Chapter 9 Bandits Beneath the Emperor’s Feet

Lu Hu was a bonded servant born into the Li family, serving Li Bi from the age of seven or eight, fetching tea and pouring water for him. Li Bi was gentle by nature; though master and servant in name, the two were as close as brothers. Li Bi cherished Lu Hu deeply, teaching him to read and write, and cultivating his manners and etiquette. When accompanying Li Bi on outings, Lu Hu wore the indigo robes of a servant, but ate and drank as Li Bi did, acquiring the refined demeanor of a scholar—fond of roaming mountains, sipping tea, and conversing leisurely. Coupled with his delicate features, if he donned the spring garb of a scholar, none could tell he was but a servant.

Such a somewhat proud and fastidious attendant had no trouble serving Li Bi, his rightful master, but to serve Li Zaixing, a coarse fellow, was something he could hardly accept. What’s more, Li Zaixing was penniless—save for the valuable horse beneath him, he owned not a single coin, living off others, demanding service without so much as a thank you. What vexed Lu Hu most was Li Bi’s inexplicable eagerness to indulge Li Zaixing, as if afraid he might refuse his hospitality.

Yet Lu Hu, raised by Li Bi, would never let his thoughts show on his face. Throughout their journey, he treated Li Zaixing with respect, keeping any dissatisfaction well hidden. Now, as the city of Chang’an loomed ahead and their journey neared its end, Lu Hu felt a weight lift from his shoulders.

He had but one wish: that Li Bi would not invite Li Zaixing home. As it was Li Zaixing’s first time in Chang’an, unfamiliar with the city, he would surely accept any offer of hospitality. If so, Lu Hu’s suffering would never end.

Just as Lu Hu worried, Li Bi took hold of the donkey, letting out a gentle sigh, “My good brother, we’ve reached Chang’an. Where will you go? If you have nothing pressing, perhaps you’d come home with me for a couple of days.”

Lu Hu’s heart instantly tightened. He held his breath, stealing a glance at Li Zaixing.

Li Zaixing sensed Lu Hu’s furtive look, turned to glance at him, and grinned, revealing his teeth, “No, I have some matters to attend to. I won’t trouble your household.”

Lu Hu exhaled in relief, but before he could finish, Li Zaixing added, “But I don’t know Chang’an well. Could you have Lu Hu accompany me for a while?”

Lu Hu nearly choked, stars flashing before his eyes. He glared at Li Zaixing, only to meet a mischievous gaze. Quickly, he forced his anger into a smile, lest he lose composure and shame Li Bi.

Li Bi readily agreed, “I was thinking the same. Ah Hu is careful and knows Chang’an well. With him by your side, I’ll be at ease. Ah Hu, from today, you’ll follow Master Li, serve him diligently, and be careful.”

“Yes, Master.” Lu Hu’s heart sank; though unwilling, he could only comply.

“Let’s go, we’ll enter the city,” said Li Bi, glancing at Lu Hu and gently tapping the donkey’s flank. Lu Hu dismounted, walked to Li Zaixing, and held out his hand.

Li Zaixing looked puzzled, “What’s this?”

Lu Hu clasped his hands respectfully, “Please give me the reins; I’ll lead your horse for you, Master.”

Li Zaixing chuckled, “I can ride myself—no need for you to lead…”

Li Bi interrupted, “Brother, the city is not like the countryside. Decorum matters. Without someone leading your horse, people will laugh.”

Hearing this, Li Zaixing rolled his eyes. Chang’an truly was an imperial capital—appearances mattered greatly. Not only would riding a donkey draw ridicule, but riding a horse without an attendant would as well. One couldn’t simply ride alone; someone must lead the horse, just like how big bosses in later times must have a uniformed driver. So even if he didn’t ask for Lu Hu, Li Bi would likely send him anyway.

Though not accustomed to playing master, Li Zaixing had to follow local custom and handed the reins to Lu Hu.

Li Bi walked alongside him, saying, “There are many rules in the city. You’re new here and unfamiliar; mistakes are easily made. With Lu Hu beside you, I’ll rest easy.”

“Thank you, Third Brother,” Li Zaixing said earnestly, clasping his hands. He truly hadn’t considered these things until now. Chang’an was not merely a capital like Beijing in later times, but home to countless nobles and officials. The Tang Dynasty, though open, was still a feudal society where rank and status were paramount. It wasn’t as simple as leaders traveling with security; there were many more rules. Knowing none of them, he could easily break the law. Having Lu Hu, familiar with the city, was the best possible arrangement.

As they walked, Li Zaixing asked Li Bi about common customs. Though Chang’an seemed close, after walking half a day, they were still some distance from the city gate, which grew larger and more imposing—like a mighty lion resting at the horizon, silent but awe-inspiring.

This was the grandest city in the world, the very symbol of Tang’s golden age.

Perhaps, accustomed to the towering skyscrapers of modern cities, or perhaps annoyed by the many rules Li Bi explained, Li Zaixing felt none of the excitement he had expected as Chang’an grew nearer. What did the grand city matter to him, an ordinary man? He was here to uncover the mastermind, discover his true identity, then disappear—what did rules or grandeur have to do with him?

Just as these thoughts crossed his mind, a chill crept up his neck. Instinctively, he grabbed the large staff hanging from his saddle and swung it.

With a light crack, an arrow was knocked to the ground by the staff’s head.

Turning, Li Zaixing saw trouble brewing. Several riders were in pursuit, one young man with a carved bow looking astonished—perhaps amazed that Li Zaixing had so easily knocked his arrow aside.

Hooves thundered as several riders who’d just passed Li Zaixing turned their horses and began to encircle them. Sensing danger, passersby quickly moved aside, watching as Li Zaixing and his companions were surrounded by a dozen mounted youths.

Li Zaixing glanced at Li Bi and grinned, “What’s this? In broad daylight, beneath the emperor’s feet, are we being robbed and murdered?”

Li Bi frowned, reined in his donkey, scanned their surroundings, then dismounted and approached the bow-wielding youth.

“Wei San, what are you doing?”

The youth laughed, putting away his bow, “So it’s Immortal Li! Just returned?”

Li Bi nodded and indicated Li Zaixing, “This is my friend, a master from the South Mountain Bodhi Temple, skilled beyond measure. Don’t trouble him.”

“Is that so?” The youth sized up Li Zaixing, hand on his waist, reins in the other, nudging his horse closer. He glanced at Li Zaixing’s staff and snorted, somewhat disdainful, “That’s your weapon?”

Li Zaixing surveyed the well-dressed youths and their servants and understood: these must be the privileged sons of Chang’an’s officials, the notorious playboys. Judging by their gaze, they cared little for him—only for the Tiele horse beneath him. If they could seize the horse, whether they killed him mattered little. The arrow just shot was aimed straight at his back; had he not reacted swiftly, he’d be dead by now.

This deeply annoyed Li Zaixing.

He lowered his head, looked at the staff in his hand, and slowly straightened his back, left hand holding the reins, right hand gripping the staff, its tip trembling and pointed at the youth’s chest. He raised his brows and, instead of answering, asked, “Are you here to rob us, or to challenge me?”

The youth arched his brow, “What if I am robbing? What if I am challenging? To be frank, I have no interest in you, but your horse intrigues me. Dressed in simple clothes, riding such a fine steed—you don’t look like anyone wealthy. Be honest: where did you steal it?”

Li Zaixing laughed, “What concern is my horse to you?”

The youth’s face darkened, “Your appearance alone shows you’re no good. Wearing rags, riding a prized horse—you must be a thief or a bandit. Since I’ve seen it, I can’t let you go. Speak now, or suffer for it.”

Li Zaixing curled his lip—just as he’d guessed: they wanted his horse, and now accused him of theft. All based on a single word?

“Are you a disciple of Second Senior Brother?”

The youth was taken aback, “Second Senior Brother? Who’s that? I don’t know any Second Senior Brother. Villain, don’t try to be familiar. Today, I’ll see justice done—even if the magistrate comes, he won’t save you.”

Li Zaixing smiled, “If you’re not Second Senior Brother’s disciple, why so aggressive? You want the horse—come and take it, if you can.”

The youth eyed Li Zaixing, puzzled. Li Bi, anxious, sensed the killing intent in Li Zaixing’s words and quickly turned, shouting, “Brother, don’t be rude—this is Wei Sanlang of the City South Wei family.”

Li Zaixing’s brows twitched, but he ignored Li Bi. He’d heard of the City South Wei family from Li Bi—a powerful clan. There was a saying in Chang’an, “City South Wei and Du, just five feet from Heaven,” meaning the Wei and Du families were influential, close to the imperial court. He’d only heard it in passing, never expecting to encounter such a figure before even entering Chang’an.

But even if the Wei and Du families were just five feet from Heaven, even if Heaven itself intervened, he would never surrender his Tiele horse.

“So you’re the famous Wei Sanlang,” Li Zaixing smiled even more, wrapping the reins around the saddle, gripping the staff with both hands, its tip raised before the youth. “Then I mustn’t be careless—I’ll have to give my all. Wei Sanlang, do you prefer a duel, or a brawl?”

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