Chapter 8: The Golden Age (8)

Since returning to Chang’an from the front lines in Longyou, Li Kuo had been overwhelmed with invitations. From princes and nobles in the residences of the Ten Kings to high-ranking officials and aristocratic youths in Chongren Fang, every influential figure offered him an invitation. As the old saying goes, “Years of hard study go unnoticed; once famous, the whole world knows.” Though warfare is vastly different from composing poetry, it shares one common trait: the winner is hailed as a hero, while the loser is seen as a villain. After all, aside from one’s parents, who would care about a poor scholar who spends his days reciting classics or a common soldier who merely carries flags and tends stoves?

Since the Wei, Jin, and Southern and Northern Dynasties, social status has been highly valued, leading to a situation where only aristocratic families held power while commoners had no chance to rise. Although the imperial examinations were introduced to replace the old system of selecting officials, could such a habit be changed in just a few days? Though the Tang Dynasty was prosperous and inclusive, and its emperor was wise and valiant, some standard was still needed to judge people. That standard was nothing but power and wealth—skills in both civil and military affairs that could be sold to the imperial family. How many could remain above this and live without greed?

Fame and wealth are like shackles that tightly bind people. Though cruel, they are somewhat fair. Li Kuo was a clear example of someone who rose from obscurity. Although his grandfather was the famous minister Li Shizhi, anyone in Chang’an who kept up with news knew that the Li family had declined after offending the right minister Li Linfu. In this city, wealth was as fleeting as smoke—just moments ago a nobleman might have been wealthy and honored, only to be destroyed the next moment.

Wasn’t the Li family a perfect example? As soon as Minister Li was convicted, his former students and friends quickly distanced themselves from him, fearing that someone might exploit his humble origins. Though the emperor showed mercy and did not exile his family, once people left, even distant relatives turned against them and cut off all ties. It is said that those who show loyalty are often commoners, while those who are unfaithful are often scholars. Though this may seem biased at first, it makes sense upon reflection. The more one studies, the more they think and weigh things. Bound by fame and wealth, how can they truly embody integrity? It is the honest and simple peasants who know how to be grateful.

Yet Li Kuo was a filial son. Seeing his mother weep silently, he resolved to live a worthy life. That’s why there was the spectacle of a thousand warhorses charging at Great Wall Fort, and why there was the dramatic battle in Tubo’s territory where water flooded Jiuqu City!

The villagers in Lane 23 by the lake all gave thumbs up, praising Captain Li while scolding their own sons to be like him—to keep their promises and live a decent life! (Note 1) It could be said that Captain Li had now become a heroic figure in the hearts of the people of Chang’an.

However, Li Kuo had no time to ponder the people of Chang’an’s thoughts. Ever since his “accidental” encounter with Gao Xiuyan at Yicui Tower, he felt as if a stone weighed on his chest, filled with unbearable depression.

After arranging things properly for the soldiers from the Tongwu, Xiongwu, and Zhenwu camps, the young man discussed next steps with his friends and confidants. Of course, under the emperor’s rule, Gao Xiuyan wouldn’t dare act rashly even if he had malicious intentions, but it was possible he might set a trap for him somewhere. After all, hypocrites are more terrifying than true villains. True villains confront you openly, while hypocrites sabotage you in secret.

Li Kuo was certainly not a coward. In fact, even if Gao Xiuyan didn’t come after him, he would go after Gao himself. Blood debts must be paid in blood—he had said it was a family feud before, but this time it was a national grievance! He was just waiting for an opportunity, a chance to strike a decisive blow.

At that moment, the Lady of Guo State sent him an invitation. After a brief thought, Li Kuo accepted it. If he could ally with the Yang family, it might not be impossible to confront Li Linfu.

The Yang family’s residence was in Xuanren Fang, and it didn’t take long for the group to get there on horseback. A dozen young men riding through the streets, though trying to stay low-key, still attracted some attention. When the onlookers saw that it was Captain Li, they praised him loudly. Without a loyal and brave general like Captain Li, the Tibetans might have taken advantage of the situation and reached the gates of Chang’an.

They admired capable people the most, and young heroes like Young Master Li were especially beloved.

Li Kuo thanked the villagers for their kindness with a mix of laughter and embarrassment, then turned his horse and entered the Yang residence through the side door.

“Good heavens, Captain Li is truly popular! I, Old Zhang, can’t even compare!”
Zhang Yanji was still shaken by the crowd of people from Chang’an and joked about Li Kuo to lighten the mood.

“Shut up, you’re trying to be smooth-talking too,” Li Kuo retorted, punching Zhang Yanji playfully.

Waiting at the entrance was Yang Ping, the manager of the Yang household. He was no stranger to these young men. Not to mention anything else, just the young master of the Li family had won great praise from the lady, who often mentioned him in front of others. How could Old Yang forget such a thing, even if his memory was poor?

With a cheerful smile, he bowed to the young gentlemen. Ping Bo said in a gentle tone, “The lady has been thinking of you all, and here you are. Please follow me to the inner hall.”
Zhang Yanji raised his eyebrows and said, “It’s true the lady must be thinking of Brother Kuo. We’re just here as accompaniment.”
“Oh, come now. All of you young gentlemen are outstanding talents, and the lady adores you all.”
Ping Bo’s words were as sweet as honey, each one more comforting than the last.
“I can’t argue with you. I’ll just consider this a free meal.”
Zhang Yanji spread his hands, pretending to be indifferent.
“Please, come in.”
Fu Bo extended an arm and led the way along the corridor toward the inner residence.
Previously, he hadn’t had much fondness for these young gentlemen, thinking of them as nothing but rich heirs who relied on their family’s influence to live a carefree life. But a series of good news reports from the front lines completely changed the old man’s view of them.
Though young, these gentlemen were ambitious and brave—sure to become remarkable figures in the future!
The group chatted and laughed as they entered the inner residence.
Fu Bo bowed slightly and said, “Please wait a moment. I’ll go inform the lady.”
Li Kuo nodded in response and waited outside the wooden door with Zhang Yanji and the others.
Although they had been to Yang’s residence during the banquet hosted by the Lady of Guo State before, entering through the side door this time gave them a different feeling.
The last banquet was held by the Tan River, so the estate naturally had a more serene atmosphere. Whether it was the Bohuang Pavilion or the Maple Forest Crossing, both were breathtakingly beautiful. Combined with the magnificent buildings, it exuded an air of regal elegance and imperial grandeur.
But the small courtyard they reached through the side corridor resembled a simple fence in the mountains or a bamboo hut in the woods. Though it lacked a sense of wealth, it was fresh and elegant.
“Seventh Brother!”
Still immersed in the beauty of the estate, Li Kuo was pulled back to reality by a clear voice.
He looked up slightly, and a moon-white robe immediately caught his eye.
“Pei Hui!”
Li Kuo smiled and shook his head, stepping forward to greet him.
At first glance, Li Kuo almost didn’t recognize him. Though only a year had passed since they last parted, Pei Hui had changed greatly. During their last debate about the war in Longyou, Pei Hui had argued forcefully, but both mentally and in demeanor, he still seemed like a child.
Now, though he was still thin and had fair skin, Pei Hui carried the composure and confidence of a mature man. He had heard that he had married the lady of Yong’an County—perhaps marriage truly could make a person mature.

“Seventh Brother, you’ve finally arrived. Mother has been talking about you nonstop, and Wei’er also wants to see with her own eyes the great hero mentioned by the people of Chang’an.”
Pei Hui’s face was filled with joy.
“Wei’er?”
Li Kuo was momentarily stunned, clearly confused by this title.
“Oh, look at me, look at me! I was so distracted that I forgot to introduce her to you.”
Pei Hui paused for a moment: “Wei’er is my wife…”
“So she’s the lady of Yong’an County.”
Li Kuo suddenly understood and shook his head.
“Don’t stand at the door. Let’s talk inside.”
Pei Hui grabbed Li Kuo’s wrist and pulled him inside, saying as they walked, “Seventh Brother, you have no idea—after you left for over ten months, I was extremely worried. I heard from veterans who returned from Longyou that it’s been snowing continuously in the Chilin region, so much so that even geese don’t fly there. The Tubo are even more barbaric, eating raw meat and swallowing bones whole.”
Looking up at Li Kuo, Pei Hui’s throat tightened as she trembled and said, “I heard that along the Chilin mountain paths, there’s a grave at every step—overall are the dried bones of Tang soldiers. I was terrified, truly terrified…”
“Good brother!”
Li Kuo’s eyes moistened as he firmly patted Pei Hui’s still somewhat youthful arm with his calloused right hand.