Chapter Two: Belated Realization

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Emperor Li Longji stared at Guo Yuanzhen in astonishment, exclaiming, “If Wang Maozhong is not fit for this critical task, then who else could be?” Li Longji was well acquainted with Wang Maozhong’s abilities. When Wang was young, his entire family was enslaved by the authorities due to his father’s crimes, and he became a servant in Li Longji’s household, where he quickly distinguished himself. Recognizing Wang’s sharp intellect and bravery, especially his skill with the bow, Li Longji held him in high regard. Wang Maozhong had not disappointed him, performing exceptionally well. During the Tanglong coup three years prior, it was thanks to the support of the ten thousand cavalry soldiers led by Wang that Li Longji succeeded. He could never have imagined that Guo Yuanzhen would deem him unfit for this responsibility.

Guo Yuanzhen shook his head. “Wang Maozhong is brave, but not truly a master. As far as I know, Chang Yuankai’s bodyguards all come from the martial underworld—they are renowned figures. Both Chang Yuankai and Li Ci are veteran soldiers, each with their own means of self-defense. Should anything go awry, the two could summon the Yulin Army to retaliate, ruining all previous efforts.”

Li Longji had no doubt about Guo Yuanzhen’s words. Such a detailed and comprehensive plan could not have been devised in such a short time; clearly, Guo had been plotting this for some time, having gained thorough understanding beforehand. Such foresight was indeed remarkable.

“Does anyone here have a suitable candidate?” Li Longji asked, unable to come up with a name himself.

Wei Zhigu, Wang Ju, and Cui Riyong exchanged glances but could not answer. If asked about talent, they might name one or two people. But when it came to martial prowess, none were experts or acquainted with fighters, so they were at a loss.

In Guo’s mind, the image of Pei Min’s gallant sword dance at the martial examination arose. Thinking of how Pei had defeated every skilled contestant on the arena, he said, “I have someone in mind, but—”

“Who?” Li Longji asked eagerly. Wei Zhigu, Wang Ju, and Cui Riyong looked impatiently at Guo, thinking, If you have someone, just say it—why the suspense?

“Pei Min,” Guo replied.

...

“Pei Min? The top scorer of this year’s imperial examination?” Wei Zhigu looked strangely at Guo.

Wang Ju was stunned. “Isn’t he a scholar?”

Cui Riyong also said, “Pei Min can fight?”

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Li Longji also recalled the passionate sword dance on the flower boat that day and felt somewhat surprised.

Even at their high ranks, they had heard of Pei Min’s reputation: his brilliance and charm were widely praised, but his martial skills were rarely mentioned, apart from his sword-themed essay title. None of them knew that writing with a sword required extraordinary swordsmanship.

Guo nodded. “Your Majesty, gentlemen, you may not know—Pei Min excels in both literature and martial arts. At this year’s martial examination, he was the only one awarded the highest distinction. There were five successful martial candidates, but only he earned this special honor.”

Li Longji, Wei Zhigu, Wang Ju, and Cui Riyong were momentarily bewildered. They couldn’t immediately grasp this: passing the literary exam and then taking the martial exam—didn’t everyone know that the top literary scholar’s status far exceeded the martial exceptional distinction?

Upon reflection, they were all shocked: the top literary scholar plus the sole top martial candidate—wasn’t that the equivalent of a double champion in both literature and martial arts? Such glory was unprecedented.

Li Longji was the first to speak with some admiration, “When I heard his answers during the examination, I knew his strategy was rare. I intended to recruit and promote him, but I never expected him to be so versatile.”

Guo nodded. “I met him today and found him sharp-minded, with far-reaching vision—not bound by tradition but full of novel ideas. Truly a rare find. However, Princess Taiping has already won him over, even gifting him her priceless mansion. Whether he will serve us, I cannot be certain.”

Wang Ju said, “I’ve heard about this as well. Rumor has it Pei Min has an intimate relationship with Princess Taiping. If that’s true, seeking his help may be courting disaster.”

Li Longji’s expression darkened. When Pei Min performed on the flower boat, he had wanted to invite him aboard for a talk but was restrained by circumstances. He had planned to speak with Pei Min thoroughly once he reported to the Ministry of War, but Princess Taiping beat him to it. Had he still been crown prince or Prince of Linzi, he wouldn’t have been so passive. Had he known Pei Min was a master of both literature and martial arts, he would never have let him slip away. Now, he deeply regretted it.

Guo said, “It’s true that Princess Taiping favors Pei Min, but I’m not convinced of his loyalty to her. Though my contact with him is limited, I see that he is calculating and insightful; he likely won’t decide his future lightly. As for the rumors about a private relationship with Princess Taiping, I believe them to be false. I trust Elder Xue’s judgment. Xue has been in Chang’an for nearly a month. I tried to invite him for a drink and sent a formal invitation, but learned he had been a guest at Pei Min’s residence. Only yesterday did he reply to arrange a meeting. Now it seems the martial examination is near, and Xue is personally encouraging Pei Min. Knowing Xue’s integrity, if Pei Min truly had an affair with Princess Taiping, how could Xue remain indifferent?”

A spark of hope lit in Li Longji’s heart. He said solemnly, “This matter is of great importance and cannot be taken lightly. Guo Gong is acquainted with Xue Gong; you should contact him. Xue Gong is loyal and devoted to the country—worthy of my trust and this responsibility. Share our plans with him and consult together. When Pei Min enters service, I will meet him personally.” Then he looked at Wei Zhigu, Wang Ju, and Cui Riyong. “I cannot place all my hopes on Pei Min alone. You may also seek suitable candidates yourselves, but remember, be cautious and discreet. No mistakes, and nothing must leak about today’s matters. Once you find the right person, act immediately.”

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After Pei Min was awarded the martial top scorer, he did not return directly to his residence but went to He Zhizhang’s home to invite He Zhizhang and Zhang Xu to his place for a celebratory drink. He missed drinking with his two elder brothers, having not done so for a month due to the martial examination.

He Zhizhang, having been promoted to Director of the Ministry of Rites for his excellent handling of the imperial examinations, was busy with affairs. Zhang Xu’s whereabouts were unknown, possibly wandering in some tavern. Neither was at home.

Pei Min left a message and returned to his residence to report first to Xue Ne and Liu Shenwei.

Both Xue Ne and Liu Shenwei were delighted at Pei Min’s success.

Xue Ne looked at Pei Min, who wore a somewhat triumphant expression, and recalled their first meeting at the Grand Commandant’s residence. It was impressive how, in just one year, the once somewhat inexperienced young man had grown into a figure of unique bearing. A double champion in literature and martial arts was truly extraordinary. Hearing the rumors circulating in the city, he hesitated and asked, “What is your relationship with Princess Taiping?”

Pei Min was momentarily stunned. “No relationship! The princess wanted to recruit me, and I intended to brush her off, but she was ruthless and forcibly drew me into her faction.”

Xue Ne hesitated for a moment. “So you don’t have that kind of relationship with her?”

Pei Min didn’t immediately understand what kind of relationship was meant. After a long pause, he finally realized—belatedly—that the rumors were already widespread, and in everyone’s eyes, he was already linked with Princess Taiping.