Chapter Four: Causes and Consequences

“Since you already know, Zi Sheng, then we shall wait for your triumphant return with the highest honors. Do not, under any circumstances, tarnish the reputation of Commander Zhang.”

“Yes, General.”

With those words, General Deng raised his cup and drained it in one go, not bothering to listen to any explanations from Zhong Bai. He left his seat without another word, leaving the remaining guests somewhat embarrassed, unable to fathom the general’s intentions.

Yet Zhong Bai and Li Zisheng were no ordinary men; they understood that all matters had already been settled in that brief exchange.

“Master Zhong, Zi Sheng, you must be weary from your travels. Come, let us eat something first, then rest awhile. Tomorrow, we’ll visit the State Academy together and see those who are to take part in the upcoming examinations. Would that be agreeable?” Master Lin smiled warmly at everyone.

None could refuse, and both Zhong Bai and Li Zisheng replied with pleasant smiles of their own.

After some wine and conversation, Li Zisheng and his companions were escorted to their tents to rest.

“Zi Sheng, this examination may prove difficult for you, but if General Deng assigns a highly skilled warrior to protect you, first place is almost guaranteed. But should he not, what then is your plan?”

Only Zhong Bai, Li Zisheng, and Eight Taels remained in the tent.

“Master Zhong, this examination is in fact a diplomatic exchange with the Turkic delegation. Surely, there must be more to it than what appears on the surface, is there not?” Li Zisheng’s gaze turned sharp. Since he was now being used, there ought to be less secrecy—he deserved to know the truth.

He did not for a moment believe that the competition’s true content had simply slipped Zhong Bai’s mind; there had to be a deeper reason. Above all, he could not accept that the Turks had come merely for a literary contest.

The Turkic army was nomadic; even if a legendary figure emerged among them who dabbled in Confucian arts and wrote a few verses, their achievements in such matters could never run deep. Li Zisheng knew the Turks well.

With his broad understanding of Chinese history, Li Zisheng was fully aware that the Turks, as a people of the saddle, prized strength and martial prowess above all. Even within their own ranks, scholarly pursuits were scorned as the idle amusements of weaklings.

Therefore, the so-called exchange was surely a cover for other, less innocent activities. Such tricks might fool outsiders, but to think they could deceive the likes of Commander Zhang, Zhong Bai, or General Deng—such old hands—was simply impossible.

The only ones kept in the dark were those without real power—like himself.

“Oh? Why do you ask, Zi Sheng?” Zhong Bai continued to smile at Li Zisheng.

“Master Zhong, let us speak frankly. We both know the capabilities of the Turks. For them to propose a literary contest is either the result of utter foolishness or something far more calculated. I may be young, but I know that in their lands, scholars are looked down upon, while strength and the arts of war are admired.”

Li Zisheng feigned anger, his expression so convincing it was as though he truly were offended.

“No need for such ire, Zi Sheng. I can only tell you this: the Turkish delegation indeed has another purpose in coming to Lingzhou.”

As he spoke, Zhong Bai glanced at Eight Taels, who stood behind Li Zisheng.

Li Zisheng caught the change at once.

“Master Zhong, you need not worry. I trust this man.” Li Zisheng understood well the principle of trusting those in your service; to doubt a follower is to lose their loyalty. Only by demonstrating complete faith could he secure their devotion.

He needed a faction fully his own.

“Very well.” Zhong Bai made his decision.

When he left, Commander Zhang had instructed him: if Li Zisheng discovered anything amiss, he could be told the truth; if not, he was just an ordinary talent, unworthy of such secrets.

Li Zisheng was unaware this was in itself a test. Still, he was surprised at how readily Zhong Bai agreed to divulge the truth.

“There is a high-ranking figure among the Turks. The real reason for their visit to Lingzhou is to seek medical treatment. This Turkish dignitary is gravely ill, and they have come here because the most renowned physician in all of Tang is said to reside in Lingzhou.”

Now Li Zisheng was truly stunned.

Since arriving in the Tang Dynasty, he had been uncertain about his path. Despite his relentless effort and diligence, he still relied on the poetry of later generations, and his own compositions remained unsatisfactory.

The only skill he could truly claim was his background in medicine, so he was more inclined toward the medical arts.

To hear this now was a true shock.

For him, this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. He would continue to pursue the literary path, but medicine was his true strength—he would never give it up.

Previously, he had claimed to Doctor Yang that he already had a teacher, a necessary lie. But to become the foremost physician in Tang, acknowledged by all, was an extraordinary challenge.

Such skill was beyond measure.

“Oh? Then, Master Zhong, you mean the Turks use the pretense of a literary exchange to escort their dignitary here for treatment. Why, then, did the matter of the murdered scholar arise?”

The case of the murdered scholar was no secret, but now that it was spoken openly, Zhong Bai’s face clouded over.

“There are factions colluding between the Turks and the Tang. Commander Zhang’s mission is to uncover the true culprit behind it all.”

“Why was I chosen?”

At last, Li Zisheng voiced his greatest doubt. He could not understand why such a minor figure as himself had suddenly come under so much attention. Perhaps it related to his mentor, but even so, it made little sense.

“It is because of your mentor.” Zhong Bai sighed heavily, his face still pale.

“As I thought,” Li Zisheng murmured, just as he had suspected.

“Your mentor is the key figure in the case of the murdered scholar. He came into possession of evidence he should never have found, which led to this tragedy.”

Zhong Bai sighed again, deeply.

“No wonder, no wonder…” Li Zisheng’s heart burned with anger. Though his mentor enjoyed some reputation, he was not among the greatest scholars. Why would he be a target of assassination? Now it was clear: he knew something he should not have known.

He knew his mentor’s character well—upright, uncompromising, not one to bow to threats or profit. Thus, he had been marked for death.

How pitiful, to spend a lifetime in pursuit of learning, only to fall victim to the deadly struggles of power.