Chapter 117:
In the Imperial Palace, Martial Arts Hall.
Your Majesty, I, Grand General Cheng, cant handle this anymore!
Li Er sat in a chair, watching Cheng Yaojin venting in front of him, feeling a throbbing pain in his head.
Whats the matter? Li Er asked with a frown.
Cheng Yaojin sighed heavily, his face filled with worry, Your Majesty Su Li, who just joined the Right Martial Guards, set a trap for me. Your Majesty, you know Im known for being bold and meticulous. But I couldnt anticipate Su Lis cunning nature, and I fell into his trap
Cheng Yaojins disjointed explanation left Li Er increasingly bewildered.
He assigned Su Li to the Right Martial Guards, considering Cheng Yaojins benefit. What general wouldnt want an invincible warrior under their command who could rival a thousand soldiers?
Why did Cheng Yaojin seem a bit reluctant now?
What happened with Su Li? Li Er sensed Cheng Yaojins ignorance and asked calmly.
Cheng Yaojin noticed Li Ers displeasure and stopped feigning ignorance.
He hurriedly explained, Your Majesty, Su Li just joined the army a few days ago. As you know, following our tradition, we naturally had to put him to the test
Li Er raised an eyebrow, looking at Cheng Yaojin in astonishment and wondering if he hadnt been clear enough in his previous instructions.
Was I not clear enough? I told you that Su Li is an exceptional warrior. And you still wanted to test him? I put in so much effort to bring Su Li into the army. Yet you, Cheng Yaojin, were still fixated on testing him.
If you drive him away, losing your Right Martial Guards is minor, but my loss would be significant!
Su Li is like my formidable leader in Western China! Li Er said.
However, seeing Cheng Yaojins distressed look, it was clear that Su Li didnt end up on the losing side. Thinking about this, Li Er became even more curious.
What exactly did Su Li do to Cheng Yaojin?
To make the usually carefree General Cheng react like this?
But what happened next? Li Er couldnt resist asking.
Cheng Yaojin sighed and said, Its also my fault for being too straightforward. I told Su Li that reasoning is often backed by strength in the military
Li Er nodded, agreeing, Thats true.
Turns out it was a big mistake!
Cheng Yaojin wailed and said mournfully, Su Li heard this from me and asked, if thats the case, should we settle matters based on whos stronger By the heavens, Your Majesty, please judge, did I mean that?
Li Er struggled to suppress his laughter.
He didnt expect Cheng Yaojin, who usually had a cunning mind, to dig a hole for himself. Competing with Su Li in terms of fist size?
Hmm his imagination was certainly vivid.
Afterward, Cheng Yaojin detailed how Su Li had showcased his strength and how he had been kicked into the air by Su Li, all told to Li Er.
Li Er finally couldnt contain his smile. He felt thoroughly amused. At this point, Cheng Yaojin cautiously glanced at Li Er again, sensing that the emperors mood was good, and continued his narrative.
Your Majesty, you know that I value my reputation. At the time, I felt that I couldnt back down. So, with a clouded mind, I proposed testing his military strategy knowledge.
Li Er chuckled, Your strategy is sound. Did you manage to win this time?
When Li Er first mentioned Su Lis enlistment, Su Li claimed he hadnt read any military texts. Judging from his demeanor then, it didnt seem like he was lying.
So, in Li Ers impression, Su Lis military knowledge should be fairly average, even if not exceptional. After all, Cheng Yaojin was a Grand General. Among the prominent generals of the Tang Dynasty, his strategic prowess might not have been the highest, but it was above average.
Wasnt it a breeze for Su Li to pass the examination with his skill level?
However, at this moment, Cheng Yaojin suddenly widened his eyes, looking at Li Er with an expression that seemed to be full of grievances.
Your Majesty, I didnt dare to test him on the spot Cheng Yaojin admitted.
Li Er smiled and asked, Why?
After a moments thought, Li Er understood. Cheng Yaojin had been intimidated by Su Li!
Thinking of this, Li Er couldnt help but shake his head and chuckle.
You havent said, why did you come to me to complain today? Who can take away the general I gave you?
Cheng Yaojin sighed again and said, Your Majesty, let me explain
As he spoke, he detailed how he had gone to find Li Jing and how Li Jing had tested Su Lis knowledge of military strategy.
Your Majesty, I cant compare to Su Li in martial arts, and even my strategy knowledge is far inferior. How can I gain respect among the soldiers in the army? Instead, why not let this general take over? Cheng Yaojin grumbled with a stubborn tone.
Li Er glanced at Cheng Yaojin and smiled, I wont hide it from you. Initially, I had that plan.
Really?
Upon hearing this, Cheng Yaojin was immediately startled and jumped from the ground.
I thought of letting him lead a separate army, but he refused, Li Er said with some helplessness.
Cheng Yaojins eyes rolled as he could tell Li Er highly regarded Su Li. When he thought about it, it had only been a few days since Su Li joined the Right Martial Guards.
In the past few days, the old folks in the military have practically worn out the threshold of Cheng Yaojins house. They try to poach Su Li away from the Right Martial Guards whenever they open their mouths.
Since that day, Su Li become a highly sought-after figure in military circles.
Did Lao Cheng really not realize how precious Su Li was?
Even though this subordinate got paid while slacking off and didnt show much respect for his superior, these werent a big deal as long as he could prove himself on the battlefield.
Today, Lao Cheng came ostensibly to vent his grievances to Li Er, but he came to report. After all, Li Er had abruptly placed his son-in-law into the army, and it was only right to explain the situation to him.
Your Majesty, a gentlemans word is like a drawn arrow, hard to retrieve. So, you cant just casually dismiss me without any reason! Cheng Yaojin chuckled.
Li Er looked at him, then playfully scolded, Put away your scheming and get out of here!
Time passed quickly.
Unbeknownst to Su Li, he had already received three months pay in the Right Martial Guards. During these three months, he spent his days being paid to slack off and never stepped foot in the military camp.
Cheng Yaojin never bothered him. He occasionally received invitations from military bigwigs, all of which Su Li politely declined.
During this time, he spent most of his time with Changle without much concern for unrelated matters.
One day, after eating breakfast and planning to go for their usual walk, Changle suddenly felt a churn in her stomach and began retching uncontrollably.
This shocked the palace maids and the servants. After all, Changle had only recently recovered from a serious illness, so they were naturally quite worried.
However, Su Li, who had been holding onto Changle, had a look of ecstatic joy, and a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes simultaneously.
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