Tang Dynasty: A Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls for Li Er at the Start

Chapter 311 Little kid, do you really think I'd fall for your tricks?
The morning light was intense at the Hundred Cavalry Training Ground next to Wude Gate.

When Wen He and Li Daozong arrived, they were there just as the hundred cavalrymen were doing their morning training.

The sounds of clashing armor and shouts rose and fell as soldiers drilled in neat formations on the open ground.

"Greetings, young master!"

When the captain on duty saw Wen He arrive, he quickly stepped forward and saluted, his voice loud and clear.

During Wen He's few days of rest, although he did not come to the camp, he had already sent over the training regulations, and the drills on the training ground did not stop at all.

Li Daozong looked around and was suddenly drawn to a row of novel objects on the sidelines.

There are wooden walls about half a person's height, ropes laid horizontally, and wooden stakes buried in the sand.

"What are those?" he asked, pointing at the obstacles with curiosity in his eyes.

At that moment, a group of soldiers were crouching low and quickly scaling the wooden wall, moving nimbly like raccoons, stepping on wooden stakes.

"It's used for physical training."

Wen He explained.

"Simulating various complex terrains will allow soldiers to adapt to mountainous and trench environments more quickly when they go to the battlefield."

To put it simply, it's the 500-meter obstacle course of later generations, but he gave it a more battlefield-appropriate name.

Li Daozong immediately became interested and rubbed his hands together, saying, "This is novel, I'll go give it a try!"

"Hey." Wen He tried to stop her, but couldn't.

The Prince of Rencheng had already strode to the edge of the training ground and stopped a soldier who was about to step forward to demonstrate: "How do you play this thing?"

The soldier looked up and saw a strange man in a brocade robe. He was about to reply when he saw the man's noble air and arrogant tone, and he immediately frowned.

The 100 cavalrymen were all elite soldiers, and they couldn't stand such ostentatious behavior. Their brows furrowed with displeasure.

"I'm speaking to you!"

Seeing the other party hesitate, Li Daozong raised an eyebrow and directly revealed his identity.

The moment the words "This King" were uttered, the soldiers who were about to step forward were startled and stopped in their tracks.

Although the Hundred Cavalry were directly under the emperor's command, the army was strictly disciplined, and they were required to pay their respects to members of the imperial family and princes.

Just then, a tall figure clad in gleaming armor stepped out from the ranks, the armor gleaming coldly in the morning light.

He cupped his hands in greeting to Li Daozong, his voice steady yet firm: "Su Lie, Inspector General of the Hundred Cavalry, greets the Prince of Rencheng."

“Su Lie?” Li Daozong narrowed his eyes, looked him up and down, and suddenly clapped his hands.

"Oh, I remember now! You're Su Dingfang, the one who led dozens of cavalry in a surprise attack on Jieli's main camp during the Battle of Huizhou!"

Su Dingfang was now wearing the standard armor for 100 cavalrymen, which was completely different from the light armor he wore in Huizhou. In addition, he had been tempered in the army for the past two years, and his figure had become more and more steady. Li Daozong did not recognize him at first.

But the name "Su Lie" left a deep impression on him.

Before the Battle of Huizhou, Su Dingfang and Liang Jianfang vied for the position of vanguard, and Su Dingfang's arrogance left a deep impression on Li Daozong.

"It's the lower official."

Su Dingfang's expression remained unchanged. When he bowed with his hands clasped, his back was still straight, and he did not bow his head and bend over like ordinary officials.

Wen He had just walked closer when she saw this scene and immediately stopped in her tracks, silently moving to the side.

This looks like a conflict is about to break out, and he doesn't want to be caught in the crossfire.

However, he also understood Su Dingfang's resentment.

Su Dingfang is the same age as Li Daozong this year, and he obtained the position of Inspector General through his military achievements.

Li Daozong, also twenty-six years old, already held the title of Prince of the Second Rank, the rank of Left General of the Imperial Guard, and the position of Minister of the Court of State Ceremonies, based on his status as a member of the imperial clan. Such a disparity would inevitably cause resentment in anyone's heart.

It should be noted that even when facing Li Shimin, Su Dingfang still dared to look him in the eye.

However, Li Daozong was not a weakling in disguise. He had made significant contributions, including those he had earned while accompanying Li Shimin on his southern and northern expeditions, which were worthy of his current status.

Li Daozong clearly noticed Su Dingfang's disrespect, and his expression darkened.

"I didn't expect you to have entered the Hundred Cavalry, but your previous achievements are barely enough to qualify you for the position of Inspector General of the Hundred Cavalry."

The meaning behind these words was to tell Su Dingfang.

You have no right to be arrogant in front of me.

“This Hundred Riders was founded by Wen Jiaying. Although you are now the leader of this place, you must not act impulsively. You should listen to Wen Jiaying’s advice in everything you do.”

Li Daozong suddenly abandoned his previous casualness, put his hands behind his back, and nodded at Su Dingfang with his chin, adopting the posture of a superior.

As the saying goes, "a higher rank can crush a lower one," and he was three ranks higher than Su Dingfang, with the title of Prince of Rencheng above his head. The weight of his words was enough to make any official tremble.

"I understand."

Su Dingfang clenched his fist, then gritted his teeth and lowered his head.

He may be resentful, but he cannot truly disobey orders.

Wen He watched in astonishment. These two hadn't made a move?
He had hoped to see the two of them fight each other.

It is said that both of them were vilified in later generations, but this was just a matter of fate.

"Then tell me about these objects."

Li Daozong stopped dwelling on the luggage issue, put his hands behind his back, nodded with his chin toward the obstacle course, and still spoke with a hint of arrogance.

"Cough cough."

At this moment, Wen He coughed lightly twice, stepped forward, and whispered to Li Daozong, "That's going too far."

"I'm doing this to establish your authority."

Li Daozong snorted softly, but out of the corner of his eye he caught a glimpse of Su Dingfang's tense profile, and a barely perceptible smile appeared on his lips.

Wen He chuckled and turned to Su Dingfang with a smile, saying, "Please don't take what happened just now to heart, General. In the future, we will have to rely on you a lot for the training and defense of the Hundred Cavalry."

Li Daozong came to demonstrate just now, but Wen He didn't come out.

That's because Su Dingfang's purpose in coming to the Hundred Riders was not really to let him take over the Hundred Riders.

Li Shimin's meaning was already quite clear.

It was all to temper his character.

Especially his superficial arrogance.

Although all capable people are like this, this is the officialdom, and there are many capable people in the Tang Dynasty.

We really don't need you. If you want to be valued, you must first learn to be humble. If you're not satisfied, you're free to leave.

But everything should be done in moderation; know when to stop.

Therefore, his stepping forward at this moment is both to defuse the situation and to give both sides a way out.

"Don't dare."

Su Dingfang's response remained indifferent, revealing neither dissatisfaction nor gratitude; however, he quietly loosened his grip on his side.

"The General has only been here for a few days, yet he has already thoroughly mastered these new weapons. I truly admire him."

Wen He's words were sincere.

During his days off, Su Dingfang was clearly not idle; he managed to figure out the ins and outs of obstacle training, which shows he put in a lot of effort.

"I just went to ask Captain Zhang."

Su Dingfang frankly admitted that he was referring to Zhang Wenxiao.

After he finished speaking, he glanced at Wen He, his eyes filled with a hint of probing.

I was afraid he would mind if I contacted my old subordinates without permission.

Wen He remained calm, seemingly unconcerned, and turned to look at the soldiers lined up on the sidelines: "Who are these people?"

"He's new."

Su Dingfang explained.

“A few days ago, someone specially selected more than a hundred new recruits to familiarize themselves with the equipment. They will be assessed after Wenxianzi returns.”

It must be said that he is indeed efficient and tactful in his work.

"We did this so that we would have enough manpower to fill in when we expand the workforce later."

Fearing that Wen He might misunderstand that he had overstepped his authority, Su Dingfang added another sentence.

His Majesty has already issued an order to expand the cavalry force, but the specific procedures have not yet been finalized.

That's why he prepared in advance.

"The General's considerations are very thorough."

Wen He smiled and cupped his hands in a gesture of respect, his tone filled with genuine admiration.

Su Dingfang was taken aback, seemingly not expecting him to be so frank. After a moment's hesitation, he finally returned the greeting with proper respect: "You flatter me, sir."

"Alright, alright, you two, stop nitpicking over the words."

Li Daozong, who was standing to the side, grew impatient and waved his hand to urge them on.

"Tell me quickly how to practice these things!"

He glanced at Wen He, thinking to himself, 'So the little brat is playing the good guy, making me look like the villain?'

Wen He smiled but didn't reply. Instead, he said to Su Dingfang, "Since Your Highness is interested, let's continue. The teams that didn't finish their training, please begin in turn." His tone was calm, yet he naturally took the lead.

Today, the Hundred Cavalry, consisting of Su Dingfang, Xu Jingzong, and Huang Chun, can be considered a three-way rivalry.

The three men held different positions, but were of similar rank.

Wen He was merely a seventh-rank officer, three ranks lower than them in terms of official rank.

But as long as he stands here, no one can ignore his presence.

He was the one who laid the foundation for this hundred cavalrymen.

Su Dingfang was silent for a moment, then finally nodded: "Then let's begin."

At his command, the previously scattered troops quickly regrouped.

"They are all elite soldiers."

Li Daozong was the one who led the troops, so you can tell just by looking at that.

“Not enough.” Wen He shook her head.

"You little brat, your eyes are getting a bit too big," Li Daozong snorted.

Even the soldiers under his Left Guard wouldn't dare say that everyone could do that.

The phrase "orders must be obeyed" is easy to say, but difficult to do.

“The Hundred Cavalry are different from the Imperial Guards; their job is not just to obey orders.”

Wen He did exactly what was required of a scout in later generations.

The 100 riders must adapt to various environments and act with the fastest reaction time.

This is indeed very difficult in this era; all he can do is bring them infinitely close.

Li Daozong was initially dismissive, but when he saw the soldiers overcome the obstacles, his expression grew serious.

"Would you like to give it a try?" Wen He asked with a smile.

Seeing his sly smile, Li Daozong scoffed, "Little brat, do you really think I'd fall for your trick?"

"Uh." Wen He was taken aback.

Was it discovered?
"Don't think I don't know what you're thinking. Weren't you planning to have me fight Su Dingfang before?" Li Daozong's eyes narrowed slightly.

Wen He, whose thoughts had been seen through, chuckled dryly and touched her nose to hide her guilty conscience.

No wonder Li Daozong used his power to intimidate others but did not provoke Su Dingfang.

It turns out that this shameless fellow had already figured out his thoughts.

"No, how could that be? You make me sound like a treacherous person. I'm still just a child."

Wen He deliberately grinned, revealing that childlike, innocent smile.

Li Daozong didn't buy into his act at all, rolled his eyes at him, and then said seriously.

"But your method is indeed quite good. When will you go to the Left Commander's headquarters to teach him?"

"Forget it, the training methods of the Hundred Cavalry are not suitable for the Fubing. They train these people for reconnaissance, assassination, and sabotage behind enemy lines."

Wen He wasn't that arrogant; he believed that the training methods of later generations were suitable for the military branches of this era.

After all, one is a cold weapon and the other is a firearm, so the training methods are different.

"You think I believe this?" Li Daozong turned his head and stared at him.

The scrutinizing gaze made Wen He feel the hairs on her body stand on end.

"What kind of look is that? I'm still a child." Wen He took a step back, feigning fear.

Li Daozong suddenly reached out and grabbed his collar.

"The Duke of Dai has mentioned it several times at the Ministry of War, saying that you have methods for training troops. That's why he's been urging you to go to the Ministry of War all this time. If it weren't for winter, do you think you would still be so leisurely at home?"

"what?"

Wen He was extremely surprised.

"How come I don't know I have any other methods for training troops?"

Li Daozong looked suspicious.

"The Duke of Dai said that when you trained your hundred cavalry, you used a certain standing method that made ten thousand men stand as one, with an imposing momentum. Could it be a lie?"

Wen He raised an eyebrow and couldn't help but chuckle, rubbing her forehead.

"It's just standing at attention to train soldiers' obedience and discipline; it's not that exaggerated."

Li Daozong stroked his beard, hesitated for a moment, and then said, "Then demonstrate?"

"alright."

Seeing how curious he was, Wen He decided to satisfy his curiosity.

Perhaps Li Daozong didn't think that way, and could even send him to Li Er to help him get rid of his post in the Ministry of War.

He then sent someone to find Zhang Wenxiao and gather the veterans of the Hundred Cavalry.

This is also a good opportunity for the newcomers to see.

Upon learning this, Su Dingfang ordered all the new recruits to stop.

Although he had heard that the Hundred Riders were strictly disciplined, he had never seen it in person.

"stand at attention!"

Give an order.

More than forty riders stood in four neat rows, chests out and heads held high, like statues.

"that's it?"

Li Daozong indeed felt there was nothing special about it.

Su Dingfang nodded silently.

Wen He looked at their indifferent expressions and a slight smile appeared on her lips.

As time passed, both Li Daozong and Su Dingfang couldn't help but gasp a few times.

"How long has it been?" Li Daozong asked in surprise.

"It's been an incense stick's time." Su Dingfang frowned.

The new recruits stared wide-eyed in astonishment, as if trying to find a flaw in the neat ranks before them.

But reality disappointed them.

The forty-odd people on the drill ground seemed to be frozen in place, completely motionless.

If it weren't for someone blinking, they would have had the illusion that the people in front of them were statues.

"Is this what you mean by standing at attention?" Li Daozong grabbed Wen He's collar.

"Yeah, it's nothing special."

Wen He smiled calmly.

Upon hearing this, Li Daozong's lips twitched uncontrollably.

A few dozen people standing like this is nothing special, but what if there were ten thousand or fifty thousand people?
Imagine, on the battlefield.

Tens of thousands of people were so perfectly aligned, as still as mountains, yet when they moved, it was like an overwhelming force.

It can scare the enemy so much that they lose their mind.

Li Daozong stroked his beard, deep in thought.

This so-called "standing at attention" doesn't look difficult; it's just about making people stand like this.

After we return today, we can give it a try. If it proves effective, we'll have His Majesty visit the army.

Then, let the other fifteen guards see what elite troops are all about.

Seeing Li Daozong's cunning smile, Wen He felt utterly bewildered.

Is this guy out of his mind?
"By the way, when the Japanese envoy arrives in a few days, I'd like to borrow your hundred cavalry." Li Daozong suddenly had an idea.

As soon as he spoke, Wen He knew what he was planning.

Sending a hundred cavalry just to scare a mere Japanese nation seems a bit too much of a show of force.

Therefore, Wen He directly refused, saying, "I won't lend it to you."

Li Daozong, however, said nonchalantly, "If you won't lend it, I will go to His Majesty. Receiving foreign envoys is a major event, and His Majesty will surely lend it."

"Heh." Wen He sneered.

Li Er isn't as stupid as you.

However, he did not stop him, but let Li Daozong go to Li Shimin.

Seeing this, Su Dingfang asked, "May I ask, Your Majesty, would you agree?"

Upon hearing this, Wen He looked up at him and smiled: "These are the Hundred Riders, not the Left and Right Guards."

(End of this chapter)