Chapter 8: Double Trial

  As she said this, Han Jiangxue paused for a moment and saw that her brother's expression was becoming increasingly solemn. She continued: "Over the years, you and I have been labeled by the people of the capital as being coarse and unrefined, spoiled and unruly, causing trouble and having no redeeming qualities! But are we really as despicable as the rumors say?"

  "In the capital, there are many young masters like us, so why do you and I have such a bad reputation? Hasn't big brother ever thought about the abnormality of this situation? Every time Liu's wife speaks well of us in front of Father, Father remembers every single mistake we've made and becomes increasingly dissatisfied with us. Even when it's just a trivial matter, it makes Father even more disappointed in us."

  Seeing the big brother not saying a word, his expression became more and more solemn. Han Jiangxue continued: "Actually, thinking back, these years, Liu's family has been very obedient to us on the surface, so good that it can't be better. But are those goods really for our own good? If this is her way of doing things, why doesn't she ever tolerate her own children like this? If mother were alive, would mother educate us in this way?"

  A barrage of rhetorical questions left Han Jing speechless, but no matter how he thought about it in his heart, he couldn't believe that Liu Shi would be the kind of malicious and poisonous person that his sister had suspected.

  After a while, he finally spoke up and said: "Maybe... maybe everything really is just a coincidence, or perhaps the past two days have been too eventful, making sister's suspicions a bit too heavy. Can't just convict someone because of suspicion, after all these years she..."

  "Never mind, what I'm saying to big brother today isn't that we have to go and drag out Liu's mother and daughter right now, it's just that I want to tell big brother that having a heart that harms others is not allowed, but having a heart that guards against others must never be absent!"

  Knowing that it's impossible to convince her brother so easily, Han Jiang Xue had to remind him again: "Time will reveal a person's true nature. If they really have problems, as long as you pay attention carefully, one day there will be evidence to prove my guess today. As for you, brother, whether you believe it or not now, in any case, being more cautious won't go wrong."

  Han Jing saw the situation and naturally no longer resisted his sister's reminder, slightly nodding to indicate that he had taken note. Although he still didn't quite understand his sister's idea in his heart, what she said also made sense. It's always good to be careful when doing things, and it won't go wrong to leave some room for thought in the future.

  The two siblings stayed for a moment longer before Ziyue knocked on the door and came in to invite them over for dinner.

  Tan Lao Ye Zi's craftsmanship is extremely good. Every time these two precious grandsons and granddaughters come, he will personally go to the kitchen to make their favorite dishes. The three of them eat and chat together, and when they are in high spirits, they can't help but drink a few more cups. For a while, the originally cold and light Tan Fu also becomes joyful and harmonious, with an exceptionally warm and touching family atmosphere.

  Before nightfall, the brother and sister returned to the Han's house. Han Jing habitually thought of going back to his room, but was pulled by Han Jiangxue towards their father's place.

  "Big brother, remember that from now on, when going out, you must first get Father's consent. When returning, you must go to Father's room and report back to him." Han Jiang Xue said as she gestured for Qing Mu and Zi Yue to follow her as well, naturally they also had to inform Father about the two extra people.

  Han Jing listened and was not used to it, haggling: "No need to be so troublesome, if we follow what sister said, then won't we have any freedom at all in the future?"

  "Big brother promised me that he would work hard and make positive changes. If he can't even do these things, then everything else is just empty talk." Han Jiang Xue firmly refused, "Besides, don't look at these as small matters, they represent respect for Father. In the past, we didn't understand and always neglected these things, not knowing that filial piety doesn't distinguish between big or small. If you can't even pass this test of respecting Father, how can you change others' bad impressions of you?"

  These words, reasonable and touching, Han Jing was immediately convinced by his sister's words, and remembering his previous promise, he suddenly felt his face flush with shame. He hastily nodded in agreement, saying: "Sister is absolutely right, from now on I will listen to you, whatever you say, I will do, no questions asked!"

  The brother and sister exchanged a smile, then said no more, and went together to see their father.

  As soon as the brother and sister returned, they came to see him together. Han Feng didn't say anything, but his expression showed a small excitement. In recent years, these two children have not shown such understanding and discipline for many years. Thinking about what his daughter said yesterday, he was even more optimistic about the brother and sister's reformation.

  Han Jiangxue simply introduced Qingmu and Ziyue to her father, making some slight changes in her words. She said that her uncle had heard about what happened yesterday, so he was worried about her safety on the one hand, and on the other hand, he was afraid that her brother would act impulsively again and cause trouble, so he gave this pair of siblings to them.

  Han Feng didn't quite understand his father-in-law's protective nature, but seeing Qing Mu and Zi Yue being so proper and steady, he didn't say much, just letting the old man feel at ease.

  "Jing Er, this year's martial arts exam in the palace, are you preparing to participate or not? Last time I was just joking, didn't allow you to participate in the martial arts exam, but can you still participate in the literary exam? In any case, you can't not participate at all." Seeing that his son was also willing to accept some discipline, Han Feng's attitude became even more relaxed, and he even changed his mind about things he had personally denied just a few days ago.

  Every year on June 6th, the palace holds a special literary and martial arts competition. Young men from noble families in the capital city between the ages of 16 and 20 can participate. This has become a tradition in Dongming country, and it is also one of the ways for the imperial family to select young talents from aristocratic families.

  Therefore, all those who have reached the qualification for the trial generally will not appear to be absent, at least they will choose one from their own strengths. Some people also participate in both literary and martial arts trials, whether it is to make a name or to exercise, it has become the best platform for the young masters of the capital city to show off and compete with each other.

  Han Jing had participated in the martial arts competition twice and was ranked among the top 20, despite his young age. This year, he had been practicing diligently with the hope of entering the top three or even winning the championship. However, just a few days ago, he got into trouble and angered his father, who forbade him from participating in this year's martial arts competition, leaving Han Jing extremely disappointed and frustrated.

  Now that I heard Father lifted the ban, I was so excited that I wanted to thank him loudly, but my sister beat me to it.

  "Father agreed to let big brother continue participating in this year's martial arts exam, it's really great!" Han Jiang Xue was all smiles, and also somewhat surprised as she said to Han Feng: "In that case, big brother will be taking part in both the literary and martial exams this year!"

  As soon as he said this, not only was Han Feng startled, but even Han Jing himself was taken aback. He wanted to deny and explain, but was interrupted again by his sister.

  "Father doesn't know yet, but big brother said today at grandpa's house that from now on he will study hard and take the literary exam this year. Big brother said that our Han family is not a military general's family after all, and we cannot abandon poetry, books, and literature. Xue'er thinks that big brother's words are extremely right, no matter what results we get in the end, but big brother being able to have such thoughts shows his progress now."

  Han Jiang Xue said quietly and motionlessly, casting a glance at Chao Han, indicating that he should follow her instructions.

  Han Jing was anxious, but he remembered the promise he had just made and saw his sister's unyielding expression, so he went to participate in the literary examination with the ink in his belly, wasn't it obvious that he would be at the bottom?

  "Jing Er, is this really what you think?" Han Feng was overjoyed and couldn't help but get up and walk to his son's front, patting his shoulder and saying: "Good, good, good! You can have such thoughts as a father, I'm already very satisfied. Just like your sister said, it doesn't matter what kind of grades you get, what matters is that you really grow up, understand things, and know how to cultivate yourself!"

  Seeing his father's delighted expression, Han Jing couldn't bear to refute it. He gritted his teeth and reluctantly cooperated with his sister for the time being, hoping that she had some other plan in mind when making this sudden decision.

  After saying a few more words, the brother and sister finally left the study.

  After a while, Han Jing couldn't wait to pull his sister aside and ask what was the meaning of just now. Without consulting him, he was allowed to participate in the literary test together with her, wasn't this a joke?

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