Applaud for Happiness

It was the 28th year of the Republic of China. 1

President Hua, the founding father of the Republic of China, died three years ago. In remembrance of his dedication to the country, people took it upon themselves to mourn for three years. Although his family was complicated, and he passed away without leaving an heir, in the twenty-five years he was alive, his dedication to the country was indelible.

Under his leadership, a series of reforms were carried out. The country’s science, technology, military, and economy all advanced steadily. One by one, the former concessions2 were slowly being regained. The country was becoming more prosperous with each passing day.

When President Hua came to power, he set the rule that the president is elected every five years and cannot serve for more than three terms. The current president, surnamed Shen, served one term between the 5th and 10th year of the Republic of China. He was succeeded by President Jia. Yet, President Jia was later exposed as a traitor to his country and had colluded with Japan. He was removed from office without a full term. President Hua was selected again and served for another ten years until the 23rd year of the Republic of China.

After that, President Shen was re-elected. It was currently the middle of winter, and the time for electing a new president. Warlords began gathering in the capital to vote for the next president.

The Capital Hua Hotel.

The so-called hotel was a concept proposed by President Hua. However, there were theories that the concept had been established abroad before he proposed the idea. They were equivalent to inns but more comfortable, especially the five-star hotels. Every time high officials and noblemen came to the capital, they would stay in these hotels.

Over the years, hotels have spread throughout the country, and there were three famous ones. In the capital, the most popular hotel was still the Capital Hua Hotel.

The main building has fifteen floors, while the two wings have ten floors each, creating a wide V shape. In the center of the V is a garden. Within the garden are pavilions and kiosks to provide entertainment for the guests.

At the time of the elections, various officials and warlords gathered in the capital. The Capital Hua Hotel had been closed to the public since the month before they arrived, and all of the officials who arrived were arranged to stay in the hotel.

It was the third and last day of the election. The marshals and deputy marshals had already entered the Xinhua Palace. Their family members were the only ones left at the hotels.

Because of the election, no one went out to play. The bored young masters and ladies had to go to the garden to play in the snow.

The garden was large. There was a lake in the center, and because it was winter, a thick layer of ice had formed. Some brave children skated on the ice.

“Be careful!”

“Oh my God!”

Suddenly, a few cries of surprise were heard from the lakeside.

It turned out that a few teenagers had unknowingly skated onto a thin layer of ice. With a crack and two falling putong sounds, two 14 or 15-year-old teenagers fell into the water.

This instantly scared a few teenagers around the scene. They all skated back to the edge of the lake, and the guards of the drowning teenagers rushed to rescue them.

Soon, the two teenagers were dragged back to shore.

“It’s the two young masters of the Zhao family!”

Someone recognized the two.

“Get up, get up!” Zhao Huaisen, the second young master of the Zhao family, pushed through the crowd and went over. Seeing his two brothers shivering on the ground, his arrogant face showed disgust, “What’s going on? How did you guys fall into the water while skating? Why aren’t you looking under your feet?”. He then looked at several guards who were also wet and said, “You can’t even protect a person! What do we even need you guys for then?”

Zhao Huaichao, the third young master of the Zhao family, wore his coat and didn’t make a sound. He didn’t fall into the water first, but his fourth brother, Zhao Huaiyu, who pulled him down.

The second brother was born to the madam. He and the fourth brother were born to the concubine. This time, their father took his three sons to the capital with the idea of letting them study at the Capital Hua Military Academy. However, there was only one free test exemption, so if they wanted to enter the school, they had to pass the exam.

The Capital Hua Military Academy was very strict. It was difficult to pass the exam, and even he did not dare to say that he could 100% pass all of the exams. However, as long as he could successfully graduate from the academy, he would definitely have a good future.

He did not want to miss the opportunity.

He had several brothers. His eldest brother died young. His second brother was mediocre, and although his younger brother was clever, he was not liked by his father. He always followed his second brother blindly. Only Zhao Huaichao had been praised by his father since he entered elementary school. After this incident, he couldn’t help but overthink what would happen to him.

Zhao Huaiyu’s face was pale white and trembling. He was only fourteen years old. As if he was frightened silly, his peach blossom eyes drooped down. Trying not to cry, his shivering lips said: “Sorry… Third brother… I, I did not mean to pull you in. I subconsciously reach out …… It was my fault. You should hit me ……”

Zhao Huaichao took the attendant’s hand and stood up. He was sick and had a fever on the way to the hotel. He was only starting to feel better before he fell in the water again. His face turned unpleasant.

The attendant was anxious: “Third young master, let’s go back to the room.”

“Is third brother alright?” Zhao Huaisen hurriedly took a few steps forward to hold Zhao Huaichao. His face was filled with concern. In front of the attendant, he checked Huaichao’s temperature while saying, “Third brother, don’t blame fourth brother. He is young and clumsy. I don’t think he was intentional, so you must not hold a grudge against him.”

He gave a look to Zhao Huaiyu on the ground and said, “Fourth brother, apologize to your third brother, or father will have to punish you when he returns.”

Zhao Huaiyu seemed frightened by the word “father” and started trembling. He shook off the attendant who wanted to help him up, rolling and crawling to Zhao Huaichao, and tugging on his pants, “Third brother I was wrong. I’m sorry. I really didn’t mean it. Please don’t tell father ……”

His eyes blinked. Tears instantly fell. Because of his pale face after falling into the water, he looked extra pitiful.

Zhao Huaichao was angry. He wanted to shake him off his sleeve and leave, but there was Zhao Huaisen in front of him and Zhao Huaiyu in the back, as if he was deliberately delaying and not letting him go. He was worried about getting sick again, so he couldn’t care less and had to swallow his breath, shaking his lips and saying, “Don’t worry, I won’t tell dad.”

Zhao Huaiyu still tugged at his pants: “Third brother you are still angry with me right? I really did not mean to ……”

Zhao Huaisen acted how an older brother should and ignored the malice in Huaichao’s eyes: “Third brother, please forgive fourth brother. He would not do such a thing, even if he is usually a jerk. Besides, if you are angry, wait until we get back. We’re currently in full view of the public; don’t let outsiders see this mess.”

Zhao Huaichao was so angry with both of them that his eyes darkened even more.

Zhao Huaiyu lowered his head until no one could see his face and curled his lips up. In that split second, his expression was completely different to his pitiful appearance. Instead, his eyes contained a faint, terrifying hostility.

“What’s going on?”

A sudden, sharp voice was heard from behind. The young men standing turned their heads and were stunned. 

Beside the lake, tall Japanese allspices grew. It was the blossoming season during this time. The fiery red Japanese allspices were everywhere, spreading around the area like clouds. Since it was snowing the night before, the petals looked translucent and sparkling. There was an indescribable beauty to this scene.

But what attracted more attention was the young man under the Japanese allspice.

His face looked elegant and beautiful. His posture was upright.

Inside, he was wearing a tailored light gray three-piece suit with a scarf of the same color, draped with a black coat. His hair was casual and loose in front of his forehead, unlike the trend of using hairspray to place each strand in place. In contrast, it made his skin even more snowy.

His face was handsome to the point where he didn’t look human.

Four words came to the minds of the people in the room: A gentleman like jade. 3

The young man was not in the least bit surprised by the gaze of the people. He stepped forward and exuded an aloof but elegant and noble aura.

The crowd realized that behind the teenager followed four guards, one taller and stronger than the other, expressionless and imposing.

The young masters could not identify who the mysterious person was. However, the four guards became even more alert and cautious. It was obvious that they had fought on the battlefield before, and they carried a menacing aura.

The teenager walked over, step by step. The crowd subconsciously dodged to make way, watching him all the way straight into the circle. He walked in front of the three young masters of the Zhao family, to be exact, Zhao Huaichao.

“You guys are Commander Zhao’s sons?”

The young man lifted his chin with a condescending look that did not make him annoying. A hint of curiosity appeared in his eyes, “You guys are gold, wood, water, fire and earth?”

Zhao Zhenghe, also known as Commander Zhao, was the chief of the military in the Lu Province. Commander Zhao started out as a bandit and could not read. However, he did believe in superstition and the five elements. Coincidentally, he happened to have five sons, named after gold, wood, water, fire, and earth. This story was then shared throughout the country. 4

“Who are you?” Zhao Huaisen was used to being arrogant. Although there was a saying that everyone was equal. However, there was still a status difference between the son born by the madam and the concubine. As the son of the main wife, his status was naturally much higher than his several younger brothers. In addition, after gaining power, Commander Zhao was more interested in keeping traditional customs and rules. Even if his father liked his third brother, his third brother could never cross him, especially after the death of the older brother of the same mother. He had become spoiled.

In Lu Province, his father was the oldest, and he was the second. It was always him being arrogant to others. Yet, this was the first time he had been so treated by others, and he felt extremely uncomfortable.

The young man glanced at him lightly, only a glance, yet he still shivered, as if he too had fallen into the cold water. His entire body felt stiff, and he was appalled.

The young man looked at Zhao Huaichao. The corners of his mouth held a shallow smile. The oppressive aura instantly dissipated and the spring breeze came: “I guess you are Zhao Huaichao?”

Zhao Huaichao was much smarter than Zhao Huaisen. He immediately saw that this young man was extraordinary. Since he was able to identify himself, he knew that this man had a remarkable background. He greeted: “Hello, I am Zhao Huaichao, the third son of Commander Zhao. You are ……”

The young man, however, did not want to explain his identity. He smiled while measuring him: “Commander Zhao was right. He is indeed a smart one.”

When these words fell, Zhao Huaisen was embarrassed. Zhao Huaichao’s face showed joy, and as for Zhao Huaiyu, he squatted on the ground with his head down. It was hard to see how he felt.

“You know my father?” Zhao Huaichao wanted to inquire more.

The teenager only smiled. He turned his head towards the black-clad guards behind him and nodded his head, smoothly taking off the black cloak, “Give this to Zhao San 5 and take him to the top floor. Call Dr. Wen to take a look. “

As soon as his words fell, there was an uproar.

The Capital Hua Hotel was said to be the joint construction of President Hua and President Shen. President Hua later assumed the presidency and became increasingly preoccupied with his estates’ numerous tasks.He then became seriously ill and gave his properties to subordinates who followed him for many years. It was said that the Capital Hua Hotel was returned to President Shen.

The top floor of the Capital Hua Hotel has always been off-limits unless invited. There was a special elevator to enter the top floor. The ordinary elevators did not have the button to go up to the top floor.

The teenager was able to easily let Zhao San go to the top floor. His identity was obvious.

“You are the seventh young master!”

Someone shouted out.

Zhao Huaichao was stunned, and had an inexplicable feeling that he was favored: “Seventh Young Master ……”

The young man raised his chin towards him but did not explain any further, as if he silently approved: “Go.”

As Zhao Huaichao was carried up by the man in black, draped in the teenager’s coat, a burst of ecstasy surfaced in his heart.

The seventh young master. He was the seventh son of President Shen!

The seventh master!

Zhao Huaisen’s face was extremely dark, even distorted. He wanted to curse his mother. How did Zhao San gain this luck!? Thinking about what the Seventh Young Master just said, he resented his father. It must have been his father who mentioned Zhao San in front of the Seventh Young Master. That’s why he noticed him.

Why? A concubine’s son dares to fight with him. There should have been no place for him to speak!

The young man, that is, Shen Qi, looked at the guard carrying Zhao San far away, and only then did he turn his eyes back to look at Zhao Huaiyu, who had been squatting on the ground in silence.

His goal for this world.

Well… if you divide them according to main, supporting, and villainous characters in a TV series, it seems that he should be called the villain BOSS?

The author has something to say: This is a fictional setting in the Republic of China.

TL Note: Hello!! That was a major turn, haha. I thought Zhao Huaichao was the guy he was looking for. I’m interested in what will happen. Again, I still owe you guys 4 more chapters. I hope you guys like this new arc.

Footnotes

In this case, it is 1940. This was the end of the Qing Dynasty and in 1949, Chinese Communist leader Mao Zedong declared the creation of the People’s Republic of China. An enclave occupied by a foreign powerVery beautiful and elegant like jade. To explain the names.. The second son’s name is 赵怀森 (Zhao Huaisen), which has three trees making up the last character 森. He is the wood element. The third son’s name is 赵怀潮 (Zhao Huaichao). The third character has “three drops of water” which symbolizes flowing water. You can basically find the “three drops of water” in any character that has a meaning related to water, like lake, which is 湖. The fourth son’s name is 赵怀煜 (Zhao Huaiyu). Again, the third character has the fire symbol 火. The names of the first and last children were not mentioned, but they had something to do with the remaining gold and earth.He called him the third son of Zhao. I am keeping it as Zhao San.