Two Bright Minds

"Take this with you and give it to Zhao Xiaogongzi when you're at the Zhao mansion," Shi Fuxin handed a small bottle of ointment to Shi Dinghao.

Shi Dinghao looked puzzled. "Why give ointment to Zhao Shenghao?"

Shi Fuxin explained, "Because you and Zhao Dahao had a sparring match. Your arm is injured, and I assume Zhao Dahao might be in a similar condition. This ointment is for him. Since we're visiting their house, it's a gesture of goodwill."

Shi Dinghao hesitated. "Why not just give it directly to Zhao Dahao?"

Shi Fuxin gave him a sidelong glance. "If you give it directly to Zhao Dahao, it might hurt his pride. By giving it to Zhao Xiaogongzi, we're taking a more indirect route to maintain his dignity."

Shi Dinghao finally understood. "I see. You can trust me to handle this."

Meanwhile, Shi Zheng and Shi You had returned from their official duties, and to save time, Shi Zhengmao took Shi Dingxuan and Shi Dinghao directly to meet them outside the North City Garrison.

The distinctive carriage of the Shi family drew attention as it arrived at the Zhao mansion.

"Who's that in the carriage? Only nobles can ride in such a carriage."

Shi Zheng and had kept a low profile in the garrison, and his true identity as the Fourth Master of Wuchang Manor was only known to a few. This visit revealed his status to others, and the story of the childhood mix-up involving the Shi family was revisited.

The carriage sped towards the Zhao mansion, with Shi Zhengmao having already briefed Shi Dingxuan and Shi Dinghao about their interactions with the Zhao family.

Shi Dingxuan looked at his uncle, then asked curiously, "Uncle, what if General Zhao refuses to meet us?"

Shi Zhengmao looked at his nephew and smiled. "I believe he will meet us."

Indeed, given the extraordinary circumstances—Shi Dinghao holding his own against Zhao Dahao—General Zhao would likely be curious to meet them.

As anticipated, they didn't have to wait long. The mansion's staff soon arrived to escort them inside.

Zhao Mansion's main courtyard.

General Zhao was examining the letter of visitation when his eldest son entered. "Are you alright?"

Zhao Shengming shook his head. "Just a bit shaken, Father. The doctor has applied medicine, and I should recover in a few days."

General Zhao still seemed concerned. "I hope it won't affect your participation in the winter hunt on Laba Festival."

Zhao Shengming reassured him. "Father, there's no need to worry. It won't affect the hunt."

General Zhao persisted, "This winter hunt is crucial for your future. Your performance reflects upon you. Don't be careless. When engaging in sparring, make sure to be cautious. If you perform poorly on Laba Festival, the Emperor might think you're all talk."

Zhao Shengming listened humbly without arguing. He hadn't expected to encounter an opponent as formidable as himself during a simple visit outside.

Seeing his son receptive, General Zhao's expression softened slightly. He looked at the letter in his hand. "Is it true that Shi Wulang's martial skills are on par with yours?"

Zhao Shengming thought for a moment before responding, "We didn't give our all today. It wasn't easy for me to match him."

General Zhao raised an eyebrow and scoffed, "No wonder he had the audacity to directly deliver the invitation." He handed the letter to his son.

Zhao Shengming accepted it, surprised by the Shi family's visit. He read the letter, then turned to his father. "Father, the real reason for Shi Wulang's visit is quite unexpected."

General Zhao inquired further, "Is it true that Shi Wulang is only sixteen?"

Zhao Shengming nodded again. "Yes, he appears to be a few years younger than me."

General Zhao narrowed his eyes. "To be evenly matched with you at sixteen, he's indeed impressive." He stood up. "Let's go and meet the members of the Shi family."

As father and son walked out of the room, Zhao Shenghao dashed towards them excitedly.

"Father, Big Brother, I heard a fake arrived at our house?"

General Zhao sternly glared at his younger son, who instinctively shrank back under his gaze.

"Father, I was wrong," Zhao Shenghao quickly admitted his mistake.

General Zhao asked, "What did you do wrong?" His younger son was quite impulsive; one moment he was on good behavior, and the next he could cause a commotion.

"I shouldn't have called Shi Jiulang a fake," Zhao Shenghao confessed.

"Let this not happen again."

Seeing that General Zhao didn't press further, Zhao Shenghao dramatically patted his chest and then eagerly followed behind General Zhao and his elder brother Zhao Shengming. "I can't believe Shi Jiulang dared to come to our house. I must—"

When he noticed General Zhao's stern look, he quickly corrected himself, "I must treat him well."

General Zhao snorted softly, not saying anything. The three of them proceeded to the living room.

As they entered the living room, Shi Zhengmao and his son stood up.

"Your subordinate pays respects to General Zhao."

General Zhao's gaze swept over Shi Zhengmao's group, ultimately landing on Shi Dingxuan. He walked over with a smile, patting Shi Dingxuan's shoulder. Seeing his composed demeanor, General Zhao's smile deepened.

"Are you the Wulang who had a sparring match with my son?"

Shi Dingxuan respectfully bowed. "I am Shi Dingxuan, honored to meet General Zhao."

General Zhao nodded approvingly, took his seat at the head, and motioned for Shi Zhengmao's group to sit.

Not wasting time with pleasantries due to the limited acquaintance between the Zhao and Shi families, Shi Zhengmao got straight to the point. "We've come at this time to explain the misunderstanding between my ninth son and your younger son."

General Zhao listened attentively, showing that he was willing to overlook the situation.

He had already investigated the matter regarding the apprehension of the river bandits. It turned out that it was the Court of Imperial Sacrifices trying to curry favor with him, but it had led to a big misunderstanding.

Not wanting to dwell on these minor matters, General Zhao turned his attention to Shi Zheng. "I heard that you were involved in the arson at the Northern Yan granary. Is that true?"

Shi Zheng was taken aback by the way General Zhao addressed him. "Yes."

Seeing his brother's response stopping at a single word, Shi Zhengmao felt a bit anxious and couldn't help prompting, "It must have been quite dangerous at that time?"

Shi Zheng answered casually, "It was alright."

Just "alright"??? He only said two words again!

Shi Zhengmao felt a little exasperated. This was high aloofness in action!

Struggling to continue the conversation, he asked, "After burning the granary, how did you manage to escape?"

Shi Zheng responded, "After the granary was burned, we were trapped by the Northern Yan army. We couldn't break through their encirclement and ended up falling under the Northern Yan's blood-red blades."

Zhao Shenghao, who loved hearing such stories, eagerly inquired, "How did you survive then?"

Before Shi Zheng could speak, Shi Dinghao chimed in with a grin, "I know this! My father was stabbed full of holes. My brother, us, the two of us, we rescued him. Oh, and incidentally, we also saved Lord Cai."

Upon hearing this, both Shi Zhengmao and General Zhao were shocked.

"What? You saved Lord Cai too?"

Shi Zhengmao was so astonished that he blurted it out in front of the Zhao family.

Shi Dinghao nodded, nonchalantly passing the buck, "Well, no one asked."

Shi Zhengmao was mentally fatigued. How could they not mention such a significant event unless specifically asked?

General Zhao looked at Shi Zheng and his son, then smiled, "It's getting late. You probably won't make it back in time for dinner. Stay here and have a meal with us. It's a good opportunity to discuss matters in the northwest."

Shi Zhengmao was surprised by the invitation but quickly understood. It was likely due to his family saving Lord Cai that General Zhao's attitude had shifted.

Afterward, General Zhao and Shi Zhengmao discussed matters in the northwest, while Shi Dinghao and Zhao Shenghao exchanged curious glances.

Remembering the task his sister had entrusted him with, Shi Dinghao beckoned Zhao Shenghao to come closer, motioning for him to sit by his side.

Zhao Shenghao was pleased that Shi Dinghao initiated contact, and he was about to get up. However, feeling somewhat embarrassed about his previous behavior, he simply pointed to the seat next to him, signaling for Shi Dinghao to come over.

Shi Dinghao rolled his eyes. He stood up and walked over.

"What's up?"

They all sat down in the living room. Zhao Xiaogong, the young master, was eager to hear the story and asked, "How did you manage to survive?"

Shi Zhengmao was about to answer, but Shi Dinghao spoke up first with a grin, "I know that! When the granary was set on fire, my dad got stabbed full of holes. It was my brother and me who went to save him. Oh, and by the way, we also rescued Lord Cai."

This revelation shocked everyone in the room, and Shi Zhengmao couldn't help but ask, "What? You saved Lord Cai as well?"

Shi Dinghao shrugged, shifting the blame, "Well, you guys didn't ask."

Shi Zhengmao felt exhausted; such a significant event, and they didn't share it unless explicitly asked?

Zhao Zongdu smiled and invited them to stay for dinner, eager to discuss more about the situation in the northwest. Shi Zhengmao was surprised but realized that their heroic act of saving Lord Cai had probably changed Zhao Zongdu's attitude.

Afterward, Zhao Zongdu and Shi Zhengmao discussed northwest matters, while Shi Dinghao and Zhao Xiaogong exchanged curious glances.

Thinking about the task his sister gave him, Shi Dinghao gestured for Zhao Xiaogong to come closer.

"Why?" Zhao Xiaogong asked, looking at Shi Dinghao with raised eyebrows.

Rolling his eyes, Shi Dinghao stood up and walked over.

"What do you want?" Zhao Xiaogong said, looking at Shi Dinghao with a raised nostril.

With a slight eye-roll, Shi Dinghao signaled Zhao Xiaogong to come closer.

"Just say it!"

Sitting still, Zhao Xiaogong maintained his composure.

Slightly exasperated, Shi Dinghao said, "Your courtyard is spacious. Show me around."

Zhao Xiaogong motioned towards a nearby seat, indicating Shi Dinghao to sit next to him.

Shi Dinghao frowned, then got up and approached Zhao Xiaogong.

"What's up?"

Zhao Xiaogong eyed him cautiously.

With a bright smile, Shi Dinghao said, "Zhao Shenghao, we're almost friends now. Can you give me a few potted flowers? I want to take them back for my mother and sister to enjoy."

Worried about the jade bai cai, Zhao Xiaogong hesitated but agreed.

Not wanting to disturb the adults' conversation, the two left the room.

The winter day had grown darker, but Shi Dinghao remained enthusiastic as he explored Zhao's courtyard.

Zhao Xiaogong followed, eyeing the jade bai cai around Shi Dinghao's waist, trying to think of a reason to reclaim it.

Before he could find an excuse, Shi Dinghao's eyes lit up, and he ran towards Zhao's flower house.

"Wait, don't run around!" Zhao Xiaogong called after him.

Shi Dinghao entered the flower house, marveling at the colorful blooms. "Even in the winter, your family has so many flowers."

Proudly, Zhao Xiaogong replied, "Of course, my grandmother loves admiring flowers in winter."

"I love flowers too," Shi Dinghao said, looking pointedly at Zhao Xiaogong.

Feeling his intent, Zhao Xiaogong nervously asked, "What are you planning?"

Beaming, Shi Dinghao said, "Zhao Shenghao, we're getting to know each other better. Could you give me a few potted flowers to take home for my mother and sister?"

Zhao Xiaogong stammered, "I can't, those are my grandmother's favorites. She'll scold me if I give them away."

Shi Dinghao assured, "I'm not asking for free. Here, I'll trade you for this excellent healing ointment. It's perfect for bruises and wounds. Give it to your brother; his arm won't hurt anymore in a day or two."

Zhao Xiaogong's eyes widened, "How do you know my brother's arm hurts?"

Laughing, Shi Dinghao whispered, "Because my brother's arm hurts too. After all the sparring, how could it not? Trust me, this ointment is hard to find. I'm only giving it to you as a friend."

Done talking, Shi Dinghao gave Zhao Xiaogong a look that said, "After all I've done for you, you should give me something in return."

Still skeptical, Zhao Xiaogong said, "Is it really that effective?"

Shi Dinghao replied confidently, "You know where I live. If it's not effective, you can come find me."

Zhao Xiaogong nodded, convinced. "You're right. If it works, I'll find you."

Grinning, Shi Dinghao said, "I'm sincere. I won't ask for much. Just ten potted flowers will do."

Zhao Xiaogong rolled his eyes dramatically. "Ten? Why not just take our entire flower house?" He paused, then sighed, "Okay, I'll give you one pot, at most."

"No, my family has six people in total. I need at least six pots."

"Two pots, no more."

"Three pots. I have only one mother and two sisters; they each need one."

Zhao Xiaogong fell silent, then said, "Give me back the jade bai cai, and I'll give you three pots."

Reluctantly, Shi Dinghao responded, "You're unbelievable. You lost it to me fair and square."

Realizing he was in the wrong, Zhao Xiaogong softened his tone, "But this is my coming-of-age gift. I've been wearing it all along; it holds sentimental value. One of the jade bai cai is for my future wife, symbolizing harmony in pairs."

Shi Dinghao was taken aback, fiddling with the jade bai cai on his person, feeling conflicted. "It's just an accessory; why are you making it so complicated?"

Thinking of his sister wearing the other one, and considering Zhao Shenghao's intentions, Shi Dinghao immediately said, "I can return the jade bai cai to you, but you'll have to offer something else in exchange."

Zhao Xiaogong's eyes lit up, a triumphant smile forming. "Great, it's a deal then."

Shi Dinghao nodded, "I'll go pick the flowers."

With the triumphant look in Zhao Xiaogong's eyes, Shi Dinghao chose three pots of the most vibrant winter chrysanthemums.

After dinner, as soon as Shi Zhengmao and his group left, Zhao Xiaogong proudly handed the healing ointment to Zhao Dagongzi.

"Is this what you got from exchanging grandmother's three pots of finest winter chrysanthemums?"

Zhao Dagongzi sighed, looking somewhat exasperated at his brother.

Zhao Xiaogong nodded, "Big brother, try it out quickly. Jiulang said if the ointment doesn't work, I can demand the chrysanthemums back from the Shi family."

He then smirked triumphantly.

"Don't look at me like I'm a fool, big brother. Your little brother is quite clever. Even Shi Jiulang wanted to outsmart me. Humph, he should know who he's dealing with."

"The effectiveness of the ointment will be decided by us. If it's effective, I can make it sound ineffective. Trust me, we'll get the chrysanthemums back."

Zhao Dagongzi was taken aback for a moment, then sighed, "You've really outdone yourself. Your wit is truly remarkable."

Zhao Xiaogong joyfully shook his leg. He could already imagine the frustrated expression on Shi Jiulang's face.

Zhao Dagongzi didn't bother with his erratic brother. He shifted his attention to the ointment in his hand, just as the physician came to replace his dressing. He showed it to the physician for inspection.

After the Zhao family left, the Shi family's status within the Duke's residence improved even more. The most noticeable change was during lessons—nobody underestimated Shi Dingxuan and his siblings anymore.