Ming Dynasty Court Secrets - Legends of Chinese Dynastic Courts (Volume 1 and 2)

Author: Xu Muxi / Country: Mainland China
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-05-01
Features: It is said that Zhang Yongde and Zheng En received an imperial decree from Emperor Shizong, ordering them to lift the stone lions in front of the training ground to test their strength. Yongde and Zheng En arrived at the stone lions, looked up and examined them, and saw that the lions were made of a single large stone, intricately carved by craftsmen. They were about five feet tall, with about seven or eight inches buried in the ground, and weighed at least one thousand six or seven hundred pounds.
After observing the lions, Yongde spoke first, "Who will lift this stone lion first?" Zheng En replied, "You are older than me, so you should go first." Yongde did not hesitate. He grasped the lion's base with both hands, shook it slightly, and loosened the surrounding soil. Then, using all his strength, he lifted the lion about a foot off the ground but couldn’t move it at all. How could he walk around the training ground?
Yongde lifted the lion for a moment before placing it back. Zheng En stepped forward, lifted it with both hands, and to everyone’s surprise, he could only raise it about a foot off the ground as well. He couldn’t move it either and had to set it down after lifting it for a moment.
All the soldiers were amazed and exclaimed, "These two men have the same archery skills and strength. How can we determine who is better?"
Just then, a young warrior stepped out from the ranks, rushed to the stone lion, and shouted, "General Zhang and General Zheng couldn’t lift it, so let me try." With that, he lifted the lion with both hands and easily raised it, walking around the training ground in a full circle before returning to his original spot, placing the lion down, and standing still without showing any strain.
The generals were stunned, stretching their tongues in awe. They all said, "This is true strength!"
Emperor Kuangyin was even more impressed and quickly ordered the young warrior to be brought to the central command tent. The young man obeyed and entered the tent, bowing to Emperor Shizong before standing to the side.
Impressed by his imposing figure and sturdy build, Emperor Shizong asked, "What is your name? Where are you from? What do you usually do for a living? Tell me everything."
The young man respectfully replied, "Your servant’s name is Gao Huade, from Changshan in Zhending. My father, Gao Xingzhou, was once the Military Commissioner of Tianping, but he lost his title and due to offending the former emperor and died of illness in sorrow. I have exceptional strength since childhood and learned martial arts from my father, determined to achieve something great. After completing my mourning period, I came to Bianjing in hopes of finding an opportunity. However, I ran out of money and had no way to advance, so I ended up in Bianjing. Today, I heard that Your Majesty is holding a martial arts competition at the training ground to select the vanguard, so I came to witness it. Seeing that Generals Zhang and Zheng couldn’t lift the stone lion, I couldn’t resist showing off my skills and boldly stepped forward to lift it. I beg Your Majesty to forgive my audacity."
Emperor Shizong said, "So you are the son of Gao Xingzhou. Xingzhou only lost his title and because he offended the former emperor and ended up dying in sorrow. That is truly a pity! I see that you can lift this lion weighing over a thousand pounds with ease and even walk around the training ground. Your strength is indeed remarkable, and you are worthy of being the son of a military family! But while your strength is great, I wonder how you fare with archery. Can you shoot?"
Gao Huade replied, "Your servant has practiced martial arts since childhood and is skilled in all eighteen types of military weapons. Archery is a family secret, and I excel at it compared to other martial arts. If Your Majesty doubts me, I can demonstrate it right here. If I fail to hit the bullseye, I will accept the blame."
Emperor Shizong said, "Very well. Go and shoot for me now. If you hit the bullseye, I will reward you beyond the usual." With that, he ordered the preparation of a horse, bow, and arrows, and instructed Gao Huade to shoot for him.
Following the order, Gao Huade stepped out of the tent, mounted a horse, and rode around for a while before shooting three arrows, all of which hit the bullseye.
Emperor Shizong was delighted. He appointed Gao Huade as a vanguard officer and promised to reward him further for future merits.
Kuangyin stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty held this competition to select the vanguard, and it has been clearly stated that those with superior archery and martial skills will be appointed. Huade’s archery and martial skills surpass all the other generals, so he should be appointed as the vanguard to align with the original decree."
Emperor Shizong replied, "Your suggestion is reasonable, but matters require prudence. We cannot be rigid in our decisions. The vanguard holds great responsibility, and while Huade is indeed a hero, he is still young and new to the military. I worry that he may lack experience in battle and could jeopardize the army’s plans. If that happens, it will be too late to regret it."
Kuangyin strongly recommended, "I believe Huade, though young, is exceptionally brave and unmatched among the generals. Appointing him as the vanguard will not be a problem, even though he is new. Moreover, Generals Zhang and Zheng were evenly matched in archery and strength, making it difficult to decide. Huade’s skills surpass both of them, so appointing him will not cause any objections. Besides, Huade comes from nothing and has no achievements to his name. Your Majesty has promoted him based on his outstanding martial skills, and he will surely be grateful and strive to repay Your Majesty’s favor. He will not fail the army’s plans. You can rest assured."
Emperor Shizong agreed and ordered the Military Affairs Department to give Gao Huade the vanguard insignia, urging him to fight bravely and serve the country, not to disappoint the court.
Initially, Gao Huade only wanted to gain a position, so he came to show off his skills. But Kuangyin, impressed by his distinguished appearance and extraordinary prowess, intended to recruit him as his right-hand man and therefore recommended him strongly in front of the emperor. As a result, he was appointed as the vanguard, and his joy was beyond words.
Gao Huade took the vanguard insignia, thanked the emperor, and then withdrew from the tent.
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