Chapter Thirty-Seven: The Training Begins
By midday, Yang Yaosong arrived at Taiping Gate astride his obsidian-black steed. He saw that Qin Haizhou and the Crown Prince’s carriage were already waiting there.
“Brother Qin, I am late,” Yang Yaosong greeted with a respectful gesture.
“We’re still within the hour—how can you call it late? I’ve only just arrived myself,” Qin Haizhou replied, returning the salute with good humor. “Brother Yang, your mount is truly magnificent! It suits you perfectly.”
Qin Haizhou’s eyes brightened as he regarded the black stallion. Being a man who knew and loved horses, he could appreciate the animal’s tall, handsome frame: deep chest, powerful muscles, sturdy build, straight back, and strong legs. It far surpassed his own horse, and he couldn’t help but admire it, as every warrior dreams of a noble steed.
He gazed at the horse with unabashed appreciation, reaching out to touch it. But the steed tossed its head with pride, eyeing him with disdain and evading his hand.
Qin Haizhou uttered a surprised “Ah!” then laughed heartily. “Indeed, it is a fine horse! To have tamed such a creature, Brother Yang, I truly admire you.” He lowered his voice. “The Crown Prince and Princess are inside the carriage; now is not the time for introductions. Soon, I’ll drive the carriage out of the city—you simply follow.”
Yang Yaosong glanced at the carriage, thinking, “The Emperor is certainly trusting, but then, the Princess’s skills are exceptional enough to warrant such confidence.” He recalled that mysterious, ethereal Princess, capable of earth and sky feats, and snorted inwardly. “No matter how divine, you must still enter through the gate!”
Following Qin Haizhou, Yang Yaosong rode behind the carriage as it left the city. The guards recognized Qin Haizhou and stood respectfully.
Not long after leaving the city, the trio reached the western base of Purple Gold Mountain. Qin Haizhou halted the carriage, and Yang Yaosong dismounted, letting his steed roam freely. Only then did the Crown Prince step out, admiring Yang Yaosong’s black horse.
The Crown Prince approached to stroke its mane, but the horse again evaded him with contempt. Several attempts resulted either in missed contact or in the horse gently pushing his hand away. Yet, it never harmed him, revealing its intelligence. The Crown Prince seemed to understand the horse’s temperament and grew somewhat embarrassed.
Yang Yaosong and Qin Haizhou exchanged amused glances, pretending not to notice.
Yang Yaosong was surprised that the Crown Prince had endured the ride in the carriage for so long, only revealing himself at the mountain's base. He secretly commended him.
At that time, Purple Gold Mountain was untouched by later developments; dense forests, jade trees reaching skyward, and undulating ridges lent it a majestic, dragon-like grandeur.
“Yang Yaosong,” the Crown Prince called from beside the black horse.
Yang Yaosong and Qin Haizhou exchanged a wry smile, then Yang Yaosong walked over.
He approached, saying, “Your Highness.”
The black steed came to Yang Yaosong’s side, gently nudging his arm. Yang Yaosong raised his hand, stroking its mane, and the horse stood contentedly beside him.
The Crown Prince, envious of the scene, pursed his lips and said to Yang Yaosong, “My aunt has already surveyed Purple Gold Mountain. She said that if we head southeast for ten li up the mountain, there is a flat woodland suitable for a camp. The terrain is steep and the trees are tall, making it very concealed. Let’s go there directly.”
Yang Yaosong nodded. “Thank you, Your Highness and the Princess. You both had the foresight to scout ahead. Otherwise, finding a suitable training ground in such a vast mountain would be troublesome and time-consuming.”
The Crown Prince replied, “Are you praising me or my aunt? She did it all herself.”
Yang Yaosong frowned, glancing at the carriage.
The previous night’s heavy rain had left the mountain paths muddy and slippery. Yang Yaosong advised the Crown Prince to wait below, but he insisted on coming along. Since the Princess did not object, Yang Yaosong relented, hiding the horse and carriage in the forest, then set out with Qin Haizhou and the Crown Prince toward the southwest woods.
It took almost two hours to reach the designated spot. Qin Haizhou led, Yang Yaosong followed behind. The first mile was manageable, but the path grew increasingly difficult. By the time they arrived, they had slipped and fallen countless times, their clothes torn and muddy, drenched in sweat and clinging to their bodies.
Seated on the flat mountain clearing, they looked at each other and burst into laughter. Yang Yaosong and Qin Haizhou gave the Crown Prince admiring glances, making him slightly embarrassed.
Yang Yaosong declared, “This is indeed a good spot—concealed, flat, spacious, and with a creek running through. Perfect for a training camp. Brother Qin, how are your fifty soldiers?”
Qin Haizhou replied, “All selected, aged sixteen to twenty, fit and clever.”
Yang Yaosong said, “Tomorrow, you and I will lead them up the mountain. Let them only bring luggage, provisions, and camp tools. We keep it simple; though conditions are tough, it’s good training. Your Highness can inform the Nangong residence that I am staying in the palace to instruct you.”
He frowned, surveying the area. “Their first test tomorrow will be to climb the mountain blindfolded, following instructions. Anyone who fails can go home.”
The Crown Prince and Qin Haizhou exchanged glances, recalling Yang Yaosong’s earlier insistence on secrecy.
They had arrived in a sorry state—apart from Qin Haizhou, Yang Yaosong and the Crown Prince were disheveled. The soldiers would fare even worse blindfolded. The first test seemed simple, but would be difficult in practice.
They examined the terrain, discussed camp details and supplies for tomorrow, then followed the same route back down. As the saying goes, climbing is easy, descending is hard. Yang Yaosong tied them together with a rope, yet they still slipped several times before reaching the base.
Qin Haizhou had to look after Yang Yaosong and the Crown Prince, leading them. Though his stamina held, all three were famished.
Yang Yaosong, though training daily, had not yet built much strength, and was as exhausted as the Crown Prince. Both were hungry and tired.
They sat by the carriage at the mountain’s base, devouring the provisions prepared for the journey.
After resting, they prepared to return to the city. The Crown Prince, seeing Yang Yaosong’s bedraggled state, said, “You can’t return to your residence like this. Stay in the palace tonight. I’ll have Xiao Xi fetch your things and let the Nangong residence know.”
Yang Yaosong glanced at his own appearance, realizing he had overlooked this detail. The Crown Prince’s thoughtfulness impressed him. He nodded, “Thank you, Your Highness. Let’s do as you say.”
In the palace, the Crown Prince arranged for Yang Yaosong to stay in a room reserved for ministers’ midday rest. The black steed was welcomed into the royal stables.
Returning to the East Palace, the Crown Prince instructed Xiao Xi to notify the Nangong residence and bring Yang Yaosong’s clothing and belongings. Xiao Xi was also told to stay and attend to Yang Yaosong.
Yang Yaosong was delighted to receive several sets of clean clothes and Xiao Xi’s care, and he chatted freely with him.
By evening, Xiao Xi saw Yang Yaosong’s fatigue. Though happy to chat with Yang Da-ge, he arranged for Yang Yaosong to bathe and eat pastries, urging him to rest early.
Yang Yaosong, having slept poorly the previous night and exerted himself scouting the mountain, felt utterly drained after some pastries. He would have gladly slept on the ground, let alone the bed.
He slept dreamlessly until morning. The exertions of the previous day left him aching all over. He sighed, realizing he needed to intensify his training. The prospect of joining the rigorous regimen today made him strangely excited. He mocked himself—was this an unchanging nature?
He touched the leather pouch hanging from his chest, bought yesterday before heading to the city gate. Inside were four words written by Yin Ruxin. Thinking of them, warmth spread across his face.
Xiao Xi arranged breakfast for Yang Yaosong. Once he finished, Xiao Xi led him to meet the Crown Prince.
Seeing the Crown Prince’s pained expression, Yang Yaosong guessed he too was sore from head to toe. He smiled inwardly but kept a calm face. “Your Highness, these are the designs for the uniforms and weapons for the Secret Investigators. Please review them.”
Only the Crown Prince and Yang Yaosong were present. The Crown Prince, not hiding his discomfort, grimaced as he examined the drawings. After a while, he said, “Yang Qing, your designs are novel—the weapons, especially the short blade with its serrated back, are impressive. As for the uniform—won’t it look odd? A white shirt… a shirt? It seems like a modified nightshirt. Yellow-green striped jacket and trousers, with a leather belt and so many pockets… quite strange. And the shoulder decorations you annotated as epaulettes, with bizarre patterns denoting rank in the Secret Investigation Bureau. Since His Majesty has entrusted this to you, everything will follow your design.”
Yang Yaosong thought, “These clothes, in this era, surely count as eccentric attire.”
He said, “Your Highness, you should rest in the palace today. If anything arises, the Princess can relay messages—her skills are exceptional; she can reach the camp in moments. It would be best if she could deliver food daily—meat, fruit, grain are essential. Once the first batch of Secret Investigators is trained, you won’t need to trouble her further. Today, I’ll join General Qin and the soldiers at the camp. If Your Highness is curious, wait for fair weather to visit.”
The Crown Prince, aching all over, had intended to rest, but seeing Yang Yaosong seemingly unaffected, he hesitated to mention it. Hearing Yang Yaosong’s suggestion, he was pleased but maintained a composed expression. “Very well, as you say. We’ll study in the palace and visit the camp when the weather improves. As for the Princess…” He frowned, “I’ll speak with her. But Yang Qing, to entrust food delivery to the Princess—such audacity! None in the world are bolder than you.”
Yang Yaosong smiled awkwardly. “It can’t be helped… please explain to the Princess. Secrecy must always be the priority.”
Yang Yaosong had arranged to meet Qin Haizhou at Purple Gold Mountain’s base at mid-morning. After a few more words with the Crown Prince, he departed, taking the belongings and clothes Xiao Xi had brought, and rode to the mountain.
Near the mountain’s base, Yang Yaosong alighted, watched the carriage depart, then donned his mask and proceeded to the agreed spot.
He found Qin Haizhou and fifty neatly arrayed soldiers waiting. Qin Haizhou had already informed them that a certain Lord Yang would be in charge of their training, and they were to obey him completely.
Yang Yaosong appeared masked before them, heightening their respect. The mask was the golden roc he’d bought at the Red Temple Festival—lending him an air of mystery and dignity.
Rain had begun again in the morning, but Yang Yaosong stuck to his plan. He ordered Qin Haizhou to instruct all soldiers to blindfold themselves and follow commands. Qin Haizhou had already explained, so the soldiers took out black cloths, wrapped their eyes tightly, and showed no fear. Yang Yaosong nodded approvingly.
The ascent began—Qin Haizhou led, Yang Yaosong followed. The soldiers, burdened with gear, each carried a stick to probe their way, listening to instructions as they moved toward the training camp.
Ten li of mountain path, under rain, blindfolded. Progress was slow, and many fell repeatedly, but not one gave up. They reached the camp by afternoon, all bearing scrapes and sprains. The slow pace spared their bodies, but tested their minds. Yet all fifty endured.
Yang Yaosong was impressed. Perhaps in this era, the world was less complicated, their horizons narrower, and so they obeyed orders without question. It was a blessing, and he abandoned plans for brainwashing-style mental training, knowing it would undermine their judgment on future missions.
At the summit, Yang Yaosong treated their wounds and sprains—a simple task for him. Then they pitched tents and lit fires. Though it was the first day, Yang Yaosong did not slacken. After dinner, he gave no stirring speeches; instead, he began teaching push-ups, planks, squats, horse stances, crunches, and other basic exercises, demonstrating himself. Qin Haizhou cooperated, following his lead. The soldiers observed, imitated, and trained until late at night, when they were finally allowed to rest.
Early the next morning, just as dawn broke, Yang Yaosong awoke to see a white figure standing in his tent. Though startled, he knew who it was and hastily called out, “Princess, please wait!”
It was Princess Li Yijun. She paused, frowning, not turning. “What else do you need? Today’s food has been delivered.”
Yang Yaosong rose, seeing two large sacks in his tent. He dressed quickly. “Thank you, Princess. I… I need a few more things—please bring them.”
Li Yijun turned, glaring as if she could devour him, her brows furrowed in anger. “What else!”
Yang Yaosong thickened his skin, smiling. “Brush, ink, paper, an inkstone, medicine for wounds, a gong. That’s all for now.”
Li Yijun ignored him, turning to leave.
Yang Yaosong watched her go, shaking his head and grinning sheepishly.
He emerged and roused Qin Haizhou and all the soldiers. He divided the fifty into ten squads, appointing temporary leaders, stating that future leaders would be chosen based on performance. Then he led them in military calisthenics and had them run laps around the camp until sunrise. When the soldiers began preparing breakfast, Yang Yaosong returned to his tent and found brush, ink, paper, medicine, and a gong neatly arranged on his bed. Raising his brows, he nodded and muttered, “This Princess may have a poor attitude, but her work is impeccable!”