Section 6: Famous Generals
Jiaozuo Shigandang also nodded, saying, "What the village chief and the second in command said is correct. Since we have become deserters, it is merely to save our lives, and there is indeed no need to get involved in further disputes"
Xiao Dapeng finally spoke, "Zhang Xutuo is a person of exceptional strategy, with military tactics that are almost divine. The most terrifying aspect is his extraordinary martial arts, possessing the courage to face a thousand men. Moreover, he treats his subordinates like brothers, and they are equally valiant, able to take on a hundred foes. Back in the day, the righteous army leaders Pei Changcai and Shizihe led an army of twenty thousand to attack Licheng, and Zhang Xutuo, unable to gather his forces in time, actually led only five riders into battle."
Xue Burin, upon seeing his confusion, helped him unravel this mystery. "Commoner, last night, another person came to inquire about news. It is said that Zhang Xutuo has dealt a crushing defeat to the rebel Wang Bo in Shandong, swiftly defeating Zhai Rang at Wagang. Du Fuwei has also been forced to retreat to the Jianghuai region, resting and recuperating, not daring to show his face. Although the Sui Dynasty is engulfed in turmoil with frequent uprisings, the renowned general Zhang Xutuo is still present, so it is likely that the rebel forces will not amount to much. Given this situation, let us discuss and decide that it is better to remain prudent and quietly accumulate wealth." Although the Sui Dynasty is engulfed in turmoil with frequent uprisings, the renowned general Zhang Xutuo is still present, so it is likely that the rebel forces will not amount to much. Given this situation, let us discuss and decide that it is better to remain prudent and quietly accumulate wealth.
Xiao Buyi supported him and asked, "Fat Huai, what is the matter?"
After finishing his bath, Xiao Buyi carefully considered the matter and decided to consult his reincarnated father, Xiao Dapeng, before releasing Han Xue
Casting his gaze towards the crowd beside him, he found that, apart from Mo Feng and Fat Huai who looked bewildered and incredulous, Jiao Zuo and Shi Gandan were also rendered speechless, their faces displaying a sense of alarm, which only intensified his desire to meet Zhang Xutuo.
Xiao Dapeng wwwhetushu.com and Xue Burin do not engage in other businesses, solely focusing on horse trading. This decision is certainly made with long-term considerations in mind, yet Xiao Buyi's abilities have instilled in them an inexplicable confidence
After Xiao Buyi recovered from a serious illness, all the horses in the stronghold appeared to be in high spirits, as if Xiao Buyi had taken their illness upon himself.
Indeed. At this moment, everyone wore a grave expression, their faces reflecting concern.
They certainly do not know that the person possessing the abilities of Xiao Buyi is not particularly skilled in other areas; however, when it comes to riding, training, raising, and selecting horses, he is undoubtedly an expert.
The two entered the assembly hall laughing and joking, but upon seeing everyone looking at them with serious expressions, they also put away their smiles, saying, "We apologize for being late."
Xiao Buyi feigned anger and struck Fat Huai, saying, "Thank you for the reminder"
Xue Burin slapped his thigh, filled with joy, "The commoner is indeed clever, hitting the nail on the head. Over the past few months, we have discovered that the commoner possesses a talent for horse breeding, which undoubtedly resolves a significant problem..."
In the end, Xiao Buyi managed to control his thoughts; he did not consider himself great, but he was determined to adhere to his principles
Xiao Buyi understood their ambiguous intentions and could only smile, "Is it still early when the sun is already high in the sky?"
Xiao Dapeng continued: "Zhang Xutuo was surrounded and fought fiercely, with blood flowing like a river, yet it was as if he were in a place devoid of people. Later, when reinforcements arrived in the city, the righteous army instantly collapsed like a landslide, revealing a glimpse of Zhang Xutuo's exceptional strength. In the future, when you encounter this person, be sure not to provoke him"
Although aware that the technique is certainly clumsy and unrefined, recently wielding the knife has indeed produced a vigorous momentum. Xiao Buyi takes pleasure in this, understanding the principle that a clumsy bird must fly early
Xiao Buyi nodded slightly, appearing to understand somewhat.
At that time, during the autumn harvest, the soldiers were all busy with their livelihoods at home said Xiao Dapeng with a smile
Practice more now, and in times of difficulty in the future, it may very well save your life
Were they all defeated by Zhang Xutuo alone? Xiao Buyi could not help but ask
Shanzhai does not have strict rules; many matters are primarily based on negotiation
Everyone nodded in agreement. Selling horses sounds simple, but in practice, it presents considerable challenges. The first issue is horse illnesses; if one does not know how to treat them, it could lead to significant financial losses.
Gazing at the solemnity of the crowd, Xiao Buyi felt no fear, only curiosity. Suddenly, a sense of ambition arose within him; one should not be like CNN, but rather aspire to be like Zhang Xutuo, commanding respect and admiration from all sides
"Is Zhang Xuduo really that impressive?" asked Mo Feng, somewhat skeptical.
Xiao Buyi was taken aback; in his memory, apart from Zhai Rang, the leader of the Wagang, both Du Fuwei and the scholar Wang Bo were quite unfamiliar to him
Were you tired last night?" Pang Huai lowered his voice, wearing a mischievous smile.
"The village chief is looking for you." Pang Huai expressed some surprise, "Buyi, you are up so early; we were still hesitating whether to call you."
Yet in my heart, I wonder, is Zhang Xutuo truly fierce? Can one be brave yet lacking in strategy, and expect soldiers to heed his commands?
The stout locust tree stood in solemn respect, "Although I have been holding back for a long time, I must still take care of my health; life is still long ahead."
Xue Burin patted Xiao Buyi on the shoulder, "Buyi will joke around, we discussed for a day and finally reached a consensus, deciding to officially start the horse trading."
Gently covering Han Xue with a blanket, Xiao Buyi silently walked out of the wooden house to breathe in some fresh air. He first attended the morning class and then ran to the mountain peak to chop a thousand times before anything else.
Upon arriving at the mountain stronghold, Xiao Buyi naturally had to adhere to its rules. He took the initiative to draw a boundary, treating Han Xue as his private property, and no one would oppose this.
She is overly fatigued, clutching the hem of her garment in a protective manner, yet she has already fallen into a deep sleep. In truth, she seems incapable of protecting anything, as fragile as the fresh flowers of early spring. If Xiao Buyi were to make a move, he could possess this woman without any sense of responsibility
Xiao Buyi thought to himself, what a load of nonsense about resting, I slept perfectly well last night
The imitation relies on the mountains and waters; although it lacks the conveniences of his era, it possesses a refreshing natural charm and a unique flavor
However, although he is a minor decision-maker, it is ultimately inappropriate for him to take unilateral action regarding women. This is akin to not consuming dry rations, yet one cannot simply discard them and waste them.
Although Xiao Dapeng is older, his courage has not diminished significantly. He is capable of hunting tigers and leopards, and his position as the village chief is due not only to his prestige but also to his bravery. However, even when this figure mentions Zhang Xutuo, it is done with a sense of caution mixed with respect, and a reverence that carries a certain solemnity
Are you preparing to go out and rob again?" Xiao Buyi casually asked.
Everyone chuckled a few times, but none found it amusing
Among those present, in addition to Xiao Dapeng, Xue Burin, and other familiar faces such as Jiao Zuo, Shi Gandang, and Lai San, Mo Feng Panghuai is also here. Essentially, all the individuals from the older, middle-aged, and younger generations of the Shan Zhai community who can speak are gathered here
Xiao Buyi broke the awkwardness, saying, "Since we are trading horses, it is evident that the horse supply must be secured. I believe that with the current turmoil, there should be no issues with the shipment; the only consideration is the source of the horses."
The awake Han Xue is alluring and captivating, while the sleeping Han Xue appears pure and delicate, evoking fantasies in the minds of men
"Cloth-clad, you have arrived just in time." Everyone wore understanding expressions, and the second-in-command, Xue Burin, was especially warm and sympathetic, "Actually, we had originally planned to let you rest for a few days, but who can blame those capable for taking on more work"
Upon hearing Xiao Dapeng's description, Xiao Buyi felt a sense of serene longing and thought to himself, "This is indeed a true story, not a fabrication. Zhang Xutuo can rival Zhuge Liang of TND. While Zhuge Liang employed the empty city ruse, he merely has an empty city, without needing any strategy at all"
In the realm of literature, there is no first; in the realm of martial arts, there is no second. Everyone is a man, unflinching even when licking blood from the edge of a blade, and they seldom yield to others. However, upon hearing the name Zhang Xutuo, they all fall silent. Xiao Dapeng holds Zhang Xutuo in high regard, and there is no one who expresses dissent.
Xiao Buyi wiped the beads of sweat from his forehead, "Don't you see that I am still drenched in sweat?"
"Zhang Xuduo is not concerned with our affairs regarding travel and books." Xue Burin finally broke the silence, "He has now been promoted to the governor of Qijun, leading the special envoy for the capture of criminals across twelve counties in Henan, overseeing the promotions of officials in Henan. We are far away in Mayi, and our interests do not conflict with his. Moreover, we are no longer bandits but have turned to horse trading; he should actually encourage us."
Xiao Buyi was somewhat puzzled, not understanding why soldiers also needed to farm. However, Xue Burin continued to explain, "Buyi, the current system in the Sui Dynasty is the militia system. Soldiers are called to arms during wartime and farm during peacetime. However, serving in the military can exempt one from taxes and labor duties, which is why many people prefer to be soldiers. Zhang Xutuo loved his soldiers as if they were his own children, so he allowed his subordinates to return home to farm. Pei Changcai and Shizihe took advantage of this loophole to attack Licheng."
After descending the mountain, Xiao Buyi was drenched in sweat. He walked over to the stream beside the mountain and roughly washed himself. Thinking of Han Xue, a faint smile appeared at the corner of his mouth, wondering whether she would thank him or disparage him if he sent a bucket of clean water over at this moment
Upon arriving at the assembly hall, a person rushed out in a hurry, nearly colliding with Xiao Buyi.
However, according to what Jiaozuo said yesterday, Wang Bo and Du Fuwei are both ranked ahead of Zhai Rang, which clearly indicates that in Jiaozuo's mind, Zhai Rang can only be ranked third at this time. Yet, these three extraordinary figures were all defeated by Zhang Xutuo; could it be that Zhang Xutuo is indeed divine
Xiao Buyi got up early and saw Han Xue curled up in the corner of the mat like a little cat
Where has the horse of others gone? This time, the one asking the question is Xiao Buyi
Xiao Buyi found it somewhat strange, unable to comprehend why they had changed so quickly