Chapter 49: A Gentleman of Noble Bearing, Above Common Words

“This Lord Ye is not only skilled in poetry, but also a man of charm. It was he who conceived this game of football.”

Sensing that Princess Yuzhen seemed to hold Ye Chang in high regard, Li Zha finally could not hold back any longer.

He felt a twinge of jealousy toward Ye Chang—though that was not the point. More importantly, he could not be certain whether Ye Chang bore a grudge against him, for it was he who had pressured the Prefect of Jingzhao to prevent Ye Chang from openly organizing the football match.

So now, by stepping forward to praise Ye Chang, he made a show of mending fences, while actually seeking to change, in Princess Yuzhen’s eyes, Ye Chang’s image from that of a gifted young scholar to that of a frivolous and pleasure-seeking dandy.

There was a world of difference between the two—the former was worthy of political investment, while the latter might at best become a court favorite or a jester like Jia Chang.

Li Zha was certain that Ye Chang had not seen through his subtle scheme. He smiled amiably and nodded at Ye Chang, his expression quite genial. “This humble official, not wishing to see a man of talent lost to idle amusements, sought to prevent him from holding the match. Little did I expect the match would come to fruition after all.”

At this time, Lu Qi’s mind was not yet seasoned, so he did not grasp Li Zha’s intentions. He merely felt stifled and frustrated that Li Zha was now praising Ye Chang’s ability. Several times he wanted to interject, but the stern glance Li Zha had given him earlier forced him to hold his tongue.

In that moment, he added Li Zha to his list of grievances.

“Is there truly such a delightful tale?” As expected, Princess Yuzhen was intrigued and pressed for more details.

Li Zha then recounted how he had “discovered” Ye Chang’s talent and how he had resolved to guide him onto the right path. Princess Yuzhen listened with great interest, occasionally smiling, which spurred Li Zha to speak with even greater enthusiasm.

Ye Chang, listening nearby, could not help but admire the ancients—clearly not fools. Li Zha, though obscure in the annals of history, demonstrated such mastery at twisting facts that Ye Chang felt himself outmatched.

Fortunately, at this moment, Yuan Zai and Lu Qi had not yet entered officialdom, nor had they been tempered by the dirtiest, most cutthroat aspects of the bureaucracy. Otherwise, Ye Chang doubted his ability to handle them.

As they spoke, a sudden cheer erupted nearby—even the distracted Princess Yuzhen could not help but clap her hands. “What a splendid goal!”

A point had just been scored. Ye Chang’s mind stirred with an idea, but he would need the right opportunity to propose it.

“No wonder Lord Ye was so intent on organizing this football match. Watching their back-and-forth, even I, a humble Daoist, find it entertaining,” Princess Yuzhen said with a smile, recalling the recent goal.

In the Great Tang, women who loved polo and cuju were commonplace. To enjoy football as well was hardly unusual. Yet this remark of hers made one in her retinue grow displeased, who said coolly, “It is, after all, but a diversion akin to cockfighting or dog racing, unfit for men of learning.”

With this remark, Lu Qi was overjoyed, regarding the speaker as a kindred spirit, while Li Zha—who had just been extolling Ye Chang—suddenly seemed loathsome. Everyone knew that those privileged to sit beside Princess Yuzhen were of extraordinary status and turned their gaze to Ye Chang. Their impression of him was of a man who wrapped needles in cotton; anyone who challenged him would surely receive a stinging retort. Now that a noble had mocked him, all were eager to see how he would respond.

Li Zha, recognizing the man, let a faint smile play at his lips. Should this person speak out, it might well counteract Princess Yuzhen’s favor toward Ye Chang. If Ye Chang, unaware of the gravity of the situation, retaliated, it might even land him in serious trouble.

Beside him, Chongniang was anxious. She stared intently at Ye Chang, hoping he would notice and she could signal him not to become embroiled in conflict.

This man was greatly favored by the Emperor, far more so than others. To offend him would mean the end of one’s prospects!

At first, Ye Chang did not take the mockery to heart and so did not respond, preoccupied as he was with considering how to present his suggestion to the noblewoman before him.

Yet the man, jealous of the poem Ye Chang had transcribed, saw his silence and thoughtful expression and pressed on, “Such tricks only serve to entice the ruler into neglecting state affairs—of no benefit to the country or the people!”

Princess Yuzhen smiled. “Lord Ye, do you think there is any merit to what he says?”

As she spoke, Ye Chang felt his opportunity had come. He stepped forward. “Your Grace is unaware—my intent in organizing the football match is not merely for amusement.”

“Oh?”

The man snorted, seeing Ye Chang about to defend himself. “What use is sophistry? Your Grace need not listen to such nonsense.”

The more displeased and angry the man became, the more delighted Li Zha and Lu Qi were, and the more eagerly the crowd awaited Ye Chang’s response.

“I have heard that His Majesty delights in polo not for sport but because polo hones equestrian and cavalry skills,” Ye Chang said calmly. “When His Majesty was Crown Prince, he himself took the field, leading his generals to play against Tibetan envoys—not merely for pleasure, but to awe the barbarians and display dominion beyond the borders!”

He invoked polo in his defense, even citing Li Longji as an example, but this failed to win over the crowd. The objector countered, “Fine words. Polo is polo. How can your football compare? And since we have polo, what need have we of football?”

“Our Great Tang’s might rests on three pillars: above, a wise sovereign; in the middle, valiant generals; below, a strong army.” Ye Chang laughed. “And what makes our army strongest? Is it not the armored warriors clad in shining mail and wielding broadswords? Polo trains cavalry. As for the infantry, football is far superior!”

With that, he looked the man in the eye for the first time. “Sir, you are a man of noble birth, unacquainted with farming or common affairs. It is natural that you do not know, and your mistake is understandable. You dwell in your study; such matters are best left to commoners like myself.”

This was a masterstroke, outwardly praising the man’s high station as the source of his ignorance—worthy of forgiveness—while in truth slapping him in the face: “You, sir, are idle and ignorant, with little sense of the world. Best you return home and keep your opinions to yourself!”

“How dare you!” The man leapt to his feet. “Guards!”

Ye Chang was unperturbed and merely smiled.

He dared to make light of the man despite knowing full well his unusual status, and he had reason for such boldness. This was the enlightened era of High Tang, when even a porter could dispute the way with a princess, and a scholar with a sword could roam the land. Moreover, Ye Chang had guessed the nobleman’s identity.

Princess Yuzhen herself.

With her standing, she was bound to be magnanimous enough to tolerate this; at most, the troublemaker could only hinder Ye Chang’s official career—which did not trouble him, as he had little interest in it anyway.

Servants rushed forward, but Ye Chang remained composed as they closed in.

“Ah!” Chongniang cried out.

Her face grew paler still. She turned to Princess Yuzhen for help, then back to Ye Chang, as if afraid he would be bullied, but she dared not speak, managing only a low cry.

The servants had reached Ye Chang, hands outstretched, and Chongniang felt her legs move involuntarily, about to rise to his defense. Just then, Princess Yuzhen cleared her throat softly.

At that sound, the servants froze and withdrew in silence.

“Why stoop to argue with a mere commoner, especially when Lord Ye is but a youth?” Princess Yuzhen said with a smile to the interloper.

His expression shifted from anger to a grin. “If I do not play the villain, how else can Your Grace show your appreciation for talent?”

With this, the wind changed direction. His earlier harassment of Ye Chang now appeared as though it were to enhance the Princess’s reputation for cherishing talent. Ye Chang inwardly admired his skill at shifting with the tides.

“But to think that football could be so useful—such a thing had never occurred to me. When Ge Shuhan and An Lushan come to the capital, I must invite them to watch as well. They are famous generals; surely they will see the subtleties within.” Princess Yuzhen continued, “Lord Ye, since your invention of football benefits the realm, will you serve the state?”

“I am but a rustic, lacking both virtue and talent. How could I serve the country?” Ye Chang answered coolly. “Your Grace is too kind. It is the highest honor, but I dare not accept, lest I blemish your discernment.”

“To write such poetry and invent this football—how can you say you lack virtue and talent?”

“The poetry came to me by chance, hardly my own ability. As for football, it is only a merging of polo and cuju, for those who love polo but cannot afford horses—what virtue is there in that?” Ye Chang bowed. “Moreover, I am still young, and now is the best time for my studies. When I have finished my books, I will seek your recommendation.”

This answer was smooth and circumspect. Though Princess Yuzhen was somewhat displeased, seeing Chongniang’s worried face, she narrowed her eyes. “Very well, very well…”

Those present regarded Ye Chang in astonishment, thinking him mad to have refused such an opportunity from a noble.

Especially Li Zha, who knew Princess Yuzhen’s identity—he had set a trap for Ye Chang, which indeed drew a formidable opponent to challenge him. Ye Chang had deftly defused the situation, but then, to his surprise, threw the golden opportunity away!

Ye Chang glanced around, taking in everyone’s expressions. Chongniang’s was full of concern; Yan Zhenqing’s was tinged with regret. As for Li Zha and Lu Qi—their reactions did not matter to him.

He only needed to know who truly cared for him.

“However, if I may, I have a small request, and hope Your Grace will grant it.” As the crowd looked on with various expressions, Ye Chang spoke again.

Immediately, Li Zha and Lu Qi’s faces lit up, while Yan Zhenqing’s brow furrowed deeply!

To renege on one’s words was no virtue. Ye Chang had just declined Princess Yuzhen’s offer; to now change his mind would surely cost him dearly.

Even Princess Yuzhen’s brow creased slightly.

“I came here with Lord Li, not knowing your identity, but deduced you are surely of the highest nobility,” said Ye Chang. “This football match, being beneficial for the health and courage of Tang’s people, when the result is decided, may I ask Your Grace to present the prize to the victors?”

“Present the prize?” Princess Yuzhen was taken aback, not expecting this request.

Li Zha and Lu Qi were equally astonished—Ye Chang’s ask was for Princess Yuzhen to present the prize to the football victors, not to ask for an official post for himself. It was completely unthinkable. Hadn’t he invented this game just for fame and advancement, like the likes of Jia Chang?

“I firmly believe that if Your Grace presents the prize, football will spread throughout the realm, providing an inexhaustible source of able infantry for our armies.”

Princess Yuzhen hesitated. She sensed something of Ye Chang’s intentions, yet was reluctant to agree. If she lent her name to this young man’s cause, she feared peace would elude her in the future.

Glancing at Chongniang’s eager expression—she seemed ready to nod on his behalf—Princess Yuzhen’s heart stirred with mischief.

“Since Lord Ye requests it, and it is for the good of the country, I should not refuse. Yet as a Daoist recluse, my status is singular; it is not appropriate for me. If you are willing, I can recommend someone who is even more suitable.”

Ye Chang’s disappointment at her refusal was quickly replaced by hope at her suggestion. He bowed. “Then I thank Your Grace. May I ask whom you would recommend?”

“The person I recommend is none other than the Emperor’s own daughter, the Abbess of the imperial nunnery—Lady Twenty-Nine.”

At her words, Ye Chang was calm, but Chongniang’s eyes widened in shock, her mouth agape in astonishment.

Realization dawned on Ye Chang. He had guessed that this little Daoist girl’s identity was unusual, but thought her merely a favored maid of Princess Yuzhen, never suspecting she was in fact the youngest daughter of Li Longji!

Ye Chang was familiar with the history between High Tang and Middle Tang, so he had some knowledge of the likes of Yuan Zai and Lu Qi. But as for Li Longji’s children—he knew little, for there were over fifty of them; even Li Longji himself likely lost count.

Chongniang, being Li Longji’s daughter, was a princess in waiting, no matter how young. Though she lacked the fame and influence of Princess Yuzhen, she was still a princess.

After a brief pause, Ye Chang nodded. “Then I thank Your Grace… but I wonder if Her Highness is willing?”

“I… I…” Chongniang, seeing Ye Chang look her way, grew flustered and shy. Her cheeks turned crimson, and she nodded rapidly several times.

There was a warmth in Ye Chang’s gaze that made her feel cherished, like sunlight in spring.

The imperial family could be unfeeling. Ye Chang did not know that this little Chongniang, among Li Longji’s many children, was neither favored nor valued, and seldom received attention. He merely regarded her as another Xiang’er, or a child like Chunming, deserving of his care. Little did he know that this quiet, shy girl had already been touched by the lines he had transcribed: “The setting sun is infinitely beautiful, yet it is near dusk.”

He only found it amusing—such a bashful little princess was indeed a rare sight.