Chapter 117: The Martial Enthusiast

As the band of swordsmen prepared to engage Qin Cheng, the man in the green robe suddenly shouted sharply, "Stop! No one move!"

His command not only puzzled Qin Cheng but also left the young woman who had just called him "Second Brother" visibly taken aback.

Surely you were the one being bullied. Everyone was just stepping in to back you up—why shout like that?

At that moment, Wei Qing arrived beside Qin Cheng.

The swordsmen hesitated, uncertain whether to advance or retreat. They glanced warily at the man in the green robe, then at the young woman.

"Everyone, stand down. Today's matter has nothing to do with this gentleman here!" Qin Cheng sheathed his long sword. The man in the green robe rose, straightened his tattered clothes without concern for his disheveled appearance, and said to the swordsmen, "You all may step back."

The swordsmen twitched their lips in disbelief. Nothing to do with him? Wasn't he the one who just held a sword at your throat? How was that unrelated?

"Second Brother, are you hurt?" the young woman ran to the man in the green robe, concern clear in her voice. "What happened today?"

As she approached, Qin Cheng and Wei Qing finally had a moment to observe her. Her features were well-defined and slender—though not a great beauty, she possessed a certain grace. Perhaps from a comfortable childhood, her skin was remarkably fair and delicate.

She looked at her brother with affectionate concern but cast a glare of annoyance at Qin Cheng and Wei Qing.

"Ahem… Well, just now I was sparring with this gentleman here… Yes, sparring. Don’t read too much into it," the man in green said awkwardly, as though fearful of the young woman. Realizing he did not know the other’s name, he asked Qin Cheng, "May I know your name, sir?"

"I am Qin Cheng," Qin Cheng replied, bowing slightly. He then introduced Wei Qing, "This is Brother Wei."

"Ah, so you are Brothers Qin and Wei. I must apologize for my earlier rude words and rash actions. Please do not take offense," the man said, bowing. "I am Gongsun Ce."

"No offense taken. Brother Gongsun’s swordsmanship is impressive. I pay my respects," Qin Cheng returned the gesture.

"Speaking of swordsmanship…" Gongsun Ce's eyes lit up with enthusiasm. "Brother Qin, your skill is truly exceptional. I admire it greatly. In all my years, I have never seen anyone’s swordplay as formidable as yours. Today’s meeting is a great honor. Would you consider accepting me as your disciple?"

He hurriedly added, "Rest assured, though my family is not wealthy, if you agree to take me as your pupil, I guarantee your reward will be the highest on Chang’an Street!"

Three dark lines appeared on Qin Cheng’s forehead. He was at a loss for words at Gongsun Ce’s bluntness. He hardly considered himself a swordsman, yet this man called him a master. Meanwhile, the true sword expert Wei Qing stood beside him, surely embarrassed. This spoke volumes about Gongsun Ce’s own sword skills—clearly lacking.

Before Qin Cheng could respond, the young woman beside Gongsun Ce tugged him aside and whispered reproachfully, "Second Brother! If Father finds out you sneaked out to show off your sword again, he’ll skin you alive. And if you bring home another master, Father might truly disown you!"

"Gongsun Xiao Man," he said earnestly, "Brother Qin’s swordsmanship is truly extraordinary. I was defeated in fewer than two moves. I’m sure he surpasses all the masters I’ve studied under before. If I can apprentice with him, my skills will surely improve. Such an opportunity—I can’t let it slip by."

He added, "I promise, this will be the last master I ask to teach me. Besides, if we keep quiet about today’s incident, Father will never know."

"No way!" Gongsun Xiao Man shook her head firmly. "You always say that, and I never believe you! Besides, even if you want to learn, he might not agree to teach."

Qin Cheng glanced at Wei Qing and smiled wryly. He had no desire to waste time here. Though Gongsun Ce was interesting and likely from a notable family, it was clear he was both a martial arts enthusiast and something of a fool. Qin Cheng couldn’t afford to dally.

He said to Gongsun Ce, "Brother Gongsun, we have some matters to attend to today, so we must take our leave."

"How so? Brother Qin, you won’t teach me?" Gongsun Ce was stunned, looking at Qin Cheng in disbelief. He had never been refused when he mentioned his family name while seeking instruction. Quickly, he said, "Please reconsider, Brother Qin. I truly admire your swordsmanship. Moreover, my father, Gongsun Hong—"

He paused deliberately, eyes full of hope.

Gongsun Hong?

At first, Qin Cheng was about to say he didn’t know Gongsun Hong well; what good would that do? Then he realized—Gongsun Hong was to be the next chancellor!

On his journey to Chang’an, Qin Cheng had reviewed all his memories connected to this era, and Gongsun Hong’s name had surfaced then.

And now this… martial arts enthusiast and fool was his son?

This was interesting indeed. Qin Cheng almost stepped forward, chest puffed out, ready to accept Gongsun Ce’s request. After all, getting acquainted with the future chancellor could only benefit his own prospects.

Wei Qing was also taken aback upon hearing Gongsun Hong’s name. As a close aide to Emperor Liu Che, Wei Qing had managed the Shanglin Park for years and was not deeply versed in court affairs, but Gongsun Hong’s name was well known. He had never expected that such a renowned scholar from humble origins would have such a son.

"Brother Gongsun, who you are is not important. Besides, I don’t actually know you," Qin Cheng said calmly. "I currently serve in the military and cannot be your sword master. However… if you wish to exchange sword techniques, I would be happy to. Though today, Brother Wei and I have plans to drink…"

He trailed off, casting a slightly troubled glance at Gongsun Ce.

Gongsun Ce thought the matter was off, but upon hearing there was still hope, he quickly responded, "Drinking, you say? I enjoy a good drink myself. Why not join us today? I know the taverns of Chang’an well. Let me host and find a fine place for us to drink heartily. I hope to make friends and share swordsmanship in the future. What say you, brothers?"

Qin Cheng inwardly praised Gongsun Ce for his tact and did not expose him. Instead, he turned to Wei Qing, "Brother Wei, what do you think?"

Wei Qing caught Qin Cheng’s meaning immediately and smiled, "Brother Gongsun is a man of feeling. Since we have met, why not be friends? I think his proposal is acceptable."

"Excellent!" With eager eyes, Gongsun Ce beamed as Qin Cheng decisively declared, "Then the three of us shall drink heartily together today! Brother Gongsun, as you say!"

"Ha! Good! What are we waiting for? Let’s set off at once!" Gongsun Ce laughed joyfully. He called for a horse from his swordsmen and looked at Gongsun Xiao Man with a flattering smile. "Xiao Man, since Second Brother is going to drink with these two gentlemen, you should go home first. I will return later."

"Hmph! How do I know if you’re going to drink or fight? I’m leaving now. I just don’t trust you," Gongsun Xiao Man said with a pout, her eyes full of distrust.

"Xiao Man! Can’t you save face for your brother in front of strangers? If you come along, how can we drink?" Gongsun Ce frowned, lowering his voice. "I promise, today is only drinking—no fighting. You know, Second Brother is a true man. Even your sister-in-law doesn’t dare control me, yet you don’t trust me."

"Precisely because your sister-in-law can’t control you, I have to," Xiao Man huffed. After a moment’s hesitation, she softened, unable to resist Gongsun Ce’s pitiful look. "Alright, I’ll trust you this once. But don’t disappoint me, or there won’t be a next time!"

"Absolutely, absolutely!" Gongsun Ce’s face lit up with joy. He turned to the bewildered Qin Cheng and Wei Qing. "Brothers, shall we go?"

The two men, amused by the lively siblings, barely suppressed their laughter and nodded to indicate they were ready.

The three mounted their horses. Gongsun Ce told Xiao Man to head back, and she warned him that if he didn’t return today, he could expect Father’s wrath. Qin Cheng and Wei Qing exchanged smiles as the trio rode off into the distance.

They found a tavern, dismounted, entered the upper floor, ordered food and drink, and began eating, drinking, and laughing.

"Brother Qin, you mentioned you serve in the military?" Gongsun Ce poured wine for Qin Cheng and Wei Qing with eagerness.

"I am a captain in the Shanggu garrison. I came to Chang’an on official business," Qin Cheng replied. He gestured to Wei Qing and said, "Brother Gongsun, if you want to spar with a true expert, Brother Wei is the one. My swordsmanship is ordinary; I’m better with the military spear. You’ve come to the wrong person to measure swords."

"Oh? So Brother Wei is also a sword master? Forgive my ignorance," Gongsun Ce said politely. "I’ve studied swordsmanship for years but never found a true master. My skills have never reached a high level. Meeting you two today is one of life’s great joys and my good fortune. Truly a revelation."

"Cheers!" The three raised their glasses.

The world is full of wonders—who would have thought that the son of the renowned scholar Gongsun Hong would be such a martial arts enthusiast? Qin Cheng felt his luck was extraordinary.

That night, they drank until midnight.

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(Note: Gongsun Ce and Gongsun Xiao Man are fictional characters.)