Chapter Sixty-Nine: The Hunt

Li Hongji felt displeased upon hearing this, and his dissatisfaction with Yang Lian grew even stronger. Just as he was about to open his mouth to curse, a sound came from behind him—it was Li Jing and Li Jingsui, along with others who, after waiting for some time, had not seen Li Hongji return and thus came to check.

Li Jingsui's gaze was sharp; he instantly spotted Yang Lian and whispered, "Your Majesty, that's Yang Lian."

After the incident in Changzhou, Li Jing's impression of Yang Lian improved somewhat. He studied him carefully and, seeing that it was indeed Yang Lian, couldn't help but laugh, "Who would have thought that Yang Lian, though a rough fellow, actually possesses some talent for leading troops." As he spoke, the group drew closer. Li Jing noticed Li Hongji's face was ashen, assuming he was unwell. Though he disliked his eldest son’s temperament, he still asked, "Hongji, are you feeling unwell?"

Li Hongji paused to think, then pointed ahead and said, "Father, I wanted to meet the commander just now, but he insulted me, claiming that since I was neither acting officially nor had your written order, he absolutely would not open the gates." Though resentful, Li Hongji dared not speak carelessly.

"Oh?" Li Jing raised his head and looked forward. This Yang Lian was indeed interesting.

Prince Qi, Li Jingsui, overheard and quickly said, "Imperial Brother, Yang Lian is a mere soldier—he probably doesn’t understand the rules of the bureaucracy."

"Ah, you need not worry. I do not intend to blame him," Li Jing waved his hand, knowing Prince Qi had a fondness for Yang Lian.

"Though I am not versed in military affairs, I once followed the late emperor in leading troops. Before any definite news arrives, Yang Lian should not open the gates, nor should he risk himself lightly. Otherwise, if armies are facing each other, such a decision could easily lead to defeat," Li Jing said with a satisfied smile, thinking to himself that he, too, understood military matters.

Li Jingsui quickly cupped his hands, smiling, "Imperial Brother, you are wise."

Li Hongji nearly snorted in anger; this was a clear defense of Yang Lian. He could not understand what made Yang Lian so special. Was it merely the lifting of the siege at Changzhou that warranted such praise?

By now, Yang Lian had spotted Li Jing, Li Jingsui, and the others. He ordered the gates opened and went out to greet them, bowing, "Your servant greets Your Majesty and Prince Qi." As he saluted the group, Yang Lian didn't even glance at Li Hongji or acknowledge him. The coldness in Li Hongji's eyes deepened as he shot a look at the smug Prince Qi, becoming even more convinced that Yang Lian was aligned with Prince Qi’s faction.

"Beloved Yang, I see your camp surpasses others in every way; it seems you truly have a knack for commanding troops. Tomorrow, during the hunt at Mount Zhong, you shall accompany me," Li Jing said.

Yang Lian quickly bowed, "Your servant Yang Lian thanks Your Majesty. Tomorrow, I will give my utmost and not disappoint Your Majesty’s trust."

"Good, very good!" Li Jing said, beginning to feel hungry, and decided to dine in Yang Lian’s camp.

When Yang Lian first arrived at the Shenwu Army, the rations were severely siphoned off by the officers, leaving little for the soldiers. However, after the defeat at Changzhou, with Bian Hao appointed and the other commanders replaced, even the Privy Council saw a reshuffling. Everyone was now cautious, afraid to be too corrupt. When the rations arrived, Yang Lian kept not a single coin for himself, distributing everything, and strictly forbade his subordinates from embezzling.

Thus, the soldiers in Yang Lian’s camp ate well, with plenty of fatty meat, their meals shining with oil—a method Yang Lian used to improve their physical health and brighten their eyes. Li Jing, unaware of these reasons, assumed all Shenwu Army meals were like this. After eating, he surveyed the area and then returned to his own quarters.

According to the plan, the Jiankang Army would accompany Li Jing on the hunt, while the Shenwu and Tianxiong armies would be stationed on both wings for protection. Yang Lian’s command was especially favored, as accompanying the emperor on a hunt was an extraordinary honor. When the soldiers heard the news, they eagerly prepared to perform well before His Majesty, hoping for promotion.

The next day, at the middle slopes of Mount Zhong, crowds filled the area, banners fluttered, and Jiankang Army soldiers, clad in armor and riding warhorses, proudly led the way. Once the long column of Jiankang troops had passed, came the imperial family and officials. Yang Lian was near the army’s perimeter and could not clearly see what transpired within. When the news reached him, Li Jing was already proceeding slowly with his ministers, and Yang Lian had no choice but to follow, walking for about five miles until they stopped at a broad clearing.

This was the royal hunting ground, equipped with a five-story pavilion from which the scenery for five or six miles around could be taken in at a glance. Li Jing ascended the pavilion, followed by Li Jingsui, Li Jingda, Li Hongji, Li Congjia, and others. Standing atop, Li Jing gazed far into the distance—the royal hunting grounds mainly had deer, sheep, rabbits, pheasants, and other gentle creatures. From the pavilion, one could see herds of deer and sheep frolicking in the woods.

"In past years, we hunted together and then shared the spoils to celebrate. This year, I find the same old routine dull and wish to change things," Li Jing said with a smile.

Prince Qi, Li Jingsui, asked, "Imperial Brother, what do you have in mind?"

"Everyone hunts independently—whoever brings back the most game wins. I will reward them with a special gift," Li Jing replied with a smile.

Within the imperial family, Li Jingda was skilled in archery and horsemanship. The late ancestor once nearly named him crown prince. Though Li Jing treated him well, Li Jingda knew the emperor was wary of him and thus said little. Li Hongji was delighted, for he loved archery and horsemanship, considering himself the finest general in the realm, though his father never gave him the opportunity. Hearing this, he quickly said, "I second the proposal!"

Li Congjia spread his hands, "Father, I do not know how to ride or shoot. I will abstain from the hunt."

Li Hongji chuckled, "Sixth Brother, as a man, how can you not know horsemanship or archery? Come, let me teach you."

Li Jing was slightly displeased, but he didn’t want his mood dampened.

Prince Qi stroked his beard, "Imperial Brother, I will abstain as well."

Li Jing then realized that among the imperial family, many were scholars. The chaos at the end of the Tang had been worst in the north, with many fleeing south to Yang Wu. The late ancestor replaced Yang Wu and held the imperial examinations, gathering talent. Since he valued harmony, the realm had enjoyed peace for years, fostering a rich cultural atmosphere.

If Li Congjia, Li Jingsui, and others did not participate, what fun would the hunt be?

Li Hongji, not wishing to miss the chance for glory, quickly proposed, "Father, I have a suggestion—if someone doesn’t wish to participate, they can have a substitute."

"That’s a good idea," Li Jing smiled, looking back at Li Jingsui, Li Congjia, and others. "Let’s do just that. Though you may not ride or shoot, you all have retainers—let them stand in for you."

Li Congjia scratched his head; though he had guards, he decided to abstain and use the opportunity to find Lady Zhou for some fun—that was the real business.

Li Jingsui thought for a moment, "Imperial Brother, I wish to have Yang Lian as my substitute."

"Yang Lian?" Li Jing paused, waved his hand, and smiled, "If he agrees, I have no objection."

"Thank you, Imperial Brother," Li Jingsui replied, waving his hand.

This hunt placed the men on one side, their families on the other. Empress Zhong was about forty but looked quite young, barely thirty. She was the second daughter of Zhong Taizhang, a favored general under Xu Wen, and married Li Jing at fourteen, when Li Jing was still called Xu Jingtong and Xu Wen was alive. Who could have predicted that twenty years later, she would become empress of a nation?

Empress Zhong was gentle, frugal, and serene, bearing sons Li Hongji, Li Congjia, Li Congshan, and Li Congqian. The eldest, Li Hongji, was over twenty, while the youngest, Li Congqian, was just over ten. Li Jing had few concubines and treated Empress Zhong with respect; after all these years, his affection for her had not waned.

Beside Empress Zhong, Princess Huairou, Li Yushuang, was chattering away like a magpie. Empress Zhong had four sons but no daughters, so she adored Princess Huairou. Hearing her talk, she smiled kindly.

"If this Yang Lian is so troublesome, I will speak to His Majesty and have him dealt with, thrown into prison," Empress Zhong said with a laugh. She, too, was curious, but since the emperor had rewarded him, she assumed he had made his own judgment.

Princess Huairou was startled, "Yang Lian may be troublesome, but he doesn’t deserve prison. Just a stern reprimand to correct him would suffice."

Empress Zhong, experienced as she was, understood Princess Huairou’s feelings and did not expose them, allowing the girl her dignity. Still, Yang Lian piqued her interest. Even within the deep palace, Empress Zhong knew of the events that had recently occurred and was intrigued to meet Yang Lian.

Seeing Empress Zhong lost in thought, Princess Huairou worried she had made up her mind and hurriedly said, "Aunt," tugging at Empress Zhong’s sleeve.

Empress Zhong returned to herself, laughed indulgently, and patted Princess Huairou’s head, "Don’t worry, I won’t complain. But, hearing your account, I am now curious about Yang Lian—what kind of person is he?"

As they spoke, Yang Lian was approaching on horseback. Clad in fine scale armor, helmeted, he was bathed in golden sunlight, the faint scar on his face lending him a touch of martial grandeur.

Just as Princess Huairou was speaking, she spotted Yang Lian, raised her hand, and called out loudly, "Yang Lian, come here!" paying no heed to her own dignity.

Yang Lian was absorbed in thought and moved slowly. When he heard someone call him, he paused and looked around.

"Are you blind? Here, over here!" Princess Huairou waved vigorously.

Empress Zhong was speechless. This princess’s character was as bold as a man—sometimes even bolder. How would she ever marry? She thought to herself that she’d have to teach her, lest she disgrace the royal family.

Princess Huairou continued jumping and waving, and Yang Lian finally saw her. He spoke a word to Prince Qi’s guards and headed over. When he was still thirty paces away, a dozen guards blocked his path.

"Let him through! Let him through!" Princess Huairou waved again.

Empress Zhong instructed her maid, "Go and bring General Yang here!"

"Yes, Your Majesty," the maid replied, hurrying over.