Chapter Twenty-Seven: So That Is How It Began

Ma Sanbao felt a jolt of alarm, yet his face remained calm.

From the very day he was ordered to come here, he had begun studying Zheng Yanqing’s temperament. Ma Sanbao had never imagined he could truly deceive Zheng Yanqing, but he had not expected this moment to arrive so quickly—so quickly that it caught him off guard. Truth be told, Zheng Yanqing hadn't said much to him, and Ma Sanbao had been extremely cautious.

Yet, Zheng Yanqing had still spotted the flaw!

A large horizontal saber lay flat on the desk, its black rhinoceros-hide scabbard mottled and exuding a faint, murderous aura. Ma Sanbao believed that if he did not speak the truth, Zheng Yanqing would not hesitate to kill him, regardless of Zhangsun Sheng.

He took a deep breath and smiled bitterly. "Young Master Zheng, your discernment is truly sharp. I thought I had been extremely careful, yet I did not expect you to see through me. I am Ma Sanbao, from Xiazhou. I was sent by the Duke of Tang to serve you. The Ninth Master said that since you are alone in Luoyang, you need someone to run errands for you."

"Xiazhou?"

Zheng Yanqing was startled, and a sudden warmth surged in his heart. In this world, aside from Zheng Shi'an, the only person who could care for him so deeply was likely his teacher, who was far away in Xiazhou. Even though Zheng Yanqing addressed Zhangsun Sheng as "Teacher" out of courtesy, in his heart, he still regarded Li Ji as his only true mentor. Ma Sanbao’s words, from another perspective, further confirmed Li Ji's identity.

*So, Teacher is a member of the Li clan.*

But what had Li Ji done to force him into hiding under a false name, constantly on the run? Zheng Yanqing still did not fully understand. He knew, however, that Ma Sanbao likely didn't know the inside story either. Even if Li Yuan, the Duke of Tang, had sent him, it only proved he was trustworthy; there were some things Li Yuan would never tell a servant.

"Is... is Teacher well?" Zheng Yanqing’s voice trembled slightly. He looked at Ma Sanbao, his eyes filled with warmth.

Ma Sanbao replied respectfully, "At the end of last year, the Ninth Master went to Guzang. He is currently a guest at the Longxi Hall. Please rest assured, Young Master."

"Longxi Hall?"

"That is where the Longxi Li clan resides."

Zheng Yanqing asked curiously, "What is Teacher doing at Longxi Hall?"

"This... it is said he went to visit Li Xingzhi, the head of the Longxi clan. But as for the specifics, I am not entirely sure. Before I left, the Duke of Tang only told me to take good care of you and follow your instructions. Nothing else was mentioned."

Zheng Yanqing nodded and gestured for Ma Sanbao to sit. "Ma Sanbao, there is nothing urgent here. However, Mao Wang downstairs is getting old and his legs are not as nimble as they once were. How about this: from now on, you will be in charge of procurement. You can live in the bamboo hut; if you need anything, just tell Mao Wang. If I have tasks, I will summon you."

Ma Sanbao agreed respectfully.

Zheng Yanqing chatted with him a while longer before letting him leave. He retrieved a volume of the *Records of the Yuan Clan* from his bookshelf, flipped through a few pages, and quickly found the entry on the Longxi Li clan.

The Longxi Li clan was one of the Five Surnames and Seven Great Families, ranked just after the Cui clan among the five. Their ancestral hall was the Longxi Hall, divided into thirteen branches, with a massive family scale. Among them, the Guzang Li clan was the primary branch of the entire Longxi Hall. Its head, Li Xingzhi—courtesy name Yitong, childhood name Shizi—had served successively in the Qi, Zhou, and Sui dynasties. During the reign of Emperor Wen of Sui, he was enfeoffed as the County Baron of Gushi, later retiring due to illness.

*What could be Li Ji's purpose in seeking out Li Xingzhi?*

Unable to fathom the reason, Zheng Yanqing closed the book and walked to the bamboo window to look outside. It was early spring, and the bamboo grove was verdant. The moonlight, clear and bright, spilled over the jade-green stalks like a layer of silver frost. The grove was silent. Zheng Yanqing draped a robe over his shoulders, took Xiyao and Siyan with him, and stepped out of the bamboo house for a walk. As he reached the edge of the grove, he faintly made out a figure standing there. He hurried over, while Xiyao and Siyan flanked him.

Over the past half-year, the two cubs had grown quite a bit. Though they couldn't hunt alone yet, they already possessed the fierce temperament of mastiffs. The figure heard them and turned around.

"Brother Xu?"

Zheng Yanqing recognized him immediately as Xu Shiji. He called back the two pups and approached. "It's so late, why aren't you resting?"

Xu Shiji smiled. "I couldn't sleep, so I came out for a walk."

"Brother Xu, is something weighing on your mind?" Zheng Yanqing could see that Xu Shiji looked worried.

Xu Shiji sat on a bamboo fence. The fence was roughly as thick as a child's arm, stretching along the edge of the grove. Zheng Yanqing had built it back when there were many horses in the garden, worried they might wander off. At waist height, it served as a perfect place to sit, look out at the rushing Yi River, and listen to the murmuring water.

"Yanqing, you’ve earned the title of Cloud-Riding Officer and have been accepted into the Pili Hall. Your future prospects are limitless. But as for me... I have to take the official academy entrance exam in a month. I hear many children of nobility are applying this year, and I have no confidence at all!"

It was true; the competition for the official academy this year was far more intense than in previous years. With Yang Guang relocating the Chang'an court officials to Luoyang on a massive scale, the pressure on the Luoyang official academy had surged. Zheng Yanqing had heard that during the Renshou era, the ratio was roughly twenty to one. This year, statistics suggested it was nearly one hundred and fifty to one—a sevenfold increase in difficulty. It was no wonder Xu Shiji was worried; in such a situation, his chances were slim. If he were pushed out by the child of some powerful family, all his efforts would be in vain. He had come to the Zheng family and to Luoyang specifically to enter this academy.

Zheng Yanqing sat on the fence beside him, the two little mastiffs crouching at their feet. He didn't know how to help.

The children of court officials and the powerful could easily squeeze Xu Shiji out to make room for their own.

"How about this: in a few days, I will ask my teacher to intervene?"

Xu Shiji’s eyes brightened, but he shook his head immediately. "It is a blessing that the Great General has accepted you as his disciple. If these matters cause him to look down on you, wouldn't that ruin your future? Yanqing, you are clever and learned; you must not act rashly. I’ll be fine. If I truly can't get into the Luoyang academy, I’ll just go home. My father is getting on in years; he was thinking of leaving Lihu to settle in Huaxian. He has connections there, and I can just enter the Huaxian official academy. In truth, there isn't much difference between the two."

*Not much difference?* Zheng Yanqing didn't believe that for a second. The gap between the Luoyang and Huaxian academies would only widen. One was a local county school, the other an imperial capital academy. In terms of status, vision, and connections, those who graduated from the academies in Luoyang or Chang'an were leagues ahead of students from local schools. With the increasing likelihood of Luoyang becoming the Eastern Capital, the gap between it and the local regions would only grow.

Zheng Yanqing wrapped an arm around Xu Shiji's shoulder. "Brother Xu, don't overthink it; it will only cloud your mind. In my view, you have a very good chance of passing. Even if you don't, it isn't your fault—at worst, you just go home and keep studying. 'Heaven has made me with talents that will be put to use'; why be confined to an academy? At the very least, your mastery of military strategy far exceeds mine."

"Heaven has made me with talents that will be put to use?" Xu Shiji murmured. He suddenly felt energized, jumped off the fence, and turned with a smile. "Hearing you say that, I feel much better. Regardless of the outcome, I’ll just take the test. If I fail, I'll go home; there are plenty of things waiting for me there..."

Seeing Xu Shiji let go of his worries, Zheng Yanqing smiled happily. The two talked and laughed by the edge of the bamboo grove, the moonlight casting their shadows longer and longer across the ground.

***

Fang Yanqian had indeed begun his actions! While rectifying the situation of the displaced people in Luoyang, he also dealt severe blows to the corrupt children of the nobility in the city. In just three days, he arrested seventeen such youths who had been running rampant. The great clans of Luoyang were left terrified, warning their kin not to act recklessly. To be honest, Zheng Yanqing did not view this favorably. In his opinion, Fang Yanqian was throwing an egg against a rock; once Yang Guang returned to the capital, it would be the end for him.

With Yang Guang away, Fang Yanqian, as the Governor of Henan, held supreme power and no one dared to cross him. But if Yang Guang returned, could he withstand the pressure from all the great clans? If he couldn't, he would simply throw Fang Yanqian out as a scapegoat. Those who remained sober while everyone else was drunk rarely met a good end.

Zheng Yanqing pondered for a long time and decided to write a letter to Fang Yanqian to persuade him otherwise. However, Fang Yanqian’s reply contained the very poem Zheng Yanqing had gifted him, "Ode to Lime." In the letter, he wrote: *My young friend, you are a kindred spirit; I appreciate your good intentions! But, 'eating the lord's salary, one must share the lord's worries.' The Emperor needs support for the construction of the Yongji Canal. As Governor of Henan, I may not be able to help much, but I must at least ensure a stable Heluo region for the Emperor... After the Tongji Canal opens, vast amounts of supplies from the south will converge on Heluo, making the region's importance increase dramatically. Therefore, even if I am ground to dust, I must persevere!*

Zheng Yanqing could only sigh at Fang Yanqian’s response. It was true—with the growing importance of the Heluo region, public order had become increasingly chaotic. The opening of the Yongji Canal meant that a large portion of supplies would be provided through Heluo; failure to maintain stability there would indeed cause great trouble. It seemed Fang Yanqian did not personally approve of the Emperor’s plan to build the Yongji Canal. But as a minister, since the Emperor had made his decision, he could only comply and do his best to see it through. Zheng Yanqing didn't know if the "Ode to Lime" he had written to win over Fang Xuanling was the right thing to do or not.

Fortunately, ten days later, Zheng Yanqing’s apprenticeship ceremony at the Pili Hall proceeded without incident. Many people attended, including the relatives and clansmen of the Zhangsun family, as well as the Duke of Puyang, Yuwen Shu, who came to offer his congratulations.

In all honesty, Yuwen Shu was a handsome and graceful older man. Even in his advanced years, one could still see the elegance of his youth in his features. Yet, Zheng Yanqing did not have a good feeling about this man. He couldn't say if it was a preconceived notion or if Yuwen Shu truly made him uncomfortable, but he always felt the man was sinister.

However, Zheng Yanqing did not let this show. On the contrary, he was respectful and flawless in his etiquette toward Yuwen Shu... *Better to be distant with a gentleman than to offend a villain.* In Zheng Yanqing’s eyes, Yuwen Shu was close to a villain. Moreover, he controlled the Sili Bureau and was one of the most powerful officials left in charge of Luoyang; there was no need to offend him.

"Yanqing, Poyen Tou came to apologize today!" After the ceremony, Zhangsun Sheng pulled Zheng Yanqing aside. "The rumors about you and the young lady of the Pei family were spread by his grandson, Yuwen Chengzhi. Yuwen Shu has already bowed his head to me in apology and sent a 'Shadow-Painting' bow to show his sincerity... After thinking it over, I decided to accept. After all, Poyen Tou is a Duke, and you cannot compare to him."

Zheng Yanqing had long guessed that someone was fanning the flames of his conflict with Mai Zhong, but he hadn't expected it to be Yuwen Shu's grandson. It made sense; at the time, Yuwen Shu was still in Chang'an, so Zheng Yanqing hadn't linked the two. Yuwen Shu likely only apologized because Zhangsun Sheng had exerted enough pressure on him.

"This 'Shadow-Painting' is a fine bow. However, you are not yet capable of wielding it properly. Since you have joined my Pili Hall, mounted archery is a mandatory course. I have prepared a one-*shi* hard bow for you to practice with. Keep the 'Shadow-Painting' for now!"

Zheng Yanqing had learned the basics of archery from Li Ji. He took the hard bow and pulled the string slightly, finding the resistance quite heavy. Even though it was only a one-*shi* bow, in the Sui and Tang eras, one *shi* was equivalent to four *jun*, one *jun* was thirty *jin*, and one *jin* was roughly 660 grams. In modern terms, a one-*shi* bow required about 160 pounds of force. This was the standard bow used in the military.

According to the Sui military system, one became eligible for service at twenty-one. Yanqing was only ten, but in terms of sheer strength, he was already approaching that of an average adult.

"Teacher, how many *shi* of force is this 'Shadow-Painting'?"

Zhangsun Sheng laughed. "The 'Shadow-Painting' is a four-*shi* heavy bow; it cannot be used by anyone but a strong warrior."

*Four shi?* Zheng Yanqing walked over, slipped a brass thumb ring on, and tried to draw it, but the string didn't budge. *What a stiff bow!* He centered his *qi* in his *dantian*, put his entire body's strength into it, and the "Shadow-Painting" creaked open. But after drawing it just once, he felt his breath shorten.

"Haha, to be able to draw it even once at your age is rare among your peers. However, your hand was unsteady and your arm trembled. Forget about shooting enemies; after drawing it once, you'd have no strength left! Everything must be done step by step; do not be impatient. When I was your age, I doubt I had even your strength."

"What force is the bow you use, Teacher?"

"Two *shi*!"

Zhangsun Sheng’s answer surprised Zheng Yanqing. In his view, someone of Zhangsun Sheng’s caliber would at least be using a bow like the "Shadow-Painting." He hadn't expected it to be only two *shi*.

"Strength is not about the size of the bow, but how it is used." Zhangsun Sheng patted Zheng Yanqing’s head. "I saw you use 'bright force' during the *ju* match, so you surely understand the nuance of power; I need not say more. Yu Juluo, the Old Pillar of State, has infinite strength and can draw a six-*shi* bow. But on the battlefield, if we speak only of marksmanship, my three arrows would be enough to take his life..."

When he said this, Zhangsun Sheng’s tone carried an inexplicable pride. Zheng Yanqing couldn't help but click his tongue in silence; this teacher of his certainly was bold!

From then on, Zheng Yanqing’s life became incredibly packed. Before dawn, he would wake up to practice, then ride his horse to Tongtuo Ward. In the morning, he learned the *Sunzi’s Art of War* and the *Book of Han* from Zhangsun Sheng. At noon, he would eat at the Pili Hall, and after lunch, he would accompany Zhangsun Sheng to Yuanbi City to practice martial arts.

Zhangsun Sheng was known as a master of both the bow and the *shuo* (spear). Not only was his archery exquisite, but his spear technique was formidable. A single *shuo* in his hands was said to be so impenetrable that not even a drop of water could pass through. Zheng Yanqing had seen him spar with strong soldiers; it only took two rounds to sweep them off their horses.

Privately, however, Zhangsun Sheng told Zheng Yanqing: "If we talk about wielding the *shuo*, none compare to Pillar of State Yu. He created the 'No-Return Spear' technique, where every strike is intended to kill. Although General Tianbao is his student, he has not received the master's true teachings."

Zheng Yanqing was shocked! Of course, he knew who the "General Tianbao" was—Yuwen Chengdu, the second greatest hero of the Sui and Tang legends! To think that such a powerful man, even as a student of Yu Juluo, hadn't received the true essence of his teachings? Just how powerful was Yu Juluo?

"Why? Does the Pillar of State not like General Tianbao?"

"That’s not it. General Tianbao has excellent talent, and the Pillar of State is very fond of him. It’s just that General Tianbao was born with immense strength, more than even the Pillar of State himself. Thus, the Pillar of State could only design techniques for him based on his specific attributes. The 'No-Return Spear' is exquisite, but it isn't suitable for General Tianbao..."

Zheng Yanqing nodded, taking the lesson to heart.

"If there is an opportunity, I will introduce you to learn the *shuo* from the Pillar of State. It would truly be a pity if his 'No-Return Spear' technique were lost... However, to learn the *shuo*, you must have a good one. It is a pity that since Yan Shizi disappeared, no one has been able to forge such fine weapons as he did."

Yan Shizi was Yan Hu. Zheng Yanqing almost blurted out a question about him, but he swallowed the words back just in time. He knew the weight of the situation; if he asked too bluntly, it would only arouse Zhangsun Sheng’s suspicion. Zhangsun Sheng had once pleaded with Ning Changzhen to spare Yan Hu’s life, but he might not be willing to spare Zheng Yanqing. He might even lose his life over it. Thus, he had to keep the matter of Yan Hu hidden in his heart, silently waiting for the chance to verify the truth.

One day, after finishing their archery practice in the military camp, they parted ways outside the Yuguang Gate. Zhangsun Sheng lived on the north bank of the Luo River and could enter the city through the Hui'an Gate to return to Tongtuo Ward, while Zheng Yanqing, living in the bamboo grove, had to cross the river and head southwest. After a full day of training, Yanqing was exhausted. By the time he crossed the ferry and returned to the bamboo grove, it was already dark.

The bamboo house was brightly lit. Zheng Yanqing dismounted and saw Ma Sanbao rushing toward him. "Young Master, someone from the Zheng manor has arrived. It seems they have an urgent matter to discuss."