Volume One, Chapter Six: The Training Ground Contest – Fish and Bait

Year 194 AD, January 16th, Chang'an City.

A biting wind swept up fine snowflakes, howling through the streets and alleys of Chang'an.

Outside Weiyang Palace, the tents of the Imperial Guard fluttered fiercely in the wind. The firelight cast eerie shadows upon their iron armor, making them appear formidable.

Liu Xie stood atop the raised platform of the training ground, draped in a dark cloak, his gaze sharp and cold as it swept over the ranks of the Imperial Guards arrayed below.

Beside him, Jia Xu bowed his head slightly, a faint, inscrutable smile playing on his lips. Today, the cunning strategist had deliberately changed into a plain robe, standing out starkly against the wind and snow.

“Your Majesty, Hu Che’er has arrived,” Zheng Sen whispered, hand resting on his sword hilt, eyes vigilant.

The young Zhonghuangmen was fully armed today; besides his sword, three hidden throwing knives hung at his waist.

In the distance, a burly general strode forward, the clang of his iron armor ringing out—none other than the fierce general Hu Che’er of the Xiliang army.

His rugged face bore an arrogant expression, yet deep in his eyes flickered a subtle glint not easily perceived.

Behind him followed more than ten personal guards, all broad-shouldered and fierce, exuding an aura of deadly intent.

“I, Hu Che’er, pay respects to Your Majesty!” He knelt on one knee, his voice loud and clear but deliberately refrained from performing the full salute.

Liu Xie understood the gesture but showed a displeased expression. “General Hu, rise. I have come today to observe the training of the Imperial Guard.” The young emperor’s voice was calm as still water yet carried an undeniable authority.

Hu Che’er stood and grinned, revealing a mouthful of yellowed teeth. “Rest assured, Your Majesty, the Imperial Guard is an elite force and will protect you at all costs!” He cast a disdainful, provocative glance at Zheng Sen.

Liu Xie nodded slightly, then turned his gaze to Jia Xu.

Jia Xu caught the hint, clearing his throat softly. “General Hu, His Majesty has heard of your exceptional martial skills. Would you be willing to spar briefly with Zhonghuangmen Zheng Sen, so the emperor may witness your prowess?”

An exaggerated look of surprise crossed Hu Che’er’s face. “Zhonghuangmen?” He deliberately stretched the tone. “Ha, I fear I might injure him and then have no excuse to report to Your Majesty.”

Zheng Sen frowned and said coldly, “General Hu, your confidence borders on arrogance.”

Liu Xie raised his hand and said lightly, “If that is so, then let there be a trial—stopping before any serious harm is done.”

At the center of the training ground, Zheng Sen and Hu Che’er faced each other. The cold wind kicked up dust; the surrounding Imperial Guards held their breath, eyes burning with anticipation.

Several spies planted by Li Jue pressed to the front row, eager to watch the spectacle.

“Please!” Zheng Sen saluted, then drew his sword with a flash of cold light, thrusting straight at Hu Che’er’s throat like a lightning strike—a clear warning.

Hu Che’er laughed loudly, sidestepping and countering with a heavy punch aimed at Zheng Sen’s chest.

The blow carried tremendous force and a howling wind.

Zheng Sen hastily blocked but was still pushed back several steps, his arm tingling.

Inwardly, he marveled, “What strength! This barbarian’s reputation is well-deserved.” Yet outwardly, he betrayed no sign of alarm and charged again, his sword like a shooting rainbow.

After more than ten exchanges, Zheng Sen deliberately revealed a weakness, leaving his left shoulder open.

A sharp gleam flashed in Hu Che’er’s eyes; seizing the moment, he swept a whip-like kick across Zheng Sen’s left shoulder.

Zheng Sen groaned, flying backward heavily, landing hard with a trickle of blood at the corner of his mouth.

“Three treasures!” Liu Xie feigned shock and anger, springing to his feet with a flourish of his dragon robe sleeves, knocking the teacup from the table to shatter crisply on the ground.

Hu Che’er halted, clasping his fists. “Your Majesty, forgive me. I momentarily lost control,” he said, though his tone bore no apology, only a trace of pride.

Liu Xie’s face darkened, his voice cold. “General Hu, you are indeed valiant, but the Imperial Guard is the emperor’s own army. Such arrogance—do you not regard me at all?” He deliberately raised his voice so all could hear.

“I dare not!” Hu Che’er knelt quickly, but his back remained straight, revealing his unwillingness to yield.

Liu Xie snorted coldly and swept away.

Jia Xu followed closely, whispering, “Your Majesty, the bait is set; now we wait for the fish to take it.”

That night, Hu Che’er was urgently summoned to Li Jue’s mansion.

Li Jue’s residence blazed with light and was heavily guarded.

Hu Che’er passed through three courtyards before reaching the main hall.

Li Jue sat in the main seat, a strategist Jia Xu and several trusted generals standing nearby.

“I heard you injured the emperor’s guard at the training ground today?” Li Jue narrowed his eyes, tapping his fingers rhythmically on the table.

Hu Che’er knelt on one knee, voice low. “General, Zheng Sen is but a delicate flower. I merely taught him a lesson, yet the young emperor took offense!” He spoke angrily. “To reprimand me before the entire army—isn’t that an insult to you, General?”

Li Jue sneered and sipped wine. “Liu Xie has grown bolder lately.” His gaze turned dark. “Ever since his coming-of-age ceremony, he’s like a different person.”

Jia Xu interjected timely, “General, His Majesty is young and impulsive; perhaps this is just a matter of pride. However…” He paused, lowering his voice. “The Imperial Guard is the emperor’s personal army. If General Hu falls out with the emperor, it will bring ridicule from all under heaven and benefit no one.”

A sharp glint flashed in Li Jue’s eyes. “Wenhe, what do you mean?”

Jia Xu smiled faintly, leaning close to Li Jue’s ear. “Let General Hu appear to support Liu Xie openly, while secretly watching him and gradually seizing control. That would serve your grand plans well.”

Li Jue pondered briefly, then burst into laughter. “Brilliant! Wenhe, truly brilliant!” He turned to Hu Che’er. “General Hu, for now, lower your head and win the young emperor’s trust. In time… we shall make further plans.”

Hu Che’er’s heart leapt with joy—this was exactly what he wanted! Outwardly, he feigned resentment. “I… obey!” He clasped his fists heavily; the clang of his armor rang out sharply.