Since the founding of the Tang Dynasty, it has faced a formidable enemy, the Northern Liao Dynasty.
The war between the two countries lasted for hundreds of years. During this period, countless generals made meritorious deeds and returned to Chang'an to become prime minister.
Later, some people even said that a person without military merit cannot be a prime minister.
This statement is too extreme, but it shows that the Tang Dynasty valued martial arts.
In this context, some well-established families urged their children to learn literature and practice martial arts at the same time. Gradually, officials in the Tang Dynasty were proud of their ability to kill enemies with mounted horses and herdsmen with dismounted horses.
Competing at banquets is also an elegant thing, and many people even like to gamble with it.
But Zhou Zunai is the head of the Zhou family. Who in Chang'an who is well fed would invite him to compete?
The person who made this request probably would have been severely beaten by his parents and then came to apologize.
This is an unspoken rule. Otherwise, whether humans or ghosts can invite these big guys to compete, where is the dignity of the big guys?
However, the civil and military forces in Southern Xinjiang did not abandon this unspoken rule. The generals relied on the big bosses in Southern Xinjiang to live. Any aristocratic family was too far away.
Zhang Huan wouldn't do such a thing, but Zhang Chumao didn't care... Zhou Zun had humiliated his father-in-law, so it was only natural that he take action.
Zhou Zun was somewhat sitting on wax.
There is an aide beside him, Chang Mu, neither of whom is good at cultivation.
You will make a fool of yourself if you agree, and you will make a fool of yourself if you don't agree.
Zhang Chumao's power was too nasty.
A group of people were watching a play, but a guest came.
"Who wants to try their skills?"
Zhang Chumao, who was venting his anger on his father-in-law, was shocked to find that Zhou Zun's son-in-law had arrived.
Zhou Zun looked at his dusty son-in-law, smiled and said: "Zitai, come in quickly."
Yang Xuan walked in slowly and saluted, "I have met Prime Minister Zhang."
"I have met the king."
As for Zhang Chumao, he simply ignored it.
Zhang Huan smiled and said, "You have worked hard all the way, Commander Yang, please take a seat."
Someone set up the table, and then the food and drinks were served.
Yan Song stood there, somewhat in a dilemma.
He looked at Zhang Chumao and asked for further instructions.
Yang Xuan brought a big man in. The big man stood behind him, tall and tall, but a little dull.
Zhang Chumao smiled and said: "I remember that when I first arrived in northern Xinjiang, Yang Shijun was still a county magistrate. Time flies, and when we meet again, he has become the governor."
The two met on the way, but Zhang Chumao ignored them.
Yang Xuan said: "Deputy Ambassador Zhang remains as charming as ever."
Zhou Zun pursed his lips helplessly... What a son-in-law! Zhang Chumao was helpless with just one sentence.
The style remains the same...I became the governor from the county magistrate, but you are still the deputy envoy.
Style, still the same!
Zhang Chumao's expression remained the same, "Yang Shijun is known as a famous general in Northern Xinjiang. When you arrived in Northern Xinjiang today, what happened... Sir, was it... lively?"
Zhang Huan looked at the King of Yue, "What do you think, the King?"
This pot is good!
The King of Yue smiled and said, "We, the Tang Dynasty, have rejuvenated the country with military force, and the southern expedition is imminent. I think it is time to boost morale."
Zhang Chumao nodded, "Yan Chan."
Ashina Yan chanted and cupped his hands, "The official is here."
Zhang Chumao said: "Mr. Yang, would you like to give me some advice?"
Chang Mu whispered: "This battle is inevitable."
Zhou Zun nodded, knowing that Yang Xuan could not retreat.
This aggressive move was transferred from him to his son-in-law, but he was not sure about his son-in-law's cultivation level.
According to Zhou Ning, Yang Xuan's cultivation level is not bad, but it is only good.
And Yan Song is a skilled practitioner at first glance. If his son-in-law fails...
Zhou Zun's eyes flashed with sternness and he said: "Zitai has never eaten a bite of food or drank a glass of water."
You guys are a bit of a bully!
Zhang Huan smiled dryly, "That's it, it's better to wait."
Zhou Zun gave Yang Xuan a wink, suggesting that he call the experts.
Yang Xuan shook his head slightly and said, "I think it's better to let it be lively first and then eat and drink."
Hey!
Chang Mu said: "Uncle, this is..."
Zhou Zun said: "He is sure!"
Zhang Chumao smiled and said: "That's it, Yan Chan!"
There is an open space in front of the lobby, which is perfect for competition.
Yan Song walked over, turned around and held his hands in his hands, "Please give me some advice from Commander Yang."
In full view of everyone, Yang Xuan said, "Is this a powerful general under Deputy Envoy Zhang?"
Zhang Chumao nodded.
Yang Xuan said: "Zhang Xu."
The big man came out and said, "Mr. Lang!"
Do you want me to fight if you want me to? Yang Xuan pointed at Yan Chan, "Go and try your hand at this fierce general from southern Xinjiang."
Zhang Chumao knew the number of good men under Yang Xuan's command.
The most powerful one is the old man, but he is not here today, followed by that fool Wang Laoer, who is not here either.
Yang Xuan is not strong enough to take action, so asking his subordinates to take action is a way to avoid making a fool of himself.
Zhang Chumao nodded.
Zhang Xu walked over.
The two faced each other.
A clerk came over.
Chang Mu said: "This is a show of force and gives the Northern Xinjiang Army exactly what Zhang Huan wants."
"This big man is unfamiliar to me." Several good players around Yang Xuan, Zhou Zun, have seen him before, but Zhang Xu is unfamiliar with him.
"Maybe he is a good player in Chenzhou's army."
The governor is the local emperor. It is common for him to select good soldiers from the army to protect him, and even the emperor will not comment on it.
The King of Yue was also thinking about this matter.
"Does this person know?"
Staff Zhao Dongping said: "There's a new Tu Shang over there recently, and he's very good at shooting. I'm not familiar with this guy."
The King of Yue nodded, "The Northern Xinjiang Army is destined not to be on my side. If so, their prestige will be dampened today."
Yan Song moved his hands and feet and took a step back.
Zhang Xu didn't move.
The clerk said: "Is it ready?"
Yan Song nodded.
Zhang Xu nodded.
Zhang Chumao said: "In order to achieve success, Yan Song's most powerful skill is his body skills. Often, as soon as his opponent is ready, he will be right in front of him. He will be caught off guard and be killed by him calmly."
The King of Yue nodded, "I will wait and see."
King Wei was like a stray dog in northern Xinjiang. If Yang Xuan had not taken him in, according to the King of Yue's speculation, this brother would have either been living in Taoxian County, or he would have had to go back to Qianzhou to have a baby.
Yang Xuan...
Yang Xuan felt his gaze and looked over.
The two nodded to each other.
The clerk waved his hand, "Start!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Yan Song came to Zhang Xu.
call!
Yan chanted and punched, and the wind roared from the fist.
"There is no way to avoid it!" Zhang Chumao said.
The King of Yue was still looking at Yang Xuan, and for the first time there was a sharp look in the depths of his eyes.
But it passed in a flash.
He raised his glass.
Yang Xuan raised his glass and smiled slightly.
Pointing to the test site.
The King of Yue looked slowly...
Zhang Xu hastily raised his right hand.
Yan Song punched him hard on the arm.
Boom!
Zhang Xu didn't move.
According to Yan Song's plan, Zhang Xu would definitely retreat after this punch, and then he would attack again.
But Zhang Xu didn't move.
She looked up at him with a look of confusion in her eyes.
"That's it?"
Yan Song was so angry that he forgot about the strange numbness of his fists and kicked up a flying leg.
Zhang Xu stretched out his hand and swatted it, as if swatting a fly.
Yan Song retracted his legs decisively, and Zhang Xu punched him.
Yan Song cupped his fists with both hands and struck from the side like a heavy hammer.
Zhang Xu's movements remained unchanged.
Everyone watched the blow with bated breath.
puff!
Zhang Xu took a step back, turned around and walked back.
Yan Song stood there and followed step by step.
The King of Yue was puzzled, "Who wins?"
Yan Song walked up to Zhang Chumao and knelt down.
Opening his mouth, "Xiaguan... poof!"
A mouthful of blood spurted on the table.
Yan Song slowly fell down.
Zhang Chumao's eyelids twitched, "Here comes someone!"
Several sergeants came in and carried Yan Song out with all their hands.
The King of Yue whispered: "This man is fierce!"
Zhao Dongping nodded, "There are many brave people in Northern Xinjiang, we should not underestimate them."
Zhang Chumao was a little embarrassed, Zhou Zun raised his glass, "It's very lively."
Zhang Huan smiled and said: "It's not bad."
The two looked at each other.
The banquet broke up later in the evening.
Yang Xuan and Zhou Zun went back together.
"Zhang Huan wants to use this battle to return to Chang'an and become prime minister. For this reason, he will not offend the Yang family."
"Yes." Yang Xuan nodded, "The King of Yue and Zhang Chumao are both behind Yang Songcheng."
"Today they gave a powerful attack. Not only do they want you and me to be disgraced, but they also want to let outsiders know that southern Xinjiang and northern Xinjiang are in dire straits."
"Your Majesty likes this kind of statement."
"Yes. But Zhang Chumao pays too much attention to tactics." Zhou Zun put his hands behind his hands and looked at the night sky. "Policies are of no use to the rebels in southern Xinjiang. I dare to say that if Zhang Chumao takes over as the governor of southern Xinjiang, the situation in southern Xinjiang will be different.
It will be stable.”
"He showed his prototype in the first battle in Northern Xinjiang." Yang Xuan thought of that battle, "But Yang Songcheng will definitely help him take charge of Southern Xinjiang with all his strength."
"It still depends on His Majesty's wishes. With the King of Yue here and Zhang Chumao in charge of southern Xinjiang, will it pose a threat to him?"
"My father-in-law, Zhang Chumao has no great talent. Your Majesty is probably aware of this. It is precisely because he has no great talent that he can be reused."
"When you say this... you are treating His Majesty as a villain!"
"What do you think?"
"I think it's...accurate!"
Weng and son-in-law smiled at each other.
"By the way, does my father-in-law know what Nanzhou did to humiliate His Majesty?"
Zhou Zun looked around. Chang Mu stepped back a little knowingly, but Zhang Xu didn't move.
Yang Xuan said: "This is someone I can trust."
This kid actually has some style... Zhou Zun whispered: "According to rumors..."
…
Southern Zhou Dynasty, Bianjing.
Nian Ru, the commander of the Love Department, entered the palace with the news.
The atmosphere in the palace was a little tense.
Nian Ru asked: "But Your Majesty is angry?"
The chamberlain who led the way nodded, "His Majesty has sent an envoy back. There are still large armies gathering in southern Xinjiang, and troops are about to be dispatched."
When he saw Nian Xu, he was still angry.
"You came just in time. Is there any news from southern Xinjiang?"
"Yes." Nian Ru said: "Sixty thousand troops have gathered in southern Xinjiang this time."
"Does Li Mi want to start a war that will overwhelm the country?" Nian Xu's eyes became more serious, "Let the princes enter the palace."
He lowered his voice, "Why is there no movement in Beiliao?"
Nian Ru said: "I'm still inquiring, something seems to have changed."
Nian Xu nodded, "I think there is something fishy about the Tang Dynasty sending troops... Please check and find out where the so-called humiliation of Li Mi comes from."
Nian Ru said: "This matter may have something to do with the gentlemen."
Nian Xu was an emperor, but the power structure of the Southern Zhou Dynasty made it difficult for him as an emperor to keep his word. Important ministers joined forces, so he could only endure it.
Nian Xu gritted his teeth and said, "Check the people around them, but you have to be measured!"
After a while, the important ministers gathered together.
"A large army has gathered in the southern border of the Tang Dynasty." Nian Xu said with a sullen face, "They are so powerful, why are they here?"
Privy Councilor Han Bi said: "Your Majesty, I heard from the Tang Dynasty that... the ten cities of the Southern Zhou Dynasty were to be used as punishment. As for the reason for the punishment, it is said that the Southern Zhou Dynasty humiliated the Emperor of the Tang Dynasty. I don't understand where this came from.
humiliation?"
Nian Xu heard some overtones, "Is it true that... it's true?"
Han Bi nodded, "Your Majesty, the gifts I sent to Chang'an from Zhou last year were mixed with something!"
Nian Xu's eyes flashed, "What?"
Han Bi glanced at Peng Jing and Yushi Zhongcheng Fang Chong, "A portion of medicine."