Chapter 40: As the Elder Brother, It’s Time to Prepare for the Younger Brother’s Wedding!

Chapter 40: As the Elder Brother, It’s Time to Prepare for the Younger Brother’s Wedding!

Along the way, Su Dingfangs mind was filled with chaotic thoughts. While he didnt regret his actions and wasnt bothered by being rejected, as he cherished his training with Li Jing and didnt want to separate that relationship, he couldnt easily let go of the idea of galloping on the battlefield and achieving greatness. After all, he had spent several years as a warrior, and it was difficult for him to abandon the desire for glory.

It was true that Su Dingfang had been a mere victim of Li Ers suppression against Li Jing, and he was nothing more than a small pawn in the grand scheme. His most notable accomplishment so far was his bravery in battle, and his official rank was only Fourth Class. He lacked the qualifications to participate in the power struggles among the influential figures in court.

Consequently, after being sidelined, Su Dingfang rarely saw Li Er (Emperor Taizong) and had no involvement in the courts power dynamics. The sudden summons from the Emperor to enter the palace left Su Dingfang bewildered, unsure of what to expect. Various thoughts raced through his mind, ranging from concerns about his teacher Li Jings well-being to the possibility that the Emperor had recognized his talent.

Only upon meeting Li Er in the palace did Su Dingfangs slightly intoxicated mind become clear. He bowed respectfully and paid his respects to the Emperor, showing his respect. Li Er waved his hand and dispensed with formalities, indicating that they would not discuss state affairs that day.

You see, do you recognize this sword? Li Er gestured to the eunuch standing beside him, who handed the redeemed sword from the pawnshop to Su Dingfang.

Initially puzzled, Su Dingfangs face displayed confusion as he accepted the sword. Its style was rather common, resembling an ancient sword imitating those from the Han dynasty, which were popular in this era. As a martial artist, Su Dingfang owned many similar swords at home. He couldnt understand why the Emperor was showing him this particular sword, but he carefully examined it.

To his surprise, he felt a familiar but indescribable sensation. Su Dingfang noticed familiar sword marks on the hilt, as renowned swordsmiths of this era often left their unique imprints for identification, similar to how scholars would stamp their seals on completed calligraphy or paintings.

Hmm? Was this sword made by Cao Gong? Su Dingfang exclaimed in surprise.

He had discovered Cao Gongs distinct sword marks on the hilt. Cao Gong was a locally renowned swordsmith in Shiping County, and he crafted most of the swords used by local elites. Su Dingfang remembered that his father Su Chao had gifted him a sword made by Cao Gong when he was born.

Being a local elite, Su Chao presented each family descendant with a sword made by Cao Gong, including Su Dingfang and his half-brother

As a local tyrant, Father Su Chao indeed bestowed a sword upon every family descendant, including Su Dingfang and his half-brother from the same father. Realizing this, Su Dingfangs brow furrowed slightly, and the effects of his intoxication quickly faded away.

He swiftly unsheathed his own sword and meticulously examined the marks on the blade. As expected, there was a distinct notch approximately three inches from the swords edge, a mark created by his younger brother during their childhood play and sword sparring sessions when they were merely six years old.

Shock surged through Su Dingfang, instantly sobering his mind. The Su family had originally been a powerful local clan in Jizhou. However, they were forced to migrate westward toward Changan due to conflicts and wars. Tragically, they encountered thieves along the way, and Su Dingfangs younger brother, only seven years old at the time, went missing.

Su Li, even though was Su Dingfangs younger brother, his family background was not prominent before, as he came from a wealthy local family. Even Su Dingfang himself only holds a relatively low-ranking official position of the fourth rank. This could not explain the remarkable calligraphy skills displayed by Su Li, as well as the sudden improvement of asthma in Changle. Unless Something happened during the time when Su Li unexpectedly lost his way and settled in Longyou.

Take him to the Princess Mansion to verify his identity Li Er sighed.

Li Ers expression was not very good. After all the efforts, nothing was found, and instead, Su Li recognized a relative as if punching into thin air.

Your Majesty, is my younger brother still alive? Su Dingfangs face was filled with joy as he received the news of his long-lost younger brother.

Lets go and see first I cant say for sure if he is your brother, Li Er waved his hand.

This turned out to be a fortunate accident, and Li Er seemed to have unintentionally gained some credit

I Thank Your Majesty! Su Dingfang was overjoyed, and then a sudden thought came to his mind.

Wait a minute Why go to the Princess Mansion? Could it be that his younger brother became a servant in the Princess Mansion?

Regardless, Su Dingfang, as a fourth-ranked officer, could take his brother back home to take care of him, no matter what his brothers status was.

Well calculating the age, his younger brother was already twenty-three years old, the age when he should be starting a family.

After taking his younger brother out of the Princess Mansion, as the eldest brother, Su Dingfang should start preparing for his brothers marriage.

Compared to the local landlords of a small country in the past, Su Dingfang was now only a fourth-ranked officer, and might not be considered much in the court. However, he was already a distinguished figure. Although his future might be uncertain, it was easy for him to arrange a marriage for his younger brother.

The Su family lacked enough descendants, as Su Dingfang himself only had two children. So, it was important for his younger brother to quickly marry and have children to ensure the prosperity of the Su familys lineage.