10. Ball Game

At this moment, the golden ball fell down again. Aheng did not extend his staff to catch it, allowing the golden ball to hit the ground and create a deep pit. Fang brought the horse closer and struck the ball to the center of the open ground. Aheng said to the three scarlet-armored warriors, "Be careful!"

Polo originated in Persia and had already been introduced to China during the Eastern Han period. By the Tang dynasty, it had become extremely popular, especially among the military. Many soldiers in the Tang army were fond of this sport, and upon hearing that Zhi Shisi had brought along a Turkic polo team, they eagerly craned their necks to watch. Zhi Shisi lightly clapped his hands, and six fine steeds galloped in from the gate, with riders dressed as Turkic warriors. Three wore blue armor, and three wore crimson armor, each holding a crescent-shaped polo stick. As they approached, six robust men simultaneously dismounted and bowed in greeting, their movements remarkably agile. Zhi Shisi lightly clapped his hands again, and six fine steeds galloped in from the gate, with riders dressed as Turkic warriors. Three wore blue armor, and three wore crimson armor, each holding a crescent-shaped polo stick. As they approached, six robust men simultaneously dismounted and bowed in greeting, their movements remarkably agile. Upon closer inspection, Xu Guan and others noticed that five of the warriors stepped back, and the one in the lead, wearing blue armor with a large cloak over it, was none other than Aheng Mang.

Ahemang and five Turkic warriors then abandoned Li Baojin, riding closer and each jumping down to drink the offered wine. After they finished drinking, Zhang Gongjin laughed heartily and said, "The six Turkic warriors are indeed valiant, all heroes and brave men." Xin Kaidao, watching the six men drink from the side, gripped the handle of his knife tightly, his face filled with anger and resentment. Su Lie noticed the anger on his face, raised a filled golden cup, and called out, "Kaidao! The governor has offered wine, you should also drink a cup." Xin Kaidao took the golden cup, tilted his head back, and drank it all in one go, leaving without a word. Zhang Gongjin observed this with a calm expression and said to Li Baojin, "Your martial skills are excellent; please share your name with everyone." Li Baojin bowed and replied, "As a person who has committed crimes, being able to serve the country is already a great fortune; I do not seek fame." Zhang Gongjin was very pleased and offered him another large cup of wine. At this time, the sky was getting darker, and Zhang Gongjin said to Ashina Bolumen and Zhishi Silida, "Your Highness and the general have come from afar as guests; please drink heartily, we must enjoy ourselves tonight before parting." He also ordered people to light several large bonfires in the open ground, allowing the soldiers to sit around and drink together until the night was over.

The soldiers of the Tang camp erupted in thunderous applause, clapping and cheering. Amidst the cheers, Aheng Mang urged his horse forward at a gallop, raising his spear to thrust down at the golden ball, driving it into the ground. This unexpected turn of events astonished everyone, as Aheng Mang held the spear in his right hand, formed a seal with his left hand in front of his chest, and chanted incantations. The golden ball began to move through the earth, heading straight for the goal of the Tang army. As the golden ball traveled underground, it produced a thunderous sound, and a long ridge of earth appeared on the ground. This unexpected turn of events astonished everyone, as Aheng Mang held the spear in his right hand, formed a seal with his left hand in front of his chest, and chanted incantations. The golden ball began to move through the earth, heading straight for the goal of the Tang army. As the golden ball traveled underground, it produced a thunderous sound, and a long ridge of earth appeared on the ground

Ahemang held the reins and laughed, saying, "I concede. I concede." Everyone looked on in astonishment, thinking, "I have never seen anyone play polo like this. How can this Turk, possessing such extraordinary skills, possibly lose?" Suddenly, the golden ball shot out of the ground with a whoosh, hovering in the air for a moment, as if it had a life of its own, and flew straight towards the Turk's goal. It turned out that Xu Guan had received a reminder from Xiao Yan and began reciting the sword control incantation taught by Guo San. However, he had not yet fully grasped this technique, and after reciting it for a long time to no effect, it was not until the Turks scored the first point that Xu Guan, in a moment of urgency, had a sudden inspiration and finally managed to move the golden ball from the ground. Ahemang saw the golden ball flying towards him and thought it was the work of Li Baojin, laughing as he said, "It turns out that Lieutenant Li has quite a few tricks up his sleeve, even understanding the sword control technique of the Maoshan sect." While he mocked with his words, he did not slow down in action, wielding his golden spear to block the path of the golden ball.

As the voice fell, the crescent staff in hand swung, and the golden ball shot towards the opponent's stone gate like a bolt of lightning. A warrior in crimson armor charged forward on horseback, wielding a steel staff to block in front of the gate. The golden ball struck the staff, sending sparks flying, and was deflected into the air. Without waiting for the golden ball to land, the crimson-armored warrior swung his staff with great force. His strike was powerful and heavy, causing the ball to trace an arc in the air, piercing through the stone gate of the blue-armored warriors like a shooting star chasing the moon. The soldiers of the Tang camp erupted in cheers, and Ahemang laughed heartily, saying, "Good. Let’s compete again!" This lively scene of polo truly resembled a verse from "Flying Before the Staff": "Team Blue, Team Red, striking and clashing, delightful to behold. Last time, the outcome was uncertain; if defeated this time, we must compete again. Shedding crimson and purple, donning brocade, silver stirrups and golden saddles shining in the sun, dust flying in the arena as horses gallop away, the ball soaring in the air before the staff."

It is said that what is late is actually fast. Just in the blink of an eye, a figure flew out from the side and stood in front of the soldier. The golden ball struck directly at this person's chest. Amidst the gasps of the crowd, this person slowly straightened up, took out a shield from his bosom, and held the golden ball in his hand. This person was tall and robust, with a face like pale gold; he was Li Baojin, the Captain of the Zhaowu in Kuizhou. It turned out that he had concealed the shield in his clothing, allowing him to withstand the golden ball shot through the air.

Ahemang donned a mask, and many recognized him as the general who had defeated the Tang army, Lion Liang, which made Xinkaidao's eyes nearly bulge with rage. Both sides rode their horses into the arena, and Ahemang laughed, saying: "Lieutenant Li, you were once my defeated opponent; what use is it to bring you here again?" Li Baojin was completely unperturbed and replied: "Last time you injured me with sorcery; if it were merely a contest of martial skills, you might not surpass me." Ahemang said: "This time we shall compete in polo." He then brandished a golden spear, saying: "This spear is called the 'Gold-Breaking Spear,' forged from meteorite iron and the blood of the King of the Horizontal Fish; it is indestructible. Have you heard of it?" Li Baojin replied: "It is one of the three divine weapons of the Ao Sect, so I have indeed heard of it." Ahemang raised the Gold-Breaking Spear before him and gently stroked it, saying: "I will use this spear as my polo stick; you should be careful." Li Baojin ignored him, maintaining a blank expression, and said: "Bring it on."

Ahemang urged his horse to catch up, and Ashina Polomen turned his head to see him. He pulled on the reins and said, "Zhishi Sililuo is being quite bothersome. Think of another way to give me a chance to fight!" Ahemang pondered in silence. Ashina Polomen pressed, "Last time you had our soldiers disguise themselves as Tang troops to invade Hexi, which indeed led to a battle. Why don't we use that method again?" Ahemang replied, "Your Highness, be silent; this matter must not be publicized. In my humble opinion, there is no need to employ any more tricks; a great battle will soon occur regardless." Ashina Polomen said, "Haven't you heard that Zhishi Sililuo is going to seek a marriage alliance? With Father Khan being so submissive, what battle can there be?" Ahemang responded, "In the past, the Li family father and son were also submissive to my Turks, offering countless tributes of gold and silk. The Great Khan, being magnanimous and benevolent, ceased military operations and made peace with the Tang. However, Li Shimin is as cunning as a fox and more vicious than a wasp. With Father Khan being so submissive, what battle can there be?" Ahemang continued, "In the past, the Li family father and son were also submissive to my Turks, offering countless tributes of gold and silk. The Great Khan, being magnanimous and benevolent, ceased military operations and made peace with the Tang. However, Li Shimin is as cunning as a fox and more vicious than a wasp. He can even kill his own brothers; the matter of this marriage alliance is very uncertain, whether it will succeed or fail." Ashina Polomen snorted, "If it fails, that would be best! I will lead troops to Chang'an and capture Li Shimin and his ministers one by one, cutting off their heads to use as polo balls for you. Let Father Khan know who can truly be the gray wolf of the steppe in the future!" Ahemang said, "Your Highness is unparalleled in valor. If Li Shimin is stubborn and truly dares to send troops to invade, I have already arranged a strategy; the grasslands of the northern desert will be their grave."

Li Baojin said: "Thank you, Brother Xu, for your kind intentions. However, the competition on the polo field may lead to injuries." Xu Guandao replied: "Li Xiaowei, I am currently serving as a military officer in the Kuangdao Prefecture. It is my duty to serve on the battlefield, especially in this trivial matter of the polo field." As the two were conversing, Ashina Boluomen grew quite impatient and shouted: "If you wish to compete, you must do so quickly. Can't your Tang camp even select six men?" Li Baojin raised his eyebrows and said loudly: "To deal with these few, there is no need for six men; three of us will suffice." He walked to the table of Zhang Gongjin and said: "Governor, these six Turkic warriors have already competed among themselves. I see their armor is quite wet; if the Great Tang sends six men to battle, it would be too advantageous. Baojin wishes to send three men into the arena; may I ask if that is acceptable?" Zhang Gongjin pondered: "Using three against six, even if we lose, it will not tarnish our reputation." He then said: "That sounds fair. These Turkic warriors possess excellent polo skills, so you must be cautious when you face them."

In a typical ball game, the polo players galloped swiftly across the ground, and in this fierce contest, the golden ball soared through the air without touching the ground. Within the Tang army's camp, although there were only six Turkic warriors, each was valiant, as if they were in an uninhabited realm. Amidst the fierce fighting, their loud shouts reverberated, shaking the valley and echoing across the surroundings. Ashina Bolo, with a beaming smile, said to Zhang Gongjin: "Look at how my Turkic warriors compare to your Tang people?" Although his Mandarin was not as fluent as that of Zhi Shili, he expressed these few sentences quite clearly. Zhang Gongjin nodded in silence. The soldiers of the Tang army were left in awe, their minds dazzled and tongues tied, and they could not help but feel disheartened: "Have we ever had such formidable figures in our Tang camp?"

Li Baojin had finished fastening his armor and was presented with several ball staffs by the soldiers. Li Baojin shook his head and said, "My pair of bronze whips will suffice as ball staffs." He strapped his shield to his arm, took the pair of bronze whips, and leaped onto his horse, heading to the front lines. Xin Kaidao chose a hard wooden crescent-shaped ball staff, while Xu Guan selected a rattan ball staff with a cowhide-wrapped head, and hung the Wave Moon Stone on his chest, also urging his horse to advance. Xiao Yanfang cautioned, "Do not engage them in close combat. Do you remember the incantation that Guo San taught you? Once you enter the arena, focus solely on reciting the incantation. Remember this. Remember." Xin Kaidao chose a hard wooden crescent-shaped ball staff, while Xu Guan selected a rattan ball staff with a cowhide-wrapped head, and hung the Wave Moon Stone on his chest, also urging his horse to advance. Xiao Yanfang cautioned, "Do not engage them in close combat. Do you remember the incantation that Guo San taught you? Once you enter the arena, focus solely on reciting the incantation. Remember this. Remember."

Ahemang saw Xiaoyan and Xu Guan among the Tang army in the distance, and took out a wolf head mask from his bosom to wear. It turned out that Ahemang had suffered from asthma and chest tightness since childhood whenever he encountered pollen. Those who knew of this weakness often used it against him. This condition is known in later generations as "pollen allergy," which is a type of adverse immune reaction, but at that time, no one could understand its cause, and it was merely regarded as a strange illness. Ahemang suffered greatly because of this in Kuizhou, and later, after reflecting on his pain, he requested skilled craftsmen to create this mask. The mask has charcoal powder hidden in the mouth and nose area, allowing for unobstructed breathing while blocking dust. (Note: Later military historians often claim that gas masks were invented by the Russian Nikolay Zelinsky during World War I, unaware that they had already been used on the battlefield as early as the early Tang dynasty.)

Xu Guan saw Ahemang make a move to block him, thinking that the other party wanted to compete in martial arts. He recalled what Guo San had said about needing to focus on the matter at hand when using the Sword Control Spell, and he thought that this time he could not let his mind wander to the noodle shop master cutting noodles. Thus, he closed his eyes and silently recited the Bodhisattva's lion's roar as recorded in the Buddhist scriptures, to subdue the demon army. At this thought, the golden ball buzzed loudly, carrying the sound of wind and thunder, soaring and flying across the sky. Ahemang felt that each time the golden ball struck, the force contained within it grew stronger, and he secretly marveled at it. He then wielded the indestructible spear, creating a sphere of golden light, carefully guarding the entrance. This fierce contest was witnessed by everyone, who felt a chill of fear, all thinking: "If I were that Turkic man, I would have been struck with dozens of holes by the golden ball by now." Xiao Yan watched for a while and thought: "In a polo match, the goal is to break through the goal; continuing to entangle like this is harmful rather than beneficial." He then called out to Xu Guan: "Stop fighting him, quickly break through the goal!" Upon hearing Xiao Yan's shout, Xu Guan's focus wavered, and the golden ball fell to the ground with a thud. The other five Turkic warriors were all focused on this contest, but only Xin Kaidao noticed the opening. He immediately leaped onto his horse and rushed to Ahemang's side, striking the golden ball fiercely with a stick. The golden ball rolled swiftly along the ground and instantly pierced through the Turkic goal, causing a thunderous cheer to erupt from the crowd, while only Ashina Bolumen's face remained as dark as water.

The incense had burned halfway, and the situation on the field had subtly changed. The green-armored warriors, having lost two points, began to grow anxious and rushed forward to attack; however, the red-armored warriors remained calm, retreating to their own stone gate, each wielding their staffs to pass the golden ball back and forth, seemingly intent on exhausting the incense's half-burnt duration. After a while, Ahemang, growing impatient, urged his mount and galloped up to a red-armored warrior guarding the ball. Ahemang leaned forward, his left hand swinging the staff fiercely, but instead of striking the golden ball, he aimed it at the red-armored warrior. After another round of struggle, Ahemang, still impatient, urged his mount again and rushed towards another red-armored warrior. Leaning forward, he swung his left hand to strike, but this time, he aimed not at the golden ball but at the red-armored warrior. The red-armored warrior recoiled, and Ahemang suddenly drew a golden spear hanging from his mount with his right hand and struck it fiercely against the golden ball. Sensing the impending danger, another red-armored warrior hurriedly swung his staff to block, but the golden ball collided with the staff and shot off towards the Tang army formation, seemingly about to hit a soldier from the Tang camp.

Ah Heming is exceptionally skilled in the arts, holding a significant official position among the Turks, and is greatly respected by the warriors. He and Li Baojin engage in a dialogue in Mandarin, while the other five Turkic warriors, though unable to fully comprehend, can sense the utter lack of respect from the two, which only fuels their anger. One of the armored warriors, unable to contain himself, lets out a loud roar, charges forward on horseback, and swings his club to strike the golden ball fiercely. The golden ball soars through the air, emitting a shrill sound, not heading towards the goal but instead aimed directly at Li Baojin's face. Li Baojin, however, does not evade or yield; as the ball approaches, he suddenly flicks his wrist upward, and a pair of copper whips tightly clamp down on the golden ball like fire tongs grasping charcoal. The armored warrior's eyes widen in shock, yet Li Baojin remains expressionless, squinting slightly as he asks, "Are you suggesting we should serve the first strike?" The armored warrior's face alternates between green and red, at a loss for words. After a moment, Li Baojin says, "Then thank you." With a twist of the whips, the golden ball is propelled back with such force that it seems to be launched from a powerful mechanism. The armored warrior, caught off guard, hurriedly raises his club to block, but when the golden ball strikes the club, he feels a tremendous shock in his hands, causing the club to slip from his grip and fall to the ground along with the ball.

Li Baojin strode up to the scarlet-armored warrior and handed over the golden ball, then turned and retreated into the crowd. Zhi Shisili stood up and shouted at the scarlet-armored warrior: "How dare you be so rude, quickly apologize to Commander Zhang!" He then said to Zhang Gongjin: "He made a mistake in the heat of the moment, please do not hold it against him, Commander." Zhang Gongjin chuckled and replied: "Well said, well said." However, he had other thoughts in mind; he had previously crossed swords with Li Baojin, and although he had not seen his face at that time due to the mask, he still found his movements familiar. He also caught a glimpse of Xu Guan gesturing towards him, and immediately understood that the persuasion to surrender had succeeded, and the person receiving the ball was the same black-clad individual he had fought against. Zhang Gongjin thought to himself: "The Turks wish to negotiate peace, and the gift of gold is naturally a demonstration of their goodwill. This polo match, said to be for entertainment, is not without its purpose of showcasing military might, intending to compel my army into negotiations. However, these few Turkic warriors possess some skills; since this person has been providentially sent to us, why not send him out to compete, so that the Turks do not underestimate my army."

On the following morning, the Turkic envoy bid farewell to Zhang Gongjin and slowly headed north. After traveling ten miles, Zhi Shisili let out a long sigh and rode over to Ashina Bolumen, saying: "Your Highness, if this alliance with the Tang can be successful, it would truly be a blessing for us Turks." Ashina Bolumen frowned and replied: "Whether it is early or late, we speak of peace. Now even a marriage alliance has been proposed; could it be that the Khan truly wishes to become Li Shimin's son-in-law?" Zhi Shisili continued: "According to reports from our spies, my sworn enemy, the Khan of Xueyantuo, Yinan, has already sent envoys to Chang'an. Li Shimin has rewarded Yinan with a precious sword and a treasured whip, instructing him to execute those guilty of major crimes and whip those guilty of minor offenses. This statement is clearly directed at us. Now, with formidable enemies surrounding us, the Khan's proposal for a marriage alliance is also a matter of necessity." Ashina Bolumen angrily retorted: "What is so great about Yinan? What is so great about Li Shimin? Did we not just defeat the Tang army at Shiziliang? I think the Khan has grown old!" Unhappy in his heart, he raised his whip and lashed at his mount, causing the horse to bolt in pain, quickly leaving Zhi Shisili behind.

A few soldiers brought over the horses and took the armor to bind Li Baojin, Xu Guan, and others. Xiao Yan also rushed to Xu Guan's side and scolded, "Who told you to stick your neck out? Hurry back." Xu Guan was taken aback, recalling that it was indeed during the battle against Ahe Mang in Kuizhou that he had said those words. Seeing him in a daze, Xiao Yan smiled and said, "But you looked quite impressive when you stood up just now." Hearing her praise, Xu Guan felt a sweetness in his heart and replied, "Actually, I don't know much about polo; I just couldn't stand the proud look of that Turkic prince." Xiao Yan gently sighed and said, "It's even more difficult to stick your neck out without knowing polo; it's truly the act of a great hero." Xu Guan felt embarrassed by her compliment, his face slightly reddening. Little did he know, Xiao Yan continued, "It's a pity that most great heroes are just big fools."

Zhang Gongjin commanded the soldiers to clear a large area, allowing space for the event, and instructed several strong soldiers to stack stones into two goalposts. Zhi Shili took a stick of incense, lit it, and shouted, "With this stick of incense as the time limit, let the strong men display their skills!" The six men received the order, mounted their horses, and spread out to the sides, forming two teams in red and blue. Ahemang took out a golden ball, about the size of a fist, from his bosom and threw it into the air. The golden ball soared with a whoosh and took a long time to fall back down. Ahemang waved his crescent staff upward, striking the golden ball, which produced a sound like metal clashing. It turned out that both the staff and the golden ball were made of high-quality steel. The golden ball was sent soaring into the sky again, causing the soldiers in the Tang camp, who were skilled in polo, to change color in their faces. Some soldiers, who did not understand the sport, whispered to each other, "Are the Turks very skilled in polo?" "I don't see anything particularly impressive about it," they replied. A knowledgeable soldier admonished them, saying, "What do you know? Polo is mostly made of wood, and even wooden polo balls can cause injuries. There are frequent incidents of blindness from being struck. This steel polo ball, if it hits someone, would surely break bones and tear muscles. The Turks dare to use this ball; they must be very skilled."