Chapter 123: The Popular Prize

Liu Yitiao did not go to the Eastern Palace.

Although he did not dislike Li Chengqian and even felt a slight fondness for the filial prince, Li Chengqian’s status was what it was, and that alone stripped Liu Yitiao of any interest in cultivating a relationship. Getting too close to the Crown Prince would inevitably bring a great deal of trouble in the future.

Using the excuse of needing to meditate on a cure for Empress Zhangsun’s illness, Liu Yitiao bowed and took his leave of Li Chengqian and Li Tai. Afterward, escorted by a palace eunuch, he exited the palace and returned to the General’s Mansion.

"Big Brother, it seems this Miracle Doctor Liu doesn't much appreciate your favor," Li Tai remarked with a faint smile as he watched Liu Yitiao walk away.

Li Chengqian cast a light glance at Li Tai and replied, "Fourth Brother, do not speak so harshly. Master Liu has done me a great service, and now he offers hope for our mother’s recovery. Even if he were slightly impolite, I would not hold it against him."

"Furthermore, how can you be certain his words were merely an excuse? Mother’s illness has always been difficult to treat, and the imperial physicians are helpless. It is only natural that Master Liu requires time for reflection."

Li Chengqian paused in his stride and turned to Li Tai. "It is you, Fourth Brother, who seems to know quite a lot about Master Liu. He only just arrived in Chang'an, yet you already knew his background—even that he once worked as a veterinarian?"

"Fourth Brother," Li Chengqian looked at Li Tai with a meaningful gaze, "did you perhaps know who Master Liu was before I even found him?"

"Haha, Big Brother jests." Li Tai also stopped and chuckled. "I am no immortal; I have never met Master Liu, so how could I possibly know his background? What I said in the hall earlier was merely based on rumors I had heard. It is of no consequence."

"That is good," Li Chengqian said, as if easily satisfied by the explanation. He began to walk again, adding, "Before entering the palace, I heard that Master Liu had been attacked by a eunuch some days ago. Seeing your unfriendly demeanor toward him in the hall, I nearly suspected that the eunuch had been sent by you. It seems I was overthinking it."

Without waiting for a response, Li Chengqian nodded and headed straight toward the Eastern Palace.

Li Tai was left standing alone, pondering the words just spoken. Was it a probe? Or a threat?

"Young Master Liu, you’re back!" As the carriage arrived at the gate, Gongsun Li stepped out to greet him. He bowed and helped Liu Yitiao down, saying, "Master Yang and the General have been waiting for you for quite some time. You’ve finally returned."

"Master Yang?" Liu Yitiao was momentarily stunned, but he quickly understood. This must be Yang Bofang. He had heard news of his arrival in Chang'an some days ago, but he hadn't expected Yang to seek him out so soon. A warmth spread through Liu Yitiao’s heart; this Uncle Yang was truly kind to him.

It was a classic case of meeting an old friend in a strange land. With a smile, he quickened his pace.

"Oh? Nephew Yitiao is back." Yang Bofang set down his chess piece and spoke to Gongsun Wuda, smiling as he watched Liu Yitiao enter.

"Greetings, Uncle Gongsun, Uncle Yang!" Liu Yitiao hurried forward, bowed respectfully, and then looked up at Yang Bofang. "It has been a few days, Uncle Yang. Have you been well?"

"Haha," Yang Bofang laughed. "Thanks to you, nephew, I am doing well. Come, sit. There are no outsiders here; feel free to be at ease."

The tone of Yang Bofang's voice made it seem as if this were his own home rather than the Gongsun residence. Gongsun Wuda sat to the side, smiling and nodding without a hint of displeasure, as if he were well accustomed to this behavior.

Liu Yitiao smiled as well; he felt much more comfortable with these elders who stood on no ceremony. After bowing to them both, he took his seat below Yang Bofang.

***

"Nephew Yitiao," Gongsun Wuda set down his own piece, took a sip of tea from the table, and asked, "How did your trip to the palace go?"

"Thank you for your concern, Uncle Gongsun," Liu Yitiao replied with a salute. "There were some surprises, but overall it went smoothly. I imagine I shall be able to return home in a few days."

"Oh?" Gongsun Wuda and Yang Bofang exchanged a look. "Does that mean you can treat the Empress’s illness?"

Liu Yitiao set his tea down and replied, "My medical skills are shallow; I possess no such ability. I merely recommended a true master to the Emperor. Once that master arrives, my task will be complete."

Ah, that made more sense. Gongsun Wuda and Yang Bofang nodded, relieved. They had heard of the Empress's condition; even the imperial physicians were at their wits' end. It would have been truly bizarre if someone as young as Liu Yitiao could cure it.

"And who is this master you recommended?" Yang Bofang asked curiously. Liu Yitiao had grown up in Sanyuan County; unless it was his mysterious master, he shouldn't know any renowned healers.

"The 'King of Medicine,' Sun Simiao," Liu Yitiao replied. "Has Uncle Yang heard of him?"

"Daoist Priest Sun? That makes sense." Yang Bofang nodded in realization. "Ten years ago, I had the honor of meeting him and seeking his advice on the art of longevity. His Daoist cultivation is profound, and his medical skills are supernatural. Yes, the title 'King of Medicine' is quite fitting."

"Sir, Fang Yi’ai, son of the Minister of the Secretariat, is here to visit!" A servant interrupted their conversation.

"Fang Yi’ai? The second son of the Fang family? What business does he have coming to my home?" Gongsun Wuda waved his hand. "Invite him in."

"Yes, sir!"

Hearing that Fang Yi’ai was coming, Liu Yitiao recalled the robust, well-built scholar he had seen at the Qingfeng Pavilion that afternoon. Could he be here for him?

While he was pondering this, Fang Yi’ai was led into the room.

"Nephew Yi’ai pays his respects to Uncle Gongsun." After a brief glance at Liu Yitiao and Yang Bofang, Fang Yi’ai walked straight to Gongsun Wuda and bowed.

"Enough, enough. Don't learn from that stiff father of yours—always so full of formalities," Gongsun Wuda waved him off. "Sit wherever you like!"

"Thank you, Uncle Gongsun." Fang Yi’ai nodded and sat beside Liu Yitiao. He cupped his hands in a salute. "Master Liu, we meet again."

"Indeed. Greetings, Young Master Fang," Liu Yitiao returned the gesture.

Once tea was served, Gongsun Wuda asked, "Nephew Yi’ai, what brings you to my humble mansion at this hour?"

"In reply to you, Uncle," Fang Yi’ai looked at Liu Yitiao before bowing to Gongsun Wuda. "I have been sent by my father to invite Master Liu to our residence as a guest. Knowing that Master Liu is a guest of yours, I hope you might grant us this favor."

"Oh?" Gongsun Wuda looked at Liu Yitiao, then asked curiously, "Does old man Fang know Nephew Yitiao as well?"

***

When did Liu Yitiao become so famous?

"Sir," another servant entered, "representatives from the households of the great calligrapher Ouyang and the Imperial Secretary Yu have arrived with their calling cards, inviting Young Master Liu to be their guest."

"What?" Gongsun Wuda stood up.

What were the statuses of Ouyang Xun and Yu Shinan? Setting aside their official titles, their mastery of calligraphy alone made them the most eminent scholars of the age.

Why would such men be interested in an unknown youngster like Liu Yitiao? Why would they go so far as to send their personal calling cards?

Gongsun Wuda turned to look at Liu Yitiao, puzzled. "Nephew Yitiao, do you know Master Ouyang and Secretary Yu?"

***

In the study, Li Shimin held the prescription Liu Yitiao had written for the Empress, studying it intently. Princess Yuzhang stood by, grinding ink for him.

"Ru'er, are you saying that this Master Liu is the same great master who created the 'Liu-style' calligraphy?" Li Shimin looked up from the prescription, finding it hard to believe.

In truth, the moment he saw the prescription, Li Shimin had recognized it. The writing on the paper was authentic Liu-style calligraphy, identical to the scroll hanging in his own study.

But to think that this style had been created by Liu Yitiao himself—was that even possible?

"Does Imperial Father also find it hard to believe?" Princess Yuzhang set down the inkstone and walked over. "When I first met Master Liu, I felt the same. I could not believe that someone in his teens could invent a new style of calligraphy."

"But once I saw him write it with my own eyes, I began to admire him from the bottom of my heart." The Princess blushed slightly, saying with envy, "First his literary talent, then his calligraphy, and now his medical skills. Every single thing he does is unexpected, and every single thing is superior to others. This Master Liu truly knows how to bring surprises."

Seeing the expression on the Princess's face, Li Shimin felt a chill. He reached out and tapped her head, reprimanding her softly, "You little girl, I haven't even settled the score with you for sneaking out of the palace these past few times, and now you dare mention it again? And what is this about today? Running off to mix with those scholars—what kind of behavior is that? From now on, without my permission, you are not to leave the palace. Otherwise, I will punish you severely!"

"Imperial Father!" Seeing him pull a stern face, Princess Yuzhang grabbed his arm and looked at him pitifully. "I was just bored in the palace. What is the harm in going out for a walk? Besides, I always dress in men's clothing when I go out. It's no problem at all!"

"Absolutely not!" Li Shimin said firmly. "Before, when you were young, I could turn a blind eye to your playfulness. But you are a young woman now, and a Princess of the Great Tang. How can you act like that? You are forbidden from leaving the palace. That is final."