Volume Two: The Battle of Hulao Pass Chapter Thirty-Six: A Gathering of Fierce Warriors

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Changsun Wuji led Li Mingyu and his master into the city pass. Hulao Pass was built against the mountain, surrounded by a chain of perilous peaks, with the fortress nestled right between two of them, forming two successive gates, like twin sluices. Between the peaks sprawled a wide open plain, dotted with military tents, while squads of elite soldiers, armored and spear in hand, patrolled back and forth. The outer gate faced the Si River, keeping Dou Jiande at bay, while the rear gate opened toward Luoyang.

Li Mingyu and his master had come from Luoyang, traveling west to east, arriving at the rear gate. The land before the rear gate was flat and open, but the outer gate was all the more treacherous—craggy peaks overlapping, the terrain growing ever narrower, with the natural barrier of the Si River to rely on. Even a vast army would find itself cramped and unable to maneuver, making the most of the terrain’s advantage.

Changsun Wuji led them through rows of military tents to a small courtyard. The place was modest, with a dozen or so rooms, guarded by several loyal soldiers, weapons at the ready. The guards, familiar with Changsun Wuji’s ties to Li Shimin, did not question them. Wuji brought the two directly to the largest wooden house in the courtyard. Mingyu surveyed the interior: it was sparsely furnished, with only a bed, a low table, a campaign map, and bows, arrows, and horse spears hanging on the wall—nothing else.

After seating them, Wuji said, “Second Master is patrolling the front gate’s defenses just now. I’ll go fetch him. When he hears you’ve arrived, he’ll be overjoyed!” With that, he left to find Li Shimin.

Soon, the sound of clanking armor rang outside. Li Shimin strode in, clad head to toe in iron, laughing heartily, flanked by two towering generals. Li Xuanba rose to greet his second brother, who exclaimed, “Sanlang! Xuanba! I’ve missed you terribly!” With that, he embraced Xuanba in delight.

It hadn’t been long since they last met, but perhaps because he had been leading troops and issuing commands daily, Li Shimin’s presence now was a hundredfold more imposing. His eyes flashed like lightning, his gaze sharp as a blade, his bearing as unyielding as a mountain, solemn as the sea.

Li Mingyu hurried over to pay his respects as well. Li Shimin ruffled his hair, saying, “Good lad! You’ve grown taller again!”

Then, drawing the two great generals behind him closer, he said to Xuanba, “Third Brother, come, let me introduce you!”

Both generals wore black, fish-scale armor, sabers at their side. The armor lived up to its name, each plate curved and overlapping, enveloping their powerful frames, with two shining black heart-guards covering their chests.

The one on the left was six feet tall, with ape-like arms, a wasp waist, a face like a full moon tinged with gold, sword-like brows, and an air of heroic gallantry.

The one on the right was half a head taller, with a tiger’s back, a bear’s waist, a face black as charcoal, round eyes wide open, and a bristling steel beard—formidable and imposing.

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Li Shimin pointed to the general on his left. “This is Qin Qiong, styled Shubao, once a famed commander of the Wagang Army, unmatched in courage and peerless with spear and saber!”

Then, gesturing to the one on his right, he said, “This is Yuchi Gong, styled Jingde, a fierce general I recruited while campaigning against Liu Wuzhou, bravest among the troops, a master of the horse spear. Not long ago, he seized a spear in single combat, defeating Shan Xiongxin.”

He then introduced, “This is my third brother, Li Xuanba, my closest companion since childhood. Of all my brothers, his martial skill is the greatest, his horsemanship second to none! He’s kept a low profile, feigning death to avoid the world, so his fame is not widespread. You should make his acquaintance.”

After hearing the introductions, Mingyu thought to himself: Well now, Qin Qiong and Yuchi Gong—aren’t these the two famous Door Gods in later generations? And here they are, serving under Li Shimin already! They’re every bit as impressive as those painted on New Year’s door guardians. But where is the notorious troublemaker, Cheng Yaojin?

Li Xuanba greeted the two generals with a cupped fist; they returned the salute. After some polite conversation, Qin Qiong and Yuchi Gong, knowing that Li Shimin and his brother had much to discuss after a long separation, excused themselves, claiming to inspect the camp.

Once the two generals had departed, Li Shimin asked, “Xuanba, what brings you here? Has something happened in Guanzhong?”

Li Xuanba handed him the bundle containing the treasured armor and Changsun’s letter, recounting the events that had led him here. After listening, Li Shimin stroked the package in silence for a long while, then sighed deeply. “I’ve long known Lady Guanyin’s deep affection. Why put herself through this? As for the letter, there’s no need to read it.” With that, he tore the letter to shreds.

Mingyu watched with regret, lamenting inwardly. That was an actual “love letter” from the future Empress Changsun to Li Shimin! Without even a glance, he destroyed it? If such a thing survived to later generations, it would be priceless!

He asked, “Second Uncle, why not read it? Aren’t you curious what’s inside?”

Li Shimin sighed again. “I already understand Lady Guanyin’s feelings. What difference does it make if I read her words or not? Besides, as commander of the army, with the lives of all depending on me, I must not be swayed by personal affairs, nor let emotions cloud my judgment. It’s best to leave it unread.”

Mingyu was moved. Li Shimin’s ability to triumph despite being outnumbered, to utterly defeat Dou Jiande, truly had its reasons. On the battlefield, he was no longer the amiable Second Brother of the mountain village. Every word and action was command; there was no place for private emotions—he was wholly devoted, like a precise and unyielding engine of war.

Then Li Shimin asked, “Sanlang, now that this is settled, what are your plans? Will you return to Guanzhong?”

Xuanba gave a wry smile. “I told Sister-in-law I’d persuade you to withdraw, but in my heart, I knew it was impossible. Since childhood, you’ve never changed your mind once you’ve made a decision. If I can’t dissuade you, I’ll stay and help in the army!”

Li Shimin threw his head back and laughed. “Ha! Exactly! What I, Li Shimin, decide to do, I will see done! In this battle, I will not only win—I will win with glory, with unprecedented brilliance, and leave a legacy for the ages! With you by my side, we are as tigers with wings! Let Wang Shichong, Dou Jiande, or whoever else come as they will!”

Mingyu’s eyes shone at these words, his heart pounding. Thinking of history’s outcome, he said to himself, This is Li Shimin! This is the Heaven-blessed Khan revered for generations! Truly the bearing of a great Tang emperor—so bold, so resolute!

Xuanba, too, was stirred by his brother’s overwhelming spirit and laughed. “Good! Together, we brothers will fight for a victory rare in all history!”

Li Shimin advised, “Sanlang, you’ve traveled far and must be weary. Rest and regain your strength. Tomorrow, I’ll introduce you to the commanders. Since Dou Jiande has attacked us several times, it’s only right we pay him back in kind—let him see that Hulao Pass is no place to come and go at will!”

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After a night’s rest, early the next morning, Li Shimin took his brother Xuanba to meet the generals of the army.

Li Mingyu followed his master, meeting many of the distinguished ministers and warriors of the early Tang.

There was Luo Shixin—powerful, tiger-eyed and thick-browed, stern and taciturn.

There was Li Shiji—athletic, dignified, quick-witted and shrewd.

There was Fang Xuanling—lean of face, cultured, elegant, full of cunning strategies.

Du Ruhui—refined, with a luminous spirit, skilled in planning and decision.

And, most famous of all, Cheng Yaojin—broad-shouldered, sturdy, with a knotted beard, boisterous and bold, famed for his “three axes at Wagang” and the saying “Cheng Yaojin appears halfway” among many other tales.

Along with the two Door Gods—Qin Qiong and Yuchi Gong—met the previous day, and Li Shimin’s brother-in-law Changsun Wuji, whom they already knew well.

Though Hulao Pass held just three thousand five hundred troops, it gathered the cream of the Tang’s early ministers and generals. Nearly all those who would later serve as the backbone of Li Shimin’s coup at Xuanwu Gate were assembled here.

Yet Mingyu felt a touch of disappointment. Cheng Yaojin no longer wielded his famously unwieldy axe, Qin Qiong did not use his celebrated bronze maces, Luo Shixin was not the cold-faced silver spear, nor was Li Shiji the scheming, Taoist-looking strategist of legend.

All the elder brothers here bore horse spears and sabers; it made sense—after all, even Li Xuanba, his master and the prototype for the legendary strongest hero of Sui and Tang, was nothing like the extravagant tales described.

All present were Li Shimin’s trusted confidants; he had nothing to hide. He truthfully revealed Xuanba’s identity, prompting another round of warm greetings and camaraderie.