Chapter 20: The Rite of the Slit Throat

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Zheng Yanqing stood before a bronze mirror about half his height, adjusting the white short jacket he wore. Then, he draped the large crimson battle robe hanging on the wall diagonally over his shoulders, took a belt from the bookshelf, and tightened it firmly around his waist, fastening the tiger-head buckle securely. The belt was about the width of an adult’s palm, somewhat large for Yanqing now, but this ancestral belt gifted by Li Ji provided protection.

Mao Xiaonian had gone to Xingyang, so Yanqing tied his own hair.

“Yanqing, are you ready?” Xu Shiji approached and asked in a deep voice.

Like Yanqing, he wore a white jacket and red robe, looking exceptionally spirited.

Yanqing nodded, crouched by the edge of the building, gently patted the heads of two small mastiffs, and then, together with Xu Shiji, descended.

Outside the bamboo house, Pei Xingyan and others were already fully prepared.

All dressed in white jackets and red robes, wearing black riding boots, and holding bright red lacquered polo sticks.

Though individually dressed, they radiated a solemn aura. Wang Zheng handed the polo stick to Zheng Yanqing silently.

“All right. Everyone, don’t be so tense. Isn’t this just polo?”

Yanqing sensed the tension in Pei Xingyan and the others, so he smiled slightly and said, “Relax a bit. Think about how we felt soaking in the hot springs a few days ago. Brother Xue, the polo match hasn’t even started yet; no need to glare so fiercely.”

Hearing this, the group couldn’t help but smile.

Xue Wanche had been quite nervous, but Yanqing’s words made him blush and chuckle, relaxing his posture considerably.

Dou Xiaowen, as a substitute, also carried dozens of polo sticks.

Since there would be fierce combat during the polo battle, breakage of the sticks was inevitable.

Xiong Dachui led Yuti Jun over. Yanqing didn’t hesitate to grab the reins and mount. Yuti Jun seemed to sense the impending battle atmosphere, suddenly rearing and neighing wildly, prompting the other horses to neigh as well.

“Let’s go!”

With Yanqing’s shout, the cavalry charged out of the bamboo garden like a gale.

Wang Zheng and Xiong Dachui stood on the porch of the bamboo house, watching the riders’ retreating backs. The two old men exchanged a glance and exhaled heavily.

The world of youth was not something these two old geezers could meddle in.

Moreover, the circle Yanqing now belonged to was one where neither Wang Zheng nor Xiong Dachui had much say.

“Big Hammer, shall we go cheer for the kids?”

“What’s the use?” Xiong Dachui chuckled bitterly. “Do you think people like us have the right to enter the Southern Garden?”

Wang Zheng scratched his head and laughed softly.

Indeed, the Southern Garden was no place for ordinary folk.

Though the Round Wall City was just the outer perimeter of the imperial city, it was still the imperial city’s domain, guarded by the palace troops. Ordinary people could hardly approach.

If not for Zheng Yanqing’s polo match against Mai Zizhong, and Yu Juluo’s intercession, plus the status and backgrounds of both sides, access to the Round Wall City’s training grounds would be impossible.

At the time of the Chen hour, colorful flags fluttered atop Xuanwu Gate, embroidered ribbons flying.

Crowds had gathered on the battlements around the Round Wall City training grounds. Large banners bearing the names of various family halls were planted on the battlements on either side.

The outer wall opposite Xuanwu Gate was called Youguang Gate, noticeably lower than Xuanwu Gate’s walls.

This was also where ordinary court officials and Luoyang’s noble families gathered.

From the outer wall, one had to look up to see the grand banner fluttering above Xuanwu Gate, symbolizing the supreme imperial authority.

Zheng Yanqing and his group first crossed the Luo River, then entered the Round Wall City through Youguang Gate.

With half an hour remaining before the Si hour, they arrived outside Youguang Gate.

The guard at Youguang Gate was named Pei Qiantong, an elder uncle of Pei Xingyan.

He blocked Zheng Yanqing and the others, signaling them to dismount, then ordered his guards to search their clothing and belongings.

“Uncle, isn’t this a bit too strict?”

Pei Xingyan grinned cheekily, “Are we plotting something treacherous?”

“Shush!” Pei Qiantong’s expression changed sharply, glaring fiercely at Pei Xingyan. “You brat, don’t spout nonsense and act like this is your home. Remember, once inside, you must circle the grounds and bow to His Majesty.”

“I know, I know!”

“Good, now get moving…”

Lowering his voice, Pei Qiantong added, “You brat, you must win. Your aunt has bet three thousand strings of cash on you. If you lose, you know the consequences, right? Heh, she’s watching the match from the city tower.”

“Ah!”

Pei Xingyan shuddered, his face darkening.

“Who’s your aunt? You look a bit afraid,” Zheng Yanqing asked after finishing his inspection, mounted his horse, and walked alongside Pei Xingyan.

“She’s Aunt Shu Ying.”

Pei Xingyan seemed reluctant to mention her, grinding his teeth, “Even if it costs me my life today, I have to win!”

Zheng Yanqing found this puzzling.

How could Pei Xingyan, usually fearless, be so intimidated by his aunt?

Before he could ask more, a sudden thunderous beating of battle drums erupted nearby. This was the rallying drum for the polo teams entering the arena, meant to boost morale. Over a hundred drums thundered simultaneously, stirring an inexplicable excitement in Zheng Yanqing. His blood seemed to turn green in an instant, his cheeks flushed red from the drumbeats.

One had to admit, Yanqing’s team looked striking.

All in white jackets and red robes, black riding boots. Zheng Yanqing and Pei Xingyan led the front, both tall and handsome, drawing loud cheers from the crowds atop the city walls.

On the battlements of Xuanwu Gate, beneath a dragon banner, Yang Guang sat with his imperial concubines.

Yang Guang, not yet forty, appeared younger. Clad in a bright yellow dragon robe, wearing a ceremonial crown, a jade belt adorned with nine dragons, and a crimson cloak, he looked heroic and elegant.

Unlike Yang Jian’s somber aura, Yang Guang seemed sunny and youthful, with jade-like skin, rosy lips, and a lazy smile, resembling a scholar.

Beside him sat a beautiful woman with lively eyes sparkling with charm. She chatted softly with Yang Guang, making him laugh heartily.

She appeared to be in her twenties.

But don’t be fooled by her looks—this was Empress Xiao, the legitimate wife of Yang Guang and a descendant of the Southern Liang royal family.

In fact, she was older than Yang Guang.

Yet to outsiders, she was a captivating young lady full of allure.

At the instant the rally drums sounded, Empress Xiao leaned out from the tower to watch the scene below.

She smiled softly, “Your Majesty, which one is Lord Banyuan?”

Yang Guang was momentarily surprised; he had never met Zheng Yanqing either. He asked his attendant, “Which one is Lord Banyuan?”

“Your Majesty, it’s the young man at the front leading the white horse.”

“Oh?”

Both Yang Guang and Empress Xiao leaned forward with interest. The concubines behind them whispered curiously, pointing at Zheng Yanqing and his group, occasionally laughing softly.

“A delicate young man, doesn’t look like a rebel.”

Empress Xiao laughed, “I thought Lord Banyuan, who once dared to refuse the emperor’s summons and called himself the Immortal of Wine, would look different. He seems more like a refined young lady... Your Majesty, you really can’t judge a book by its cover.”

Yang Guang snorted, “Isn’t he rebellious? Three years ago, he declared ‘I’d rather burn than be an unjust marquis,’ and now refuses the emperor’s summons... To me, this young man is as rebellious as they come!”

Empress Xiao’s bright eyes sparkled as she gently clasped Yang Guang’s hand.

“Your Majesty, yesterday you praised him for ‘worrying about his ruler from afar.’ How come today your tone has changed?”

Yang Guang’s moods were unpredictable and inscrutable.

Even his favored concubines dared not contradict him. But Empress Xiao, no matter what she said—even if it bordered on disrespect—he never took to heart. Having been married for over twenty years, she was older than Yang Guang and had stood by him through his darkest times.

For Yang Guang, she was both beloved and respected.

Though he established sixteen concubines in the Western Garden, Empress Xiao remained his favorite.

Hearing the Empress’s teasing, Yang Guang laughed instead of getting angry, “Zitong, you seem quite fond of Lord Banyuan and his group.”

“Your Majesty, have you forgotten my lineage?” Empress Xiao was of the Southern Liang royal house, descending from the illustrious Langya Xiao clan, a noble family with centuries of history.

The other concubines fell silent immediately.

Empress Xiao boldly exposed the power struggle behind the polo match and clearly stated her stance: “I am from the Langya Xiao clan, naturally siding with the Eastern aristocracy.”

If anyone else had said this, it might have been a capital offense.

Yet from Empress Xiao’s mouth, Yang Guang found it agreeable.

“To me, Zitong, you are beyond reproach!”

The more she spoke so freely, the more it showed her openness. Having been married to Yang Guang for over twenty years, she knew him better than he knew himself. Secrets bred suspicion, but openness bred trust.

“Since Zitong supports Lord Banyuan, I shall root for Mai Zizhong’s victory.”

Empress Xiao giggled, “Very well, let us make a wager.”

“Oh? What’s the bet?”

“If Lord Banyuan loses, I will give Your Majesty my ancestral jade belt and Zhu Guier.”

Zhu Guier was Empress Xiao’s maid, a beauty in her prime, long coveted by Yang Guang.

“Fine. If Mai Zizhong loses, I will give Zitong the Shifachi horse presented by Ashina.”

“Shifa” means “horse” in Persian.

Empress Xiao beamed upon hearing this.

Just as she was about to express gratitude, another loud rally drum sounded. Both quickly looked down to see Mai Zizhong leading his polo team into Round Wall City.

Mai Zizhong wore a black jacket and robe, leading a black steed as he circled the city grounds.

These days had not been easy for him.

What started as youthful jealousy had escalated into a power struggle between old and new elites. Although Mai Tiezhuang was coarse, upon learning the news, he was furious and sent someone to berate Mai Zizhong harshly.

Not merely because of this elite battle—if Mai Zizhong had stirred trouble with any other clan, Mai Tiezhuang might not have been so angry. He might even have encouraged it.

The problem was that Mai Zizhong had tangled with Zheng Yanqing. Though young and a commoner, Zheng Yanqing’s reputation in the reformist circles was formidable. Offending the Eastern aristocracy did not scare Mai Tiezhuang, but he did not want to provoke the reformists.

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Therefore, Mai Zizhong was under immense pressure.

Not only the expectations of emerging elites, but also rebuke from many reformists.

For fifty days, he barely left home, practicing intensely.

The moment he entered the arena, hisses erupted from the city walls on both sides of Xuanwu Gate, much to Mai Zizhong’s annoyance.

He knew he couldn’t confront those who hissed.

Moreover, most were women—did he really want to argue with matrons?

After circling the grounds, Mai Zizhong and Zheng Yanqing’s groups arrived under Xuanwu Gate.

An attendant loudly read out Yang Guang’s decree, but after finishing, he paused and glanced backward.

Moments later, he announced, “His Majesty decrees that Zheng Yanqing and Mai Zizhong shall contest in polo; the victor will be granted the title of Cloud Cavalry Commander.”

The Cloud Cavalry Commander was a title from the Sui Dynasty’s Emperor Wen, a nominal military rank without real power but a great honor.

Both Mai Zizhong and Zheng Yanqing were stunned and quickly kowtowed to thank the emperor.

Meanwhile, whispers arose from the surrounding battlements.

“Pretty boy, ready to meet your end?”

Mai Zizhong grit his teeth, glaring fiercely at Zheng Yanqing, “Soon, your parents won’t recognize you.”

“Mai Fatty, don’t get arrogant!” Zheng Yanqing hadn’t replied when Xue Wanche couldn’t hold back, “Fatty, if you lose later, don’t go crying to your mother.”

“Maybe someone else will be crying…”

Mai Zizhong retorted coldly, glaring at Xue Wanche, “I hear General Tianbao is coming to Luoyang. Xue Sanlang, if you have guts, don’t run.”

Xue Wanche was almost speechless.

Pei Xingyan was about to speak but was pulled back by Zheng Yanqing, “Dogs that bark don’t bite. We’ll settle this on the polo field.”

When it came to words, Xue Wanche couldn’t compete with Mai Zizhong.

But against Zheng Yanqing, Mai Zizhong was clearly outmatched. Mai Zizhong intended to intimidate Pei Xingyan and others—a common psychological tactic in polo—but Yanqing’s words enraged him to the point of foaming at the mouth. If not for his retainers restraining him, he might have charged forward to settle the score physically.

On the battlements, Li Yuan, Dou Wei, and Zhangsun Sheng sat together.

Seeing this scene, Li Yuan frowned.

“These kids seem serious.”

The night before, Li Yuan had not answered Zhangsun Sheng’s question about his relationship with Zheng Yanqing, but Zhangsun Sheng had already assumed Yanqing was Li Yuan’s illegitimate son.

Li Yuan smiled faintly and said softly, “Shude, you know well that the Eastern aristocracy and Southern newcomers have always been at odds. Some youthful fire is natural.

Besides, a polo match isn’t interesting if they don’t get serious.”

Dou Wei said, “If that’s the case, why not let your boy go up?”

“Ha ha! My boy’s only twelve and isn’t involved in the Mai Zizhong rivalry. Why would he go up?”

Nearby, a burly middle-aged man snorted heavily.

This was Pei Xingyan’s father, Pei Renji, who had been somewhat downhearted. Everyone in the city knew the conflict between Mai Zizhong and Zheng Yanqing stemmed from his precious daughter.

Many joked with him, “General Pei, have you decided who will be your son-in-law?”

Whenever this happened, Pei Renji would blush and smile bitterly.

Zhangsun Sheng raised his voice, drawing everyone’s gaze toward Pei Renji, whose expression turned sour as he shot Zhangsun Sheng a fierce glare.

The drumbeats sounded again atop the walls—these were the advancing drums, signaling the imminent start of the polo match.

After three sets of advancing drums, the match would begin.

Zheng Yanqing and the others mounted their horses and grasped their polo sticks.

One by one, the majestic warhorses reared and neighed at both ends of Round Wall City, filling the air with tension.

Yuti Jun sensed the mounting tension, stamping rhythmically and flicking his tail.

At that moment, Zheng Yanqing spurred forward, pointing at Mai Zizhong across the field with a hand gesture, then made a classic throat-slitting sign before his neck.

Mai Zizhong’s face immediately turned ashen!

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