Ascending Mount Zhongnan
Beyond the city of Chang’an, the Zhongnan Mountains rise with majestic grandeur. Stretching across the southern part of Guanzhong, they extend hundreds of miles from Qinlong in the west to Lantian in the east. The entire mountain range towers into the clouds, its steep slopes imparting an aura of solemnity and mystery. One particular peak is shrouded in mist year-round, resembling a celestial realm.
At the foot of this peak winds a narrow, winding path leading to the summit, offering travelers glimpses of the mountain’s breathtaking scenery along the way. From the top, one can overlook the entire expanse of Chang’an, a vista that inspires tranquility and awe. Aside from this single trail, the other three faces of the mountain are sheer cliffs—so precipitous that even birds find them nearly impassable, and ordinary men could never hope to scale them.
Hou Junji spent a full day searching before finally locating this peak. The moment he set eyes upon it, he resolved to establish his camp there. With over four thousand soldiers of the Sixteenth Guard guarding the mountain path, no matter how formidable the Dragon Cavalry might be, they would be unable to reach the summit.
Three days passed swiftly. When Hou Junji led Emperor Li Shimin and a retinue of ministers to the site, all were struck by the mountain’s formidable and forbidding nature. The hot-tempered Yuchi Jingde could not help but speak up: “Minister Hou, is it not too harsh to set up camp in such a perilous place?”
He was not alone in his concern. Even Qin Shubao, who seldom involved himself in political affairs, found the plan questionable. “Such rugged terrain,” he said to Hou Junji, “would be nearly impossible for an army of tens of thousands to storm quickly. Perhaps this choice is ill-advised.”
Cheng Yaojin quipped with a half-joking tone, “Brother Hou, are you perhaps afraid of the Dragon Cavalry?”
Hou Junji’s irritation showed. “I do this only to test the true strength of the Dragon Cavalry. How else can we assign them tasks in the future if we do not understand their capabilities?”
Cheng Yaojin was about to retort when Li Shimin spoke: “Junji’s words are reasonable. I, too, believe this place is excellent.”
At the emperor’s endorsement, all fell silent. However, Yuchi Jingde whispered to Li Jing, “This time, the Dragon Cavalry may be in trouble.”
Li Jing smiled but showed no sign of worry. Li Zhi, standing beside Li Shimin, studied the peak carefully and couldn’t help but curl his lips into a slight smile.
Li Shimin granted the Dragon Cavalry four days to capture the peak. If they succeeded within that time, every soldier would be rewarded with one hundred strings of cash coins. To witness the contest firsthand, Li Shimin decided to station himself atop the summit with the ministers. The decision sparked great interest, and the group eagerly began their ascent.
However, halfway up the mountain, they confronted a harsh reality: the climb was far more arduous than anticipated. Though a path led straight to the summit, it grew progressively narrower the higher they climbed. Near the foot, the trail was wide enough for three to walk abreast for about a hundred meters; beyond that, it barely allowed two, and further up still, it shrank to a single-file passage.
Moreover, the slope steepened with each step. By the time they reached the midpoint, even the officials, unused to such exertion, were drenched in sweat; the generals were equally taxed. The fully armored soldiers of the Sixteenth Guard were nearly collapsing under the weight of their weapons, armor, and tents, struggling painfully along the steep trail.
Li Shimin began to regret his earlier decision. He had not foreseen such difficulty and called for a brief rest. Turning to Li Zhi, he said, “Son, I had not realized this mountain was so treacherous. It truly is a place where one man can hold off ten thousand.”
After a moment of contemplation, he added, “Perhaps Minister Hou should choose another battlefield?”
Li Zhi, panting, replied, “Father, now that we have reached the midpoint, there is no turning back. I believe the Dragon Cavalry can overcome these hardships.”
Li Shimin shook his head. “You have never experienced war, and so you do not fully grasp the terrain. To defeat four thousand defenders here, tens of thousands would be required.”
Li Zhi said earnestly, “Father, trust me. The Dragon Cavalry will not disappoint you.”
Li Shimin studied his son intently. The confidence on Li Zhi’s face was unmistakable, without a trace of worry. Curiosity stirred within the emperor, eager to see just how formidable the Dragon Cavalry truly was. Guided by this curiosity, he resolved to trust Li Zhi and observe the tactics the cavalry would employ.
The group continued their slow, halting climb, finally reaching the summit at noon, weary to the bone. By that time, even prominent ministers like Fang Xuanling could barely continue without the support of generals such as Yuchi Jingde. This reliance drew merciless teasing from the warriors.
Once atop the peak, the group rested briefly, only to feel a sudden chill and realize their clothes were soaked through with perspiration. Fortunately, the Sixteenth Guard soldiers had already arrived and, despite their exhaustion, immediately began pitching tents.
The summit bore signs of prior visitors’ care: several trees had been felled, and several sizable viewing platforms dotted the perimeter. Li Shimin strolled among the platforms, occasionally admiring the snow-covered scenery, occasionally gazing toward distant Chang’an.
A recent snowfall had blanketed Zhongnan Mountain in thick, white snow for the first time this winter.
Suddenly, Li Shimin looked down and addressed Li Zhi: “Child, I heard you composed an immortal poem at the recent grand competition. Might you recite one for me now?”
His request sparked interest among all present. Whether military figures like Qin Qiong and Yuchi Jingde or civil officials like Fang Xuanling, everyone urged Li Zhi to compose a poem.
Though chilled to the bone and not in the mood for poetry, Li Zhi recalled a verse by Zu Yong that vividly described Zhongnan Mountain. He decided to recite it.
After pacing among the viewing platforms and feigning contemplation, he began:
“The shadowed ridges of Zhongnan shine,
Snow drifts float amidst the clouds.
Beyond the woods, clear skies emerge,
While cold deepens within the city walls.”
As his voice faded, a profound silence enveloped the group…