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墨書 Inktalez
The so-called Qian Niu originated from "Zhuangzi: Nourishing Life Master," which describes the ability to kill thousands of cattle while keeping the blade as sharp as if it were just forged.
After slaying thousands of cattle, the blade remains as new, demonstrating its sharpness. Thus, the emperor's personal dagger is referred to as the Qian Niu Dao.
However, it is naturally impractical for the emperor to carry a dagger every day, nor is there much need for it. This led to the establishment of the position known as the Thousand Cattle Guard, consisting of twelve individuals, all of whom must be distinguished and valiant young men.
Their duty is simple: to take turns wielding the emperor's dagger and to serve as his bodyguards.
It is an honor that comes with no real power; they have no one to command and are merely living decorations for the emperor, meant to enhance his majesty.
Li Jian Cheng need not even consider it; if he were to settle for being a Bodyguard of the Thousand Cattle, his future career would undoubtedly be smooth sailing. From holding the dagger and following the emperor to guarding the palace gates as he grows older, as long as he does not receive a title, this starting point at the sixth rank would likely be his endpoint.
Fortunately, he did not expect to gain promotions through this role. Taking advantage of the Empress's good mood and her lingering affection for him, he engaged in some casual conversation.
When the time was right, Li Jian Cheng feigned hesitation. Dugu Qialo asked a few questions but could not get a straight answer, feeling somewhat dissatisfied that this child was so reluctant to speak.
Finally, when the emperor arrived, Li Jian Cheng breathed a sigh of relief and followed behind the Empress to greet him, performing his duties according to protocol.
Once Yang Jian took his seat, Dugu Qialo mentioned Li Jian Cheng's situation—just filling a position as a Bodyguard of the Thousand Cattle—and naturally, the emperor agreed without hesitation. He also encouraged Li Jian Cheng with a few words and rewarded him with a prized horse presented by the Eastern Turkic.
Having received his reward, Li Jian Cheng wisely took his leave. The same female official escorted him out, and as they neared the palace gates, Li Jian Cheng whispered, "Recently there have been rumors outside about His Majesty and a palace maid. I wonder if such gossip exists within the palace. If not, we can drop it; if so, as a trusted confidante of Her Highness, should you really pretend not to hear?"
The female official seemed oblivious to his words. Li Jian Cheng continued, "Starting tomorrow, I will be by His Majesty's side as his guard. I must get to the bottom of this matter and report back to Her Highness!"
With that said, he strode out of the palace, leaving the female official standing there with furrowed brows. They certainly knew about such matters among those prominent female officials in the palace, but who would dare bring it up with Her Highness?
Everyone wishes to deliver good news but despises being bearers of bad tidings. No one likes someone who brings bad news—even if that person acts out of goodwill or loyalty.
When people experience negative emotions, they often project those feelings onto individuals of lower status or those who are vulnerable. Li Jian Cheng still needed to earn Queen's trust and avoid becoming a target for misplaced anger.
After leaving the palace, Li Jian Cheng turned back to look. The paper window would soon be pierced; after he revealed the situation, the female officials would certainly not dare to fall behind him. Otherwise, it would not just be about reporting bad news and facing disdain, but rather being unfaithful by withholding information.
It was unacceptable that a young guard who had just entered the palace could gather such news while the female officials managing the harem remained oblivious.
Being despised might lead to a transfer from Yong'an Palace, but being unfaithful only led to death. They would weigh the pros and cons carefully.
Zhao Da approached with a puzzled expression and asked, "My lord seems to be smiling?"
"Oh, thanks to the Empress's grace, I have been appointed as the Bodyguard of the Thousand Cattle."
Zhao Da was overjoyed upon hearing this: "This is truly great news!"
His family’s fortune and life, including those of his future descendants, were tied to the Li Family. Nothing could be better than seeing their Lord achieve success.
"Indeed, great news." Li Jian Cheng mounted his horse. "Let's head back to the residence."
Zhao Da responded and not far away, three Guardians approached to escort their Lord back home. They walked south from Hanguang Gate, passing a Peace Arch before arriving at Duke Tang's Residence, which occupied about a quarter of Tongyi Lane.
The various districts of Chang'an were quite large, surrounded by two-meter-thick and three-meter-high earthen walls shaded by trees. As they reached the southwest of Tongyi Lane, they saw two pillars and a wooden door with a gate adorned with the words Li Mansion.
The Steward was already waiting for them. After exchanging greetings, he led Li Jian Cheng through the wooden gate within the earthen walls. A few dozen steps away stood an impressive residence with flying eaves and tall buildings, featuring white walls and red doors, prominently displaying the plaque that read Duke Tang's Residence.
To the left of the main entrance stood a Gatehouse where guards kept watch at night. Nearby was a stable for guests' horses, and in front of the main gate stood eight pairs of Halberd Racks. Each rack consisted of upper and lower beams with three vertical posts; holes drilled into the beams held sixteen halberds with double-edged heads adorned with Tiger Head Pattern Color Banners that fluttered in the wind.
A dozen or so sturdy servants dressed in black headscarves and narrow-sleeved shirts with straight collars stood guard at the entrance, declaring that this Duke's Residence was established through military merit.
Upon entering the residence, one’s eyes were immediately drawn to the Main Hall, surrounded by lush trees and connected by corridors and pavilions. The black-tiled roof rested on crimson pillars atop a brick foundation.
The other buildings in the front courtyard were nothing special; they were all similar in style, one after another.
There were no guests to meet, so Li Jian Cheng directly bypassed the Main Hall and entered the back residence, where he encountered another hall, a place where his mother received female guests.
The first floor was like the Main Hall in the front courtyard, just slightly smaller, but it had a second floor. The second floor was open on all sides like a pavilion, with bamboo curtains and screens for privacy, making it a great spot to enjoy the breeze, drink tea, and admire the scenery during summer.
Beside it was a lake with a pavilion at its center. As one gazed out, there were pavilions and towers everywhere, adorned with blooming flowers and playful fish vying for food.
Li Jian Cheng's residence was not far away; it was an independent courtyard with rockeries and green bamboo. Inside were dozens of permanent servants and healthy women attending to him.
After comfortably bathing and changing clothes, he noticed it was still early. He ordered someone to deliver letters to the Yuan Family, Dou Family, Dugu Family, and Yang Family. That night, he wanted to invite several elder brothers to drink at Cangxia Tower. These families had close ties with the Li Family and often played together in their youth. Moreover, there were legitimate offspring serving as Bodyguards of the Thousand Cattle in the palace.
The Bodyguards of the Thousand Cattle could not be older than twenty years and had to be at least the children of third-rank officials or above. Many were sons of noble families. Only those young heirs from prominent families who enjoyed imperial favor and lived in luxury would not be foolish enough to turn against the emperor.
Li Jian Cheng sent someone to Cangxia Tower to arrange for the best banquet and then went to Jueping Hall to practice archery for a while. This hall was called the Training Hall when Duke of Tang was still alive, but after Lord Li Yan was selected from among many candidates, it was renamed, reflecting how pleased he was.
The Bodyguards of the Thousand Cattle were merely ornamental; as long as His Majesty did not intend to expand his harem, they would be sent back home after their duties, leaving only a few guards at Eternal Alley Palace for appearances.
Around the time of Shen (3 PM), replies from each family arrived, confirming their attendance. Li Jian Cheng changed into a high-collared robe with wide sleeves, tied with a red sash, and donned black leather boots before leaving the residence.
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