Chapter 114:
In the main hall
You are asking me to test someone on military strategy?
Weichi Gong, who was eight feet tall with dark skin, looked down at Cheng Yaojin as if he was looking at a simpleton.
Everyone knew Weichi Gong was known for being simple and straightforward.
We are brave and strong in battle, unafraid to face anyone head-on. But do you think its reasonable for me to compare military strategies with someone like you? Cheng Yaojin said.
Weichi Gong said irritably, Are you purposely trying to make fun of me? When it comes to military strategy, Im about comparable with you. If youre uncertain about something, wouldnt it be just as embarrassing for me if I did it?
I have no choice. That kid is cunning. If I dont address this issue, I, as a great general, wont be able to hold my position! Cheng Yaojins face showed bitterness and helplessness.
Weichi Gong pondered for a moment and said, Then lets go find Uncle Bao. He should have a solution.
Cheng Yaojin didnt try to sugarcoat things either. He had come to Weichi Gong first, but he didnt really expect Weichi Gong to step in for him.
However, Weichi Gong was straightforward and didnt have many ulterior motives. While Cheng Yaojin had good relations with other military leaders, he wasnt as likable as Weichi Gong. Therefore, he specifically invited Weichi Gong to assist him.
Soon after, they left and headed straight to Qin Qiongs residence. In no time, they arrived at Qin Qiongs mansion.
After hearing Cheng Yaojins explanation, Qin Qiong was extremely surprised.
If someone like you, who praises impressive combat skills, calls him remarkable, Su Li must be extraordinary. Cheng Yaojin, in terms of combat skills, how skilled is Su Li? Qin Qiong asked.
Master, theres trouble many generals have arrived outside and demand to see you.
Li Jings heart skipped a beat as he rose from his seat and approached the door, asking with a furrowed brow, Whats the matter?
The housekeeper looked terrified as he responded, Many generals have gathered outside, and they are causing a commotion, insisting on seeing you.
Li Jing was momentarily surprised.
In todays times, when nobles visited each other, it was customary to send advance notice of their intention to visit. The notice would specify the year, month, and day they plan to visit and the reason for their visit. It was considered impolite to visit someone without sending this notice. Even if fellow soldiers had a strong camaraderie, such formalities were not usually required in normal interactions.
Given that Li Jing had been isolating himself behind closed doors for quite some time, even the most obtuse person would have understood his stance. In this situation, who would suddenly show up at his residence? Moreover, according to the housekeeper, quite a few of them had come. Could something significant have happened in the military?
With his heart racing, Li Jing didnt bother to scold the housekeeper. He hurriedly made his way to the entrance of the mansion. Soon, he was facing a chaotic scene. Generals like Qin Qiong, Duke of Yi, Weichi Gong, Duke of Wu, Cheng Yaojin, Duke of Su, Duan Xuanzhi, Duke of Fan, Liu Hongji, Duke of Kui, Zhang Liang, Duke of Changping, and others were all gathered there. All the prominent generals in Changan had turned up.
Li Jing felt his head spinning. He had been concerned about Li Ers suspicion of him and thought that these military comrades would understand his intentions and avoid him. But now, they had all assembled at his residence, seemingly poised for a meeting.
He wondered if he had somehow provoked their anger. Could they possibly resent him so much? All these renowned military leaders had come to his home and seemed ready to hold a gathering.
Li Jing couldnt make sense of the situation, regardless of their intentions. This unexpected gathering of high-ranking military figures at his residence was not normal.
If His Majesty knew about this situation, what would he think? Once his mind had cleared, Li Jing swiftly made a decision. He realized that regardless of how much these people blabbered, he wouldnt involve himself in whatever they were planning. After all, they had come all this way, and it wouldnt be courteous to deny them entry.
Li Jing let them all into the courtyard, instructing the housekeeper not to close the main gate due to the large number of people. Since the main hall couldnt accommodate everyone, he opted to converse with them in the courtyard.
Why have you all come today? Li Jing straightforwardly asked while keenly observing everyones expressions. He noticed something peculiar. Besides Cheng Yaojins worried expression, everyone else seemed quite cheerful, as if they were amused by something.