Chapter Sixty: Defending Against the Turks

Cheng Yaojin and Yuchi Jingde were the commanders most trusted by Li Shimin. With them leading this force, stationed north of Chang’an, not only could they deter the unruly and ensure the safety of the imperial palace, but they could also march north to resist the Turks.

Arriving outside the barracks, the two were stopped by soldiers. “How dare you! Who dares trespass the military camp?”

“You’re the one who’s bold—this is His Highness the Prince of Jin...”

“This is the army, not the imperial palace. We answer only to generals, not to nobles! If you dare to force your way in, don’t blame us for being rough!” The soldier’s attitude was firm.

Even in the face of a royal prince, there was not the slightest hint of retreat. Truly, this was the most elite force of the Great Tang—strictly disciplined.

“Hey you!” Luo Tong, with his fiery temper, stepped forward and grabbed the soldier by the collar.

“Luo Tong, stop!” Li Zhi spoke, “We mustn’t break the rules of the camp. Let him report our arrival; once permission is granted, we’ll enter.”

“You heard him—go make the report!”

“Yes, sir!” The soldier ran swiftly into the camp.

Before long, Cheng Yaojin and Yuchi Jingde emerged.

“Hahaha... Your old servants pay homage to Your Highness the Prince of Jin!”

“Your Highness, what brings you here? Has His Majesty come as well?” Yuchi Jingde glanced behind, seeing no sign of Li Shimin.

Cheng Yaojin pulled him back. “Blackhead, stop looking—His Highness must have sneaked out.”

“Heh, Uncle Cheng knows me well!”

“Sneaked out?” Yuchi Jingde’s face darkened. “Then what are you doing here? Don’t let your little escapade from the palace implicate me and General Cheng!”

“Exactly!” Cheng Yaojin echoed the sentiment. He was always careful to avoid getting involved in matters that didn’t concern him—it was his principle for dealing with others. He couldn’t keep making exceptions for Li Zhi.

Luo Tong stepped forward and bowed. “Uncles, I brought His Highness here. I’ve recently learned a new sword technique and wish to spar with you both. Would you oblige?”

“What?” The two generals were taken aback.

Then Yuchi Jingde burst out laughing.

He said, “Luo Tong... I know you inherited the Luo family spear, you’re strong, and you remind me of Brother Luo Cheng. I’ve always admired your father—never bested him. But teaching you a lesson would be easy! You must be itching for a fight, wanting to spar with me!”

“Uncle Yuchi, are you afraid?” Luo Tong challenged.

“What a joke! What would I be afraid of?”

“Then fight me—consider it guidance to a junior!”

Cheng Yaojin kept exchanging looks with Yuchi Jingde, as if warning him that Luo Tong’s martial skills were formidable and not to accept lightly, lest he fall into a trap. Yet Yuchi Jingde, confident in his veteran prowess, dismissed Cheng Yaojin’s hints.

He laughed and replied, “Very well! As expected of Brother Luo Cheng’s descendant, I accept your challenge!”

“Blackhead, why did you agree?” Cheng Yaojin tugged at Yuchi Jingde.

“What else?”

“Luo Tong has improved greatly! I fear you may not be his match. If you lose, your lifelong reputation will be ruined!”

Yuchi Jingde, hearing this, held his belly and roared with laughter. “Hahaha... you’re joking! Me, lose to him?”

“Back when I served under the Prince of Dingyang, I seized twelve forts across three passes of Great Tang in just a few days! Such valor, such invincibility, such...”

“Enough, enough!” Cheng Yaojin quickly covered his mouth. “You brag about these same deeds eight times a day—will you ever stop?”

“You fat fool, you never wash your hands after using the latrine...” Yuchi Jingde frowned, shaking off Cheng Yaojin’s filthy hand. “He’s just a brat—do you really think I can’t beat him?”

“Come, Luo Tong!”

“Alright!” Yuchi Jingde led Luo Tong toward the martial platform, with Li Zhi following closely.

Cheng Yaojin tried to slip away, but Li Zhi caught him. “Uncle Cheng, where are you going?”

Cheng Yaojin put on a sheepish smile. “Nature calls—I must relieve myself...”

“Heh, are you so scared you’ve lost control of your bladder?”

“Nonsense!” Cheng Yaojin’s face flushed red. “Just wait! Once I’ve done, I’ll stand behind Blackhead. If he loses, I promise I’ll flatten Luo Tong myself!”

...

News of Luo Tong’s duel with Yuchi Jingde quickly spread throughout the camp.

Since Luo Tong wasn’t well known, most paid him little heed. It was Yuchi Jingde, famed for his peerless martial arts and heroic reputation, who drew the soldiers’ anticipation—they all wanted to witness their general in single combat.

The martial platform was surrounded by soldiers, lined up to watch.

Yuchi Jingde, holding a whip in one hand, strode to the center of the platform, announcing grandly, “Today, at the invitation of my worthy nephew Luo Tong, we hold this martial gathering to exchange skills and discuss the art of war. Watch closely—if you learn even a technique or two, it will serve you well in the future!”

“Yes, sir...”

The onlooking soldiers grew even more excited.

With a leap, Luo Tong landed on the platform, facing Yuchi Jingde.

A great battle was about to begin.

At this moment, Li Zhi called out, “Wait—I have something to say!”

“Your Highness, what would you like to say?”

“If it’s a duel, there should be a wager, or what’s the point?”

A wager?

Did Li Zhi come here to trick me out of something?

Cheng Yaojin worried inwardly, fearing he’d fall into Li Zhi’s trap. He shook his head vigorously at Yuchi Jingde, signaling not to be taken in.

But Yuchi Jingde, confident he would defeat Luo Tong, paid no heed. “I’d like to know—what’s the wager?”

“If you win, I’ll give you twenty bottles of Immortal’s Wine!” Li Zhi replied.

Immortal’s Wine couldn’t be bought with money! Even those of ducal rank had to queue patiently. Only fifty bottles were distributed daily, each worth three hundred coins!

Yuchi Jingde did the math—his expression changed, eyes glowing green. “Excellent! Haha... Your Highness is generous! I accept the twenty bottles of Immortal’s Wine!”

“Not so fast! You haven’t said what you’ll wager if you lose.”

“I won’t lose!” Yuchi Jingde’s gaze was resolute.

“State the wager first, so there’s no confusion later! For fairness, both sides must agree to the terms!” Li Zhi had already made up his mind. “I have a good idea. If you lose, General Yuchi, you’ll let us select twenty experts from the army as my guards, without interference.”

“Fine, whatever you say!” Yuchi Jingde gave it little thought.

After all, he was certain of victory!

Luo Tong slowly drew the sword at his waist, pointing it at Yuchi Jingde. “Please, General—teach me!”

“Why don’t you use a spear?”

“My spear technique is too formidable—I fear I might injure you. So I’ll use the sword first, just to startle you...”

“Arrogant!” Yuchi Jingde snorted. “Luo Tong, I know your Luo family spear is good. Fat Cheng praises you every few days—bring it out! Otherwise, I’ll defeat you in two moves, and where’s the fun in that?”