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Chapter 221 The Imperial Guard's Cavalry and Infantry Deployment

Overwhelmed with the joy of becoming a father for the first time, Li Yi took a day off to stay at home with his wife and children.

However, the cozy time was always short-lived. With the second southern expedition imminent, Li Yi didn't have many opportunities to steal a moment of leisure.

Just a few days before the expedition, in order to boost morale and demonstrate the power and benevolence of the imperial court, Emperor Shizong Chai Rong personally visited the royal garden and held a spring banquet and archery event as is customary.

All generals and commanders of the Imperial Guards, officials of important positions such as the Censorate, the Temple, the Imperial Household Department, and the Imperial Academy, officials of the Secretariat and the Chancellery, officials of all ranks such as the East and West Head Attendants and the Left and Right Palace Attendants, as well as all officials of the fifth rank and above serving in the capital, were summoned to the banquet.

Spring is gradually deepening within the Imperial Garden. Among the pavilions and towers, delicacies are laid out, and the aroma of fine wine wafts through the air, creating a scene of imperial grandeur.

The officials and generals sat down in order, and after several rounds of drinks, the atmosphere became increasingly lively.

Chai Rong's gaze swept over the assembled officials, and he said in a loud voice, "Spring hunts, summer harvests, autumn hunts, and winter hunts are ancient rituals for practicing military affairs. Now that the southern border is not yet pacified, we need all of you to work together with one heart and one mind. On this auspicious occasion, let's add to the festivities with archery and horsemanship. I hope that each of you will display your strengths!"

As soon as he finished speaking, he saw that on the open training ground not far away, the guards of the palace guards who had been waiting for a long time were orderly arranging dozens of archery targets in order.

In accordance with the established ceremonial system, the assembled officials bowed in unison and said, "Your Majesty, we respectfully request that you personally shoot the first arrow to demonstrate Your Majesty's power and to usher in this grand event!"

However, to everyone's surprise, the emperor on the throne smiled and waved his hand.

"I understand your intentions. However, I have been living in the palace for a long time, and I am tired from writing documents every day. I have been reviewing memorials from dawn to dusk. As for archery and horsemanship, I have become quite rusty."

Chai Rong paused slightly, his gaze sweeping across the steps below, his tone tinged with a hint of languor and frankness, "Today's grand gathering is meant to witness the brilliance of you all, so I will refrain from making a fool of myself."

The emperor's word was law; if he said he wouldn't shoot, then he truly wouldn't. The courtiers pleaded repeatedly, their words earnest, but Chai Rong simply smiled and shook his head; his mind was made up.

Seeing this, everyone had no choice but to give up.

But the title of "first shot" instantly became a hot potato.

It was an honor for the emperor to shoot himself; if the emperor did not shoot, whoever was the first to step forward would inevitably be suspected of "usurping power" or "showing off".
The people exchanged glances, some smiling and bowing to each other to indicate that they should come in, while others stared down at their own desks as if they were painted with unparalleled beauties.

A subtle silence and deference immediately fell over the room, also concealing a degree of caution and reluctance to compete.

In the end, it was Chai Rong on the throne who made the final decision, breaking the stalemate.

His gaze, tinged with scrutiny, slowly swept across the faces of the officials below. Finally, he raised his hand and pointed at Li Yi, proclaiming, "Since you are all so modest, then I will designate... Minister Li to fire the first shot!"

As soon as he said this, everyone's eyes immediately focused on Li Yi.

"Your subject?" Li Yi was slightly taken aback.

His mind was elsewhere; his heart had already flown back to his home, thinking of his wife who was still in confinement after childbirth, and his two newborn children.

He was just wondering when the archery competition would end so he could hurry back and take advantage of these last few days before setting off to hold his children in his arms and cherish them a few more times.

After all, with the southern campaign underway, the return date was uncertain, and he feared he would miss the precious time when his children were learning to speak and take their first steps.

Li Yi had hoped to keep a low profile during the banquet, but what he feared most came to pass.

He quickly muttered to himself: Your Majesty, you really know how to choose generals!

Li Yi dared not be negligent in the slightest. He quickly stood up from his seat, bowed, and said, "Your Majesty's favor is too great for me! However, there are many experienced generals and talented people present. What virtue or ability do I have to shoulder this important task? I hope Your Majesty will choose another suitable candidate so as not to spoil the good omen of the first shot due to my lack of skill."

Chai Rong sat upright on his throne. Upon hearing this, a warm smile appeared on his lips, and he raised his hand to offer a slight gesture of support.

"My dear minister, you are too modest! Your skill in riding and archery is known to everyone in the Imperial Guards and the court. I still vividly remember your heroic figure when you shot an arrow through a willow leaf from a hundred paces away during the military exercises back then!"

Chai Rong spoke in a gentle voice, his tone carrying a hint of intimacy between ruler and subject.

"Moreover, my dear minister has recently been blessed with twin sons, a time of great joy and celebration. This first archery competition is perfectly timed! It will also allow all the ministers present to share in your good fortune and add new merit to our Great Zhou!"

These words carried a joking tone, half-true and half-false. In an instant, the subtle atmosphere created by the polite refusals was completely dispelled.

Upon hearing this, the courtiers all smiled knowingly and exclaimed, "Your Majesty is wise!" "That is indeed the case!"

Since the emperor's words were so authoritative and reasonable, Li Yi's decision to be the first to shoot was no longer about showing off, but rather about acting on imperial orders, which was perfectly logical.

"Your subject will obey Your Majesty's command!" Li Yi bowed again and no longer declined.

When he arrived at the training ground, the guards respectfully presented him with a gilded bow with bird and animal patterns, and a bag of long-feathered arrows.

Li Yi took a deep breath, reached out and took the quiver, tied it to his waist, then grasped the horn bow handed to him by the guard. He then walked to the shooting position and stood still, his back straight and his figure as steady as a mountain.

His gaze first swept across the empty training ground, landing precisely on the farthest target, where the bright red bullseye rapidly magnified in his eyes.

Li Yi felt the subtle force of the breeze brushing against his cheek, judging the distance and wind direction.

At a distance of about a hundred paces, and with the relatively easy range of foot shooting, there was indeed no pressure on him.

Li Yi withdrew his gaze, put on the thumb ring for drawing the bowstring on his right thumb, and put on the arm guard on his left arm. He held the bow in his left hand and held an arrow between the fingers of his right hand, ready to fire.

Seeing that he was ready, the official from the Court of Imperial Sacrifices immediately announced loudly, "The bows and arrows are ready, the officers shall proceed with the shooting!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Li Yi put three fingers of his left hand together and nocked the heavy feathered arrow onto the bowstring, the arrowhead gleaming coldly.

A standard bow-drawing stance is adopted, with the left arm extended forward as if embracing a full moon, and the right hand controlling the bowstring as if grasping the Milky Way.

Under immense tension, the sturdy bowstring emitted a subtle yet heart-stopping creak, and the heavy composite bow arm was pulled into a breathtaking arc, accumulating a tremendous force capable of tearing the air apart!
The entire training ground was completely silent. The emperor and his ministers on the high platform were watching all of this with great interest.

Li Yi's eyes were as sharp as a hawk's, with only a distant crimson dot remaining in the depths of his pupils.

He held his breath, his entire being focused and concentrated at that moment, converging at his fingertips and merging with the cold arrowhead.

The muscles in his arms, shoulders, and back were taut as iron beneath his official robes, remaining completely still.

Time seemed to freeze at this moment.

Everyone's attention was focused on the arrow nocked and ready to be released, and on the figure that stood as immovable as a mountain.

next moment--

"Boom!!!"

The bowstring exploded with a thunderous thud!
A jet-black streak tore through the solidified air, accompanied by a piercing shriek, and moved at a speed too fast for the naked eye to detect, like a shooting star chasing the moon, straight into the distance!

"Tuk-"

A deep, clear, penetrating sound came from a hundred paces away.

That feathered arrow struck the bullseye precisely, without missing a beat!

Its tail feathers were still buzzing and vibrating!

Immediately afterward, before the first shot had even finished, the second shot arrived... the third shot, the fourth shot, all hitting the bullseye!
It can truly be said: "Supporting the left and bending the right, what a great feat! Like a swift arrow, it is withdrawn as if from a chariot." "Shoot in all directions, all done!" shouted an official from the Court of Imperial Sacrifices.

"Excellent!" "Brilliant!" "Captain Li is a master archer!"

A deafening roar of cheers erupted like a tidal wave, and all the officials clapped their hands in admiration.

Even the emperor on his throne revealed undisguised admiration in his eyes, and the warm smile on his lips deepened.

Li Yi slowly drew back his bow, his taut shoulders and back relaxing.

He turned to face the throne, bowed deeply, and said, "Your subject has fortunately fulfilled his mission!"

Chai Rong laughed loudly, his voice full of praise: "Excellent! All four arrows hit their mark, a very auspicious sign! This southern expedition will surely sweep away the rebellious forces and expand our territory!"

"My lords, let us drink this cup together to bolster our army's morale!"

The eunuchs had already brought out the imperial wine. Chai Rong raised his cup and stood up, and the other officials raised their cups together.

After Li Yi made his first shot, the valiant generals of the Imperial Guards, the brave soldiers of various units, and even the civil officials and their subordinates who were skilled in archery all eagerly went down to the field to try their hand at shooting.

In an instant, the sound of bowstrings twanging and arrows piercing the air filled the air, while cheers and sighs of regret rose and fell.

Archery banquets, a tradition established since the Tang Dynasty, not only had a strong military character but also served a political purpose: to win over officials and promote relations between the emperor and his subjects.

According to regulations, it was one of the ceremonies, but it was actually more like the emperor hosting a dinner party, and archery could be seen as an entertainment activity during the banquet.

Whether you're good at archery or not, you can give it your all.

In fact, during the chaotic Five Dynasties period, which revered military strength, horseback riding and archery were considered basic skills for both civil officials and military generals, only the emphasis was different.

After all, besides its military applications, archery was also a form of entertainment in ancient times, and anyone, from high-ranking officials to ordinary people, could practice it.

As for horseback riding, needless to say.

Because the Five Dynasties and Song Dynasty inherited the Tang system, officials had to travel on horseback. Only the elderly, the infirm, those with special merits, or noblewomen and their children could ride in sedan chairs.

Even though restrictions were relaxed in the Southern Song Dynasty, officials still mainly traveled on horseback.

……

Before long, the banquet came to an end. Emperor Shizong, surrounded by his attendants, rose from his seat and moved to the Xuanxie Pavilion, which was specially used for military drills and inspections.

This open pavilion atop the high platform has no enclosed walls, offering a wide view directly overlooking the spacious training ground below.

The courtiers had already arranged the throne inside the pavilion. Chai Rong took the main seat, while the other officials stood on either side or sat below him, all with their eyes fixed on the martial arts arena.

The powerful and stirring "Breaking the Formation Music" suddenly rang out, like golden spears and iron horses piercing the sky, instantly igniting the solemn atmosphere of the martial arts exercise.

On the training ground, dust rose slightly. First to appear was the elite cavalry.

The knights controlled the reins with ease, their warhorses neighing and hooves thundering as they galloped back and forth across the training ground.

As they sped along, they drew their bows and nocked arrows, the "whoosh" of the arrows echoing in the air as they shot like meteors toward the moving targets in the distance.

Immediately afterwards, the knights drew their lances, shouting and practicing their charging and slashing techniques. The lances gleamed coldly, their imposing presence showcasing the swiftness and ferocity of the cavalry to the fullest.

As the cavalry drills ceased, the drumbeats changed rhythm.

At the sound of commands, squads of infantrymen, clad in full armor and carrying spears and shields, marched in unison into the center of the drill ground.

They practiced complex formation changes, sometimes advancing like an impregnable wall, sometimes weaving and splitting like a nimble snake emerging from its hole, their shields clashing with a dull metallic clang.

The entire training ground had become a miniature battlefield.

Just as the martial arts performance reached its climax with the resounding drums and deafening battle cries, Xiang Xun quietly moved a few steps closer to Li Yi, who was intently watching the performance.

He lowered his voice and said quickly and clearly in Li Yi's ear, "Brother, the Emperor intends to appoint you as the Commander-in-Chief accompanying the Emperor!"

These words, though spoken softly, struck like a thunderbolt from a clear sky. Li Yi remained outwardly calm, but inwardly he felt a chill.

Xiang Xun quickened his pace and continued, "Although Chancellor Fan and several other experienced and prudent ministers worried that you were too young and inexperienced to shoulder such an important responsibility, His Majesty overruled their objections and decided to appoint you!"

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the throne, his voice lowered even further, "At the latest, the various edicts regarding the expedition will be issued within the next two days... My dear brother, you should prepare yourself in advance!"

Li Yi heard it clearly, and even though he was usually quite calm, he couldn't help but be slightly stunned for a moment.

The position of Commander-in-Chief... This position carries great weight and responsibility, and is held by the trusted general who commands the central army and coordinates various departments when the emperor personally leads an expedition.

Li Yi quickly composed himself, his lips twitched slightly, and he thanked Xiang Xun beside him in a soft but solemn voice: "Thank you for your guidance, Brother Xiang!"

Upon hearing this, Xiang Xun smiled slightly, shook his head gently, and said no more. He turned his gaze back to the imposing martial arts arena, as if the whispers from before had never happened.

In the field, the infantry formation drill is nearing its end.

The emperor, seated high on the Xuan Pavilion, rested his hand on the armrest, watching intently.

He would sometimes intently observe the changes in formation, and sometimes nod slightly, clearly quite satisfied with the training of the palace guards.

At this moment, Li Yi, on the surface, seemed to be just like his colleagues, fully focused on the intense drills in the arena, but inwardly he was lost in a whirlwind of thoughts.

The information Xiang Xun provided was absolutely true. As a close and important minister to the emperor, he was frequently summoned to discuss political affairs and was also close to Chancellor Wang Pu, so he was naturally able to learn the inside story immediately.

Besides, why would Xiang Xun need to deceive himself with false information?

Li Yi's mind raced as he calculated—

Although the assignment to be the commander of the imperial cavalry and infantry was temporary, he might have to step down immediately after arriving at the front lines, as the emperor would make other arrangements for him.

But the journey from Kaifeng to Huainan is at least seven or eight hundred miles, and the movement and deployment of tens of thousands of troops, the transportation and support of food, fodder and weapons... there are countless details and countless possible situations.

Reaching Huainan safely is no easy task.

Thinking of this, Li Yi felt both encouraged and pressured by the emperor's trust.

The doubts of senior officials like Fan Zhi were not entirely unfounded. They were indeed young, far less experienced than those veteran generals and ministers, and lacked experience in various aspects.

But the emperor's decision to defy public opinion was undoubtedly the greatest affirmation of his ability and loyalty, and at the same time it meant that there was no room for error.

Li Yi couldn't help but recall the words the emperor had said when he designated him as the first to shoot, and the more he thought about it, the more he felt that every word seemed to contain a deeper meaning.

(End of this chapter)