Volume One, Chapter 19: A Messenger from the Palace

Li Tianqing dared not slacken for even a moment each day, gradually adapting to this intense regime of training. The trace of frailty that once clung to him slowly vanished, replaced by an aura of vibrant vitality. Lin, the steward, observed these changes in Li Tianqing with keen eyes. A flicker of admiration crossed Lin’s gaze, though it was quickly concealed.

Twenty days slipped by in the blink of an eye. By now, Li Tianqing had been completely transformed, his entire being turned inside out. Throughout these twenty days, he endured rigorous training, his physical strength improving by leaps and bounds. Lin stood aside, watching Li Tianqing practice martial arts, his expression complex.

Li Tianqing, clad in a form-fitting black outfit, stood in the training yard, a long sword in hand that danced like a dragon through the air. The blade flickered and flashed cold light, the sound of swordplay ringing through the yard. Xue Tai and Lu Chuan stood nearby, nodding in approval, their faces alight with praise.

Li Tianqing’s sword technique flowed like water, executed in one seamless breath, the method radiating a faintly sharp and resolute energy. Suddenly, he thrust the sword forward, its tip whistling as it pierced the air and struck the wooden stake before him. The stake shattered instantly.

“Excellent!” The two cried out in unison.

“Your Highness possesses extraordinary talent and progresses at a remarkable pace. Truly, you inspire our admiration!”

After a month together, the two had grown familiar with Li Tianqing. The more they watched, the more astonished they became—this Prince Jing was no ordinary man!

Li Tianqing sheathed his sword, a faint smile curling at his lips.

“You flatter me—it is thanks to your guidance.”

“Oh, we dare not claim any credit. Your Highness is so clever and quick to learn; we have done very little,” Xue Tai and Lu Chuan replied hurriedly.

Just then, Steward Lin trotted over.

“Your Highness, Eunuch Lin from His Majesty’s side has arrived.”

Li Tianqing frowned slightly at the news, then relaxed, a smile appearing on his face.

“Please invite Eunuch Lin to wait in the front hall for a moment. I’ll change my clothes and come at once.”

Steward Lin acknowledged and withdrew, while Xue Tai and Lu Chuan wisely refrained from following. Li Tianqing returned to his chamber, changed his clothes, tidied himself briefly, and made his way to the front hall.

There sat a middle-aged man with a pale, beardless face, leisurely sipping tea. This was none other than Eunuch Lin, a favored attendant beside the Emperor.

Li Tianqing entered the front hall, wearing a perfectly measured smile.

“Eunuch Lin, you’ve come from afar. Forgive me for not greeting you sooner,” Li Tianqing said with a smile.

Eunuch Lin set down his teacup. “Your Highness is too polite. I come on His Majesty’s orders to deliver an imperial decree.”

Li Tianqing immediately knelt.

Eunuch Lin drew a bright yellow scroll from his sleeve and slowly unfurled it.

“By the mandate of heaven, the Emperor decrees: Prince Jing, Li Tianqing, is modest, perceptive, intelligent, and studious, deeply favored in Our heart. We hereby appoint Li Tianqing as the envoy of Great Zhou, to travel to the capital of Northern Yan and negotiate matters of state between our two nations. Thus is Our will!”

Li Tianqing accepted the decree and gave thanks. “Your son obeys the imperial command.”

He inwardly scoffed at the decree’s wording—how artfully it disguised sending a hostage prince, making it sound like a grand honor. Anyone unaware might think he was off to enjoy himself in Northern Yan.

Eunuch Lin, having finished his announcement, smiled amiably at Li Tianqing.

Li Tianqing bowed in gratitude. “I will not fail in what Father has entrusted to me. I shall serve diligently and accomplish this task.”

Eunuch Lin’s eyes flashed with a barely perceptible mockery, though his face remained cheerful.

“Your Highness is truly obedient and sensible. When I return to the palace, I shall report everything faithfully to His Majesty. His Majesty asks you to attend tomorrow’s morning court.”

“I obey, thank you, Eunuch Lin. But as I currently hold no official position, how should I participate in court?” Li Tianqing asked respectfully, though with apparent confusion.

Eunuch Lin’s smile grew broader, but a hint of disdain flickered in his eyes.

“Your Highness need not forget, you are Prince Jing of Great Zhou—a royal kinsman is naturally entitled to attend court.”

Li Tianqing nodded as if suddenly enlightened.

“No need to worry, Your Highness. I will make all the arrangements; you need only arrive at the palace on time,” Steward Lin assured him.

“Thank you, Steward Lin. I was just fretting over this,” Li Tianqing said, patting his own head.

Eunuch Lin chuckled. “In that case, I’ll return to the palace and report. Prepare yourself, Your Highness—do not be late for tomorrow’s court.”

“Safe travels, Eunuch. I won’t trouble you with a long farewell,” Li Tianqing said as he rose to escort him.

Watching Eunuch Lin’s departing figure, the smile faded from Li Tianqing’s face, replaced by a shadow of gloom.

That old eunuch—so pretentious, so utterly false!

...

Within the imperial palace.

An old Taoist sat on a meditation cushion, sweat streaming down his face. His hair was white, yet his features youthful and vigorous; he wore a robe adorned with the eight trigrams, and held a horsetail whisk, his appearance exuding a celestial aura.

At that moment, the Taoist was reciting incantations, holding the whisk, before a massive alchemical furnace from which fragrant aromas wafted, refreshing all who inhaled.

Beside the Taoist, the Emperor of Zhou sat with eyes half-closed, basking in the scent of the elixir, his expression utterly enraptured. He was entirely immersed in the fragrance, as if he already beheld himself immortal.

With a look of pure enjoyment, the Emperor spoke,

“Master, this elixir is truly miraculous. Each day I take it, I feel lighter and stronger—such indescribable delight!”

The Taoist stroked his beard, his tone mysterious and profound. “Your Majesty flatters me. It is only Your Majesty’s boundless fortune; I but lend my humble efforts.”

“This elixir is fortunate indeed to win Your Majesty’s favor!” the Taoist continued his flattery.

The Emperor was overjoyed by the Taoist’s words, unable to contain his smile.

“Master, you are indeed a sage, your elixirs extraordinary. I regret not meeting you sooner!” the Emperor exclaimed with genuine admiration.

The Taoist joined in his laughter.

“Your Majesty, the elixir is ready. Please partake.”

The Taoist rose, took a jade bowl, and poured out the elixir from the furnace. He cupped the bowl reverently and approached the Emperor.

The Emperor accepted the bowl, gazing at the pill that emitted a faint medicinal fragrance, his eyes gleaming with fervor. Unable to wait, he swallowed the pill in a single gulp.

The Taoist watched as the Emperor took the elixir, a subtle smile appearing at the corner of his mouth.

As the pill entered his stomach, the Emperor felt a warm current flow down his throat and spread through his body, a sensation of indescribable comfort and ease.

He breathed deeply, feeling invigorated and refreshed. He quickly summoned a eunuch, “Tonight I shall stay in the Consort’s palace.”

At that moment, the Emperor felt twenty years younger, his entire body brimming with inexhaustible energy.