Volume One: Beneath Mount Zhongnan Chapter Twenty-Five: The Secret Method of Training Troops

Li Mingyu cheered loudly, instructing Xiao Hei to supervise the children’s martial practice while he himself ran to greet the arrival. He saw his master clad in pitch-black iron armor, a saber at his waist, a bow and arrows slung from his saddle, and a victorious hook bearing a cavalry lance. The lance’s blade, over three feet long, still bore mottled traces of blood, making for an awe-inspiring and fearsome sight.

The steed beneath him was equally magnificent—robust and muscular, with a young colt tied behind its hindquarters.

Compared to the day Li Xuanba left, trudging along with only an old saber of any value to his name, this return was a world apart. Now he was fully armored and heavily armed; even his horse was long-limbed, broad-hooved, and full of spirit.

Li Mingyu saluted his master and asked, “Master, why have you been away so long? Didn’t you say you’d return after a few months’ investigation?”

Li Xuanba dismounted, handing the reins to Mingyu as they walked home together. “When I reached Shanxi, your second uncle and his men were locked in fierce battle with Old Song. It was their first engagement, a pivotal moment for morale, and victory was a must. The fighting was intense. Not wishing to meet my father and elder brother, I went to your second uncle’s camp to lend a hand. He was delighted to see me, and though I was only there temporarily, he asked me to command his personal guard.”

At this, Li Mingyu interjected, “What? Master, you and Second Uncle are full-blood brothers. Why did he only make you the head of his guards?”

“Mind your tongue! What do you know?” Li Xuanba rebuked. “The general’s personal guard is the elite force of any army. Committed at critical moments, they can turn the tide and decide victory. Only the most trusted are worthy of such a post.”

“Oh,” Mingyu realized. So it was like a reserve force! He recalled how, in modern times, the commander’s security regiment was always the best equipped and most rigorously trained; when sent into battle—whether for a frontal assault or a surprise attack—they could be decisive. Understanding this, Li Mingyu said, “Then I misjudged Second Uncle. What happened next?”

Li Xuanba replied, “They took Huo Yi and slew Old Song in battle. Then they were busy persuading Sun Hua, a rebel leader in Guanzhong, to surrender. After Sun Hua came over, I stayed to help your uncle subdue the surrendered troops and train them. Only now was I able to return.”

Li Mingyu nodded, then asked, “Master, is Second Uncle still in Shanxi?”

Li Xuanba glanced around to ensure no one was near, then lowered his voice. “No harm in telling you, but this is grave—don’t let a word slip. Your second uncle has been made Grand Commander of the Right Army, in charge of thirty thousand men, preparing alongside the Left Army to take Chang’an. At present, he and three hundred guards have secretly entered the city, and once he’s made contact with the Guanzhong nobles, they’ll seize Chang’an from within and without. Now that matters are in hand, and not wishing to cross paths with the Dugu family, I’ve returned.”

Listening to his master, Li Mingyu wondered: why are there left and right Grand Commanders? Why is Second Uncle only Right Commander? Ah, of course—in ancient times, the left was considered more prestigious, so the Left Grand Commander must be Li Jiancheng. Clearly, because of a grudge, Master avoids mentioning him. Li Jiancheng must have returned as well, since he was instrumental in winning over the Guanzhong nobles—it wouldn’t do for him not to claim the credit now.

“Master, will you go out to help again when the time comes to attack Chang’an?” Li Mingyu asked.

“No, I won’t. I was struck from the family rolls long ago—if it weren’t for your uncle’s troubles, I wouldn’t have shown up at all,” Li Xuanba replied with a shake of his head. “I’ve become accustomed to the peace of this village, living freely. I have no desire to face my elder brother or father again.” Then, pointing at the young colt behind him, he added, “That’s a gift from your uncle for you—a fine horse bred among the Turks.”

Li Mingyu turned to look. The colt was sturdy and long-legged, its coat a glossy chestnut, eyes bright and spirited, and a white diamond marking on its forehead. At once enamored, he said, “I must thank Second Uncle properly. From now on, I’ll call him ‘Telunsu’—he’ll ride with me on campaign and win fame across the land.”

Li Xuanba laughed heartily. “If you wish to win renown, you must first hone your skills. I’ve been away for over half a year—have your martial arts progressed? I’ll be testing you soon.”

With chest thrust out, Li Mingyu declared, “I’ve practiced diligently every day. Test me as you like, Master—I guarantee you’ll be astonished!”

Li Xuanba nodded with a smile. “Very well, I look forward to it.” Then he asked, “Have you neglected to teach the village children while I was away?”

“No need to worry, Master. I’ve drilled them in martial skills and physical training every day. The results are showing.”

“Physical training? What sort of training? Is that what they were doing—those odd movements I saw as I came back?” Li Xuanba, long used to his disciple inventing new terms, remembered seeing the children performing strange exercises at the village entrance and grew curious.

Li Mingyu smiled mysteriously. “Master, this is a body-strengthening method I devised myself. Regular practice enhances strength and constitution. It’s a secret art, but I’ll share it with you since you’re my master.”

Li Xuanba could only laugh and shake his head. “A secret art, is it? What good method could you possibly invent? It’s probably just children’s games.”

Unwilling to be underestimated, Mingyu dropped the reins, got down on the ground, and performed several push-ups and squats. At first, Li Xuanba paid him little mind, but as he watched, he began to see something of value, and his expression grew serious.

Li Mingyu explained, “This is my body-strengthening method. The first is called a ‘push-up,’ which develops the arms, chest, waist, back, and abdominal muscles. The second, a ‘squat,’ strengthens the legs. The benefits of stronger muscles in these areas are obvious for martial artists like us. Besides, the children are young and still growing. The usual methods—pounding posts, lifting stones—are too strenuous and can cause harm if forced. My method is gradual, doesn’t injure the body, and works even better.”

Li Xuanba’s face grew solemn. “Are these the only exercises you’ve invented?”

“Not at all! There’s the frog jump, the sit-up—quite a few, really,” Mingyu replied with pride, seeing his master now recognized the value of these drills.

Li Xuanba was astonished. “So many? And you’ve taught them all to the children?”

“Of course. Thanks to my training regimen, they’re as sturdy as calves now,” Mingyu answered, brimming with satisfaction.

Li Xuanba nodded, reflecting for a moment. “Even if they’re only nominal disciples, since they call me Master, I should go see them. Tomorrow, I’ll join you for their training.”

“It’s high time, Master! Their foundation is solid now—they’re ready to learn swordplay. But I haven’t dared teach them the Li family sword techniques without your permission. Since that’s the family’s foundation, I wanted your approval,” Mingyu said, delighted his master would instruct the children personally.

Suddenly, Li Xuanba recalled something, his face turning grave. “This body-strengthening method—have you shared it with anyone besides the children?”

Baffled by his master’s sternness, Mingyu replied, “No, I haven’t. I can’t order the adults around anyway.”

Li Xuanba relaxed. “This method of yours seems quite extraordinary. Hmm, but the results remain to be seen—tomorrow I’ll observe how the children have progressed after half a year’s practice. Until then, keep this method secret. Understood?”

Though Mingyu found his master’s warning a bit much, he thought to himself, Of course this method is extraordinary—it’s the most scientifically validated regimen a thousand years in the future. What’s so special about push-ups and sit-ups? Even elementary students will know them! But seeing his master so serious, he could only answer, “Yes, Master, I understand.”