Chapter Thirty-One: The Trial (Part 2)

  It's really unlucky, running into He Lan Min so early in the morning is already enough to make one feel sick, and now this should have been a normal official visit has inexplicably turned into a private meeting, which makes Li Xian even more depressed, to the point of wanting to vomit blood. Originally, the "Xiang Wu" in Li Xian's mind was just a fancy coat, only used to inform those with ulterior motives that he had no intention of seizing the throne, not actually planning to train himself into a martial arts master, nor daring to hope to become a world-renowned general. Of course, there was still a tiny bit of wishful thinking in his heart, but it wasn't much. In other words, going to the Left Valiant Guard to pay respects was largely an act, the problem is that this play may not be heavy, but it absolutely cannot be botched, otherwise the consequences would not be so fun.

  Let's just get this over with, Li Xian didn't really care about the purpose of this trip, as long as he could achieve his goal of becoming a disciple. Whether it was an imperial decree or a courtesy visit, it made no difference to him. Besides, given Su's prestige and reputation, Li Xian wouldn't mind putting aside his royal airs, not just to curry favor with Su, but also to show respect for Su's great military achievements for the Tang Dynasty. These superficial things didn't bother Li Xian, but being kept waiting like this was a bit too much. Even with his broad-mindedness, he couldn't help but feel a little annoyed, and wished he could rush into the camp immediately. Unfortunately, it was just a thought, and even mentioning it wouldn't work, so all he could do was continue to wait patiently.

  "General, there is an order. Please enter the palace, Your Highness!" Just as Li Xian and others were getting impatient, the team leader who had previously entered the school to report finally came out of the gate, ignoring Li Xian's accompanying smile, with a straight face, he declared in a loud voice, which was more like an order than an invitation.

  "Thanks, General!" But Li Xian didn't care about the attitude of that team leader and just smiled, cupped his hands, and led Gao Miao and other close guards to head towards the gate.

  "Halt!" Before Li Xian could take a step, the guard stretched out his hand again, blocking Li Xian's path once more. He let out a cold hum and said, "The general only invites Your Highness to enter, the rest are not allowed to intrude. Those who disobey will be killed without pardon!"

  "How dare you!"

  "How bold!"

  "You're looking for death, you rude scoundrels!"

  ……

  As soon as the team leader's voice fell, all the guards of the Zhou Wangfu exploded. To know that all the attendants were officials with official ranks, and the lowest was also a seventh-grade title. As for General Xiao Yan, he was a fourth-grade military officer, and compared to the team leader, he didn't know how many grades higher he was. In the past, they were all arrogant and used to being superior, how could they tolerate being insulted by someone? Before Li Xian opened his mouth, all the guards scolded him angrily, with many of them already pressing their hands on the hilt of their swords, as if they would draw their swords and fight at any moment.

  "How dare you be so rude! Get out of here!"

  This sight caused a great commotion, and Li Xian became anxious. If this were to cause trouble, not only would the matter of becoming a master be ruined, but also the impeachment from the Imperial Censorate would inevitably arise in droves. Regardless of who was right or wrong in this matter, a charge of "inciting a riot" would be pinned on Li Xian, and he would be finished. With his eyes fixed on the precarious situation, Li Xian's anger and anxiety reached their peak, and he let out a loud shout, forcibly suppressing the momentum of the crowd.

  "This general, Little Wang is not well-behaved, offended the general, it's all Little Wang's fault. Please forgive him." Li Xian suppressed his anger and forced a smile on his face, cupped his hands together in respect and said with great apology.

  "Hmm, yes!"

  Although the team leader was acting on Su Dingfang's orders, he couldn't afford to provoke a conflict either. Seeing Li Xian lower his head and admit his mistake, he didn't dare say more, but also didn't humble himself, instead letting out a cold snort, his face stern, he waved his hand, making a "please" gesture, indicating for Li Xian to enter the tent alone.

  "Thanks for your trouble." Although Li Xian knew that the other party was making things difficult for him, he had no choice but to respond lightly and then stepped into the gate. As soon as he entered the school field, he saw a large tent standing at the far end of the field, which made him jump in fright. Even though Li Xian was brave, his heart couldn't help but complain, and his footsteps slowed down involuntarily.

  "Your Highness, please stop." The team leader who was leading the way didn't turn his head back, but he obviously sensed Li Xian's hesitation. He continued walking forward without stopping while reminding him in a very flat tone of voice. Although his tone was calm, there was an obvious hint of teasing inside.

  I'm going, want to test me? Then come on, let's see what tricks you can play! Although the tone of the team leader's words was not overtly sarcastic, Li Xian was extremely perceptive and sensed it immediately. He understood the intention behind Old Master Su's attitude, but didn't take it to heart. He snorted, didn't respond, and followed closely behind the team leader, heading towards the location of the main tent.

  "Draw your sword!"

  As expected, just as Li Xian approached the two rows of soldiers, a general wearing a central army uniform suddenly shouted loudly. A loud "clang" sound was heard, and immediately the two rows of soldiers took two steps forward each, placing their knife blades together to form a passage under the knives. In the dazzling sunlight, the cold light of the knives shone brightly, and a fierce killing aura suddenly rose, making one feel a thrilling impulse.

  Come on, little guy, let's see you try this. If you're bored, I don't believe you'd dare to stab the king and kill him? Li Xian saw that the troops were making a big show of it, but in his heart, he was coldly laughing, not taking the knife array seriously at all. He didn't rush into the tent, but stood steadily less than three feet away from the knife array, with an expression as calm as if he hadn't even seen the troops' movements.

  "Your Highness, please!" The team leader who accompanied Li Xian to the knife array couldn't help but take a few more glances at Li Xian, who wasn't scared. After a moment of contemplation, he waved his hand, indicating for Li Xian to enter the tent on his own.

  He went ahead, what else could he do! Li Xian chuckled and walked towards the knife array with a carefree attitude, ignoring the cold light flashing on the blades above his head. He strode towards the entrance of the tent with an air of leisurely strolling in a courtyard, which made the soldiers who had been standing at attention feel uneasy instead.

  "Retreat!"

  His eyes fixed on him, the face of that middle-aged military officer immediately became colorful. He gritted his teeth and shouted again, and in an instant, a burst of "clang" sound erupted again. Countless knife lights flashed through the air, and many knife lights swept past Li Xian's side, bringing up a knife wind that stung his face. Despite this, Li Xian remained expressionless, his footsteps still steady as usual, advancing forward in big strides, heading straight for the tent door. His calm demeanor, like a mountain, caused all the soldiers to involuntarily reveal a look of surprise on their faces, and the gaze towards Li Xian was clearly flashing with admiration.

  Not afraid? That's strange! Even if Li Xian's nerves were thicker, facing this scene of flying knives in front of him would still make his heart beat so fast it was about to jump out of his throat. Of course, he wasn't worried that the soldiers would dare to kill him on the spot, but rather that one of them might lose control and accidentally wipe him out. Could he really be reborn? Obviously not likely, at least Li Xian himself didn't think he had such good luck. The reason he could keep a straight face was because of his acting skills honed from struggling in the treacherous waters of officialdom in his past life. In reality, sweat was already seeping out of his back like a spring, it's just that others couldn't see it because of his thick and multiple layers of clothing.

  You old Su, you wait and see, if we don't get our revenge, this matter won't be over! Li Xian is not a petty person, but he's also not a good-natured gentleman. Being toyed with by someone in such a way, how could he not be angry? He secretly cursed in his heart, but his feet didn't stop for a moment, and he walked straight into the big tent. As soon as he entered, he saw an old man sitting upright at the top, dressed in full attire. With just one glance, Li Xian had already recognized that this person was none other than Su Dingfang, General Su, who was known for his majestic appearance.

  "General Su is above, and young Wang Li Xian has shown respect!"

  Li Xian quickly scanned the situation inside the tent with the corner of his eye, saw Li Bo Yao standing among the dozens of officers on both sides, and his heart slightly relaxed. He didn't dare to linger, took a few big steps into the tent, bowed his head and greeted him with a salute.

  "Uh-huh."

  Su Dingfang did not expect Li Xian to pass the two tests so smoothly, and he couldn't help but feel a bit of admiration for Li Xian's calm demeanor. However, this slight admiration was not enough to change his original intention - from the moment he received Gaozong's edict announcing it to the world, Su Dingfang had already made up his mind, firmly opposing Li Xian's appointment as commander of the Left Rook Guard. In his view, the generals of the Left Rook Guard were the pillars of the state and not some imperial private army, their main responsibility being to lead troops in battle, not to accompany a young prince on wild adventures. Unfortunately, Gaozong refused to listen to his advice, instead using kind words to console Su Dingfang, asking for favors and offering rewards, leaving Su Dingfang at a loss, forced to acquiesce to Li Xian's appointment as commander of the Left Rook Guard. However, he secretly arranged various measures to force Li Xian to retreat on his own, but unfortunately, the first two arrangements had already fallen through. Now that he saw Li Xian standing in front of him, Su Dingfang could only face him, albeit reluctantly, and responded with a noncommittal snort from his nose, acknowledging Li Xian's greeting.

  Hmph, the frame is really big enough, got it, I don't believe you can flatten me! Li Xian waited for a moment and saw that Su Dingfang only let out a snort and had no other reaction. His heart suddenly sank, but he didn't panic. He slightly turned his eyes and already had a plan in mind. But then Li Xian suddenly clapped his hands and burst into loud laughter, not stopping for a long time. The officers in the tent were all stunned, looking at each other in confusion, unable to understand what was wrong with Li Xian...