Chapter 11 | Imperial Pardon

Sun Simiao and Li Jing had entered the palace over a dozen times to treat Emperor Yang Jian. Through Sun's medical treatments and the thirteen health-preserving techniques he taught—combing hair, exercising the eyes, tapping teeth, rinsing with saliva, massaging ears, washing the face, shaking the head, swaying the waist, kneading the abdomen, contracting the anus, twisting knees, walking, and rubbing feet—the emperor's ailments were cured, and his vitality greatly restored.

One day, Yang Jian summoned Sun and Li to the palace, stating: "The Crown Prince has reported Li Jing's case to us. Upon thorough review, given Li Jing's youth and minor offenses, death would be an excessive punishment. Moreover, under Master Sun's tutelage, his unruly nature has been tempered. However, imperial law is no trifle—several unresolved deaths require further investigation before final judgment. We grant Li Jing provisional pardon to redeem himself through service. He may first return home to visit his parents. When opportunities for meritorious deeds arise, the court will summon him accordingly."

Sun and Li knelt in gratitude. Li Jing understood this pardon stemmed from the emperor's gratitude for Sun's medical services.

Pleased, Yang Jian gifted Sun Simiao a golden urn from his desk. Sun accepted but requested writing materials instead, which the emperor granted. After they departed, Yang Jian sighed to his attendants: "Master Sun is truly a national treasure!" Though unspoken, his concern for his illegitimate child remained. Sun's noble character and peerless medical skills made him a model mentor. While the child of Ouyang Ji might never achieve greatness, living in mountain seclusion could be a blessing. Thus, Yang Jian abandoned his initial plans to appoint Sun as Imperial Academy Scholar or Chief Imperial Physician.

Bidding farewell to the Crown Prince, Sun and Li retrieved their swords at the city gates. Changsun Sheng caught up on horseback, dismounting to bow: "I requested Master's descent from the mountains and should escort your return. However, I've received orders to depart immediately as envoy to the Turks. My debt to Master must wait."

Sun returned the courtesy: "General need not dwell on this. Your previous strategies divided and balanced Turkic tribes. This mission will surely avert war and bring peace to the borderlands. I thank you on behalf of the people." He bowed deeply.

The Turkic Khaganate, northern powerhouse, had been fractured through Changsun's "befriend distant, attack near; divide strong, unite weak" strategy. By allying with western Dato Khagan and eastern Tuli Khagan while isolating Shabolüe Khagan (whose queen was Northern Zhou's Princess Qianjin), Sui had turned the nomads against each other. Now Changsun's mission aimed to formalize Shabolüe's submission, securing northern peace for southern conquests.

Changsun declared: "Though dwelling in mountains, Master observes world affairs and cares for commoners—a boon to Sui. I shall fulfill both imperial command and your expectations." Turning to Li Jing: "With pardon granted, what are your plans?"

Li Jing bowed: "After long absence, I shall return to serve my parents." Producing the iron pass token Changsun had given him earlier, he offered its return.

"Keep it," Changsun advised. "Opportunities may arise for you to seek the secret manuals and serve the nation."

Parting ways, Li Jing offered to escort Sun back to Mount Taibai. Sun declined: "I must urgently organize Ouyang's medical texts. We'll meet again when fate permits."

"But Master—how will you manage alone in the wilderness?" Li Jing fretted.

Sun smiled: "I need little—no fame, no burdens. This token serves you better." He pressed Yang Jian's bestowed pardon token into Li Jing's hand. "The emperor tacitly permits my guardianship of Tiangang. But you—Prince Jin's enmity persists. This may save your life someday."

Accepting reluctantly, Li Jing watched Sun's figure disappear down the road before galloping toward Sanyuan.

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Li Quan and Lady Han were stunned when their third son suddenly appeared. Having mourned him as dead after the Mount Wu disaster, Lady Han had wept daily until gaunt. Now seeing her son safe, she pinched herself repeatedly, fearing a dream.

Three years had transformed Li Jing into a strapping youth taller than his second brother Li Zhuang. After reuniting with his siblings—bookish Li Zhuang, steady Li Ai, boisterous Keshi, and shy Zhengming—the brothers soon dispersed, leaving Li Jing alone with his parents.

Through tears, Li Jing recounted his adventures (omitting Meiniang), while Li Quan observed: "Those destined for greatness endure childhood trials. Consider Li Yuan—orphaned at seven when his father Li Bing died as Duke of Tang. Through study and travel, he won General Dou Yi's daughter by shooting painted peacock eyes—a feat dozens of nobles failed."

Li Jing recalled meeting Li Yuan at court: "He's now the Emperor's personal guard commander."

Nodding, Li Quan continued: "As maternal nephew to Empress Dugu, Li Yuan is cousin to princes yet keeps distance. At twenty-six, he's already sixth-rank—his future boundless." Mentioning Prince Jin, he glanced meaningfully at his son.

Li Jing understood—his near-death stemmed from protecting Tiangang and his affair with Meiniang. Lady Han interjected: "This February, Prince Jin's consort bore a son named Yang Zhao. The Emperor dotes on him, unlike Crown Prince's firstborn."

Li Jing's heart clenched. Meiniang's vows now meant nothing. Confessing the affair, he bowed shamefaced.

Li Quan sighed: "We guessed. Court struggles between princes surpass battlefield dangers. Having survived these trials, you're no child. Whether you stay or wander, we won't hinder."

"I'll study at home and serve my parents," Li Jing vowed. Lady Han rejoiced while Li Quan hid his doubts.

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Li Jing immersed himself in study—philosophy, military strategy, medicine—with preternatural focus. Three years honed him into a formidable scholar-warrior. When Lady Han proposed marriage, he refused.

One autumn afternoon after sword practice, Li Quan summoned him: "Your skills surpass your eldest brother's. Now tell me—your life's ambition?"

"Through study I see my former ignorance. A true man should seize opportunities to achieve greatness and honor."

Li Quan nodded: "Your brothers have their paths. You—though flawless these three years—nurse hidden wounds. Today I tell you: Western Liang has fallen. Two years ago, Emperor Xiao Kui died. His successor Xiao Cong was summoned to court as Duke of Ju while Sui troops garrisoned Jiangling. Princes Xiao Yan and Xiao Huan defected to Chen with 100,000 subjects."

Li Jing started—Xiao Yue's fate now hung in balance. 

"With Jiangling's strategic barrier gone," Li Quan concluded, "Sui moves against Chen."

Li Quan said, "Third Nephew, you are absolutely right. However, the Chen Kingdom occupies half of the empire, with abundant resources and a vast army. To conquer it in one stroke, we face many obstacles—the natural barrier of the Yangtze River, the strongholds of enemy troops, and the fortified city of Jiankang are all tough challenges. Therefore, the three key elements are the navy, siege warfare, and city conquest. Our dynasty has already mastered the crucial 'Wang Family Ship Manual,' allowing us to build a large fleet. Three years ago, the Emperor ordered your uncle to retrieve the 'Secret Manual of Offense,' so our offensive capabilities are solid. As for the 'Secret Manual of Tunnel Warfare,' General Changsun tasked you with finding it three years ago, but without success. If anyone can find this manual, they will surely make a great contribution to the Sui dynasty."

Li Jing replied, "At that time on Mount Wu, there were indeed clues, but Hua Qingfeng died in the earthquake, cutting off the trail. Later, General Changsun never mentioned it again."

Li Quan asked, "Did you see Hua Qingfeng's body with your own eyes?"

Li Jing shook his head.

Li Quan said, "Back then, when rumors spread that you had died on Mount Wu, your mother wept day and night, but I still held onto hope. As the saying goes, 'If someone is alive, you must see them; if they are dead, you must see their body.' Since you managed to escape, why couldn't Hua Qingfeng? Although his legs were broken, he had two maidservants with him, both skilled in martial arts. It's not impossible that they escaped."

Li Jing's heart stirred. If Hua Qingfeng was still alive, the trail wasn't completely lost. "Father, do you think I should continue searching for the ancient secret manual?"

"If you want to serve the nation and achieve greatness, you have no other choice," Li Quan said. "In the third year of the Kaihuang era, the court revised the military conscription age from eighteen to twenty-one. Unless you are a royal relative like Li Yuan or a nobleman's son, all other officials and commoners must abide by this law. You are only seventeen this year, so joining the army isn't an option. However, if you miss this once-in-a-century opportunity to unify the north and south, it will be difficult to achieve great deeds in the future."

Li Jing's ambition was ignited by his father's words: "How can I sit idly by and miss such an opportunity? But Mother will likely be reluctant to let me leave home."

Li Quan said, "What mother would willingly let her child go off to danger? But as a man, even if you cannot gallop across battlefields, you must travel far and wide. How can you waste your years in sorrow, confined to a humble home? Don't worry about your mother—I'll handle her. If you are determined to leave, go tonight at midnight. Don't tell your mother, or she'll cry and make a scene."

Li Jing made up his mind. That night, in the third watch, when the household was asleep, he packed a simple bag, took the Lone Star Sword, and left. Li Quan had already arranged for the mute servant to wait outside with a horse. The autumn wind had just begun to blow, the moonlight was bright, and the shadows of the trees danced on the ground. Li Jing knelt and bowed to his father, then mounted the horse and galloped toward Chang'an.