After Marrying a Vegetative Princess, I went crazy with joy! - Chapter 115

Chapter 115

Li Jing’s confusion deepened. Based on his past experiences, it shouldn’t be Cheng Yaojin who was unhappy while everyone else was carefree. But in the current situation, what exactly was going on?

The generals exchanged glances, but no one spoke. Finally, Cheng Yaojin couldn’t hold back anymore. Initially, he had only planned to invite Weichi Gong and Qin Qiong. After all, it wasn’t a matter that needed grand gestures. There was no need to make a fuss.

However, when things went wrong, everything seemed to go wrong. They hadn’t even left yet when they ran into Duan Xuanzhi, who was looking for Qin Qiong to have a drink. When Duan Xuanzhi heard about their intention, he immediately found it intriguing.

He was famously known for being a big mouth in the army. While he criticized Cheng Yaojin for losing face, he didn’t forget that their entire military veterans lost face.

In the meantime, he sent people all around to spread the news secretively. With no ongoing battles in the Tang Dynasty, a group of military commanders were stuck in Changan City, spending their days either drinking or engaging in trivial activities. The monotony of their lives had left them yearning for excitement. So, when they heard about this incident, they all rushed together. This led to the current scene.

Cheng Yaojin’s face was worried as he briefly recounted what had happened in the military camp that morning. “You all know that I, old Cheng, have never been one to care about appearances. Initially, losing to him wouldn’t have been a big deal, but what’s the point? But think about it, Su Li is from a younger generation than us. If I lose to him, won’t it make His Majesty think that we, the old folks, are getting old and no longer driven? I don’t care about the face, but the loss would be significant!”

Upon hearing Cheng Yaojin’s words, Li Jing was left utterly astonished. Subsequently, amidst the puzzled gazes of everyone, Li Jing suddenly burst into laughter that he couldn’t control.

Li Jing was known for his intelligence and usually paid much attention to his demeanor, so this kind of reaction was completely out of character.

“Acting Duke, it’s not very kind of you to laugh at me like this. I don’t care. You must help me in this matter!” Cheng Yaojin pretended to be indignantly angry, seizing the opportunity to involve Li Jing.

Li Jing waved his hand and said to Cheng Yaojin, “Yaojin, there’s no need to be so nervous. I will help you with this favor. As far as I know, Su Li’s level of military strategy is actually… quite ordinary.”

Li Jing had long been aware of Su Li’s capabilities. He avoided interactions with his fellow military colleagues to avoid causing trouble and unnecessary suspicion from Li Er.

However, he wasn’t entirely cut off from people. During this period, his subordinate and semi-disciple Su Dingfang frequently visited. Su Li, the half-brother Su Dingfang had recently found, was a frequent topic in their discussions.

Li Jing had learned from Su Dingfang that Su Li possessed remarkable combat skills and was a formidable warrior. However, Su Li’s strategic thinking was unremarkable despite having a solid foundation. These conversations with Su Dingfang provided Li Jing with insights.

His agreement to help Cheng Yaojin was also motivated by his desire to personally assess the consort, who had been hailed as a fierce and unparalleled warrior by Su Dingfang.

After hearing Li Jing’s words, Cheng Yaojin stared at him with widened eyes for quite some time, unable to recover from his shock. Then suddenly, he slapped his thigh. “Oh my, if I had known that kid was so weak, I would have faced him myself!”

Cheng Yaojin regretted his decision and felt he had missed the opportunity to win that day. However, it was too late to change anything now. They quickly set a date to reunite in three days at the Right Martial Guards’ camp.

Three days flew by in a rush.

As the sun climbed higher in the sky, Su Li rode White Dragon and arrived once again at the entrance of the Right Martial Guards’ camp. During these three days, he accumulated points by spending time at the Princess Mansion.

Since he had already joined the Right Martial Guards, his finances were now being considered. Even though Su Li didn’t need these things anymore, being paid to relax and enjoy himself still brought him immense joy.

Last night, Cheng Yaojin’s people informed him that Li Jing, the acting Duke of the coutry, would personally assess his military strategies today. So, Su Li’s mood improved even more.

In Su Li’s memory, Li Jing was undoubtedly the most deserving of the title of the top military figure throughout the Zhenguan Period.

Li Jing’s military prowess was truly exceptional. He was so remarkable that to put it in perspective, the well-known Wei Qing in the history of various dynasties had a position and status similar to Li Jing. But even when adding Wei Qing and his nephew Huo Qubing achievements together, they couldn’t surpass Li Jing’s.

Li Jing had three instances of leading campaigns to destroy entire countries, making his accomplishments unmatched.

Li Jing wasn’t just a brave general on the battlefield. He excelled at military strategy. He commanded numerous battles throughout his life and achieved victory after victory. Hence, Su Li was very excited about today’s meeting.

Led by a soldier, he arrived at the central tent in the camp. Upon entering, the scene inside made Su Li’s steps involuntarily pause. The tent was filled with seasoned veterans wearing armor and exuding a formidable aura.

As Su Li entered, their curiosity was evident as they looked at him.

“You are Su Li?” Li Jing, surrounded by the generals, scrutinized Su Li as well.

Standing tall with an imposing demeanor, Li Jing silently admired him and showed a hint of approval.

Su Li nodded to Li Jing and the others, saying, “Greetings to the acting duke and the esteemed generals.”

“Consort, come over here. We don’t pay attention to formalities in the army. Let’s get straight to the point.”

Su Li then noticed two sand tables placed near Cheng Yaojin. Various terrains were displayed on the sand table, accompanied by a collection of small flags of different colors.

War game simulation?

This method was highly practical and could comprehensively assess a general’s skills. As the initiator of this assessment, Cheng Yaojin naturally became the facilitator.

“Lord Su, originally, I intended for Duke Dai to directly test your knowledge of military strategy, but he decided to use this method. Rest assured, this question is something I spent days pondering and came up with. No one knew about it beforehand, so don’t think I’m giving you an unfair advantage by revealing it.”

Su Li smiled and nodded in agreement with Li Jing. He knew that given Li Jing’s status, even if he directly inquired about his understanding of military strategy, it would be reasonable. However, Li Jing opted for this more competitive method.

He also wished to gauge Su Li’s grasp of military strategy through practical application. Su Li couldn’t help but feel a growing admiration for Li Jing.

Next, Cheng Yaojin presented the question.

“The enemy is pursuing 50,000 light cavalry. We have 5,000 infantry and 2,000 cavalry. The terrain is as shown on the sand table.”

With the question posed, the military leaders automatically divided into two groups, standing in front of the two sand tables.

Su Li and Li Jing began issuing orders, while the officers Cheng Yaojin had summoned to assist followed their commands, placing various flags on the sand table.