Volume One, Chapter Six: An Envoy from the Palace
The night passed without dreams. Early the next morning, Li Tianqing awoke, feeling aching all over, especially in his arms, which were so sore he could hardly lift them. Gritting his teeth, Li Tianqing struggled to rise, a sharp pain in his arms forcing him to gasp for breath. He endured the discomfort, slowly sitting up bit by bit.
Helpless, Li Tianqing had to instruct the servants to bring breakfast to him. As he ate, he pondered his next steps. In Northern Yan, martial strength was important for survival, but relying on force alone would never be enough. Silver was not an immediate concern—he had received a generous reward from Emperor Zhou. What Li Tianqing lacked most now were people: one, or several, highly skilled and fiercely loyal individuals.
Though he had been granted the title of Prince Jing, everyone in the imperial city knew it was merely a name. The servants in his residence were gifts from Emperor Zhou, many of whom harbored ulterior motives. The emperor’s mind was unfathomable; who could say what secret tasks lay behind the hundred Imperial Guards and Feathered Forest soldiers assigned to him? Li Tianqing would never naively believe the emperor had placed his trust in him without reservation.
He needed to cultivate his own trusted men as soon as possible, or else, when he reached Northern Yan, he might not even know how he died. Rubbing his temples, Li Tianqing felt a headache coming on.
Just then, two knocks sounded at the door. Li Tianqing quickly composed himself. “Enter.”
No sooner had he spoken than the door swung open, and Steward Lin came in. “Your Highness, someone has arrived from the palace.”
Li Tianqing was taken aback, then stood and straightened his clothing. “Understood. I will go at once.”
After dressing and washing, Li Tianqing walked to the main hall. Steward Lin led in an imperial physician and explained, “Your Highness, this is Physician Zhang from the Imperial Medical Bureau, sent by decree to examine your pulse.”
Li Tianqing’s heart sank. So the emperor knew his every move. The Prince Jing residence was indeed full of the emperor’s eyes and ears.
Maintaining a calm façade, Li Tianqing took his seat. Physician Zhang stepped forward and bowed respectfully. “Greetings, Your Highness Prince Jing.”
Li Tianqing regarded Physician Zhang, who appeared to be in his fifties or sixties, white-haired yet youthful, vigorous and kindly in appearance. Though Li Tianqing’s thoughts were turbulent, he betrayed nothing on his face. He looked at Physician Zhang and smiled slightly. “No need for formalities. I shall rely on you, Physician Zhang.”
Physician Zhang stroked his beard and replied with a smile, “Your Highness is too polite. This is my duty.”
He then took a pulse pillow from his medicine box and began the examination. With practiced hands, Physician Zhang closed his eyes and felt Li Tianqing’s pulse. After a while, he opened his eyes.
“Your Highness’s body is sound, but your vital energy is deficient. You need careful nourishment.” Physician Zhang stroked his beard and continued, “Prince Jing, you are still young, in the prime of your growth. Do not overexert yourself, lest you harm your foundation.”
Li Tianqing nodded. “Thank you for your advice, Physician Zhang. I will remember it.”
Physician Zhang prescribed several medicinal formulas and instructed Li Tianqing to take them on schedule. Before leaving, he said, “Your Highness is young. After a period of recuperation, you will recover completely. I will write the prescription for you now.”
Li Tianqing nodded. “Thank you for your trouble.”
He then drew a lustrous, translucent jade pendant from his sleeve and handed it to Physician Zhang. “A token of appreciation, though not much.”
Physician Zhang was momentarily surprised, then smiled. “Your Highness is too generous. I will do my utmost to serve you.”
After some polite refusals, Physician Zhang finally accepted the gift. “Thank you, Your Highness Prince Jing. Then I shall take my leave.”
Li Tianqing smiled. “Take care, Physician Zhang.”
Physician Zhang departed, escorted by Steward Lin.
Once the physician had gone, Li Tianqing’s smile faded. Rubbing his brow, his expression darkened. The emperor’s surveillance of the Prince Jing residence surpassed his expectations. He would need to be even more cautious.
He glanced at Steward Lin, who was leaving the room. This steward was likely not a simple character either...
When Steward Lin returned, he stood respectfully before Li Tianqing. “Your Highness, the palace has also sent several instructors from the Imperial Guards. Would you like to…”
Li Tianqing’s heart stirred. “Oh? Where are they now?”
“Your Highness, the instructors are currently at the training ground.”
Li Tianqing nodded and made his way to the training ground, Steward Lin following close behind.
At the training ground, five instructors in Imperial Guard uniforms stood in the center. The leader was a burly man, tall and imposing, with a resolute face—clearly a seasoned veteran.
Li Tianqing stepped forward, and the five instructors saluted in unison. “Greetings, Your Highness Prince Jing. We have been ordered to instruct you in martial arts.”
Li Tianqing looked at the five instructors, secretly delighted, though his face remained impassive. “I must trouble you all, then. I am but a beginner, and hope you will guide me well.”
Xue Tai and Lu Chuan were skilled in martial arts themselves, but lacked expertise in training others.
The burly leader clasped his fists. “Your Highness, we are here by command and will teach you everything we know. Please rest assured.”
Li Tianqing nodded. “Very well. Let me thank you all in advance.”
The five responded in unison, “We dare not. We shall do our utmost.”
Li Tianqing then began training with the instructors, learning all manner of martial arts—swordplay, spear techniques, staff and stick, unarmed combat, horsemanship, archery, and more.
He applied himself diligently, striving for perfection in every move. Though his physical foundation was poor, his aptitude was extraordinary. He quickly grasped the essentials of what the instructors taught.
The instructors, seeing this, were quietly amazed and held Li Tianqing in higher regard.
Time flew by; before long, it was already noon. The instructors stopped. “Your Highness, perhaps it is time for a rest.”
Li Tianqing was drenched in sweat, utterly disheveled, his hands trembling. “No need for rest. Continue training.”
The instructors exchanged glances, a hint of admiration in their eyes.
At that moment, Steward Lin, who had been standing aside, stepped forward. “Your Highness, you’ve trained the entire morning. If you push further, you may harm your health. Please, rest for now.”
Li Tianqing paused, wiped his sweat, and after a moment’s silence, finally nodded.
Steward Lin quickly ordered the servants to prepare lunch, and the five instructors went off to rest.
Li Tianqing sat at the table, gazing at the array of delicacies with little appetite.
Steward Lin entered, speaking respectfully. “Your Highness, please eat a little. These are medicinal dishes specially prepared by the imperial kitchen on the emperor’s orders.”
A wave of annoyance welled up in Li Tianqing’s heart. The emperor’s reach truly knew no bounds.
Taking a deep breath to quell his irritation, Li Tianqing picked up his chopsticks and began to eat.
He ate slowly, pausing after each mouthful. The medicinal dishes were fragrant and delicious, their aroma rich, the meat tender. After eating a little, Li Tianqing felt his exhaustion melt away.
Setting down his chopsticks, he gazed out the window.
The afternoon sunlight spilled into the courtyard, the leaves rustling in the breeze.
Li Tianqing sat quietly, lost in thought.
Steward Lin, seeing this, said nothing more and withdrew silently.