Chapter Thirty-One: Independence and the Lone Commander

Li Yi swaggered along with Li Yesi, wobbling three times with each step, as they approached the gate of an independent courtyard. This courtyard lay in the northeast corner of the Li estate and had once been Li Jing’s training ground. After the family expanded the estate, it was left unused. Though its exterior looked somewhat aged, Cui, with the servants, had thoroughly cleaned it inside and out the day before, making it suitable for living.

As soon as Li Yi and Li Yesi entered, they were greeted by a maid, a sturdy, honest-looking guard, and a group of servants, who all bowed with heads lowered, “We pay our respects to the eldest and second young master!”

Li Yi was so startled by the display that he nearly jumped. “Get up, get up! Second, what’s all this?”

Li Yesi stared blankly, confusion clouding his features. “Second? You’re calling me?”

“Nonsense, is there anyone else here? You’re the second now, who else would I call Second?”

Li Yesi’s face twitched as he glanced at the snickering servants. He forced a wry smile at Li Yi, “Big brother, can I object?”

Li Yi surveyed the ‘little’ courtyard. It was enormous—could this really be called little? It was large enough to build a school. Clicking his tongue, his gaze fell upon the servants, finally settling on the young maid. “Hmm! Not bad looking, just a bit young—reminds me of Yiyi. They say ancient young masters always have maids; could this one be for me? If so, in the future I could…”

“Big brother? Big brother?”

“What?” Li Yi snapped back from his wandering thoughts to reality, amused by the tangled, bun-like expression on Li Yesi’s face.

“I’m just asking, could you call me something else?” Li Yesi managed another strained smile.

Li Yi straightened his expression and launched into his persuasive mode. “Second, you’re mistaken. Do you know how many people would fight for that title? Let me tell you, your nickname, and Yeshu’s as Third, are titles that will be remembered for generations. In the future, thousands upon thousands will call you that. You should feel honored!”

Li Yesi gazed at him, thoroughly perplexed, as if doubting his own intelligence. Was that ‘Second’ he’d met at the restaurant last time really someone important? Scratching his head, he looked lost.

Seeing this, Li Yi quickly changed the subject. “Ahem, Second, talk to me about what’s in front of us. I’ve got things to do.”

Li Yesi, not realizing he’d been played, answered earnestly, “Oh! These are the maids and servants my mother prepared for you. If you need anything, just instruct them.” He pointed at the maid and the brawny man, “This is Bingyu, your maid, and this is Chang Dong, an old soldier who followed our grandfather into battle. He was an orphan, so after retiring, he stayed with the Li family. Now Grandfather has assigned him as your bodyguard.”

“Can I refuse?” Li Yi, a man of the new era, found the idea of being constantly waited upon hard to swallow.

“Why refuse? Don’t you need looking after?” Second, having grown up in the Tang Dynasty, was used to such things.

“Heh, if you rely on others for everything, won’t you end up a useless sluggard who doesn’t even know crops from grains? Doing things for yourself, even small things, cultivates good habits, and one’s habits shape character, even future achievements.” Li Yi didn’t know why he’d become so fond of lecturing; perhaps it was the generational gap. Since he couldn’t adapt to their ways, he’d try to change them. After all, he had a good grandfather—he was, in fact, a third-generation official now!

“Haha! They say Yier is a prodigy, and I used to doubt it, but now I think calling you a prodigy is an understatement!” At that moment, Cui came over carrying a tray of food.

Li Yi hurried to take it, but Bingyu was quicker, accepting the food with a sweet smile. Li Yi, seeing her tact and quiet nature, took an immediate liking to her. Although he’d been in the Tang for fifteen years, he’d mostly lived in seclusion on Mount Mao, so he did need someone to help out.

He turned to Cui, “Haha, Aunt, you’re so thoughtful—I really am hungry!”

“You and that sweet tongue of yours—much better than my two boys. But this meal is at your grandmother’s order,” Cui replied, looking at Li Yi with growing fondness.

“Heh, still, you’ve done your part, Aunt. But in the future, let others handle this; you shouldn’t be bringing it yourself.”

“If I hadn’t come, how could I have heard such wisdom?”

“Aunt flatters me; I was just speaking thoughtlessly.”

“You call me Aunt, yet still act so formal. Let me tell you, Yier, now that you’re the eldest, you must take care of your two brothers. I’ve spoiled them since they were young, and your grandfather and uncle hardly discipline them. You don’t have to demand great things from them, but at least see they live safely. You’re a sensible one, so you understand: though our family seems prestigious, one wrong step can bring disaster.” Cui looked at Li Yi with earnest gravity.

Li Yi was secretly amazed. Such insight was rare for a woman in ancient times, and she was entirely correct. In his past life, the Li family had declined after Li Jing’s death, ending in ruin; his two brothers vanished from history, their fates unknown. “No wonder those born to the Five Great Clans are different! But these families are dangerous—I’ll surely come into conflict with them one day. How will I explain that to Aunt? Headache!”

After some silent reflection, Li Yi replied seriously, “Rest assured, Aunt. They are my brothers; as long as I live, no one will harm them or the Li family. Since I’ve entered the Li family’s gate, I’ll guard our legacy to the end.”

Cui smiled, finally at ease. “Good! I trust you. Now, you get on with your business—I can handle things here. As for the servants, let them leave. You’re right: one must learn self-reliance. I’ll withdraw the maids from Yesi and Yeshu as well—let them learn independence!”

“Mother, really? Are you serious?” Second seemed unable to process how, in just a few words, he had become completely alone.

“Yesi, you’re grown now; it’s time to be independent. I won’t force you—just as your brother said, you have a choice: continue as a pampered young master, or break away and learn independence like your brother.” Cui’s tone was that of a strict mother.

Second recognized another choice was at hand, but this time, he didn’t hesitate. “Mother, there’s no need to choose. I might be a little wild, but I’m still a son of the Li family!”

“Mother, me too! I want to be independent, to be the second son of the Li family!” piped up Third, who had appeared from nowhere, followed by the family elders.

“Haha! Yier, you never fail to surprise. But you’re right—sons of the Li family must be this way!” Li Jing beamed, stroking his beard.

“Well said. You two, listen to your big brother from now on. If he disciplines you, we won’t interfere. Beg all you want; it won’t help. You know your brother’s skills!” Lady Hongfu glared at the younger two, who dared not look up, then turned to Li Yi. “Since that’s settled, let’s go and not disturb Yier. He’s busy. I’ll take half the servants with me; Bingyu and Chang Dong will stay, and I’ll leave you a cook. Even with independence, you don’t need to cook and wash your own clothes!”

Li Yi could only smile wryly. Not doing these things was hardly independence, but he nodded—change takes time. Besides, having Bingyu and Chang Dong was just what he wanted: the perfect secretary and bodyguard. They were as solid as any top-tier guards.

Wait—a flash of inspiration struck him. He turned to Li Jing, “Grandfather, do you have any young, healthy, and preferably educated soldiers?”

Li Jing frowned, “Why do you want them?”

“Heh, Grandfather, I’ve thought of some new training methods I’d like to try.”

“You know how to train soldiers? At your age? Nonsense! Still, I’ll let you pick a few—it’s a special time. Two bodyguards are good. Have Chang Dong come to me later to choose.”

With that, Li Jing departed, followed by the rest of the family and servants, leaving only Li Yi, Bingyu, Chang Dong, and a cook named Han. Li Yi told the cook to rest, then took Bingyu and Chang Dong for a look around.

Li Yi walked the courtyard, nodding in satisfaction. Though the outside was old, the inside was all new and spacious. Bingyu had explained earlier: the front was the main hall for guests; to the left, the study; to the right, the kitchen and servants’ quarters; behind, his bedroom and several guest rooms; and a martial training ground spanning several hundred meters. Small as it was, it had everything—a miniature mansion.

After the tour, Li Yi led them into the study, which was large, though lacking the grand desk and armchairs of later times—just a small desk and a few low stools.

Sitting at the desk, Li Yi found it uncomfortable. Clearly, some things needed changing.

“Why are you both looking at me? Sit down! It may not be comfortable, but it will do.”

“We wouldn’t dare!”

Li Yi gave a helpless smile. “Seems I need to introduce myself. My name is Li Yi, courtesy name Wenyong. You may call me Young Master Yi or Brother Yi. I used to be a fake Daoist, living on Mount Mao. Now, I’m the eldest young master of the Li family. I’m not strict—feel free to speak or jest as you wish. All I ask is that you do what I instruct, and as long as the job is done, all else is negotiable. Also, don’t refer to yourselves as ‘slave’ or ‘servant’—I’m not used to it. Just call yourselves by name. Now, can you sit?”

“Yes, I’ll follow Young Master Yi,” said Chang Dong, who, for all his fierce appearance, was honest and steady.

“I will too,” Bingyu replied, her words few but her capability clear.

When they’d sat, Li Yi spoke again, “Chang Dong!”

Chang Dong leapt to attention, standing straight—clearly a soldier. “At your service!” He realized too late he’d slipped, glancing at Li Yi in embarrassment, making Bingyu giggle.

“Sit down! I told you, I’m not strict—relax. No need to stand when speaking to me. Change the forms of address if you can; if not, it’s fine, as long as you’re comfortable.”

Chang Dong grinned bashfully and sat down.

“Chang Dong, I have three tasks for you. First, as I told Grandfather, you’ll select some soldiers. Don’t be polite—pick the best. You’re a soldier; you know who’s good. I have three requirements: young, educated, healthy. If they have special skills, like hunting or climbing, all the better. But the three main requirements must all be met—quality over quantity. Understood?”

Chang Dong closed his eyes to recall and nodded firmly.

“Second, tell Grandfather I need to make some things and require confidentiality. So have him assign me a few carpenters and blacksmiths, with the necessary tools. Third, when you come back, bring my horse, Juechen, and feed it. Got it? Go ahead then.”

Chang Dong nodded again and left.

With him gone, Li Yi turned to Bingyu.

She approached, “What are your orders, Young Master Yi?”

“What do you think, silly girl? I’m starving—my abs are vanishing! The food’s cold—go have Aunt Han warm it up!”

Bingyu blushed, grabbed the food, and fled.

“Heh, what a shy girl. Life won’t be lonely with her around,” Li Yi mused. Then, his expression grew serious. He ground ink, lifted his brush, and unrolled paper to write his first plan after arriving in the Tang.