Tang Dynasty: A Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls for Li Er at the Start

Chapter 156 Su Lie, do you dare to make a pledge? (Bonus chapter for Alliance Leader Tang Meng)

Although Su Dingfang had very little seniority in the Tang army, he could be considered a newcomer.

But everyone present knew of his fame.

Back then, Liu Heita swept through Hebei with unstoppable momentum, always serving as the vanguard. Even Li Shimin praised his bravery.

Later, his former master, Gao Yaxian, died in battle, and in a fit of anger, he went into seclusion in his hometown, unwilling to serve the Tang Dynasty.

He had only volunteered to serve as a captain after hearing that war was about to break out with the Turks.

In terms of official rank and seniority, he was inferior to Liang Jianfang, but in terms of bravery, he was indeed stronger than the latter.

But he forgot one thing: Li Jing was here today.

"Roaring during a meeting, do you know what the crime is?" Li Jing raised his eyes, as if asking a trivial matter.

Su Dingfang was not afraid at all and replied, "I will be punished with thirty strokes of the military rod, but I am willing to atone for my crime by performing meritorious service. I only need two hundred soldiers to present the head of the enemy vanguard."

The veterans present all looked much more serious.

Military matters are not just empty words; if you fail to do them, you will be subject to military law.

"Liang Jianfang, do you dare?" Su Dingfang arrogantly turned his head to look at Liang Jianfang.

Although the latter was unwilling to accept it, he really didn't dare to.

"Reporting to the Grand Commander, if General Su can sign a military pledge, I am willing to assist him."

Liang Jianfang wasn't stupid; he didn't believe Su Dingfang dared to jump out at this time without having any backing.

Given Su Dingfang's qualifications, he certainly wouldn't be qualified to be the vanguard officer, but if he were to sign a pledge, it would be hard to say.

"In that case, Su Lie, do you dare to sign a military pledge?"

"Why don't you dare!"

As soon as Jing Junhong finished speaking, Su Dingfang agreed without hesitation.

"Very well, then I hereby order you to lead two hundred elite cavalry as the vanguard of the army. If you can capture enemy generals and seize their flags, today's matter will be considered closed. If you return empty-handed, you will be punished for both crimes!"

Li Jing shouted.

Su Dingfang immediately bowed.

As for Liang Jianfang, he was assigned to be Su Dingfang's deputy.

However, the latter only had two hundred cavalrymen, while the former led two thousand troops to support him.

If Su Dingfang is defeated, Liang Jianfang will be the backup force to attack the Turkic army formation.

Li Jing naturally wouldn't give up the initiative and wait for the Turks to attack the city.

They had already gained the upper hand in this battle, having learned of the Turkic invasion, so Li Jing had long ago implemented a scorched-earth policy.

Within a radius of two hundred li outside Huizhou City, the Turks could not find a single grain of food.

Then, the scouts used binoculars to ascertain the strength and route of the Turks' troops.

The Turks, as adversaries, were completely unaware of the Tang Dynasty's plans at this moment.

After Li Jing had arranged all the personnel...

Wen He, who had watched this grand spectacle from the sidelines, finally understood what was going on.

Are these old guys putting on a show for outsiders?
If it were anyone else, Su Dingfang's outburst in court would have resulted in them being taken out and court-martialed long ago.

Why would I waste my breath talking like this here?

Poor Liang Jianfang was used as a raft to help Su Dingfang cross the river.

Although Wen He didn't know why Li Jing was helping Su Dingfang so much, she remembered that there were rumors in later generations that Su Dingfang was Li Jing's student.

However, there seems to be no evidence for this.

"Is the little one confused?" Li Daozong's voice suddenly came from beside him.

He just laughed strangely.

Li Chengqian, who was standing to the side, couldn't help but turn his head to look over.

“Prince Rencheng, some things are better left unsaid.” Wen He forced a smile and winked at him.

Li Daozong really does treat himself like a child.

Upon hearing this, the latter was taken aback and looked at Wen He in surprise. He truly hadn't expected that this little kid could see through the intricacies of the situation.

No wonder His Majesty appointed him as the teacher of the Prince of Zhongshan and his group.

"Young man, you could be as great as Gan Luo in the future." Li Daozong was genuinely praising him, but his words sounded rather strange.

You are Gan Luo, your whole family are Gan Luo!
He rolled his eyes at Li Daozong, who burst into laughter, drawing puzzled glances from the others.

"Prince Rencheng".

Li Jing suddenly called his name.

"I'll trouble you to stay in the city with me. In a little while, send someone to collect the grenades and take charge of the defense of the north city."

"Okay, okay, hmm?" Li Daozong was smiling when he suddenly felt something was off. He narrowed his eyes and asked, "May I ask, Grand Commander, are all the armies equipped with those hand grenades?"

"Of course not. There are not many grenades. Only the defending army has them. In addition, this is the first time this item has been used. Without my order, no army shall use it without my command."

Li Jing was halfway through his sentence when he suddenly sensed that Li Daozong's expression was a bit strange, but he didn't pay it any mind.

Li Daozong stared at Wen He in astonishment, only to see the latter slowly moving away from him.

Wen He already knew how to distribute the grenades, as Jing Junhong had already told him.

This time, not much was brought, and in order to deliver a fatal blow to the Turks, none of the troops outside the city carried any.

Such a powerful weapon was naturally meant to be thrown down when the Turks swarmed over the city walls.

It will definitely give the Turks a big surprise.

"Well, little brat, you actually schemed against me!" Li Daozong laughed instead of getting angry.

Wen He coughed lightly and looked at him innocently: "What are you saying, Prince Rencheng? I don't know anything about this. No one informed me of this."

"Do you think someone would believe that?" Li Daozong wasn't stupid.

After the meeting ended, he grabbed Wen He's collar and said, "I just remembered, when we were eating lamb leg, you said you would personally send someone to give us instructions, right? I think that's unnecessary. You should come yourself."

"Hey, put me down first!" Wen He struggled, but he held her tightly.

"Sir!"

Seeing his uncle capture the teacher with one hand, Li Chengqian hurriedly chased after him.

"Your Highness!" Upon seeing this, Qin Qiong bid farewell to Li Jing and Jing Junhong and hurriedly left.

Upon arriving outside the mansion, the two watched as Li Daozong carried Wen He onto his horse and rode away.

"This Prince Rencheng, sigh."

Qin Qiong looked at the flying sand, sighed helplessly, turned to look at the dejected Li Chengqian, and smiled, "How about I lead Your Highness along?"

"May I?"

Li Chengqian's eyes lit up immediately.

"Of course, I'll go find a..." Qin Qiong was about to say he would go find a horse.

Just then, a handsome young man led his horse over and stopped in front of the two of them.

The young man bowed and said.

"This humble general, Tang Meng, asked the Prince of Rencheng to prepare horses for the Prince of Zhongshan and the Duke of Yi when he left."

"This is the Prince of Rencheng," Qin Qiong chuckled, thanked Tang Meng, and then took the horse from his hands.

"Duke Yi, the Prince of Rencheng just instructed you to slow down..."

Watching Qin Qiong gracefully mount his horse, Tang Meng suddenly remembered the instructions Li Daozong had given her earlier.

Upon hearing this, Qin Qiong retorted angrily, "I am in good health and do not need him to worry about me. Prince of Zhongshan, I will take you on a ride!"

Having said that, he ignored Tang Meng and spurred his warhorse away.

They arrived at the military camp.

Before the two could dismount, they suddenly heard a loud "boom" ahead.

Qin Qiong suddenly felt his warhorse stirring.

In the past, he could have easily dismounted, but Li Chengqian was in his arms.

The warhorse neighed and leaped high on its forelegs!
(End of this chapter)