Volume One, Chapter Five: The Imperial Guard—Feathered Forest Battalion

Housekeeper Lin accepted the order and left.

Before long, he returned with two men, bringing them to the drill ground.

“Greetings, Your Highness Prince Jing.” The commanders of the Imperial Guards and Yulin Guards both bowed respectfully.

Li Tianqing waved his hand, signaling them to rise. “No need for such formalities.”

“State your names,” he said.

“Xue Tai, commander of the Imperial Guards,” one replied.

“Lu Chuan, commander of the Yulin Guards,” the other echoed in perfect unison.

Li Tianqing studied the two before him. Xue Tai, the commander of the Imperial Guards, was a burly man with sharp eyes and a fierce countenance—a seasoned fighter, without doubt. In contrast, Lu Chuan, commander of the Yulin Guards, was tall and slender, exuding a refined, scholarly air; he looked for all the world like a man of letters.

The two were markedly different in style. Li Tianqing was intrigued, but he was not so naïve as to believe Lu Chuan a mere scholar. Anyone who had climbed to such a position within the Yulin Guards was certainly no ordinary man.

Silently, Li Tianqing considered: these two commanders each had their strengths—perhaps both would prove useful in time.

He smiled and spoke, “Commanders, I am not yet familiar with the Imperial Guards and Yulin Guards. Would you be so kind as to enlighten me?”

Xue Tai and Lu Chuan exchanged a glance, and Xue Tai answered first: “Your Highness, the Imperial Guards and Yulin Guards both belong to the Grand Zhou’s Imperial Army, though their duties differ. The Imperial Guards are chiefly responsible for protecting the Imperial City, while the Yulin Guards provide security within the palace itself.”

Li Tianqing nodded slightly at this, then continued, “Between the two, which is the stronger force in battle?”

The two commanders exchanged another look, hesitating for a moment. Lu Chuan spoke: “Your Highness, both the Imperial Guards and Yulin Guards possess their own advantages. It is difficult to say which is superior.”

A non-answer, really…

Li Tianqing raised an eyebrow and looked at Lu Chuan. “But if we speak purely of martial skill, in single combat, who would prevail?”

“The numbers, equipment, and training of the two corps are much the same. But in terms of sheer martial prowess, the Imperial Guards hold the advantage. However…” Lu Chuan paused thoughtfully, “when it comes to handling delicate or unusual tasks, the Yulin Guards might be better suited.”

Li Tianqing nodded; this was much as he had expected.

The Imperial Guards were mostly traditional warriors, suited for open and official duties. Poisonings and assassinations—those shadowy, inglorious deeds—were the specialty of the Yulin Guards.

Having made up his mind, Li Tianqing looked to Xue Tai and Lu Chuan. “Commanders, I shall be counting on you in the days to come.”

These men would be accompanying him to Northern Yan; it was only prudent to win their loyalty. If he could bind their loyalty to himself, he would be all the safer in that perilous land. The journey to Northern Yan was fraught with danger—these fifty Imperial Guards and fifty Yulin Guards were his greatest assets.

Xue Tai and Lu Chuan were both startled at his words, then quickly bowed. “Your Highness flatters us. It is our duty to serve.”

Li Tianqing changed the subject. “Are you two skilled in riding and archery? Would you be willing to instruct me?”

At this, Xue Tai and Lu Chuan exchanged a smile. Xue Tai replied, “Your Highness is too modest. We are familiar with such arts, of course. These are but minor skills—if Your Highness wishes to learn, we would gladly teach you all we know.”

Li Tianqing’s interest was piqued. Riding and archery—he had dabbled a little in his previous life, but compared to the Imperial Guards and Yulin Guards, what he had learned was little more than showy tricks, nothing worthy of acclaim.

He smiled. “I’ll be in your hands, then.”

His body’s original weakness was a source of frustration—he could hardly tolerate this frail frame. Yet it only fueled his will to survive—he had no intention of being an easy victim.

Xue Tai and Lu Chuan began instructing him in riding and archery. Both were experts, their every movement crisp and precise.

Li Tianqing took up the bow and arrow. Drawing the string, he strained—yet his strength was woefully lacking; the arrow barely moved.

His body was even weaker than he had feared.

Pressing his lips together in frustration, he tried again. This time, the arrow flew a little farther, but still missed the mark.

Seeing this, Xue Tai hurried to his side. “Your Highness, your stance is off. Raise your arm higher, and use your strength with finesse, not force.”

Following Xue Tai’s instructions, Li Tianqing tried once more. Sure enough, the arrow flew further—still not reaching the target, but a definite improvement.

He practiced for a long while, until dusk fell. By day’s end, Li Tianqing was utterly exhausted—his arms ached, his legs were sore, and his backside was raw from the saddle.

Yet he found, to his surprise, that he enjoyed this pain—the satisfaction of hard effort.

Xue Tai and Lu Chuan were both weary as well. “Your Highness, you did very well today. With consistent practice, you will surely make progress,” Xue Tai said with a smile.

Li Tianqing nodded. He knew that martial training and riding were not mastered in a day; steady effort over time was required.

But he was anxious—very anxious.

He forced a smile. “Thank you both for your guidance. That will be all for today.”

Xue Tai and Lu Chuan saluted. “As you command, Your Highness. Please rest well.” With that, they departed.

Li Tianqing limped back to his room.

Butler Lin had already prepared hot water and food. Li Tianqing bathed, changed into clean clothes, and collapsed onto his bed, falling into a deep sleep.

…

That night, in the Hall of Mental Cultivation.

Emperor Zhou listened to the shadow guard’s report. “So, you’re saying that after the Tenth Prince arrived at his residence, he did nothing else, but spent his time practicing riding and archery?”

The emperor raised his brows, surprised. “He’s changed, hasn’t he?”

The shadow guard replied respectfully, “Your Majesty, I saw it with my own eyes. Prince Jing was at the drill ground all day, practicing diligently, scarcely resting. His aptitude and resolve are both exceptional—however…”

A flicker of surprise crossed the emperor’s eyes. “However what?”

The shadow guard hesitated, then said, “His Highness’s body is… struggling. His foundation is too weak. Such intense training may be more than he can bear.”

The emperor shook his head with a sigh. “That child—so stubborn.”

The shadow guard hesitated, then spoke, “Your Majesty, Prince Jing is perhaps too impatient. If he continues at this pace, he may harm himself.”

A shadow crossed the emperor’s eyes. “I understand. Continue to keep a close watch—report to me at once if anything unusual occurs. You are dismissed.”

“As you command.” The shadow guard was about to leave.

“Wait.” The emperor called him back abruptly.

“Send an imperial physician. Have the Medical Bureau prepare nourishing medicinal meals for Prince Jing, and select a few drill instructors from the Imperial Guards to train him. But do it discreetly—no unnecessary attention.”

The shadow guard accepted the order and withdrew.

The emperor sat on the dragon throne, fingers tapping lightly on the table, his expression unreadable.

“That boy…”