Chapter 35: A Lack of Sportsmanship

The Mid-Autumn Festival grand banquet was in full swing, with civil and military officials gathered in force. Outside the Meridian Gate, they stood in small groups, appearing to chat idly, yet the social divisions were clear.

Jian Yi, for instance, was constantly surrounded by sycophantic officials, as were the other Ministers. Yang Rong, Xie Jin, and several other Hanlin academicians huddled together in their own clique. Xu Jingchang, however, was traditionally the most isolated, standing alone with no one daring to approach him.

Today, however, was an exception. Prince of Han, Zhu Gaoxu, was stuck to his side, hovering about like a lowly attendant. The sight stunned everyone. Was this really the notoriously arrogant Zhu Gaoxu? Had he been possessed?

Among the nobility, Qiu Fu and his circle had arrived, but due to recent tensions and his frustration with Zhu Gaoxu’s incompetence, Qiu Fu pointedly ignored him. Surprisingly, however, the Duke of Cheng, Zhu Neng, took the initiative to approach them.

"Administrator Xu, thank you for those mooncakes. Come by my place later and pick out a few fine bows. You are a scion of a military family; you cannot afford to let your archery skills languish."

Xu Jingchang laughed, "I would love to learn, but I lack a master..."

"I'll teach you!" Zhu Gaoxu blurted out excitedly. "Cousin, if you want to learn, learn from me! My martial prowess is something even the Emperor himself has praised."

Xu Jingchang rolled his eyes. *That’s the only thing you have left to brag about, but don't get in the way of my networking.*

"Your Highness should focus on serving His Majesty. I shall consult with the Duke of Cheng when I have the time."

Zhu Neng nodded with a smile, "Very well, I look forward to it."

As they were talking, two more men approached—a monk and a civil official. Yao Guangxiao and Xia Yuanji joined the group. Seeing this, Xu Jingchang immediately understood the situation. *Old Xia is truly cunning; while I sought the protection of Empress Xu, he went straight to the Grand Preceptor Yao.* Everyone was just trying to survive. Xu Jingchang exchanged a look with Xia Yuanji—fellow castaways in this sea of politics, forced to huddle together for warmth.

In truth, their group was quite significant: a Prince, two high-ranking officials, and two dukes of the highest order. They bridged both civil and military factions and possessed both wealth and influence. Yet, upon closer inspection, it was a group of misfits. Zhu Gaoxu was drowning in frustration over his own blunders; Xia Yuanji was surrounded by enemies due to his tax policies; Zhu Neng was feeling the pressure of Qiu Fu’s resurgence; and Yao Guangxiao, due to his monastic origins, was a political loner. Even Xu Jingchang himself was widely disliked. It seemed a perfect match of the unwanted.

Just then, another figure hurried over, looked around, and dove straight into Xu Jingchang’s circle. He was tall, handsome, elegant, and carried an air of distinction. It was the hereditary Duke of Cao, Li Jinglong.

According to the narrative of Zhu Di’s entry into the capital, Li Jinglong was the foremost meritorious official. This made sense; had he not delivered hundreds of thousands of troops to the enemy, Zhu Di would not have won so easily. Furthermore, Li Jinglong had personally opened the city gates and surrendered Yingtian.

However, once Zhu Di sat firmly on the throne, Li Jinglong’s life became miserable. He was attacked from all sides: the Ministry of Justice accused him of harboring treasonous intent; the Ministry of Personnel claimed he was plotting with his brothers; the Ministry of Rites even impeached him for allowing his servants to kowtow to him as if he were the Emperor. Even the virtuous Prince of Zhou, Zhu Su, petitioned to say Li Jinglong had solicited bribes from him. If Xu Jingchang was "unpopular," Li Jinglong was universally loathed. Everyone wanted him gone. Li Jinglong knew this and rarely appeared in public, but he could not skip the Mid-Autumn banquet.

He had arrived in a rush, saw that this group wasn't too crowded, and joined them. Only when he arrived did he notice the murderous glare from Zhu Gaoxu.

"You have the gall to show your face?"

The remark left Li Jinglong blushing, and just as he was about to retreat, Xu Jingchang smiled, "Duke of Cao, it’s been a while. How have you been?"

Li Jinglong replied bitterly, "Just scraping by. Can’t go and kill myself, can I?"

Zhu Gaoxu glared, ready to curse again, but Xu Jingchang chuckled, "Duke of Cao, I recently received a directive from the Ministry of Rites to compile the Veritable Records. I intend to recommend you to oversee the military section. Are you interested?"

Li Jinglong was stunned. He was desperate for any work—never mind the records, he would repair horseshoes if asked! But who would dare employ him? "Administrator Xu, I... I fear I lack the ability..."

"Do not fear. Just tell the truth. My father once said that among the sons of the nobility, you, the Duke of Cao, are second to none in both civil and military talent."

Xu Jingchang’s lavish praise left Zhu Gaoxu and Zhu Neng dumbfounded. *What is this kid up to?* Fortunately, they respected Xu Jingchang enough to hold their tongues. The old monk, Yao Guangxiao, pondered this with a faint smile.

"Duke of Cao, since the Administrator thinks highly of you, I, too, find you quite capable."

Li Jinglong trembled; to hear this from Grand Preceptor Yao meant something. He thanked them profusely, but before they could speak further, the palace gates opened, and the officials entered.

After Zhu Di arrived, he was in high spirits. "Today is a festival; let us dispense with the formalities. Drink, be merry, and speak your minds!"

The officials offered their congratulations, and the banquet began. While the civil officials remained restrained, the military lords had barely finished a few cups before they began shouting and carousing, as if back in the military camps where they had crushed the Southern forces.

Zhu Di watched with visible delight, frequently urging them to drink. Just then, Zheng Heng, the Marquis of Wuan, stood up. "Your Majesty, we have fine wine and food, but no entertainment. Let me perform a martial display to cheer you, just as we did in the camps!"

Zhu Di laughed, "Very well! I know your skill—you are the bravest of the brave."

Zheng Heng boasted, "Thank you, Your Majesty. At the Battle of Baigou, I charged ahead and chased the enemy all the way to Jinan... By the way, the person who was fleeing in terror before me back then seems to be here in the Golden Hall." He turned his gaze to Li Jinglong. "Duke of Cao, you may outrank me, but I do not respect you. How can a defeated general speak of valor?"

Li Jinglong’s face turned scarlet. He realized he hadn't come to a banquet, but to be humiliated.

Zheng Heng sneered, "Let’s do this—I won't say another word. Let us exchange a few blows, just to entertain His Majesty!"

Li Jinglong had no desire to fight, but just as he was about to refuse, he heard Xu Jingchang clapping and laughing. "Splendid! Let the scholars use their words and the warriors use their fists. Zheng Heng, if I recall, your father was a hereditary thousand-man commander under the late Emperor, and the Duke of Cao’s father, the Prince of Qiyang, was the late Emperor’s own nephew. This is like the banquet at the Bronze Bird Terrace—a clash between elite generals and royal kin. A truly marvelous spectacle!"

Xu Jingchang walked up to Li Jinglong and whispered, "Can you take him?"

Li Jinglong was startled. He could certainly win, but did he dare?

"Administrator Xu, I... I feel that on such a joyous day, it is improper to fight..."

"Nonsense," Xu Jingchang smiled. "Fights often lead to friendship. Both your fathers were dukes appointed by the late Emperor. If you don't step up, you’ll force me to do it with these scrawny arms. This is about the reputation of your ancestors—a warrior's pride is all he has. Don't say you can't; don't shame your forebears. Here, let me pour you a cup."

Li Jinglong’s blood boiled. He stared at the cup, gritted his teeth, and said, "Thank you, Administrator. I shall drink it after I win."

With a sudden burst of movement, Li Jinglong lunged forward, his fist smashing toward Zheng Heng. Zheng Heng, caught off guard, stumbled back under the heavy blow. Li Jinglong pressed his advantage, sweeping Zheng Heng’s legs and sending him crashing to the floor.

Zheng Heng was stunned. He scrambled up, furious. "You—you ambushed me! You fight without honor! I wasn't ready!"

Li Jinglong, having vented his pent-up frustration, sneered, "Zheng Heng, if you aren't satisfied, come again!"