Chapter Nineteen: Presenting Armor

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  Gao Jian held the "Sai Tang Rui" in his hand, repeatedly admiring it, and was most interested in that strange beast. It seems that the effect of this armor mainly comes from the beast skin, rather than any unique craftsmanship.

  As he thought about it, he said: "I wonder if this Tang Yu beast was ever captured later?"

  Tang Long hastily explained: "It's good that the governor knows, this strange beast is very rare. The local hunters all say they've never seen it before, and suddenly it appeared out of nowhere. After that, it never appeared again with its kind. This beast is extremely harmful to crops, especially good at digging through mountains and tunnels, often secretly entering the granary, and can cause damage to hundreds of dan (a unit of measurement) of grain in just a few days. Both military rations and civilian stored grains have suffered heavy losses. The local people hate it to the bone, so they also gave it another nickname, calling it 'Rice Bandit'."

  He sneered, "Which beast can eat hundreds of bushels of grain in one day? It's probably some local official who embezzled food and framed this little monster. The words 'rice thief' suit humans better. I haven't seen the crime scene myself, so maybe this Tang Huan beast really has a special talent, like a bottomless pit that swallows rice without excreting a single grain... Could it be the legendary creature with an internal passage leading to another space?"

  "What a rare and precious creature, it's a pity that we can't capture more of them. If only we could mass-produce such fine armor, then our Song Dynasty soldiers would be able to charge into battle without fear of arrows and stones, and their combat effectiveness would surely increase greatly. What a shame, what a shame."

  This armor is indeed light and convenient, but it's soft and sturdy, making it perfect for infantry armor. Unfortunately, such materials are hard to come by.

  However, when Xu Ning heard this, it was a different taste. He saw that Gao Ya Nei was holding his ancestral treasure armor and couldn't bear to part with it, saying that precious things are hard to come by, and his heart had already drummed up a plan. Since precious things are hard to come by, they must be delightful to obtain, and it seems that this armor will likely change its surname today.

  He was calculating his own odds when he suddenly saw Gao Qiang laugh and say, "This armor only talks about being solid and light, and arrows can't penetrate it. I've seen the lightness, but I don't know how solid it is. Let me try it out." As he spoke, he reached for his waist, and with a soft sound, the precious dagger from Western Damascus was already in his hand. It turned out that Gao Qiang saw this treasure armor and thought it looked like Wei Xiaobao's protective treasure from "The Deer and the Cauldron". He suddenly remembered the scene where Zhang Sanfeng held a foreign gun and glanced left and right at Du Long, who was wearing the treasure clothes, and his heart itched with desire to play a game of spear and shield.

  It was just that this playful move of his, in Xu Ning's eyes, was another idea. Xu Ning was hesitant, wondering whether to offer the treasured armor on his own initiative, when he suddenly saw the official pull out a knife and say he wanted to test the armor, but actually feared that since he had not shown any intention for so long, he was already impatient, and in the end issued an ultimatum: quickly offer the treasured armor on your own initiative, otherwise I will play you to death!

  It seems there's no turning back now, Xun Ning hastily stepped forward with a flattering smile: "This sword is a rare treasure of the world, how could Xun Ning's humble light armor be worthy of it? It must be that this armor would shatter like autumn leaves at the slightest touch. You are the son of General Gao, and also a hero of both literature and martial arts in this generation. In the future, you will surely distinguish yourself on the battlefield, expanding our dynasty's territory and achieving great accomplishments. Xun Ning is willing to give this armor to you, it must be able to make this precious armor famous in history, I hope you'll accept it with a smile."

  Gao Jian was still eager to try out the sword, but then he saw Xun Ning suddenly offering the armor. He was taken aback: Why did he previously treasure this armor more than his life, not even allowing anyone to glance at it, and now he's willing to offer it up voluntarily? Is there something he wants from me? Looking again at Xun Ning, although he said he wanted to offer the armor, his eyes lingered on it, showing a reluctant expression, far from being willing.

  Looking back on Xu Ning's words and actions, Gao Gang suddenly realized that his curiosity had brought a great burden to Xu Ning. Every move of the superior would be guessed and magnified in the eyes of the subordinate, especially when it involved personal interests. They were always cautious, fearing that they might not "understand the situation" and provoke their superior, lest they lose not only their property but also their lives.

  At this moment, he was filled with regret and couldn't believe that he had unintentionally become a typical example of bullying. He quickly composed himself and said: "Headmaster Xu, please don't misunderstand me. I didn't intentionally try to take advantage of your family heirloom. I was just curious for a moment and only wanted to take a look. As the headmaster serves the country, he will surely ride horses and wield guns in the future, becoming a tiger-like minister for the imperial court. How could he be without his treasured defensive artifact?"

  Xu Ning refused to believe it, but insisted on sending it. Gao Gang was ashamed and regretful in his heart, but refused to accept it. The two of them exchanged polite words, but neither got the point.

  Gao Jian saw Xu Ning insist on sending it, and thought to himself: "If I accept this armor, wouldn't that make me the same as those treacherous officials who rely on their power and deceive their superiors? How could I still talk about my lofty ambitions?" Getting annoyed, he stiffened his face and said: "Xu Teaches, if you insist on giving me this armor, it's fine. But there's one condition - if you don't agree to it, then I absolutely won't accept it."

  Xu Ning sneered inwardly, speaking sweet words on the surface, but ultimately revealing his true nature. On the surface, he appeared bold and confident: "As long as the Magistrate has orders, Xu Ning will not disobey."

  "Good! Commander Xue, I respect your Hooked Spear technique which is unparalleled in the present day. You are also a man of integrity. Today, I have received the family heirloom Tang Dynasty armor from you and have nothing to repay you with. I wish to offer this set of fine armor to you for your protection, would you be willing to accept it?"

  Xu Ning smiled and said: "Since the official is so polite, Xu Ning will accept it. Since Xu Ning has already agreed, please take this Tang Dynasty armor."

  He took the "Sai Tang Que" with both hands and immediately handed it over to Xun Ning, smiling: "Xu Jiao Tou, please accept this fine armor from me, for your own protection."

  Xu Ning was stunned, the development before his eyes completely beyond his expectation. Gao Nei unexpectedly didn't covet his family heirloom, the treasured armor that even knives and guns couldn't penetrate. Had he been thinking with a petty mind all along?

  The silver armor in front of Tang Yin was still shining brightly, its light flashing, but in Xu Ning's eyes it gradually enlarged and became blurred: "Xu Ning, thank you for the gift of armor from the Imperial Court!"

  Without saying a word, he handed the Tang Dynasty armor to Xu Ning, turned around and picked up two wine cups from the table, handing them to Xu Ning and Tang Long. He then raised his own cup and said with a smile: "Xu Jiao, Tang Lao, I'm young and ignorant, today I got to see this treasure, my heart is filled with joy, but I have no words to express it. Let's just make do with this cup of wine!" After saying that, he drained his cup in one gulp.

  Xu Ning held a cup in one hand and a wine glass in the other, exchanged a glance with Tang Long, and said in unison: "General Xiao thanks you, sir!" They also drank it all in one gulp. The three of them turned their cups upside down, not a drop spilled, and smiled at each other, all without saying a word.

  Xu Ning suddenly tightened his expression, threw the wine cup to the side and turned around to run towards the back of the house, without even putting down the armor in his hand. Gao Qiang was wondering what had happened again, but saw Xu Ning running while turning his head and saying: "Sir, forgive me, Xu Ning will go to the bathroom for a moment!" Gao Qiang smiled when he heard this, and exchanged a big laugh with Tang Long.

  But little did he know that Xu Ning had been worried and frightened for a whole day and night, and now finally relaxed, the urge to go to the toilet could no longer be resisted, and almost couldn't hold on from the front hall to the toilet just a few steps away.

  That night, the three of them drank until late at night. Gao Qiu returned home and was still a bit hungover the next day, getting up later than usual. Lin Chong and Lu Zhishen, however, had been punished for their tardiness the previous evening and arrived early at the martial arts arena. As a result, they waited in vain for over half an hour, venting all their resentment on Gao Qiu, who was so badly beaten that he could hardly climb onto his bed.

  From then on, he practiced martial arts every day and often asked Wen Rengzhong for advice on poetry and classical literature. He felt that he was well-versed in both literature and martial arts, able to recite poems in seven steps and defeat the three-legged tiger with his fists. However, if you ask more questions, it turns out that the seventh step is taken after the poem is finished, and the three-legged tiger refers to the three-legged cat, not saying that the cat is a tiger's master?

  Xiao Shishu lived in Gao Qiang's courtyard, where every day there were masters invited by Gao Qiang to teach various musical instruments, lyrics and painting. Occasionally on a clear moonlit night, he would play the piano or flute, with Gao Qiang holding a wine cup nearby, nodding his head and swaying to the music. The small courtyard was filled with an elegant atmosphere, even Gao Yun came over once to listen and couldn't help but praise it.

  Gao Jian received the report and went to take a look, only to find that all kinds of military equipment were indeed shining brightly and razor-sharp. Gao Jian was momentarily excited, picked up his wolf-tooth club and swung it around a couple of times, but almost sprained his waist, so he had no choice but to order the equipment stored in the mansion for now.

  More than a month had passed, and today was Yang Zhi's 60th day of detention at the Kaifeng Prefecture. He was to set out for Daming Prefecture in Hebei Province. Gao Qiu had often spoken with Lin Chong about Yang Zhi's character, and Lu Zhishen had heard that he had killed someone in broad daylight and then surrendered himself. Although he seemed a bit foolish, he was also considered a hero. They all wanted to meet him, so they gathered at the pavilion outside the north gate of Bianjing to bid farewell to Yang Zhi with a feast.

  From a distance, two bailiffs were seen walking towards them, one in front and one behind, with Yang Zhi wearing an iron cangue and walking in the middle. Gao Qiu hastily went forward to greet him, grasped both of Yang Zhi's hands that were stretched out from the cangue, looked at the golden tattoos on his face, and couldn't help but feel a pang in his heart, calling out: "Yang Zhuang Shi..." before he was unable to speak further.

  Who in the capital doesn't know the famous High Constable? Moreover, he has come to the prison several times recently to visit Yang Zhi, and often calls Lü Qian to take care of things. Many of the yamen runners in Kaifeng Prefecture have received his rewards, who dares to disobey the constable's orders? These two yamen runners are clever, knowing that this prisoner is someone the High Constable values highly. As long as they serve him well on this trip, the constable will be pleased and there will be benefits to reap. That's why they accepted Lü Qian's bribe of twenty strings of copper cash for this opportunity. Now that the constable has arrived, it's a chance to curry favor.

  Yang Zhi saw Gao Qiu's deep emotions and was also moved, suddenly kneeling down and saying: "Gao Sir, Yang Zhi is a rough and violent man who has killed people, fortunately thanks to your mercy I have been spared. From now on, even if I can only barely survive in Hebei, I will come back to serve you with my life."

  Gao Qiu helped him up and introduced him to Lu Zhishen and Lin Chong. The three of them exchanged names and were delighted to meet each other, having long admired one another's reputations. They naturally had to toast each other with wine, so they went hand in hand into the pavilion for a hearty drink.

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