Meng Xiuyuan said goodbye to Shan Wanjing, and now he had answers to many of the doubts he had originally had in his mind.
Therefore, he stopped wandering around Luoyang City and planned to return to the Jukun first and let Yun Yuzhen take him to Li Shimin's invitation.
Unexpectedly, as soon as he walked along the Luoshui River to the vicinity of the dock, under the Jukun, he actually met an unexpected acquaintance and old friend.
"Mr. Meng!"
Li Jing strode forward to greet him, his face full of joy and excitement.
"Brother Li, why are you here?"
Meng Xiuyuan took a closer look and saw that Li Jing was very impressive and had piercing eyes. It was obvious that both his demeanor and martial arts had improved greatly compared to the last time we saw each other.
"Haha, it goes without saying that I am waiting for you, Mr. Meng.
Gang Leader Yun sent word that the young master has arrived, how could I not come to greet him."
After not seeing each other for two years, Li Jing showed no signs of unfamiliarity with Meng Xiuyuan. He just smiled heartily and then pulled him towards Luoyang Nancheng:
"Mr. Meng, let's talk as we walk.
The banquet in Dong’s restaurant has been held since early today..."
Meng Xiuyuan's thoughts changed when he heard this. As Li Jing strode forward, he couldn't help but ask:
"Looking at Brother Li's tone, he must have joined the Li family now?"
Li Jing smiled calmly, nodded, and explained to Meng Xiuyuan:
"Yes, since I said goodbye to the young master last time, my brother Zhang Yong and Miss Su Su have gone north together.
The two of them stayed in the Wagangzhai army in Xingyang, while I went to Luoyang first, and then entered Guanzhong. After many twists and turns, I finally selected the Ming Lord to serve the King of Qin."
"Prince Qin?" Meng Xiuyuan was a little surprised.
"Yes, Master, don't you know?
Last year in Chang'an City, Yang You abdicated the throne to His Majesty.
Your Majesty changed the name of the country to Tang, established the military virtues of the Yuan Dynasty, granted the lord the title of Shangshuling, made you the Great General of Wuhou, promoted the title of King of Qin, and granted the title of Yongzhou Shepherd..."
Li Jing's series of words made Meng Xiuyuan shake his head.
In the past two years, he had spent most of his time practicing martial arts. Even after he came out of seclusion, he was still fighting against demons and monsters, but he had never understood the general trend of the world.
He had indeed never heard of Li Yuan proclaiming himself emperor.
Li Jing saw Meng Xiuyuan's expression and smiled slightly:
"It is normal for Mr. Meng, a sincere warrior like him, not to care about the currents of the world.
Anyway, we are just chatting on the way, if you are interested, I will talk to you..."
So on the way to the Dong's Restaurant, Li Jing briefly told Meng Xiuyuan the development of the Li clan in the past two years.
It turned out that since the last separation from Pengcheng, Li Shimin, with the help of the Dongming faction, persuaded Li Yuan to formally announce the uprising in Jinyang.
Afterwards, the Li clan's war went smoothly. They first captured Xihe County, and then sent troops to Chang'an. They defeated Song Laosheng along the way in Huoyi, crossed the Yellow River from Longmen, and opened Yongfengcang to provide relief to the people.
Now, Li Shimin has defeated Xue Ju's son Xue Rengao, and has taken most of Guanzhong into his hands for Li clan. He can attack when he advances and defend when he retreats.
Meng Xiuyuan nodded upon hearing this. Although he was not familiar with many of the specific names of people and places mentioned in Li Jing's words, he did understand the meaning.
Obviously, Li Clan has occupied a quite advantageous position in the competition for the world.
While they were talking, the two of them had arrived at the door of Dong's Restaurant, the most famous restaurant in Luoyang. Meng Xiuyuan's expression suddenly changed slightly and he stopped walking.
"Mr. Meng, what's wrong?" Li Jing, who was leading the way, heard Meng Xiuyuan stop and quickly turned around and asked.
"It's nothing, I just felt an acquaintance..."
Meng Xiuyuan raised his head and glanced at Dong's Restaurant, then shook his head without explaining in detail.
…
The banquet hosted by Li Shimin was located in the south hall of Dong's restaurant, which has the most elegant and luxurious furnishings and the best location. Looking down from the hall, you can have a panoramic view of the beautiful scenery on both sides of the Luo River.
And it seemed that because he understood Meng Xiuyuan's character, there were no dancers or musicians to disturb him in this huge hall.
When Meng Xiuyuan pushed the door open, Li Shimin was the only one sitting at the table, lowering his head and busy arranging the food and drinks on the table.
"Brother Meng, you are finally here!
Haha, my timing is pretty accurate this time.
Please take your seats quickly, if you wait a little longer, the food and wine may be getting cold..."
Li Shimin raised his head and saw Meng Xiuyuan, his eyes were filled with joy. He quickly stood up and walked towards the door to greet him, and then he pulled Meng Xiuyuan towards the table in a familiar manner.
Meng Xiuyuan smiled slightly and said, "Long time no see, Master Li." Then he stopped being polite to Li Shimin and sat down at the table.
During the banquet, Li Shimin, Meng Xiuyuan, and Li Jing exchanged glasses and chatted about their respective affairs in the past two years. The atmosphere was harmonious and natural.
It wasn't until a long while later, when he was still drinking heavily, that Meng Xiuyuan suddenly asked without covering up:
"Master Li, please tell me what your purpose is in calling me to Luoyang."
Seeing Meng Xiuyuan like this, Li Shimin smiled heartily and said:
"Haha, Brother Meng is Brother Meng, and he is still so cheerful.
Well, let’s get down to business.”
While speaking, Li Shimin raised his wine glass, Meng Xiuyuan lowered his head and saluted, and then continued solemnly:
"I invited Brother Meng to come to Luoyang for two reasons.
One is to thank Brother Meng for his help in Pengcheng two years ago.
At that time, my father was hesitant and almost missed the best opportunity to start a rebellion.
Fortunately, a young master ordered the Dongming faction to persuade him, so the important matter was not missed.
It can be said that the success of our Li family today is inseparable from what Brother Meng said back then.
I know that Brother Meng doesn’t like vulgar things, so I can only express my gratitude with a little thought..."
As soon as Li Shimin finished speaking, Li Jing took out a thin book from his arms, handed it to Meng Xiuyuan, and explained at the same time:
"This was found in the old Sui palace in Chang'an. Although Mr. Meng's martial arts skills may not be of use, it can broaden his horizons to some extent."
When he opened it and took a look, he saw that it was actually a catalog, which described dozens of famous martial arts in the world. Although it was not as direct as the four great books, it could be regarded as having its merits.
Meng Xiuyuan cupped his hands and thanked him. He did not refute Li Shimin's dignity and put the booklet into his arms.
This chapter is not finished yet, please click on the next page to continue reading the exciting content! Li Shimin was quite pleased to see this, and then said frankly:
"The situation in today's world is complex, and many martial arts sects and top masters that were originally kept secret have entered the situation.
Although I, Li Shimin, am not afraid of any enemies on the battlefield, I have to guard against these secret infiltrations.
Therefore, the so-called second thing, Shimin actually wants to ask Brother Meng to help me.
Only when a friend with great martial arts skills and courage like Brother Meng lends a helping hand can I relax and devote all my energy to competing with the heroes of the world..."
When Meng Xiuyuan heard this, he did not immediately agree to him, but instead asked:
"Young master Li, by saying this, you want to recruit me and let me join your service like Brother Li?"
Li Shimin laughed, drank all the wine in the glass, and said cheerfully to Meng Xiuyuan:
"Who does Brother Meng think I am?
Two years ago on the boat in Pengcheng, I told Brother Meng that I, Li Shimin, really want to make you a friend.
Since we are friends, there is only friendship between us, and there will be no difference between us.
It was like this then, it is like this now, and it will be like this in the future.
Brother Meng is willing to help me. I am grateful for Brother Meng's kindness.
Brother Meng’s unwillingness will not affect my respect for Brother Meng…”
Meng Xiuyuan looked carefully and saw that Li Shimin's face was full of sincerity, not like hypocrisy or lying, so he couldn't help but smile slightly:
"Master Li treats me sincerely, and I never tell lies.
In fact, you don't need to ask me for help, you are already capable of dealing with those top masters."
"Um?"
Li Shimin was a little surprised when he heard this. He knew that Meng Xiuyuan would not joke at this time, but he really couldn't understand where Meng Xiuyuan's words came from.
Meng Xiuyuan immediately asked Li Shimin:
"Mr. Li, someone has visited you before I came here, right?"
Li Shimin nodded and said calmly:
"There was indeed a weirdo named 'Qin Chuan' who didn't want to show his face and asked me many in-depth questions through the door.
But he knew a lot about me, and he overwhelmed me with his words, forcing me to answer..."
"But before I went upstairs, she suddenly left?" Meng Xiuyuan asked next.
"Exactly...how does Brother Meng know so much in detail? But he is familiar with that person?" When Li Shimin asked back, he had already vaguely guessed the answer.
"Yes, although we have not met, we are aware of each other..."
Having said this, Meng Xiuyuan stopped beating around the bush and explained immediately:
"That's not 'Qinchuan', but Shi Feixuan, the contemporary successor of Cihang Jingzhai.
She came to you anonymously, presumably to test you out and see if you are a worthy advocate..."
When Li Shimin heard this, his face changed slightly and his eyes flickered. After a while, he suddenly asked Meng Xiuyuan:
"Brother Meng, I hear between the lines of your words, it seems that you have some conflicts with this junior lady?
Isn’t it said that Cihang Jingzhai is the leader of righteousness in the world? How could he offend Brother Meng?
But among them, are there any grudges and grudges that I don’t know about?”
Meng Xiuyuan shook his head and said to Li Shimin:
"I can't say there are any conflicts, it's just that we have different ideas.
What those people behind her did has not touched my bottom line, but it has made me very uncomfortable...
Different ways don't work together, Master Fei Xuan must have understood my thoughts, so she deliberately avoided me."
At this point, Meng Xiuyuan paused for a moment and said calmly to Li Shimin:
"If my guess is correct, there shouldn't be anyone in Luoyang City who is more in line with Cihang Jingzhai's wishes than you.
Shi Feixuan will investigate for a while, and in the end she will choose to assist you and help you win the world.
That’s why I said, Mr. Li is already capable of dealing with those top masters without asking for my help..."
When Li Shimin heard this, he couldn't help but fell into silence for a moment, lowered his head slightly, his eyes were extremely complex.
However, the silence did not last long. He looked at Meng Xiuyuan again and asked sincerely:
"Brother Meng said that he and Cihang Jingzhai have different philosophies. I wonder, what is Brother Meng's philosophies?"
Meng Xiuyuan pondered for a moment, and then said seriously:
“It’s not that big of a concept, just a little idea.
I think the affairs of the Jianghu belong to the Jianghu, the affairs of the imperial court belong to the imperial court, and the affairs of the sect belong to the sect.
I can't bear to see some people getting involved in power politics just for the sake of their own little victory or defeat, causing the whole world to suffer.
I also don’t want to see those people who are already burdened with a heavy burden have another big mountain above their heads.
This is true for Buddhism, and it is also true for demons."