Looking at the frosty face on his mother’s face, she had probably waited for a long time for them to return. It was clear that the news regarding the Vast Crane Pavilion had already reached her.
“You two rascals. Where did you two go today?”
Madam Wang’s face was cold and it induced fear upon sight.
The two siblings felt goosebumps all over them. In the Wang Family, even though Father Wang was strict, he was often out in the fields and rarely interfered in their affairs.
The one who was truly in charge for them was their mother, Zhao Shu Hua.
In other families, the mother tends to be the doting one whereas the father was the stern one. Yet, for the Wang Clan, it was the other way around! Compared to their mother, father Wang Yan could be considered as ‘doting’.
“We… We went to Vast Crane Pavilion!”
Wang Chong’s heart skipped a beat. He knew that he wasn’t able to hide the matter so he came out clean with it.
“Went to Vast Crane Pavilion? You two only went to Vast Crane Pavilion?”
Madam Wang abruptly smacked the wooden table and her tone and expression steeled.
Peng!
Without arguing with her, Wang Chong kneeled down:
“I’m sorry, mother. I had done wrong for this matter.”
Wang Chong knew what his mother was angry over. Regardless of whether it was his previous life or the current one, the thing Wang Chong couldn’t bear the most was to see his mother’s disappointment or sorrow.
She might look stern, but after his previous life, Wang Chong knew that her heart was fragile like the others, and she loved her family dearly.
Because he had once lost it all, that’s why he cherished it even more now.
In his previous life, when his mother’s emaciated and weak body slowly fell before him, Wang Chong’s heart was ripped apart. As such, Wang Chong had solemnly sworn in this life that regardless of what had happened, he would not anger his mother and make her cry over him.
“Wrong? You only had only done wrong?”
Madam Wang was so furious that her entire body trembled intensely:
“It is one thing for you to fool about, yet you brought your little sister there as well. Do you know that the Yao Clan’s Old Master Yao had reported this matter to His Majesty and your grandfather; this matter had already caused an outrage in the capital!”
“Right after the morning assembly, your big uncle rushed to our residence angrily and questioned us on what we were trying to do, whether we were trying to murder the entire Wang Clan!”
“What!”
Wang Chong’s body jolted and he raised his head abruptly. He was shocked. In his previous life, he wasn’t involved in this matter so he couldn’t have imagined that the Yao Clan’s Old Master Yao would actually report him and his sister up to His Majesty, such that even his big uncle would come knocking to question the family.
“How could this be?”
Wang Chong muttered as a wave of shock gushed over him. He thought that since Yao Guang Yi was trying to harm his father by intentionally tearing his father and King Song away from one another, he wouldn’t blow this matter up; at least not to the point it was now.
However, Wang Chong realized that he had underestimated someone. That was the Yao Clan’s Old Master Yao.
If Yao Guang Yi was an old wily fox, then Old Master Yao was the one single-handedly groomed that old wily fox.
He wielded the ability to create storms in the royal court. Yao Guang Yi couldn’t even match up to a tenth of Old Master Yao’s means. Wang Chong remembered clearly that in his previous life, Old Master Yao had a nephew who bribed an official in the royal court. In the end, an official surnamed Wei reported his nephew to the emperor.
Usually, if such a matter were to happen to a court official, it would spell the end of his political career.
Yet, under Old Master Yao’s incredible means, not only was he alright, the official who reported him was relieved of his duty. Of course, his nephew was announced to be innocent and released; the matter ended just like that.
Wang Chong had a deep impression of the matter. Regardless of whether it was his previous life or his current life, he had heard his father, eldest brother and second brother spoke of the matter multiple times. Even if he hadn’t met this Old Master Yao yet, he was fearful of him.
His abilities to get things done were profound and unpredictable, it couldn’t be fathomed using ordinary means.
Wang Chong knew that with his attention solely on Yao Guang Yi, he had neglected Old Master Yao, who was hiding beneath the surface. Old Master Yao and his grandfather weren’t easy targets and the both of them were political rivals. Such was their relationship since the previous dynasty.
Furthermore, Old Master Yao deeply doted on Yao Feng. In his previous life, Old Master Yao even went up to the emperor to beg for an official position for his grandson. It wasn’t surprising for him to do such a thing now.
Thinking about the matter, it wasn’t really that shocking for Old Master Yao to make a big deal of this matter to strike a blow at the reputation of his grandfather.
However, what was truly shocked him was his uncle!
His uncle and his father’s relationship had not been good all along. Different from his father, his uncle was not a general but a high-ranking official in the royal court. He had inherited the connections and influence his grandfather wielded in the royal court.
As such, to his father whose standing was incomparable to him, as well as his other siblings, he always put on a haughty attitude and looked down on them.
Wang Chong’s other uncles and aunts had always just tolerated his attitude. However, Wang Chong’s father, Wang Yan, was a typical military man and he had a straightforward character. As such, he often refuted him directly, resulting in multiple conflicts.
As such, his father and his uncle’s relationship had always been hostile. From his previous life, Wang Chong had held intense loath for him. Just that, he never would have imagined that he would come knocking on their residence to question them on the matter.
“…You still dare to say how could this be?!”
Madam Wang’s ear was much sharper than Wang Chong had thought. Hearing his muttering, her rage came bursting out:
“It’s not like you don’t know about your relationship between your father and your uncle. He never liked your father, and it will be your grandfather’s seventieth birthday in awhile. Do you want your father to be embarrassed before so many uncles and your grandfather’s old acquaintances?”
In the end, the Madam Wang felt so bitter that her eyes turned completely red and tears seemed to be threatening to fall from it.
She thought that her child has finally become obedient after yesterday’s affairs. Yet, he barged into the Vast Crane Pavilion along with his younger sister and bashed Yao Clan’s gongzi up.
This was a matter regarding the Yao Clan and Wang Clan, it was by no means a trivial matter. Furthermore, the Yao Clan’s Old Master Yao even reported his grandfather up to the emperor!
As Wang Chong’s mother, she was responsible for the matter as well.
I have once stated in the first chapter that Hu can refer to all tribes that are foreign to the Great Tang Empire. In some parts of the text, it doesn’t fit in nicely so I will interchange it with foreigners.
‘Learning the strengths of others to wield it against them’
This phrase was with context to the Qing Dynasty. It came from a scholar called Wei Yuan. After the Qing Dynasty lost the Opium Wars, this person recommended opening the borders to the Britain to learn from them so that China could grow stronger. It could be literally translated as, ‘learning from the Westerners to deal with them’.
Shut for three years, open for three years of upkeep
Meaning, taking on the huge deals so that he can rest for a long time after that.
: Charax Spasinu (Characene)
Charax Spasinu is the capital of the country
Characene, and it is located between Euphrates and Tigris River.
At present, the location is known as Iraq.
The phrase itself refers to Antiochia, but there are many possible cities Antiochia can refer to. (At this, it refers to Charax Spasinu specifically)
Yumen Pass is the border of the Great Tang Empire that is very close to the Silk Road.
Chapter 17: Wang Chong’s Discovery
The greater the expectation Madam Wang held toward Wang Chong, the greater the disappointment she felt. This emotion wasn’t just directed toward Wang Chong, it was also directed toward herself.
A son’s misdeed is the fault of the mother’s upbringing. If she wasn’t so lenient toward Wang Chong, how could the situation evolve to such a point?
“Mother, I’m sorry. I know that I am at fault!”
Wang Chong kneeled on the floor with his head lowered. He felt extreme self-reproach. Even though his actions were for his father and the Wang Clan; even though Wang Chong did not think that he was at fault, his mother wasn’t aware of any of it at all.
Wang Chong was also unable to find a way to explain the situation to her. He needed half a month, when his father had discovered Yao Guang Yi’s ploy, for his mother to understand the efforts he had put in for the family.
“Mother, brother isn’t at fault on the matter at all!”
Suddenly, a slightly obstinate but clear bell-like voice sounded by the side. Upon hearing her brother admitting that it is his fault over and over, keeping his indignance to himself, Wang Xiao Yao suddenly couldn’t hold it in anymore and stood out.
Even though she was afraid of her mother, Wang Xiao Yao couldn’t stand seeing her own brother suffer such great injustice.
“This matter isn’t brother’s fault, why must you say that brother is at fault!”
Wang Xiao Yao stared at her mother in protest.
“What did you say?!”
Madam Wang was taken aback. Her eyes were widened and her entire body trembled in anger, “You still dare to refute my words!”
“Little sister, don’t say anymore.”
Wang Chong was also taken aback. He quickly pulled the hands of his younger sister but this time, she shook it away.
“Hmph, why can’t I say it?”
The Wang Family’s little sister’s obstinacy was working up once more. This time, completely ignoring Wang Chong’s words, she said, “That Yao Feng ordered Ma Zhou to frame brother for raping a lady. So, brother and I went to teach him a lesson. Are we at fault for doing so?”
“What? You said that the Yao Clan’s Yao Feng ordered Ma Zhou to frame your brother?”
Madam Wang was truly surprised. She stared at the kneeling Wang Chong and the stubborn Wang Xiao Yao with widened eyes. It was apparent that she was oblivious to this matter.
“Of course! I saw it for myself! That fellow Ma Zhou even admitted to it!”
Wang Xiao Yao said boldly.
The thoughts of a ten-year-old girl are innocent. At this point, she still thought that the reason why Wang Chong brought her to the Vast Crane Pavilion to teach Yao Feng a lesson was to exact vengeance on him for the incident.
One has to repay their gratitude and grudges. On this matter, she was completely supportive of her brother’s actions.
Madam Wang was initially at the peak of her anger, but at this moment, her anger had subsided significantly. She stared at the two siblings speechlessly. From the very start, Madam Wang had never believed that Wang Chong would rape a lady.
Her child may be stubborn, rebellious, indolent and hung out with bad company, but no matter how low Wang Chong had fallen, Madam Wang believed that he wouldn’t stoop to such level and commit such atrocious deeds.
The reason why she punished him was because even though Wang Chong did not do so, when the news of the affair broke out, his reputation, along with the Wang Clan’s reputation, had been soiled over the affair.
Outsiders were not concerned with the truth. All they knew was that Wang Chong was the one who did it, and Wang Chong was a descendant of the Wang Clan!
“Is that true?”
Madam Wang asked. However, her gaze wasn’t directed toward Wang Xiao Yao but the kneeling Wang Chong.
“Un.”
Wang Chong hesitated for a moment before nodding his head. Even though the reason for his trip to Vast Crane Pavilion wasn’t primarily for vengeance, the words of his little sister weren’t completely false.
“Sigh!”
Madam Wang sighed deeply. For a moment, she couldn’t find a word to say to them. The two siblings had caused such a great problem, implicating both the Yao Clan and Wang Clan in the matter, to the point even the emperor was alarmed on the matter. Logically speaking, she had no choice but to teach them a harsh lesson.
However, Yao Feng made use of Ma Zhou to frame Wang Chong, causing his reputation in the capital to fall into the gutters. It was perfectly understandable for Wang Chong to fly into a temper and lead his younger sister to the Vast Crane Pavilion to teach him a lesson.
Madam Wang didn’t like it when Wang Chong and his younger sister causing caused trouble, but no matter what, her husband was still a general who guarded the border; Madam Wang hoped that her children wouldn’t be cowards who were fearful of everything.
On this aspect, Madam Wang actually didn’t think that the Wang siblings had done anything wrong.
“Get up!”
Madam Wang sighed. “I will explain this matter to your big uncle. As long as you aren’t at fault for this matter, even if Your Majesty asks about this matter, we will be able to account the matter to him.”
“Thank you, mother.”
Wang Chong stood up and heaved a sigh of relief. He turned around to look at his younger sister and a sense of gratitude rose in his heart.
At this moment, Wang Chong couldn’t help but feel thankful that he had brought his younger sister for this operation. Otherwise, this matter wouldn’t be settled just like that.
“Hehe, I did well, right!”
Seeing her brother looking over at her, the Wang Family’s little sister raised her small head smugly. Wang Chong grinned and secretly shot her a thumbs up, feeding his sister’s pride.
He didn’t dote on her for nothing, at least she was sided with him!
“…However, even though Yao Feng was at fault for this matter, you two still went too far.”
At this moment, the voice of their mother, Zhao Shu Hua, sounded in their ears once more. Upon hearing her words, the faces of the two siblings crumbled.
“Especially you, despite being a lady, to fight with others like a man, look at what you are becoming!”
Madam Wang’s gaze fell upon the one who just refuted her words, Wang Xiao Yao.
“Yes, Yao-er admits her fault!”
Wang Family’s little sister had a nasty expression on her face that spelled of ‘I knew it would end up like this’. With her head lowered, she kicked at the empty air in frustration. Her mother’s words entered by the left ear and escaped by the right.
“If such a thing happens again, tell your brother that you will not go! If he dares to speak any further, tell me and I will break his legs…”
Madam Wang didn’t pass on this opportunity to ‘educate’ them and she continued to nag on.
Wang Family’s little sister’s eyes started to swim about. Clearly, she wasn’t interested and she wanted to flee.
Looking at this sight, Wang Chong broke into laughter internally. He already knew what she was going to do.
“Mother, I’m hungry. Can we eat first?”
The Wang Clan’s little sister’s small hands suddenly pressed on her stomach and a pitiful look appeared on her face. At the same time, her stomach grumbled loudly as well.
Madam Wang’s heart softened but very soon, her face steeled once more. “We’ll talk about food later on. However, you mustn’t fight with anyone else in the future.”
“Hm? Look, who’s that!”
The Wang Clan’
s little sister suddenly lifted her head. With widened eyes, she exclaimed loudly. In that instant where her mother turned around in puzzlement, Wang Xiao Yao grabbed the hand of her brother and escaped:
“Brother, run!”
Wang Chong burst into laughter. As though they had rehearsed this innumerable times, he ran along with his little sister. Behind their back, Madam Wang’s furious voice bellowed:
“Wang Xiao Yao! If you dare to run, I will ground you for three days!”
…
Wang Chong had managed to escape punishment for the matter at Vast Crane Pavilion for the time being.
He had also managed to obtain news of the two Sindhi monks today.
On the other hand, Wang Xiao Yao was grounded for three days. When Wang Chong went to her room to look for her, he wasn’t allowed to enter.
Also, even though Father Wang had said that he would deal with them after returning at night, there were no signs of him even though it was already deep at night.
Most probably, his father had already been deployed back to the borders, just like how it happened back in his previous life.
Wang Chong lay on his bed with his hands behind his head. Somehow, he wasn’t able to fall asleep.
Everything that occurred in the day appeared before him once more. Wang Chong would have never imagined that the two Sindhi monks had already returned back to their homeland.
“That shouldn’t be. Is the Great Tang really unfated with Wootz steel?”
Wang Chong found the situation hard to accept.
Given his current situation, the Wootz steel was his best chance at accruing a huge wealth without much capital. Even though it wasn’t that Wang Chong had no other methods up his sleeves, the other means were far inferior to this one. Otherwise, Wang Chong wouldn’t have subconsciously thought of ‘Wootz steel’ in the first place.
Not only so, there was another reason why he was determined to lay his hands on Wootz steel.
In his previous life, the Great Tang had slipped by this opportunity. Eventually, its enemies utilized the Wootz steel and thousands and thousands of Great Tang elites fell under the blades forged with Wootz steel.
The Human Emperor c1-2382 Page 22