Chapter Thirty-Four: Relentless Pursuit (Part Two)

Twelve laps, a distance of more than seven thousand meters, was no easy feat. For Li Xian, it was an unprecedented achievement; exhaustion was beyond doubt. Yet, even so, he had not managed to formally become a disciple, which, in the eyes of others, was certainly vexing. However, Li Xian himself cared not at all—in fact, he felt a subtle excitement, all because he had gleaned a crucial secret from Old Master Su: Li Boyao was the sole inheritor of Li Jing’s military strategy within the Li family.

Li Jing, legendary general of the Great Tang, was hailed by Emperor Gaozong as one of the ten greatest commanders of all time, his name equal to those of Sun Wu and Bai Qi. His knowledge was extraordinary, and among the famed generals of early Tang, many benefited from his guidance. The most distinguished, aside from Su Dingfang—his partial disciple—were Hou Junji and Xue Wanche, who met their end for treason, yet none truly inherited Li Jing’s teachings. As for Li Jing’s sons, Li Dekian and Li Dejiang, they not only failed to inherit his military prowess but abandoned warfare entirely for civil pursuits. This attested to Li Jing’s caution in passing down his strategies—his ancestors were Buddhists, yet he himself was a Daoist, and Daoism warns: three generations of generals is ill omen; warfare must be taught, but not indiscriminately, only to those destined.

Clearly, Li Boyao was that destined one. Thus, if Li Xian could become his disciple, he might hope to inherit the “Wei Duke’s Military Treatise.” The mere thought made Li Xian salivate with anticipation; his spirits soared despite the fatigue. Still, exhaustion was real, and poor Li Xian, never having been so tormented in his life, felt his frail body nearly falling apart. Upon returning home, he collapsed into bed, sleeping from dusk until the sun was high, refusing to rise no matter how the maids—Yan Hong among them—called. He utterly forgot his own promise to wake early. Seeing this was no solution, the anxious maids finally resorted to their ultimate weapon.

“Hmm-hmm, ha-ha, hey…”

Just as Li Xian was drifting in sleep, a strange sensation struck—his nostrils itched, cheeks stung, and bizarre sounds echoed at his ear. Irritated, he opened his eyes, ready to lash out, only to find a pair of eyes, dark as black grapes, gazing curiously at him. His anger melted away almost entirely; who else but little Shangguan Wan’er would dare tease him so? Li Xian could only smile helplessly, reaching from under the covers to try and scoop the child away.

“Oo-oo, hee-hee…”

The little girl seemed addicted to pinching Li Xian’s cheeks, gleefully picking his nose and poking his ears. When Li Xian tried to hold her, she twisted away, protesting with muffled sounds, leaving him at a loss—he dared not force it, so he let her wreak havoc on his face until his features crumpled in misery. The maids, Yan Hong among them, laughed so hard their backs bent.

These mischievous girls deserved a scolding! Li Xian knew he was being played by his maids, but he had no outlet for his annoyance, especially since he doted on Wan’er so. With a roll of his eyes, he snapped, “Yan Hong, Wan’er is hungry. Why haven’t you taken her to Lady Lin yet? Hurry up.”

“Your Highness, it’s late already. Wan’er has eaten her fill; it’s you who must go to the Duke of Wei’s residence, and you won’t have time for breakfast,” Yan Hong replied, ever familiar with Li Xian’s ways. She teased him with a smile, but wasted no time, cheerfully approaching to coax Wan’er from his arms.

Ah, damn, nearly missed something crucial! Li Xian suddenly recalled his appointment with Li Boyao from the day before. Anxious, he tossed aside his covers and sprang up, only to find the soreness from yesterday’s run lingering. His abrupt movement sent him tumbling to the floor, startling the maids.

“Hurry, hurry, dress me, summon Gao Miao to prepare the carriage—I must depart at once!” Despite the pain of his fall, Li Xian’s mind was fixed on his quest to become a disciple; he sat on the ground, issuing orders urgently.

Li Xian was frantic, wishing he had wings to fly straight to the Duke of Wei’s mansion. Yet his maids refused to neglect their duties, insisting on bathing, dressing, and feeding him a proper breakfast before allowing him to leave. By the time he arrived at the southern city’s Duke of Wei’s estate, it was nearly midday.

“What? Sick?”

Li Xian waited at the gates of the Duke of Wei’s mansion for ages, only to receive word from the steward: Duke Li Dekian was ill and not receiving guests. The excuse was flimsy to the extreme, and Li Xian was livid, glaring coldly at the terrified steward.

“Your Highness, the master felt unwell last night and has been bedridden since morning. The physician says it’s due to overwork; he needs rest and should not be disturbed. Please forgive us,” the steward replied, nervous but unwavering, his face apologetic.

What nonsense! Sick now, of all times? Li Xian, shrewd as he was, did not believe a word of the steward’s tale. Yet, he could not expose the lie outright, so he settled for the next best option, frowning as he glared and spoke coldly, “Since Li Shaojiang is ill, I’ll not disturb him—but surely I can see Li Sijie, yes?”

“Your Highness, you’re unfortunate in your timing. Yesterday, Second Master received word that Second Mistress is ill, so Third Young Master departed for Longzhou and won’t return for some days,” the steward answered with an even more improbable explanation, smiling awkwardly.

So they’re playing avoidance games—well, it won’t be that easy. You might escape the monk, but not the temple! Li Xian was so angry he laughed; he couldn’t be bothered to argue with a servant. His eyes flickered, and he made up his mind, laughing heartily, “Ah, I see, I was too rash. Forgive the disturbance.” Without waiting for a reply, he turned toward his carriage, and as he climbed in, he ordered coldly, “To the palace!”

Emperor Gaozong’s health had always been poor. Since he developed vertigo in recent years, it had steadily worsened; every afternoon, he would become drowsy and nap for an hour. If his sleep was interrupted, he would be out of sorts for days. Most court officials knew this and avoided disturbing him at that hour; Li Xian was no exception. Yet, after leaving the Duke of Wei’s mansion in frustration, he forgot this entirely. Only upon arriving at Cheng Tian Gate did he recall, forcing himself to wait in the carriage for more than half an hour, until he estimated Gaozong had awakened. Then, he hastily submitted his request to enter. Soon after, a young eunuch summoned Li Xian to audience at Wude Hall.

“Your son greets Father Emperor.”

Li Xian entered the rear hall of Wude Hall and saw Gaozong, pale-faced and reclining on the couch. He hurried forward and bowed respectfully.

“Xian’er, you’re here. Rise. What brings you?” Gaozong had just suffered another bout of vertigo, and his complexion was poor. Yet upon seeing Li Xian, a gentle smile appeared on his haggard face, and he motioned for him to stand.

“Father, I have no urgent matter—just came to pay my respects. Your health is paramount, so I…” Li Xian hadn’t known of Gaozong’s latest episode when he submitted his request. After learning from the eunuch, he decided not to trouble the emperor with his quest to become a disciple. Yet, since he’d already been summoned, he could not avoid entering. Seeing Gaozong’s pallor, he felt uneasy, determined not to mention his true purpose, intending only to pay respects and withdraw. As for the matter of apprenticeship, it would have to wait; it was not urgent.

“Silly child, this illness isn’t new. It’s nothing serious. Tell me, is there something you wish me to help with?” Though Gaozong was somewhat timid, he was not foolish. He immediately sensed Li Xian was hiding something, and with a smile, interrupted him, asking directly.

“Father Emperor is wise; your son would not dare deceive you. Yesterday, I visited the Left Guard and was honored by Old General Su, who allowed me to observe the generals’ drills. The spectacle was eye-opening. Our Tang dynasty is fortunate to have such strong commanders. Inspired, my martial aspirations grew, and among them was one—Li Boyao—whose skill was exceptional. I wish to become his disciple, but he is a descendant of the Duke of Wei. I am unworthy. Today I went to his mansion but was denied entry, so I shamelessly come to beg Father Emperor’s help.” Feeling the warmth of Gaozong’s paternal affection, Li Xian was moved, and recounted the events in detail.

“A descendant of the Duke of Wei? That complicates matters. Hmm, what would you have me do?” The matter of Li Xian seeking apprenticeship with the Left Guard was not insignificant, and news of yesterday’s events had already reached Gaozong. He had anticipated Li Xian’s difficulties, but as a loving father, he was unconcerned—he thought any obstacle could be overcome with an imperial decree.

“Father, although Li Boyao is only a minor sixth-rank official, he is of noble lineage. If we use force, it would be unseemly. I do not ask for an imperial edict compelling him, but merely a decree of imperial favor, allowing me to enter the Li residence openly in the name of honoring the Duke of Wei. The rest I can handle myself.” Li Xian had planned everything before coming to the palace, and answered quickly.

“Oh? Is that sufficient?” Gaozong had intended to issue an edict directly appointing Li Boyao as Li Xian’s master, but was surprised that Li Xian requested only a decree of favor. He glanced at Li Xian, puzzled, and asked again.

“I truly dare not deceive Father Emperor; that will suffice.” Li Xian never intended to force the issue, lest it backfire; as for persuading the Li family, he had his own approach, and answered confidently.

“Very well, since you are so sure, I shall grant the decree.” Gaozong himself was not keen on forcing the issue with the descendants of his meritorious subjects. Seeing Li Xian’s confidence, he did not insist further, and after a brief consideration, agreed readily.

Success! Let’s see what excuse the Li family can offer now! Li Xian’s lips curled in a smile of excitement as his request was granted…