Chapter Seventy-Four: The Military Contest (Part Two)

The second match was a fierce internal battle within the Tianxiong Army—no tricks, no shortcuts—just raw combat in the training ground, back and forth, until one army narrowly claimed victory. The soldiers feigning death on the ground rose, clearing the field.

The third match was the showdown between Yang Lian and Yao Feng. Yang Lian led his troops onto the field, spirits high. At the front were the sword-and-shield infantry, followed by spearmen in the center, with archers forming the rear guard; twenty cavalrymen eyed the flanks like tigers ready to pounce. Yang Lian’s opening move caught everyone’s attention.

King Qi, Li Jingsui, stroked his chin beard thoughtfully, hoping Yang Lian would win. Yao Feng’s troops soon assembled, forming their battle lines in direct opposition.

In a nearby box, Zhou Zong sipped tea and asked, "Who do you think will win this battle?"

Beside him sat a slender middle-aged man—Zhou Ben’s eldest son, Zhou Ye—half-reclining on a soft couch, coughing intermittently. "Yao Feng is a seasoned veteran, a battle-hardened commander," he said. "Yang Lian is a newly appointed commander; by rights, his leadership should be lacking. Yet, having risen so quickly, he must have some skill. It’s hard to say."

Nearby, Lady Zhou Ehuang watched Yang Lian intently, her heart still unsettled by the brutal clash between the two armies. Though all the swords, spears, and halberds were wrapped in cloth, the danger was undeniable, and she couldn’t help but worry.

A gong sounded, signaling the start of the battle. Yang Lian tested the waters first; at his command, the archers unleashed a volley. Yao Feng’s soldiers immediately raised their shields, but the arrows were dense and some slipped through the gaps, striking vital points. One soldier dropped instantly.

Suddenly, Yao Feng smiled and shouted, "Attack!" His soldiers surged forward with a tremendous roar, a formidable display of momentum.

Yang Lian narrowed his eyes. In his experience, Yao Feng’s command was indeed formidable, but his current performance resembled that of a novice. Despite the relentless arrow barrage, Yao Feng’s troops pressed forward—did he not value his soldiers’ lives? Or did he not care about winning or losing?

Before Yang Lian could speak again, another volley of arrows rained down, and several of Yao Feng’s soldiers fell. Yao Feng glanced back, then suddenly spurred his horse forward, followed closely by a dozen cavalrymen. Arrows flew as Yao Feng cried out, falling from his horse. With their leader down, the troops broke and fled in disarray.

"What's Yao Feng up to?" Bian Hao, watching from afar, saw everything clearly and was baffled.

Li Jing also found the outcome strange. This battle ended more swiftly and less spectacularly than the fierce internal fight of the Tianxiong Army. Why was Yao Feng acting so oddly? Yet King Qi Li Jingsui paid no mind, smiling as he stood and declared, "Yang Lian is the victor."

The Princess of Huairou’s eyes sparkled, a faint smile curving her lips. This fellow was lucky indeed.

Empress Zhong frowned deeply and asked, "What’s going on here?"

Li Jing frowned too. "Both Yang Lian and Yao Feng belong to the Divine Martial Army. Could it be that Yao Feng lost deliberately on Bian Hao’s orders?"

Empress Zhong shook her head, unconvinced, but Yao Feng’s defeat was an undeniable fact, leaving her no words.

After stepping down, Yang Lian sought out Bian Hao. "Commander Bian, what’s the meaning of this? I thought Yao Feng was acting on your instructions."

Bian Hao shook his head. "I don’t know what’s going on either. Perhaps only Yao Feng himself knows."

At that moment, Yao Feng approached, head hung low and dejected, and bowed before Bian Hao. "Commander Bian."

"What’s going on, Yao Feng?" Bian Hao asked, displeased.

"My health was poor, and I accidentally fell from my horse," Yao Feng replied. "Commander Yang, I accept my defeat wholeheartedly."

Bian Hao wanted to question him further, but Yao Feng seemed unwilling to say more. After a moment, Bian Hao dismissed him with a wave. Yang Lian stood by, utterly speechless. What on earth was Yao Feng trying to do?

The first day ended with the completion of eight matches. Yang Lian, Lin Renzhao, Zhou Hongzuo, and others advanced to the next round, along with the mysterious Black Armor Cavalry. No further draws were held that day; no one knew who their next opponents would be.

As the armies dispersed, many soldiers eagerly discussed the prowess of the Black Armor Cavalry, while simultaneously looking down on Yang Lian’s victory as a mere stroke of luck.

Just as Yang Lian was about to return to the Divine Martial Army’s camp, Li Jingsui sent for him. Yang Lian ordered Lin Renzhao and Chen Tie to return first and went to meet the prince alone.

Li Jingsui’s residence near the pavilion was lavishly decorated, with exquisite Shu brocade covering the floors and red candles illuminating the room like daylight. Even a hunting lodge was this extravagant—only in the prosperous Tang Empire.

Led by a eunuch, Yang Lian entered and bowed deeply. "Commander Yang Lian pays his respects to King Qi."

Li Jingsui waved him off and got straight to the point. "What happened today? The announcement of your victory is one thing, but I also sensed something strange."

Yang Lian shook his head. "Your Majesty, I have no idea what’s on Yao Feng’s mind."

"Where there is abnormality, there is surely mischief," Li Jingsui warned. "You must be careful."

"Your Majesty’s warning is well taken. I will remain vigilant," Yang Lian promised.

Li Jingsui narrowed his eyes, studying him intently. Yang Lian felt a chill and quickly asked, "Your Majesty, do you think there’s something wrong with my reputation?"

"The matter of yesterday’s hunt—Huairou already informed me," Li Jingsui said slowly. "Who was that man?"

Yang Lian shook his head. Strange things had been happening lately; perhaps someone was targeting him. If this were true, Li Hongji was a likely suspect. Since the day Yang Lian’s relationship with King Qi was established, his rapport with Li Hongji had never improved.

However, as Yang Lian left, he learned some new information and relayed it to Lin Renzhao.

Lin Renzhao was equally shocked. "What? The Black Armor Cavalry is Li Hongji and his men?"

"Renzhao, Li Hongji’s cavalry has immense striking power. Neither you nor I have enough cavalry to counter them. If we face them in battle, it will be very difficult," Yang Lian warned.

Lin Renzhao nodded. Cavalry in this era was nearly invincible, especially in open-field battles where their impact was greatest. "Unfortunately, in this exercise, no obstacles like stakes or deer horns could be set up. If the cavalry fully exerted their power, infantry—especially archers and crossbowmen—would be slaughtered."

Sure enough, on the second day’s draw, Li Hongji faced Zhou Hongzuo. As expected, Zhou Hongzuo was decisively defeated. Li Hongji skillfully utilized his cavalry’s mobility, striking Zhou’s flanks. Zhou repeatedly redeployed his troops to counter Li’s attacks, but after revealing a weakness, the cavalry broke through, and Zhou’s forces collapsed like a landslide.

Li Hongji’s mysterious cavalry instantly became the favorite to win the championship. Gambling soldiers secretly placed bets on the teams, setting odds: Black Armor Cavalry at even money, Yang Lian’s previous opponent at three to one, and Lin Renzhao’s odds similarly high.

Now, only four teams remained: Black Armor Cavalry, Yang Lian, Lin Renzhao, and Du Zhen, the commander of the Jiankang Army. The Divine Martial Army was fortunate to hold two of the four spots, but Bian Hao knew that at least one team would face the Black Armor Cavalry next day, with slim chances of victory.

Despite lengthy discussions between Lin Renzhao and Yang Lian, when Lin met the Black Armor Cavalry, he was decisively defeated. He had a chance, personally leading a surprise assault and nearly capturing Li Hongji’s command flag. But Li Hongji’s skill was extraordinary; he slew several Divine Martial soldiers in succession, protecting his banner. Lin Renzhao was soon surrounded, overwhelmed, and forced to retreat.

Yang Lian again “luckily” defeated Du Zhen. Though he reached the finals, no one favored him. His victories seemed too fortuitous. As a result, in the army’s betting pool, Yang Lian’s odds plummeted to five to one, while Li Hongji remained even money.

The betting was conducted secretly, its organizer unknown. Later, Yang Lian learned that Yao Feng was apparently one of the initiators—explaining why he lost. Yang Lian smiled faintly at Yao Feng’s greed.

Though disdainful of gambling, Yang Lian quietly placed a bet of ten taels of gold on himself. Wearing a black veil, many thought him mad. The Black Armor Cavalry was so formidable that infantry stood no chance; betting on Yang Lian to win now seemed lunacy.

Yet, since someone was willing to lose money, no one objected. Yang Lian placed the gold, took the receipt, and left without further words.

As he stepped out, Li Hongji swaggered over, followed by Zhu Lingyun and Zhou Hongzuo.

Yang Lian was momentarily taken aback, recalling Zhou Hongzuo’s earlier provocation. So this fellow had already sided with Li Hongji—that explained his poor attitude. Somehow, Li Hongji had learned of the betting and brought a hundred taels of gold to back Yang Lian’s victory. Unaware that the Black Armor Cavalry was Li Hongji, others grimaced and accepted the bet; Li Hongji’s wager was too large to refuse.

Zhu Lingyun and Zhou Hongzuo each produced tens of taels of gold as well; for them, gold was no rarity.

The final match—the grand finale—was scheduled for mid-afternoon. After lunch, soldiers rested to regain their strength. Yang Lian intended to rest as well but was summoned by King Qi, his worries mounting.

Li Hongji had always disliked Yang Lian. If he struck first tomorrow, who would King Qi find to explain to?

Li Jingsui hoped Yang Lian would forfeit. Having reached the finals and defeated several commanders in succession, Yang Lian had proven his worth. What was the difference between first and second place? As long as Yang Lian remained safe, his promotion would come in time. Li Jingsui did not want him injured.

Yang Lian pondered briefly but refused. Li Jingsui understood; Yang Lian was grateful but not one to flee before battle. Moreover, with countless eyes watching, retreat would brand him a coward, lowering his standing before the emperor.

Li Jingsui sighed, having anticipated this, and urged Yang Lian to be cautious.

As Yang Lian rose to leave, the Princess of Huairou appeared. Looking at him, she asked, "How confident are you about the upcoming match?"

"If I said seventy percent, would you believe me?" Yang Lian smiled.

The princess hesitated. "Seventy percent? Don’t lie to me."

"Why would I lie? I gain nothing from it," Yang Lian smiled faintly.

"Hmph!" The princess snorted coldly, stamping her foot as she walked away. This Yang Lian was far too confident. Everyone outside said the Black Armor Cavalry would surely win and that Yang Lian was doomed. Yet he claimed a seventy percent chance of victory—truly arrogant. She hoped he would lose, so he might learn there are always those stronger, beyond his reckoning.