Chapter Twenty-Eight: A Joyous Occasion
Prince Qi, Li Jingsui, was displeased, yet Yang Lian secretly rejoiced. Li Jingsui’s words had revealed his stance: he at least regarded Yang Lian as a so-called friend, even if with an undertone of drawing him in.
“It was presumptuous of this humble man. I beg Prince Qi’s forgiveness,” Yang Lian said.
Li Jingsui waved his hand. “Since we are friends, there’s no need for such words.”
Yang Lian nodded. “Prince Qi, you are a man of true character. It is I who lack ease and grace—indeed, I deserve to be chastised.”
As the two spoke, Princess Huairou found herself unable to interject, and stood aside, visibly displeased. Suddenly, she said, “Father, didn’t you come here to speak of something important?”
Li Jingsui slapped his forehead with a laugh. “I nearly forgot!” Turning to Yang Lian, he smiled. “Hero Yang, the Emperor has heard of your courageous rescue of the Princess and is greatly pleased.”
Yang Lian exclaimed in surprise, “His Majesty knows of this humble one?”
To Li Jingsui, Yang Lian’s reaction was entirely natural. After all, who would not feel anxious or excited to be noticed by the Son of Heaven? Yang Lian was a mere commoner; such a response was to be expected.
“No need to worry. Upon hearing the news, my royal brother decided to reward you, Hero Yang, and grant you an official position,” Li Jingsui declared solemnly.
Yang Lian quickly rose to his feet. “Prince Qi, I am but a simple martial man, barely literate. To give me an office would only make things difficult for me. I must decline.”
Princess Huairou interjected, “If you cannot be a civil official, you can be a military one.”
Li Jingsui’s eyes lit up, and he laughed. “Indeed! Hero Yang has remarkable skills. If you cannot serve as a civil official, you may serve as a military one. Tell me, what position would you like?”
Yang Lian shook his head repeatedly. “Prince Qi, this humble one is accustomed to a carefree life. I fear I am unfit for such responsibility and might only tarnish your reputation.”
“Hero Yang, there is no need for such refusal. This is an imperial command—who dares disobey? Do your duty boldly. With me here, who would dare harm you?” Li Jingsui said sternly.
Princess Huairou clapped her hands with a laugh. “Disobeying the Emperor is a capital crime. Someone’s going to lose their head!”
Li Jingsui shot his daughter a glare and clasped his hands in apology. “Hero Yang, forgive her. The Princess is still young and speaks without thinking.”
Princess Huairou straightened up. “Father, I’m already sixteen—not a child anymore!”
Li Jingsui reflected that she was indeed sixteen—the age when she should be considering marriage. This Yang Lian, though of only average appearance and bearing a scar that marred his face, conducted himself with uprightness and was, in truth, a man of talent. He would have been suitable, if only he were younger. At this thought, Li Jingsui sighed softly.
Yang Lian was silent for some time, deep in thought. Seeing this, Li Jingsui did not rush him. Princess Huairou, however, kept casting glances at Yang Lian, hoping he would agree, but dared not hint too openly with her father present.
“Alas, since the imperial command cannot be refused, this humble one must obey,” Yang Lian replied, his tone full of reluctance.
Li Jingsui, generous by nature and eager to win Yang Lian over, paid no mind to his hesitance. Instead, he thought it understandable for a newcomer to officialdom to be so uncertain. He gave a dry laugh, saying, “Hero Yang, such words must never be spoken before His Majesty.”
Yang Lian nodded. “Prince Qi’s instruction is well taken. I understand.”
“Very well. General Gao Shensi of the Shenwu Army is an old acquaintance of mine. You shall serve as a captain under his command. With merit, you may advance in rank,” said Li Jingsui, making the arrangement as easily as breathing.
“Gao Shensi?” Yang Lian was taken aback, but quickly regained his composure.
“You know Gao Shensi?” Li Jingsui asked.
“He is a renowned general of the Tang. Though I am but a humble man, I have heard of his name,” Yang Lian replied with a smile, neither admitting nor denying.
Li Jingsui grunted in approval. “General Gao is a steady hand and skilled leader, trusted by the Emperor. Learn from him; perhaps one day you will make a name for yourself.”
Yang Lian chuckled. “A name is nothing to me. As long as I am not bullied by wandering swordsmen, I am content.”
Princess Huairou shot him a sidelong glance and whispered, “So little ambition.”
Li Jingsui stood. “It’s settled, then. I will speak with General Gao. You may report to him the day after tomorrow.”
“As you command. But I would prefer to serve as a deputy officer,” Yang Lian replied, rising and bowing in thanks.
Li Jingsui was surprised. Why refuse a captaincy for a lower position? The rank difference was not small.
Yang Lian quickly explained, “As a newcomer to the army, without any military accomplishments, if I were placed too high, others would resent it. It is lonely at the top. I would rather start as a deputy officer, so no one can say I only advanced by connections.”
Li Jingsui laughed. “You know your place. So be it, a deputy officer.” Behind him, Princess Huairou pouted. This Yang Lian had no ambition at all.
After a few more words, Li Jingsui strode away with Princess Huairou following. Yang Lian saw them out. Along the way, Princess Huairou slowed her pace and smiled at Yang Lian. “Well, am I not clever?”
“Here she is, coming for praise,” Yang Lian thought with a smile. “The Princess is both clever and quick-witted. I am impressed.”
“Hmph, am I not beautiful as well?” Princess Huairou snorted, strutting away like a proud peacock.
At the inn’s entrance, Li Jingsui called out, “Yang Lian, your rescue of the Princess is known to His Majesty. Now that you are to serve at court, do your utmost for the Emperor!”
Yang Lian knew well these words were meant for others’ ears. He replied loudly, “Bathed in Imperial grace, I shall devote myself to serving His Majesty and Prince Qi!”
“This blockhead is actually quite quick-witted,” thought Princess Huairou with a slight smile and eyes like autumn water.
Having sent Li Jingsui off, Yang Lian paced in his room. He had been pondering how to enter the court, only to have Prince Qi deliver the opportunity to his doorstep as he lay in bed—how fortunate! Yet, since this favor came from Li Jing, Yang Lian felt some uncertainty. He wondered how others would react. Still, judging from Prince Qi’s manner, there should be little trouble. What Yang Lian did not know was that, before Li Jing, Prince Qi had never mentioned his name, referring to him only as “Hero Yang.”
Li Jing, though curious, was preoccupied and asked about the Princess merely in passing, so he did not press for Yang Lian’s true identity.
Yang Lian was familiar with the Shenwu Army. Southern Tang, claiming descent from the Tang dynasty, had adopted a similar military system. The Shenwu Army was the foremost of the imperial guards, its commander always a trusted confidant of the Emperor. Having Prince Qi insert him into the Shenwu Army was a clear signal.
But Gao Shensi himself was once a man of the old Southern Wu. In his youth, he had followed Yang Xingmi, founder of Southern Wu, in campaigns across the land, later winning the trust of Li Bian and rising step by step. This was someone to treat with caution.
As Yang Lian was deep in thought, firecrackers sounded outside. Xiao Erhei hurried over. “Master, the neighbors have all come!”
“For what?” Yang Lian asked, surprised.
“They’ve come bearing gifts!” Xiao Erhei beamed with pride. With his master’s promotion, his own status had risen as well. Someone had even slipped him a string of coins to keep them informed.
Yang Lian said no more and went to the door, finding it crowded. In Jinling, one could throw a stone and strike an official, but most lived in the north of the city, near the imperial city by the Qinhuai River. This area, though bustling, was mostly home to entertainments and rarely to high officials.
Everyone had heard Prince Qi’s words before he left and assumed Yang Lian had been granted a significant office. After all, if Prince Qi himself had come, Yang Lian must be at least fifth or sixth rank.
Since neither Prince Qi nor Yang Lian had clarified, the neighbors’ imaginations ran wild. To have such a high-ranking official on their street was a rare honor.
Furniture sellers, blacksmiths, cloth merchants, jewelers—anyone who heard the news came, some with gift boxes, others with ceramics, even furniture, all rushing over.
Everyone clamored for Yang Lian to accept their gifts. If they could win his favor now, perhaps he might help them in the future.
Yang Lian felt a headache coming on. He waved for silence. Once the crowd quieted, he raised his voice, “Good neighbors, I am newly arrived in Jinling and had hoped to visit and pay my respects, but matters have kept me busy. I am sorry to trouble you all to come instead.”
“No trouble at all, Master Yang. If you accept our small gifts, it shows you think well of us,” said a burly voice, using “master” as a respectful title, not knowing Yang Lian’s actual post.
“Congratulations on your promotion, Master Yang!” the others echoed.
So many, all coming with good wishes—who could refuse them? Yang Lian managed a smile. “Your kindness is deeply appreciated, but please, take your gifts back with you.”
“No! If you don’t accept, you look down on us,” declared an elderly man, whose voice carried weight. The crowd grew restless again.
“If you won’t accept, we won’t leave,” someone said stubbornly.
Xiao Erhei whispered, “Master, you should accept. Look at Carpenter Zhang’s chairs and benches—they’re excellent, and the inn needs repairs. And those ceramics are perfect for decoration.”
Yang Lian bowed. “I thank you all for your generosity. Allow me to host a banquet today; please, all of you come and drink with me.”
“Master Yang is indeed straightforward! We’ll trouble you, then.”
“Set down the gifts! Slaughter chickens and sheep!”
The neighbors left their gifts, and Yang Lian booked food and wine at the tavern next door. A group of about twenty gathered to feast and make merry until nightfall, dispersing only when the curfew approached.
Yang Lian drank as well, but the wine of these times was weak, leaving him perfectly sober. He returned to the inn, washed up, and fell into bed, utterly exhausted by the day’s events.