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

Zhang Shigui was a renowned general with exceptional martial arts skills and wrestling abilities.

He originally didn't take Li Chenggan seriously, thinking that Li Chenggan was too young and not yet at the age where he was full of vigor.

but,

After more than ten rounds, he discovered that Li Chenggan was not only incredibly strong, but also very skilled in wrestling.

Left with no other choice, Zhang Shigui used his trump card and threw Li Chenggan away.

Zhang Shigui originally thought that Li Chenggan would definitely fall this time.

result,

He was wrong again; Li Chenggan landed steadily on the ground.

Li Chengqian stared intently at Zhang Shigui and strode towards him.

The two hugged each other again and tumbled around for a while.

Zhang Shigui felt that it was almost impossible to knock Li Chenggan to the ground. Li Chenggan was like a newborn calf that was not afraid of tigers. He seemed to have inexhaustible strength. If this continued, he was afraid that he would not gain the upper hand and might even be knocked down by Li Chenggan.

Thinking of this, Zhang Shigui feinted, jumped out of the circle, and raised his right hand: "Your Highness, wait, I have something to say."

After more than ten rounds of fighting, Li Chenggan had already discovered Zhang Shigui's weakness.

Just as they were about to retaliate, Zhang Shigui suddenly called a halt.

Li Chengan stopped his attack and asked, "General Zhang, what do you have to say?"

"We've been wrestling for a while now, and it seems your wrestling skills have improved a lot. I'm truly impressed."

We were evenly matched, with comparable strengths.

If I fall again, it doesn't seem to make any sense.

I heard that the Qinggang Sword on your back is a precious weapon, which is said to have been used by Cao Cao.

As Fang Yi'ai just mentioned, you have mastered a sword technique in the Western Regions called "Perfect Harmony," which is extremely powerful and invincible.

today,

I'd like to see for myself.

Before Li Chengan could even agree, Zhang Shigui ordered Zhang Zhilong and Zhang Zhihu, "Bring my weapon!"

"promise!"

The brothers Zhang Zhilong and Zhang Zhihu agreed and went to carry Zhang Shigui's weapons.

After a while

After the brothers Zhang Zhilong and Zhang Zhihu brought over Zhang Shigui's weapons, Li Chenggan finally understood.

original,

Zhang Shigui's weapon was a forest spear, which was also a treasure.

It is said that

This weapon was used by Huo Qubing. Unlike a spear, it was over ten feet long and much heavier.

Moreover, the spearhead is very long and double-edged, capable of piercing armor and used for chopping, slashing, thrusting, parrying, and striking.

It combines the functions of a spear, lance, and broadsword.

The saying goes, "An inch longer, an inch stronger," meaning that in martial arts competitions, longer weapons often have a greater advantage.

but,

Li Chengqian was also stubborn; even if he died in battle, he would not be intimidated by others.

Li Chengan smiled slightly: "General Zhang, you flatter me. The sword technique I learned is only a superficial one. How can I claim to be invincible?"

As for the Qinggang Sword, it was obtained by chance.

Unlike some people who acquire weapons that don't belong to them through illegal means.

Li Chengqian's implication was that the Lin Shuo originally belonged to Huo Qubing, so how did it end up in your hands?

Did you steal it, rob it, or steal it from a tomb?

"This—." Zhang Shigui blushed upon hearing this, because this spear did not belong to him.

He snatched it from the descendants of the Huo family.

Li Chengan continued, "I've heard that General Zhang's spear skills are unparalleled in the world."

"Since you want to play, I'll play along."

Most people only know that Zhang Shigui was skilled in archery and horsemanship, and could draw his bow 150 paces away without ever missing a shot.

Few people know that his use of the Lin Shuo (a type of spear) was exceptional.

Li Chengan noticed that the Zhang brothers, Zhang Zhilong and Zhang Zhihu, were struggling to carry the weapon. It seemed that the lance weighed at least 200 jin (100 catties). In the entire Tang Dynasty, there were probably very few people who could wield such a heavy weapon.

Qin Qiong used double maces made of refined bronze, and Cheng Yaojin used a broad axe, but neither of them were this heavy.

Then look at Zhang Shigui, who easily picked up the spear by holding the middle of the handle with one hand.

Zhang Shigui was eager to win.

Before Li Chenggan could even draw his sword, the attack had already begun.

A spear was thrust towards Li Chengqian's throat with astonishing speed.

Zhang Shigui's move was a killing blow; he had no intention of showing any mercy to Li Chenggan.

That's what you call being shrewd and experienced. They may speak casually and politely on the surface, but when it comes to actually fighting, it's a fight to the death, and they won't give an inch.

Li Chengan felt that Zhang Shigui was like a hungry tiger, fierce and vigorous.

Seeing that the spear was about to pierce his throat, Li Chengan quickly used his Qinggang sword to block it.

In his ears, he heard a loud clang as the two weapons collided, sparks flying everywhere.

An ordinary weapon would have been broken in two upon encountering the Qinggang Sword, but the Lin Shuo, being a treasure, remained undamaged.

The spear was long and heavy, while the sword was short and light.

Li Chengan was at a disadvantage in terms of weaponry. After being struck by Zhang Shigui, he staggered back a few steps before regaining his balance.

Zhang Shigui felt numbness in both arms, and his thumb and forefinger almost cracked from the shock.

Zhang Shigui thought to himself that Li Chengqian was indeed no ordinary man. He had fought on the battlefield for decades and had never met a worthy opponent. Who could withstand such a surprise attack from him?

Unexpectedly, Li Chengan neither dodged nor avoided the attack, and was actually able to catch it.

Thinking of this, Zhang Shigui once again brandished his spear, each move aimed at Li Chengqian's vital points.

Li Chenggan was furious. He thought to himself, "You Zhang Shigui, what grudge do I have against you?"

Why did you try to harm me so cruelly the moment we met?

Because the Qinggang sword is too short and the Linshuo is too long,

Li Chengan couldn't get close to Zhang Shigui at all.

The two people were more than ten feet apart.

Li Chengqian was at his wit's end.

Because he could only jump and dodge Zhang Shigui's spear attacks from the outer circle.

Li Chengan barely managed to hold on for about ten rounds before he was drenched in sweat.

The fight between Li Chengqian and Zhang Shigui stunned everyone present, and even the famous general Li Daozong was full of admiration for Li Chengqian's swordsmanship.

To say that Li Chengqian's swordsmanship had reached its pinnacle and was completely masterful would probably be a bit of an exaggeration.

but,

Undeniably, it was truly unique and distinctive; anyone else would likely have been defeated long ago under Zhang Shigui's fierce attack.

It is truly remarkable that Li Chenggan has managed to persevere until now.

Li Daozong thought to himself that if it were him, he probably wouldn't have been able to hold on until now.

At that moment, the center of the field changed.

Zhang Shigui used a move called "The Python Turns Over" and thrust his spear into Li Chengqian's abdomen.

In the world of martial arts, speed is the only way to break through!

This move strikes out suddenly from an unexpected angle, seemingly ordinary, but in reality, it is difficult to dodge.

In my ear, I heard a "poof" sound.

The tip of the spear had already pierced Li Chengqian's abdomen.

Zhang Shigui was secretly delighted and said, "Li Chengan, don't blame me for being ruthless; blame your short life!"

Zhang Shigui pulled his spear back, expecting Li Chengan to surely bleed profusely and fall to the ground.

however,

To Zhang Shigui's surprise, Li Chengan stepped forward, grasped the tip of the spear with his left hand, and slashed at Zhang Shigui's left hand with the Qinggang sword in his right.

Zhang Shigui held the spear with both hands, left hand in front and right hand behind, and it was too late for him to dodge.

Because he didn't expect that Li Chengan would be able to retaliate after being stabbed by him.

If Li Chengqian's sword had actually struck,

Zhang Shigui's four fingers on his left hand are definitely gone.

Zhang Shigui closed his eyes, thinking, "It's over."

If he lost his left hand, how could he possibly be a match for Li Chengqian with only his right hand?

Just as Li Chengan was about to strike Zhang Shigui's left hand, the Qinggang sword suddenly stopped.

Li Chengan flicked his right hand, withdrawing the Qinggang sword, and said, "General Zhang, your spear skills are indeed unparalleled, even surpassing Huo Qubing of yesteryear."

At this point, if Zhang Shigui had simply laughed it off, said a few humble words, and offered some polite greetings, the matter would have been over.

but,

Zhang Shigui didn't think that way; on the contrary, he believed that Li Chengan was publicly humiliating him.

Zhang Shigui's old face turned bright red. Instead of saying a word of thanks, he ordered his eldest son, Zhang Zhilong, to immediately dispatch 300 archers to trap Li Chenggan in the center.

"Father-in-law, what are you doing?" Li Daozong saw that things were about to escalate and get out of control. He quickly stepped in to stop it, "Even if the Crown Prince has committed any wrongdoing, we can arrest him and hand him over to the Emperor for personal punishment."

but,

At this point, Zhang Shigui was blinded by rage and showed no mercy whatsoever.

He completely ignored Li Daozong's words, raising his right hand: "All soldiers, listen to my command! Shoot Li Chenggan dead immediately!"

As the saying goes, soldiers follow their general's orders, and grass follows the wind; with Zhang Shigui's command,

Hundreds of arrows were fired at Li Chenggan at the same time.

At this critical moment, someone suddenly shouted from the top of the palace wall: "Your Highness, catch it quickly!"

Li Chengan felt a blur before his eyes as a rope was thrown from the window where he had just been.

Li Chengan brandished his sword with his right hand, creating a protective barrier of swords around his entire body. With his left hand, he gripped the end of the rope. The person outside the hall pulled hard, and Li Chengan leaped into the air, flying out and landing on the top of the courtyard wall.

Li Chengan then realized that the person who had come was none other than Xue Rengui.

Xue Rengui had been there for a while, and he had heard what everyone was saying. He had also clearly seen the martial arts contest between Li Chengan and the others in the hall.

To be honest, he was also quite amazed by Li Chengqian's swordsmanship.

In his view, it would be difficult to reach Li Chenggan's level of skill without decades of dedicated practice, yet Li Chenggan managed to do so.

Xue Rengui was so engrossed in watching that he forgot everything else.

It wasn't until he discovered that Zhang Shigui had brought in archers that he sensed something was amiss.

He quickly tore the rope off his shoulder and threw it to Li Chenggan.

"Grab Li Chenggan, don't let them get away!" Li Daozong shouted.

The patrolmen and guards on duty outside the palace sprang into action upon hearing the news.

However, the courtyard wall was too high, and it wouldn't be easy for them to climb up in a short time.

Li Chengan and Xue Rengui, after a few swaying movements, left Zhaoren Palace and rode their fast horses back to Yuelai Inn.

Once inside the room, Li Chenggan burst into laughter.

Xue Rengui was a little confused and couldn't help but ask, "Your Highness, what are you laughing at? We almost got captured just now."

"I laugh at Li Daozong and Zhang Shigui for their lack of secrecy in their plot."

"If they had been even slightly more meticulous, how could you and I have escaped?"

"That's true."

"Ren Gui, when did you arrive? I didn't notice at all."

Xue Rengui smiled and said, "Did you think I was asleep? No!"

I followed you as soon as you left; I guessed you went to Zhaoren Palace alone too.

Li Chengan patted Xue Rengui on the shoulder: "You understand me best."

"Your Highness, think about how dangerous that was just now,"

Zhang Shigui spoke very politely on the surface, but when he fought you, he aimed every move at your vital points, trying to kill you. How could you be so soft-hearted?

"If it were me, I'd slice off his left hand with one stroke, and he'd behave."

Li Chengan put his hands in his sleeves and said, "I can't bear to do it because of his past contributions."

"What?"

No wonder I had heard back in my hometown of Hedong that the current Crown Prince was kind-hearted and benevolent.

That's really true.

Your Highness, forgive my insolence, but if I may say something I shouldn't, do you know what this is called—womanly compassion?

Think about it, Zhang Shigui's spear just pierced your abdomen.

If it weren't for the crocodile armor you're wearing, would you even be standing here talking?

He almost killed you.

If you have the opportunity but can't bring yourself to take action, how can you fight this battle?

Let me tell you, Zhang Shigui's unauthorized recruitment of soldiers, which he concealed, is completely different from your recruitment of soldiers.

You appointed Ashina She'er to lead 10,000 cavalry to garrison the border of Gaochang in order to deter the Western Regions.

So, what was Zhang Shigui's purpose in recruiting soldiers?

He said he was only concerned with self-preservation; that's a lie.

In reality, he harbored malicious intentions.

Did you hear what he said? He's very dissatisfied with your father, the Emperor. He thinks he's done a great service, and even after being granted the title of Duke, he's still not enough.

"You still want to be made a king, huh?"

Li Chenggan lowered his head and remained silent.

Because he understood that Xue Rengui's words were not without reason.

"Let's leave it at that. I will report to Father Emperor when the time is right. At that time, I will leave it to Father Emperor to decide."

"Your Highness, now that Fang Yi'ai has arrived in Luoyang, convey the Emperor's decree to have Li Daozong seal the city gates and search the entire city for you."

Let's hurry up and go!

Li Chengan waved his hand: "No need. There's a saying, 'Since you're here, make the best of it.' I'd like to see what they can do to me."

Besides, where can I escape to?

The entire world belongs to the Great Tang Dynasty.

Why are you so stubborn?

Ashina She'er's army is stationed on the border of Gaochang. You can go to Ashina She'er's army.

Or, is Go Pyo-in currently in Silla?

"Go to Silla and be with Gao Biaoren. With the protection of the Queen of Silla and King Sanbee, what can anyone do to you?" Xue Rengui said, pouring Li Chenggan a cup of green tea.

Li Chengan took the teacup, took a sip, and said, "There's a saying: 'The one who tied the knot must untie it.'"

The more I flee, the more upset my father will be, and the deeper the misunderstanding will become.

The Lunar New Year is just around the corner, and the imperial court will hold a military examination for the Lantern Festival.

I must take this opportunity to explain things clearly to my father.

This martial arts examination is also a very important event for our Great Tang Dynasty.

"Your Highness, what makes you say that?"

The imperial court had many renowned generals, including Li Jing, Li Ji, Cheng Yaojin, Qin Qiong, Yuchi Gong, Hou Junji, and Li Daliang, all of whom were experienced and skilled in battle.

What difference would it make if we lost two generals or vanguards?

"Rengui, you're wrong."

then,

Why was the Shu Kingdom the first to fall during the Three Kingdoms period?

One of the main reasons was the lack of capable generals who could fight on the battlefield.

In the later stages of the Shu Kingdom's history, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Ma Chao, and Huang Zhong all died one after another, leaving Zhuge Liang with few capable generals to rely on.

The only one they could boast of was Wei Yan.

but,

Wei Yan was a rebellious and unruly man.

Having no other choice, Zhuge Liang had to appoint Liao Hua as the vanguard.

Although Liao Hua was brave, how could he compare to Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Zhao Yun back then?

How could he possibly be a match for the famous generals of Eastern Wu such as Lü Meng, Lu Xun, Zhu Ran, Gan Ning, and Ling Tong?

Some time ago,

While I was fighting in the Western Regions, I have now reached the land of the Wa (Japanese invaders). What deeply worries me is that our Great Tang Dynasty wants to stop the war and develop agricultural production.

The surrounding countries are unlikely to be so stable.

As the saying goes, "The tree may wish to remain still, but the wind will not cease," war could break out at any moment, therefore...

This competition is therefore of particular importance.

In my opinion, your martial arts skills are more than sufficient to qualify you for the position of general.

"I am very grateful for Your Highness's trust in me. I don't have such great ambitions. I would be content to be just a common soldier under Your Highness's command."

Li Chengan smiled slightly: "If that were the case, wouldn't that be a waste of talent?"

"You can't say that. If I really have the talent, even if I'm just a regular soldier, I'll still have my moment to shine."

In my heart, there is a hero, a renowned general.

"Oh, who are you talking about?"

"That was Li Guang from the Han Dynasty. It is said that Li Guang's ancestor was Li Xin from the Qin Dynasty."

but,

By the time of Li Guang,

The family has already fallen on hard times.

Li Guang started from the bottom and rose through the ranks step by step thanks to his outstanding martial arts skills and military achievements.

He had no illustrious background and was not good at flattery or sycophancy.

He only knows how to bury himself in hard work.

The Xiongnu called him the Flying General, and whenever the Xiongnu army heard that Li Guang was coming, they would avoid him.

On one occasion,

He was unfortunately captured by the Xiongnu Chanyu, who promised him a high-ranking official position and generous salary.

He remained unmoved.

finally,

He escaped back to Chang'an on his own, which enraged Emperor Wu of Han, who wanted to kill him.

After paying his way out of a death sentence, he continued to serve the imperial court.

Throughout his life, although he was never granted a title, he remained utterly loyal to the Han Dynasty.

He dedicated his life to fighting the Xiongnu; he was the Great Wall of Steel for the Han Dynasty.

"If I ever have the opportunity to join the army in the future, I will emulate Li Guang and wipe out the barbarians, making those vassal states look at our Great Tang with new respect."

Li Chengan looked at Xue Rengui with an approving gaze and praised him, "Good! You have lofty ambitions. I believe you will distinguish yourself and achieve great things in the near future."

Xue Rengui smiled slightly: "Your Highness, I have no requests."

I don't need any fame or fortune; I just want to expand the territory of our Great Tang Dynasty, fight against foreign enemies like Li Guang, and protect the people of our Great Tang Dynasty from harm.

That is enough for me.

After listening to Xue Rengui's words, Li Chengan was deeply moved. He thought to himself, no wonder some people say that the world is unfair. A person like Xue Rengui, who has such vision, character, and both literary and martial skills, is not being given important positions by the court.

No wonder people often say that talented horses are common, but discerning judges of horses are rare.

If it weren't for my chance encounter with Xue Rengui, how would I have known that such a person existed in the world?