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

Xue Rengui was overjoyed to have obtained the white jade horse.

Li Chengan and Xue Rengui wandered around the streets of Luoyang.

Li Chengan asked Xue Rengui, "What weapon do you usually like to use?"

"I've heard that Lü Bu of the Three Kingdoms period was skilled in using the halberd."

The halberd has one advantage: it can be used as a spear for thrusting and parrying.

It can also be used as a broadsword, for chopping and splitting.

therefore,

I also really like the halberd.

However, crafting a superior halberd requires a considerable amount of gold and silver.

Li Chengan smiled slightly: "Today, I will grant you this wish."

There is a long-established blacksmith shop in Luoyang City.

There are two large stone lions on either side of the shop's main entrance.

That stone lion looked to weigh at least a thousand pounds.

Old Sun, the blacksmith from the time-honored shop, is most skilled at forging all kinds of weapons. He can make anything you can imagine, and he does it with great precision.

Li Chengan and Xue Rengui stepped into the blacksmith shop.

Old Sun quickly came over to greet them with a smile: "May I ask what kind of items you two would like to have made?"

"Amitabha," Li Chengan said, disguising himself as a monk and pressing his palms together in prayer, "Can you forge halberds here?"

"sure.

Here,

"We can forge all eighteen kinds of weapons, as long as you can afford the price."

Price is not an issue.

"How heavy should the halberd be?"

How about thirty jin?

Old Sun's words were already quite provocative.

It's heavier than usual.

Xue Rengui, however, said, "Thirty catties is too light."

"How about sixty jin?"

Xue Rengui shook his head again: "It's still too light."

Old Sun opened his eyes wide and looked Xue Rengui up and down again, thinking that this man was quite tall, with broad shoulders and a narrow waist, somewhat resembling Ma Chao: "As far as I know, the Green Dragon Crescent Blade used by Lord Guan weighs eighty-two catties."

Are you going to forge a halberd weighing eighty-two pounds?

Xue Rengui held up three fingers: "I heard that the Overlord Halberd weighs 129 jin."

"You shall forge me a halberd weighing three hundred catties and five meters long."

"What? Three hundred jin?"

Old Sun looked at Xue Rengui with a suspicious gaze. "You're not joking, are you?"

Xue Rengui replied calmly, "Do I look like I'm joking?"

"I have been running a blacksmith shop for decades and I am over sixty years old this year. I have never seen anyone use such a heavy weapon."

This weapon is much heavier than Guan Yu's Green Dragon Crescent Blade.

Li Chengan was also quite surprised to hear this.

Because he hadn't expected Xue Rengui to want to forge such a heavy weapon.

You must know that Guan Yu was a martial saint, so his martial prowess was off the charts.

A halberd weighing three hundred catties.

Most people couldn't even lift it, let alone use it.

If you were to swing it, it would weigh more than a thousand pounds.

Old Sun blinked and looked at Xue Rengui: "Young man, I can tell you're in great shape, you must be quite strong."

but,

Forging a 300-pound halberd made of high-quality materials would cost at least 300 taels of silver.

Making money isn't easy these days.

If you build it up but can't use it, wouldn't that be a waste?

Do you see those two stone lions at our gate? Each one weighs 1,200 jin (approximately 600 kg).

To wield a 300-pound halberd, one would need at least a thousand pounds of strength in their arm.

It's not that I don't trust you.

If you can lift the stone lion, it means you have decent arm strength, and I'll have it made for you.

otherwise,

I can't build it for you; it would be a waste of my effort.

Upon hearing this, Xue Rengui understood; Old Sun was afraid that he couldn't wield the 300-pound halberd.

So, I need to test myself.

Li Chengan also wanted to see just how strong Xue Rengui was, so he said to Xue Rengui, "Why don't you show them what you've got?"

Xue Rengui originally did not want to lift the stone lion.

Because of his introverted personality, he is not someone who likes to show off.

but,

Since Li Chengan had spoken, he agreed.

He strode to the front of the shop and stood near the stone lion on the left.

This attracted a crowd of onlookers. Among them was a man dressed very elegantly, followed by three others, who acted arrogantly and domineeringly.

There are also more than ten apprentices in the shop.

The apprentices also found it strange. Since they started working for Old Sun, they had never heard of anyone wanting to forge a weapon weighing three hundred catties.

The crowd pointed and whispered among themselves.

Then, Xue Rengui rolled up his sleeves, tucked in his clothes, stretched out his arms and legs, and there was no tightness at all. Then, he squatted down slightly.

He first hugged the stone lion with both hands and gently shook it. Sure enough, the stone lion moved. Everyone present was very surprised by this.

Because everyone knows that shaking a stone lion is no easy task.

Xue Rengui supported the base of the stone lion with his left hand and grabbed its head with his right. With a sudden exertion of his strength,

The stone lion slowly rose in response, and when it reached Xue Rengui's chest level...

Xue Rengui exerted his strength again with both arms and steadily lifted the stone lion above his head.

There was thunderous applause.

Xue Rengui was also in a moment of joy. He supported the base of the stone lion with his left hand to steady it, and then lowered his right hand.

That means Xue Rengui lifted a stone lion weighing over 1000 jin (approximately 500 kg) with one arm.

Not only that, Xue Rengui also circled the center of the field three times.

It's hard for people to imagine.

Xue Rengui looked like a scholar, but I never expected him to have such great strength in his arms.

At this moment, a person stepped out from the crowd and stood in front of Xue Rengui.

The man crossed his arms and said in a contemptuous tone, "Who do we have here? It's that guy who went to join the army."

Xue Rengui looked closely and realized that the person standing in front of him was none other than Zhang Zhilong, the eldest son of Zhang Shigui.

Zhang Zhilong then asked, "Xue Rengui, do you still recognize me?"

Xue Rengui found him annoying and ignored him.

"It seems we're quite destined to meet, as I managed to run into you even in Luoyang."

Tell me, what brings you to Luoyang?

Are you planning to take the martial arts exam during the Lantern Festival?

"Whether I participate in the martial arts exam or not is none of your business," Xue Rengui retorted.

"Of course there's a connection. I'm planning to go to Chang'an to participate in the martial arts examination during the Lantern Festival."

If that's the case, wouldn't we become rivals?

I might as well tell you, that general's seal is none other than mine.

Xue Rengui looked at Zhang Zhilong and thought to himself, "Where in this world is there such an arrogant person? I never thought there would be such an arrogant person in this world."

"Have you tried it yet?"

"Not yet."

Zhang Zhilong sneered: "You didn't even pass the preliminary exam. Getting into the second round won't be that easy. Do you need this young general's help?"

"No need for that!"

At this moment, Xue Rengui was holding a stone lion weighing over a thousand kilograms on his head, and it took a lot of effort for him to speak each sentence.

Li Chengan noticed that Xue Rengui's forehead veins were bulging, his face was red and his neck was thick, and beads of sweat the size of soybeans were rolling down his cheeks, knowing that Xue Rengui was almost out of strength.

but,

Zhang Zhilong had no intention of stopping, but continued his sarcastic remarks: "Xue Rengui, I see you're dirt poor."

You can just stay in your hometown in Hedong and live your poor life.

You actually came all the way to the capital to make a fool of yourself. Did you run out of money for the journey?

What are you doing?

Is this some kind of monkey show, an attempt to gain sympathy and earn some travel expenses?

Xue Rengui glanced at Zhang Zhilong but didn't say anything.

"What are you looking at?"

You're not convinced, are you?

My father is best at recognizing talent.

You should have understood what it meant when my father didn't take you in.

but,

You're really overestimating yourself!

Do you think that martial arts exam is run by your family?

Do you think you can just join whenever you want and take the general's seal whenever you want?

That's just wishful thinking!

Xue Rengui had held on for a long time, but at this moment, he could no longer hold on. His arm went limp, and the stone lion fell from the sky, crashing down on Zhang Zhilong.

Zhang Zhilong was startled when he saw this and quickly backed away.

He slipped and fell to the ground, rolling over on the spot eighteen times.

The stone lion crashed down with a loud "boom," landing right in front of Zhang Zhilong and burying the corner of his clothes beneath it.

The stone lion smashed a large crater in the ground, and dust immediately flew up.

"Big brother, how are you? Are you alright?"

The men behind Zhang Zhilong quickly caught up, dragging and pulling him along.

Old Sun and the onlookers were also terrified.

Old Sun thought to himself that if someone died in front of his shop, not only would he lose his business, but he would also be embroiled in a lawsuit.

When Old Sun saw that Zhang Zhilong was dressed in silk and had fair and delicate skin, he knew that he was no ordinary person. He quickly called his apprentices over to help carry the big lion to the side.

Zhang Zhilong then got up from the ground.

However, after Zhang Zhilong got up, he became furious and refused to continue.

He pointed at me and said, "You, Xue Rengui, how dare you plot against me, the young general! Is it because you were rejected when you joined the army, and you harbor resentment, so you're using this opportunity to kill me?"

Just now,

Xue Rengui was also startled. He thought that if he really killed Zhang Zhilong, it would be a real problem.

He steadied himself and explained, "Zhang Zhilong, you've misunderstood! I absolutely didn't mean that."

The stone lion fell because I had run out of strength in my arm.

"Xue Rengui, you want to kill me, but now you're denying it, isn't that right?"

Let's go to the government office.

Zhang Zhilong, who was always arrogant, waved to the three people behind him.

Those three people were his three younger brothers, Zhang Zhihu, Zhang Zhibiao, and Zhang Zhibao.

When their eldest brother spoke, the three brothers rolled up their sleeves and charged forward like wolves and tigers.

They planned to hand Xue Rengui over to the authorities.

At this moment, Li Chenggan stepped forward, clasped his hands together, and said, "Amitabha, please stop, everyone. This humble monk has something to say."

Zhang Zhilong turned around and saw a handsome monk standing in front of him.

He did not know Li Chenggan.

but,

He found that the monk in front of him was different from ordinary monks; he was dignified, elegant, and refined in his manners, and dared not treat him lightly.

Zhang Zhilong dusted himself off and looked at Li Chengan, asking, "Where are you from, monk? What's your name?"

"It doesn't matter where I'm from or what my name is."

We're talking about reason, aren't we?

With so many people present, I'm sure everyone can see it clearly.

Xue Rengui was just lifting the stone lion.

But instead, you walked up to him and started chatting away.

You need to know,

He must have used tremendous strength to support the stone lion, which weighs a thousand pounds, with one hand.

You keep going on and on, saying irrelevant things, intentionally stalling for time.

In the long run, who can stand it?

Therefore, Xue Rengui's arm went limp, and the stone lion fell to the ground.

That's why the scene just now happened.

We can all testify that Xue Rengui had no intention of harming you; on the contrary, it was you who caused trouble at the scene.

Do you all agree with what I said?

The eyes of the public are discerning; after hearing this, the onlookers all said, "Yes, the young monk is right, that's exactly how it is."

We're all watching.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Zhilong felt even more humiliated, his eyes turning red: "You stinking monk, I think you're tired of living! How dare you spout nonsense and distort the truth here! Brothers, beat him up!"

Zhang Zhilong was just that domineering. With a wave of his hand, the three brothers, Zhang Zhihu, Zhang Zhibiao, and Zhang Zhibao, abandoned Xue Rengui and headed towards Li Chenggan.

People often say that brothers fight together, and fathers and sons go to war together.

When the eldest brother spoke, the three brothers rushed towards Li Chenggan without regard for anything else.

Normally, Li Chengan is a very cultured person.

Normally, I don't get angry easily, but even I can't control myself right now.

He thought to himself, no wonder people say Zhang Shigui is extremely domineering; just look at his four sons, and you can imagine how Zhang Shigui spoils them.

It seems that

We absolutely have to teach them a lesson today.

Xue Rengui stayed by Li Chengqian's side.

He saw those boys rushing towards him like vicious dogs.

With a few swift movements of his fists and feet, he quickly and decisively knocked the four Zhang brothers to the ground.

Of course, Xue Rengui was careful not to use excessive force; he only taught them a lesson.

"Good! Well done!" The onlookers clapped and cheered.

After the four brothers, Zhang Zhilong, Zhang Zhihu, Zhang Zhibiao, and Zhang Zhibao, got up...

Zhang Zhilong pointed at him and said, "You bastard Xue Rengui, how dare you beat us up!"

This isn't over yet, you just wait!

Li Chengan chuckled inwardly and said, "Amitabha! What did I just say? Do not get angry."

Buddhist teachings state that one should empty oneself of the four elements (earth, water, fire, and air).

"You stinky monk, you don't look like any enlightened master at all."

"You look so slick and shiny, you look like you came from the palace," Zhang Zhilong said irritably.

"Amitabha, benefactor, you jest. I am but an ordinary monk; how could I possibly have any connection with people in the palace?"

"I see you two acting in unison, as if you had planned it beforehand."

"Don't go, we're going back to get reinforcements!" Zhang Zhilong said, then led his three brothers, limping away from the old-established blacksmith shop.

Old Sun trembled with fear: "Those people seem suspicious. I wonder if they'll come looking for trouble."

"Old man, you don't need to be too nervous."

"This is a place with bricks, tiles, and the law. Do you think they'd dare cause you trouble?" Li Chengan said, taking a package from his pocket and handing it to Old Sun. "This is five hundred taels of silver. Hurry up and have a three-hundred-jin halberd made for us."

"Oh dear, 300 taels of silver is enough. How can I take so much money from you?" Old Sun declined.

"Old man, please work harder and have your apprentices work overtime to speed up the process. Consider the extra money as money to buy you some tea."

"Okay, we can build it for you as early as this time tomorrow."

"Really? That's great." Xue Rengui seemed quite excited when he heard this.

Because he was also looking forward to it.

Li Chengan gave him a white jade horse. If he could obtain the Fangtian Halberd, along with the Zhentian Bow and the Chuanyun Arrow, he would have nothing to fear.

Dingdingmen Street.

This street is the central avenue of Luoyang City, connecting the Imperial City, the Palace City, and the Outer City.

This street starts from Duanmen Gate of the Imperial City in the north and ends at Dingdingmen Gate, the main gate of the Outer City, in the south.

The streets are wide, somewhat similar to Zhuque Avenue in Chang'an.

Li Chengqian was a little hungry.

He and Xue Rengui then found a Yuelai Inn.

However, the innkeeper wasn't very welcoming.

The reason was that the waiter, seeing Li Chenggan's monk-like attire, assumed he was a monk.

Monks generally eat vegetarian food, which is cheap and has little profit, so they tend to ignore them.

but,

Li Chenggan didn't care about these things.

The waiter led Li Chengan and Xue Rengui to a private room on the second floor.

Li Chengan ordered a few vegetarian dishes, and then asked Xue Rengui, "Would you like something meaty?"

Xue Rengui waved his hand: "This is enough, there's no need to order any more."

Would you like some drinks?

"No need." Xue Rengui understood that Li Chenggan was with him, and he had to ensure Li Chenggan's safety, so how could he drink alcohol?

Although the waiter was reluctant, he did as instructed.

Soon after, they served them several vegetarian dishes and brewed a pot of green tea.

Li Chengan and Xue Rengui chatted while eating.

Li Chengqian stared intently at Xue Rengui: "Are you saying that the four Zhang brothers we met today are Zhang Shigui's four sons?"

"Exactly."

"Back in Hedong, those four lads bullied men and women, extorted land, idled away their days, frequented brothels, and did nothing productive. They relied on their father's achievements to do whatever they wanted," Xue Rengui explained.

Li Chengan was furious when he heard this.

Nowadays,

He could also see that the four Zhang brothers were indeed no good.

"It seems they still have men. Didn't Zhang Zhilong say he was going back to get reinforcements? Otherwise, where would he get reinforcements from?" Li Chenggan analyzed.

Xue Rengui picked up his teacup, took a small sip, and said with resentment in his eyes, "Your Highness, perhaps you are unaware of..."

Zhang Shigui was a man who cared a lot about appearances. Wherever he went, he was accompanied by thousands of personal guards.

Don't say anything else,

On one occasion,

When Zhang Shigui celebrated his birthday, a constant stream of people came to deliver gifts.

The sedan chairs and carriages of those high-ranking officials and nobles stretched for miles.

The money he received as a gift alone was worth countless tens of thousands of taels of silver.

Upon hearing this, Li Chengan's expression turned worried.

He understood that Zhang Shigui was doing this ostensibly to celebrate a birthday, but in reality, he was just trying to make money.

Now, due to years of war and excessive expenditures, the national treasury is empty.

The imperial court was often strapped for cash, and coupled with droughts and insect plagues, some areas suffered from crop failures and widespread starvation.

Because of these matters, the Emperor was extremely troubled. He wanted to provide relief to the disaster victims, but he couldn't afford to give them too much money, and if he gave them too little, it would be of no use.

Upon hearing Xue Rengui's words, Li Chenggan realized that there were quite a few people like Zhang Shigui in the court.

They still live a life of extravagance and debauchery, indulging in the lavish lifestyle of the wealthy.

Do they have any regard for the people?

This unhealthy trend must be severely suppressed.

Is everything you're saying true?

"Your Highness, how could I dare to deceive you?"

Li Chengan nodded slightly: "This kind of unhealthy trend must be rectified."

Xue Rengui sat up straight: "The reason Zhang Shigui is so arrogant and domineering is because he has a powerful backer."

"Oh, who's his backer?"

"That is Li Daozong."

Zhang Shigui had two daughters; the elder daughter married Li Daozong.

"My youngest daughter married He Zongxian," Xue Rengui explained.

Li Chenggan knew that Li Daozong was his father's cousin, and held a high position and great power.

The emperor, mindful of the brotherhood between the brothers and the merits Li Daozong had rendered, treated him with great kindness.

Unexpectedly, in order to curry favor with Li Daozong, Zhang Shigui actually betrothed his daughter to Li Daozong.

Li Daozong doted on Zhang Shigui's daughter, Lady Zhang.

Li Chengan stood up, crossed his arms, and paced back and forth in the hall: "So, Zhang Shigui is quite adept at scheming."

"Yes, he is the kind of person who will stop at nothing to achieve his goals."

When he led troops into battle, he often managed to drive away the supervisors sent by the imperial court.

He held absolute power.

Whether it's marching, fighting, setting up camp, or any other major or minor matter, he makes all the decisions.

Upon hearing this, Li Chengan's expression became even more worried.

Because he knew this was no small matter.

The imperial court often appointed military supervisors to accompany generals leading troops in the field, primarily to maintain control over the army and prevent the commanding generals from acting recklessly.

Even rebellion,

However, if Zhang Shigui did that, he would be violating military regulations.

If the general in charge of the troops were to defect, it would be a very dangerous thing for the imperial court.

"Furthermore, we have learned that Zhang Shigui concealed the number of soldiers he recruited when he was recruiting."

For example, he actually recruited 20,000 soldiers, but only reported 10,000 to the imperial court.

The other 10,000 men became his private army.

"What? Is that so?"

"How dare he be so bold! What is his intention in concealing the number of troops?" Li Chenggan was shocked to hear this. At the same time, he also felt that their recruitment system was not perfect enough and had such a big loophole.

"I have no idea what that will be like, but it probably won't be anything good."

Li Chengan, with his hands tucked into the sleeves of his cassock, said, "Today, when I watched you fight the four Zhang brothers, it seemed like you didn't exert much effort at all to knock them to the ground."

If Zhang Zhilong really went to participate in the martial arts examination, how could he possibly have seized the general's seal?

"Your Highness, that's where the problem lies."

Can this martial arts exam truly be fair and impartial?

"Logically speaking, there shouldn't be any problems."

The examiners for this martial arts exam included Cheng Yaojin, Qin Qiong, Li Jing, and Li Ji, among others. With so many judges, how could cheating possibly occur?

"If that's the case, then I'm relieved."