Volume One: Beneath Mount Zhongnan Chapter Thirty-Four: The Friendship of Changsun, Rushing to Aid Hulao Pass

Changsun stifled her sobs and said, “Sanlang, I have always known your second brother’s character. Once he makes up his mind, not even nine oxen could pull him back. War is perilous, and as a woman, there’s little I can do to help. All I can do is wait at home, and should misfortune befall your second brother, at least I can ensure his bloodline endures.”

Li Xuanba hurried to comfort her, “Sister-in-law, you needn’t worry. History is replete with tales of the few overcoming the many, the weak defeating the strong! Second Brother excels in both civil and military matters—his strategies are unparalleled. I am certain he will return safely!”

Changsun shook her head with a sigh. “I understand what you’re saying, but after all, such cases are rare—that’s why they’re recorded in the annals of history. I’ve come to you today because I have a favor to ask.” With that, she stood up, pregnant belly prominent, and was about to kneel in formal request.

“Sister-in-law, there’s no need for such formality. My second brother and I are born of the same mother, and we’ve always been close. Of course I will do everything in my power to help!” Li Xuanba hurriedly reached out to support her, mindful of the proprieties between men and women, even though they were uncle and sister-in-law. He shot a glance at Li Mingyu.

Mingyu understood at once. Being a child and junior, he was not bound by such scruples. He quickly went to help Changsun up. Touched by Xuanba’s words, Changsun gently stroked Mingyu's head.

Changsun seemed to hesitate, biting her lip and speaking with some embarrassment, “Sanlang, in this vast city of Chang’an, apart from a few trusted maids and servants, I can trust no one else. Only you. I must beg your help!”

Li Xuanba’s face grew resolute. “Is it that you wish me to observe Second Brother’s situation? I had thought the same! I will depart for Henan today and lend him my strength!”

Changsun shook her head. “You misunderstand, Sanlang. I do not mean for you to fight on the battlefield. I know you have withdrawn from the world—how could I drag you into this? But on the battlefield, blades and arrows spare no one, and your second brother always leads the charge himself. My pleas are useless; he claims it’s the best way to inspire the troops.” She sighed again, helpless. “War is a man’s affair, and as a woman I can do little. Yet as his wife, I wish to do my part. We must do all we can and leave the rest to fate. If he succeeds, all will rejoice; if not, it is destiny! I will raise your nephew well, regardless.” She caressed her belly, as if drawing strength from within. Then, she instructed her maids, “Bring up the chest.”

Two maids obeyed. Soon, they returned from the carriage, lugging a heavy, antique chest, clearly centuries old. Even though the maids were sturdy, they were left panting and sweating by the effort. They set the chest in the center of the hall and withdrew.

Changsun turned to Li Xuanba, “Sanlang, inside this chest are two sets of treasured armor, impervious to sword or arrow. They once belonged to our ancestor, Changsun Song, who wore them in battle. He rose to Prince of Beiping, Grand Pillar of the State, and spent his life in war, amassing merit, living to eighty without injury or illness—all thanks to these armors. After our family declined, my father cherished them above all, hoping to restore the family's glory, and never allowed even my brother to touch them. When he died young and my brother followed his wish to abandon arms for letters, the armor was set aside. Now, I ask you to bring them to the front lines and deliver them to your second brother, along with a letter.”

Li Xuanba nodded. “The eight dukes of Northern Wei are famed for their deeds—these armors are surely extraordinary. But why didn't you give them to Second Brother earlier?”

Changsun’s eyes reddened. “Though they are treasures, they are over two hundred years old. When your second brother first led troops against Xue Ju, I wanted to give them to him, but time had rendered the leather straps brittle. Since he was long at war, I took them out to repair, but being with child, it was difficult. Only yesterday did I finish. Such rare treasures cannot be entrusted lightly—if the wrong person learned of them, greed might arise. After much thought, only you are worthy of my trust.”

Li Mingyu, curious, wondered who this Changsun Song was, and why he’d never heard of him. How powerful could this ancestral armor really be?

In truth, Li Mingyu’s knowledge was lacking. Changsun Song, originally surnamed Baba, was given his name by Emperor Daowu of Northern Wei. At fourteen, he led armies in his father’s stead, defeating Maoxian and repeatedly repelling the Rouran. He was a founding hero of Northern Wei. In later generations, Emperor Dezong, on Yan Zhenqing’s advice, posthumously honored 64 ancient generals, including “Grand Commandant, Prince of Beiping, Changsun Song.”

Seeing Changsun, heavily pregnant, still laboring for Second Brother’s safety, Li Xuanba was deeply moved. “You are most thoughtful, Sister-in-law. With your condition, you shouldn't have burdened yourself with such work. Let craftsmen handle it.”

Changsun shook her head. “It’s not the same. As a woman, I cannot wield spear or bow, but I wished to contribute to my husband. Every stitch in these armors is my own handiwork, and with each one I chanted a prayer—thirty-two-thousand in all. They say if you recite a scripture ten thousand times, Buddha will sense your devotion and offer protection. I have prayed countless times, hoping that with the Buddha’s blessing, your second brother will avert misfortune and return safely from war.”

Li Xuanba noticed her hands wrapped in white cloth, no doubt pricked by many needles, and was touched by her devotion. “Sister-in-law, rest assured! I will leave for Henan at once. If I can persuade Second Brother to withdraw, so much the better. If not, I will stay to help. Even if defeat comes, I will ensure his safe return!”

At this, Changsun wept again. “Xuanba, I truly have no one else to turn to. The guards in the household are not our confidants, and I cannot command them. Only a few maids are passably skilled in arms. Take them with you. Though they may be of little help, it’s better than you going alone.”

Li Xuanba shook his head. “No need. Sister-in-law, you must remain in Chang’an with trusted people around you. Taking them would only cause inconvenience.”

Li Mingyu, listening, was deeply moved as well. It was no wonder that Li Shimin loved Changsun Empress so deeply, and after her death, never took another empress, raising her children himself. The depth of their bond was undeniable. But now, had the Hulao Pass campaign begun? Li Shimin was about to reach the zenith of his military career—the perfect moment to witness his glory! Even if he couldn’t help much, he had to be there. He quickly said, “Master won’t be alone! I’ll go help Second Uncle too!”

Li Xuanba scolded, “You would only make trouble! Stay home and behave!”

Changsun, touched by Mingyu’s words, hugged him tightly. “Good child, good child. You’re still young; your loyalty is enough for me and repays all my care for you.”

Li Mingyu protested, “How am I trouble? As the saying goes, brothers fight tigers together, fathers and sons go to war side by side! Master and apprentice together—no mountain or sea can stand in our way!”

Li Xuanba shook his head. “Don’t even think about it! It’s too dangerous. If you come, I’ll be distracted trying to protect you.”

Mingyu insisted, “You won’t need to look after me—I am skilled in martial arts!”

Li Xuanba, anxious for his brother, grew impatient. “Your skills are hardly enough. Train a few more years! No more discussion!”

“Don’t forget, Master, I’m also proficient in medicine and first aid—even Daoist Sun praises me! Second Uncle is not yet defeated, and with the army’s protection, what is there to fear? On the battlefield, doctors are in short supply. If I go, I can save more veteran soldiers, preserve more strength, and give Second Uncle a greater chance to win!”

Li Xuanba wavered, his resolve shaken.

Seizing the moment, Mingyu pressed, “You yourself said history is filled with the weak defeating the strong—Xiang Yu burned his boats and, with twenty thousand men, routed four hundred thousand Qin troops. Zhou Yu burned Chibi and crushed Cao Cao’s two hundred thousand. Victory lies in quality, not numbers; in strategy, not mere courage. Moreover, Second Uncle and Aunt treat me as their own. You always say one must repay kindness, like the crow feeding its mother, like the kneeling lamb—otherwise, what makes us better than beasts? Now that Second Uncle is in trouble, how can I stand aside? Even if I’m too young for battle, I can lead horses, hold the stirrup, wave the flag! If you don’t take me, I’ll be an ingrate—how could I face Second Uncle and Aunt again?”

Li Xuanba still refused, with Changsun joining in to dissuade him. In the end, Li Mingyu gritted his teeth and declared, “My mind is made up! If you won’t take me, Master, I’ll go with Xiao Hei on my own. You can’t tie me up with rope!”

Li Xuanba, helpless, finally agreed. “Fine. You may come, but don’t make trouble. Stay put in the camp. I cannot spare attention for you during battle. And Xiao Hei is not coming! There are too many horses in camp—he’ll spook them.”

Li Mingyu rejoiced, “Don’t worry, Master. I’ll obey your every command.”

Changsun, seeing there was no stopping them, was moved to tears and tried to kneel in thanks, but Mingyu hurriedly stopped her. Li Xuanba said, “Sister-in-law, rest assured. I will deliver these two sets of armor and your letter to Second Brother myself. I will keep him safe!”

Changsun nodded repeatedly. “I leave everything to you, Third Brother! The horses I brought are strong—you’ll need them for the journey, or you’ll be exhausted. Take them with you. I’ll borrow a donkey from the village to pull the carriage.”

Time was of the essence. Li Xuanba made no further ceremony. He packed their armor and weapons, wrapped the treasured armor in a bundle, placed it on a horse, and led out two warhorses, ready to depart.

He saw Li Mingyu with a small, bulging bundle and leading his half-grown pony, Te Lunsu, already waiting.

Li Xuanba frowned. “With that little pony, you’d never get there!” He swung onto his horse, reached down, and lifted Mingyu up in front of him. “You’ll ride with me. Hold on tight! Hyah!”

With that, he spurred his horse forward, galloping straight toward Luoyang.