Chapter Fifteen: Stirrups and Saddles
The inner chamber was elegant yet simple. After all, it was the Hall of Talent, and it could hardly be adorned too extravagantly. Only the lion-shaped incense burner before the desk stood out for its unique design, incongruous with the other furnishings.
Seeing Li Yu’s interest in the curling smoke from the incense burner, the Moon Goddess remarked, “This incense is unique to our Yin-Yang clan. It calms the breath and focuses the mind, greatly beneficial to the soul. If you like it, Master Craftsman, you may take some with you.”
Li Yu nodded. Lately, his sleep had been restless, as though his spirit wandered beyond the world—like two selves gazing at each other, their minds entwined, a most wondrous sensation.
Li Yu explained his situation in detail, hoping the Moon Goddess could unravel the mystery.
The Moon Goddess listened with increasing curiosity, sitting cross-legged and gently placing her hands on Li Yu’s temples, closing her eyes to meditate.
Li Yu, gazing at her from so close, felt the scent of magnolia drift from her jade-like hands pressed to his temples. Her solemn face, paired with a single tear-shaped beauty mark at the corner of her eye, was the embodiment of both regal grace and desire—perfection incarnate.
Having just completed his coming-of-age ceremony, Li Yu’s heart, ever true to its own desires, began to stir once again.
The Yin-Yang clan certainly knew how to choose their people, Li Yu mused…
“Calm your mind and gather your spirit, embrace unity. You mustn’t let your thoughts wander, or the process will be difficult,” the Moon Goddess reminded him, frowning at the right moment.
Li Yu, somewhat embarrassed, closed his eyes. He silently recited, “Crimson beauty, skeleton beneath…” and found his thoughts wandering yet again. It could not be helped—he had always been fond of such images.
He had to shift his focus, and so he began to chant the Great Compassion Mantra, recalling the Shaolin monks from television, which finally steadied his mind. So Buddhist teachings were indeed effective, Li Yu thought to himself.
After the time it took to drink a cup of tea, Li Yu felt nearly asleep. He sensed the hands leave his temples and slowly opened his eyes. “How do you feel, Miss?” he asked.
The Moon Goddess replied, “Your soul is far stronger than most—several times so. Your body is only slightly superior to an ordinary man. This may be the issue: you need a physical cultivation method to unite your body and spirit.”
Li Yu said in frustration, “But physical refinement isn’t achieved overnight. Is there no other way? Does your Yin-Yang clan not have such techniques?”
The Moon Goddess responded, “The Yin-Yang clan places great importance on the Five Elements. If your constitution aligns with earth, it will greatly benefit your body.”
Li Yu asked, “Can you test which element I belong to?”
The Moon Goddess replied, “Such testing requires the headquarters of the Yin-Yang clan, or Lord Yunzhong, who possesses the necessary tools.”
Li Yu asked, “Where is Lord Yunzhong?”
The Moon Goddess answered, “At the headquarters of the Yin-Yang clan.”
Well then! All that talk and he’d still have to visit the Yin-Yang clan. But being in Great Qin, Li Yu thought it unnecessary to go so far—he would ask Ying Zheng instead. The Supreme Lord’s library was unparalleled.
…
Taking leave of the Moon Goddess, Li Yu headed toward the horse market.
After much searching, he found nothing to his satisfaction and left disappointed. Suddenly, another idea struck him, and he walked toward General Meng Ao’s mansion.
This was Li Yu’s third visit to the general’s residence. After knocking and announcing himself, he did not wait long before a young man came out to greet him. Li Yu bowed, “I hadn’t expected the young general to be here today!”
It was Meng Tian himself, who laughed heartily, “I heard the Master Craftsman had arrived at my house, so I had to greet you personally!”
Li Yu’s mood lifted, “I was delighted upon first meeting you, though the circumstances then prevented much interaction. It’s a pleasure to see you now.”
Li Yu preferred dealing with straightforward people; those with nine cunning hearts were far too taxing.
Meng Tian’s brow furrowed with mild displeasure, “Addressing me as ‘young general’ is too formal. Call me Meng Tian from now on, if you please.”
Li Yu laughed, “Of course. And you may call me Li Yu.”
“Certainly!” Meng Tian agreed without hesitation. “What brings you here today, Li Yu?”
Li Yu smiled, “I wish to purchase a fine horse. I visited the horse market but found nothing suitable, so I thought of Old General Meng, who promised me a good horse. That’s why I’ve come.”
Meng Tian said, “Is that so? Come, I’ll take you to my grandfather to discuss it. A promise must be kept!”
He pulled Li Yu along with him.
This time, they found Old General Meng in the stables. It seemed he already knew Li Yu’s purpose, for he was gently stroking the mane of a black steed he had brought out.
Seeing his grandson dragging Li Yu by the hand, Meng Ao frowned, his presence commanding even in displeasure. “What sort of manners is this? Our house may not be strict about ceremonies, but we have rules! How does this look to the Master Craftsman?”
Li Yu straightened his robes and bowed, “No need for anger, General. Meng Tian and I hit it off at first meeting and care little for such formalities. His sincere nature is most pleasing to me.”
Meng Ao did not press the matter further—he was fond of his grandson, who possessed the same spirit as himself in youth. He pointed to the horse, “What do you think of this steed?”
Li Yu knew little of horses, but by appearance alone, it was beautiful. Just as people have a natural affinity for certain faces, so too with horses—at first sight, Li Yu liked this black stallion.
Meng Ao said, “This is the offspring of the horse you saw last time. I give it to you—treat it well.”
Li Yu was delighted, “Thank you, General!”
He reached out to stroke its mane, “I won’t accept your gift for nothing. I have an invention that can enhance a horse’s combat abilities. I’ll share the method with you, but the horse should stay here for now—I have no stable yet. I’ll pick it up in a few days.”
In the study,
Li Yu dusted off his creation and handed it to Meng Ao. “General, this method must be kept secret for now, especially from the tribes beyond the frontier. Their horses are many, and if this is spread, it would raise their combat power as well. Remember this,” Li Yu said solemnly.
Meng Tian, curious, asked, “Just by adding these things, a horse’s combat power can be improved?”
Li Yu replied, “The concept is simple—the difficulty lies in thinking of it. These saddles and stirrups free the rider’s hands for archery, and these protect the horse’s hooves, just like shoes for people. They greatly reduce the chance of hoof injuries. Since our Great Qin’s ironworking is advanced, this method can be widely adopted.”
He added, “Whether spreading this is right or wrong, I do not know. The nomads are always a great concern for Qin.”
Meng Tian was dismissive, “Those uncivilized barbarians are nothing to fear.”
Li Yu smiled, “They aren’t a threat now, but as with the Central Plains, unity often follows division. If someone unites the nomads, they may become formidable.”
Meng Tian still thought Li Yu worried too much, “Why give them credit? When I guard the Great Wall, I’ll deal with them easily.”
Li Yu laughed, “We may scorn the enemy strategically, but tactically, we must take them seriously. We should visit the frontier together sometime and see if there are any solutions.”
Meng Tian patted Li Yu’s chest, “It’s a deal!”
After studying Li Yu’s drawing for a while, Meng Ao said, “Master Craftsman, you are truly extraordinary—even your casual words are wise. This idea of strategic disdain and tactical caution is excellent! I’ll have the whole army adopt it. It’s a shame you’re not a soldier.”
Li Yu smiled, “As long as I serve Great Qin, it matters not where I am.”
Meng Ao nodded with a smile, “Well said.”
He pointed to the blueprint, “I’ll fit your horse with these. Come back in three days.”
Li Yu replied, “I’m in no hurry.”
…
Watching Li Yu leave, Meng Ao nodded and said to Meng Tian, “This is no ordinary man. The best decision I ever made was introducing him to the king. Spend more time with him—it will benefit you.”
Leaving the general’s mansion, it was already afternoon. Li Yu had intended to visit Xianyang Palace, but that would have to wait.
Returning home, Li Yu examined the item in his hand.
It was a secret manual from the general’s mansion, intended for physical training. After studying it for some time, he dared not attempt it.
“This is hardly meant for humans—first beaten with rattan, then rubbed with salt all over. That’s madness!” He didn’t finish reading, just glanced at the beginning and tossed it aside.
At that moment, Xiao Lu entered and bowed to Li Yu, “Master, the tasks you assigned me are completed. Would you like to see them?”
Li Yu’s interest was piqued, “Bring them here!”
Xiao Lu carefully handed him a wooden box, as though it contained some fierce beast.
Li Yu opened it and his face broke into a wide smile. Inside were his own shorts, as well as several pieces of cloth—small, compact, and space-saving. He even picked one up and measured it—an F size, matching Zhao Ji’s measurements.
“Master… Is it acceptable?” Xiao Lu asked, a little afraid, seeing her master grinning foolishly at the cloth, almost drooling.
Li Yu snapped out of his reverie, cleared his throat, and said, “I’m very pleased! From now on, you’ll be in charge of making these. I have some new designs—wait a moment, I’ll draw them for you.”
He took out paper and pen and began to sketch.