The drums began to play, and the stage was set for the grand event.
The panel of judges was seated in the east row, all dressed in elegant robes. Starting from the front, there was Yuwen Xi, Yuwen Gao, Yuwen Hao, the third young master Yuwen Huai, and the fourth young master Yuwen Yue.
Among the distinguished guests were Prime Minister Wei Guang and the Wei clan elders, as well as young master Wei Shu Ye, young princes Wei Shu You, Wei Shu Hao, and Zhao Xi Feng. Behind them, on an elevated platform, sat the Great Summer Emperor, young prince Yuan Song, prince Yuan Che, and two imperial concubines of Wei State. Also present was the representative from the north, young prince Yan Xun of Yanbei, accompanied by his brothers, Yan Ting and Yan Shi.
From the south came the dazzling visitors from Liang, including the Liang King and young prince Xiao Ce. Young prince Xiao Ce wore a splendid yellow-gold robe embroidered with autumn leaves and flowers at its hem.
As part of a grand entrance, two young maids scattered autumn leaves of yellow and red flowers along his path. Xiao Ce gracefully executed an extra pose, flashing a foxy smile at the Emperor and the royal audience.
The Wei Emperor was entertained by the display and smiled, prompting all present to look and bow in respect to him. Meanwhile, the other attendees could only stare in shock, their eyes darting back and forth at the crown prince Xiao Ce.
Yuan Song playfully kicked his brother Yuan Che's leg and exclaimed, "This is an unbelievable sight!"
Yuan Che chuckled in response, "You bet! I'm tempted to throw a stone to make him stumble."
The brothers laughed and waved at young prince Xiao Ce, who was parading through the crowd with a grand entrance. Finally seated, Xiao Ce looked proud, his narrowed eyes and foxy handsome face radiating confidence.
It was Xiao Ce's first visit to the Wei state, and the people were impressed by the crown prince of Liang.
In the center, an open square stage hosted hundreds of spectators from the north and south, while junior fighters in neat costumes stood on the west side. The Great Summer Dynasty was about to begin its yearly mid-autumn lantern festival, which included the Chinese Jian swordsmanship competition.
After the panel of judges was introduced and the Wei Emperor delivered a brief welcome speech, a commentator stepped forward to explain the competition mechanics. The format included elimination rounds, semifinals, and quarterfinals, followed by a swordsmanship exhibition from the Yuwen household, culminating in the championship round.
The usual prizes for the winners were 300 kilograms of gold for first place, 150 for second, and 75 for third. However, this year, the Wei Emperor announced an additional reward: a prized Jian sword for the champion. The audience erupted with excitement as the imperial messenger held the sword aloft.
Furthermore, the Emperor declared that the winner would serve the fourth young master Yuwen Yue in the Yuwen household, officially welcoming him as the future heir to the Eyes of God.
After the elimination round, ten junior players advanced to the semifinals, which were trimmed to six. Following that, only four remained in the quarterfinals. Yuwen Gao and Yuwen Xi noticed a remarkably young boy, just seven years old, who had progressed through all the rounds.
"This boy is gifted," said Yuwen Gao and he is referring the youngest player, a seven-year-old boy.
Yuwen Xi raised an eyebrow at Yuwen Gao and declared, "I'll buy his freedom, win or lose in this tournament. I'll make him part of my envoy." The two grandmasters began to wager on the talented seven-year-old boy.
In the quarterfinals, the final two matches were underway. The first match featured the seven-year-old boy against a twelve-year-old, both vying for a chance at the championship. Meanwhile, the second match showcased a ten-year-old against a fourteen-year-old, though it drew less attention than the first.
The Great Summer Emperor clapped his hands in excitement as the seven-year-old boy managed to disarm his older opponent. The twelve-year-old dropped his sword, and the younger boy caught it mid-air. The emperor delightedly witnessed this impressive display, prompting the Wei elders to start placing their bets on the seven-year-old.
Yuwen Yue watched intently, recognizing a certain familiarity in the boy's martial arts style. As he closed his eyes, he recalled the cloud hands technique before opening them again, only to find the match concluded and the winner announced— the seven-year-old boy would proceed to the championship round.
Locking eyes with Yuwen Yue, the young boy held a formal demeanor, while Yuwen Yue raised an eyebrow in acknowledgment. Before the main event, there would be an exhibition match from the Yuwen household, the tournament's host.
Dressed in an elegant blue Hanfu, Yuwen Yue's cold, composed presence drew all eyes to him. It was the first time the noble crowd and the Wei attendees had seen him face-to-face. On stage stood his famous cousin, Yuwen Huai, confidently clad in a forest green Hanfu, exuding a fierce protector aura.
Yuwen Hao was lively, and the Emperor of the Great Summer Dynasty appeared pleasantly surprised by the youthful talent on stage. The other royals were equally captivated; Yan Xun from Yanbei stared at Yuwen Yue with a smirk, while Xiao Ce raised an eyebrow, intrigued. Yuwen Huai also smirked, relishing the chance to showcase his skills.
Yuwen Xi felt proud as a father, knowing the emperor might reward both his son and nephew. This was Yuwen Yue's debut in public, and the attention was palpable, especially since Yuwen Huai was already a crowd favorite.
The two cousins bowed to each other before taking their duel positions. Yuwen Huai pointed his sword with a smirk, sizing up Yuwen Yue. However, instead of making the first move, Huai struck first, using his height and age to his advantage. Yuwen Yue, maintaining a cold expression, struggled to counter the attack.
Confident, Yuwen Huai launched a second strike, nearly causing Yuwen Yue to drop his sword. Despite the mounting cheers for Huai and the dismay on some spectators' faces, Yuwen Yue remained stoic.
Amused by his son's underdog approach, Yuwen Hao believed that Yuwen Yue would eventually counterattack. After Huai's third strike, Yuwen Yue finally managed to respond effectively, exchanging blows with his cousin in a back-and-forth duel. Though Yuwen Huai continued to dominate the match, Yuwen Yue's calm demeanor and underdog stance began to shift the crowd's energy, even if he wasn't gaining the loudest cheers yet. The emperor clapped for Huai, enjoying the spectacle, while Yuwen Yue focused intently on the duel.
Yuwen Yue kept a playful demeanor, subtly teasing his cousin Yuwen Huai, who fought with unwavering seriousness during the exhibition match. The atmosphere crackled with tension as the duel continued, but everything changed in an instant.
In a critical moment, Yuwen Huai miscalculated his strike and knocked Yuwen Yue to the ground. His sword hovered perilously close to Yuwen Yue's neck, the sharp edge glinting menacingly against his jade-like skin. Just as disaster loomed, the seven-year-old boy who had impressed everyone with his talent rushed in.
With a swift and instinctive movement, he countered Huai's attack, using his small frame to shield Yuwen Yue from harm. Yuwen Yue remained surprisingly calm, watching with not-so-surprised eyes as the boy stood bravely between him and Yuwen Huai. The older cousin froze, realizing the gravity of his mistake as he dropped his sword, the clattering sound echoing in the stunned silence.
Yuwen Hao stood up, his heart racing, relieved to see his son safe. The rest of the crowd was equally astonished, witnessing the young boy's courageous intervention. The Great Summer Emperor, usually vocal in his opinions, observed the scene quietly, intrigued by the young fighters.
Tension lingered as Yuwen Yue and the seven-year-old boy locked eyes. "Young master, please get up and finish the exhibition game," the boy urged, his earnest gaze unwavering. He extended his hand to help Yuwen Yue rise, but Yuwen Yue, bound by his aristocratic pride, declined the offer and stood on his own, his cold eyes fixed on the boy.
Seeing Yuwen Yue back on his feet, Yuwen Huai took a deep breath and bowed his head to the crowd, acknowledging the gravity of the moment. "This exhibition game is over," he declared, and the audience erupted in applause, their cheers echoing throughout the venue. Yuwen Huai's small triumph over the heir to the Eyes of God, even if unintentional, brought him a fleeting sense of victory, leaving the crowd buzzing with excitement over the unexpected turn of events.
Yuwen Yue bowed his head, embracing the spirit of sportsmanship. He glanced at his father, Yuwen Hao, who was visibly impressed with his son's clever strategy. Yuwen Yue had skillfully masked his strengths, waiting for the right moment to reveal them, and his ability to manipulate the situation to his advantage did not go unnoticed. Yuwen Hao realized that the seven-year-old boy, with his instinctive bravery, would make the perfect bodyguard for Yuwen Yue. Whether he won the tournament or not, the boy had already secured a place on Yuwen Hao's list, and a plan was forming in his mind.
Meanwhile, the Emperor nodded in acknowledgment of Yuwen Huai, skillfully brushing off the earlier near-tragedy to maintain the festive atmosphere. The show must go on, and the host stepped forward to announce the final match: the championship round.
The seven-year-old boy took to the stage once again, this time facing off against a ten-year-old contender. They bowed respectfully, assuming their fighting stances. In an instant, the seven-year-old moved like lightning, and within a flash, his sword was poised at the other boy's neck, signaling a swift end to the match.
The crowd erupted in cheers as the ten-year-old fell short against the prodigious talent of the seven-year-old. Yuwen Yue watched in awe impressed for the first time, realizing that this boy would be closely tied to him, especially as he prepared to inherit the Eyes of God.
Yuwen Gao was the first to speak, his tone both serious and triumphant. "You can't buy the freedom seal from the emperor; the boy will be under the Green Hills courtyard starting now." The declaration echoed in the air, solidifying the boy's place in the Yuwen household. The crowd buzzed with excitement, their eyes now on the future, eager to see what alliances and destinies would unfold in the days to come.
Yuwen Xi smirked at Yuwen Gao, his voice laced with playful mockery. "Did I say anything earlier?" He grinned, the two of them resembling children squabbling over a prized toy. With the winner declared and the Emperor's decree set to take effect, the boy would indeed be assigned to the Green Hills courtyard.
As the Emperor acknowledged the winner, he took a moment to formally recognize Yuwen Yue as the new master of the seven-year-old champion. The boy stepped forward, accepting the Jian sword from the Imperial messenger with a respectful bow to the Great Summer Emperor, then turned to Yuwen Yue, who nodded in approval of the new champion.
The Jian sword, though adult-sized, was a prestigious award, and Yuwen Yue gestured for his aide, Yue Lui, to assist him in carrying it. He also took possession of his own Po Yue Jian sword, slightly longer than him, but he managed to wield it discreetly without drawing too much attention from the crowd. Yuwen Yue had deliberately refrained from using this sword during the exhibition match, choosing instead to adopt an underdog strategy that would keep the elite families of the Red Hills courtyard from becoming envious of Green Hills courtyard. Yuwen Hao understood this approach well.
Once the crowd dispersed, the seven-year-old boy approached Yuwen Yue. The banquet prepared by the Red Hills courtyard awaited, but for now, only the royals and elite family members lingered. The young prince of Liang, Xiao Ce, had already bid his goodbyes, casting a lingering glance at Yuwen Yue with those familiar foxy eyes that hinted at a budding fondness for him.
"Congratulations, Young Master," the boy said, breaking the silence. "You're strong. I've never seen anyone like you."
Yuwen Yue regarded the seven-year-old with a measured gaze. "You did well yourself. We might learn much from each other."
With that, a silent understanding passed between them, hinting at a future partnership built on respect and shared strength.
Yuwen Yue, in his polite manner, bowed slightly to the seven-year-old boy, who had just demonstrated such bravery. Xiao Ce, fresh and vibrant, nodded to him before departing with the same grand flair he had exhibited upon his arrival.
Meanwhile, the young crown prince of Yanbei, Yan Xun, approached Yuwen Yue with a broad grin. "In this match, you won! Thanks to the bravery of this seven-year-old boy and your clever underdog strategy." He playfully gave Yuwen Yue a light punch on the shoulder. Although they were not strangers—Yan Xun often visited the Green Hills courtyard for tea ceremonies with Yuwen Yue—the camaraderie felt as genuine as ever.
"Thank you, Yan Xun," Yuwen Yue replied, bowing his head. Yan Xun's sunny disposition shone through as he turned to Feng Mian, exclaiming, "Come, let's attend the banquet at Red Hills courtyard and paint the town red afterward!"
That night, the seven-year-old boy's freedom had been bought from his guardian, who had unwittingly hired him from a group of ninja assassins, oblivious to the boy's past and his family history. The palace guards would escort him to his new household the following morning.
The boy was wise beyond his years and chose to focus on the future rather than dwell on his troubled past. He held onto the hope that, by cultivating a life of goodness, he might one day find his younger brother, who had been lost at Shangxi port, or at the last place their family had gathered—the Luoyang Shaolin temple.
The next day, as the palace guards mounted their horses, the boy was ushered into a carriage for his transfer to the Yuwen household. He felt a wave of positive energy emanating from his new young master, Yuwen Yue, and looked forward to what lay ahead.
Upon their arrival, the boy looked a bit groggy at first, but his energy surged when he stepped into the Yuwen household. The palace guards navigated the usual interrogation process before allowing them into the Green Hills courtyard, where Yuwen Hao's servants greeted them warmly.
Yuwen Yue, maintaining his composure, promised himself he would treat this new bodyguard differently from the others—after all, this boy had protected him during the exhibition match and was now officially part of his life. As he straightened his back, he mentally picked out a name for the boy: "Yue Qi," or "the Seventh Yue."
When the seven-year-old boy finally arrived, he bowed deeply to Yuwen Hao, the master of the Eyes of God, who nodded in acknowledgment and instructed his servants to lead the boy to the inner temple where Yuwen Yue awaited.
As the boy approached, Yuwen Yue turned his back to him, deliberately creating a moment of tension. "Who told you to counter Yuwen Huai's blade at my neck?" he asked, his tone a mix of curiosity and seriousness.
The seven-year-old paused for a moment before responding, "No one told me, Young Master. I just… couldn't let you get hurt." His voice was steady, reflecting both determination and youthful wisdom.
Yuwen Yue considered this for a moment, a flicker of respect crossing his cold-blooded aristocratic nature. "Well, you did well. Just remember, your life is valuable. Don't throw it away for me."
"I understand," Yue Qi replied earnestly, his bright eyes unwavering. "But I won't let anything happen to you, Young Master."
Yuwen Yue felt a strange warmth at the boy's words, recognizing the bond that was beginning to form between them. This young bodyguard might just prove to be a formidable ally.
"Fourth Young Master, I had to do what I had to do," Yue Qi replied earnestly, his expression steady.
"What made you do it?" Yuwen Yue asked again, genuinely curious.
"Because I knew that you might die by accident, and if that happens, I wouldn't be able to serve you and come to your courtyard today." The gravity of the seven-year-old's statement was remarkable, and Yuwen Yue felt a sense of admiration for the boy's determination to protect him, even at such a young age.
"And who told you that I cannot defend myself and that you had to intervene?" Yuwen Yue pressed, intrigued.
"No one, Young Master. Like I said, I just did what I had to do."
"Will you keep doing it?" Yuwen Yue challenged, narrowing his eyes.
"As long as I protect my Young Master, I will do it."
"Even if it means risking your life?" Yuwen Yue turned to face the boy, his expression serious.
"Yes, Young Master." Yue Qi bowed his head, his resolve unwavering.
"Look at me," Yuwen Yue commanded, and Yue Qi raised his gaze. The boy's eyes sparkled in the light, like early morning dew catching the sun, and he blinked a few times to clear his vision. Yuwen Yue, dressed in a flowing white robe with intricate dark blue embroidery, radiated a brilliance that made Yue Qi feel both awed and determined.
With a softening gaze, Yuwen Yue couldn't help but feel a flicker of warmth for the boy. "Your name shall be Yue Qi. You will bear the title of the Seventh Yue, and you will guard me day and night from this day forward."
"Understood, Young Master," Yue Qi replied, a newfound sense of pride filling his chest.
"Take him to his room and ensure he receives his uniform. Yue Qi must come here and stay by my side," Yuwen Yue instructed, dismissing his servants and the young boy.
As the two left, a woman observing the scene couldn't shake the feeling that she recognized the boy. She had heard about the loss of her seventh son, and seeing Yue Qi stirred something deep within her. Tears threatened to spill from her eyes, and she longed to hug him, but the danger of exposing herself loomed large. Uncertainty clouded her mind as she considered how to uncover the truth of their missing years. Clutching a jade stone tightly against her chest, her emotions swirled within her—hope, fear, and love intertwined.
After changing into his new attire, Yue Qi returned to Yuwen Yue, ready to take on his duties as guard. The Jian sword awarded to him was slightly oversized, but Yuwen Yue had given him another sword better suited for his small, sturdy hands.
Kneeling on the ground, Yue Qi accepted the new weapon with both hands, determination shining in his eyes. "Thank you, Young Master," he said, grateful for this opportunity and ready to fulfill his role as Yuwen Yue's protector.
Yuwen Yue nodded as Yue Qi stood up and unsheathed his sword, checking its sharp blade before sheathing it again. With determination, Yue Qi turned to thank his young master.
The next day, a woman approached them, exuding authority. Yuwen Yue greeted her respectfully, and Yue Qi followed suit.
"What brings you here, Servant Mother?" Yuwen Yue asked.
"You have a new bodyguard. What is his name?" she replied, her gaze warm.
"His name is Yue Qi," Yuwen Yue said proudly.
"What a lovely name, Yue'er. Like a seventh son," she smiled.
"Indeed," Yuwen Yue replied.
Yue Qi listened closely, feeling the woman's kind look.
She stepped closer and said, "Yue Qi, you may call me Mother, like the six bodyguards do."
Not fully understanding, Yue Qi smiled and said, "Mother."
Yuwen Yue didn't look back as he continued walking, but Yue Qi felt a sense of belonging as they left the woman behind.