Chapter 23: The Six Arts of a Gentleman

Changqing fetched a stiff bow and interjected with a chuckle, "Young Master Gu may not know this, but our young master is not only well-versed in books but also excels at mounted archery far beyond the average man."

"Is that so? Then I shall have to see it for myself today!"

As Gu Tingye spoke, the corners of his lips curled upward, and a flash of pride crossed his eyes. Among the young nobles of Bianjing, if it came to mounted archery, Gu Erlang was second to none; to this day, no one dared claim the top spot.

Zhao Han took the stiff bow calmly. After testing the tension of the bowstring, he picked up a sharp arrow that glinted coldly in the moonlight under the watchful eyes of Gu Tingye and the others.

He stepped forward slightly with his left foot, his waist and back as straight as a pine. As he stretched his arms, he drew the bow until it formed a full moon.

*Whoosh—*

A sharp whistle cut through the air as the arrow left the string. In the distance, a water bandit about to raise his blade against a Sheng family guard collapsed instantly. The arrow had precisely pierced his heart, spraying a burst of blood.

Gu Tingye and Stone were both left dumbfounded, staring at Zhao Han with complex expressions in their eyes.

Gu Tingye swallowed hard. "Tr-truly an incredible shot."

"Brother Zhao, if you were to pursue a military career, you would surely make a name for yourself."

"Indeed, that was far too accurate. I fear that even after ten more years of practice, I could not match it," Stone remarked, closing his dropped jaw.

Zhao Han’s eyes crinkled with a smile. Three years ago, he had considered the path of military merit, but the reason he gave it up was simple: he was afraid of death.

On the Sheng family ship, a water bandit saw his companion fall with a thud. Panic flashed across his face, and he dashed over to Chen Si.

"Boss, someone fired a stealth arrow!"

Hearing this, Chen Si swept his gaze across the surroundings until he locked onto the large ship flying the bright yellow flag. Several figures stood at the prow, one of whom held a longbow, his silhouette striking under the moonlight.

"Damn it!" Chen Si spat, his yellowed teeth grinding. "My luck is rotten tonight! Make it quick—seize whatever we can get!"

No sooner had he spoken than the Bai family guards dispatched by Zhao Han had already climbed aboard the Sheng ship using boarding planks, swarming onto the deck. The remaining Sheng family servants and guards, seeing reinforcements arrive, were startled at first, then greatly emboldened.

"Great! Help has arrived!"

"Hold the line, brothers!"

Sheng Wei, hiding in the cabin, heard the commotion and carefully poked his head out. When he saw the guards on the deck moving with disciplined precision and ruthless efficiency, he breathed a long sigh of relief, his furrowed brows finally smoothing out.

"Quick, prepare the tokens of gratitude! Do not be stingy!" Sheng Wei urged Feng Xing impatiently.

Feng Xing wiped away cold sweat and nodded repeatedly. He knew full well that if no one had come to help tonight, they would all likely have ended up in the river feeding the fish.

Outside the cabin, the clashing of blades and cries of agony echoed incessantly. The water bandits’ moves were chaotic and lacked technique; their past successes had relied entirely on surprise raids and the tendency of merchants to lose heart and panic when faced with the threat of death.

Seeing the tides turn, a flicker of terror crossed Chen Si’s sinister triangular eyes. Just as he was about to leap into the water to escape, a sharp arrow flew toward him, precisely piercing his left shoulder.

Chen Si turned his head with difficulty, meeting the cold gaze of Zhao Han on the nearby deck.

Seeing their boss wounded, several water bandits lying on the deck who still had a breath left began to beg for mercy. As the Bai family ship drew closer, the guards began binding the wounded bandits tightly.

Zhao Han and Gu Tingye used ropes to leap onto the Sheng ship.

Sheng Wei steadied his nerves, smoothed his robes, and hurried out of the cabin. Seeing two dashing, heroic young men, he cupped his hands and said, "My deepest gratitude to you two young masters for saving our lives. I cannot thank you enough!"

"We are all travelers; it is only right to look out for one another. Master Sheng, there is no need for such formalities."

"If I may be so bold, Master Sheng, do you happen to know the Assistant Prefect of Yangzhou?" Zhao Han asked gently.

A look of confusion crossed Sheng Wei’s face. "The Assistant Prefect of Yangzhou is my cousin. Why do you ask, young master?"

Gu Tingye stood to the side and laughed heartily.

"Master Sheng, this is the future son-in-law of the Assistant Prefect."

"What?!" Sheng Wei exclaimed. After a moment, he narrowed his eyes to study Zhao Han carefully.

A moment later, he sighed with emotion, "My cousin sent a letter not long ago, specifically mentioning that he had found a handsome and virtuous match for his daughter. Seeing you today, it is clear he did not exaggerate. My eldest niece is truly fortunate."

"Master Sheng, you are too kind. Your nephew pays his respects," Zhao Han said, bowing.

Sheng Wei patted his shoulder affectionately. "We shall soon be family; there is no need for such empty courtesies."

At that moment, Pinlan, ignoring Shulan’s attempts to stop her, lifted her skirt and ran out of the cabin.

"Father, are you alright?!"

Sheng Wei fixed his gaze on her and said sternly, "Why did you come out? Did I not tell you to stay inside? Where are your manners?"

"Just a moment ago, Father said there was no need for formalities, yet now you are lecturing me."

"Besides, I was only worried about your safety, Father."

Pinlan pouted, tilting her head at Sheng Wei. Her almond-shaped eyes were bright and sparkled with a hint of mischief.

Sheng Wei was momentarily speechless. He pointed at her and laughed helplessly. "My apologies to you both; my daughter has grown up wild in the countryside and is not well-versed in the rules."

Though the words were a reprimand, his tone was full of doting affection. Both Sheng Wei and Sheng Hong had experienced the tragic life of a father who favored concubines over his wife; Sheng Hong had followed the same path, but Sheng Wei had never taken a concubine, having only his wife, Madam Li, and treating all four of his children with equal, abundant love.

"Miss Sheng’s filial piety is commendable; it is hardly a breach of etiquette," Zhao Han said with a faint smile.

Pinlan glanced at Zhao Han, flashed a mischievous, quirky smile, and walked straight toward Chen Si.

She kicked Chen Si hard in the leg and said with her hands on her hips, "You were the one who led people here to hurt so many on this ship! You truly have a death wish. If my third brother were here, he would surely break your legs!"

Sheng Wei hurriedly intervened, "Pin’er, this is not for you to handle. Go back at once."

Seeing so many servants and guards dead on the deck, Pinlan was fuming with indignation and couldn't help but kick him again.

Zhao Han smiled. "Miss Sheng, please do not let them get to you. These water bandits will be sent to the Inspectorate to be dealt with by the authorities shortly."

"Indeed," Gu Tingye added, "given the crimes they have committed, they will at least face death by dismemberment. There is no need for you to dirty your hands."

Sheng Wei understood his daughter’s heart; both pained and helpless, he whispered, "Stop making a scene, you are making a spectacle of yourself."

Pinlan gradually restrained her temper but still turned to glare fiercely at Chen Si, muttering, "Death by dismemberment is still getting off too easy."