The Young Swordsman of Dalu

When Wenjie and Wenfei returned to the Prince's Mansion, the servants told them that the Prince was waiting for them in the main hall. The two walked quickly to the main hall. Upon entering, they saw Prince Wen sitting solemnly on the main seat, with his son Wenhao and son Wenwu standing on either side of him. The atmosphere was somewhat tense. Seeing this, Wenfei tugged at Wenjie's sleeve, and Wenjie gently patted his hand, telling him to relax.

"Father!" the two brothers said in unison.

"You unfilial son! Kneel down!" the prince shouted.

Wenjie and Wenfei knelt down with a thud.

"Wenjie, get up! I was talking about a rebellious son!" the prince said affectionately.

"Father, it is I, as the elder brother, who failed to take good care of my younger brother. I will bear all the blame." Wenjie was determined to protect Wenfei.

“How can my son be compared to this unfilial son? Get up!” the prince said.

“We are all our father’s sons,” Wenjie said firmly.

"You child, how can I properly discipline this rebellious son if you act like this?" The prince was getting angry.

“Father, the Zhao family was in the wrong first. They hurt Fourth Brother and should have been punished accordingly. But they made one mistake after another, even pretending to be crazy. It’s really despicable. It’s no big deal for Fourth Brother to vent his anger,” Wenjie said.

“I thought you were a clever child, how come you’re acting like this rebellious son? Some things aren’t as they seem. The commotion you’ve caused today might lead to some other problems,” Prince Wen said.

“I don’t understand what you mean, Father,” Wenjie said.

“You don’t need to know too much,” the prince said.

"Wenhao! Lock this unfilial son in his courtyard and don't allow him to step out of the courtyard even once!" the prince said angrily, pointing at Wenfei.

"Father, please forgive my fourth brother!" Wenjie pleaded.

"Take him away!" the prince ordered.

As Wenhao was about to lead Wenfei out of the main hall with his servants, a voice came from outside: "Stop! What right do you have to treat my grandson like this?" The old princess walked in from outside, leaning on her cane.

"Mother, my dear mother, when I'm disciplining my child, can you please not interfere?" The prince hurriedly got up to greet the old princess when he saw her arrive.

"If I hadn't come, my grandson would have been bullied by you all again," the old princess said matter-of-factly.

“Mother, we’re not bullying him, we’re just teaching him a lesson so he’ll remember it,” the prince said.

"What did my grandson do wrong?" the old princess asked. "You just don't like Wenfei, right? I'll take him back. Since his father doesn't love him, then I, his grandmother, will love him." the old princess said.

"My dear mother! How can I possibly explain my predicament to you?" the prince said, feeling wronged.

"You've driven your own son to this state! I don't know your reasons, but my grandson's suffering is overflowing!" the old princess said angrily.

“Grand Ancestor, Father must have his reasons for doing this. Please allow me to take my fourth brother away,” Wenhao said respectfully.

"Do you think I'm senile? How dare you speak to me like that? Wenfei is your younger brother. It's one thing for you, as the eldest brother, not to care for him, but when he's wronged, you don't even protect him. All you do is suppress him. A prince should have the support of his younger brothers. Wenjie does a much better job than you. He cares so much about Wenfei! And what about you?" The old princess said angrily.

"Our ancestors were right. I will definitely take better care of my younger brothers in the future," Wenhao said.

"Now, I'm taking Wenfei away, and no one can stop me," the old princess said, pulling Wenfei away.

The prince, the heir apparent, and the civil and military officials stared in disbelief as the old man and the young man walked out of the main hall. Wenjie tried his best to hide his joy.

"I will take my leave now." Wenjie said, and strode out of the main hall.

Wenfei was led to his courtyard by the old princess, and he was filled with gratitude for her.

"Grandpa is amazing! You are my guardian angel!" Wenfei praised happily.

"Stop talking nonsense," the old princess said affectionately.

"Grandmother, you've been so good to your grandson. I'll remember it all." Wenfei pointed to his heart.

"Child, Grandma helped you today. From now on, you should restrain yourself and stop going against your father. Today I made him lose face in front of everyone. Don't push your luck. Just stay in the courtyard. If anything happens, Grandma will take care of it for you," the old princess said earnestly.

"I'll do whatever Grandmother says," Wenfei said coquettishly.

"Good boy," the old princess said, stroking Wenfei's head affectionately.

The old princess passed away, and Wenjie came to Wenfei's courtyard. Wenfei was overjoyed to see Wenjie.

"Second Brother, thank you for speaking up for me today," Wenfei said.

"This is what I should do as an older brother, you're too kind to me," Wenjie said with a smile.

“But my eldest brother and third brother didn’t say anything for me,” Wenfei said.

“My eldest brother and third brother are officials; they have no choice in the matter. Don’t overthink it,” Wenjie comforted him.

"I hope so!" Wenfei said.

"Why is Fourth Brother so pessimistic?" Wenjie asked.

"Maybe I'm overthinking it," Wenfei muttered to himself.

"Fourth brother, stop thinking nonsense. Settle down and learn some skills so that people won't look down on you in the future," Wenjie said.

"I've remembered what you said, Second Brother. When are you leaving, Second Brother? Look, I'm confined to the courtyard by Father and can't see you off in person. I'll miss you, Second Brother. Come back as soon as possible after your sword competition," Wenfei said reluctantly.

"I'll be leaving first thing tomorrow morning, Fourth Brother. Don't worry, I'll be back as soon as possible. I know you can't see me off, so I've come to say goodbye in person. I won't be coming tomorrow; I'm going to say goodbye to Father and Mother now," Wenjie said.

"Remember to come back early when you're done. Your fourth brother is waiting for you at home," Wenfei said reluctantly.

The two brothers said their goodbyes with reluctance, and Wenfei felt very disappointed.

Wenjie came out of Wenfei's courtyard and went to the Prince and Princess's courtyard. The servants led him into the room.

"Wenjie, are you still going to plead for that rebellious son?" the prince asked anxiously.

“Father, my fourth brother is still young, please be lenient with him. I have come today to bid farewell to you and Mother,” Wenjie said respectfully.

"My son is leaving again?" the princess said reluctantly.

"Don't leave! What kind of behavior is it for a young master of the royal family to wander around the martial world all day long?" The prince became even more agitated.

“I’ve grown accustomed to wandering the martial world, and I will return. Please don’t worry about me,” Wenjie said.

“You’re not getting any younger. Your elder brother is already married, and besides, you’re about to marry Miss Liang. If you’re wandering around outside, people will laugh at you,” the prince advised.

“Father, I am merely traveling the world, not wandering.” Wenjie corrected.

“In my eyes, there is no difference,” the prince said.

"I have informed Father and Mother that I will be leaving first thing tomorrow morning." Wenjie's mind was made up.

"You stubborn brat, don't think I can't do anything to you!" the prince threatened.

"Does Father think he can lock me up like he did with my fourth brother?" Wenjie said quietly.

"I can't lock you up. You'd better leave. Once you're out of this house, I'll never recognize you again," the prince said angrily.

"Jie'er, quickly apologize to your father," the princess said.

“I did nothing wrong, why should I admit it?” Wenjie said.

"Get out! All of you, get far away!" the prince said angrily.

"Father, Mother, let's call off the marriage between me and Miss Liang! I'm leaving!" Wenjie bowed and walked out of the courtyard.

"They're all unfilial sons!" the prince shouted angrily.