Volume Three: The Turmoil at Xuanwu Gate Chapter 104: The Gift of the Sword

Inside the Prince Qi’s mansion, An Hai led Li Shimin, Ming Yu, and Yuchi Gong to Li Yuanji’s study. After serving tea and pastries, he respectfully took his leave.

Nearly half an hour passed before Li Yuanji, having bathed and changed, finally arrived, his pace unhurried and leisurely.

At this moment, Li Yuanji’s demeanor was completely different from his earlier attitude at the martial arena. He strode in briskly, a smile playing on his lips. Upon entering, he cupped his hands and bowed deeply to Li Shimin, adopting a humble tone.

“Second Brother, I sincerely apologize for earlier. You know well that since childhood, I have been hot-tempered and quick to anger—once sparked, I flare up easily. Today my mood was troubled, so I spoke with arrogance and rudeness. Upon reflection in a calmer state, I realize how wrong I was! I deeply regret neglecting you, Second Brother, and I hope you won’t take offense.” Saying this, he bent low, preparing to kowtow in apology.

Though Li Yuanji’s words were flowery and his expression perfectly practiced, Ming Yu frowned sharply beside Li Shimin. Li Yuanji’s sudden shift from arrogance to humility was too stark, leaving a sense of unease. Every angle suggested insincerity—a palpable undercurrent of false affection and deceit.

Ming Yu quickly exchanged a knowing glance with Li Shimin, silently warning, “Second Uncle, don’t be fooled by him. This man is no good—his back-and-forth attitude reeks of duplicity. There’s surely something sinister beneath.”

Who was Li Shimin? His eyes missed nothing. Among emperors through the ages, none were more discerning or skilled at judging character than he. He would not be taken in by Li Yuanji’s feeble pretense.

Yet, this was not the moment to break with Li Yuanji completely. Li Shimin forced patience and played along politely.

He rose swiftly, clasping his hands in a gesture of humility, and smiled warmly. “Yuanji, there’s no need to be so formal. We share the same mother and grew up together. Your frankness and bluntness are well known to me. As your elder brother, would I truly take offense over mere words?”

Li Yuanji seized the opportunity to back down gracefully. Though in his heart he was far from willing to kowtow, he stood with a false cordiality—neither too close nor distant—offering a forced smile as he linked arms with Li Shimin and entered the room, presenting a facade of brotherly camaraderie.

Settling down, Li Yuanji turned to Yuchi Gong, giving a thumbs-up with admiration.

“General Yuchi, your skill is extraordinary! Today you have truly opened my eyes. Until now, I was like a frog in a well, arrogant and ignorant. In my eyes, your prowess is unmatched across the realm! Earlier, I was angry and spoke harshly—please forgive me, General.”

Yuchi Gong smiled modestly and replied, “No, no, Your Highness is too kind.”

Li Yuanji chuckled and continued, “With your martial skill, why do you remain only a minor fourth-rank general under the prince’s command? Right now, there’s a vacancy in the Right Cavalry Guard. How about I recommend you to His Majesty the Emperor? You could start as a deputy commander to gain experience, and in a couple of years, once you’ve proven yourself, you can be promoted to full general!”

Damn! Ming Yu’s thoughts boiled. Li Yuanji was blatantly trying to poach Yuchi Gong right under Li Shimin’s nose. Offering sixteen deputy commanders and a general’s rank—a direct leap of four ranks, straight to the highest first rank. Li Yuanji was willing to pay the price, but did he really think Yuchi Gong could be bought? Not a chance.

Though Yuchi Gong appeared simple and honest, he was wise and perceptive. He immediately sensed the underlying intention behind Li Yuanji’s words. Not wishing to offend Li Yuanji too much, he declined tactfully.

“Thank you, Prince Qi, for your recommendation. But Old Hei knows his own strengths well. Charging into battle and slaying enemies is no problem for me. However, arranging troops and leading units—that’s beyond me. Moreover, since pledging allegiance to Prince Qin, I have felt deep gratitude and sworn to serve him faithfully for life.”

Seeing Yuchi Gong’s resolute refusal, Li Yuanji did not press further but regretted his impatience. It was unwise to ask such things face-to-face before Prince Qin. Li Yuanji’s eyes flicked with calculation—this matter would be buried for now and dealt with later.

“No matter, no matter! Ha ha! Serving under my Second Brother is the same—our allegiance is to great Tang!” Li Yuanji forced a laugh, then turned to Ming Yu and feigned ignorance.

“Second Brother, I meant to ask earlier at the arena—who is this gentleman…?”

Li Shimin introduced him. “He is one of our own, a direct disciple of your third brother, Xuan Ba. I named him Li Mingyu. Mingyu, come forward and pay respects to your Fourth Uncle.”

Ming Yu, seeing Li Yuanji’s feigned ignorance, sneered inwardly. Did he really think he didn’t know him? When Li Yuanji sent men to kidnap him, did he not inquire about who it was? Even if he was unaware then, after his own dogs were slaughtered by Ming Yu, did he not investigate? Ridiculous—he was only pretending to be clueless, fooling no one. As his master said, Li Yuanji’s nature was utterly hypocritical.

Though unwilling, Ming Yu rose and bowed reluctantly. “Nephew Mingyu pays respects to Fourth Uncle.”

Feigning surprise, Li Yuanji exclaimed, “Ah, so you are the heir of my third brother! My poor third brother…”

Ming Yu, instructed by Li Shimin to keep his master’s fate a secret, answered, “Master has passed away. On his deathbed, he entrusted me to come to Chang’an and seek refuge with Second Uncle.”

“Oh, my wretched third brother! To think that since our last parting, he has departed this world forever! It’s a pity his temperament was as stubborn and foul as mine—once set on something, not even nine bulls could pull him back. When he clashed with our eldest brother, I, as his younger sibling, truly didn’t know what to say.” Li Yuanji wiped his eyes dramatically, shedding a few crocodile tears.

Ming Yu lowered his head to hide the eye-roll threatening to escape. He thought, “Believe you? Li Yuanji, you’re so hypocritical and contrived. You and my master always despised each other, treating each other like strangers. Yet here you are, feigning grief and false sympathy. Stubborn like you? Ha! Shameless! With the atrocities committed by your Tiger Gang, you’re no better than a villain. How dare you compare yourself to my master? My master was upright and sincere, caring little for wealth or fame, living freely and detached. You’re nothing but a sly, deceitful scoundrel—unworthy even to tie his shoes!”

After a moment of feigned brotherly sorrow, Li Yuanji, seeing no response, forced a dry laugh.

“Since you call me Fourth Uncle, I cannot be stingy. I must look after you; how else can I honor my brother in the underworld?” Then he raised his voice, calling, “Someone!”

A servant outside, standing ready, hurried in upon hearing the order.

Li Yuanji instructed, “Go to the armory and fetch my ‘Hongming’ saber! Also, inform the accountant to send two hundred gold coins to Prince Qin’s mansion for Mingyu to purchase necessities—this is a token of my goodwill as your uncle.”

The servant bowed and left promptly.

Soon, a broad saber was brought in, held respectfully with both hands and handed to Li Yuanji.

Taking the weapon, Li Yuanji smiled.

“This saber is called ‘Hongming’—a treasured relic from the former Sui imperial armory. The foolish Emperor Yang Guang ordered master craftsmen to spend over a year forging it from hundred-refined steel. It can slice through a hair or a feather effortlessly. When drawn, it sounds like the cry of a wild goose, hence the name.” Pressing his thumb against a spring, the blade slid free with a clear “clang,” indeed resembling a goose’s call.

Li Yuanji flourished the blade casually, then continued, “Second Brother knows me well—I have loved wielding swords and spears since childhood and collecting precious blades and sabers. I obtained this ‘Hongming’ saber from our father and have treasured it here ever since. Today, seeing Mingyu, I have little else worthy to offer, so I present this saber as a token of my affection.”

Ming Yu was surprised. He had not expected Li Yuanji to be so generous—first two hundred gold coins, then a hundred-refined treasured saber. Although aware of Li Yuanji’s ill intentions, the blade touched a sore spot. Just days ago, he lamented lacking a proper weapon; now, Li Yuanji had handed him one on a silver platter.

Li Yuanji sheathed the blade and smiled at Ming Yu.

“Come, Mingyu. Since you are my third brother’s direct disciple, your skill must be no less than his. This saber suits you perfectly. Take it, and may you gain glory by slaying enemies and earning merit, so you do not fail your master’s teachings.”

Ming Yu hesitated to accept. The gift was too valuable, and he feared accepting it might entangle him with Li Yuanji, complicating Li Shimin’s grand plan. Moreover, given Li Yuanji’s enmity with his master and the prior kidnapping attempt, Ming Yu harbored deep distrust and reluctance to receive such a favor. He glanced at Li Shimin, silently seeking guidance.

Seeing Ming Yu’s reluctance, Li Yuanji urged, “Don’t be so polite with your Fourth Uncle. You are my third brother’s disciple, and thus mine as well. We are family—no need for formalities. Refusing would be an insult to your Fourth Uncle!”

Li Shimin’s mind raced. He understood Li Yuanji’s implied message: sending men to kidnap you was wrong, but now here is compensation with a treasured blade—let’s call it even.

After weighing the situation, Li Shimin decided not to press Li Yuanji too hard at this critical juncture. It was wiser to be magnanimous in victory and settle matters while they were favorable.

He nodded and said to Ming Yu, “Since your Fourth Uncle insists, you should accept the gift. Go on, thank him properly.”

At Li Shimin’s prompting, Ming Yu stepped forward, took the saber, and said, “I dare not refuse such a generous gift. Mingyu thanks Fourth Uncle!”

“That’s more like it!” Li Yuanji laughed heartily. “I did not know you were my third brother’s disciple before—ignorance excused. Now that I do, your Fourth Uncle will take good care of you. If you face any difficulties, come to me without hesitation! I daresay, in Chang’an City, no one would dare bully you!”

Ming Yu thanked him again, realizing the true purpose behind Li Yuanji’s words: the saber was meant to silence him, to prevent further grievances over past incidents. Hmph, not so easily bought. But since Li Shimin had spoken, Ming Yu would accept—for now—as interest on their debts. He would settle accounts with Li Yuanji in due time.

Holding the “Hongming” saber, Ming Yu found it hard to part with.

The blade was a classic Sui-Tang horizontal saber, measuring three feet three inches in length, with a sharkskin-wrapped handle, a purple sandalwood scabbard adorned with gold and jade—exquisitely decorated.

Drawing the blade, the sound resembled a wild goose’s call, the edge gleamed like autumn waters, and the blade was two and a half fingers wide, mirror-polished.

Lightly running his finger along the edge, Ming Yu felt a sharp sting and saw a thin red line form on his fingertip. Truly a razor-sharp, formidable blade.

“Well, it recognizes its master!” Ming Yu chuckled to himself.

This notion came from the future—among knife enthusiasts, it was customary to nick oneself and drip blood onto a blade, humorously termed “recognizing its master,” a good omen believed to enhance sharpness through the offering of blood.

With a flick of his wrist, the saber felt perfectly balanced and responsive, much like an extension of his own arm. Ming Yu was thoroughly pleased. Sheathing the blade, he fastened it to his waist.

Patting the scabbard, he thought, “Hongming saber, you cry like a wild goose. You have a spirit. Since you recognize me today, you shall follow me henceforth! Together we’ll fight across the lands, bathed in blood and glory! Watch me carve out a realm with your edge and earn a place in history! It will not be in vain that you stand by my side!”