Chapter 15: Music and Songs (I)

Not long after entering the Zichen Hall, Gao Delun stepped out slowly, carrying a dustpan.
“Your Majesty summons General Li and Lord Yang for an audience!”
“Your servant Yang Zhao and Your servant Li Kuo obey the order!”
The two bowed together and received the emperor’s instructions.
“General Li, when you meet the emperor, you must know what to say and what not to say.”
After delivering Li Longji’s message, Gao Delun stepped closer and offered his advice.
It was the young man’s first time entering the inner palace to see the emperor, so he needed clear guidance on proper etiquette.
“Thank you for your reminder, Eunuch Gao!”
The youth nodded at Gao Delun before entering the Zichen Hall with Yang Zhao.
The Zichen Hall was one of the three main halls in the Daming Palace and the largest in the inner court. As the emperor’s resting place, since Emperor Gaozong, most emperors of the Tang Dynasty had used it to review documents and rest. However, after ascending the throne, the current emperor renovated the Xingqing Prince’s Mansion into Xingqing Palace. This palace was considered a place where dragons lurked, and even a wise emperor like him had to show some reverence for supernatural matters. Moreover, since Xingqing Palace was close to the market areas, it allowed the emperor to understand the people’s conditions, so he built the Qinzhi Gongben Building to encourage himself. As a result, the emperor spent most of the year in Xingqing Palace, visiting the Daming Palace less often.
But these days, as a grand ceremony was held to reward soldiers who had served well in Longyou, the emperor moved back to the Daming Palace with the imperial concubine. The Zichen Hall, which was rarely cleaned, was instantly refreshed, even the stone beasts in front of the hall appeared more vibrant.
The Zichen Hall was divided into five sections using nanmu wood. The central section was the largest and used by the emperor to temporarily convene important officials for discussions. The two adjacent sections served as resting areas for the emperor. The sections on the far sides were used for the emperor’s bodyguards to stay overnight. Since the emperor did not reside in the Zichen Hall permanently, the side halls were not renovated; only the main hall was freshly painted.
Having just ended the morning court session, the emperor was quite tired and clearly did not want to receive Li Kuo and the others in the main hall.
So Li Longji instructed Gao Delun to take them directly to the East Resting Pavilion.
Li Kuo closely followed Gao Delun’s steps, fearing he might make a mistake that violated etiquette, while Yang Zhao appeared much more composed. It was no wonder—the young man had last entered the palace during a polo match a year ago. Even though he had the chance to see the emperor back then, he had never entered the inner palace. Now, facing an imperial summons and entering the hall, he was naturally a bit nervous.
“Your Majesty, General Li and Lord Yang have arrived.”

Gao Delun stepped through a screen, bent down, and knelt in reverence.
“Oh, have them come in.”
Li Longji was clearly in a good mood, his tone warm.
“Please, come in, both of you.”
Gao Delun nodded at the two people beside him and smiled faintly.
“Your subjects, Yang Zhao and Li Kuo, pay their respects to Your Majesty, wishing you a long life!”
The two entered the East Warm Pavilion and knelt together, reciting their oaths.
“Stand up, my loyal ministers.”
Li Longji nodded and waved his arm lightly.
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
Yang Zhao stood up first and bowed, saying, “Your Majesty looks even healthier today. In my humble opinion, you could now kill a fierce tiger with your bare hands!”
“Oh?”
Li Longji was momentarily surprised before laughing heartily. “Good job, Yang Zhao. You may not have learned much else, but you’re quite good at flattery. Well, it does make me feel comfortable.”
“I speak only the truth, without any falsehoods. Please judge fairly, Your Majesty.”
Yang Zhao’s words sounded sweet as if coated in honey, pleasing to hear.
“Enough. I have no time for your flattery. Today, I’ve brought a teacher here for my beloved concubine.”
Li Longji stroked his beard and looked at Li Kuo with pride.
Yang Zhao nodded knowingly and nudged the young man with his elbow. Only then did Li Kuo realize Yang Zhao wanted him to speak up. He bowed and said, “Your subject, Li Kuo, is willing to serve Your Majesty wholeheartedly!”
“Ah!”
Li Longji waved his hand. “I don’t need you to risk your life. As long as you’re willing to teach my Yu Huan archery wholeheartedly, I will reward you generously.”
“I shall obey your orders!”
“Mm.”
Li Longji nodded. “I’ve heard General Li is an excellent archer, often killing enemy commanders during battles. When Yu Huan heard this, she insisted that you teach her archery. After much pleading, I finally agreed. General Li, you’ll need to put in extra effort.”
“Your Concubine is intelligent and talented; she’ll surely learn quickly!”
Li Kuo didn’t dare overstate his claims and quickly replied.
“Mm.”
Li Longji nodded, pleased. It seemed this young man named Li Kuo was indeed a promising talent—skilled in both civil and military affairs, knowing when to advance or retreat, sensible, and utterly loyal. Such a person was rare among the young people in the capital, and he must be put to good use.
“Third Brother, I just heard someone speaking ill of me.”
Yang Yu Huan emerged from the inner room, surrounded by ladies, wearing a long lake-blue dress that trailed on the ground. She gracefully sat down beside Li Longji.

She picked up a Gaochang grape, peeled it, and placed it in Li Longji’s mouth. Yang Yuhuan softly repeated, “Just now, I heard someone complaining about me, Third Brother…” Her coquettish words made Li Longji’s heart tingle. He smiled and said, “Who spoke ill of our Yuhuan? I’ll settle this for you.” Yang Yuhuan turned away, seemingly annoyed, and complained, “Your Majesty is so mean. It was clearly you who complained about me just now, yet now you’re shifting the blame.” “Oh?” Li Longji then remembered that his words did indeed imply that, so he went along with it and said, “Hmm, it’s my fault. I volunteer to drink three cups as punishment.” With that, he picked up a jade cup from the table nearby and downed a full cup of fine wine. “Your Majesty, be careful of your health!” Yang Yuhuan immediately grabbed Li Longji’s right hand and said calmly, “The imperial physician said you should drink at most one cup per day. Don’t overdo it.” “Alright, I’ll do as Yuhuan says. Just one cup.” Li Longji’s face was filled with joy. Spending time with Consort Yang made him feel ten years younger. “Your Majesty, you still haven’t said how you’ll punish yourself.” Yang Yuhuan wasn’t willing to let Li Longji get away so easily. She gently stroked his cheek with her delicate hand. “Oh? What do you suggest I do as punishment, my beloved?” “Hehe.” Yang Yuhuan turned around and gazed at him affectionately, “Punish Your Majesty by having a archery competition with General Li. If you lose, I won’t allow you into the room tonight.” Her smile was like blooming peach blossoms, exuding endless charm.