Chapter 24: Brawling

Chapter 24: Brawling

Halfway through the training, the Imperial Academy's polo team became shrouded in secrecy, no longer allowing onlookers.

Lu Huaijing even assigned guards to keep other students at bay.

Even the stands could only be occupied by assistant coaches or friends they trusted implicitly.

This was because Lu Huaijing discovered that the formation Ji Yanbai had arranged for them was something he had never seen before.

He had always enjoyed polo and frequently watched matches, but he had never seen anyone else use the formation Ji Yanbai was teaching them.

Thus, he began to seal off information, fearing others might learn their secrets.

In truth, everyone else felt that Lu Huaijing's actions drew more attention rather than less.

But Lu Huaijing was eccentric and loved controlling everything, so others didn't bother arguing with him.

After all...the horses were provided by Lu Huaijing, and during breaks, meals were meticulously arranged. They were beholden to his generosity.

During the mid-session break, Lu Huaijing sat brazenly in the stands, his robe undone, revealing his pale chest. Only his prominent collarbones were visible, lacking any muscle definition.

His attendant fanned him with measured strokes, clearly trained for this task.

Watching from the side, Yu Jianli genuinely felt that Lu Huaijing, this little beauty, was quite alluring in every way except intelligence. He probably even sweated fragrantly.

Lu Huaijing took large gulps of tea while remarking, "Who would have thought that this big, dark bear from the borderlands has some real skills? Could it be that he's teaching us tactics used in military formations? If we master this, wouldn't we be able to lead armies into battle?"

Yu Jianli, who had imparted strategic knowledge to Ji Yanbai, remained silent, merely sipping his tea in silence.

Ming Zhiyan was also studying the diagrams, seemingly approving of what Ji Yanbai was teaching them.

Lu Huaijing grew increasingly excited and slapped his thigh. "What we're learning isn't just polo; it's military strategy! It's the essence of our Zhou Jin nation."

Yu Jianli couldn't help choking on his tea and set down his cup, feigning composure as he continued to observe.

At that moment, someone reported, "Young Master Lin Ting wishes to see you."

Upon hearing this, Lu Huaijing was visibly troubled. After a moment of distress, he complained, "Why is he so annoying!"

Seeing Yu Jianli looking at him, he quickly explained, "I don't trust him much, and he's too clingy. I find him irritating."

If one knew the plot, they would understand that Lin Ting was approaching Lu Huaijing because he saw him as a useful pawn.

At this moment, Lin Ting likely wanted to get closer to Lu Huaijing ahead of schedule.

When Yu Jianli felt restless, he often engaged in small gestures. Having just put down his teacup, he picked it up again, realizing it was empty and refilling it.

Picking it up to drink, he found it too hot and blew on it.

He was conflicted about whether to intervene in the plot. He couldn't bear to see Lu Huaijing suffer a terrible fate.

Ming Zhiyan put down the diagrams and looked at him, noticing his resolve. "Is he close with the elder brother from the Wenchang Pavilion?"

The elder brother from the Wenchang Pavilion referred to the person Lu Huaijing cared deeply about.

Lu Huaijing pondered for a moment and replied, "They're mere acquaintances, neither good nor bad."

Yu Jianli continued guiding Lu Huaijing's thoughts. "Your brother has always valued talent, so why isn't he close to him?"

"Hmm..." Lu Huaijing genuinely considered the question. "Why is that?"

Ming Zhiyan spoke candidly. "Your brother's heart has always been with the Crown Prince."

"Oh..." Lu Huaijing still didn't understand.

Realizing hints were useless with Lu Huaijing, Ming Zhiyan bluntly explained, "If someone is talented, the Crown Prince will surely promote them and invite your brother to do so. But if he's talented and the Crown Prince doesn't invite him, can you guess why?"

"This person is unreliable!" Lu Huaijing finally caught on.

Satisfied, Ming Zhiyan picked up the diagrams again to continue studying.

Holding his teacup, Yu Jianli sighed in admiration. Ming Zhiyan was truly intelligent!

All he needed was a topic to start, and Ming Zhiyan knew how to carry the conversation forward. This must be the wisdom of the protagonist!

Seeing Lu Huaijing dismiss the servant's message that he didn't want to see Lin Ting, Yu Jianli wasn't reassured.

He knew Lin Ting wouldn't give up on Lu Huaijing so easily and would exploit him later.

Lu Huaijing was naive and might fall for Lin Ting's tricks.

He wondered if he could protect him.

His gaze then drifted to Ji Yanbai, resting on the nearby stand, who seemed to sense his stare.

Looking at him, Yu Jianli sighed inwardly, vowing that even if he couldn't protect Ji Yanbai unscathed, he would ensure that Ji Yanbai would have a proper burial.

Then he berated himself. Why think about death? Everyone except him should strive to live long lives!

Ji Yanbai, not far away, was perplexed by Yu Jianli's sorrowful gaze.

Does he have something to tell me?

In the end, he held back.

After the training session ended, Lu Huaijing insisted on taking everyone out for a meal, considering it a reward for their efforts.

Ji Yanbai didn't immediately agree but said, "I need to bathe first. Wait for me in the private room."

Lu Huaijing expected Ji Yanbai to decline but was delighted when he simply said he'd arrive later. His eyes and brows lifted in joy as he laughed. "Are you afraid your sweaty smell will offend us scholars?"

Ji Yanbai responded bluntly, "They might be scholars, but you're not. You're a ruffian of the Imperial Academy."

After answering, Ji Yanbai sidestepped them and left with Tan Hui.

Lu Huaijing couldn't resist grumbling, "Really...it's hard to have an appetite eating with him."

With a grand gesture, he declared, "You two come with me to bathe. My soaking pool is huge!"

The students of the Imperial Academy usually didn't bathe together, which Yu Jianli knew.

However, each student had their own private soaking pool, something he hadn't known.

This made Ji Yanbai even more unique. Despite being the Little Duke, he still bathed with others in the communal baths.

Lu Huaijing lacked boundaries. Upon entering the bathhouse, he quickly undressed, draped a towel around himself, and walked in, shouting, "Throw in more flower petals today! Let me smell if it's fragrant enough!"

After he left, Yu Jianli and Ming Zhiyan were left awkwardly standing there.

Ming Zhiyan was gay, and Yu Jianli knew that Ming Zhiyan harbored feelings for him. He himself wasn't straight either.

Now, they were supposed to undress and prepare to bathe together, which was indeed an intimate situation.

Fortunately, Ming Zhiyan acted like a gentleman, turning his back to untie his belt while saying, "I'll go in first. You don't have to rush."

Yu Jianli's voice tightened as he replied, "Okay."

Avoiding eye contact with Ming Zhiyan, Yu Jianli waited until Ming Zhiyan, wrapped in a towel, entered the inner bathing area before starting to undress.

Finally, Yu Jianli wrapped himself tightly in a towel before entering the soaking pool.

As soon as he sat down, he heard Lu Huaijing gossip to them in an exaggerated tone, "A few days ago, Ji Yanbai beat up several people in the communal baths. He was still wearing a towel around his waist, but when he kicked out, it slipped, and someone saw...a particularly large thing! Next time, I'm determined to see it for myself."

"Mm..." Yu Jianli blushed fiercely, sitting in the soaking pool and staring at the ceiling, silently reciting, "Mind without impure thoughts, Amitabha Buddha."

Leaning against the soaking pool, Ming Zhiyan said indifferently, "I doubt he'll show you."

"Definitely not. I plan to sneak into the communal baths when I get the chance." Lu Huaijing began observing the two opposite him. "Yu Jianli, you're really pale. Even paler than Ming Zhiyan. Let me see your legs."

As he said this, he reached into the water to find Yu Jianli's ankle.

Having just talked about Ji Yanbai, he now wanted to see Yu Jianli's legs. Anyone could see what Lu Huaijing was thinking.

Startled, Yu Jianli exclaimed, "No! My legs aren't pretty!"

"How could they not be pretty with skin this pale? Even if they're like radish legs, they'd still be beautiful radishes." Lu Huaijing persisted, inching closer.

Ming Zhiyan stood up to block him. "You're going too far."

Unexpectedly, Lu Huaijing slapped his stomach. "You have so many muscles, Ming Zhiyan! You've been hiding them well!"

Ming Zhiyan pushed his hand away and warned, "Sit properly."

"Shy and boring, you two are no fun." Lu Huaijing, unable to achieve his goal, sat back down, bored. In the water, he wiggled his toes, picking up a petal to show Yu Jianli. "Look how accurately I can pick things up."

"Uh, very impressive."

His other foot joined in. "Both feet can do it!"

"Mm-hmm."

Lu Huaijing didn't display for long before slipping into the bath.

Seeing this, Yu Jianli frantically tried to support Lu Huaijing.

Worried that Yu Jianli might slip as well, Ming Zhiyan got up to assist him.

The soaking pool turned into chaos.

Lu Huaijing choked on water and, after being helped up by Yu Jianli, crawled out, crying and complaining, "How did they clean the soaking pool? It's so slippery."

Perhaps feeling embarrassed.

Ming Zhiyan and Yu Jianli, still in the soaking pool, exchanged glances, unsure if they had finished washing.

However, after Lu Huaijing was comforted by his attendant outside, he asked them, "Should I lend you each a set of clothes?"

"Uh, okay." Yu Jianli quickly agreed, knowing that leaving in Imperial Academy attire wouldn't be ideal.

His figure was similar to Lu Huaijing's, so the clothes should fit.

After asking, he turned to Ming Zhiyan. "You're taller than him. Will they fit you?"

"As long as they're loose enough, it's fine."

"Okay."

After dressing, Yu Jianli was still fixing his hair when Lu Huaijing started circling him. "You look great in these clothes. Indeed, good-looking people make clothes look different."

Flattered, Yu Jianli responded modestly, "You flatter me."

"Not at all, it's the truth." Turning to look at Ming Zhiyan, he snorted, "Putting on airs."

Ming Zhiyan was too tired to argue with him. The three of them left the Imperial Academy together and boarded the same carriage.

The shop they were heading to wasn't far, and the journey was brief.

Stepping out of the carriage, Yu Jianli looked around. The place was bustling with customers and carriages.

Lanterns hung in strings outside the ornate walls, stretching for dozens of meters.

On the second floor terrace, a red-clothed, masked woman danced to the rhythm of music, while passersby below clapped and laughed along.

Entering the grand hall on the first floor, the clinking of cups and the sound of high-spirited discussions filled the air.

When Lu Huaijing led his group upstairs, they were stopped by a timid waiter who cautiously said, "Young Master Lu, Fengzhu was reserved by someone else before you arrived. Would you consider Huanxuan instead?"

Lu Huaijing was displeased upon hearing this.

Each private room in this tavern offered a unique view of the scenery outside.

Fengzhu provided a sight of the small bridge and flowing water below, as well as the dancing courtesans on the pleasure boats, making it the best room in the entire establishment.

Huanxuan had smaller windows and no terrace, appearing rather cramped.

This time, Lu Huaijing had come early with high spirits, having booked the private room ahead of time. The fact that he wasn’t informed of any issues dampened his mood.

Unlike his courteous demeanor towards Yu Jianli, Lu Huaijing’s face turned cold as he said unhappily, "My attendant said it was reserved. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have come."

"Ah, the new waiter didn’t know better, we’ve already scolded him. We’ll send three extra dishes today, how about that?"

"Does your young master care about three dishes?!"

At this moment, Lu Huaijing’s attendant hurriedly interjected, "Young Master, we did reserve it, but we were delayed due to our baths. During that time, Young Master Du came with a group, insisting on Fengzhu and barged right in. That’s why the innkeeper told you they were first."

The attendant clearly didn’t want to take the blame, knowing full well the severity of Lu Huaijing’s anger if provoked.

Upon hearing it was Du Jijun, Lu Huaijing rolled his eyes so hard they nearly reached the heavens, cursing out loud, "We followed the rules and reserved it in advance. You didn’t dare to resist them, so you bully your young master instead?!"

"This, this…" The waiter panicked at the sight of this confrontation, unable to offend either side, he could only apologize repeatedly, "It’s truly our fault. How about this, we’ll arrange a dancer for you exclusively…"

Lu Huaijing interrupted him, "Didn’t you tell him I reserved it first?"

The waiter stuttered, fearful of escalating the situation.

Lu Huaijing understood then; it seemed Du Jijun knew he had reserved it but still didn’t care, making him even angrier.

Lu Huaijing’s temper flared up instantly. He quickly ascended the stairs and went straight to the door of Fengzhu, pushing it open: "Du Jijun! You’re really shameless, aren’t you? Your young master reserved this room first, and you still dared to snatch it?"

This time, all pretenses were dropped, and old grudges would be settled alongside new ones.

Du Jijun and his group were enjoying lively conversations in the private room, drinking merrily. Their joy was disrupted by Lu Huaijing, leaving them infuriated. Du Jijun stood up immediately, slamming his palm on the table, "I’m here today, if you know what’s good for you, apologize, and we’ll pretend you never disturbed us. We might even reward you with a jug of wine."

"Your mother’s jug of wine! Your young master will smash all your wine today!" Lu Huaijing, like an irate beast, rushed in and overturned the table.

Seeing Lu Huaijing act so unreasonably, the others also became agitated, stepping over the mess to confront him.

Yu Jianli was somewhat panicked but was held back by Ming Zhiyan in the corner. "Stay back."

Saying this, he strode forward to assist.

Their group wasn’t fully assembled yet, and the opposing side had the advantage in numbers. If they engaged in a fight, Lu Huaijing might get hurt.

Ming Zhiyan knew that fighting wasn’t ideal at this moment, but the situation was already out of control. His priority now was to stabilize the situation.

However, this conflict proved to be more serious than they anticipated.

Lu Huaijing was a spoiled brat, and for someone familiar with him to act this way, they clearly weren’t any better.

When two such groups met, especially with the direct provocation of overturning the table, a brawl broke out instantly.

Even though Ming Zhiyan had some martial arts training, he was ultimately a scholar. Controlling the situation was difficult enough, let alone protecting Lu Huaijing, who was at the center of the fight.

Seeing they were about to suffer a loss, Yu Jianli raised a serving tray to help block.

Unfortunately, his frail body and weak strength made him easily pushed aside.

Just as he was about to fall, someone caught him in time. Looking up, he saw Ji Yanbai supporting him.

Immediately after, Ji Yanbai stepped forward, grabbed Du Jijun’s arm as he swung a punch at Lu Huaijing, lifted him up, and kicked him far away without hesitation.

Without pausing, he swiftly delivered knee strikes or punches to several others, incapacitating five of them within the span of a breath, leaving them unable to retaliate.

Four others, seeing Ji Yanbai’s arrival, were shocked and frozen in fear, thus escaping harm.

Lu Huaijing, who had been punched several times, suddenly gained momentum when the tide turned in their favor. He yelled at Du Jijun and the others, "You dare to occupy our reserved spot? Don’t you know who we are?!"

Du Jijun felt dizzy and could only squint to see Ji Yanbai clearly. His lips trembled, but he couldn’t utter a word.

Knowing it was Lu Huaijing’s reservation, he hadn’t cared, after all, he had long found Lu Huaijing disagreeable. With their numbers today, couldn’t they handle him?

But…who could have expected Ji Yanbai to appear alongside Lu Huaijing?!

There were still those nearby who didn’t recognize Ji Yanbai, after all, he had only recently returned to the capital. They whispered, "Who is that tall man? The son of the Minister of Justice dares to act like this, he looks like a trained fighter."

"Who else could it be? Ji Yanbai, the younger imperial uncle!"