Chapter Six: Reunion of Old Friends

Now, let us turn to Li Zhao and his companions, who spent half a day wandering through the city of Chang’an, expanding their horizons and enjoying the lively spectacle. Afterwards, they found a restaurant where they feasted heartily, then secured lodging at an inn to rest.

However, since they intended to reside in Chang’an for some time, staying at an inn was not a long-term solution. They needed to purchase a residence; if a suitable one could not be found immediately, renting one would suffice.

This task was entrusted to the Daylight Rat, whose talent for scouring streets and investigating locations was unparalleled. True to his reputation, he found a suitable mansion within a single day.

It was located in Zhaoxing Ward, at the southwestern corner of Chang’an. The estate boasted two courtyards, a black-lacquered main gate, limestone steps, and marble horse posts. The main house, side wings, guest rooms, and stables were all present—quite a fine residence, though somewhat weathered and neglected. The courtyard was quiet, weeds sprouting in places, the property bearing the signs of a family fallen on hard times.

The owners were a middle-aged couple, Mr. Zhou and Mrs. Song, both honest and gentle people. They had no children, only two distant nieces living with them, plus several elderly servants. Because of financial hardship, they planned to rent out the front half of their mansion for sixty coins a month.

It must be said that Chang’an’s population now exceeded a million, housing was in high demand, and prices remained high. Even minor officials often could not afford to buy a house in the city and were forced to live outside the walls. For such a large estate as the Zhou’s, sixty coins a month was already a bargain.

Li Zhao inspected the premises and was quite satisfied with the environment. He paid a full year’s rent at once and secured the front courtyard.

Everyone then joined forces to tidy the rooms, clean the estate, and remove weeds. They visited the Western Market of Chang’an to buy several Turki horses, two covered carriages, and various household necessities, thus settling in.

The night passed uneventfully.

The next morning, Li Zhao prepared himself neatly and, accompanied by White Bun and the Daylight Rat, set off by carriage to visit his friend Cui Zongzhi.

The two had not seen each other for over half a year and missed one another dearly. Now that Li Zhao was in Chang’an, a visit was only natural.

…

In the northeastern part of Chang’an, Shengye Ward bordered the East Market to the south and Xingqing Palace to the east, making it one of the city’s most distinguished districts. Mansions lined up one after another; here were the residences of chancellors, princes, and, at the very least, founding nobles. Those of lesser status would feel embarrassed to live here—for to meet one’s neighbor meant bowing deeply, and neither one’s back, knees, nor pride could bear such strain!

The Duke of Qi’s estate stood at the southeastern corner of Shengye Ward. It was vast and splendid, even among the grand residences of the area.

“Ah, Young Master Zhao, greetings to you! When did you arrive in Chang’an?”

“Not long ago. Today I’ve come especially to visit the young Duke of Qi. Please announce my arrival.”

“No need to announce it! Our young Duke gave instructions: if Young Master Zhao comes calling, he is to be brought straight to the inner hall.”

As Li Zhao approached the gates of the Duke of Qi’s residence, intending to have his arrival announced, two doormen in blue livery recognized him and hurried forward to pay their respects. Some half a year ago, they had accompanied Cui Zongzhi to Wuan County and thus knew Li Zhao well. They also understood that Young Master Zhao and their young Duke were close as brothers, so they dared not be negligent.

One doorman rushed inside with the news, while the other led Li Zhao and his companions through the gates toward the inner hall.

But as they reached the second gate, two figures appeared, one following the other.

“Jade Boy, you’ve finally arrived in Chang’an! I’ve missed you terribly, haha!”

…

“Cat Master, I’ve missed you too, haha!”

The one who ran ahead was Cui Zongzhi, dressed simply in wooden clogs, his hair still damp, evidently having interrupted his bath at the news of Li Zhao’s arrival.

Upon meeting, the two exchanged shoulder pats and playful banter, like a pair of mischievous boys.

Behind them followed a young woman, resplendent and around twenty years old, with bright eyes, radiant skin, and a natural air of nobility. She was Cui Zongzhi’s wife—Lady Li.

Lady Li’s lineage was exceptional; she was the tenth daughter of the reigning emperor Li Longji, born to Consort Huangfu. She was invested as the Princess of Jin in the twenty-fifth year of the Kaiyuan era and married to Cui Zongzhi in the twenty-seventh year. Their marital harmony was rare among the princesses and their consorts in the Tang dynasty.

Incidentally, the emperor was renowned for his elegance and charm, with dozens of consorts and thousands of palace women, dancers, and singers. This number grew yearly.

Such prolific unions meant a multitude of children: thirty princes and twenty-nine princesses, an unrivaled record among Tang emperors.

But let us return to our story.

“Humble subject greets Her Highness, wishing you longevity and prosperity!”

“In the inner hall, we are all family. There is no need for titles; simply call me Sister-in-law. My husband often spoke of you, saying you are handsome and distinguished. Now that I see you myself, the reputation is well deserved.”

“Sister-in-law, you flatter me; I am unworthy of such praise!”

The Princess of Jin was approachable and unpretentious, explaining her marital harmony with Cui Zongzhi. Li Zhao adjusted his attire and greeted her as family.

The princess returned the gesture, scrutinizing Li Zhao with warmth and admiration. After all, both shared the imperial Tang bloodline and, according to the family genealogy, were cousins within five degrees of kinship—naturally close.

“My mother is in the rear hall. Jade Boy, come with me to pay your respects.”

“Gladly! I’ve long wished to greet the lady of the house.”

…

In ancient times, when guests visited, ordinary acquaintances were received in the front hall. True friends, however, were welcomed into the inner hall and introduced to the wife.

Not only did one meet the wife, but one also paid respects to the mother—a ritual known as ‘ascending the hall to greet the mother,’ reserved for those as close as brothers.

For example, the Chronicles of the Three Kingdoms records: ‘Sun Ce and Zhou Yu were the same age and uniquely close friends; Zhou Yu gave Sun Ce shelter in his mansion, where he ascended the hall and greeted his mother, sharing all they had.’

Clearly, Li Zhao’s relationship with Cui Zongzhi was as intimate as brothers, meriting the honor of ascending the hall and greeting the mother.

…

“Jade Boy, greets the Lady of the House!”

“Rise, please, rise!”

Though called the lady of the house, Cui’s mother was not old at all—barely forty, and well preserved, with jet-black hair, a slender figure, and striking elegance. If she and Cui Zongzhi walked together in the street, most would mistake them for siblings.

This was not unusual; Tang women married young, often at thirteen or fourteen and became mothers by sixteen or seventeen. For example, Empress Changsun married Emperor Taizong Li Shimin at thirteen, when he was sixteen.

…

Upon first meeting Cui’s mother, Li Zhao prepared a gift—not pearls, jade, coral, or agate, which the Duke of Qi’s mansion had in abundance, but several recipes for beauty-enhancing foods: Longan and goji berry porridge, jujube kernel wrinkle-reducing porridge, ginseng and astragalus whitening porridge, chrysanthemum and red date eye-brightening porridge. Consumed in rotation, these nourished the body, improved complexion, and helped women retain youth and beauty.

These four words—‘eternal youth’—hold immense allure for all grown women.

“Good child, truly a good child! This is my gift to you in return.” Delighted by the thoughtful present, Cui’s mother smiled so broadly her eyes nearly closed, and her gaze upon Li Zhao was even warmer than toward her own son. She took a small golden turtle from her jewelry box and handed it to him.

What was this—a little turtle?

No mistake; in ancient times, the turtle was a symbol of luck and longevity.

A poem says: For the screens of clouds, infinite charm; the cold in Phoenix City fears spring nights. Unreasonably married a golden turtle husband, disappointed in the fragrant bedding, having to rise early for court.

A small golden turtle was even more special—only officials of the third or fourth rank could wear it, marking wealth and honor.

Li Zhao also gave a similar set of beauty recipes to the Princess of Jin, with slightly altered ingredients to suit a young woman, promising not only beauty but also improved health and a better chance at conceiving a child.

Grateful, the princess donned an apron and personally prepared a sumptuous meal, then had a bottle of imperial wine brought out from the estate’s treasured stores, treating Li Zhao with great hospitality.

Li Zhao did not stand on ceremony, eating and drinking heartily. Between bites and sips, he and Cui Zongzhi discussed affairs of the realm.

“More than two months ago, the Tibetans gathered an army of a hundred thousand, stationed at Stone Fortress, intending to invade our Hexi Corridor. Seeing the threat to our nation, I presented your three brilliant strategies to His Majesty.

The emperor followed your advice, and it proved highly effective. Just days ago, the military report from Longyou arrived: the Tibetans fell into internal chaos, unable to advance, and seeing our Tang troops well prepared and defenses impenetrable, they withdrew. A great war was thus averted, Jade Boy—you are truly of immeasurable merit!”

“I dare not claim such merit; I merely bought our Tang a bit more time. The Tibetans will not abandon their ambitions. In a few years, they will return.”

“Oh? What should be done then?”

“It’s simple. When that day comes, I will don armor and take up arms, fight on the battlefield, and defend the integrity of our Tang empire!”

“Well said! Your words inspire me. When the time comes, I’ll join you on the field, and together we’ll fight the Tibetans to the end!”

“Good! Cheers!”

“Cheers!”

…