Chapter Five: Mother and Son Reunited

It was still the same peach grove, still the same spot as before.

Li Kong stood there, somewhat helpless, feeling a faint unease in his heart. There was little he could do—this was not the lawful society of the future, but the world under an emperor’s rule. If Emperor Li Shimin was displeased, it could cost him his head.

Although Li Shimin had seemed delighted when he called just now, Li Kong knew he was facing a new soul—there was a certain unfamiliarity between him and the emperor, even though his memories held more than one instance of mischief with Li Shimin.

But in those days, Li Shimin was only the Prince of Qin, and when they met, he was merely a royal heir. The difference between these two identities and that of an emperor seemed but a step apart, yet how many had failed to recognize their place and lost their lives because of that step?

“Boy, I heard you led your men in a skirmish at the border and annihilated over two thousand Turkic soldiers?”

After a long while, Li Shimin, having eaten his fill, finally looked at Li Kong and asked.

Li Kong sighed softly, “It was more like mutual destruction. If General Cheng hadn’t arrived in time, I would have been the sole survivor, and likely dead as well.”

“That still counts as a victory for us. You had only eight hundred men and managed to wipe out over two thousand three hundred Turks. Such an achievement is significant even in the annals of the founding of Tang. Well done!”

Li Shimin narrowed his eyes, smiling slyly.

Li Kong felt a chill wash over him and quickly bowed, “Your Majesty overstates it. The credit belongs to others, I—”

Li Shimin waved his hand, cutting him off, “No need for those empty words. I will see to the fallen soldiers properly. Tell me about yourself—after so long at the frontier, what thoughts do you have?”

“Thoughts?” Li Kong fell into reminiscence, especially about that sudden encounter with the Turks. They had only around seven hundred, while the enemy numbered over two thousand—a vast disparity in strength.

Yet faced with such odds, the Tang soldiers did not falter. Instead, they boldly provoked the enemy, commanding them to leave Tang’s territory. Eventually, a quarrel sparked battle, and despite being outnumbered nearly three to one, they annihilated the opposing force. Such a feat, such shock—how could Li Kong not be moved?

“But if the Flying General guards Dragon City, the barbarian horses shall never cross Yin Mountain.” After some time, Li Kong softly murmured. He was not boasting; it was simply his hope and longing for the frontier.

“If the Flying General guards Dragon City, the barbarian horses shall never cross Yin Mountain? Excellent! What a splendid verse!” Li Shimin slapped the table, his eyes blazing as he fixed his gaze on Li Kong. “You’ve grown up indeed. But tell me—can you become my Tang dynasty’s Flying General?”

The emperor’s powerful presence burst forth, forcing Li Kong to step back in astonishment.

Li Shimin shook his head, half laughing, half sighing. “Enough. Clearly you have not fully matured yet—my impatience is to blame.”

Upon hearing this, Li Kong felt indignant. Why? In his previous life, he had been the captain of China’s top special operations unit, skilled in every form of warfare. Though now only a fifteen-year-old youth, given time, he could forge an invincible army for Tang.

So as soon as Li Shimin finished speaking, Li Kong stepped forward, his gaze resolute, and said in a deep voice, “Who says so?”

“Oh? Still so defiant?” Li Shimin smiled and glanced at Li Ji. “See that, your boy may look steadier, but he’s still got a childish streak. Mou Gong, perhaps you should lower your expectations.”

Li Ji merely smiled and replied to Li Shimin, then turned to Li Kong and scolded, “Why are you still standing here? Step back at once—you’re making a fool of yourself.”

But Li Kong did not budge. It wasn’t that he enjoyed playing the hero, but he needed to show his resolve. If he moved out of Duke Ying’s mansion, Li Shimin would quickly forget him. Having come to this era, he could not leave it without leaving his mark as a traveler between worlds.

Moreover, the early Tang dynasty was fraught with hardships. As a fervent admirer of Tang, Li Kong would not allow such trials to plague its lands again—not for any other reason, but to add a little more beauty to this golden age, so that future generations might look upon it with greater admiration.

He drew a deep breath and finally said, “It’s not arrogance, Your Majesty, but confidence. Since you wish for me to become the Flying General of Tang, why not grant me a chance?”

“You little rascal, your ambition is impressive. Very well, I’ll give you a chance. Starting tomorrow, you’ll go to the Academy of Literary Learning and master all its teachings. After your coming-of-age next year, I will give you another opportunity.”

Pausing, Li Shimin continued, “But if you fail to learn well, then you need not speak with me again. What I despise most is those who talk but do not act. Show me your abilities and let me see you in a new light.”

Li Shimin departed. Li Kong could see that when the emperor left, he carried more displeasure than he had upon arrival—a direct result of Li Kong’s defiance.

Li Ji, wearing a faint smile, looked at Li Kong and said, “Well, your hopes for a separate residence are dashed. At least until your coming-of-age, don’t think about moving out. Go rest; tomorrow morning, I’ll have Li Fu take you to the Academy.”

...

The sky gradually darkened. Flickers of firelight brightened the room just a little, but for someone accustomed to electric lights that made night as bright as day, Li Kong found the glow rather inadequate.

Especially now, when the lamp was fueled by oyster oil. As the flame danced, a pungent oily smell filled the room, causing Li Kong to frown.

The bedroom was not large. When Li Kong pushed the door open, he saw a dignified woman seated on the bed—she appeared to be in her early thirties, yet strands of blue-gray hair touched her head, and fine crow’s feet traced the corners of her eyes.

Her hands, not quite smooth, held a garment she was mending—it was hers. Beside her lay thick canvas clothes, those belonging to Li Kong.

A pang of emotion welled in his heart, and he spoke, “Mother…”

The soul’s fusion was not yet complete, so the word “mother” came awkwardly, but he managed to utter it. In that moment, Li Kong felt his mind clear, his body—previously ill-at-ease—suddenly relaxed, as if he could now wield ninety percent of his former strength.

Of course, much credit was due to Li Kong’s own upbringing in troubled times, which had honed his body.

The woman trembled and quickly looked up, her eyes foggy, squinting to see Li Kong.

At that moment, Li Kong thought of nothing else—only those severely nearsighted eyes, which no force could erase, brimming with motherly love.

He walked to her side, knelt on one knee, and gently leaned into her embrace. “Mother, your son has returned!”

This time, the words came smoothly and with peace.

“It’s good you’re back, so good you’re home…”