Chapter Thirty-Three: Relentless Pursuit (Part One)

“Hurry, save him!”

Dugu Mou was not only a general of the Left Valiant Guard, but also held the title of imperial son-in-law—his wife was Princess Ankang, elder sister to the Emperor Gaozong, making him, in fact, the uncle by marriage to Li Xian. Naturally, he wouldn’t dare stand by and watch anything befall Li Xian within the Left Valiant Guard; if something happened, Su Dingfang might come out unscathed, but Dugu Mou would certainly be made the scapegoat. Thus, at the very moment he saw Li Xian collapse, Dugu Mou didn’t pause to seek Su Dingfang’s instructions, but instead shouted urgently. The Left Valiant Guard officers and soldiers, stunned into inaction, snapped out of their daze and rushed chaotically onto the field.

Pain! Damn, that hurts! Li Xian had nearly lost consciousness, but the fall jarred him awake. Now, though, excruciating pain radiated through his limbs. He groped at himself in confusion, but finding no blood, he felt a little reassured. Still, his breath came in short, ragged bursts, his whole body weak and limp. He struggled to stand but found he couldn’t manage it, so he could only lie there on the ground, gasping for air.

“Your Highness, are you alright?”

“Your Highness, how do you feel?”

“Your Highness—”

The officers of the Left Valiant Guard sprinted to him, and in moments, half the parade ground was behind them. They crowded around Li Xian, who lay limp as mud; the generals wanted to help him up but didn’t dare move him, so they could only clamor about anxiously, their noise making Li Xian’s head pound.

What are you all yelling for? Can’t you see I don’t even have the strength to speak? A bunch of fools! Li Xian, irritated by their commotion, wanted to curse them out, but he was so out of breath that curses could only swirl around in his mind. Still, he was grateful for the opportunity to catch his breath and let the officers fuss as they wished.

“So? Nothing serious, I hope?” Amid the clamor, Su Dingfang emerged from behind with several of his personal guards. He bent down to examine the still-panting Li Xian and asked in an utterly calm tone.

Nothing serious? Why don’t you try it yourself, old man? Li Xian was in no mood for jokes, and Su Dingfang’s lightly mocking tone only made him angrier. Unfortunately, he didn’t dare voice his displeasure and could only twitch his lips in silent protest.

“Hmm, since you’re still breathing, there shouldn’t be any major problem. Your Highness, do you wish to continue, or shall I send someone to escort you home?” Su Dingfang studied Li Xian for a long moment before straightening up and asking in all seriousness.

Go home? What, and let my ten plus laps go to waste? Not happening! Li Xian had intended to lie there and play dead, but at Su Dingfang’s remark, he shot up as if pricked by a needle, glaring at the old general with breathless indignation. He stretched out his arms to push the officers aside, but his strength failed him; instead of moving them, he nearly fell again. Thankfully, a quick-handed officer caught him, barely keeping him upright.

“Good lad, you really do want to carry on—interesting, very interesting, ha ha ha…” Su Dingfang burst into hearty laughter at Li Xian’s stubborn refusal to yield, and the other generals, amused, joined in. For a moment, the parade ground rang with their boisterous laughter.

“Many thanks to General Su for granting me this chance!” Though Li Xian’s body was weak as mud, his mind remained sharp. He broke free of those supporting him, bowed to Su Dingfang with excitement written all over his face, and expressed his thanks.

“Good, good—just like the late emperor’s bloodline. Now, tell me, whom do you wish to take as your master?” Su Dingfang, seeing not only Li Xian’s tenacity but also his keen spirit, stroked his beard with approval and complimented him.

Heh, it worked! At last, all my hard work is paying off. Li Xian’s heart swelled with joy, sweet as honey. He opened his mouth, ready to name Li Boyao, but hesitated at the last moment. Instead, he feigned thoughtful consideration and replied, “General Su, to be candid, Grand Historian Li only told me that my master would be found among the Left Valiant Guard, but did not specify who. I truly cannot decide. Might I trouble you to make it easier for me?”

“Oh? What would you have this old man do?” Su Dingfang nodded thoughtfully, then after a brief pause, asked with a hint of curiosity.

“Earlier, I agreed with my father, His Majesty, that I would only take as master a general of officer rank or higher. Now that you have been so gracious, might I ask all the generals to display their skills, so that I may choose wisely?” Li Xian was already decided in his heart, but he betrayed nothing, looking at Su Dingfang with earnest anticipation.

“Very well, so be it.” This time, Su Dingfang was straightforward, waving his hand and commanding, “Generals, hear my order! Each of you, demonstrate your best martial skills, show off your true abilities—let not His Highness look down on you!”

“Yes, sir!” As chief commander of the Left Valiant Guard, Su Dingfang’s word was law, and the generals responded thunderously before dispersing. Mounting their horses, they began to demonstrate their skills. Those adept with the spear galloped and spun their weapons in dazzling patterns; the archers rode at full tilt, loosing arrows in quick succession; those skilled with the blade swung their swords fiercely, the cold steel flashing, exuding killing intent. Li Xian watched in awe, his heart exulting at the spectacle.

“Has Your Highness found anyone to your liking?” Su Dingfang, rather than watching the martial displays, observed Li Xian’s reactions with great interest. When he saw Li Xian utterly absorbed, he smiled and shook his head, stroking his beard before asking kindly.

He’d watched, but his eyes blurred by the dazzling display, Li Xian forgot to pay special attention to Li Boyao until Su Dingfang’s reminder snapped him back to his purpose. He scanned the field until he finally spotted Li Boyao. One look, and his eyes widened—not with excitement, but with annoyance. Li Boyao was mounted, to be sure, and riding back and forth, but not once did he swing his spear. His leisurely demeanor was nothing short of a charade.

Damn it, is this the man Grand Historian Li recommended? He’s just a charlatan! No matter, I’ll sound out Old Su first. Cursing inwardly, Li Xian turned and asked, “General Su, who is that man dragging his spear along the ground?”

“Oh?” Su Dingfang followed Li Xian’s gesture and, seeing Li Boyao idly circling, couldn’t help but laugh. “Your Highness has a keen eye. Kunzong—that’s Boyao’s courtesy name—is the grandson of Duke Wei. His learning is truly remarkable, but alas, the Li family has a strict rule: they must not involve themselves in imperial affairs. If Your Highness chooses Kunzong, I fear you will be disappointed.”

A family rule? What’s that about—did Grand Historian Li just play me for a fool? Damn it! At Su Dingfang’s words, Li Xian’s heart sank and he seethed with frustration, but there was nothing he could do. His young face even took on a faint blue tinge from suppressed anger as he bit his lip and thought quickly.

“General Su, I have made my choice—it shall be General Li. I ask for your help in making this possible.” After much deliberation, Li Xian decided to trust Li Chunfeng’s recommendation. Anyone praised by a hero like Su Dingfang could not be ordinary. Since learning martial arts was now his unavoidable duty, he might as well choose the best master and perhaps achieve something himself.

“Your Highness, please do not make things difficult for this old man. I truly have no power in this matter. To be frank, I once received great kindness from Duke Wei and am considered half his disciple; I would not dare break the Li family’s rule.” When Li Xian insisted on Li Boyao, Su Dingfang’s head began to ache. He shook it with a wry smile, refusing the request.

“I would not dare trouble you, General Su, but my mind is made up and will not change. Since you are in a bind, might I ask you to introduce me to General Li? Let me speak with him myself—would that be acceptable?” Seeing Su Dingfang’s firm stance, Li Xian felt a pang of disappointment but refused to give up, instead requesting an introduction.

“Very well, I’ll play the villain this once.” Su Dingfang looked at Li Xian’s earnest young face, shook his head with a sigh, and waved over a bodyguard, instructing him to summon Li Boyao.

“Subordinate Li Boyao greets Your Highness and the General.” Li Boyao, having guessed the reason for Su Dingfang’s summons, was visibly uncomfortable but dared not show disrespect. He rode up, dismounted, and bowed respectfully.

“Kunzong, His Highness wishes to take you as his master. What say you?” Su Dingfang glanced at Li Xian, then looked apologetically at Li Boyao, choosing his words with care.

“This…” Li Boyao hesitated obviously but finally replied, gritting his teeth, “General, I am deeply honored by His Highness’s favor, but in truth, my skills are meager and I dare not presume to be his master. If I should jeopardize His Highness’s future, my guilt would be immeasurable.”

“General Li, I am but of frail constitution, not suited for the battlefield, yet my resolve to learn martial arts is steadfast. I dare not claim I will become a great talent, but I will study diligently and will not bring shame to your ancestors. Moreover, I do not learn for myself alone, but hope to set an example for the world, so all people may aspire to martial prowess. I ask that you grant me this favor.” Li Xian’s smile did not falter at the refusal, but remained bright as he spoke.

“This…” Li Boyao was clearly not a man of words. Flustered by Li Xian’s speech, he was momentarily at a loss, frowning before replying, “Your Highness’s words are a great honor. I ought to accept, but this is not a decision I can make alone. Might I return home and consult my father?”

“Of course, of course. That is only right; how could I not agree? It is late today. Tomorrow morning, I shall call on you personally.” In front of so many witnesses, Li Xian could not press further and readily agreed, though in his heart, new plans were already forming…