Chapter 36: Stripping the Firewood from Beneath the Cauldron (Part II)

Zheng Yuanshou chuckled. As the saying goes, one takes on the qualities of those one associates with; one is influenced by their company.

People truly attract their own kind. Zheng Yanqing had invented the throat-slitting gesture, and Shen Guang used it even more ruthlessly.

Turning his head, Zheng Yanqing sat with his hands tucked into his sleeves, calm and steady. He seemed entirely unconcerned with the duel in the arena, his eyes closed, his demeanor leisurely.

In reality, Yanqing was nervous to the point of breaking. He had repeatedly studied Zheng Yuanshou’s temperament, and it seemed this was the only gap he could exploit. The man was indifferent to wealth, uninterested in women, and while his desire for fame and status was heavy, making him defect was no easy task. Thus, Zheng Yanqing decided to use a wrestling match to gamble with Zheng Yuanshou.

Before this, he and Shen Guang had watched the wrestling matches of the "Western Region Mad Lion" many times.

Shen Guang had said, "This guy is burly and possesses infinite strength. Moreover, his wrestling skills are exquisite and ruthless; he’s not easy to deal with."

"Does Brother Shen not have confidence? If so, we must find another way."

"Who knows until we fight... but if we really square off, I won’t necessarily lose to him."

"What are the odds?"

"Fifty-fifty. We won’t know the result until we get into the ring."

Yanqing had not wanted Shen Guang to participate in such a match, but as the days passed, Shen Guang had become genuinely interested in the Western Region Mad Lion. After much persuasion, he finally convinced Zheng Yanqing. The success or failure rested on this single attempt.

The Western Region Mad Lion was indeed fierce, like a crazed beast.

Once the match began, he launched a series of violent attacks on Shen Guang. Before him, Shen Guang was like a nimble monkey, dodging and weaving to avoid the Mad Lion’s onslaught.

Zheng Yuanshou laughed, "Relying solely on dodging won’t defeat the lion."

Zheng Yanqing remained expressionless and replied calmly, "No matter how fierce the beast, it cannot defeat a clever hunter. Great General, this lion of yours is indeed impressive, but I estimate it still lacks a bit to defeat my elder brother."

"Little one, sharp words are useless. In the wrestling arena, only strength matters."

While Zheng Yanqing and Zheng Yuanshou traded verbal barbs in the private box, Shen Guang faced a grave crisis in the ring. Just as described, the lion’s skills were exquisite and his fundamentals solid. Despite his massive size, he was not lacking in agility. Several times, Shen Guang was nearly caught. After missing several attacks, the Mad Lion became agitated, roaring and snarling as if mocking Shen Guang for not daring to face him head-on. Both were drenched in sweat, their movements becoming faster and more violent.

Suddenly, after a tiger-like lunge, the Western Region lion’s footing faltered. Whether it was the loose, damp soil or his own agitation and fury after repeated failed attacks, he stumbled and nearly fell. This error revealed a massive opening. Shen Guang’s eyes lit up, and he launched himself at the lion.

Just as he was about to reach the lion, Shen Guang unexpectedly noticed a strange, sinister smile on the black lion’s face.

*Not good!*

Shen Guang’s heart sank; he knew he had been tricked. Before he could react, the Western Region lion spun around, legs spread, lowering his center of gravity and leaning forward.

"Die..."

Perhaps that was what he meant to say, but his command of the language was poor, and it came out garbled.

This would have been amusing, but Shen Guang could not laugh. The Western Region Mad Lion lunged, his fan-like palms spread wide and pushing forward. In wrestling, this move was known as the "Mountain-Pushing Palm." It was said that most seasoned wrestlers could use this technique, and the Mad Lion had perfected this basic move to a supernatural level. He practiced daily by pushing against thick, solid walls, capable of delivering eighteen strikes in an instant that could turn a sturdy wall into ruins.

If this landed on a person, it would mean broken bones at best, or death by internal hemorrhaging at worst. Shen Guang had observed him for over twenty matches; no fewer than fifteen people had died under this move. Essentially, once he used this technique, the match was over.

Shen Guang forced his feet to halt the momentum, channeling energy into his arms to block. A loud *thud* echoed in his ears, but in that instant, it felt as if a dozen heavy hammers had smashed into his arms. Had Shen Guang not reached the peak of "Bone-Refining," his bones would have shattered. By retreating eleven steps to dissipate the force of the Mountain-Pushing Palm, he managed to stay standing, but his arms felt numb and completely devoid of strength.

Though no bones were broken, Shen Guang knew his arms were severely injured. He gritted his teeth, steadied himself, and glared at the lion. The Western Region lion, though surprised by Shen Guang’s resilience, roared in anger at the sight of Shen Guang’s drooping arms, beating his chest like a beast.

"Little one, it seems the outcome is decided," Zheng Yuanshou laughed, turning to Zheng Yanqing.

Zheng Yanqing remained as motionless as a statue, though his heart had leaped into his throat when Shen Guang fell for the trap.

"Since it is a death match, until life or death is determined, the outcome is not set."

"Hahaha, I like your spirit—stubborn to the end. Let’s see how long you can keep that up." Zheng Yuanshou stood up and roared, "Lion, kill him!"

The Western Region Mad Lion let out a roar that meant: *I understand.*

He lunged forward again without giving Shen Guang time to recover. Shen Guang’s eyes darted, and he suddenly turned and ran.

"Boy, running is useless! If you have guts, face the lion in a fight to the death!" Zheng Yuanshou danced and shouted.

Yanqing opened his eyes, watching the changes in the ring tensely. Shen Guang ran like the wind. Seeing the high wall ahead, he didn’t turn but kept sprinting. The Western Region lion pursued closely, roaring continuously. Just as Shen Guang was about to collide with the wall, he suddenly leaped upward, stepping onto the wall and running vertically as if on flat ground.

The Western Region lion could not stop his momentum and slammed into the wall with a loud *thud*.

At that very moment, Shen Guang flipped off the wall, bringing his knee down hard onto the lion’s cervical vertebrae. The human neck is a vital point. Shen Guang used every ounce of his strength; the lion let out a miserable shriek as his head slammed into the wall again, and he collapsed to the ground.

Shen Guang leaped high and descended, driving his knees down. Zheng Yuanshou gasped behind the railing. Before the sound died away, the lion shrieked again. Shen Guang’s knee landed squarely on the lion’s throat, while the other smashed into his temple.

Two strikes later, the Western Region lion went silent. Blood flowed from his seven orifices, and his temple was crushed to pulp.

A mixture of yellow, turbid fluid and blood seeped into the ground. Silence fell over the arena...

Shen Guang’s knees were shredded, and his arms were in such pain he could barely lift them. He stood up slowly and looked toward the private box.

Zheng Yanqing stood up and walked to Zheng Yuanshou’s side.

"Great General, you have lost!"

Zheng Yuanshou’s face was ashen. The series of events in the ring had been dazzling and overwhelming. He was not a man who couldn't accept defeat; he gave a thumbs-up to Shen Guang, who still stood stubbornly in the arena.

"Little one, I lost!"

"In that case, this nephew will take his leave."

"Good!"

With their brief exchange finished, Yanqing turned to leave.

"Boy, take your prize... but let me be clear: I will intervene at the critical moment. However, if you cannot even maintain your balance, my help will be useless... Heh, that friend of yours is quite something!"

"Many thanks for the praise, Uncle!"

Zheng Yanqing snatched up the Dragon Ring, opened the door, and left. He needed to see Shen Guang and get him treated. It was clear Shen Guang’s arm injuries were not light. At the same time, his heart was filled with joy.

He had handled Zheng Yuanshou, which increased his odds of success even further.

***

The next day, the rain fell steadily.

It was the time of Qingming, a perfect moment to pay respects to ancestors. When Zheng Yanqing appeared at the ancestral temple following Zheng Shi'an and the others behind Zheng Renji, it drew much attention.

The only variable in the Anyuan Hall had finally appeared!

But wasn't he a bit late? With the ancestor worship about to begin, there was no room for him to maneuver.

For the ancients, ancestral worship was of the utmost importance. After Yanqing finished the rites with the others, he withdrew from the temple. Zheng Renji, Zheng Shanyuan, and others remained inside. Then, the patriarch of the Southern Zheng clan, Zheng Wei, arrived with his kinsmen. They recited the oath of returning to the clan and paid their respects.

Zheng Shanyuan announced that two members of the Southern Zheng clan would join the Council of Elders. Afterward, the temple closed, and the elders remained inside to discuss the most important matters.

"Brother Yanqing, will Father be alright?" Zheng Hongyi asked nervously, holding Yanqing’s hand.

"Don't worry, Hongyi. Uncle Zheng will be fine. If you’re uneasy, we can wait here; I believe there will be a result soon."

Zheng Hongyi nodded uneasily, and they sat down at a nearby market. Not just them, but members of various families were gathered there. Everyone knew a power struggle was unfolding in the temple. Regardless of who won, the Zheng family would face massive changes.

"Brother Zheng, leading the Southern Zheng clan back to the fold is the most solemn event since our migration south during the Western Jin," Zheng Shanyuan sat in the main seat, dressed in fine robes.

There were eight people on each side. Theoretically, the Council of Elders had eighteen members, but since Zheng Dashi had passed away and Anyuan Hall had not yet nominated a successor, one seat was vacant. Among the seven branches, excluding the Zhujing Hall and Anyuan Hall, each had two elders. Now, with one seat removed from the seven branches and one from Zhujing Hall transferred to the Southern Zheng, and Anyuan Hall having three elders (with one vacancy, leaving two), there were thirteen people present.

Zheng Shanyuan said, "Since our Northern branch was established, the seven branches have been fixed. Brother Zheng, you must choose one of the seven branches to join. I wonder, which one have you selected?"

Zheng Wei stood up, holding a scroll of the genealogy. He walked to the ancestral tablets with a solemn expression, raised the genealogy high, and bowed three times and kowtowed nine times.

A flash of irrepressible joy crossed Zheng Shanyuan’s face, while Zheng Shiji clenched his fists, staring intently at Zheng Wei.

"Since the migration south, three hundred years have passed. The Zheng clan has been separated, but our bloodline remains connected. Today, Zheng Wei, in the name of our ancestors, returns to the clan... I wish to join the branch of Lord Lianshan of the Sixth Branch."

"How can this be?" Zheng Shiji stood up, eyes wide, "Brother Zheng, what do you mean? We had already agreed..."

Zheng Renji also showed surprise, while Zheng Shanyuan’s face turned livid. Zheng Yuancong, Zheng Yuanshou, Zheng Shanguo, and others were stunned.

Zheng Wei ignored Zheng Shiji and respectfully placed the genealogy before the Sixth Branch’s tablet.

"This is a conspiracy! It’s impossible!" Zheng Shiji waved his arms, shouting.

Zheng Yuanshou barked, "Zheng Shiji, do you know where you are? How dare you shout!"

"But, but..." Zheng Shiji pointed at Zheng Renji, "Zheng Renji, you played a trick!"

Before Zheng Renji could speak, Zheng Shanguo said, "Zheng Shiji, Brother Zheng is returning to his roots; it is his choice which branch to join. If joining the Sixth Branch is a conspiracy, would joining yours be a matter of course?"

Zheng Renji smiled, "Thank you for speaking up, Third Brother."

Zheng Wei remained silent, returning to his seat and closing his eyes.

"Enough!" Zheng Shanyuan stood up, "What are you all arguing about?"

He was furious, but he could not vent it. This was a case of "the best-laid plans of Zhou Yu failing to secure the world, losing both the wife and the soldiers." Not only had they failed to bring the Southern Zheng into their fold, but they had also lost two elder seats.

But this was the ancestral temple, not a vegetable market. Zheng Shanyuan knew that once the Southern branch joined the Sixth Branch, Anyuan Hall would be as solid as a rock. To propose expelling the Sixth Branch now was unrealistic.

Just as he prepared to end the meeting, Zheng Zusheng stood up.

"It has been 148 days since the passing of Brother Dashi. Anyuan Hall has yet to nominate a successor. Since we are all here, why not settle this? A council of eighteen missing one member is a nuisance. What do you think, gentlemen?"

Zheng Shanyuan felt a chill. He stared at Zheng Zusheng with sharp eyes. *That old dog of Anyuan Hall!* he cursed silently. He had wanted to end the meeting and later maneuver to reduce Anyuan Hall’s elder quota. He hadn't expected Zheng Renji to be so unrelenting.

"Uncle Zusheng is right. Filling the vacancy is a priority," Zheng Shanguo nodded.

"In that case, Brother Renji, do you have a candidate?"

Zheng Renji looked at Zheng Shi'an, who stood up immediately. "The loss of our elder is a great blow. We must elect someone of virtue and talent. Zheng Shi'an of Anyuan Hall, though from a branch of the Sixth Branch, is of pure character. When our elder was alive, he rendered great service. He has raised a third-generation descendant, Yanqing, who at ten years old earned the title of Yunqi Wei. He also created the 'Ode to the Goose' style, excelling in both poetry and calligraphy... Therefore, I propose Zheng Shi'an."

Zheng Shanyuan spat out his tea, nearly choking.

Zheng Shiji widened his eyes, "A mere castrated slave, how dare you call him virtuous? Is Anyuan Hall out of people?"

"Nephew Shiji, Brother Shi'an was disabled saving Brother Dashi. I advise you to retract the term 'castrated slave.' In terms of seniority, he is your uncle; in terms of virtue, he is loyal and dutiful. If you slander your elders, what will people say of our clan’s honor?" Zheng Zuhang scolded sharply. Zheng Shiji sat down, sullen.

Only then did Zheng Yuanshou understand what Zheng Yanqing had wanted to trade with him. The matter of Anyuan Hall had already been resolved privately by the Sixth Branch. He didn't know what methods Zheng Renji had used, but he suspected it had to do with Zheng Yanqing.

He felt a sudden regret. He shouldn't have been so stubborn yesterday. If he had made the deal, even a simple promise from Zheng Yanqing would have been worth it.

He sighed inwardly, lamenting, *Children these days are truly extraordinary! This Zheng Yanqing is a master of planning. He was determined to push Zheng Shi'an into the Council of Elders.*

Zheng Shanyuan had to make a decision. "Since the Sixth Branch insists, let us put it to a vote. Those in favor of Zheng Shi'an joining the Council of Elders, raise your hands."

Before Zheng Shanyuan could finish, Zheng Yuanshou stood up.

"I agree!" He scanned the room and said deeply, "Brother Shi'an is the perfect candidate for the new elder."

In an instant, Zheng Shanyuan’s mouth hung open, his mind blank as he stared at Zheng Yuanshou...