Chapter Fifty-Five: The Horse Storms the Han Prince’s Mansion

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Upon hearing this, the city guard recognized the officer and hurriedly ran into the city tower to report to Cheng Chubi, who was sitting by the brazier, saying, "Captain, someone is at the city gate!"

Though Cheng Chubi had been dismissed from the Left Imperial Guards by His Majesty Li II, his rank remained unchanged as a fourth-rank Cavalry Captain. This was because Fang Yiai had once shirked his duties, refusing to take office, holding only an honorary title of Cavalry Lieutenant; otherwise, his rank would not have been below that of a fourth-rank official.

Reluctantly, Cheng Chubi stood up, grabbed a cloak and wrapped it around himself. Stepping out of the warm city tower, he shivered as the cold wind hit his shoulders and muttered curses as he approached the battlements. Peering down, he couldn’t help but smile.

“Fang Er, why have you come back? Didn’t His Majesty forbid you from entering the city?”

“Cut the crap and open the city gate, let me in!” Fang Jun shouted impatiently from below.

Cheng Chubi was an unwavering supporter of Fang Jun and immediately nodded without asking questions, waving to the guards, "Open the city gate!"

The guard pale-faced, stood next to Cheng Chubi and had clearly heard him call the man below "Fang Er." How many Fang Er’s were there in Chang’an? The guard didn’t know, but the most famous was the second son of Fang Xuanling’s family, who had just been expelled from the city by imperial decree and strictly forbidden to return. This lowly guard had suddenly grown a lion’s heart, daring to defy the emperor’s order?

“Captain... it seems there’s an imperial decree forbidding Fang Er from returning to the city...” the guard stammered.

Cheng Chubi’s eyes flashed angrily. “Do you think Fang Er would rebel?”

The guard was startled and hurriedly waved his hands. “No, no... that can’t be said...” Damn, this officer really was dense. Words like “rebellion” can’t be thrown around lightly. If Cheng Chubi was tough, he wasn’t; the guard could easily lose his head for such talk.

Cheng Chubi snorted impatiently, “Go open the gate yourself. Whatever happens, I will take full responsibility and won’t implicate you.”

The guard wanted to protest further, but Cheng snapped, “What? Do you want me to open it myself?”

Helpless, the guard said, “I don’t dare. Opening it now...”

Well, with such a commander, he was doomed to bad luck...

“Creak—”

Several guards heaved the heavy city gate open bit by bit. As the gate was half-opened, the thunder of hooves came closer and a chilly wind blew in as the cavalry rode through the gate into the city.

Cheng Chubi descended the tower along the horse path, seeing Fang Jun enter. “Second son, why the urgency?” He glanced at Li Siwen’s presence and asked, “Has something serious happened?”

Fang Jun wiped his nearly frozen face, exhaled cold air, and said, “My brother-in-law, Prince Han, wants to favor his concubine over his wife. I’ve come to seek justice!”

Cheng Chubi’s fury flared. “How outrageous!” He ran to the stable, grabbed a strong horse, vaulted on, and shouted, “Let’s go together!”

The Cheng and Fang families were longstanding allies. Although Fang Xuanling and Cheng Yaojin had different talents—one literary, the other martial—their interactions were infrequent but harmonious, with deep mutual respect. Cheng Chubi and Fang Jun were close friends who often hung out together. The Fang household felt like home, and as children, Cheng had enjoyed countless meals cooked by the Fang family, endured punishments for mischief, and been defended by the Fang elders many times. He held great affection for the bold and spirited eldest sister.

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Hearing that Prince Han intended to favor a concubine and cast aside his lawful wife was intolerable.

Needless to say, they would seek justice for the Fang family!

Fang Jun had considered persuading Cheng Chubi to stay but realized this was no great matter—at worst, they’d face a reprimand from His Majesty Li II, or expulsion from the city. What harm could come of it? It was a good chance to gather the brothers for some fun and excitement.

He nodded and spurred his horse forward, leading the charge.

Galloping swiftly, their horses shattered the silence of the long street, attracting the attention of the Wu Hou Alley guards who were about to close the gates at curfew time. However, this was not unusual; every night near curfew, noble sons of influential families hurried home on horseback, so a quick horse ride was understandable.

********

At the Prince Han Mansion in Jing Shan Alley.

Two lanterns hung at the gate, swaying precariously in the north wind, seeming ready to fall at any moment. Two guards, fearing the cold, huddled inside the gatehouse warming themselves by the fire, idly discussing trivial city gossip.

The younger guard suddenly said, “It’s been a while since the princess consort returned to her natal home for a visit, hasn't it?”

The older guard sighed. “What kind of visit is that? She’s been upset. The princess consort has a stubborn temper and was publicly scolded by the prince. How could she bear such humiliation?”

The younger guard said, “Honestly, it’s all the prince’s fault. He neglects all the household affairs and leaves everything to the princess consort. She’s never made a mistake. Though strict, she treats everyone fairly. Ever since that Cao woman came in, the mansion’s been in chaos, noisy and upsetting. Yet the prince always sides with her, scolding the princess consort instead. It’s really unfair!”

“Shh! Quiet! Do you want to die? We’re just gatekeepers. Don’t say everything you think. Watch your tongue!” the older guard scolded.

The younger guard shrugged. “It’s just us talking. Anyway, the princess consort will return on her own in a few days. Prime Minister Fang is a steady gentleman; he wouldn’t let her stay too long at her family home.”

The older guard sighed helplessly. “That’s true. The Cao brothers caused trouble, and the prince lost face, so he sided with Cao. Who can blame him when no one from the princess consort’s family came to stir up trouble? If one of the Fang brothers had shouted at the prince, things would be different. But the princess consort’s brothers... sigh.”

He sighed deeply, feeling sympathy for the princess consort.

They were rigid, foolish, immature... none of them reliable.

Just then, the sound of horses’ hooves approached from afar, growing louder until they reached the mansion gate.

The two guards exchanged glances. The younger one stood up and said, “It’s freezing cold, and curfew is about to start. Who could it be?”

He opened the door, and a biting cold wind rushed in, causing him to shrink his neck in displeasure as he stepped outside.

He unlatched the gate and pushed it open a crack to peer outside. There were six or seven tall, powerful horses standing in front, snorting and steaming in the cold. The riders were all robust and vigorous.

The leader wore a sable hat and a brocade robe. His slightly dark face was red from the cold, with sharp, piercing eyes.

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The young guard asked, “Who are you? What is your business?”

The leader was none other than Fang Jun, who said sternly, “Call out Li Yuanjia!”

The guard was momentarily stunned. “There’s no one named Li Yuanjia... Ah!” Then it dawned on him—Li Yuanjia was the prince’s given name.

He immediately shouted, “How dare you address His Highness by his personal name? Do you want to die?”

Fang Jun sneered, “Whether I live or die is none of your concern. Just go inform him.”

“Whether you die or not, I don’t care, but I don’t want to die. Get lost quickly, or I’ll report you to the authorities!”

The guard was irrational and unreasonable, thought Fang Jun.

He glanced up at the gilded plaque above the gate reading “Prince Han’s Mansion,” a cold smile on his lips. Since he was standing up for his eldest sister, he might as well make a big scene.

Spurring his horse, he shouted, “Hyaa!”

His warhorse, well-trained and obedient, neighed loudly, its four hooves kicking up onto the stone steps before the gate. As the horse reared, it raised its two front hooves—each the size of a bowl—and slammed them hard against the gate.

“Boom!”

With a thunderous crash, the gate burst open. The guard, caught off guard, was thrown aside, tumbling in the snow and mud before scrambling to his feet, his face drained of color as he shouted, “You... you... you’re mad! How dare you kick open the prince’s main gate?”

Fang Jun sneered, “Kick the door? I’m gonna kick people too. Get out of the way!”

With that, he pulled the reins and charged the horse directly into the mansion.

Behind him, Li Siwen and Cheng Chubi were left dumbfounded. Damn, this guy was fierce, his courage boundless!

This was Prince Han’s mansion—a royal prince’s residence!

Riding a horse straight inside?

Li Siwen and Cheng Chubi exchanged glances, their eyes sparkling with excitement, and shouted in unison as they spurred their horses into the mansion!

As the saying goes, “Birds of a feather flock together.”

Fang Yiai was always a brute—strong but simple-minded. His companions were cut from the same cloth: tough fighters but a bit thick-headed...