Volume Three: The Tempest of the Xuanwu Gate Chapter Sixty-Nine: The Prince of Qin’s Residence

Li Mingyu and Lady Changsun shared a carriage, accompanied by Xiaohei and their guards, recounting the events of their parting along the way. The carriage rolled gently, weaving through the bustling crowds of Chang’an, and before long, they arrived at the Prince of Qin’s residence.

Lady Changsun smiled sweetly at Mingyu and said, “Let’s get out, we’re home now.”

As soon as they stepped down, a delicate voice called out, “Your Ladyship, you’ve returned! Did you fetch the young master?”

Lady Changsun answered softly, then turned to Mingyu. “Mingyu, this is Wang De, the chief steward of the prince’s household. Whatever you need in your daily life, you may instruct him to arrange it.”

Mingyu followed the sound and saw Wang De, a slightly plump middle-aged man with a round, cheerful face, always smiling. Mingyu found him rather likable and thought to himself, so this is what eunuchs of the Tang dynasty are like—not at all as peculiar or effeminate as depicted on television.

He nodded in greeting. “Chief Steward Wang, I’ll be relying on you from now on.”

Wang De waved his hand repeatedly, “I dare not, young master. It’s merely my duty. As a kin of the prince, you are the master of this house, and I am at your service.”

Lady Changsun took Mingyu’s hand, smiling. “Come, your second uncle is busy with affairs of state and won’t return until the afternoon. Let me take you to your quarters.”

Wang De respectfully led the way, and Mingyu followed them through the layered courtyards, turning left and right, walking for nearly a quarter of an hour before reaching the rear hall.

As they walked, Mingyu marvelled at the grandeur of the Prince of Qin’s mansion. The imposing stone lions at the gate were taller than a man and fiercer than those at the Forbidden City. Inside, the halls were lavishly decorated, with gilded beams, ornate carvings, and elegant pavilions and towers.

Knowing Mingyu’s fondness for martial arts and his habit of practicing every morning, Lady Changsun arranged for him to stay in a courtyard named “Yixuan Pavilion,” adjacent to the training ground. Mingyu had come to Chang’an alone, bringing only Xiaohei and Telunsu, without even a bedroll. Having grown up in the mountains, he had always worn patched clothes.

Now, as a nephew of the Prince of Qin, he couldn’t appear too shabby. Wang De bustled about, assigning a groom to care for Telunsu, leading the horse to the stables for cleaning and exercise.

Knowing Lady Changsun’s preference for cleanliness, he sent someone to bathe Xiaohei. Maids were dispatched to clean the courtyard, while others measured Mingyu for new clothes—a flurry of activity.

Wang De proved efficient; Mingyu had barely sat down for a chat with Lady Changsun when Wang De arrived with freshly made garments. He beamed, “Young master, here are some new clothes we prepared earlier. I’m not sure if they fit; please wear these for now. There are more sets being made.”

Mingyu thanked Wang De, took the clothes, and went to the inner chamber to change. At a gesture from Wang De, two graceful maids followed him to assist.

As a modern man, Mingyu felt utterly out of place; the extravagance of noble families astounded him—even changing clothes required attendants. He coughed awkwardly and waved them away.

The outfit was a scholar’s robe of pale satin, with wide sleeves and layered garments. Mingyu was stunned at the complexity; he’d always dressed simply for practicality in the mountains. Even during his time at Tiger Gate, among rough soldiers, no one cared for such details. After some fumbling, he managed to dress himself as best he understood.

Stepping out, Lady Changsun burst out laughing, “Look at you, insisting on doing it yourself, refusing help from the maids. Living with your master in the mountains has made you a wild man—you can’t even wear your clothes properly.”

Mingyu scratched his head with an embarrassed smile, knowing he’d made a mess of it.

The two maids, giggling, came over to fix his belt and crown, tidying him up.

These maids, arranged by Wang De, were named Chuxue and Bailu—both young and beautiful, gentle and obedient.

Throughout Mingyu’s life, he’d rarely interacted with women. With the maids so close, a faint fragrance wafted to his nose, leaving him awkward and unsure where to put his hands and feet.

Once his attire was straightened, the maids remained composed, while Mingyu’s face flushed bright red.

Clothes make the man, and Mingyu, tall and slender with a narrow waist and broad shoulders, was a natural fit for fine garments. His fair, jade-like complexion and rosy lips, combined with the new clothes, lent him an air of elegance and refined charm—a true young gentleman.

Lady Changsun watched with a smile and praised, “Now you look the part. Very good, keep it this way from now on.”

Just then, a small head peeked in at the door, calling mischievously, “Mother, is there a guest at home?”

Another child’s voice outside said, “Qingque, mother is entertaining a guest—don’t disturb her.”

Lady Changsun laughed and beckoned, “Qingque, Ake, come in and greet your elder brother.”

A group of children entered.

Leading them was a chubby boy of four or five, with thick brows and bright eyes, followed by another slightly older boy, with clear eyes and rosy lips. Last came a handsome six- or seven-year-old boy, holding the hand of an exquisitely pretty little girl of three or four.

The children greeted Lady Changsun with a bow, “Greetings, mother.”

She introduced them to Mingyu, “These are your younger siblings—the eldest is Li Ke, nicknamed Ake; the younger is Li Tai, called Qingque. My eldest son is Li Chengqian. The youngest is my daughter, Lizi.”

Then she told the children, “This is Mingyu, whom I’ve often spoken about to you—he’s…well, let’s say your father’s disciple. Go pay your respects.”

Mingyu was startled at the names: Li Tai, Li Ke, Li Chengqian. These three would someday battle fiercely, with Li Zhi reaping the rewards. For now, they were young and seemed affectionate. The youngest girl, Lizi—Li Lizhi? Even Li Shimin’s daughters were remarkable; some rebelled, others became favorites. Which princess would this little girl grow up to be?

Despite their youth, the children were well-mannered, bowing to Mingyu in order. Li Tai blinked his large eyes and asked curiously, “Elder brother, mother says you have a tiger, jet-black all over—is it true?”

Li Ke chimed in, “Yes, yes! Did you bring your black tiger? Show us, please!”

Li Chengqian, though young, was serious and dignified, rebuking his brothers, “Our elder brother has come from afar; let him rest. Don’t pester him.” Yet his eyes betrayed his eagerness to see the black tiger.

Mingyu laughed, “Alright, let me show you.” He whistled, and soon Xiaohei, freshly bathed, ambled in.

The future princes and princess, along with the crown prince, stared open-mouthed, unable to speak, awed by the majestic, enormous tiger. They held their breath, too frightened to make a sound.

Xiaohei lay down in the hall and began to lick its paw.

After a while, Li Tai, seeing Xiaohei was not fierce, bravely approached and poked the tiger. Xiaohei sniffed him, recognized the scent of familiar “family,” and paid him no mind.

Li Tai was thrilled, jumping up and shouting to his brothers, “See! I touched it!”

Li Ke, not to be outdone, said, “That’s nothing—watch me!” He too went up and stroked Xiaohei’s fur.

Li Tai cried, “I’ll even touch its head!”

For a moment, the brothers shouted excitedly.

Perhaps because he was the eldest, Li Chengqian, raised with high hopes by Lady Changsun and Li Shimin, was exceedingly mature for his age, speaking and acting like a little adult. With his mother present, he restrained his curiosity, not joining his brothers, though his eyes brimmed with envy.

Lizi, the youngest, was timid, wanting to join her brothers but too afraid, watching longingly from the side.

Mingyu noticed and asked, “Why don’t you go?”

Lizi pouted, “I… I’m scared.”

Mingyu laughed, “What’s there to be afraid of? Xiaohei is gentle, and your elder brother is here. Come, I’ll hold you—we’ll ride on Xiaohei’s back.” He picked Lizi up and placed her on the tiger.

At first, Lizi was terrified, her face pale. But after a while, seeing Xiaohei was harmless, her courage grew, and she began to stroke its fur.

Xiaohei turned its head, perhaps charmed by the little girl or reassured by Mingyu’s presence, and gently licked Lizi’s palm. Though a tiger’s tongue is rough, Xiaohei was gentle, making Lizi’s hand feel ticklish. She giggled with delight.

Lady Changsun watched with joy. The recent political turmoil had left the household tense; the struggle between the second son and the crown prince was intensifying, with the fourth son, Li Yuanji, siding with the crown prince. Her husband bore much stress, returning home somber. The children were usually cautious, fearful of upsetting their father. Today, with Mingyu’s arrival, they were rarely so happy, so she let them be.

Mingyu, holding Lizi on Xiaohei’s back, said, “Let’s go ride the big horse!” He tapped Xiaohei’s head, and the tiger rose and steadily walked out.

Lizi was overjoyed; she had long envied her brothers, each with their own pony, riding daily in the estate. But as a girl, her mother forbade her riding. Today, at last, she fulfilled her wish—riding not just a horse but a majestic tiger. She laughed and shouted with delight.

Li Tai and Li Ke were envious but dared not mount without Mingyu present. They cried, “Wait for us! We want to ride, too!” and ran after them.