrate your first-place finish… Shall we go?"
"Yes!"
Luo Wen nodded. "It would be impolite not to go. Besides… I heard that Hongxiuzhao was once the capital's premier entertainment venue, disappearing for ten years before returning to Chang'an. It was established by Prince Zhong, Yang Qi, and was once the most elegant and romantic place in Chang'an. I wonder if Hongxiuzhao still retains its charm after ten years. In any case, I want to see it for myself."
"Good."
Luo Erlang nodded. "I'll arrange it now."
...
...
Hongxiuzhao.
Decorated with lanterns and streamers.
This was the first day of business for Hongxiuzhao after returning to Chang'an and receiving official approval, following several days of preparation. Early in the morning, Hongxiuzhao's servants swept the street in front of the shop spotlessly. Red lanterns were hung, and red silk adorned the windows.
What was most eye-catching and astonishing was that, even after ten years, Hongxiuzhao still held an unshakeable position in Chang'an. The inscription on the plaque above the entrance, bearing the three large characters "Hongxiuzhao," was astonishing. These three characters were actually written by Huai Qiugong, the Minister of Rites of the Sui Dynasty.
Servants in blue robes and black boots lined up in two rows at the entrance, each a neat and clean-cut young man. A velvet carpet stretched all the way outside the door, demonstrating Hongxiuzhao's extravagance.
Before the auspicious hour even arrived, many distinguished guests had already come to offer their congratulations.
The first to arrive was none other than Prefect Cui of Chang'an Prefecture. Accompanied by several attendants, he carried a screen embroidered with the Four Gentlemen (plum blossom, orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum) and slowly entered through the gate. Xi Huamei greeted Lord Cui with a beaming smile, and the two chatted intimately as they walked. This surprised the officials and commoners outside, who vaguely recalled the grand opening of the Hongxiuzhao Pavilion eleven years prior.
Soon, their expectations became reality.
Not long after, after the morning court session, officials from various departments arrived one after another. As carriages bearing special markings arrived one after another, the commoners stared in disbelief. Compared to these officials, other distinguished guests who came to offer congratulations, though lacking real power, were of even higher status.
Marquis Sanjin Wu Yidao and Prince Yang Kai arrived together, arm in arm, chatting and laughing. Behind them, whispering amongst themselves, were four or five important figures holding marquis or viscount titles. These wealthy and leisurely individuals were all very famous in Chang'an.
Not long after Wu Yidao and Yang Kai entered, an ordinary carriage stopped at the entrance. Huai Qiugong, the Minister of Rites, whose hair and beard were already white, was helped down from the carriage by a servant. Xi Huamei, who was talking with Prince Yang Kai and Wu Yidao, quickly went to greet him, supporting the old man's arm as he walked inside.
Prince Yang Kai was, by rights, the Emperor's cousin. In his thirties, he looked remarkably energetic. His father, Prince Long, Yang Mei, the sixth brother of the late Emperor, had already passed away. Yang Kai was not the eldest son and could not inherit the title of Prince. The one who did inherit the title had died three years ago from an unspeakable illness caused by frequenting brothels and pleasure boats.
These idle princes all shared the same characteristic: they would never dabble in imperial power or politics, preferring to be carefree individuals who indulged in gardening and bird-keeping. Therefore, the princes in the capital, including the only prince, Yang Yin, all appeared to be very talented and refined, proficient in all the arts, including music, chess, calligraphy, and painting… because they had plenty of time to play and learn whatever they wanted, yet they couldn't disgrace the imperial family; if they learned something, they had to master it.
Prince Yang Kai of Xu County strode over, took Huai Qiugong's hand, and laughed, "You're so old, yet you still come out to join the fun. Even if you trip on a step, you can get up easily. Everyone says you're detached from worldly desires, but I think you're still up to your old tricks... still thinking about that flowing sleeve dance from ten years ago, aren't you?"
Huai Qiugong laughed heartily, saying as they walked, "Your Highness's mouth is still so sarcastic. Only an old man like me can withstand your sarcasm. But speaking of which, if it weren't for the flowing sleeve dance... would Your Highness have come all this way so early in the morning, waiting anxiously?"
"Saying I'm the most sarcastic? You old man are just as sarcastic!"
Yang Kai chuckled and pointed at Wu Yidao, saying, "Does Elder Huai know this person?"
Huai Qiugong smiled and said, "The famous Marquis Sanjin of our Great Sui Dynasty, who doesn't know him?"
Wu Yidao quickly bowed deeply as a junior, which Huai Qiugong accepted without hesitation. This pleased Wu Yidao immensely. He knew that Elder Huai was notoriously cold and unyielding; most who tried to curry favor were met with ridicule and sarcasm. Since Elder Huai had accepted Wu Yidao's courtesy as a junior, it meant he acknowledged that Huai could associate with him in the future.
In officialdom, even a small gesture often carries significant meaning.
Xi Huamei accompanied the group inside, appearing poised and elegant.
Just before entering, Huai Qiugong suddenly stopped, pointing to the two servants in blue robes and black boots standing at the door, and laughed, "Hongxiuzhao is even more exquisite than it was ten years ago! Look at these two welcoming boys, so handsome and refined. If such young men were dressed in fine clothes, wouldn't all the unmarried girls in Chang'an be longing for them?"
The boy standing at the door blushed slightly, head bowed, not daring to speak.
Huai Qiugong laughed heartily, "Such a tender skin, interesting."
He whispered in Prince Yang Kai's ear, "You love this kind of thing, so did you ask everyone to give you these two children?"
Yang Kai blushed and coughed a few times to cover his embarrassment.
When Wu Yidao saw the two children, a hint of doubt flashed in his eyes. He gave a barely perceptible nod and followed the others inside. The little boy with rosy lips and white teeth also gave him a slight nod, but quickly turned his head away.
"Little Waist Sister,"
The little boy asked the other boy beside him, "You look so beautiful in men's clothing."
"Say one more word and I'll cut out your tongue."
The two of them talked in hushed tones, unaware that a cold gaze was fixed on Fang Jie from across the street. Three young men in brocade robes, with extraordinary bearing, stood across the street watching the grand scene at Hongxiuzhao and couldn't help but admire it repeatedly. The most robust and tall man was Yu Xiao. He pointed across the street and laughed, "Everyone says that when Hongxiuzhao opened eleven years ago, seven or eight out of ten high-ranking officials came. Seeing this scene today, I know it's true. Gentlemen, let's go in and take a look."
Li Fubo hummed in agreement, maintaining his usual aloof demeanor.
After walking a few steps, the two realized Luo Wen hadn't followed and turned back to ask, "What's wrong?"
Luo Wen's gaze shifted from the young boy in blue, and he quickly said with a smile, "I suddenly feel a bit out of place. Look at all those people! Even Prince Xu and Elder Huai are here. I wonder what other important figures are coming."
Just then, a servant shouted loudly from the street corner, "Prince Yi has arrived!"
"Prince Yi!" Upon hearing these three words, the faces of all the commoners and guests present changed.
Xi Huamei's expression froze for a moment, but she quickly regained her smile: "Gentlemen, shall we go together to greet His Highness Prince Yi?"
The crowd responded and walked out together, but everyone's expression was somewhat unnatural.
Ten years ago, it was this Prince Yi who, with a single decree, sealed the Hongxiuzhao!