Chapter 7: Encountering the Eldest Brother at Red Pavilion

Helpless and dejected, Zhao Mang had no choice but to leave with his head hanging low. Before heading home, he still bought a string of candied hawthorn, Qin Zhenzhen’s favorite treat.

Upon returning, he saw Qin Zhenzhen sitting at the doorway, gazing out in anticipation. She sat there quietly, like a cat waiting for its master to come home. The moment she caught sight of Zhao Mang, her lips curled into a smile and she jumped up in excitement. With a few strides, she rushed over and threw herself into his arms.

"Mang-gege..."

Feeling that softness in his embrace, Zhao Mang’s gloomy mood melted away like snow. His resolve to become stronger hardened once more. Only by becoming strong could he better protect her.

For several days, Zhao Mang stayed home, painstakingly practicing ancient martial arts. He continuously worked on harmonizing with this body and refining his strength. Starting from clumsy, rote movements, he had gradually grown more proficient. Coupled with the innate, superhuman strength of this body, he felt confident that he could now take down a bear with his bare fists. He also made a miraculous discovery: by practicing the Baji Quan techniques, a faint, ethereal inner energy—a *gang*—seemed to manifest within him. When he focused his breathing and channeled his power, he could punch clean through the courtyard wall. Looking at the hole he had punched, Zhao Mang felt his hope for the future grow even brighter.

A few days later, Zhao Mang finally received a letter from Xiao Han, asking to meet at the Louhong Pavilion in the city. Realizing the implication, he hurried into town.

In a private room on the second floor of the Louhong Pavilion, Xiao Han and Zhao Mang sat facing each other. Their chosen spot offered a perfect view of the small villa where Zhang Mo resided. Looking into the distance, one could see two guards standing watch at the gate.

Xiao Han’s languid voice broke the silence: "From where you are sitting, you have a clear view of Zhang Mo’s villa. He has rented out every single building surrounding it. That is precisely why he acts with such impunity." Xiao Han poured himself a drink, took a sip, and continued slowly, "It’s a pity, but that brat has stirred up a hornet’s nest this time. The girl he kidnapped is Jiang Wan, the eldest daughter of the Jiang family. The two families are bitter rivals; they had been at peace for a while, neither provoking the other. But now that he’s abducted her, he’s certain to offend the Jiang family. If you can rescue her, I imagine you’ll gain quite a bit of support."

Zhao Mang looked toward the small villa, lost in thought. Suddenly, a familiar voice inside the pavilion caught his attention. It was his older brother, Zhao Xiang. Zhao Xiang was standing with his hands tucked into his sleeves, acting servile before a middle-aged man dressed in the official robes of the local yamen.

Zhao Xiang was saying in a low, obsequious tone, "Master Hao, about the matter Brother Zhang asked you to handle last time—is there any progress yet?"

The man before him, Secretary Zhang Hao, stood with his hands behind his back, looking at Zhao Xiang with a sidelong, impatient glare. "What matter? I know nothing of this," he said coldly. "Besides, your lot beat up my friend Brother Zhang, and you still want to ask me for a position? You’re delusional." With that, he flicked his sleeve and prepared to leave.

Watching from the side, Xiao Han seemed to be struck by a mischievous idea. He called out loudly, "Secretary Zhang, I didn’t realize you had such a hobby. How are the ladies at the Louhong Pavilion?"

The once-arrogant Zhang Hao’s expression changed instantly upon hearing Xiao Han’s voice. He approached, bowing low with a forced, obsequious smile. "Commander Xiao, what are you saying? We are merely here for food and wine, unlike you, who possess such freedom and ease."

Zhao Xiang, who had been following behind, also hurried over. The moment he looked up and saw his younger cousin sitting in a place of honor, receiving a bow from Secretary Zhang, his face flushed red—whether from excitement or shame, it was hard to tell. Zhao Mang was curious to see how his "good brother" would handle such an awkward situation.

To his surprise, Zhao Xiang’s attitude shifted instantly. He stepped past Secretary Zhang and stood before the group, putting on the airs of an elder brother. "Mang-di, how could you come to a place like this?" He then looked at Zhang Hao behind him, realizing his mistake, and quickly scolded, "You are so tactless! Move aside and make room for Secretary Zhang so he can catch up with Commander Xiao. This is no place for you; you should go home at once." He even reached out to pull Zhao Mang from his seat.

Seeing this display, Xiao Han sneered. "Mang-zi, to be honest, I’ve seen stupid people, but never anyone quite this dim-witted." He turned his gaze to Zhang Hao with a playful smirk. "You dare recruit someone like this into the yamen? You must be tired of living, Secretary Zhang."

Zhang Hao frowned, shot a glance at Zhao Xiang, and straightened his back. "Commander Xiao makes a fair point. I was just about to decline this matter. Zhao Xiang lacks the qualifications and the intellect; he is truly unfit for service."

Hearing this, Zhao Xiang felt a wave of crushing shame. He stammered, "Secretary Zhang... how... how can you say that? I am, at the very least... a scholar."

Zhang Hao let out a scoff. "A scholar? I’d say you’re more of a fool. Do you think I don’t know how you got your degree? The imperial court is not what it used to be; a hundred scholars aren't worth as much as a single soldier. Who gave you the gall to bluster here? Get lost and go back to your study. I cannot afford a 'man of talent' like you in the yamen."

Trapped in a dilemma and having lost all face, Zhao Xiang stood frozen. Zhao Mang suddenly spoke up: "Big brother, Mother mentioned you earlier today. It’s been a while since you’ve been home; why don’t you go back and check on her?" Zhao Mang wasn't trying to give him a graceful exit; he had been keeping his eyes on the villa and had just spotted Zhang Mo. With so many people around, and given his brother’s connection to Zhang Mo, he couldn't risk a slip of the tongue ruining his plans.

Knowing he had no face left to stay, Zhao Xiang took the opportunity. "Mang-di is right. Mother misses me dearly; it would be unfilial to stay in the city any longer. I shall head back now."

Seeing Zhao Xiang scurry away, Xiao Han achieved his goal and dismissed the others. "In that case, I won’t keep you any longer, Secretary Zhang. Let’s have a drink another time." Zhang Hao realized he had been used as a pawn and stormed off in anger.

Once they were gone, Zhao Mang looked back at the villa. He saw two men carrying a sedan chair into the courtyard, swaying as they walked. Zhang Mo was sitting inside. Zhao Mang felt a surge of excitement.

"The target is here!..."