Volume One, Chapter Fifteen: Drawing Closer

"Excellent, I leave this matter in your capable hands," Li Tianqing said, raising his cup in a toast to the two men.

His original body was frail, and Li Tianqing could hardly endure this feeble frame. As he chatted idly with Xue Tai and Lu Chuan, his thoughts wandered to the plans yet to come. For the moment, the atmosphere was genial and harmonious.

By the end of the meal, Li Tianqing and his companions had grown much closer. Satisfied and full, they all made their way to the practice grounds.

There, Xue Tai and Lu Chuan began instructing Li Tianqing in horsemanship and archery. Both were masters of their craft, their every movement crisp and efficient. Li Tianqing imitated their actions, learning by observation.

Though his gestures were still somewhat unrefined, his aptitude was remarkable—he grasped each skill as soon as it was shown. Xue Tai and Lu Chuan exchanged glances of silent amazement. Such talent was truly extraordinary!

Li Tianqing soon grew accustomed to the rhythm, and riding gradually became second nature. Seated tall and straight atop his horse, his robes fluttered with the wind as the steed galloped forward, lending him an air of effortless grace.

Watching from the side, Xue Tai and Lu Chuan nodded in quiet approval.

As Li Tianqing spurred his mount across the field, the wind whipped past him, filling his heart with a heady sense of freedom.

The setting sun bathed the training grounds in golden light, stretching Li Tianqing’s shadow long across the earth. Mounted and riding at full speed, he seemed utterly unbound by the world.

Xue Tai and Lu Chuan rode alongside him, the three of them abreast. They shared a smile, admiration gleaming in their eyes.

Under the evening sun, Li Tianqing sped forward, the very image of youthful vigor and ambition. In that instant, Xue Tai and Lu Chuan saw a reflection of their own younger selves.

Li Tianqing practiced well into dusk before finally coming to a halt. Exhaustion overwhelmed him—his arms ached so much he could barely lift them, and the soreness of his seat burned fiercely.

Yet, he could not deny how much he relished this painful exhilaration.

Dismounting with trembling legs, he was quickly supported by Xue Tai and Lu Chuan.

“It’s nothing, truly, just a bit of weakness,” Li Tianqing said with a smile, waving off their concern.

---

That day, Li Tianqing had succeeded in drawing much closer to the two men.

Xue Tai and Lu Chuan were themselves quite worn out. "Your Highness, you did well today. Keep at it, and in time you will surely achieve great things," Xue Tai said, his tone far more relaxed than before.

"I’ll take your words to heart," Li Tianqing replied with a smile.

He knew well that martial skills and horsemanship were not gained overnight, but required perseverance and steady effort. Still, he was in a hurry—desperately so.

He forced a smile. "Thank you both for today. Let’s stop here for now."

Upon hearing this, Xue Tai and Lu Chuan made no objections. "Please rest early, Your Highness. We take our leave." With that, they turned and departed.

Supported by Monk Yunkong, Li Tianqing returned to his quarters.

As he neared his room, Steward Lin was already waiting.

"Your Highness, all the medicinal ingredients have been prepared. Shall we deliver them to your room now?" Steward Lin reported.

"Bring them in," Li Tianqing instructed, entering the room.

Steward Lin gave orders, and the servants brought in the herbs, arranging them as Monk Yunkong directed.

After a careful inspection, the monk nodded his approval and dismissed the servants.

Once everyone had left, Li Tianqing, utterly weary, collapsed into a chair. "I’ll trouble you, Master, to prepare the medicinal bath for me."

Monk Yunkong needed no further prompting and immediately set about his work. His hands moved with practiced ease; in no time, a large vat of medicinal liquid was ready.

He tested the temperature and said, "My lord, the bath is prepared. You may begin soaking."

Without hesitation, Li Tianqing quickly undressed and slipped into the bath.

The moment the liquid touched his skin, a wave of heat surged through his body, followed by a sharp, piercing pain.

He gasped involuntarily.

"My lord, bear with it. The medicine is potent—pain is to be expected," Monk Yunkong advised.

Gritting his teeth, Li Tianqing endured, sweat beading on his brow.

Gradually, the pain subsided, replaced by a gentle warmth flowing through his limbs. Li Tianqing felt his whole body relax.

Sleepiness overcame him, but as he forced himself to stay awake, he became aware of the medicine’s power seeping into every acupoint.

---

"Master, this medicinal bath for Iron Palm seems to have other effects as well?" Li Tianqing asked, fighting off drowsiness.

"This is a recipe for strengthening the body, my lord," Monk Yunkong replied earnestly. "Not only does it temper the muscles and skin, but it also enhances your constitution. Do not underestimate its efficacy."

"Excellent, truly excellent!" Li Tianqing beamed with delighted surprise. This was an unexpected boon.

He was in dire need of a stronger body—even the slightest improvement would help. With this bath, his constitution would be indirectly fortified.

"But no matter how effective the medicine, one mustn’t overindulge," Monk Yunkong cautioned. "With your current health, half an hour is the most you should soak."

The time soon passed. Much as Li Tianqing wished to linger, he dared not exceed the limit.

He washed, changed into clean clothes, and collapsed into bed, falling into a deep, restful sleep.

That night, Li Tianqing slept more soundly than he had in ages.

...

Night had fallen over the Hall of Tranquility. Emperor Zhou was listening to a secret report from his shadow guard.

The guard recounted all that Li Tianqing had done throughout the day.

When the Emperor heard it, he frowned. "You say the boy spent the whole day training in riding and archery?"

"Yes, Your Majesty. I watched him myself and would not dare deceive you," the guard replied, kneeling in deference.

The Emperor’s expression darkened, his mood uncertain.

The guard, seeing the Emperor silent, dared not lift his head, but knelt quietly awaiting orders.

After a moment, the Emperor spoke. "Continue to keep watch. Report immediately if anything unusual happens!"

The guard hesitated, then ventured, "Your Majesty, Prince Jing is far too eager. With his frail body, if he continues at this pace, he may well ruin himself."

The Emperor waved his hand dismissively. "No matter. If he ruins himself, so be it—he is only..."

The guard, startled, quickly bowed his head and dared say no more.

After a pause, the Emperor continued, "He was never destined for greatness."

The guard remained silent, knowing that with those words, the Emperor had effectively given up on Prince Jing.