Chapter Thirty-six: The Provisional Agreement

Though Li Deqian bore the illustrious title of Duke Protector of the Realm, in truth, he was an ordinary man. Not only did his abilities pale in comparison to those of his father, Li Jing, but he lacked even a fraction of his father’s mettle. When confronted with Li Xian’s mixture of threats and persuasion, Li Deqian had none of the resolve his father showed years ago when he had flatly refused Emperor Taizong’s invitation to take part in the Xuanwu Gate Incident. Now, cowed by Li Xian, he was drenched with sweat as though standing beneath a waterfall, the very image of a tiger’s sire and a dog’s son.

“Your... Your Highness, this humble official—ah—though I am indeed Sanlang’s father, I cannot decide on his behalf. If my son is willing, then I will have no objection.”

Li Deqian had lost all composure. Noticing Li Xian’s increasingly dark expression, his heart fluttered with panic. He wiped his face with his sleeve in a most unseemly manner and, stammering, simply shifted the burden of the decision to his son.

“Very well. I am deeply grateful for the Duke’s magnanimity. In that case, may I have the pleasure of speaking with Vice Director Li?”

A man must strike while the iron is hot; Li Xian would not let such a decisive moment slip away. No sooner had Li Deqian finished speaking than Li Xian, all smiles, pressed his advantage.

“Someone, go summon Sanlang at once.”

Matters having reached this point, whether willing or not, Li Deqian had no other recourse. Resigned, he ordered his servants to fetch Li Boyao.

“Your servant pays respects to Your Highness. Greetings, Father.”

Li Boyao had no desire to appear before Li Xian. Earlier, he had met him only because the imperial summons left him no choice; once the ceremonial duties were done, he had slipped away to avoid further contact. Yet with his father unable to withstand Li Xian’s pressure, he could only follow the servant into the hall. Seeing Li Xian seated at the head of the room, beaming, Li Boyao’s brow furrowed slightly. Still, not daring to appear disrespectful, he strode forward and saluted with utmost deference.

“General Li, there’s no need for such formality. I apologize for intruding upon you—please forgive me.”

Li Xian regarded Li Boyao, the Duke’s heir, with considerable respect. He would not put on princely airs in his presence, and so genially gestured for him to rise.

“Thank you, Your Highness.”

Though Li Boyao already knew why he had been summoned, he had no intention of broaching the subject himself. After expressing his thanks, he stepped behind his father and stood at attention, his gaze fixed straight ahead.

“Duke, may I take it that our earlier discussion still stands?”

Since Li Boyao refused to speak, Li Deqian had no wish to take the initiative either, and silence fell upon the room. Yet Li Xian clearly had no intention of letting the quiet persist; he cheerfully clasped his hands toward Li Deqian, bringing the matter into the open.

“Certainly, certainly.” Li Deqian’s confidence had been utterly stripped away, and he had no thought of resisting Li Xian. Hearing Li Xian speak, he could not maintain his silence any longer, and, forcing a smile, turned helplessly to his son. “Sanlang, Prince of Zhou wishes to learn martial arts from you. What say you?”

What say him? Of course, he was unwilling. Yet, with matters having come to this, it was impossible to refuse Li Xian outright—as Li Boyao had foreseen before coming, and for which he had already prepared a response. Seeing his father appeal to him, Li Boyao took a calm step forward, nodded respectfully to his father, then bowed to Li Xian and said, “It is a great honor to be so highly regarded by Your Highness. However, I am but a minor officer, lacking in both skill and learning. Should I hinder Your Highness’s future prospects, I fear I would be gravely at fault.”

“General Li is too modest. I do not seek much—only to strengthen my body. If General Li is willing to instruct me, I shall apply myself diligently and never bring shame to your name.”

Li Xian, of course, would not be swayed by such self-effacing words. He motioned for Li Boyao to rise and replied with a cheerful smile.

“In matters of instruction, I truly do not dare presume,” Li Boyao replied, expressionless and with resolute tone. “My ancestor once said: ‘Martial teaching is reserved for those with the proper affinity.’ I have never dared forget his words. Now, if Your Highness truly wishes to study my ancestor’s martial arts, you must first demonstrate that affinity.”

Affinity? Now that’s clever! This young Li is far more cunning than his father—worthy indeed as the Duke’s heir. Li Xian, ever astute and experienced, instantly saw through Li Boyao’s tactic: invoking “affinity” was a nebulous excuse—easy to claim or withhold at will, leaving the matter entirely at Li Boyao’s discretion. If he followed Li Boyao’s conditions, his hopes of apprenticeship would be dashed.

“Oh? Hahaha…” No sooner had Li Boyao finished speaking than Li Xian threw back his head and laughed, leaving both father and son bewildered. They could not fathom why Li Xian found the matter so amusing.

“Your Highness, is there something amiss in what I said?” Li Boyao grew slightly vexed at Li Xian’s seemingly endless laughter. Though he dared not rebuke him, a trace of irritation crept into his voice.

“Not at all, not at all. Forgive my lapse in decorum, General. You misunderstand me. I am not seeking to learn your ancestor’s martial arts—only hoping to strengthen my body. If you would teach me some skills with blade and horse, that would not contravene your ancestral injunctions, would it?”

“Is that truly your intent?” Li Boyao had not expected such a reply and was momentarily taken aback, his words escaping before he could reconsider. As soon as he spoke, he regretted it, but it was too late, and he could only pray that Li Xian would not press him further.

“Of course. I have never spoken falsely. If you do not believe me, I am willing to swear an oath before Heaven!”

Li Xian was a man who could squeeze water from a stone. Unsurprisingly, Li Boyao’s silent prayer was in vain. No sooner had Li Xian spoken than he raised his right hand as if swearing a sacred vow.

“There is no need, Your Highness. I believe you.”

With his hopes dashed, Li Boyao could only acquiesce.

“Good. Then it is settled. I shall inform my father, the Emperor, and choose an auspicious day to come to your residence and formally request your tutelage. I have troubled you enough today—farewell.”

Seeing that Li Boyao was cornered, Li Xian was quick to seize his victory, offering a parting word and preparing to leave before any complications could arise.

“Your Highness, one moment!”

If Li Xian were to report to Emperor Gaozong now, there would be no turning back from this apprenticeship. Whether or not Li Xian ever learned anything from him, the title of “Master” would cling to Li Boyao with no hope of shedding it. Seeing Li Xian about to take his leave, Li Boyao grew anxious and called out, blocking his way.

“Is there something else, General? I am all ears.”

Li Xian, having achieved his end, immediately adopted the demeanor of a respectful student, infuriating Li Boyao, who could do nothing to show his displeasure and could only grimace inwardly.

“I dare not presume to instruct Your Highness, but there are a few words I must say in advance. If I offend, I beg your forgiveness.”

As the Duke’s heir, Li Boyao possessed both keen insight and a certain uprightness reminiscent of his ancestors. Confronted by Li Xian’s humility, he remained composed, neither servile nor haughty, and offered a respectful bow.

“Please speak freely, General. Whatever you ask, I shall do my utmost.”

Seeing Li Boyao so self-assured, Li Xian felt a flicker of unease, but he smiled and gestured in return.

“Permit me to explain, Your Highness: my martial training differs greatly from that of others. It is fraught with hardship, and the process is akin to torment. If you can endure it, I will teach you all I can. But if you cannot persevere, I must decline to instruct you further.”

Endure hardship? That was a serious matter. Li Xian had lived through three lifetimes, and while he had suffered much in spirit, he had rarely been put through any real physical ordeals. The running he did at the South Drill Grounds at the start of the month had been a rare exception. To endure such rigors again—did he have the fortitude? Hearing Li Boyao’s words, he felt a surge of uncertainty. But with the imperial edict for his apprenticeship already made public, retreat was no longer an option. To withdraw now would be to invite ridicule and defeat the very purpose of seeking martial instruction as a pretext for distancing himself from court intrigue.

“Rest assured, General. I will follow your instructions to the letter, without the slightest negligence.”

With no way out, Li Xian could only stiffen his resolve and press on.

“Your Highness’s words I shall remember well. If you truly persevere, I will teach you without reservation. As for the matter of formal apprenticeship, let us wait until you have tried my training.”

Though Li Xian’s response was swift and his expression well controlled, Li Boyao still caught a fleeting hesitation in his eyes, and was much reassured. He promptly set a condition.

“Very well, it is settled. Starting the day after tomorrow, I shall come every three days to receive your instruction.”

Li Boyao’s reasoning was sound, and Li Xian could not protest, so he bit his lip and agreed.

“There is no need for that. It would be better if I come to your residence, Your Highness.”

Li Boyao had no wish for Li Xian to be visiting his home every few days. If Li Xian managed to persist for two or three months, even if he gave up in the end, Li Boyao would still be saddled with the title of “master,” at least in the eyes of others. Mud thrown at a man, whether or not it’s filth, sticks all the same.

“Very well, it’s settled then. I shall return to the palace and inform my father before making further arrangements. Farewell!”

Even though Li Boyao had seen through his intentions, Li Xian was far from offended, simply laughing and bowing before departing. With the Li father and son seeing him out, he left the Duke’s residence and returned to the palace.

“Sanlang, how could you agree to go to the Prince of Zhou’s residence? This—this...”

Li Xian left in high spirits, but Li Deqian was so distraught that his face was creased with worry. As soon as Li Xian’s carriage had departed, without even reentering the house, he stood outside the gate, stamping his feet and reproaching Li Boyao.

“Father, do not worry. I know what I’m doing. The prince may be exceptionally clever, but he may not withstand true hardship. He might persevere for a time, but will surely slacken eventually. When that time comes, I’ll know how to extricate myself.”

The root of this whole affair was Li Deqian’s own inability to withstand Li Xian’s sharp words; it had little to do with Li Boyao. Yet, faced with his father’s reproaches, how could he say anything contrary? He could only offer these gentle words of reassurance.

“Ah, let it be, let it be. Do as you will!”

Li Deqian was no genius. Faced with the outcome, he was filled with worry but helpless to change it. He could only sigh deeply, shake his head, and, his face etched with care, turn and walk back into the residence. With each step, his figure seemed more stooped than ever before…