My father, Li Shimin, requests Your Majesty to become the Retired Emperor.

Li Chengan, Songtsen Gampo, Qin Ying, and Dao Zhao all hid inside the crocodile's tail.

That crocodile's tail could fit about ten people.

As expected, the bamboo skewers struck the top of the crocodile's tail but failed to pierce its scales.

Ashina Jieshe also found it strange, so he landed on the deck: "Li Chenggan, come out and face your death!"

Li Chengan, Songtsen Gampo, Qin Ying, and Daozhao all came out.

Fortunately, the hail from the sky was less severe than before.

The hailstones weren't as big anymore, but even so, they still stung painfully when they hit your face.

Li Chengan glanced over and saw a Turk standing in front of him. He was over nine feet tall, with a strong physique, a fierce face, and a black beard that was slightly curly.

The man's eyes were sunken, revealing a fierce glint; he had high cheekbones and a pointed chin.

He was holding a bamboo stick, about ten feet long.

To be honest, Li Chengan had a deep affection for the Turks; many of the people at Lijing Gate were Turks.

Li Chengan felt that the Turks were forthright, loyal, and righteous people, all of whom were passionate and principled.

but,

There are wicked people among the Turks, and the one before me is arrogant and overbearing.

Ashina Jieshe asked, "Li Chenggan, what kind of nonsense are you guys making?"

Even my bamboo skewers couldn't pierce through it!

Before Li Chengan could answer, Qin Ying, who was standing next to him, pointed and said, "Open your dog eyes and look carefully. This is the tail of a giant crocodile, which was cut off by our Crown Prince."

After hearing this, Ashina Jieshe took two steps back and looked at Li Chenggan with a strange gaze.

He found it hard to believe that Li Chenggan possessed such great abilities; it seemed that the rumors about how remarkable Li Chenggan was might be true!

Ashina Jieshe said to Qin Ying and Songtsen Gampo: "Today, I am here to settle accounts with Li Chenggan, and it has nothing to do with anyone else."

I have no hatred towards you.

I won't hurt you as long as you two don't interfere.

Qin Ying has a fiery temper.

At this moment, he jumped over and stood between Li Chenggan and Ashina Jieshe, his eyes wide with anger: "Who do you think you are?"

"Come on, let's have a three-hundred-round battle, and see what you're really capable of!"

Ashina Jieshe's face darkened: "Qin Ying, it's not that I'm afraid of you, it's just that this matter has nothing to do with you, so why are you meddling?"

"fart!

My mission is to protect His Highness. If you want to spar with His Highness, you'll have to get past me first. Now, prepare to face me!

As Qin Ying spoke, he rushed forward and punched Ashina Jieshe in the face. If Qin Ying's punch landed, it would be enough to give him a hard time.

Ashina Jieshe knew that Qin Ying was skilled in martial arts and dared not be negligent.

He swung the long bamboo stick horizontally, aiming for Qin Ying's throat.

Qin Ying was furious when she saw that this guy was going for a killing move right from the start.

Because Ashina Jieshe's bamboo sticks were long, and Qin Ying had no weapons, he could not get close.

Qin Ying dodged to the side, avoiding the deadly attack.

Even so, Qin Ying's heart was pounding with fear. She thought to herself, "You fucking said such nice things just now, that I have no grudge against you, but you used a vicious trick right from the start."

Qin Ying saw short bamboo sticks stuck in the deck, reached out and pulled out two to use as weapons.

Ashina Jieshe and Qin Ying then began to fight on the deck.

Qin Ying's kung fu was truly impressive, but his arm was injured and he couldn't use it effectively.

The two fought for about ten rounds.

Ashina Jieshe shouted, "Qin Ying, watch this move! I'll stab your head!"

Upon hearing this, Qin Ying became even more furious. She thought to herself, "This kid is really arrogant. You think I'll just let you stab my head? Do you think I'm stupid?"

Upon realizing this, Qin Ying quickly used two bamboo skewers to protect her head.

Little did anyone know that Ashina Jieshe was using a feint attack; while he claimed he was going to strike Qin Ying's head, he was actually aiming for Qin Ying's lower body.

He heard a "plop" sound in his ear; Qin Ying's right thigh root had been pierced by a bamboo skewer, about three inches deep.

"Fool!" Ashina Jieshe sneered, took a step back, and blood spurted out.

"Ouch! That hurts so much!" Qin Ying plopped down on the deck.

Li Chengan was also startled and quickly asked, "Qin Ying, what do you think?"

"Your Highness, you won't die!" Qin Ying's expression was extremely painful, and beads of sweat the size of soybeans rolled down his forehead.

Just as Li Chenggan was about to engage Ashina Jieshe, Songtsen Gampo stopped him, saying, "Wait a moment, let the young king deal with him."

Li Chengan knew that Songtsen Gampo was highly skilled in martial arts. When Songtsen Gampo was just over ten years old, he was already the bravest general in the army. He was a veteran who had fought on many battlefields.

Li Chengan also wanted to take this opportunity to see Songtsen Gampo's abilities.

At this moment, Li Chengan tore off a piece of cloth from his own body to bandage Qin Ying's wound.

Qin Ying winced in pain: "Oh dear, Your Highness, I've embarrassed you today."

While bandaging his wound, Li Chengan said, "You learn from your mistakes. If someone says they'll hit you on the head, you just protect your head. Didn't you ever think that they might be lying to you?"

I'll have to be more careful next time.

"Luckily it was stuck in your thigh. If it had hit that spot, you would have been finished!"

"You're right, this fellow is too cunning!"

Ashina's society, having won its first battle, became even more arrogant.

He sneered with a wide grin, "Qin Ying, your skills are really terrible."

With your mediocre skills, do you think you're qualified to protect Li Chenggan?

Go back and train for another ten years!

Upon hearing this, Qin Ying was so enraged that veins bulged on her forehead: "Don't you dare be so arrogant! I'll get my revenge sooner or later!"

Songtsen Gampo tucked his clothes in, and when he stretched out his arms and legs, there wasn't a single loose or sagging spot.

He also realized that this Ashina Jieshe leader wasn't just boasting; he actually had real skills.

He had seen many Turks, but this was the first time he had met a master like Ashina Jieshe.

Before this,

Songtsen Gampo had only heard that there was a highly skilled martial artist named Ashina She'er in the Turkic Khaganate, but he did not expect that this man was also a formidable opponent.

Ashina Jieshe had also heard of Songtsen Gampo's great name, knowing that he was not only the king of Tibet but also a brave general.

Therefore, he was extremely careful.

What Songtsen Gampo was thinking was that this time,

His trip to the Wa-nu Kingdom with Li Chengan was an unforgettable experience.

He not only had to protect Li Chenggan, but also had to establish his own authority.

It seems the Turks are still hoping to make a comeback and return to power.

Seeing that Ashina Jieshe was arrogant and domineering, Songtsen Gampo decided to suppress his arrogance.

"Songtsen Gampo, I know you are the king of Tibet."

Between you and me, we'll keep to ourselves and not interfere with each other.

The person I'm assassinating this time is only Li Chenggan; it has nothing to do with you.

"I hope you won't get involved in this matter!" Ashina Jieshe said this, actually not wanting to make too many enemies.

"You're wrong. Since you already know that I am Songtsen Gampo, you must also know that I am engaged to Princess Wencheng."

In other words, Xiao Wang was already the son-in-law of the Tang Dynasty, and Li Chengan was Princess Wencheng's elder brother, making him Xiao Wang's future brother-in-law.

"If you want to assassinate him, how can I, Xiao Wang, stand idly by?"

"Since you're courting death, then don't blame me."

The saying goes, "He who strikes first gains the upper hand, and he who strikes last suffers the consequences."

Ashina Jieshe said this, and then swung a bamboo stick at Songtsen Gampo's chest.

When Songtsen Gampo saw this, he thought to himself that this guy was indeed an assassin, showing no mercy at all when he made his move.

Songtsen Gampo was also furious.

Songtsen Gampo leaped into the air, more than ten feet high, avoiding Ashina Jieshe's attack.

The two men were fighting on the deck, exchanging blows.

Songtsen Gampo fought bare-handed, his every move clean and efficient.

Seeing that Songtsen Gampo had no weapon, Li Chenggan handed the Qinggang Sword to him.

With the sword in hand, Songtsen Gampo was like a tiger with wings. With a few quick "snap, snap," he chopped the bamboo stick in Ashina Jieshe's hand into several pieces.

Ashina Jieshe was greatly surprised, wondering if this sword was the legendary Qinggang Sword.

It truly cuts iron like mud.

In the blink of an eye, the two had fought for more than a dozen rounds without a clear winner.

Li Chengan watched from the side and thought to himself that Ashina Jieshe was indeed extraordinary and deserved to be called the most outstanding assassin.

Every move is perfectly executed, without any hesitation or slackness.

Of course, Songtsen Gampo was also remarkable, possessing superb swordsmanship and a fierce offensive style. This is Songtsen Gampo.

Who else could withstand such a beastly attack?

Although Songtsen Gampo possessed the Qinggang Sword

However, it was the first time he had used that sword, and he wasn't very skilled at it.

In addition, Ashina Jieshe's lightness skill was unparalleled. He was as light as a swallow, quick and agile as a monkey, and Songtsen Gampo could not hit him at all.

The two fought for another five or six rounds, but neither could gain the upper hand.

Ashina Jieshe thought to himself that it would be difficult to defeat Songtsen Gampo with his own true skills.

Moreover, Songtsen Gampo's sword was too sharp; if the fight continued like this, he would surely die in time.

Ashina Jieshe, thinking this, leaped backward, jumping more than ten feet away.

then,

He put the half of the bamboo skewer in his hand to his lips and blew on it.

Li Chenggan had a premonition that something was wrong.

He quickly shouted to Songtsen Gampo, "Songtsen Gampo, be careful!"

Songtsen Gampo was taken aback by his unusual behavior.

Just as Songtsen Gampo was momentarily stunned,

No one expected that,

Ashina Jieshe led a group that secretly contained throwing darts in half a bamboo tube.

The dart was suddenly launched, heading straight for Songtsen Gampo's left eye, as fast as a shooting star.

If Songtsen Gampo had been hit by that blow, not only would he have been blinded, but he would have lost his life.

The incident happened so suddenly that Songtsen Gampo had no time to escape.

In a moment of desperation, Li Chenggan rushed over and pushed Songtsen Gampo off the deck into the sea.

With a "plop," Songtsen Gampo fell into the water.

Even so, a piece of skin was still sliced ​​off next to Songtsen Gampo's left ear by a dart.

If Li Chengan hadn't intervened in time, Songtsen Gampo would not be alive today.

Seeing that Li Chenggan had already made his move, Ashina Jieshe leader, without even giving a warning, launched three darts at Li Chenggan.

Li Chengan evaded them all.

If the Qinggang Sword had been in Li Chenggan's hands just now, things would have been much better.

However, Li Chenggan had no weapons at the moment and had to fight bare-handed.

Ashina Jieshe stretched out his right hand, took out three bamboo sticks from the basket on his back, and threw them out. The top bamboo stick went straight for Li Chengqian's forehead, and the middle one flew towards Li Chengqian's throat.

The last one went straight for Li Chengqian's chest.

Li Chengan did a somersault backward.

He kicked two bamboo skewers away, and Li Chenggan caught the other one in his mouth.

Ashina Jieshe was also taken aback.

Prior to this, he had heard that Li Chenggan had once fought and killed a unicorn and a brown bear with his bare hands.

He simply didn't believe that Li Chengqian could be so quick in his skills.

His signature move is launching those three bamboo sticks in quick succession; most people simply can't dodge it.

Ashina Jieshe once again put the bamboo stick that could launch hidden weapons to his lips and blew on it, sending another dart flying toward Li Chengqian's abdomen.

This time,

Li Chengan saw it clearly, and he spat out the bamboo skewer from his mouth.

In an instant, the bamboo skewer shot out like an arrow.

Shoot down the darts thrown by Ashina Jieshe.

and,

The bamboo stick continued forward and struck Ashina Jieshe in the left shoulder.

There was a loud "bang," and the impact was very solid.

Ashina Jieshe's body swayed three times, rocking back and forth three times.

I didn't even dare to pull out the bamboo skewers.

He leaped into the air, attaching himself to the base of the "black hawk," and started the propellers.

The "Black Hawk" immediately swayed and took flight with the wind.

"Li Chenggan, I'll settle this score with you sooner or later!"

Ashina Jieshe led his group away on a black eagle, leaving behind this harsh statement.

Li Chengan and Qin Ying quickly threw the rope into the water and pulled Songtsen Gampo out of the water.

Songtsen Gampo was in a real sorry state, shivering from the cold and sneezing several times.

He repeatedly thanked Li Chengan, saying, "It was fortunate that you pushed me just now, otherwise I would have lost my life."

Li Chengan took a towel and handed it to him: "If we're talking about real skill, Ashina Jieshe is no match for you."

But he's more cunning than you.

Not only is their agility unparalleled, but they also know how to use hidden weapons, making them impossible to defend against.

Songtsen Gampo returned the Qinggang Sword to Li Chenggan: "You're right, Ashina Jieshelu is the most formidable assassin I've ever encountered."

Li Chengan returned the sword to its sheath: "The ancient heroes like Jing Ke and Zhuan Zhu were very powerful and famous."

Their guiding principle is that a scholar will die for one who understands him. Take Jing Ke, for example; he died to repay the kindness shown to him by Prince Dan of Yan.

He readily agreed to assassinate King Ying Zheng of Qin.

Jing Ke was a famous assassin.

His martial arts skills were undoubtedly superb, but he was unlucky.

The true nature of the dagger is revealed when the map is unrolled.

Jing Ke, Zhuan Zhu, and others failed to assassinate Qin Shi Huang; instead, Qin Shi Huang cut off their legs with the long sword on his back.

Finally, Ying Zheng was enraged and had him torn apart by chariots, then launched a military campaign to destroy the state of Yan.

"Amitabha! I'm so sorry, I was just terrified and fainted. Where did that flying person go?"

Upon hearing this, Li Chengan thought to himself that Daozhao was quite honest: "He has already flown away."

"Oh, Your Highness, it's good that you're all safe and sound! Thank you, thank you!"

Li Chengan crossed his arms: "In two days it will be Laba Festival, the Jiucheng Palace in Chang'an will be completed, and with the civil service examination..."

We have two more days; we must hurry back.

Qin Ying covered her wound with her hand: "Your Highness, don't worry. Let's get ashore quickly. Once we're ashore, we can buy three fast horses and ride back to Chang'an without stopping. We should be able to make it in time."

Dao Zhao then asked, "Why are there only three horses for four of us?"

Qin Ying said, "I'm leaving this wrecked boat to you. You can slowly make your way towards Chang'an."

"Amitabha Buddha, your idea seems rather unkind."

We came together, how can we leave this humble monk alone?

Qin Ying smiled and said, "This ship was a gift from your King Shuming."

In the future, you'll have to take this ship back, won't you?

It's such a waste to throw it away.

Dao Zhao thought about it and realized that he would have to return to the Wa Nu Kingdom sooner or later. How would he get back then? Would he fly back?

I had no choice but to agree.

By this time, the hail had stopped.

The four of them worked together to repair the boat and set sail.

In the morning,

Li Chengan, Songtsen Gampo, and Qin Ying landed on the shore, found a market, and bought three fast horses.

The three men mounted their horses and headed straight for Chang'an.

night.

Yangzhou City.

The streets were wide and brightly lit, bustling with people.

The sounds of vendors hawking their wares filled the air, creating a thriving scene.

Li Chengan, Songtsen Gampo, and Qin Ying walked down the streets of Yangzhou, intending to visit Jiangdu Palace.

Qin Ying, due to a leg injury, limped slowly behind.

Li Chengan discovered that Yangzhou was a very prosperous city.

Back then, Emperor Yang of Sui was able to successfully become emperor, which was largely due to his management of Yangzhou.

Because Yangzhou was very wealthy, it could provide him with a continuous stream of financial support.

He could then recruit soldiers and expand his army.

This money could be used to influence officials in the court, such as Yang Su, Yang Yue, and Zhang Heng.

For Emperor Yang of Sui, Yangzhou was his foundation.

now,

Yangzhou has been assigned to Li Tai.

Yangzhou is one of the larger prefectures.

Li Chenggan thought to himself, "My father is really biased. He gave such a good place to Li Tai."

Is there some hidden meaning behind Father Emperor's arrangement?

Emperor Yang of Sui rose to power from Yangzhou.

Now, Yangzhou has been assigned to Li Tai. Does the emperor hope that Li Tai will do what Emperor Yang of Sui did?

As the three walked, they arrived at the south gate of Jiangdu Palace.

Li Chengan looked up and saw that the Jiangdu Palace was towering into the clouds, grand in scale, magnificent in style, and majestic in appearance. Such a palace was no less impressive than the Taiji Palace in Chang'an.

Looking at the Jiangdu Palace, Li Chenggan was filled with emotion, thinking back to how Emperor Yang of Sui had spent hundreds of millions of dollars to build it.

It is said that countless people died during the construction of Jiangdu Palace.

The vehicles transporting the bodies worked non-stop from morning till night.

Jiangdu Palace was completed.

The Sui Dynasty soon collapsed.

It can be said that Emperor Yang of Sui rose to power in Yangzhou, and also fell from power in Yangzhou.

He started his career in Yangzhou, but ultimately failed there and died there.

As an emperor, one must never indulge in extravagance and disregard human life; Emperor Yang of Sui is a prime example.

Li Chengan looked up and found that the Jiangdu Palace was now open to the public, and the first floor had been converted into a large Jiangdu Inn.

Qin Ying hadn't eaten properly for several days, and her stomach was truly growling with hunger.

"Your Highness, there happens to be an inn here. Shall we go in and get something to eat?"

Li Chengan smiled slightly: "Alright, you can eat your fill tonight!"

After the three entered the Jiangdu Inn, they found a seat near the window where they could see the street scenery.

Qin Ying didn't stand on ceremony and ordered ten catties of beef, as well as roast chicken, braised duck, pig's trotters, and other meat dishes.

Li Chengan frowned, and you could tell that his body wasn't built up by chance; he had eaten his way up. In an average family, someone like him would eat his way into poverty.

The waiter is easily swayed, but he's surprisingly perceptive when it comes to judging people.

He noticed that Li Chenggan and Songtsen Gampo were dressed and had an elegant and noble demeanor, which made them clearly not ordinary people.

Therefore, he was exceptionally enthusiastic.

Li Chengan, Songtsen Gampo, and Qin Ying booked three more high-end rooms.

Before long, the food and drinks were served, and the three of them ate and chatted.

Songtsen Gampo said, "This is Jiangdu Palace."

I had already heard about it when I was in Tibet.

To avoid attracting attention, they were forbidden from using terms like "Little King" or "Your Highness" during their conversations.

"Oh, you know a lot about Jiangdu Palace too?" Li Chenggan asked.

"Isn't this Emperor Yang of Sui's masterpiece?"

Li Chengan nodded slightly: "That's true. Jiangdu Palace is already worthy of being recorded in history, on par with Xianren Palace in Luoyang."

Emperor Yang of Sui squandered his entire fortune on the construction of these two palaces.

"Emperor Yang of Sui was really out of his mind. What's the use of a palace no matter how big it is if you can only sleep on one bed?"

"You're a smart person, but there are many people who just can't understand why they have to make the palace so big."

For example, Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China, lived in the Epang Palace while he was alive, and was to be buried in the Lishan Mausoleum after his death.

If Qin Shi Huang had not built the Epang Palace and the Lishan Mausoleum,

If Emperor Yang of Sui had not built Xianren Palace and Jiangdu Palace, the dynasty would probably not have ended after only two generations.

"You're right."

Qin Ying wolfed down her food, devouring it like a whirlwind.

Regarding those historical events,

He didn't care; as long as he had food and drink, that was enough.

Li Chenggan and Songtsen Gampo were chatting and laughing.

At that moment, an old man walked in from outside the inn.

The old man was thin and short, with white hair and beard, and dressed in tattered clothes.

A broken zither was slung diagonally behind him, and the zither was wrapped in black cloth.

The old man walked with a swaying gait, as if he might fall at any moment.

The waiter, displeased, stepped forward and asked, "Old man, what do you want?"

The old man said, "I need to stay at an inn."

How old are you?

"Oh, I'm still young, only in my early 80s!"

"Go away! We don't accept these here."

"Hey, what do you mean by that, buddy?"

Does that mean I, an old man, shouldn't pay for my hotel stay?

As the old man finished speaking, he pulled a package from his robes. The package was wrapped like a rice dumpling, with layer upon layer of wrapping.

He opened it and found about ten taels of loose silver inside: "How about it? Is this enough for a hotel tonight?"

"There are enough rooms, but we're already full; there are no rooms available."

"No way! I just heard that the three people sitting by the window booked three rooms. How come there are no rooms available when I come here?"

Explain yourself clearly, what exactly do you mean?

The waiter draped the white towel over his shoulder, put his hands on his hips, and said, "Old man, to be honest with you, at your age, if you take off your shoes and socks tonight, I don't know if you'll be able to wear them again tomorrow."

In other words, if you die here, who will take responsibility?

The old man was immediately displeased when he heard this: "You little brat, how dare you swear at me?"

How do you know that if I take off my shoes and socks tonight, I won't be able to put them back on tomorrow morning?

Didn't your father teach you to respect the elderly and care for the young?

"That won't work either. Our manager has instructed us that we don't accept anyone over seventy years old. You'll have to find somewhere else to stay."

"No, I'm staying here today, whether you like it or not!"

"What? You think we can just not do business with you?"

"No, that's just not possible!"

At this moment, Li Chengan went up to the waiter and said, "Young man, I think we should let him stay for one night."

His body doesn't look as bad as you described.

"No," the waiter knew Li Chengan was no ordinary person and dared not offend him, "What if something goes wrong?"

"How about this, the expenses for the elderly's food, drinks, and accommodation will be put on my tab. If anything happens, it's on me, and I'll compensate for all losses."

What do you think?

"Alright then, old man, you've met a good person today."

The old man sized Li Chengan up and down, a strange look flashing in his eyes: "Kind man, people often say, 'If you're going to help someone, help them all the way.' Since you've helped this old man, I'm really hungry and haven't eaten yet."

Could you spare an old man a bite to eat?

Upon hearing this, Li Chengan realized that he had encountered a very outgoing person today, whose tattered trousers were wrapped around his legs and could not be shaken off.

However, eating and drinking are not the main issue.

Li Chengan smiled slightly: "Old man, of course you can. Please come and sit with us."

The waiter then opened a room for the old man, which was next to Li Chengan's room.

The old man sat down opposite Li Chengqian, with Songtsen Gampo and Qin Ying each occupying one side.

Li Chengan bowed and asked, "Old man, what is your surname?"

"No need for formalities, my surname is Zheng, and my name is Zheng Shizhang."

When Li Chengan heard his name, he thought about it in his mind and realized he had never heard of him.

"Grandpa, what would you like to eat?"

"I'm an old man who's easy to please. I'll eat whatever I want. Just bring a table full of good food and two jars of wine, and that'll be enough."

Upon hearing this, Li Chenggan, Songtsen Gampo, and Qin Ying were all surprised.

Qin Ying looked at the old man and said, "I say, Mr. Zheng, you really don't hold back."

Our host was just being polite, and you took it seriously.

"Haha, to be honest, this old man hasn't eaten for three days, and I'm starving. Since someone's treating, why should I pretend?"

Li Chengan waved his hand: "Old man, being able to eat and drink is a blessing, so eat as much as you like."

All you can eat today!

"This young man is really something, he really knows how to make a scene."

Before long, the waiter brought out a table full of delicious dishes, and sure enough, he also brought out two jars of wine.

The old man rolled up his sleeves, then grabbed a dog leg, swung his jaw, and ate it with gusto, his mouth full of grease.

If Li Chengan hadn't seen it with his own eyes, he would have found it hard to believe that such a thin old man could eat so much; he was quite an extraordinary person.

About half an hour later,

After Zheng Shizhang finished eating and drinking, he picked up a toothpick and started picking his teeth.

Li Chengqian asked with a smile, "Old man, have you eaten your fill?"

"I'm full."

"Have you had enough to drink?"

"We've had our fill."

However, he didn't say a single polite word.

Qin Ying then said, "Grandpa Zheng, I've noticed you're quite the social butterfly. Are you very familiar with our boss?"

"I've never seen this before," Zheng Shizhang said.

"That's it. He's spent so much on you, and you haven't even said a kind word to him."

"I don't think your boss is a poor man. What is this meal of mine to him?"

Songtsen Gampo gave a thumbs-up: "You have a great capacity for alcohol!"

"There are four things I love to do most in my life:"

First, eating;

Secondly, drinking alcohol;

Thirdly, sleep;

Fourth, playing the guzheng.

Everyone found it amusing.

Li Chengqian laughed and said, "Old man, I didn't know you had such an interest in playing the guzheng."

"Yes, let me tell you this..."

It is said that when Yu Boya and Zhong Ziqi met, they collaborated on a piece called "High Mountains and Flowing Water," which has been passed down through the ages.

I, an old man, am deeply moved by their friendship.

"The saying goes, 'A scholar will die for one who understands him.' If I, an old man, could meet a kindred spirit like Yu Boya, I would do anything for him."

Li Chengan crossed his arms and nodded slightly: "Old man, so you're still a man of character."

Zheng Shizhang waved his hand: "Whether someone is a person of temperament or not, I don't know."

However, I've been wandering the world for decades, and loyalty is my top priority.

"Then, could you please play a piece for us?"

"That's fine, but I'm a bit tired. I need to go back to my room, take a hot bath, trim my nails, and then burn three incense sticks before I can start playing the guzheng."

Upon hearing this, Qin Ying couldn't help but ask, "You play the guzheng? Why is it so complicated? There are so many things to do?"

"You don't understand. Although my guzheng is a bit broken..."

"However, I can only produce the best results when I calm down and play," Zheng Shizhang explained.

"Alright then, let's go back to our rooms and rest."

"Alright."

So the four of them stood up and walked into the room.

They turned this way and that, and soon they entered a long corridor.

Li Chenggan noticed that the corridor was paved with floor tiles, which were about 40cm x 40cm in size and were very thick and sturdy.

Who knew that after only a short distance,

Zheng Shizhang squatted down: "Oh dear, I'm sorry, this old man is afraid I can't walk."

Upon hearing this, Li Chengan quickly turned around and asked, "Old man, what's wrong?"

"I just twisted my right ankle by accident."

At this point, Zheng Shizhang took off his right shoe.

To be honest, his feet smelled really strong.

Qin Ying plugged her nose; otherwise, she couldn't bear it.

Li Chenggan also frowned.

He looked at Zheng Shizhang's right ankle, and sure enough, it was swollen and bluish-purple.

"Could you please carry this old man on your back and help him to his room?"

Qin Ying was displeased upon hearing this, thinking to herself that this old man was so unreasonable. He had been invited to dinner and drinks, and even paid for his lodging, yet he still had the Crown Prince carry him into the room. He was really going too far.

"Grandpa Zheng, how about this, I'll carry you on my back."