The scene was a little embarrassing, especially Zuo Wu.

Zuo Wu is Liu An's confidant, but he is also ******. He proposed that the prince go on the expedition, cutting off the thoughts of others, but he didn't expect the prince to be unsuccessful, and he was so frightened that his face changed before he could hear what was going on, where was there still half a bit of arrogance.

This makes him seem very mentally retarded and unrecognizable.

Zuo Wu coughed and glanced at Liu Qian. "The prince, as a prince, it is not wrong to be cautious, but it is also the duty of a courtier to share the worries of the monarch's father. This expedition with the imperial army is not only to help the imperial court, but also to prepare for the future of Huainan. There are risks, but if there is no risk, where is the benefit? ”

Liu Qian nodded embarrassedly. He is not a fool, how can he not see the contempt in the silence of everyone, and how can he not hear Zuo Wu's reminder. This is a major event related to the future of Huainan, he, the prince, is unwilling to go, and some people want to rush to go.

But even when safety can be assured, going to sea is still a chore. No matter how stable the building ship is, it is not as good as the land after all. No matter how big the ship is, it will not be more than a few tens of zhang square after all, and those merchants and sailors who have returned from going to sea are not like they were out of prison. My dignified prince, if he doesn't make meritorious service, he is also a prince, and he must suffer that crime?

Just when Liu Qian hesitated, Wu was standing up. "My lord, the prince's concerns are also justified. Although the building ship is more stable than the ordinary ship, the sea is windy, and the soldiers are fierce and dangerous, and there are still dangers. I am afraid it is not appropriate to take the risk with the dignity of the prince. In the opinion of the minister, it is better to send others safely. ”

"Others?" Liu An was in a low mood and took it in passing. "That'...... Let it not hurt to go? ”

Liu Buxi is Liu An's eldest son, because he was not born to the queen, he has always been unfavored, and he basically has no sense of existence. Liu An didn't have him in his eyes, and Liu Qian didn't have him in his eyes. Hearing Liu Buxian's name pop out of Liu An's mouth. Liu Qian's face suddenly became hot, as if he had been slapped in the face. He wanted to stop it, but an inexplicable fear sealed his mouth, and let the heroic words swirl in his mouth, but he couldn't spit it out.

Zuo Wu looked at Liu Qian's expression in his eyes, and a touch of disappointment swept through his eyes. The words that came to my mouth and I swallowed them back. It was only out of his usual caution that he said: "This matter still depends on the opinion of the imperial court, so let's consider it in the long run." ”

Liu An glanced at him, and also felt that his proposal just now was a bit hasty, and immediately took the opportunity to say: "That's right." ”

――

The meeting ended in nothing. Liu Qian sensitively realized that he was an embarrassing existence, and as soon as the meeting ended, he left in a hurry.

Back in his small courtyard, he sat down and let out a long sulking breath. The crown princess heard footsteps. greeted him, and when he saw Liu Qian's appearance, he was very puzzled. "Husband, you are ......"

Liu Qian glanced at the crown princess, his mouth moved, but he gave up again. He didn't know if he should tell the crown princess about it. The crown princess and the queen mother are related by blood, and to a certain extent, she is the eyeliner that the Son of Heaven planted in Huainan.

"Nothing. It's just a matter of discussing some government affairs. ”

The crown princess is also a smart person, and she didn't want to say anything when she saw Liu Qian. She didn't ask any questions, so she naturally diverted the topic. "I heard that the imperial court is going to requisition the building ships in Huainan, is it that the war in Minyue is tight?"

"Maybe." Liu Qian was noncommittal.

"Then will South Vietnam send troops?"

"South Vietnam?"

"The imperial court sent troops to relieve the siege of South Vietnam. Since the imperial court was short of troops, South Vietnam was naturally obliged to send troops to help. The crown princess thought for a moment and said, "Say it again." Sister-in-law Liang Xiao is in South Vietnam, if he wants to......"

The crown princess's voice became quieter and quieter, and finally became embarrassed. Liu Qianzheng squinted his eyes and glared at her angrily, with a little strangeness in his eyes.

"Do you think Liang Xiao is omnipotent?"

The crown princess regretted it. She knew she was self-defeating. I wanted to change the topic and ease the atmosphere, but I didn't expect it to anger Liu Qian. Liu Qian is easy to say, as soon as Liang Xiao is mentioned, he is very angry. The arrow stack that Liang Xiao stood outside the post house has always been in Liu Qian's heart, and it has become Liu Qian's reverse scale, and no one dares to touch it easily.

"The concubine is speechless." The crown princess said a few words and retreated.

Liu Qian's face was distorted, and he was furious. Just as he was about to get up and chase in, Zuo Wu walked in from outside.

Zuo Wu was patient, and after discussing relevant matters with Liu An, he rushed to Liu Qian's residence. When he came to the hall, without waiting to sit down, he asked straight to the point: "Does Your Highness know the importance of this expedition with the army?" ”

Liu Qian took a deep breath, forced himself to suppress the depression in his heart, and nodded. "Even if you don't know everything, you can guess one or two."

"In that case, why do you want to push back?" Zuo Wu was very angry, and his tone was a little tough. "His Royal Highness has studied literature and martial arts for many years, and he is the best among his peers, and what he lacks is only an opportunity to fight. This time, with famous generals like Han Anguo and Wei Qing as companions, and the opponent is a weak enemy like Minyue, it is a good opportunity to broaden your knowledge and knowledge, which is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. ”

When Liu Qian heard this, he also regretted it. He was suddenly called there just now, and before he could figure out what was going on, he only heard that he was going to sea, so he refused. Now it seems that he has failed Zuo Wu's hard work and wasted a great opportunity.

"The king likes to study, he is suitable for learning, fighting on the battlefield and the like, His Royal Highness should take care of it more. Now that the imperial court has requisitioned Huainan Lou to go on the expedition, if Huainan does not send people with weight, how can it show people the existence of Huainan. Is His Highness really willing to watch the eldest prince lead the army? Your Highness, Huainan's soldiers are limited, but if you go to sea, you may be able to say. There are many barbarians overseas, if you can use the heart of benevolence and righteousness to carry out thunderbolt means, what can ten thousand people do? ”

Liu Qian gasped, his eyes widened, and he stared at Zuo Wu deadly. Only now did he understand what was at stake. Staying in Huainan, he is only a prince at most, and when he goes to sea, he is actually a prince. With a first-mover advantage and military power in hand, this newly built kingdom is not his, and whose else can it be?

If Liu Bu went to sea, then the situation would be the opposite. Even if he still retains the status of the crown prince, Liu Buxian has heavy soldiers in hand, and he can't help but be afraid of three points. In case he colludes with Liang Xiao again......

Liu Qian didn't dare to think about it anymore. He fell on his face. "Thank you, Zuo Jun."

Zuo Wu bowed slightly, and the anger in his heart faded a little. "Your Highness, have you always been jealous of Liang Xiao?"

Liu Qian was embarrassed and speechless.

"Everyone has a hard time and a couple of opponents who seem unbeatable. But if you're timid. You will never be able to defeat him. Liang Xiao is very strong, but after all, he is only a champion Hou, and he was mobilized on the battlefield by the Son of Heaven, and he is already a caged beast that has lost its minions. Your Highness, now is your chance to defeat him. ”

Liu Qian woke up like a dream and nodded again and again. "Thank you Zuo Jun for your teachings."

Zuo Wu breathed a sigh of relief. "Your Highness is serious. Pressing matter. Be prepared, and speak before the king as soon as possible, so that your morale may be available, so that you may not be taken advantage of. In addition, if you can go on the expedition, it is best to bring a military quilt. Huainan Erdu, Lei Quilt has been taken away by Lord Weng, you can't let Wu Quilt go again. ”

Liu Qian was stunned for a moment. "What about Zuo Jun?"

"It's better for me to stay with the king." Zuo Wu smiled. "Don't worry, there's some news. I will keep you informed. ”

Liu Qian was relieved and smiled.

――

Liang Xiao sat on horseback, looked at the South Vietnamese soldiers he had just selected, and nodded lightly.

"General Lei, let them run."

The Thunder Elephant will be skeptical. The knights selected by Liang Xiao were all small in stature, and they didn't seem to be lethal. Could it be that in order to reduce the burden of the war horse, these people can only be selected as knights? In this way, it is almost fast. However, the combat effectiveness will be greatly weakened.

However, in front of Liang Xiao. He was too embarrassed to refute, so he waved his hand and motioned for the knights to mount.

Two teams of knights mounted their horses, one was the original guardian of the Thunder Elephant, all of them tall and majestic; The first team was just picked out by Liang Xiao. The average height should be a head shorter. However, these people are more compatible with the mounts under the crotch and look much more comfortable.

At least Liang Xiao and others think so.

At the sound of an order, two teams of knights rode out of the camp and ran around the camp.

Liang Xiao turned to Lei Xiang and beckoned, "General Lei." Let's make a bet, shall we? Of the 100 people who came back first, how many do you estimate to be the ones I picked? ”

The thunder elephant tugged at his beard, his eyes flickering. "It should be seventy percent."

"I think it's more than 80 percent, maybe more than 90 percent."

Lei Xiang blinked his eyes and said with a smile: "Okay, I'll make this bet with Liang Junhou." If I win, Liang Junhou's clairvoyant ......"

"It's yours." Liang Xiao is full of confidence. "What if I win?"

Thunder Elephant laughed. He has been eyeing Liang Xiao's clairvoyant for a long time, and if he has a chance to win this time, he is naturally moved, otherwise he would not agree to Liang Xiao's bet. "Clairvoyance is a strange treasure and cannot be counted as ordinary things. Well, if you win, I'll give you ten good horses. ”

"It's a deal." Liang Xiao raised his hand and high-fived Lei Xiangsan.

The two looked at each other and smiled. Everyone knows that gambling is just a matter of fun, no matter who wins or loses in the end, as long as Liang Xiao can really help Lei Xiang train elite cavalry, Lei Xiang will not be able to treat him badly. The two of them sat down in the camp, gossiping with each other.

About half an hour later, the knights returned to the camp one after another, and a military official stood at the door to count and quickly sent the results to Liang Lei and the others. He was about to say when Liang Xiao raised his hand and stopped him.

"Wait. General Lei, the bet just now was too small, let's increase the bet. ”

Lei Xiang raised his eyebrows, his eyes puzzled. "Raise the ante?"

"Yes, if I lose, I will give not only the clairvoyant to the general, but also this knife to you." Liang Xiao said, took out the war knife from his waist and gently placed it on the table. This knife is similar to the one given to Zhao Guang, and it is also a new knife made by the Chen family.

Lei Xiang had seen a similar knife in Zhao Guang's hand, and when he saw it at this moment, he was immediately overjoyed. However, he did not lose his vigilance. He didn't look at the military officials standing aside, but stared at Liang Xiao's eyes. "And how many horses should I have?"

"Not much, double it, twenty horses." Liang Xiao smiled slightly. "It's barely enough for the people around me."

The thunder elephant groaned for a moment and laughed. "Liang Junhou, you want to use this method to scare me off, right?"

Liang Xiao's eyes flashed, and he smiled but did not speak.

Lei Xiang saw the change in his expression in his eyes, and he was even more determined. He clapped his hands widely. "Okay, twenty is twenty, my old Lei can afford to lose. Come and say, what is the result. ”

The military official smiled bitterly, bowed down and said, "General, Junhou, among the hundred people who returned to the camp first, eighty-seven of them were selected by Liang Junhou. ”

The thunder elephant was taken aback. "So much?"

Liang Xiao arched his hand and laughed loudly. "Thank you, General Ray, for the horses."

The thunder elephant crooked his mouth and patted his thigh regretfully. "Don't worry, Ma, I'm ready, and I can send it to the prince right away. However, there is something unclear about the old decay, and he still asks the prince for advice. ”

Liang Xiao couldn't help laughing. "I don't understand why the gap is so obvious?"

Lei Xiang nodded, staring at Liang Xiao without blinking. Looking at the physique of the two sides, he can also know that it must be Liang Xiao who picks the person faster, but the gap between the two sides is not so bad. Dian horses are famous for their ability to carry weights, and the difference of thirty or fifty catties should not have such a big impact on Dian horses.

"General Lei, you have been coveting my clairvoyance for a long time. If you want to bet on clairvoyance this time, I'm afraid it's not a spur of the moment, but it's been prepared for a long time, right? ”

Lei Xiang was stunned for a moment, and then smiled hehehe, as a sign of acquiescence.

"In that case, then you must inform your knights in a way that I don't know, and speed up as much as possible to win my clairvoyance."

Thunder Elephant laughed. "Junhou is right, I sent someone out to remind them, but I didn't expect to be discovered by Junhou."

"That's why the general will lose." Liang Xiao seemed to be smiling, and there was a hint of smugness at the corner of his mouth. "If they hadn't run with all their might, maybe the gap wouldn't have been so obvious, it was likely to be three or seven kai, or even four or six, as estimated by the general."

Lei Xiang's smile froze, and he sighed for a long time, "I understand." It was because I wanted to win so much that I made my men go to great lengths that I lost the game. ”

"That's right, the general is really an experienced general, he can only take advantage of it for a while, but he can't fool him for a lifetime." Liang Xiao slapped a sycophant half-truthfully. "If it's only three or five hundred steps, you may have a chance to win by running at all costs. Even if you can't win, everyone can get together and get some opportunities with gear. But there is at least seven or eight miles to go around the camp. For such a long distance, you can't just rely on one breath, the tighter you push, but it is easy to exhaust the war horse, which will magnify the difference caused by weight. At most, halfway through, the team will be separated, and even if your subordinates want to play shady tricks, they won't be able to catch up. ”

Lei Xiang had already guessed a few points, and after listening to Liang Xiao's explanation, he already understood everything. It seems that this is only a small problem, but it shows the difference between the tactics of the cavalry of the two sides. It stands to reason that he was more familiar with the Dian horse, but Liang Xiao, with his understanding of cavalry warfare, comprehensively considered many factors, and achieved the expected victory.

Lei Xiang was both a little sorry and a little lucky. The stronger Liang Xiao's strength in cavalry combat, the more likely he is to benefit from it. As long as you can train a real cavalry, twenty good horses are nothing.

"Junhou, in terms of speed, you have won. But running fast doesn't mean that the combat power is strong, these people are so short that they can't pull a strong bow and can't make a heavy spear, can they be trained? ”

"General, we can bet again." Liang Xiao blinked. "A month later, still here, we're going to play again. If you win, not only will the clairvoyant eye and the sword be thee, but I will also give back the twenty horses. But if you lose......"

Thunder Elephant didn't think twice. "I'll lose you fifty good horses."

"A gentleman's word ......"

"It's hard to chase a horse!" ――

(To be continued.) )