Chapter 13: Seize the Golden Armor Guard

  After returning home from the upper book institute, I saw Linglong standing at the gate of the small courtyard waiting for me. Fang Yiai shook his head and said: "Linglong, don't wait for me in the future, do whatever you want to do, can a big man like me still have accidents?"

  "Second Master, it's not bad to wait for your return. If I didn't wait, Linglong wouldn't know what to do." After accompanying Fang Yili back to the house, Linglong said, "Second Master, I've already made that eight-treasure porridge you mentioned. Do you want to try some first and see if the flavor is right?"

  "En, can, let's go, we'll head to the kitchen first," he said, ignoring Linglong's gaze and walking out. Linglong was speechless at this Second Young Master, thinking to herself, "You're a young master, why do you often go to the kitchen?" Fang Yiai arrived at the kitchen, tasted the eight-treasure porridge, and found it not bad. He drank a bowl with relish. Linglong looked at the remnants on Fang Yiai's mouth corners and smiled wryly, taking out her handkerchief to wipe him clean, saying: "Second Young Master, is the flavor alright?"

  "En, it's okay, just a bit sweet, and not enough red dates. By the way, I'll make some eight-treasure congee tonight, and I'll take some over to let Grandpa try some." Fang Yiai said with a smile.

  Linglong nodded, and at dinner time, Fang Yiai took a small bowl of eight-treasure porridge to Old Master's room. Fang Xuanling was drinking wine, and when he saw Fang Yiai, Lu Shi smiled and said: "Jun'er, hurry up and sit down for dinner, we've been waiting for you." Fang Yiai smiled and put the bowl of eight-treasure porridge on the table. Others didn't pay attention, but only Fang Yizhi laughed and said: "Second brother, what good thing is in this bowl?"

  "Big brother, it's not something good, you remember the eight-treasure porridge I told you about this morning? Now I've got Linglong to make it, planning to let father have a taste," Fang Yiai said. After he finished speaking, Fang Xuanling, who was drinking wine, asked in confusion: "Jun'er, what is this eight-treasure porridge?"

  "Father, this eight-treasure porridge is something I came up with based on the Laba porridge. I added some red dates and peach kernels to it, so it's a bit different from the traditional Laba porridge. It's good for your body, Father can try some first to see if it suits your taste. If not, I'll ask Linglong to make some adjustments." Fang Yiai said as she ladled out a bowl of eight-treasure porridge for Fang Xuanling. Fang Xuanling took a few sips and smiled happily: "Jun'er, this eight-treasure porridge is indeed different from the usual Laba porridge. It's sweet and fragrant, and very smooth. I feel very comfortable after drinking it."

  "Heh heh, Father, as long as you feel good that's all that matters. This was specially prepared by your second son, by the way, Father, I wanted to mention something to you, I hope in the future before going to court, you can drink some eight-treasure porridge or eat something else." Fang Yi Zhi said with a smile after hearing Fang Xuan Ling's words.

  "Oh, Jie Er, what does this mean?" Fang Xuanling asked with a smile.

  "Dad, this morning I went to find my second brother and had a meal at his place. After eating breakfast, I felt very comfortable all over, much more energetic than if I hadn't eaten. So I hope you can also eat breakfast regularly, don't you feel hungry after such a long time without eating? Fang Yi Zhi deeply understood the feelings of these big officials, whose stomachs were growling with hunger but who were too embarrassed to eat."

  "Yes, Father, Brother said not a single word is wrong. Not eating breakfast often is bad for the body, and you get up so early without eating anything, how can you hold on? We can't control others, but I hope Father will eat breakfast. As long as it's good for your own body, why bother about other people's opinions?" Fang Yi'ai also chimed in, Fang Yi'ai looked at Fang Yi'zhi and Fang Yi'ai, two brothers, with a relieved smile: "Alright, Father knows you have a kind heart, don't worry. From tomorrow on, I will eat breakfast before going to court. And tell the kitchen to prepare something soft and easy to digest for me, like this eight-treasure porridge."

  Lu didn't even have a chance to respond, when Fang Yizhi smiled and said: "Father, please rest assured, second brother has already thought it through. At that time, Aunt Liu will make some suitable noodles for you."

  "Oh, when did Jun'er become so thoughtful?" Lu's mother affectionately touched Fang Yiai's back of the head. Fang Yiai rolled her eyes, wondering if she was really that unreasonable. But then Fang Yizhi laughed and said: "Mother, second brother has made great progress now. The fried dough stick I had for breakfast this morning was made by him."

  "Jie'er, this kind of talk is only suitable for home, don't mention it to others, or your second brother will be laughed to death." Lu Shi said with a smile, seeing that Fang Yi'ai was still laughing, she patted the back of his head and scolded: "You little brat, you're still smiling. You call yourself a young master, but often run to the kitchen to do things. Can't you just let the servants do it?"

  "Mother, what's the big deal? Let others mock if they want to. My reputation is already stinky enough, a little more won't make a difference." Fang Yiai was quite open-minded about it. If she were to mind every little thing, she'd be suffocated by her own anger. After all, there are many annoying rules in the Tang Dynasty.

  "Madam, Jun'er is right. In the old days when I followed Your Majesty on campaigns, we ate when we were hungry and were overjoyed to see a kitchen, without any trouble. Now that the world is at peace, it's turned out so many rules." Zhangsun Wuji also felt helpless about such things, but if you quarrel with those censor officials over this, that would be unwise too. Zhangsun Wuji decided from now on to have breakfast regardless of others' opinions, as long as he was comfortable.

  Fang Yi Ai was a good student at Shangshuyuan, every day he would go back and forth between the school and Fang's residence. On this particular day, as he was walking home in a carefree manner, he encountered a lively scene with vendors calling out everywhere, it was truly peaceful. Unfortunately, this pleasant mood was ruined by a group of 7 or 8 burly men who emerged from a nearby alleyway, all dressed in servant attire. Chang Sun Ran stood before these servants and sneered: "Fang Er, how about it? Today I'll let you experience the might of the Changsun family! Come on, beat him up!"

  Fang Yiai's heart was filled with indignation and sorrow, she really didn't expect that this Lang Sun Ran would be so unscrupulous, saying he'd hit her and then actually hitting her on this bustling street. Fang Yiai saw the several servants rushing over and knew that today she couldn't escape, instantly using the fighting moves from her past life, specifically targeting the eyes and necks of these people.

  Fang Yiai's innate divine strength made this punch quite lethal, but Fang Yiai had never learned martial arts and was just fighting with all his might. However, every time he punched someone, the group of servants would hit him back with two sticks. Fortunately, Fang Yiai's physique was not bad, and he endured the beating, solving the problem one by one. After wiping the blood from the corner of his mouth, he coldly smiled at Long Sunyan, who had turned pale with fear: "Long Sunyan, since you dared to do this, you must pay the price. I, Fang Yiai, am not someone to be trifled with." Having said that, he kicked Long Sunyan to the ground and started punching him, quickly turning him into a pig's head. Just as Fang Yiai was about to continue beating him up, he heard the sound of approaching footsteps and shouting: "You two dare to commit violence in public? Come with me to the Golden Guard!"

  The young master of the Fang family, Fang Yi'ai, looked at the Jinwu Guard captain holding a large blade and thought to himself that this guard must be specifically prepared for these spoiled brats. Otherwise, why would they always send the Jinwu Guard whenever these brats got into a fight? Fang Yi'ai adjusted his tattered clothes, stood up, and bowed, saying: "General, you've worked hard. I'm Fang Yi'ai, and I only fought back because I had no other choice." The young captain looked at the second young master of the Fang family being so humble and polite, and he couldn't help but smile as he returned the bow, saying: "Young Master, you're too kind. Just call me Qi Feng, and although you were forced to fight back, please follow me to the Jinwu Guard anyway. Everything will be decided by General Cheng. I'm just a lowly captain, so I hope you won't make things difficult for me."

  "Haha, Brother Qi is joking, don't worry, I'll take care of it myself and won't implicate you. However, this Long Sun Yan must come with me to the Golden Armor Guard!" Fang Yi Ai also knew that the captain was right, this matter wasn't something he could handle himself. He must have a special identity, just like Long Sun Yan. With the support of his servants, Long Sun Yan stood up and scolded Qi Feng, "You, a lowly captain, dare to arrest me, Long Sun Yan? Are you tired of living?" Qi Feng seemed to be used to such situations and wasn't afraid, loudly saying: "Come on, help Young Master Long Sun Yan up, let's go to the Golden Armor Guard together."

  Fang Yi'ai was very impressed with Qi Feng. You see, he said, "I'm supporting you, not pushing you. Even if you want to accuse him, you can't find a reason." Zhang Sunyan was still shouting, but the Golden Armor Guards were not afraid of him. They took him away, and Qi Feng rushed towards Fang Yi'ai with a fist: "Second Master, please follow me!"

  "Thanks for your hard work!" As soon as Zhi Feng and Fang Yi Ai arrived at the Jinwu Guard's yamen, after entering the main hall, Fang Yi Ai was stunned when she saw who was sitting on the platform. It turned out to be Cheng Yaojin, sitting in his newly bought chair with his legs crossed, grinning from ear to ear: "Haha, my clever nephew, how did you find time to visit me?"

  "Uncle Cheng, I'm afraid you'll be disappointed. Yu Ai was invited by the Golden Armor Guard." Fang Yu Ai curled her lips in disdain towards the old demon, thinking he was too self-absorbed. You're an old demon, and I can barely escape from you, how would I willingly come to your doorstep? Cheng Yaojin listened to this and glanced at Zhang Sunyan who was humming beside him, then looked at Fang Yu Ai's bloody and tattered clothes, and knew what had happened. He walked up to Fang Yu Ai and roared: "You little stinker, have you been fighting again?"

  "Uncle Cheng, what you said is right. I did fight with Changsun Wuji, but he's not my match, that's why he ended up so badly." Fang Yilai didn't hide anything and told the whole story directly. Cheng Yaojin nodded at Fang Yilai and asked Changsun Wuji again: "Changsun Wuji, is what Fang Yilai said true?"

  "General Cheng, what Fang Yiai said is true, but it wasn't me who started the trouble, it was him who came looking for it. And General Cheng, look at my face, this Fang Yiai is too cruel, you must stand up for me!" Chang Sun Ran put on a pitiful expression and hummed and hawed as he spoke, originally hoping that Cheng Yaojin would give Fang Yiai a good scolding. But unexpectedly, Cheng Yaojin listened to his words and glared at Qi Feng, shouting: "Qi Feng, take Chang Sun Ran down and give him twenty heavy slaps!" Chang Sun Ran was stunned, Fang Yiai was also confused, but Qi Feng didn't hesitate, letting the men drag Chang Sun Ran away. Chang Sun Ran immediately became frightened and started crying out for his father and mother.

  Cheng Yaojin raised an eyebrow, just wanting to enjoy a big show, when he heard a loud shout: "Old thief, you dare, what makes you hit my son?"

  Fang Yu Ai looked in the direction of the voice and saw an old man with a kind face, wearing a red silk robe embroidered with gold thread, walking in. Cheng Yao Jin curled his lips and wasn't afraid at all, cupping his hands in a gesture of disrespect and saying: "What's going on? When did General Longsun start managing my Golden Armor Guard affairs?"

  "Old fellow, I'm telling you, I don't have the energy to care about your Golden Armor Guard affairs. I just want to ask you, why did you hit my son?" Longsun Wuji clearly didn't want to argue with Cheng Yaojin, and he also knew what kind of person Cheng was - someone who could infuriate people to death without feeling any guilt. Cheng patted the dirt off his sleeve and said disdainfully: "What's wrong, Lord Longsun? You suspect I'm being unfair? Let me tell you the truth, today I had to hit him because he lied. He clearly struck first, yet still dared to falsely accuse others. What's even more shameful is that seven or eight people couldn't beat a single Fang Yu'er, and in the end they got beaten up and came crying to me. You say this kind of lying coward shouldn't be hit?"

  "You, old fellow, if you want to hit me, why don't you hit Fang Yu'ai?" Zhangsun Wuji's beard was trembling with rage. This old scoundrel Cheng Yaojin was simply unreasonable. Cheng Yaogin stroked his whiskers and chuckled: "It's very simple. Because Fang Yu'ai is honest, he speaks the truth. Originally I didn't want to do anything to him, but your son lied and falsely accused others. I'm doing this to discipline him for you, so that in the future when he grows up, he won't cause even more trouble."

  "Hmph, old fellow, I think you're seeking revenge in the name of justice. Let me tell you, if you don't back off from bullying my daughter today, don't even think about touching a single hair on her head. Otherwise, you'll have to take care of me first!" Zhangsun Wuji roared with anger, leaving Cheng Yaojin speechless. The cow-eyed man looked at Fang Ruyue, hoping she could come up with a plan, but what could she do in the face of Zhangsun Wuji? Just as Zhangsun Wuji was about to catch his breath, he heard Fang Xuanling's voice from the doorway, "Hehe, noble brother Zhangsun, I heard my daughter Ruyue has gotten into some trouble? Oh, and it seems that Lord Zhangsun is also here?"

  Fang Yi was very impressed by her father's acting skills. Although he knew that Zhangsun Wuji had arrived, he hurried over to prevent the young man from being taken advantage of, but pretended it was just a coincidence. Zhangsun Wuji smiled and said: "Xuanling brother is also here, no big deal, just kids fighting and causing trouble!"

  "Ah, I see. Since it's just a small matter, then General Cheng should stop worrying about it and let Longsun Tan go!" Fang Xuanling chuckled, and Cheng Yaojin also knew that with Longsun Wuji present today, nothing could be done, so he waved his hand at Qi Feng: "Forget it, let Longsun Tan go!" Longsun Wuji bowed to Cheng Yaojin, chatted with Fang Xuanling for a while, then led Longsun Tan out of the Golden Armor Guard's headquarters.

  "Xuan Ling brother, why do you want me to let go of Zhang Sunyan? You should know that this matter originated from him. If it weren't for Jun Xian's good skills, I'm afraid we would have been beaten up." Cheng Yaojin asked with a furrowed brow, puzzled.

  "Dear brother, why must you quarrel with Changsun Wuji over such a trivial matter? Besides, not long ago, Huai Liang had a fight with Changsun Rui. If you were to hit Changsun Rui now, Changsun Wuji would only need to accuse you of seeking revenge and you'll be in trouble." Fang Xuanling explained with a smile. Cheng Yaojin also knew this logic, but he was so angry that he slapped the new desk he had just bought, and said fiercely: "This Changsun Rui is really a pest, making me so annoyed that I'm about to die!"

  Cheng Yu let out a string of complaints and then followed Old Master Fang as he left the Golden Rooster Guard.

  Maybe it's just the end, maybe it's just a start!