Chapter 6 Chapter Thirty-Six
The water in the wooden barrel is very hot, soaking in it almost makes the whole body feel soft. Fighting desperately at the top of the city during the day, the muscles have collapsed as hard as rocks. At this time, in the water, the whole person simply does not want to move.
After soaking for a while, a woman said outside: "General Chu, is the water still hot? Do you want to change the water again?"
That was another concubine of Marquis Wen.I didn't dare to say anything to her, so I quickly stood up from the barrel and said, "No need, I've finished washing."
Wiping off the water droplets on my body, I secretly thought about what the prince said.It would be a good thing if the prince didn't have a knife hidden in his smile, but could it be that Princess Tang still takes a fancy to me?That's not a good thing anymore.When I think of this murderous and beautiful woman, I feel like there is a worm crawling behind me, and I avoid it. As for marrying her, I dare not even think about it.Marquis Wen also said that Princess Tang doesn't like me at all, but if it wasn't for this, what would it be?When I think of the prince's unpredictable smile, I feel a little creepy in my heart.
Marquis Wen prepared another white shirt for me.This kind of battle robe is actually equivalent to a dress. It is too ostentatious to go to battle, and no one will wear it.I put on my clothes, put on my belt again, opened the door and went out.There was a woman standing outside the door, I didn't dare to talk to her anymore, I didn't even look at her, so I just walked out, even if she thinks I'm too unreasonable, that's up to her.
As soon as he walked out of the inner courtyard, there was a loud flute sound in the outer courtyard.The sound of the flute was very clear, and it seemed that I could touch it with my hands in the night. After listening to two tunes, I recognized that it was a tune based on "The Martyr of the Kingdom". The tone of "Martyrdom of the Kingdom" is tragic, but although the tune of the flute is the same, it is a bit more sad, almost like changing the tune.Although I am not very proficient in rhythm, I can also hear that the flute player's technique is extremely clever.
Could it be that the prince has arrived?But although the sound of the flute is sad, it has a sharp edge, like a sharp knife with no sharp edge, if it is played by the prince, it must be more gentle.Who would blow this?If I hadn't known that Marquis Wu had died in battle in Gaojiu City, I would have thought that Marquis Wu had returned.
I heard the sound coming from the living room of Marquis Wen. I walked forward, but before I reached the door, the sound of the flute suddenly became louder. It seemed that the person played the wrong tune and then stopped abruptly. Marquis Dewen said loudly, "Is it Chu Xiuhong?"
I was taken aback, walked in the door and knelt down and said, "My lord, it is the last general. I offended my lord's elegance, I deserve to die."
What Marquis Wen held in his hand was a shiny flute, which turned out to be an iron flute.He put the flute into his arms, and said with a smile: "What's the crime? I just felt that the sound of the flute was different, but it turned to the sound of the horn. I know there must be someone approaching."
He said it very mysteriously, I really don't believe that the sound of the flute would change when I approached, but after Wenhou said so, I didn't dare to say more, I just said: "The last general dare not."
After Wenhou put away the flute, he looked me up and down again, and suddenly sighed: "The north branch is full of snow, and the south branch has already grown flowers. Things in the world have always been like this."
He seemed to be talking to himself, but there was a sense of despondency in his words, probably because he felt that he was getting old.I was silent for a while, and I didn't know whether I should comfort him or not. Marquis Wen had already stood up and said, "Chu Xiuhong, come with me. Your Highnesses are probably already waiting in the Zuifeng Tower."
"Your Highness?" I was taken aback and couldn't help repeating.Wenhou said: "Exactly. Let's go, how can a courtier let the lord wait."
No matter how you look at it, the prince and the second prince don't look like people who would have fun together. I would never have thought that they would go to Zuifenglou together.At this time, Marquis Wen had already gotten into the carriage, and said to me, "Come on." I hurriedly followed, feeling a little uneasy again.
The carriage moved on.The streets of the imperial capital are very wide, paved with bluestone slabs, and when the horseshoes step on them, the sound is crisp, like broken beads.The car was dark because the lights were not on and the curtains were drawn. Marquis Wen looked ahead without saying a word, not knowing what to think.I sat behind him, not even daring to breathe heavily, and suddenly heard Marquis Wen say: "Chu Xiuhong, how do I treat you?"
I was taken aback, and hurriedly said: "My lord's kindness to the young general is as great as a mountain, and the young general will always remember it in his heart." This is not a general statement, when the second prince accused me of being an assassin and escorted me back to the imperial capital, if it hadn't been for Marquis Wen's efforts to rescue me No matter whether I fall on the side of the second prince or not, the facts will most likely be silenced by him.
Marquis Wen said: "That's good. Chu Xiuhong, after Yining died in battle, I have already regarded you as my son. You have to work hard."
The meaning of that sentence is that Princess Tang is not interested in me, right?It is impossible for me to be the Marquis of Marquis and the Marquis of Wen.I breathed a sigh of relief and said, "My lord, I don't know what is the important thing to attend to the banquet today?"
"It's nothing." Marquis Wen also smiled slightly, "It's just that King Anle is the host, and I want to get acquainted with you, a young hero."
"King Anle?" I repeated, even more inexplicably.There are more than a dozen royal families in the imperial capital, and none of those kings have feudal lands, and they have always been used only to support the court. I really don't remember knowing him.Marquis Wen also saw my surprise and asked, "Is King Anle the little prince's father?"
little Prince?I suddenly remembered what happened that day.The little prince called those two women "sisters", and princess Tang was naturally not the daughter of King An Le, so the other woman might be the little prince's own sister.Could it be that King An Le intends to recruit me as his son-in-law?The more I thought about it, the more I felt it made sense, but I didn't dare to ask.
"You probably thought of it too, right?" Marquis Wen said with a slight smile on his face, and I hurriedly lowered my head and said, "The last general dare not say."
"Chu Xiuhong, although you can't conquer the Marquis of Wu, you lost the eastern barrier and gained the western corner, and became the son-in-law of King Anle, who will be of great help in the future." Marquis Wen still smiled slightly.
It really is that woman!I didn't say anything, just thinking about that day.She came out with Princess Tang that day, and I paid all my attention to Princess Tang, so I didn't pay much attention to her. I just remembered that she was also a beautiful woman, but she lacked Princess Tang's heroic spirit, and her face was slightly sick.
The car stopped, and two people greeted them at the door: "Lord Wenhou, you are here. Your Highness and the prince are waiting inside." Those two people were dressed as servants of the royal family, and I am afraid that the Zuifeng Tower has already been taken over. down.
I went in with Marquis Wen, and as soon as I entered the door, I heard melodious drum music inside, and some people were talking and laughing.As soon as Marquis Wen entered, the prince's voice sounded: "Zhen Qing, you are late."
There are already many people sitting inside. Marquis Wen is the most powerful minister today, but there are at least three people present who are higher than him. He saluted one by one, and I followed him.I know both the prince and the second prince, but this is the first time seeing King An Le.He is probably not yet fifty, but his face is haggard and swollen. Although it is slightly similar to the faces of the prince and the second prince, there is no half of their expressions.People in the empire ridiculed in private that the five clans wrestled with five pigs, and the outcome was five or five.Although these words are too harsh, they are close to it.
In addition to the three kings, there are also some important ministers present.What surprised me was that Teacher Wu Zhao was also present. He was sitting at the head of King An Le, with the little prince beside him.I would rather see them than the crown prince and second prince.After the salute was over, the little prince jumped off his seat and said, "General Chu, come, sit here."
I looked at Marquis Wen, who also smiled and waved to me.He sat next to the prince, and as soon as he took his seat, Marquis Wen said, "Your Highness, I am eager to listen to the wonderful song, and I ask your Highness to make it happen."
The prince smiled and said: "This "Returning to the Clouds" is composed for Miss Hua. It's a pity that Miss Hua is not here today, otherwise I would invite everyone to comment."
Marquis Wen asked him to play the flute like this, which is a big disrespect for a courtier, but the prince seems to be very willing to show off his flute skills in front of people, but because of his status, he can't touch the flute and say that he wants to serve everyone. Even if Marquis Wen is rude to play a song, for him this fun is just right, and he can only be happy in his heart.
Although I don't know much about the melody, I also know that the prince's flute skills are really amazing, but now there are snakes outside the city, and the next attack will be launched at any time. It's a bit unknown for the prince to drink and play the flute here for fun. Hard.
As soon as the song was over, everyone cheered.The prince's flute skills are indeed very good. If he is not a prince but a musician, I'm afraid he will be more popular with the people.Among the cheering people, the voice of the little prince was the loudest. He applauded desperately, and I also clapped my hands along with the crowd.As soon as the voice fell silent, King An Le suddenly said, "General Chu, can you play the flute?"
I never thought that he would ask this question, so I quickly stood up, bowed and said: "My lord, the last general was born in the army, but I just don't know anything about these rhythms, I am really ashamed."
An Le Wang said "oh", but didn't ask any more questions.I smiled wryly in my heart, thinking that in the eyes of this prince, if I don't know how to play the flute, my worth will be greatly reduced, and most likely he won't want me to be his son-in-law.
At this moment, the second prince suddenly said: "A man's ambition is on the battlefield. Playing the flute and drums is nothing but a trivial skill. Too much obsession, it's a waste of effort."
His words were a bit sour, most likely because he didn't know how to play the flute either, seeing that the Prince was so popular, it didn't help.But although his words were sour, they were deeply rooted in my heart. Although I couldn't agree with them, I was secretly proud of them.
The prince said: "Second brother's words are wrong. To be a general, you need to have both civil and military skills. Although playing the flute and drums is a small way, but it coincides with the art of war, it should not be underestimated."
When I heard his words, I secretly felt worse.The second prince must have been very dissatisfied when he was deprived of military power after being tricked by Marquis Wen.In terms of military knowledge, the prince and the second prince are not the same. The prince has never been to the front of the battle until now, but the second prince has held a heavy army and personally charged into the battle, but the prince said something about playing the flute and the zither There is also the art of war, it's okay to deceive laymen with these words, but if you want to deceive the second prince, you may not be able to do it.
Sure enough, the second prince raised his voice and said: "Brother Wang said that there is also the art of war in the melody. I am willing to listen carefully. I respectfully ask you to give me advice."
I secretly laughed in my heart.If the second prince was not present, it would be fine if the prince had said this, but at this moment, there was the only second prince who did not agree with him, so if the prince said anything about the art of war, he would be making fun of himself.The second prince insisted on telling him a reason, even if he was killed, I would not believe that the prince could really convince him.
Unexpectedly, the prince smiled and said loudly: "The way of rhythm is divided into five tunes: Gong, Shang, Jiao, Zheng, and Yu. The voice of the palace is soft, the voice of Shang is elegant, the voice of the horn is majestic, the voice of Zheng is solemn, and the voice of feathers is shrill. Only when the five tones are harmonized can a song be formed. Just like using soldiers, people make the best use of their talents and things make the best use of them. Only then can they be said to be good. Second brother, if you don’t understand the rhythm, this ideal must still be incomprehensible.”
What he said is very mysterious, but the horoscope of "people make the best use of their talents and things make the best use of them" just expresses the Samadhi of using soldiers.The second prince didn't expect him to say such a thing, he was at a loss for words, and immediately said: "It's true that talking about war on paper is eloquent, but if no one can understand this truth, what's the use?"
The prince said: "No way. The melody is actually the same as using soldiers. Moving palaces for merchants is like dispatching soldiers and horses; performing music according to rhythms is like arranging troops; playing with sound is like pulling out camps to dispatch troops; qin and zither are singing together like two armies." Confrontation. Although everything in the world is different, it is always the same. Between heaven and earth, the avenue exists, and it can only be called a famous general when it is integrated. Therefore, it is said that the art of war is learned on the chessboard, and the rhythm is known. Among them, there is no art of war?"
The so-called art of war on the chessboard is a saying passed down by old people. It is said that in ancient times, there was a famous king who made chess and taught his sons art of war. Therefore, playing chess and fighting and killing are actually the same.Later, although I have never heard of any famous general who really learned the art of war by playing chess, it is also true that the emperor and Na Tingtian both love to play chess.The prince wants to say that there is also the art of war in the melody. Although I know that he is making strong arguments, the reasoning makes perfect sense.
The second prince was unable to refute what he said, but he was still unconvinced, and said: "Brother Wang has experience, why don't you impromptuly play a song with others, let us open our eyes."
The prince smiled and said, "That's right, this king has exactly that intention. Zhenqing, did you bring the flute?"
Marquis Wen stood up at this time and said: "Your Highness, the humble minister has also brought it. It's just that the skills of the humble minister are far from your Highness's. It's like knocking a bell with a stick. I hope that your Highnesses and all the adults will not make fun of it."
He took out the iron flute from his pocket, and my mind suddenly became clear.No wonder the prince can talk eloquently, these words must have been taught by Marquis Wen.Marquis Wen asked the prince to say this, mostly to convince the second prince.At this time, King Anle was present. King Anle was the emperor's brother and the head of the clan.Although the clan doesn't have many talents, they are all relatives of the emperor after all. If these clans can support the prince, this is a force that should not be underestimated.
Marquis Wen really never let go of any opportunity.I laughed secretly in my heart, I was still worrying about the war, but now I don't know why, I immediately let go of my heart.With Marquis Wen's ability, he will never miss his work because of having fun, and he will definitely make arrangements.At this time, I also felt that it was a very correct choice for me not to vote for the second prince.
Marquis Wen and the prince blew their flutes at the same time.Although the crown prince's flute is black and short, its sound is extremely loud and clear, even Marquis Wen's iron flute can't cover his voice.The sound of the two flutes was at the same level at first, and the sound of the flute became louder and louder. Suddenly, the sound of Marquis Wen's flute was raised, but the sound of the prince's flute was still calm and composed, echoing endlessly.The sounds of the flute intersected with each other, obviously they sounded in one piece, but they were clearly separated and not chaotic at all, it was really like two armies were fighting, Wenhou attacked with thunderous force, but the crown prince also kept the law strictly and meticulously.
Although I don't know the rhythm very well, I listened intently, for fear of missing a tune.The sound of the flute is still clear and loud, but there seems to be thousands of troops and horses in front of me, entangled in a bloody battle.I don't know if others will have the same idea as me, everyone is fascinated.The sound of these two flutes is evenly matched, and they do not give in to each other. If it is not Marquis Wen who is playing with the prince, the prince may not be able to play such a wonderful flute sound.Faintly, I think the prince just said that "there is also the art of war in the melody" is not wrong.
At this time, the sound of the flute has gradually weakened, the sound of the prince's flute is as thin as a gossamer, but the sound of Wenhou's flute seems to be intermittent, as if the two armies are about to retreat after a bloody battle.I thought this song was coming to an end, but suddenly the sound of Marquis Wen’s flute was raised again, making a loud sound, circling twice at a very high place, and then plummeting for thousands of miles, like a mountain peak immediately. Li suddenly attacked by surprise soldiers.The prince's flute sound was extremely dense, and he still had enough strength to do so under Wen Hou's vigorous pounce, just like this army blocked the enemy's attack with a formation like a copper wall.The sound of Marquis Wen's flute hit three peaks in a row, but the prince was still in a stable position, as if he was fighting the enemy's surprise attack with an upright and upright army.
Raiders will not last long.Just as I thought about it, the sound of Marquis Wen's flute has gradually become lighter, like a soldier who can't move the enemy's footsteps.At this time, the sound of the prince's flute became stronger unconsciously, but the sound of Marquis Wen's flute was already as thin as a gossamer. Rush left and right, but still can't get out.
Finally, the tunes of the two flutes have gradually merged into one, and finally become one.The voice also gradually became softer, like a victorious army wrapped around a prisoner of war, walking further and further away.I was engrossed in listening to it, and for a long while, I only realized that the surrounding was surprisingly quiet, and then I realized that the song was over.
Everyone was silent, and suddenly King An Le applauded and laughed: "What a wonderful song! Your Highness and Lord Zhen's flute skills are really amazing. There must be no third person in the world."
Marquis Wen put away the iron flute, shook his head and said with a wry smile: "Your Highness is a genius in the sky, although I have also learned the skill of playing the flute with fingers from Mu Shancai when I was young, compared with His Highness's fingering, it is really amazing. It's beyond reach, beyond reach."
After the crown prince played a piece, he was in high spirits, and he must be in a good mood. He smiled and said, "Zhen Qing is too modest. Zhen Qing's flute skills are not comparable to anyone in the world." The implication is that although Marquis Wen's flute skills are superb, There are few people in the world who can compare with him, but he himself is among those "few people".Marquis Wen's flattery was just right, Marquis Wen himself was also a master flute player, and he was scratching the prince's itch, no wonder he was so happy.
Wu Zhao stroked his white beard and said: "Sure enough, the old minister heard that there is a faint image of war in this song, and it seems to have a coincidence with the spear technique. It seems that the melody and the art of war are indeed interlinked."
Wu Zhao has never been on the battlefield in his life, but he is the number one spear in the army, and his spear skills are unparalleled in the world, which everyone admits.My spear skills can be regarded as a temporary choice, if I confront Wu Zhaozhen, I should be able to suppress him with physical strength, but if it is only about spear skills, it is indeed quite inferior.
The little prince said from the side: "Mr. Wu Zhao, do you think spear skills are also connected with rhythm?"
Wu Zhaodao: "That's right. To play the flute is to exhale, to use the gun is to exert strength from the arms, and both are emitted from the body. Here, my lord, look."
Wu Zhao picked up a chopstick and handed it to me. The chopsticks were held in his hands. The index finger and thumb were like two arms of a human body. With a flick of his fingers, the chopsticks went back and forth, making it a lazy dragon stretching its claws.His marksmanship is very proficient and smooth, specific but subtle, it is the same as that used immediately, and his advances and retreats are also in line with the rhythm of the flute sound of Prince Cai and Marquis Wen just now.
When it came to marksmanship, the crown prince was immediately dull, but the second crown prince's eyes lit up, and he said: "Lord Wenhou, please blow it again to see if what General Wu Zhao said is true." The prince didn't believe it, but now when he was demonstrating, it seemed that the arguments of the two were reversed.
Marquis Wen smiled, and took out the iron flute to play a few more tunes.In the sound of his flute, the chopsticks in Wu Zhao's hands were in perfect harmony, as if the two had practiced it well.This time Marquis Wen only blew for a short section, when the section ended, the chopsticks in Wu Zhao's hand turned suddenly, as if the tip of a gun was picked up, and there was a "pop" on the palm, which was exactly the way to retract the gun.
The little prince was also fascinated, and when Wu Zhao put away his gun, he jumped off the chair and ran to Wu Zhao, saying, "Teacher Wu Zhao, let me try marksmanship with you, it's fun."
He is only thirteen years old this year, and he is still a child at heart. I stepped aside and let him and Wu Zhao practice marksmanship with chopsticks.The prince was not interested in these things, and whispered something to Marquis Wen beside him, but the second prince was fascinated.I also looked at them, but I saw that Wu Zhao's marksmanship was clearly taught to me, but he didn't stick to the rules, and he made strange moves one after another. After only a few rounds, the little prince's chopsticks were already retracted by Wu Zhao's chopsticks. Half of it can't be found out anymore.
Marksmanship is also alive.Although Wu Zhao and the little prince seemed to be playing, their practice really made me suddenly enlightened.Although the little prince is young, his marksmanship is much better than last year's. Wu Zhao said that the little prince is his most proud disciple, and this seems to be true.In a few years, the little prince's marksmanship will really shock the whole army.
Just as he was watching intently, he suddenly heard someone say: "General Chu, who else is in your family?"
That was King An Le talking to me.I didn't care to watch Wu Zhao and the little prince compare guns, I turned my head and bowed to King An Le and said, "My lord, both parents of the young general have passed away, and now he is alone."
"Oh." Although King An Le is a prince, he speaks slowly, more like an ordinary elder, which is not annoying.He seemed to ask me something more, at this moment the little prince cried out in pain: "Oh, I'm defeated!" He grabbed his right hand with his left hand and couldn't stop crying, King Anle said in surprise: "What's wrong?" See you concerned.Wu Zhao put the chopsticks back on the table, and said in panic, "Your Highness, forgive me, the old minister missed for a while, are you alright, Your Highness?"
The little prince ran to King An Le, shook his hands and said, "It's all right." His tiger's muzzle was a little red, it seemed that he was poked by Wu Zhao's chopsticks, and there was nothing serious about it.That time he was kicked off by me, although he was furious at the time, he didn't care about it later, needless to say it was just this matter.
King An Le grabbed his hand and said: "Let me see. Oh, be careful, I told you earlier, learn from your sister, don't dance with guns all day long. You child, really."
The little prince seemed a little impatient with his father's lectures, and said to me: "General Chu, you and Teacher Wu Zhao compete, I haven't seen you compare guns yet."
That time he was unconvinced because I was knocked off the horse, so he asked Wu Zhao to compete with me, but that time Wu Zhao also failed to knock me off the horse, which made the little prince respect me a lot.He must really want to see me compete with Wu Zhao. I smiled and reached for the chopsticks without any excuses.Being able to compete with Teacher Wu Zhao in marksmanship will definitely be of great help to his own marksmanship.
I was about to sit down, when the second prince suddenly said: "Wait a minute!" I couldn't help being stunned, and looked at the second prince, thinking that he was going to make trouble, but I saw him smiling and said: "General Chu, General Wu is old and weak, It's better not to work on him. There is a guard here, and he is quite experienced in spear skills. You might as well ask General Chu to teach him a thing or two, and it can be regarded as a sideshow."
He used to have seven highly skilled guards just like the prince. Five of them were killed in the battle of Dongping City, and there were two more.I remember one named Lin Qiu, who is extremely devoted to his duties and has a high level of ability, but he is not as good as me. He is standing behind the Second Crown Prince, should he come?
The little prince clapped his hands and said: "Okay, okay, second brother, your bodyguard must be good, and you can definitely compare with General Chu."
Hearing what he said, it seemed that I was certain that I would win.Just as I was about to agree, Marquis Wen suddenly said, "Second Highness, General Chu is commanding the armies to fight bloody battles with monsters during the day, and I'm afraid there will still be wars tomorrow. Besides, in terms of spear skills, General Wu Zhao is known as the first shot in the army. I also want to see General Wu Zhao's magical skills again."
Marquis Wen won't let me make a move?I was slightly taken aback, but I heard the second crown prince say: "My lord, General Chu is a rising star in the army. I heard that his marksmanship is superb, and he is no less than General Wu Zhao. It would be a pity if he missed it. What's more, he practiced marksmanship at the banquet. , this is an elegant matter of both literature and martial arts, what has it to do with physical strength?"
Although he spoke very gently, his tone seemed a little aggressive.I suddenly figured out what he meant, the second prince must want to humiliate me here.King Anle intends to recruit me as his son-in-law, and now I belong to the party of the prince and Marquis Wen. If this can be done, the second prince's power will be even more difficult to compare with the prince's, so he wants to try his best to sabotage this matter.
Having figured this out, I stood up and bowed to Marquis Wen: "My lord, the Second Highness intends to teach the junior general how to use marksmanship, but he is disrespectful. Please don't worry too much, my lord, I will try my best to use it."
I am confident that my marksmanship can surpass Lin Qiu.Even if I lose, it's no big deal if King An Le doesn't care about me.Although Marquis Wen has eyes for me, but thinking that I have become a pawn in his hands at this time, there is an instinctive resistance in my heart, even if Marquis Wen is a little displeased, I will not bother.
Hearing what I said, the second prince clapped his hands and laughed, "Excellent, General Chu is truly worthy of being the leader among the younger generation of famous generals. Brothers, my lords, wait for me to see General Chu's magic spear."
He picked up a chopstick on the table, turned his head and said to the one behind him: "Xu Meng, go and compete with General Chu."
A guard behind him bowed and said: "Observe the order." He took the chopsticks and walked to the middle, bowed to me and said: "Little man Xu Meng, the marksmanship passed down in his family, please correct me by General Chu."
The second prince's name is not Lin Qiu, this Xu Meng looks very familiar, he must be a newly recruited guard.The little prince picked up the chopsticks just now and said to me: "General Chu, show him how powerful the second-stage pistol is."
I took the chopsticks, bowed to him and said, "Thank you, Your Highness." I also walked out.This Xu Meng is not tall, half a head shorter than me, his face is expressionless, and he doesn't look outstanding.But the Second Prince asked him to come out. This man's marksmanship is very impressive, so I can't be careless.
Xu Meng bowed to me again and said, "General Chu please." His left foot stepped back half a step, his right hand stretched forward, and the chopstick was already pointed at me.In just a split second, his appearance changed drastically. Although practicing marksmanship with chopsticks was like child's play, in Xu Meng's hands, the short chopsticks looked majestic and extraordinary.
This is a master!
I couldn't help being a little surprised again.Although he knew that Xu Meng's marksmanship was pretty good, he didn't expect it to be so good.Just looking at his starting move, it is as steady as a rock and as sharp as a sharp knife, which is already the demeanor of a first-rate master, no wonder the second prince has great confidence in him.But I am also confident, I am a student of Teacher Wu Zhao, and my marksmanship has been honed on the battlefield. In terms of actual combat, although his momentum is strong, he is far from overwhelming me.
I clamped the front end of the chopsticks between my two middle fingers, hooked the back of the chopsticks with my thumb, made a two-inch pistol, and said, "Please."
As soon as the chopsticks were stuck out, when the tips of the two chopsticks touched, there was a sudden "snap".These chopsticks are made of iron wood, extremely hard and smooth. Originally, the sound of two chopsticks hitting each other was like gold and stone, but I didn't expect to make such a sound suddenly.This Xu Meng's strength and skillful marksmanship are comparable to mine, it seems that it is not so easy to defeat him.
As soon as the chopsticks in his hand touched, the tip of the chopsticks suddenly turned into a cloud of black mist, and it was as if he was holding a sharp cone in his hand.I was taken aback, but the two-stage inch pistol pays attention to the rear strike, because there is little exposed, so the defense is extremely strong. Although his chopsticks are fast and fierce, I can still block them in time.All of a sudden, a series of explosions were heard between the two of us, almost forming a line. I no longer dare to underestimate this Xu Meng, but his marksmanship is still stronger than I expected.Compared with Lin Qiu, this Xu Meng is even better.
Although it's just two chopsticks fighting, to me, it's like fighting to the death on the battlefield.Fortunately, my marksmanship was honed on the battlefield. Although his spear is fast, I can still defuse it in time.
Xu Meng changed his moves extremely quickly, this series of attacks was only for a short moment, but in my opinion almost an hour passed.I only felt sweat dripping from my forehead, and I knew that if this continued, I was afraid that the chopsticks in my hand would come out, and I was panicking when I suddenly heard a strange sound.
It was a sound like a cow panting.
Xu Meng is also tired!This series of attacks is overwhelming, and it is almost impossible for me to resist, but it is also difficult for Xu Meng to make such an attack.Although it was just a movement between fingers, it was already related to the face of the second prince. Xu Meng wanted to defeat me with a quick attack, but after I blocked him, he was also a little restless, and it was difficult to maintain his normal mind at the beginning.
At this point, my 2-inch pistol should also be fired.
The technique of the two-stage inch pistol is extremely ingenious, as the name suggests, it is a two-stage force shooting method.I have been blocked by Xu Meng's fast attack, but now I am ready to attack at any time.
I stared at the black shadow in Xu Meng's hand, and suddenly, the black shadow trembled, as if it seemed to be scattered.This black shadow was created by him urging the chopsticks extremely quickly. Now that he has exhausted himself repeatedly, he is already showing signs of fatigue. When the old strength is exhausted and the new strength is not born, it is an excellent time for me to fight back.I saw the way, and when the chopsticks in his hand were pressed down by me, my thumb suddenly exerted force, and the chopsticks were like big chopsticks shot from a strong bow, stabbing forward suddenly.At this moment, the cloud of black mist in his hand suddenly dissipated, shrunk to a little bit, and stabbed at me fiercely.
The distance between our two hands is less than half a foot, and it doesn't even take a blink of an eye to penetrate this distance.As soon as my 2-inch pistol was issued, the chopsticks in his hand also arrived.
My chopsticks have already been stabbed out, and the big taboo in marksmanship is to change the move in the middle. Now I have chopsticks in my hand, which is much faster than a real gun. I only feel that something has been touched on the head of the chopsticks. Has stabbed my tiger's mouth.The brilliance of the 2-inch pistol is that the gun is like a living thing after being stabbed, and it is almost unnecessary to control it with hands. Teacher Wu Zhao once demonstrated to us the extreme attainment of the 2-inch pistol, hitting five people in a row with one move.One spear could not hit five people, but when the spear stabs out, the direction can be changed without forcing the position, so all the force can be used to add to the thrust of the spear, my thumb suddenly retracted, Xu Meng's The chopsticks have arrived, and with a "sudden" sound, a small chopstick is no different from a big gun, and it can emit a strong wind, but my thumb has retracted at the critical moment, and the chopsticks are lifted from the back of my thumb. wiped off.I felt as if I had been cut by a sharp knife. My fingers trembled, and my right hand was almost disabled.
lost!My heart hurts.Before confronting Xu Meng, I had great confidence. I felt that with my marksmanship, even if I lost the game, I would still be able to draw. It seemed that I was a bit arrogant.After only losing one competition, it is still a trivial matter for King Anle to look down on me from now on, but if this ruins Marquis Wen's plan, I'm afraid he will be disappointed in me too.
Just as he was about to feel sad, Xu Meng let out a muffled yell, and dropped the chopsticks in his hand at the same time.The strength of the two-stage two-inch pistol that I had just now was also divided into two levels. He resisted the first force, but the second force also broke through his defense.At this time, the two chopsticks hit the ground at the same time, usually the same.
I stared blankly at Xu Meng, and Xu Meng also stared blankly at me.There was a red mark on the back of my hand when he wiped it with his chopsticks, and there was also a red spot on his tiger's mouth. This trick was evenly divided, and no one took advantage.Everyone at the table was stunned, and suddenly, the little prince shouted: "Good marksmanship! Really good marksmanship!"
I bent down to pick up the chopsticks, and said: "Brother Xu's marksmanship is really brilliant, it's admirable."
Xu Meng took the chopsticks, bowed to me, and said, "General Chu's marksmanship is superb. He is indeed a rare hero in the world. Xu admires him." He wiped the sweat from his forehead, turned around, walked up to the second prince, and said, " Your Highness, General Chu has excellent marksmanship, and the villain is no match for him."
The second prince was stunned and said: "Didn't you fight him to a draw? If you do it again, you will have to compete with each other."
Wu Zhao suddenly said: "His Royal Highness, what Brother Xu said is correct. Brother Xu, your marksmanship looks like the black spear that the Yao family used to know. I don't know if I have misread it?"
Xu Meng was behind my back, and he was shocked when he heard this.The little prince asked curiously: "The black gun? What is this?"
Xu Meng turned around, bowed to the little prince, and said, "Reporting to my little highness, the black spear is the unique spear technique of Yao Zhongtang, the general under King Jialuo back then."
Yao Zhongtang!The name shocked me too.The great emperor won the kingdom, and he was victorious in all battles. In the end, he encountered a bitter battle and besieged Shihu City.At that time, Shihu City was the state religion of Jialuo Kingdom, and its name was also Jialuo City.King Jialuo led the rest of his troops to hold on here for several months before being broken by the imperial army.The emperor had twelve generals under his command. In fact, they were called eighteen sons when the incident started. There were eighteen people including the emperor, and the other five died in the battle following the emperor.Two of them died at the foot of Jialuo City, and among them was Zhi Lang, who the emperor exclaimed as "peerless spearmanship in the world".
Yao Zhongtang was a young general under King Jialuo's subordinates. He had no reputation at first, and was just a small army officer in charge of the horse battalion.At that time, Zhi Lang led the vanguard of the imperial army to the city of Jialuo, and a thousand people from Yao Zhongtang's troops were cut off.At this time, Zhi Lang's reputation was in full swing, and he ranked fifth among the famous generals under the emperor. He even recognized that his spear skills were higher than that of Na Tingtian. die.
Zhilang's death shocked the whole army, but everyone thought that Zhilang underestimated the enemy. No one would have thought that Yao Zhongtang's marksmanship was even better than Zhilang's.Until two days later, when the empire surrounded Jialuo City, Yao Zhongtang went out to fight against the enemy, and confronted Yu Wenping, another famous general among the Eighteen Sons, with two spears. shocked.Although Yu Wenping's spear skills are not as good as Zhu Zhilang's, he is also one of the best spear players in the imperial army. He was killed by Yao Zhongtang's gun. A master of spear skills, the emperor was heartbroken by the death of the two generals, and ordered Yao Zhongtang to be chopped into pieces.
This is the highest point of Yao Zhongtang's reputation, but just like a shooting star's brilliance only for a moment, after killing two generals in a row, on the fourth day Na Tingtian personally went out to fight against Yao Zhongtang, and finally shot Yao Zhongtang's thigh and captured him alive .At that time, the emperor had the reputation of being thirsty for talents, and others only thought that the emperor would pardon Yao Zhongtang and let him follow him. Kill, also strictly forbidden to praise this person.However, although the ban was strict, after the final defeat of King Jialuo, Yao Zhongtang's name spread like wildfire, and he became one of the legendary generals in later generations.In fact, Yao Zhongtang has never led troops to fight any big battles, and his military skills are lackluster. He is called a famous general because of his superb marksmanship.Hundreds of years have passed, Yao Zhongtang's name is still popular among the population, but it is the first time I have heard of the black gun he uses.
Wu Zhao sighed and said, "The black-and-white spear appears and disappears like a ghost. It is indeed the best spear technique in the world, but there is also a huge flaw in this spear technique. There are too many false moves, and they are often cut off. Just now when you confronted General Chu便是如此，我看你以阴手出枪，楚将军百计抵御，若此时从正中出枪，虽然不无行险，但此时可进可退，胜固可喜，败亦无咎。但你却从外侧攻击，此时楚将军全力防守，你虽然百般变化，他却有一定之规，只守不攻，趁你久攻不下，心浮气躁时反击，只一枪便已得手。”
徐蒙脸上木木的，忽然跪倒在武昭跟前，道：“久闻武昭老师于枪术一道无所不晓，徐蒙后学，得武昭老师一言顿开茅塞，真不知该如何感激。”
他是二太子的侍卫，身份本来比武昭也低不了多少，得武昭一语点拨，感激之下，竟然行了大礼。武昭也连忙欠身道：“徐世兄请起，老朽不过痴长两岁，安敢称'无所不晓'。”
二太子这人我已没什么好感，但这徐蒙如此痴于枪术，我一时大起好感。小王子忽然急道：“哎呀，武昭老师你怎的不点拨一下楚将军？这般一来，若再次比试，他不是就要输了么。”
武昭笑了笑道：“楚将军枪术中规中矩，所逊者不过火候，已无甚可指摘了。”
我大吃一惊，万万料不到武昭对我的评价如此之高。武昭枪术第一，那是举世公认的，而他竟然说我的枪术已没什么可批评了，难道我的枪术竟然已与他平起平坐了？不论他说的是不是恭维话，连一向不问武事的太子也闻之动容。小王子喜笑颜天，向安乐王道：“父王，我说过他很了不起吧。”
武昭是文侯的亲信，这一番话只怕也是文侯授意。我登时又有些失望，安乐王想招我为婿，文侯实在是已安排得妥妥当当，从小王子到武昭，都已站在我一边，二太子就算想从中作梗也没用。可是我心中却实在没什么欣喜，在军中听从命令，那是军人的天职，可连我的终生大事也要听命于人，我实是由衷不悦。
安乐王捋了一把胡须，淡淡地笑着，也不说话。我不知道他在想些什么，对做他的女婿也没多大兴趣。和徐蒙各归原位，大家说些没打紧的话，小王子却叽叽呱呱地和我说些枪术之事。这席上那么多人，在我眼里倒是他最为顺眼。
酒席散去的时候，已将近午夜。文侯和几位王公告辞后，带着我出门。一出醉枫楼，文侯脸色一下变得阴沉，我不禁有些惴惴。一进车，文侯坐了下来，也不说话，我坐在他身边，动都不敢动。
车开动了，文侯突然道：“楚休红，为将之道，令行禁止。这句话你还记得么？”
文侯一定为了我没听他的话而不悦。我心头一寒，离座跪下道：“大人，末将死罪。不过末将心想不能折了大人名声，而且末将对枪法颇为自信，故此大胆僭越。”
“名声？”文侯笑了笑，马上又沉下脸，“此事虽然看似平和，实是有关大计。若是你比试败北，我后面的计划便要改过了。还好你侥幸得胜，以后不得如此自行其事。”
我其实并没有胜，只是武昭以口舌说得我好象比徐蒙高出一筹。徐蒙的黑眚枪也许是有破绽，但我正如武昭所说，枪法火候未到，便是有破绽我也抓不住的，文侯说我“侥幸”倒是没错。我跪在地上磕了个头道：“末将遵命，以后定然牢记在心。”
文侯撩起车帘看着天空，脸上仍看不出喜怒之意：“蛇人陈兵城外，你们也已初次接战，对胜负有何见解？”
我想了想道：“大人，自从在高鹫城里第一次面对蛇人，末将觉得这种怪物越来越聪明，也越来越象人。它们宣称这世界本是它们两肢人的，后来才被我们这些四肢人夺去……”
文侯打断我的话道：“它们是借伏羲女娲之名。这些怪物，居然也知道名正而言顺之理。”
从文侯嘴里也听到这两个名字，我大吃一惊，道：“大人，你也知道伏羲女娲？”
文侯看着夜空，也没看我，淡淡道：“那是传说中的人类始祖。据说上古时，伏羲女娲大神兄妹成婚，养育人类。这等传说如今只怕世上也没几个人知道了，那时蛇人也根本不曾出现，不知它们从哪儿得到这个故事，借题发挥。”
我道：“我听李尧天将军说过，句罗岛有个圣贤祠，那里也有伏羲女娲像。听说也是来源极古。”
“传说中伏羲女娲倒真是人首蛇身。唉，这等事也是不要外传，省得人心浮动。”
“末将明白。”
又变得沉默了。我重又坐到文侯边上，心中还是有些不安。车已接近文侯府，文侯忽对赶车的道：“去楚将军的驻地。”
我道：“大人，我自己回去便可，您还是早点歇息吧。”
“此时不是歇息之时。”文侯拉上了车帘，忽道：“楚休红，你觉得对蛇人之役，我们能有几分胜算？”
这个问题倒不好回答。我想了想，道：“约摸有四成。”
文侯怔了怔，忽然笑了：“你倒是会说实话，我问毕炜，他可说至少有七成。”
我道：“大人，不是末将长敌人士气，蛇人力大无穷，单兵挑战，一个足可抵五六个精兵。如今蛇人已有五六万，那我们必须有二十万才能匹敌。如今城中连禁军算在内也不到十万，何况，”我咽了口唾沫，“城中数十万人口，若蛇人将城包围起来，城中余粮只怕也支撑不了几个月。”
高鹫城的惨剧一直出现在我的噩梦中。如果帝都也步高鹫城的后尘，我简直不敢再想。文侯却笑了笑道：“不必太久，到五月勤王军到齐，那时便可决出胜负了。”
文侯的话又让我吃了一惊。我道：“大人，蛇人极能耐得饥渴，听说一个蛇人饱食后足可二十余日不吃不喝。何况蛇人在城外能得到补给，时间越久，对我们可越为不利。”
文侯又淡淡笑了笑道：“所以五月中便能决出胜负了。到时，楚休红，望你能冲锋陷阵，立下奇功，以安乐王乘龙快婿的身份，我也好奏请帝君为你授爵。”
我也要有爵位了？刹那间我眼前也有些晕，也有些不敢相信。可是在脑海深处却象有个声音在提醒我，我喃喃道：“决胜负……大人，你是要……野战？”
我问得很不肯定，但文侯却不容置疑地点了点头。象是当头一个霹雳，我惊道：“大人，这可万万使不得！”