Volume One, Chapter Seventeen: The Youthful Moon Over Shangyang (Part One)

Yuwen Huaji’s expression finally relaxed as he patted Yuwen Chengdu’s shoulder. “My son, you performed exceptionally well in the hall today. The Emperor highly praises you. To celebrate your appointment as general, I have arranged a family feast. Let us go and celebrate properly.”

Grasping Yuwen Chengdu’s hand, Yuwen Huaji led him toward the banquet hall.

Yuwen Chengdu was delighted—not just because of the promotion, but more so because he had gained his father’s recognition.

Upon arriving at the banquet hall, all the family members of the Yuwen household were already seated, except for the two of them.

“Come, Chengdu, quickly take a seat,” Lady Lü, Yuwen Huaji’s second wife, said warmly to Yuwen Chengdu.

After a slight bow, Yuwen Chengdu took his seat.

“Let us raise our glasses together,” Yuwen Huaji said as soon as he sat down. “This feast is specially held to celebrate my son Chengdu’s promotion to general. Let us drink to his honor.”

Everyone eagerly lifted their cups and drank in unison.

“Chengdu,” Lady Lü spoke slowly after putting down her cup, “now that you are a great general, you must diligently guide and support your younger siblings. Only when everyone prospers can our Yuwen family truly flourish.”

“Yes, Lady Lü. Chengdu will heed your advice,” Yuwen Chengdu bowed slightly to show his respect.

Though Lady Lü inevitably showed some favoritism toward her own children since his mother’s passing, she had still cared for Yuwen Chengdu. Even though he spent little time in the mansion, Yuwen Chengdu felt grateful toward her.

Seeing the harmony between Lady Lü and Yuwen Chengdu, Yuwen Huaji was pleased. Suddenly recalling something, he turned his gaze to Yuwen Chenglong. “Chenglong, how has your study been lately?”

“Father, Chenglong has mastered the Four Books and Five Classics, is skilled in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, and excels in both civil and martial arts,” Yuwen Chenglong replied proudly.

“Is that so?” Yuwen Huaji said skeptically. “How about a contest with your elder brother?”

“Of course,” Yuwen Chenglong said confidently.

Yuwen Chengdu did not refuse; it had been many years since they last met, and he was curious to test his younger brother’s skills.

However, Lady Lü grew anxious. “Prime Minister, Chenglong is still young and cannot be a match for Chengdu. For the sake of brotherly harmony, perhaps it is best not to compete.”

Yuwen Chengdu had tamed wild beasts single-handedly; how could Chenglong possibly be his equal?

“Don’t worry. Brothers should know their limits. A friendly contest won’t hurt,” Yuwen Huaji insisted. With that, Lady Lü said no more.

The two brothers stood in the center of the hall, each gripping his sword, eyes locked on one another.

“Brother, when we were young, Chenglong loved competing with you. Now that we’ve grown, I won’t hold back anymore,” said Yuwen Chenglong with surprising boldness for his age.

Yuwen Chengdu recalled their childhood and couldn’t help but smile. Chenglong often resorted to tricks. While Chengdu was reluctant to harm his brother, Chenglong showed no mercy and schemed against him. He wondered if, after so many years, his brother’s hostility had lessened.

“You make the first move,” Yuwen Chengdu said calmly, facing Chenglong directly.

Without hesitation, Yuwen Chenglong charged, wildly swinging his sword with no technique or rhythm, hoping one strike would land.

But Yuwen Chengdu deftly dodged each blow. With a swift sidestep, Chenglong’s sword cut through empty air. Chengdu did not attack, only continued to evade.

Frustrated that none of his strikes landed or gave him any advantage, Chenglong grew desperate and swung his sword down with full force.

Yuwen Chengdu raised his hand to block. The clash of their blades rang harshly through the air. Skillfully, Chengdu parried the attack, but Chenglong lost his balance and fell forward onto the ground.

“Chenglong!” Lady Lü cried anxiously as she rushed from her seat.

She had long known that Chenglong’s skills were mere amateurish. Everyone present could see Chengdu hadn’t even attacked, yet Chenglong ended up in such a sorry state.

Yuwen Huaji’s expression darkened. “Yuwen Chenglong, is this what you call mastery of literature and martial arts?” His tone was stern. “You still have a long way to go. It’s all because your mother spoiled you. Look at how far behind you are compared to your brother!”

Chenglong remained on the ground, silent, staring intently at Yuwen Chengdu.

“Starting tomorrow, you will train and study diligently in the mansion. Without my orders, you must not leave the premises.”

“Yes, Father,” Chenglong said, bowing to Yuwen Huaji. Lady Lü helped him back to his seat.

Yuwen Huaji then turned his attention back to Yuwen Chengdu. “Today’s feast is to honor Chengdu. Everyone, please be seated again and raise your cups in celebration.”

The hall quickly grew lively once more.

Everyone raised their glasses except Yuwen Chenglong, who refused to join. Yuwen Huaji paid no mind and let him be.

Throughout the rest of the banquet, Chenglong stared fixedly at Chengdu, his gaze filled with displeasure. Chengdu saw it but pretended not to notice.

After all, his younger brother had been estranged from him since childhood. Their conflicts were not matters of a day or two.

The banquet ended swiftly. Yuwen Chengdu returned alone to his chamber, taking out a jade pendant to examine carefully in the moonlight.

The jade pendant belonged to Yang Yu’er. It had been many days since they parted; he wondered how she fared in Tongzhou.

Still, he was not overly worried. As a princess with the backing of King He, Yang Yu’er was surely safe. Even if danger arose, her martial skills would guarantee her protection.

Lost in thought, sleep soon overcame him. After washing up, he lay down to rest.

Meanwhile, Yang Xiangning tossed and turned, restless. She called for her attendants to bring her the sword gifted by Prince Yang Guang and also military treatises.

Tomorrow she would begin training in martial arts with Yuwen Chengdu, and she was understandably nervous.

“Princess, you should sleep soon, or you won’t have the energy tomorrow,” Xiao Qi advised gently.

“I won’t,” Yang Xiangning replied. “I feel more energized now than ever.”

“Princess, is your excitement because you will start martial arts training tomorrow, or because you will see General Yuwen?” Xiao Qi could not help but ask.