In the fifth year of Yonghui (654 AD), the tenth day of the fourth month of the leap month, two quarters of the hour.

In order to participate in Mei Niang's birthday banquet, Wu Kang and his entourage traveled day and night, coming to Guannei Road, Qizhou, and Linyou County (Linyou County, Baoji City, Shaanxi Province). This place is only 150 kilometers away from Chang'an, the capital of Beijing, and is an important town in Gyeonggi, where 13 branches of Zhichong Province are stationed, which is twice the size of Gangnam Province.

In March, there was a great heat in the Guannai, and Mr. Li brought officials above the fourth grade to the Wannian Palace for the first time to escape the summer, and the vigilance and investigation were more stringent. Fortunately, Mei Niang gave her a pass, plus she was wearing a purple robe, so she could be unimpeded. However, since entering the border of Qizhou, it is obviously cooler than the outside.

Recalling the geography of later generations, observing the topography and landforms, I quickly became confident. This place has a humid monsoon climate, characterized by insufficient heat, dry in spring and cool in summer, waterlogged in autumn and cold in winter, and the spring and summer seasons are not obvious. It was the presidents of the Sui and Tang dynasties who built Jiucheng Palace here and often came here to escape the summer.

It rained all night yesterday, and today it was cloudy, and the people walked out of the valley and gradually slowed down their horses on the wide official road. As far as the eye can see, the mountains and mountains are everywhere, the terrain belongs to the middle and high mountains, the relative drop is large, and the slope of the river valley is steep. Wu Kang has absolute confidence that if there is a heavy rainstorm, the flash flood and mudslide will be proper.

Take off the mask of Hades, breathe in the fresh air, taste the scent of flowers and plants, and feel refreshed. When I think of the shopping list in my bag, I am full of melancholy. Cui Xiaoqing, on behalf of the foodie wife group, asked to buy hazelnuts; The princess of Xincheng represented the group of wives at home and asked to buy a dragon beard seat.

Hazelnut is the fruit of the hazelnut tree, one of the four major dried fruits in the world, with a natural aroma, delicious and appetizing; The dragon beard mat is made of dragon whisker grass, which is thin and light, cool and refreshing. Half-stretched dragon whisker mat, lightly poured agate cup, is a symbol of nobility. These two things are both Qizhou specialties and court tributes. The price is called an expensive one, these losers are quite good at picking things.

When he was complaining in a depressed mood, he suddenly heard the eagle singing overhead, and the eagle spread its wings but flew low. It is estimated that the air humidity is high, and the wings are not high in water, Wu Kang came to be interested, and he chased after the horse with a throat. Pull out the long-feathered arrow, draw the two-stone bow, and the arrow moves with the eagle.

Sensing the danger, the prey immediately flapped its wings and flew high, and almost at the same time, several sharp arrows burst out of the air. There was a wailing cry in the air, and the eagle drew a parabola and fell diagonally forward. The security guards cheered, Wu Kang looked up to the sky and laughed wildly, and rode his horse again.

Getting closer and closer to the position of the falling eagle, retreat with the left foot away from the stirrup, use the right foot as the fulcrum, and fall off the horse sideways to pick up the eagle corpse. Suddenly realized that something was wrong, the eagle corpse inserted four arrows, and some branches were completely different, not from the security team. The sixth sense of warning, the left shoulder was pushed onto the horse's back by a huge force, the sound of horses' hooves was heard on the opposite side, and Chu Shenke shouted "enemy attack".

Everyone immediately pulled the reins, and the front hooves of the horses jumped high, and without saying a word, they all took their arrows and drew their bows, aiming at the target in front of them. The other party was also a team of more than 40 horses, and they all drew their bows into a full moon, and the confrontation formed instantly.

The leader is a big man, at least 1.8 meters tall, wearing a purple military attache uniform. The others wore black suits, with arrows and knives on their backs, all of them were extremely strong. From them, I felt a strong murderous aura, and only after experiencing the sea of corpses and blood can I have this kind of momentum.

The other party obviously felt the same way, and the purple-robed military attache gave an order, and the horse team dispersed and opened the formation to prepare for the assault of the whole army. Wu Kang did not show weakness, made an attack gesture, and the bodyguard acted immediately. For a while, the dust was flying, and under the tension, the atmosphere was even more depressing.

The purple-robed military attaché's eyes were sharp, and when he saw the eagle corpse inserting four arrows, one of which was his own Xue Ling arrow, his brows furrowed even tighter. For about five minutes, his eyes locked on Wu Kang, and his words were sonorous and powerful: "The left and right Qianniuwei are here, who are you waiting for?" Where did it come from? Where to go? ”

Wu Kang was stunned on the spot, what kind of thing, the legendary Qianniuwei? Instantly thought of Li Yuanfang, thought of the Northern Ya Forbidden Army, and the South Ya Sixteen Guards. There are six armies in the Beiya Forbidden Army, the full name is the "Royal Janissary Left and Right Yulin Army", stationed in the palace to protect Mr. Li; The 16 guards of the South Ya are the central army, of which there are 12 guards, who command the government soldiers in the world and are the leading bodies of the government soldiers.

There are left and right prison guards, who are responsible for guarding the gates of the capital division; There are left and right Qianniuwei, who are responsible for Li Jiu's honor guard. Qianniuwei is not in charge of the government soldiers, nor does he have military power, and he is Mr. Li's personal bodyguard. He has the highest status in the South Ya, and together with the prison guards, he monitors the other twelve guards.

Mr. Li's personal bodyguards are not joking, they are all cronies of the emperor. The Wuzhou soldiers are local troops, and they definitely can't afford to provoke the central army, so they thought of this and clenched their fists: "A certain is the history of Wuzhou assassination, with the approval of the sage, go to the Wannian Palace and go to the birthday banquet of Sister Zhaoyi." ”

Posing with a "stop fighting" gesture, the bodyguard put away his bow and arrows, but kept his eyes on him. The purple-robed military attache also gestured, signaled the guards to withdraw, looked Wu Kang up and down, and praised for a long time: "Fight to the death in Sanheshu to ensure the peace of one side; In the midst of all armies, take the head of the enemy's general; Take the lead and fight the man-eating rats. The name of the history of the assassin is like thunder, and I can see it today, and I am fortunate to have three lives. ”

As soon as this remark came out, Qianniu Satellite TV line focused and condensed into a capitalized "service". It turned out to be a Wuzhou soldier, no wonder the murderous spirit is so heavy! It is rumored that they are not afraid of death, carrying several times the rebels to the death, and fighting with man-eating rats. Man-eating rats are very fierce, and they can gnaw living people into white bones in a few breaths, and they are creepy when they think about it.

Feeling the worship, the bodyguards straightened their waists, and their morale exploded instantly. Wu Kang looked at the purple-robed military attaché, since he claimed to be a general, he should be the general of Qianniuwei, and his official rank was the third grade. is two levels higher than himself, and he must report to his family: "Wukang's words have changed, and you haven't asked for advice yet?" ”

The purple robe returned the salute: "General Qianniuwei of the inspection school, Xue Lizi is benevolent." ”

Hearing the words "school inspection", Wu Kang looked disdainful, you are a great general. There is a saying in officialdom that officials inspect schools and squat and pee. The inspection of the school is a fictitious title, similar to the honorary president of a university and the honorary director of a museum.

can only fool low-level officials and scare ordinary people, I don't need to bird you at all with a real job of assassinating history. I just wanted to show off my official authority, but it was messy again in an instant, what did I hear just now, Xue Li Xue Rengui? Will the Xue family carry the handle?

This is a big man, it must be confirmed, so he turned into a household registration policeman, and said impatiently: "Your Excellency is forty years old, and your ancestral home is Xiu Village, Hejin City, Shanxi Province, no... Xiu Village, Jiangzhou, Longmen County, Hedong Province, the sixth grandson of Xue Gong, King of Hedong? ”

Xue Rengui was also stunned, and replied after a moment: "What the history of martial arts said is true, but Xue is very strange, you are a native of Muzhou Pheasant Mountain, thousands of miles away from Jiangzhou. We also met for the first time, why do we know so much about Xue's family background? ”

This is embarrassing, it can't be said that when the film and television drama learned about it, his mind turned to find an excuse: "Although this official is a civilian official, he yearns for military life in order to study the military history of our dynasty in depth." Brother Xue once fought with Taizong to defeat Goguryeo, and made great contributions, Taizong once said: I am not happy to get Liaodong, but I am happy to get you. ”

Incarnated as a little fan brother, good words don't cost money: "Taizong is eloquent and strategic, and if he gives Brother Xue such praise, he must be the dragon and phoenix among people." It was at that time that Brother Xue's name burned my heart and became an example for me to learn. All of you are models in the army and role models for us. ”

The atmosphere was very awkward, Xue Rengui couldn't help blushing, and didn't know how to reply. The morale of the security team has bottomed out, and the morale of the other party has risen sharply. The security guards are not happy, the big guy grows the ambition of others and destroys his own prestige, this is not good! We are your bodyguards, no worse than the emperor's bodyguards, who have the Shengshi security guards been afraid of, and who have the Wuzhou soldiers been afraid of?

Lin Pinglang gave Qian Shun a look, Qian Shun gave Chu Shenke a look, and Lao Chu Ti immediately stepped forward and bowed head-on: "Please forgive General Xue, it is rumored that Qianniuwei is the elite of the elite... The eagle corpse stuck four arrows, one for Wu Gong, one for Pinglang, one for mine, and one for yours. ”

The implication is that we are not convinced, and the rhythm of doing things. The atmosphere was tense again, Qianniuwei's face was angry, and Chu Shenke clenched his fists again: "In the Shengshi security team, Wu Gong is the first in cavalry shooting, and Chu's archery is at the bottom. Please forgive me for daring to ask the Lord of the Eagle Corpse Arrow for advice, and please give me advice. ”

Wu Kang's old face turned red, we are three brothers, my riding and archery is at the bottom, and this high hat is worn. Seeing that Qianniuwei's face was ugly, Xue Rengui was expressionless, and immediately decided to settle the matter. They are Mr. Li's bodyguards, we can't afford to offend, and it depends on the owner to beat the dog.

Just as he wanted to be a peacemaker, Deputy General Qianniuwei stepped forward and opened his mouth to sneer: "The northern Han is brave and extraordinary, playing war and power; The southern fangs are weak and can't help but play with Wenmo and women. Kill chickens with a cattle slaughtering knife, if you test the archery, you don't need the general to take action, a certain Zhang Fang took the move. "Temple Street

The fangren guide Fang barbarian, according to the words of later generations, is the southern barbarian. Next year, Chu Suiliang opposed the abolition of Wang Liwu, and the court exposed Mei Niang's scars, and the angry Mei Niang ran wild, and the queen of the palace scolded "Why not kill this fang". Translated into the vernacular, why didn't you kill this southern barbarian?

The security team's anger skyrocketed, and they all gritted their teeth. Wu Kang is also not happy, the regional black is the most annoying, and he must compete with each other. So he looked at Xue Rengui and said lightly: "Guanzhong and Jiangnan are both Tang Dynasty territories, and they should not be forcibly divided into each other." Since you have drawn the way, the Wu people are not afraid of any challenge, please give General Xue advice. ”

Xue Rengui also came to the fire, you are four and I are three, why should you teach me? Snorted coldly, and was speechless: "Since Wu Tingshi insists, it is better to be respectful than to obey your fate." The Xue Ling arrow on the eagle corpse was shot by Xue, and it was Xue who went into battle. Wu Thorn Shi is a guest from afar, you can set the rules, and Xue will take the call. ”

Qianniuwei applauded, General Xue's archery skills are the best in the three armies, who doesn't know who doesn't know? Wait and lose! Wu Kang was very excited, Xue Rengui set the Tianshan Mountain with three arrows, and later generations became a household name; Chu Shenke is not far behind, at the beginning in Kurong Mountain, three hundred steps away, accurately hit my heart.

The duel between the two masters is very exciting. Open your bag and take out the iron pulley. After displaying, he handed it to Qian Shun and said to Xue Rengui: "General Xue's invitation, this official can't refuse, and I will make the rules." The woods were nearly three hundred paces away, and the pulleys were hung from the trees. ”

Qian Shun got the instructions and rode his horse to prepare, and Wu Kang continued: "The pulley is hollowed into a red cloth, and General Xue competes with Brother Chu, and each shoots three arrows. Those who see through the red cloth with arrows, Qian Shun erects red flags, and the rest erect white flags. If the general is not at ease, he can send his men to supervise with Junko. ”

Xue Rengui waved his hand, and Zhang Fang lifted the horse forward. Until the pulley hung up, he squinted at the red heart, and turned back with confidence: "According to the history of martial arts, with three arrows as the limit, the one with the most red wins." Xue is still the same sentence, Wu Thorn Shi is a guest from afar, please send it first. ”

This is also an old fox, the latecomer has the advantage in his heart, and Wu Kang is noncommittal. Suddenly thinking of something, he opened his bag again and took out a beautiful bracelet.

Transparent beads the size of glass beads, including green, blue, brown, yellow, pink, purple, and colorless, are worn side by side to form a bracelet, and the red line inside the bead can be seen clearly. Absolutely valuable, Qianniuwei's eyes were straight, and he couldn't stop swallowing his saliva.

This is a colorful fluorite bracelet, a birthday gift for Mei Niang, and a larger string for her as a rosary. At the beginning, in Yiwu and Yongkang, fluorite ore layers were explored, and before Chen Shuozhen's rebellion, Wu Kang and Di Renjie secretly mined. This time I came to the capital, one to celebrate Mei Niang's birthday, and the other to report to Li Jiu.

Very satisfied with everyone's expressions, Wu Kang smiled and said: "Tang Law Shu Discussion" said that the game of test archery is not a game and does not violate the law. This bracelet is a color head, if Brother Xue is a step ahead, it is yours; If you tie with Brother Chu, it's still yours. ”

Qianniuwei's eyes were straight, and they fanned the flames one after another, and pleaded Xue Rengui to respond. All the bodyguards applauded one after another, building momentum for the big guy, our big guy is courageous, and the people of Wuzhou are generous, are you convinced?

Xue Rengui was shocked, entangled for two minutes, and then took out something, which was a piece of mutton fat and jade: "The virtuous brother is a gentleman first, and the foolish brother is not a villain." This jade is a family heirloom, and although it is not as valuable as a bracelet, it is indeed my most important thing. If I lose, or if I tie, I'll give it to my brother. ”

The thousands of Niu Wei shouted again, and the hall burst into applause, and we northerners are not stingy. The two sides made a gentleman's agreement, all turned over and dismounted, and the two players immediately prepared and took out a strong bow for the pressure box. It's all three-stone bows, the scene is silent, it's all fought on the battlefield, and I understand what the three-stone bow means.

Wu Kang drew the line, Chu Shenke touched the edge of the line with his toes, shook his arms, measured the distance, and tested the feeling. Five minutes later, he took a long arrow, pulled the full moon with a strong bow, and with a bang, the sharp arrow shot out. The pulley shook violently, and the center was devoid of red cloth, and everyone was looking forward to it.

In less than ten seconds, the red flag fluttered in the forest, and Chu Shenke galloped first. The security guard screamed in an instant, Lin Pinglang took the lead in applauding, and the frightened birds in the forest dispersed. Wu Kang smiled and gave a thumbs up to Chu Shenke. Lao Chu was calm and calm, and glanced at the other party defiantly.

Xue Rengui was very gracious, congratulated him, and comforted his angry subordinates. After a moment of preparation, the bow and arrow were shot in one go, and the red flag was lit again in the forest. Qianniu Wei screamed, and some of them danced with their hands, and they were more excited than they shot themselves. The security team scoffed, and they all felt that it was a pity, and the feng shui took turns.

The contestants continued to compete, Chu Shenke shot the last arrow, the red flag lit up in the forest, and Wu Kang's tense heartstrings were finally relieved. It's stable, and the worst result is a draw, it doesn't matter. The bodyguard beat his chest and screamed, his voice was hoarse, and he danced the Wuzhou dance.

The pressure was pushed to the other party, Qian Niuwei looked nervous, and some people even prayed. Wu Kang looked at Xue Rengui, slightly disappointed, and more appreciative. disappointed because his mentality was not affected; The appreciation is also because his mentality is not affected.

At the moment when the arrow was drawn and the bow was drawn, everyone held their breath, and Wu Kang also secretly cheered. In fact, the best result is to win or lose, hello, hello, hello, everyone. Arrows flew out of the air, and everyone looked into the woods. The moment the red flag was raised, Qian Niuwei was completely crazy, and Xue Rengui's face was paralyzed, and he also showed a comfortable smile.

After the two sides celebrated, Qian Shun and Zhang Fang returned, and the scene was quiet again. If the routine is not crooked, the business blows each other, Xue Rengui approached, and hugged his fist at Wukang: "Brother Xian's hand is Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, and Brother Fool is convinced; Mr. Chu wore Yang in a hundred steps, and the foolish brother was convinced. ”

Wu Kang smiled and greeted, and Chu Shenke clasped his fists: "General Xue praises falsely, and he should not be called Mr." In terms of archery attainments alone, there are no five people in the world who can draw with Chu. Chu has always been conceited, and there are not many people who admire him, and General Xue is counted as one. ”

After the business blew each other, the atmosphere was much more harmonious, Wu Kang handed out the fluorite bracelet, and said with a smile: "According to the agreement, this chain should be handed over to Brother Xue, please don't postpone it." ”

Qian Niuwei was incredulous, Xue Rengui was a little entangled, and took out the jade pendant in exchange. Wu Kang believes that the fluorite bracelet will only cost thirty yuan in later generations. And mutton fat white jade is priceless at all times; Xue Rengui believes that in terms of prestige alone, the bracelet can be exchanged for ten pieces of jade... It's because both of them are beautiful.

Wu Kang turned around, took Chu Shenke's hand, and Yu Pei stuffed his hand: "It is you who participates in the game, and the color head naturally belongs to you... Brother Chu, don't postpone, I have a quarter of an hour and dozens of times, and money is just a number to me. ”

"Pretending" is the true color of the big guy, and everyone is accustomed to it, and Chu Shenke accepts the jade pendant with a smile. Xue Rengui and Qian Niuwei all showed admiration, and Wu Gong was too generous. Zhang Fang stepped forward and said sincerely: "I said something disrespectful just now, and I also ask Duke Wu to forgive me, the soldiers of Wuzhou are all good." I, Zhang Fang, have a bad temper, and there are not many people who admire it, and Wu Gong is one. ”

The security team straightened their backs, and Wu Kang laughed: "Zhang Duwei is straight, and the people we fight on the battlefield are all straight, so there is no need to apologize." There is a saying in Wuzhou, friends come with good wine, and jackals come with knives and guns. Brothers, take out the red sorghum and drink it with the robe. ”

In an instant, the joy was thunderous, and Qianniuwei screamed, all of them turned into licking dogs, and patted them without money. Red sorghum, sorghum wine is the best, and only rich and noble families can afford to drink it. Xue Rengui didn't stop it, he also wanted to drink red sorghum, which is said to be Wu Zhaoyi's industry.

The horses stopped on both sides, and everyone sat in the middle, forming a circle, and drinking together. The two sides sat crossed, and the two shared a pot of wine, and their favorability rose rapidly. From the saber rattling, to the archery competition, to the sharing of wine, it is only half an hour.

The two bigwigs sat together and soon talked happily, quite late to see each other. Wu Kang gradually learned that they belonged to Zuo Qianniuwei and took turns resting with Right Qianniuwei, so he came out to hunt some prey and sacrifice his brothers. Xue Rengui heard the roar of the eagle, and shot an arrow with an itchy hand, so he had the following things, and he didn't know each other.

Such a brilliant general must humbly seek advice, and Lao Xue knows everything, which has benefited him a lot. When the wine was drunk, Wu Kang finally asked the question that made him puzzled, why were the former Sui and the Tang Dynasty keen on crusading against Goguryeo, and couldn't they not fight?

Xue Rengui pondered for a long time, put up three fingers, and said lightly: Troops, iron mines, war horses, Wu Gong figured it out himself...