There was no need to mention just how sullen Zhang Shougui was. He had a belly full of words, but he couldn't say them. These generals were being too tactful. What 'certain difficulty'? Couldn't they just drop the 'certain'? It was a certain difficulty.
Anyone who went up would know that those who entered the Yellow Mountain region were almost tormented to death by Zhang Xiaobao. When they hunted or got food to eat, he would launch sneak attacks. Most hateful of all was that when Zhang Xiaobao caught prey, he would not immediately snatch it away. Instead, he would feed the prey poison, and in the end, the prey caught by his own side would die in droves after eating it.
Difficult, truly difficult. Even surviving was difficult.
"Lishi, you come, hahahaha." Seeing Zhang Shougui's expression, Li Longji clutched his stomach and hid to the side.
Gao Lishi also knew how the battle was going. He wanted to find a place to laugh, but he had no choice but to accompany Li Longji. When he was called over, he used his hand to twist his leg and limped over. The expression on his face was as rich as one could imagine.
"Gentlemen, Generals, it has been many days since we last met. It seems that all of you are still as cheerful as ever. Let's cut to the chase. Since all of you want to seal the deal, we should first ask Xiao Bao and Cuckoo if we agree."
None of them spoke, not because they didn't want to give Gao Lishi face, but because they didn't know what to say.
"Since all my colleagues have tacitly agreed, come! Call over Xiao Bao and Cuckoo."
Zhang Xiaobao was happily playing around in his room. When it came to setting up formations in battle, he wasn't too bad. After spending so many years with Wang Juan, even a fool would have learned a few things by now.
But he loved to use them in this situation. Be it the battle of sparrow harassment, the battle of underground tunnels, the battle of throwing poison, the classic battle of using numbers to win, or the battle of bullying the weak, he used them all. He used them all in a nimble and versatile manner, reaching perfection in his execution.
"Look, the two sides clearly have about the same number of people, but Zhang Shougui doesn't dare to fight a fair battle with me. He always likes to play dirty. Is there anyone who does this? Is there? "
Zhang Xiaobao personally went to the front line and ordered his men to place the wild animals on a tree. They picked up the dry branches and skewered the wild animals for barbecue. The smoke and smell obviously drifted downwards, but the other party did not react at all.
The several inner court students in the room were speechless.
"Did you see it this morning? I had two hundred men annihilate ten of their men who went to fetch water from the river. This is called a textbook battle of using superior numbers to attack the enemy's weak point. In the future, we will have to vigorously publicize this. Everyone should learn from this. "
Zhang Xiaobao continued to speak. In the inner courtyard, his face was already red. This was because two hundred people had fought against ten people, and fifteen people had died. Furthermore, it was a sneak attack. When the last two people died, they had pressed the grenades under their bodies. That was how the referees judged.
If one were to really talk about being in a textbook, it would be the ten of them.
Seeing that no one had any reaction, Zhang Xiaobao blushed and said, "Well, the annihilation battle in the morning wasn't good enough. Can you blame me? Give me a set of hunting tools and enough throwing knives, and I alone can take care of ten of them.
I can't personally command two hundred people. If I were to be stunned by a single shot, your logistics commander would be gone. The referees will judge, and we have to hold on. We can't even protest. If we argue with the referees during a competition, wouldn't that be courting death? "
"Little Young Master, I, I don't think you're to blame. That person was hit by four arrows, so why didn't he die? He could even pull the grenades, right? "A person supported Zhang Xiaobao.
Zhang Xiaobao didn't appreciate this at all. "What right? What do you know? If a team holds up the 'Death' flag and needs to blow up the enemy's trench, there will be a situation where a person's lower body is blown up, but he can still climb over and throw the grenade into the trench. "
Zhang Xiaobao remembered that Wang Juan had told him some things that she didn't want to disclose to the public. Many years ago, there was a 'Death' troop in the Chuan Division of the National Army. The people in that troop were like their own men of sacrifice. They would twist their weapons to their necks and stick their spears to their chests. Just like the judgment of the military sand table, they wouldn't retreat even if they knew death.
That was why he didn't say anything when he killed fifteen people with a sneak attack.
"Little Young Master, I can also climb over." The person who spoke earlier said loudly, and the others echoed in succession.
"I know, I know. You're all from the inner courtyard. Now I'm not asking you to climb. Think of a way. How to scheme against people. We can't let them have an easy time."
Zhang Xiaobao didn't want to talk about this topic. He waved his hand and signaled the people in the room to play along with him.
"Report, Little Young Master, the Emperor wants you to go to the central sand table." A messenger ran in.
"What's wrong? I'm going over. You guys continue to think. If you come up with a good idea, I'll treat him to a big meal later. "Zhang Xiaobao dropped this sentence and left gloomily. He was having a good time.
When he came to the entrance of the central sand table, he met Wang Juan. The two looked at each other and saw the confusion in each other's eyes.
When they reached the entrance and saw a group of generals, the two were shocked.
Looking at the expressions of the generals, Zhang Xiaobao stepped over the door and asked carefully, "What's wrong? Foreign enemies invade? Which side? I lend them a hundred guts. The birthday girl hangs herself. Are they tired of living? "
Wang Juan was also very surprised. She thought that the Great Tang had encountered a military problem. Otherwise, why would all the generals gather here and call her and Xiao Bao to the central sand table?
Gao Lishi coughed softly and said to Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan, "Don't worry, don't worry. It's not a big deal. The situation … is like this. The generals feel that you guys have too many trivial things to do. The military election has been going on for too long, and you guys are too tired. Therefore, they allow you to close the sand table."
"Oh ~!" Zhang Xiaobao responded softly. He looked at his godfather, Li Longji, and the others, and then at the generals and smiled.
He asked Wang Juan, "Cuckoo, are you tired?"
"I'm not tired. It's quite relaxing. I'll treat it as a holiday. It's not easy to find such an opportunity normally." Wang Juan understood Zhang Xiaobao's meaning.
"General Gao, look, Cuckoo and I aren't tired. It's fine. Let's continue. The other things are simple. Why waste the generals' time? The two of us can't bear it."
Zhang Xiaobao puffed out his chest, showing his determination to persevere to the end.
Yang Sixun couldn't help but say to Zhang Xiaobao, "But we're tired. From the start of the military election until now, we haven't had a good night's sleep. If we continue, we'll probably die from exhaustion before we die. Let's close the sand table. After we rest, we'll think about it carefully before continuing."
Without waiting for Zhang Xiaobao to reply, Pei Guangting added, "There's no need to worry about the military election. We all agree that Cuckoo can be the leader, and you'll be the second and third. What do you think? We won't discuss the results of the military election in private. "
The other generals stared at Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan, waiting for them to nod.
They realized that they had underestimated their opponents. If they continued, their losses would be even greater, and the loss of face would not be small. It was better to stop and give themselves some time to think.
Zhang Xiaobao's lips twitched, and he hesitantly said, "This … isn't good, right? If we directly give the champion to the top scorer, we'll feel ashamed. Since everyone is tired, why don't we rest for a few days and then continue? "
"It's not bad. We've already agreed. Moreover, Vanguard Zhang also said that he had a certain amount of difficulty. You used cold weapons, which means that you're very capable, making Vanguard Zhang feel some difficulty. Isn't that right, General Zhang?"
Yang Sixun asked Zhang Shougui for confirmation. Zhang Shougui just stared at the ground, probably looking for a crack, a bigger one. He didn't say anything, only nodded.
Zhang Xiaobao held back his laughter, looked at Zhang Shougui, and asked Wang Juan, "Madam, is General Zhang having trouble? I think he's pretty tenacious. "
Zhang Shougui lowered his head even more, his face flushed red.
Wang Juan could not bear to watch this any longer. She rolled her eyes at Zhang Xiaobao and said, "I guess so. Since the generals have brought it up, then … Your Majesty …"
Li Longji hastily said, "I agree. It's spring, and summer will be coming soon. I'd like to check on the progress of the railroad at Lu Zhou's place. Everyone is busy, so let's seal it first. Cuckoo is the top scorer in the military election."
"Your Majesty, isn't that a little inappropriate?" Zhang Xiaobao still insisted.
"The people are waiting for spring to come to the Hibiscus Garden to see the flowers. Xiao Bao, you can't be too selfish and make the people sad just for your own enjoyment, understand?"
Li Longji said with a hidden meaning.
Zhang Xiaobao understood. Li Longji was telling him that he could not go on and on just because he was having fun bullying Zhang Shougui.
He glanced at Zhang Shougui and nodded. "Alright, the flowers in the Hibiscus Garden are blooming. If you don't mind the cold, we can hold a feast. Cuckoo and I aren't bullying anyone, right, General Zhang?"
Zhang Shougui grunted and said, "That's right. Don't treat me to a meal in the future unless you cook it yourself."
"No problem. I know you like to eat things from the sea. Four-headed abalone, seasoned sea cucumber, cold cucumber, wild oysters, steamed hairtail … I'll cook. I'll cook it myself!"
Zhang Xiaobao agreed with a smile.
"How did you know?" Zhang Shougui was taken aback.
"If I didn't have this ability, would Cuckoo and I have the confidence to stand in the military election? As the saying goes, know yourself and know your enemy, and you'll never be defeated. Gathering information before a battle is very important. You ate so much seafood from my Blue Seas Silver Sand Restaurant. What did I say? "
Zhang Xiaobao finally spoke the truth.
Zhang Shougui and the other generals were stunned. They were not fools. They began to recall how much they had eaten for free. So, this was the cause and effect of everything.
"You, you … Zhang Xiaobao, you're not being honest," Zhang Shougui managed to squeeze out a sentence.
"It's fine as long as the food and wine are authentic. Later, I'll treat you to Savant's Restaurant. Congratulations to my wife for being the top scorer. It's not easy. We'll open the restaurant when you're ready."
Zhang Xiaobao and Weiwei smiled. They did not argue. After all, the winner had to be magnanimous.
Li Longji seized the opportunity. "So, Xiao Bao, you've agreed?"
"I've agreed," Zhang Xiaobao replied happily.
"Good. Make the arrangements. I'll personally go to Lu Zhou to eat seafood. I heard it's warm there," Li Longji said.
Zhang Xiaobao turned to look at Li Longji. "Agreed … to what?"
"You agreed to let me go to Lu Zhou to check on the progress of the railroad. I'll have to trouble you along the way," Li Longji said.
Zhang Xiaobao seemed troubled. He looked at Wang Juan. Wang Juan shrugged.
Zhang Xiaobao had no choice but to settle this himself. "Your Majesty, most people are gathering in Jiang Province now. The gunships … Eh? Your Majesty, that's fine. I agree to let you go to Lu Zhou. If the others agree, we'll go. We'll take the water route first before we switch to the land route. What do you think? "
As Zhang Xiaobao spoke, he hesitated for a moment before agreeing to Li Longji's request.
The generals, as well as the civil officials, looked at each other, but no one made a sound.
The General supported the idea of the Emperor going out for a walk. They were also in charge of protecting him, so they were not opposed to it. Moreover, with Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan around, if something really happened, then it would be unsafe no matter where he was. For example, the Hibiscus Garden, there were three layers of protective intelligence.
The court had one, the emperor had one, and the Zhang Family and the Wang Family had one.
The civil officials had no reason to object. In the past, they were worried that the emperor would spend too much money on traveling and that the national treasury would be tight. Now, the emperor had his own money and the funds provided by Zhang Xiaobao.
When Li Longji saw Zhang Xiaobao agreeing, he was delighted. He said, "Let me think about it. You … You want to follow Xiaobei and the others to Jiang Province?"
Zhang Xiaobao nodded. "Yes. I'll make a stop in Hangzhou and visit my mother, Cuckoo's mother, and … my relatives."
"Relatives? That's good as well. I'll go and visit them as well. Some of them I haven't seen in a long time. Back then … back then, they helped me a lot. Otherwise, how could your father have a chance? He's been tossing and turning for a few years now. Time has never stopped. He's always thinking about his mother and putting in a lot of effort. Sometimes, he doesn't even care about his family. "
Li Longji looked up at the ceiling and reminisced. His words were filled with emotions.
Then, he changed the topic and laughed. "If it weren't for him, how could there be the Tang Empire that I have now? Not to mention the cute Xiaobei and the others. Haha, just like the story that Cuckoo told Xiaobei and the others, everything is predetermined. Okay, go. I'll also prepare a gift. "
Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan didn't know how to respond. They could only smile at each other. Li Longji's words had also evoked memories of the two of them. Along the way, they still looked back.
"Seal the sand table." Li Longji gave the order.
The sand table used for the competition was sealed and specially assigned people to guard it. Tourists were not allowed to go near it. The Hibiscus Garden was so big that it didn't lack this place to play.
When the order to seal the sand table was given, the more than three thousand people in the competition, the people in charge of logistics, and the people in the judging panel relaxed.
Of course, from today until the sand table was reopened, they were not allowed to talk about the situation of the sand table. Otherwise, if they were found out, they would be severely punished.
In reality, even if the participants were asked, they wouldn't say anything. Those who were chosen all had their own dignity. Many of the people of the Great Tang now had this spirit. They disdained to play tricks in a fair competition in the country.
Everyone left one after another. Some went home to meet with their families and then sleep. Some went to find food, some went to bathe, and some went on dates.
More and more people were leaving. The commoners who occasionally passed by outside saw this. When they saw a large group of people leaving, the first thing they thought was that the martial arts examination had ended.
Immediately, the commoners were divided into two groups: those who reported and those who waited.
Those who waited immediately ran over and asked those who came out, "How was it? How was it? Who won? 'That was the case.
Those who were asked didn't dare to put on airs and deliberately kept it a mystery. This was because they understood that even if the Emperor was asked, he would also tell the commoners. Thus, they all smiled and nodded, giving the commoners the most satisfactory answer.
'The generals propose to seal the sand table and admit that Wang Juan won first place in the martial arts examination and Zhang Xiaobao won second.'
The people who asked were indeed satisfied. They cheered and squeezed out, as if they wanted to tell this news to the entire world.
"Xiao Bao, look, the commoners support you," Li Longji said to Zhang Xiaobao as he listened to the sound of firecrackers.
"They don't just support Cuckoo. They want to further solidify the image of the War God in their hearts. As long as the image of the War God Cuckoo doesn't collapse and they don't lose, the commoners of the Great Tang will feel that their lives are very stable.
Today, when they hear that Wang Juan has failed and can't become the top scorer, their first thought is that the person who answered is lying. They don't want to admit that the protector in their hearts has disappeared.
Thus, Cuckoo is under a lot of pressure. After defeating Duoshi, she shouldn't personally lead the army. Defeating Duoshi is to solidify her image. In the future, even if the other generals of the Great Tang are at a disadvantage, the commoners of the Great Tang won't worry. If Cuckoo doesn't lose, the Great Tang won't lose. "
Zhang Xiaobao analyzed the thoughts of the commoners.
Li Longji understood immediately. "The symbolic meaning is greater than the actual meaning. According to this, you have to make perfect preparations before going to war. You can't lose. If you really can't, you have to first gain a little advantage and then stop to defend. In the Great Tang, you have to announce that you won and Cuckoo's image must be maintained."
Zhang Xiaobao chuckled. Li Longji knew quite a lot and knew how to lie.
However, Wang Juan frowned and said, "Don't build me up. What should be built is the army of the Great Tang. After a few victories, we have to give the commoners the impression that as long as the Great Tang army is mobilized, there will be no defeat and no defeat."
The crowd walked out. Those who wanted to enter the Hibiscus Garden after the Military Selection were not in a hurry. They all stood by the roadside and watched. There were also those who had just received the news and rushed over. There were even some who ran over to send the news. Most of them were businessmen. They had business partners in various places and were promptly notified.
The news was spread to all parts of the Great Tang at the fastest speed. It was much more important than Zhang Xiaobao being the top scorer. Survival instincts and safety were the first priority. After that, it was the pursuit of other aspects, such as prices, product types, and so on.
There were many people, but they were orderly. They all stood by the sides of the road and no one stepped forward. If anyone wanted to, the people beside them would not allow it. They were afraid that there would be spies who would harm Zhang Xiaobao and Cuckoo. Thus, other than trusting themselves, they even looked at their neighbors with suspicion.
The weather today was not bad. There was no wind and there was plenty of sunlight. After the spring rain, it was getting warmer day by day. Wearing two layers of clothes, it was not cold to stand outside.
Seeing that the road was narrow, Li Longji did not take a carriage. Instead, he called Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan and slowly walked in the direction of the Royal Palace. At this speed, it would take at least two hours.
As they walked, they could hear the sounds of firecrackers and cheers. Occasionally, they could hear the shop assistants shouting, "What's free today?"
"This can be considered a kind of glory, right? It feels like there are singers, movie stars, and even sports stars. It's very lively. Cuckoo, don't you feel proud to be able to stand shoulder to shoulder with those stars? "
Zhang Xiaobao looked at the lively scene and said.
"You can't speak blindly. How can I compare to them? Others have fainted while surrounding them, but I'm far from it. Everyone is standing properly, and no one is trying to get close to them. That's not enthusiastic enough. "
Wang Juan was in a good mood, so she also teased along with Zhang Xiaobao.
Li Longji did not care about this. He nudged Zhang Xiaobao and asked, "Xiao Bao, when are we leaving? The construction of the railway can't be delayed. "
"How about tomorrow? Let me prepare for a day, "Zhang Xiaobao said.
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