Young Master Tingzheng’s visit to the Lian Mansion couldn’t really provide assistance. His presence at the Lian Mansion was more about making a statement. However, it didn’t take long before trouble arose. One guest, upon seeing Tingzheng, was astounded by his good looks and not only leered at him with lascivious eyes but also made lewd remarks. Martial artists are known for their hot temper, let alone when faced with such humiliation. Tingzheng immediately threw several punches, leaving the man’s face swollen like a pig’s head, with blood oozing from the corners of his eyes, looking utterly frightening. When Tingyi heard the news, he hurried to control the situation, soothing the man and even asking Tingzheng to apologize. Tingzheng snorted coldly, "Apologize to this animal? I cannot do such a thing." As the beaten man left, he issued a threat, "This isn’t over." Nᴇw novel chapters are publɪshed on 𝓷𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓵⟡𝓯𝓲𝓻𝓮⟡𝓷𝓮𝓽 Tingzheng wasn’t afraid at all, "Come at me if you dare, I’m waiting right here." Tingzheng had never been insulted as he grew up. Tingyi watched Tingzheng becoming increasingly unruly and didn’t know what to say at the moment. However, he dared not let Tingzheng meet with guests again, fearing that if a similar incident occurred, they wouldn’t know how to handle the aftermath. Upon hearing the news, Lady Mo was furious. Her daughter was to leave the family tomorrow, and yet today, a fight had broken out. Lady Mo wanted to scold Tingzheng, but unfortunately, he wouldn’t even enter the inner courtyard, and she didn’t dare to venture to the front courtyard to reprimand him. In the evening, Lian Dongfang called Tingzheng over and sternly reprimanded him, then ordered him to apologize to the guest. The lecher was Lian Dongfang’s colleague, and now that Tingzheng had struck him, it would be awkward for them to interact in the future. But Tingzheng feared Lian Dongfang not a bit. He firmly refused to apologize, saying dismissively, "If it wasn’t for my sister asking me to return for my second cousin’s wedding, do you think I would bother coming back?" He didn’t dwell on the Lian family’s harsh treatment of him and his sister, not because Tingzheng was magnanimous, but because he thought it was needless. Constantly fussing over the past wouldn’t make for better days ahead. But if someone wanted to discipline him, Lian Dongfang was not up to the task. Lian Dongfang threw the paperweight on the table at him. Tingzheng sidestepped it, and the paperweight flew past him, landing on the ground. Tingzheng straightened his clothes, "If Uncle doesn’t need anything else, I’ll be going back now." Without waiting for Lian Dongfang to respond, Tingzheng left the study. Lian Dongfang trembled with rage. Tingzheng’s arrogance shocked many, especially the people of the Lian Mansion, who now knew that the Fourth Young Master was not to be trifled with. They became more cautious around Tingzheng. Tingyi, hearing the news, felt worried. He had hoped to use the next few days to ease their tense relationship, but now it seemed that this might only backfire. Zhou Yue saw this and smiled, "Husband, your younger brother is at the age of vigorous blood and spirit, he couldn’t stand such humiliation. Husband, it’s still early, why don’t you go and have a good talk with your brother?" In front of Tingyi, Tingzheng was not arrogant. Yet, he didn’t take Tingyi’s words to heart, not only ignoring them but also feeling a bit regretful that he hadn’t crippled the man. Seeing Tingzheng , Tingyi could only return helplessly. The next day, as Yuebing left the house, Tingzheng also left the Lian Mansion and took a trip to Li Mansion. Lady Li, hearing that Tingzheng was going to spend the New Year in the mountains, immediately objected, "My child, it’s cold and isolated in the mountains, what are you doing there? Stay here in the mansion." Tingzheng smiled, "My sister is in the mountains. I don’t want her to be alone there." Since his sister was in the mountains, he was determined to keep her company. A flicker of discomfort crossed Lady Li’s face, "Anyway, today is only the 27th, just go to the mountains and bring your sister back. One shouldn’t spend the New Year’s in a temple." Tingzheng smiled, "My sister wants to listen to Master Xuan Tian’s lectures on Zen. Such an opportunity is not to be missed." How many wished to hear Master Xuan Tian’s lectures on Zen but couldn’t hear them! Lady Li was at a loss for words, feeling somewhat defeated by her inability to persuade Tingzheng, and she couldn’t help but grumble a few words to Nanny He. Nanny He comforted her, "Actually, no matter how close Young Master Zheng appears to Madam, no one in his heart surpasses the Third Young Lady." Lady Li knew this truth but still felt a bit downhearted. After bidding farewell to Lady Li, Tingzheng went to Ma’s Mansion. Ma Chengteng had prepared quite a few things, and Tingzheng took a carriage full of items to Zhaohua Temple. Yueyao, knowing that Tingzheng was coming up the mountain to spend the New Year with her, was overjoyed and quickly asked Xiang Wei to tell the head of Zhaohua Temple to arrange a separate room for Tingzheng. Boys and girls are separated after reaching seven, Yueyao was already of age, and Tingzheng was thirteen, almost fourteen, so it was certain they couldn’t stay in the same courtyard anymore. Zhaohua Temple was usually bustling with incense offerings, and rooms and courtyards were in high demand. But now it was winter and close to New Year’s, hardly anyone came to offer incense, leaving all the rooms vacant. Tingzheng told Yueyao about his fight. Yueyao’s face changed upon hearing it, "Well done. The next time you encounter such people, don’t be polite. If you fight them frequently, they will naturally become afraid." Like a soft-hearted person, you’re definitely getting bullied. Tingzheng smiled at her words. In fact, he was also worried that Yueyao would blame him for his rash actions; after all, it’s not right to hit people. Yueyao knew Tingzheng’s thoughts and couldn’t help but laugh, "If you don’t fight back when bullied, others will think you’re a pushover, and they will bully you even more harshly in the future. However, you need to measure your actions and not offend those we can’t afford to offend." In the Capital City, influential families are everywhere. If we provoke one that we cannot afford to provoke, we might suffer a great loss. Tingzheng said with a smile, "Sister, don’t worry, I won’t act rashly." Yueyao nodded, "When you have time, you should ask Uncle Li for advice." She was not familiar with external affairs and had limited experience. As a result, she was often mocked by Xiang Wei, so she didn’t dare to instruct Tingzheng in fear of misleading him with wrong advice. The siblings talked warmly and affectionately for a while until late at night when Tingzheng went to his room to rest. Xiang Wei had been there the whole time, and after Tingzheng left, she said, "My lady, you should make early plans about Tingzheng’s marriage." Yueyao was a bit surprised, wondering why they were suddenly talking about Tingzheng’s marriage, "What’s the matter?" Xiang Wei wouldn’t have mentioned this without reason. Xiang Wei frowned and said, "If I’m not guessing wrong, that woman will definitely interfere with Tingzheng’s marriage. It won’t be beneficial for Tingzheng, a martial man, to marry a daughter from a civil official family." Since the last incident, Xiang Wei referred to Lady Li as "that woman." Yueyao nodded, seeing the possibility, "Tingzheng is still young now. It would be much better to wait until he has achievements or an official position before discussing his marriage. But don’t worry, in a few days, I will remind Tingzheng that his marriage has to have my approval to take place." Yueyao wasn’t concerned that Lady Li would find an unsuitable girl for Tingzheng. However, as Xiang Wei said, if he married a girl from a civil official family, there would be no benefit. Although Li Guoxing is a Second Rank Official, he has no connections in the military. For Tingzheng’s future path to be smooth, he indeed needs the support of his wife’s family. Xiang Wei was just reminding Yueyao. Seeing that Yueyao understood, she naturally didn’t say much more. During the days Tingzheng was in the mountains, Yueyao didn’t continue her poetry or painting; she spent the whole time with Tingzheng, even making snacks in the kitchen. Hmm, although the taste of the snacks wasn’t as good as those made by Nanny Hao. Xiang Wei rarely saw Yueyao so relaxed and naturally was happy to see it. She even participated in games, filling the small courtyard with laughter. Although one couldn’t eat meat in the mountains, the New Year’s Eve meal was still very rich. There were no fireworks to watch on the mountain, but Xiang Wei had Xi Yu and others light many red candles in the courtyard. The red candles had covers, so there was no worry they would be blown out. That night, Yueyao stayed up late with Tingzheng. They didn’t go to sleep until after midnight, and then Tingzheng returned to his room. On the first day of the new year, Yueyao prepared a thick red envelope for Tingzheng. Every year, she gave Tingzheng a red envelope; it had become a tradition. Tingzheng did not want to accept it, "Sister, I’ve grown up already." It’s only children who take red envelopes; he was now a young man and should not be taking them. Tingzheng held the red envelope that Yueyao insisted on giving him, somewhat helpless; he genuinely didn’t want it! Before Tingzheng descended the mountain, Yueyao spoke many words to him, "Tingzheng, you’re growing up, and our brother and sister can’t always live at our uncle’s house. So, I plan to talk to our uncle about this after we return to the Capital City." If there were no mistakes, An Zhichen might go to Ma’s Mansion to propose marriage soon. When she got married, Tingzheng couldn’t be left living in Ma’s Mansion. So Yueyao’s idea was to have Tingzheng move out. After all, their mother had left a house, which they could tidy up for Tingzheng to live in; if he didn’t like it, they could buy a new one. Tingzheng didn’t have much concept of this, "Whatever sister decides is fine with me." After all, wherever his sister was, that’s where he would be. The boy hadn’t yet contemplated that his sister was going to get married and become someone else’s family member. Yueyao soon made Tingzheng realize this point, because she brought up his marriage prospects, "Tingzheng, what I mean is that you’re still young. It won’t be too late to discuss your marriage in another three to five years. Once you have achieved some distinction and attained an official position, then you can propose a good marriage." It’s not that everyone is opportunistic; it’s just the way things are. Tingzheng lacks inherent advantages, so he must rely on his own efforts. Once Tingzheng has an official position and there’s simplicity in the family, it will be much easier to seek a marriage. Tingzheng’s response was the same, "Whatever sister decides will be fine." Yueyao knew that Tingzheng was not indecisive; him saying so was simply a sign of his respect for her. She laughed and said, "Hmm, the girl you marry must pass my approval. If she’s not good, I won’t agree." In a way, Yueyao was setting preventative measures. Tingzheng’s face reddened slightly as he said in a low voice, "Whatever sister decides will be fine." Yueyao was the person Tingzheng trusted most, so naturally, she would decide on such a significant matter in his life. Yueyao looked at Tingzheng’s face, bright as the spring, smiled, and shook her head. After Tingzheng descended the mountain on the third day, Yueyao and everyone else’s routine returned to normal. Everyone’s daily schedule was actually based on Yueyao’s, so there was no discomfort.