Chapter Twenty: Cheng Yunfeng

After returning to the dormitory, Ma Yuan was dragged by Hou Xinjie and Wang Xian to the Drunken Cloud Pavilion for a feast. Of course, the bill was footed by Wang Xian.

They sat in an elegant window-side booth, leisurely dining. The three chatted casually about recent events, laughing and enjoying the moment with ease.

Wang Xian shared what had happened since returning home. After the incident at Mount Eight Tigers, he had become someone capable of taking charge in his family. His father promised that if he were admitted to Huali Military Academy, the family business would be entrusted to him in the future.

Hou Xinjie, meanwhile, had been overwhelmed these past days, making a long trip to see his father and finally securing his enrollment at Huali Military Academy.

Ma Yuan also told his roommates about his plans to return home during the holidays.

Just as they were happily eating, a young gentleman dressed in a long robe, exuding elegance, entered the Drunken Cloud Pavilion, accompanied by several servants. It was clear he was a wealthy scion.

“Waiter, bring the usual set and send it to the private room upstairs,” one of the servants called out loudly, clearly accustomed to dining here.

Suddenly, the young man noticed Wang Xian and his companions sitting by the window. He paused briefly before approaching them.

“Hmph, isn’t this Young Master Wang? Why not take a seat in the private room upstairs?” the robed youth sneered mockingly.

Wang Xian’s face darkened immediately at the voice; he knew exactly who the speaker was.

The youth was Cheng Yunfeng, the young master of the Cheng family, another prominent arms-dealing family in Gao City, just like the Wangs. The Chengs also had military dealings with Marshal Zhang of Jizhou City.

“Hmph, unlike Young Master Cheng, who’s wealthy, I’m just Wang Xian. My father wouldn’t let me gorge myself like a wastrel,” Wang Xian retorted sharply, striking back with pointed sarcasm.

Cheng Yunfeng’s face flushed painfully. Though younger, he was outmatched in wit by Wang Xian.

“Mind your tone, kid. My master is the renowned Second Young Master of the Cheng family in Gao City!” one of Cheng’s servants shouted loudly.

Wang Xian tugged at his ear. “Got it, got it. You don’t have to shout like I’m deaf.”

Wang Xian’s mockery was a fresh humiliation for Cheng Yunfeng, whose face turned the color of raw liver. Hou Xinjie nearly choked on his food trying to suppress his laughter.

“You insolent brat! How dare you laugh at me? Come on, let me teach him a lesson!” Cheng Yunfeng roared, pointing at Hou Xinjie.

Though young, Cheng Yunfeng had grown up in a powerful family skilled in reading situations. He knew Wang Xian was not to be trifled with—perhaps his older brother could be—but this unknown youngster was fair game. So, he decided to vent his anger on Hou Xinjie.

At his command, several of Cheng’s servants surged forward, fists raised at Hou Xinjie.

Startled, Wang Xian shouted and pushed one assailant aside, then dashed toward the exit yelling, “Run! Cheng Yunfeng is attacking!”

Ma Yuan reacted swiftly, slipping through the gap and rushing outside. Poor Hou Xinjie, however, took several punches before he could escape.

...

Two days later, the dormitory’s supervisor summoned the three to his office for a stern talk and informed them about their enrollment at Huali Military Academy.

Supervisor Jian had recommended Ma Yuan, Wang Xian, and Hou Xinjie to the academy, and their names had already been submitted to Li Zhongmin. In half a month, they would be heading to Huali Military Academy in Yuanzhou City.

“Didn’t expect we’d be going to Yuanzhou so soon. I hear it’s a prosperous city, and the political center of the south,” Hou Xinjie remarked thoughtfully in the dorm.

They hadn’t imagined it would happen so quickly. Just days ago, on their way to Mount Eight Tigers, they were still debating whether to apply; now, they had one foot already inside the academy.

“Hey, Hou Xinjie, since we’re all going to Huali, do you think Cheng Yunfeng will get in too?” Ma Yuan suddenly asked.

Hou Xinjie scratched his head. Though his family was also military and arms-related, they paled in comparison to the Chengs, so he was quite wary of Cheng Yunfeng.

Wang Xian smiled. “What’s there to fear? If Cheng Yunfeng comes after you two at Huali, just come to me. I’ll have your backs.”

“But, to be honest, Cheng Yunfeng isn’t the real problem—it’s his older brother, Cheng Yuntai. From what my father said, Cheng Yuntai has been at Huali for over two years. We’ll need to be cautious once we get there; if he targets us, life at the academy won’t be easy.”

“Hey, Wang Xian, since your family does arms business, you must know some things. Tell us about Huali Military Academy,” Hou Xinjie perked up, looking at Wang Xian eagerly.

Although they had all applied, they knew little about the academy.

Wang Xian cleared his throat. “Hou Xinjie, if you want to know, you probably know as much as I do.”

“Indeed, when I was home, I asked my father about Huali Military Academy. Let me start with Yuanzhou City—it’s one of the major southern cities, several times larger than Jizhou City, bustling and wealthy.”

“The most famous things about Yuanzhou, besides its wealth and prosperity, is Huali Military Academy. Founded just over twenty years ago, it quickly rose to prominence, becoming one of the most prestigious military academies in the south, producing countless military talents for the nation.”

“Take, for example, Zhang Zhengde, Minister of the Political Department; Hou Jian, Minister of Culture; Wei Ju, Commander of the Third National Guard Army; Li Deliang, Commander of the Nineteenth Army; and Wu Qiong, Commander of the Fourth Imperial Guard Army—they all graduated from Huali and now hold key positions.”

“It’s said the president values these academies greatly, once saying, ‘To strengthen the nation, first strengthen its young talents.’ It’s because of this that these academies have flourished like bamboo shoots after spring rain.”

Wang Xian spoke eagerly, sharing all he knew about Huali Military Academy, broadening Ma Yuan’s horizons.

At that moment, Ma Yuan resolved firmly to seize this opportunity—to achieve glory and success beyond, bringing honor to his father and their hometown folk.