Chapter 117: An Unexpected Farewell

On the 26th day of the fifth month of the first year of the Qianfeng era, Crown Prince Li Hong, Prince of Lu Li Xian, and Prince of Zhou Li Xian jointly submitted a memorial recommending the former Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites, Zhao Renben, for the position of Minister of the Ministry of Personnel. Officials followed suit, flooding the inner palace with similar memorials. Empress Wu, acting as the regent on behalf of the Emperor, held out for three days before finally, and helplessly, approving the joint recommendation of the three princes. Thus, the case of Liu Xiangdao came to an end. The result was a draw, with both the Crown Prince and Empress Wu suffering losses, leaving neither with the upper hand. The only winners were the brothers Li Xian and Li Xian, who seized the opportunity to plant their own people within the court. While these were mostly mid-to-lower-level officials, their actual influence had grown quietly and significantly.

At the end of the fifth month of the first year of the Qianfeng era, the powerful Goguryeo official Yeon Gaesomun died of illness. His three sons fought fiercely over the throne. The eldest son, Yeon Namsaeng, who was temporarily in charge of state affairs, was defeated and forced to defect to the Tang Dynasty, submitting a memorial requesting military aid. On the 6th day of the sixth month, the memorial arrived in the capital. Emperor Gaozong, just recovered from a serious illness, convened the court to deliberate. It was decided to send troops to Goguryeo. On the 7th day of the sixth month, the Emperor issued an edict appointing Qibi Heli, General of the Right Xiaowei Guard, as the Pacification Ambassador of the Liaodong Circuit to lead troops to rescue Yeon Namsaeng. Quan Xiancheng was appointed General of the Right Wuwei Guard to serve as a guide. Pang Tongshan, General of the Left Jingu Guard, and Gao Kan, Governor of Yingzhou, were appointed as Army Commanders to lead the campaign against Goguryeo.

On the 3rd day of the ninth month of the first year of the Qianfeng era, Pang Tongshan defeated the Goguryeo army and linked up with Yeon Namsaeng. Emperor Gaozong decreed that Yeon Namsaeng be granted the titles of Tejin, Grand Governor of Liaodong, and Pacification Ambassador of the Pyongyang Circuit, along with the title Duke of Xuantu. Li Ji was appointed Grand Commander of the Liaodong Expeditionary Army, with Chancellor Hao Chujun serving as Deputy Grand Commander. Qibi Heli and Pang Tongshan were also appointed Deputy Grand Commanders and Pacification Ambassadors. Xue Rengui, General of the Left Yulin Guard, was named commander of the vanguard. The various land and naval commanders, along with grain transport commissioners Dou Yiji, Dugu Qingyun, and Guo Daifeng, were placed under the command of Li Ji to launch a multi-pronged assault on Goguryeo. All tax revenues from the prefectures and counties of Hebei were requisitioned to supply the Liaodong army, marking the beginning of a massive war of annihilation.

A major war was coming, one destined for victory, yet Li Xian could find no excitement. On the contrary, he felt deeply lost and depressed. It was not out of sympathy for the doomed Goguryeo; in fact, whether in his past life or his current one, Li Xian had no fondness for the Goryeo people and wished to see this malignant tumor on the border of the Tang Dynasty completely eradicated. The reasons for his discomfort were twofold: first, he had missed the boat by being born a few years too late, leaving him to watch others gallop across the battlefield while he remained in the capital. But what truly frustrated and angered him was the second reason: Li Boyao had been ordered to serve as the Military Advisor to the Liaodong Governor's Office and was to join the expedition against Goguryeo.

This was pure, unadulterated retaliation—the kind of thing only Empress Wu would do. Out of the entire Left Xiaowei Guard, Li Boyao was the only one sent to the front lines. To make matters worse, he had been transferred to a local army unit. While his rank was technically higher, and he finally had the chance to achieve glory on the battlefield, which satisfied Li Boyao, it was a disaster for Li Xian. He had not only lost his legitimate martial arts instructor, but he also feared that the "Military Tactics of the Duke of Wei," which he had long coveted, would now be out of reach. It was an obvious attempt to make Li Xian miserable. Who else but Empress Wu would engage in such petty tactics? The message was clear: "You want to learn martial arts? I will make sure you don't get your way."

He felt deeply unhappy, but despite his frustration, some things had to be done. Regardless of the future, Li Boyao had served as his teacher for nearly two years and had taught him with genuine effort. Now that his teacher was heading to war, Li Xian could not let him leave without a gesture of respect. Thus, despite his sour mood, Li Xian gathered his spirits and, immediately upon hearing the news of the deployment, prepared gifts and traveled by carriage to the Duke of Wei’s residence.

"This subordinate greets His Highness, the Prince of Zhou."

As a prince, Li Xian's arrival meant the Duke of Wei’s household had to scramble. Whether they liked it or not, the main gate had to be opened to receive him. Even with the bond of teacher and student, in such a formal setting, Li Boyao still had to observe the proper protocol.

"General Li, please, no need for such formalities. I heard that you will soon have the opportunity to achieve glory on the battlefield, and I have come especially to offer my congratulations." Over the past two years, Li Xian and Li Boyao had developed a good rapport, and in private, Li Xian often called him "Teacher." However, times were different; in formal settings, Li Xian did not force intimacy. He bowed back slightly and spoke in a gentle tone.

"This subordinate does not deserve such honor. Please, Your Highness, my father is already waiting in the front hall to receive you."

Li Boyao had just received the Ministry of War's orders and had not been back for long. Seeing Li Xian arrive so quickly, he was touched, but being a man of steady character, he showed little emotion. He bowed in modesty, gestured with his hand, and invited Li Xian inside.

"After you, General Li."

Li Xian had only come to see him off and had no real desire to enter the Duke of Wei’s residence. However, rules were rules, and he did not intend to break them unnecessarily. He smiled, gestured back, and stepped through the open main gate. After passing the screen wall in the courtyard, he saw Li Deqian waiting with his entire household at the hall entrance. Li Xian smiled slightly and strode toward them.

"This official greets Your Highness, the Prince of Zhou. Your presence brings great honor to my humble home." Over the past few years, Li Deqian had observed Li Xian’s growing stature in the court. While he had no intention of pledging his loyalty to the Prince, his tone was significantly more courteous and obsequious than before.

"Duke of Wei, I apologize for the intrusion. I have long benefited from General Li’s teachings. Hearing that he is to lead the expedition against Goguryeo, I have prepared some small tokens to show my support for his journey." After a polite exchange, Li Xian waved a hand, and Gao Miao, who was following closely, stepped forward to present the gift list to Li Deqian.

"Your Highness is too kind. My Li family has long enjoyed the Emperor's grace; serving the country is our duty. I truly cannot accept such generous gifts." Li Deqian, born into a wealthy family, did not care much for the gifts themselves, but he was pleased by Li Xian's gesture. As he declined, his eyes crinkled into a smile.

"Duke of Wei, please, do not refuse. I have only provided two horses, a set of armor, and some battlefield equipment—bows, blades, and lances—that are suitable for General Li. It is nothing of great importance, so please, do accept them on his behalf." Li Xian made it sound casual, but the horses were thoroughbreds from the inner stables, and the weapons were masterpieces forged by famous smiths, worth thousands of gold pieces. The entire set would cost well over ten thousand strings of cash.

"Ah, this... very well. Then this official thanks Your Highness for your kindness on behalf of my son." Li Deqian hadn't seen the items yet; hearing Li Xian’s modest description, he didn't think too much of it, assuming they were standard-issue gear. After a moment of hesitation, he accepted the offer. After chatting with Li Xian for a while, he found an excuse to lead his family away, leaving space for the teacher and student to talk in private.

What should he say? Now that the moment of parting had arrived, Li Xian was at a loss for words. Silently watching Li Boyao’s heroic face and remembering his diligent instruction over the past two years, Li Xian felt his eyes moisten. Li Boyao, never a man of many words, was equally silent. The two sat facing each other in the hall, and a sense of parting sorrow quietly permeated the air.

"Take care, Teacher. I wish you a triumphant return."

Remaining silent was not an option. Li Xian took a deep breath, suppressing his sadness, and forced a smile that looked less than natural. After a long pause, he finally blurted out a hollow platitude.

"The hearts of men are treacherous; Your Highness should take care as well."

Although Li Boyao never involved himself in court conflicts, his eyes were sharp, and he was well aware that the court was full of surging undercurrents. In the past, he would never have said such things to Li Xian, but with departure imminent, he could not help but offer a word of warning.

"Thank you for your guidance, Teacher. I understand."

Li Xian was surprised that Li Boyao would say this, and he felt a warmth in his heart. However, such matters could not be discussed openly, and Li Xian did not intend to drag the Duke of Wei’s family into his own political battles. He nodded, rose to his feet, bowed to Li Boyao, and said with a hint of agitation, "Take care, Teacher. I must take my leave."

"Hmm." Li Boyao did not stand on ceremony this time; he sat still and accepted the bow. He then reached into his broad sleeve, pulled out a box, held it with both hands, and stared at Li Xian with piercing eyes. "You have called me teacher for so long, yet I have never dared to accept the title—not out of a lack of desire, but because it was not possible. Now, as we part, I do not know when we shall meet again. If you wish to pursue martial arts, please seek another master. I have nothing else to give you, but perhaps the contents of this box will be of use. Please, open it only after you return to your residence."

"Thank you for your gift, Teacher. I take my leave."

Even though Li Boyao had explicitly stated he could not be his master, Li Xian still treated him with the respect due to one. After bowing once more, he took the box with both hands, turned, and strode out of the hall without looking back. Yet, as he left, he seemed to hear a faint, lingering sigh emanating from the hall behind him.