Yang Peng found that this method was not feasible and couldn't help but feel depressed. He sighed and continued to deal with the official documents. While reading the official documents, he muttered: "I really envy the Hunjun!"
The study suddenly lit up. Yang Peng looked up and saw Jiang Li and the other two Feifeng female guards lighting up the lights in the study. The whole study lit up. He said with a smile, "Who brought it to me?" Here comes the light, it turns out to be Lili!" A blush appeared on Jiang Li's pretty face, while the two Feifeng female guards pursed their lips and snickered.
Jiang Li said: "Dinner has been prepared. Sisters are waiting for the master to have dinner!" Chen Xiao closed the official document, put the brush on the pen holder, and said cheerfully: "Stop reading, let's go eat!"...
Yang Peng only took Wang Kai with him, and both of them were walking on the street in casual clothes. It was already dark at this time, but the whole street was brightly lit, crowded with people, and the noisy and lively place was no less than during the day, and it had a unique scenery. Pedestrians coming and going, no longer in the rush of the day, are taking a leisurely stroll. Parents take their children, talented people take their beauties. In the open space in front of the big camphor tree in the distance, a group of jugglers perform. In full swing, many people gathered in a circle and applauded from time to time. Restaurants and tea shops are lively and noisy, and warblers are singing and dancing in brothels and red houses.
Yang Peng and Wang Kai looked at the artists' juggling and saw that the young and muscular artist was bare-chested and using his two thick arms to juggle a steel fork. The steel fork bounced on his arm and made a choking sound. There was a loud roar, and the moving parts were like living creatures. The people around him watched it with great interest and kept cheering. Another older artist introduced loudly next to him: "This is a true martial art passed down from our ancestors! Dear fellow villagers, , if you think our martial arts skills are still impressive, please reward us with a few small coins!" With that, he picked up a plate and came to the audience to beg for money one by one. The audience either throws one or two copper coins, and the copper coins make a crisp sound when they fall into the plate.
After a while, the old artist came to Yang Peng and Wang Kai holding a plate. Yang Peng winked at Wang Kai, who took out a small ingot of silver and put it into the plate. When the old artist saw this, his eyes lit up and he quickly bowed and thanked him.
A middle-aged man who looked like a fat businessman standing next to Yang Peng suddenly asked: "Old man, since you say that your martial arts are real martial arts, can you compare them with those warriors of our Dayan Yun? "As soon as these words came out, the people became interested, and some people with good intentions started to boo.
The old artist chuckled and said, "Guest, you are just kidding me! Although our martial arts are good, how can we compare with those world-famous Yanyun warriors!"
A young man shouted: "If you put it this way, your martial arts are not real martial arts!" Several other young people also shouted. When the young artist saw that the old artist was arguing with someone, he stopped his performance, ran to the old artist with a steel fork, stared at the young artist fiercely, and shouted: "Although our martial arts are not as good as Yan Yun's warrior." , but not afraid of others! It is more than enough to deal with you people!" Several young people immediately shouted. The young artist also had a fiery temper. He immediately threw away the steel fork and rushed into the middle of the young people with a pair of fists. A scuffle broke out between the two sides.
The people ran away one after another, but did not go far, watching the melee in front of them with relish. I saw that the young artist completely ignored the opponent's fists and kicks, and kept punching and kicking himself. Others' fists and kicks seemed to have no effect on him, but as long as his fists and kicks touched someone, they could knock them over. land. Yang Peng smiled, and Wang Kai said from the side: "This kid doesn't have any martial arts, but his brute force is amazing!" Yang Peng said: "Not only is he a brute force, but he is also ruthless! This is what we Yan It’s not uncommon among Yun generals!” Wang Kai nodded.
In the blink of an eye, several young people were beaten to the ground by the young artist, screaming in pain and unable to get up for a while. The surrounding audience applauded, and then coins and pieces of silver were thrown down like raindrops.
The old artist quickly helped the young people who had been knocked down and bowed to apologize. One of the young men rubbed his swollen cheeks and said with great admiration: "You are so awesome! I am convinced!" The other young man nodded and said: "I can't tell whether you have real martial arts skills. , but he was really strong! He knocked me over with one punch, and my chest still hurts now!" The young artist cupped his fists and said, "I'm offended! I'm offended!"
The young man who spoke first said to the other young people: "Brothers, so many of us have lost, so we have to be convinced! Come on, come on, take out all the money!" Everyone took out their money. , placed in the hands of the young man who spoke, a small handful of broken silver and copper coins, with a total value of about four or five taels of silver. The young man put this small handful of money into the young artist's hand and said, "Brother, this is the lottery we lost to you!" The young artist accepted it without being polite, and patted his chest. He said boldly and authentically: "We won't do business today, let's go drink!" The young people cheered loudly, so a few of them went shoulder to shoulder. The old artist laughed and squatted down to pick up the coins thrown by the audience on the ground.
Seeing that there was no more fun to watch, the audience dispersed one after another. Yang Peng walked up to the old artist. Seeing someone coming, the old artist stood up quickly. When he saw Yang Peng, he recognized him as the audience member who had just given him a piece of silver. He quickly bowed and asked, "What are your orders, Master?"
Yang Peng asked with a smile: "Is that young man just now your son?" The old artist nodded, with a look of pride in his eyes involuntarily, and bowed: "Young Master guessed it right, he is the little old man's son, right?" son."
Yang Peng said: "Your son has a strong physique, amazing strength, and a brave and courageous aura. Such a person should join the army. Why is he performing here?"
The old artist smiled and said: "This young master couldn't be more right! To be honest, my father and son left our hometown all the way to Tianjing New City just to participate in the competition. I hope that boy of mine can stand out! Don't ask for it. If that kid wins the championship, as long as he can enter the top twenty and the King of Yan personally appoints him as an officer in the Yanyun Army, the little old man will be satisfied. The villagers will be envious to death!" The martial arts competition in the old artist's mouth is Yan Yun's military competition. The martial arts tournament held by the royal palace has been reformed and is held twice a year, one in June and the other during the Spring Festival. Today's competitions have canceled the preliminary primaries held in various places. All stages of competitions will be held in Tianjing New City and will be managed by the Yan Palace. This year, Yang Jiumei and Yang Qi are in charge of this matter.
Yang Peng smiled and said: "Then I wish the old man that he will get his wish!" The old artist chuckled and bowed: "Thank you, sir!"
Yang Peng smiled slightly and led Wang Kai away. After walking a few steps, another scene of excitement appeared in the distance. It seemed to be a ring. Next to the ring was a large flag with four Chinese characters written on it: contest to attract a bride. Yang Peng took one look and said with a smile: "It seems like a wealthy family is competing to recruit a bride! Let's go over and have a look." Then he led Wang Kai and walked over quickly. At this time, there was already a sea of people in front of the ring, including many powerful men, and it was noisy. Yang Peng stood in the distance, stretched his neck and looked towards the ring. He saw a richly dressed middle-aged man sitting on the Grandmaster's chair beside the ring, but the lady was nowhere to be seen.
At this time, a person next to him said: "This is the Sima family's martial arts competition to recruit a bride! Hey, it's a pity that I don't know martial arts, otherwise I will definitely end up! If I can win, I will enjoy endless glory and wealth!" Another person was deeply moved. He said with the same feeling: "Yes! This Sima family used to be one of the top noble families in the Central Plains. They have a big tree and deep roots. Now they are one of the few big businessmen in the Central Plains. Not to mention being as rich as the country, they are also as rich as mountains of gold and silver!" This Sima family is truly a master. When a master like this marries a daughter, in the past, he would have to choose the top pick in the rankings. But now it is different. If you want to marry the daughter of these masters, unless you are a brave general who has won the three armies, otherwise Don’t even think about it! Hey, all my life’s books have been in vain!”
Everyone laughed, and a young man laughed and said: "Li Xiucai, you can start practicing martial arts now!" Li Xiucai shook his head and waved his hands: "No way, no way! I can't practice anything now, it's a waste! I have to retreat. The next best thing is to get admitted to college next spring, then work part-time as an official, get a wife, have children, and raise parents!" Many scholars like him nodded in sympathy. Then Li Xiucai continued: "The rules announced by Steward Sima just now are only for registration, and the official competition will not be until the Spring Festival! There are considerations for that!"
Everyone looked at Li Xiucai curiously. Li Xiucai said: "Our rule in Yanyun is that during the Spring Festival, important civil and military officials from all over the country will come back to report on their work, and the martial arts competition will also be held during the Spring Festival! During the Spring Festival, our Tianjing New City has become a place where tigers and dragons are entrenched. Only the Sima family can choose their favorite son-in-law!" Everyone nodded in agreement. Li Xiucai looked at the strong men in the distance who were eager to try, and said sarcastically: "They are all overestimating their abilities. The people chosen by the Sima family must be the legendary Yanyun warriors, and this martial arts arena is also aimed at them. Go ahead! It’s just wishful thinking for other people to get involved!”
Yang Peng couldn't help but be surprised after hearing what Li Xiucai said. He felt that Li Xiucai's knowledge was extraordinary. So he came closer, cupped his fists and said, "Li Xiucai." Li Xiucai looked at Yang Peng and didn't recognize him, so he returned the greeting, "Who is this brother? Do we know each other?" Yang Peng said with a smile, "Today is our first time. We’ll meet, but I’ve heard of Li Xiucai’s name for a long time!”
Li Xiucai laughed and said, "Thank you for your prize! What famous names do you have? Speaking of ugly names, there are quite a few!" Then he looked at Yang Peng and said, "Young master, he has magnificent weapons and extraordinary prowess. At first glance, he is a dragon and a phoenix among men." Ah! I wonder if you have any advice, Master?"
Yang Peng looked at the noisy surroundings and said, "Li Xiucai, how about we find a quieter teahouse and chat while drinking tea?" Li Xiucai smiled and said, "It's just what I want. The nearby Rongsheng Teahouse good."
Yang Peng made a gesture of invitation: "Please." Li Xiucai quickly clasped his fists and bowed: "I don't dare, sir, please." Then he led Yang Peng and Wang Kai toward Rongsheng Tea House. After walking a short distance and turning the corner, a three-story and beautifully decorated teahouse came into view. Yang Peng smiled and said: "I didn't know there was such an exquisite teahouse in the city!" Li Xiucai smiled and said: "Tianjing Xincheng is a big city. I don't know, but that's reasonable. Like me, the Prince of Yan's Palace I rarely go to the old government hall. If I go there by myself, I will definitely get lost!" Yang Peng smiled. Li Xiucai invited the two of them into the teahouse and walked towards the second floor. As he walked, Li Xiucai said: "Sitting in this Rongsheng Teahouse, drinking tea by the window and admiring the night, is one of the great enjoyments in life!"
The three people came to the second floor and looked around. The entire second floor was actually full of people, and there was no empty seat at all. Li Xiucai said gloomily: "The only bad thing here is that it's not easy to find an empty seat!"
At this moment, the waiter came up to him and said with a smile on his face: "Isn't this Li Xiucai? What a coincidence, there are no seats. Why don't you go to the private room on the third floor?"
Li Xiucai said angrily: "A few people are bored in a private room, what's the fun in that?" At this moment, a table of guests shouted to pay. The waiter responded quickly, then turned to Li Xiucai and said, "You are so lucky. There are customers paying the bill just now." Li Xiucai laughed. The waiter led several people to the table, paid the bill, and then cleared away the plates, teapots, and teacups on the table, wiped them with a rag, and the three of them sat down. The waiter saw that Yang Peng was the leader among the three, so he asked Yang Peng: "What do you guys want to eat and drink?"
Li Xiucai said: "I'm treating you today. I'll bring you a few of your best handicaps." The waiter responded and ran down. Li Xiucai cupped his fists at Chen Xiao and said, "Li Yan, I dare you to ask Mr. Gao his name." Yang Peng smiled and cupped his fists and said, "My name is Yang Mu." Li Yan thought about it secretly and felt that he had never heard of this name before. , Wei Wei feels a little strange, but then feels relieved, knowing that this name is most likely just a pseudonym. Li Yan smiled, clasped his fists and said, "I've been admiring you for a long time!"
At this time, the waiter came over with a pot of tea, three tea bowls and a few exquisite snacks. He put them all away, said "use them slowly" and went down. Wang Kai stood up, picked up the teapot and poured a bowl for Yang Pengman first, then poured tea for himself, and put the teapot back to its place. Li Yan saw this scene in his eyes and became more sure of his guess. He reached over and picked up the teapot, filled himself with tea, and put down the teapot.
Yang Peng asked: "Is Mr. Li a Confucian scholar?"
Li Yan nodded, "No scholars in the past were uncomfortable with Confucian scholars! The imperial court has always used Confucianism to rule the world, and everyone has been reborn as a Confucian scholar for the sake of fame and wealth! But it is different now. Our King of Yan values martial arts over literature, and society The atmosphere of the country has completely changed. Even scholars no longer read Confucian books. We, the King of Yan, pay attention to reality and don’t like the emptiness of Confucianism!"
"Hmph, you are obviously a Confucian scholar, but to speak like this is obviously betrayal. Don't you feel ashamed?" An old and angry voice came from the side. Yang Peng and others turned around and saw an elderly Confucian scholar glaring angrily at them. Several elderly Confucian scholars at the next table also looked angry.
Li Yan cupped his fists and said, "It turns out he is Liu Quan, an old scholar." Liu Quan lived on the same street as Li Yan. He was not admitted as a scholar until he was in his thirties. After that, he continued to take the provincial examinations but failed every time. Now, it is rare to be in his seventies. , and he’s just a scholar! But even so, Liu Quan was very proud, thinking he was superior to others, and looked down on the common people around him. However, when Yan Yunjun came, everything changed. He, a high-ranking scholar, suddenly fell from the high platform that everyone looked up to to the bottom of countless steps. The common people who had been in awe of him before dared to make fun of him! He was filled with resentment, and he hated Yang Peng and Yan Yun, whom Yang Peng had created. He prayed at home every night for thunder to kill Yang Peng, and hoped that the Khitan Kingdom could go south and sweep through the Central Plains to restore what he had lost. glory! It's just that God didn't rain thunder, and the Liao Kingdom was repeatedly defeated by Yan Yun's army. Not only was it unable to sweep the Central Plains, it also kept losing the land in its hands to Yang Peng! Liu Quan kept hearing the news of Yan Yun's victory, and his mood became more and more depressed.
Liu Quan snorted and said loudly: "How can a country be governed by deviants? Only by following the way of the saints can the world return to peace!" Several old Confucian scholars sitting next to him agreed.
Li Yan smiled and said, "Aren't the people now peaceful?" Then he raised his voice and asked the tea guests, "Do you think life is better now, or was it better in Zhao Heng's time?"
Many people, including some scholars, said: "Of course life is easier now!" A young man said: "During the reign of Emperor Taizong, the squire extorted our only one acre of land, so we had no choice but to live as tenants for the squire. After a busy year, we can barely maintain food and clothing at most. If we encounter any natural or man-made disaster, the whole family will go hungry! It’s different now. King Yan gave our family ten acres of fertile land, and our family opened another ten acres of barren hills. , we are also busy at the end of the year, but we don’t have enough food. We still have enough money to build a new house, and we go out to drink and have tea. It’s so carefree and happy! Both children are paid by the government to enter the government school! We are very happy now, haha , we couldn’t even think about it before days like this!”
Many tea guests echoed this, saying that King Yan is the true Mingjun and Holy Master. Only under King Yan can everyone have such a good life now.
Liu Quan and other old scholars were so angry that their faces were livid. Liu Quan pointed at the young man who had just spoken, and shouted: "You are really a despicable and unruly man, you don't understand what loyalty is!" The young man immediately became angry, stood up in a hurry, and said loudly: "The truth is right for me. I don’t understand! But if your saint makes me unable to eat well and wear warm clothes, I will treat him as shit! King Yan can make everyone eat, house, live and clothe, then he is a real saint!"
Countless people echoed, looking very excited. Looking at the posture, it seemed that if Liu Quan and others said something bad again, they would probably hit someone! Liu Quan and others were so angry that they almost vomited blood, and said in their hearts: "Rebellion, rebellion!" All these unruly people deserve to die! ’ I was thinking this in my heart, but I didn’t dare to say it out.
Li Yan said: "Taizong of the Tang Dynasty said, 'The people value the king more than the king. The king is a boat, named water. Water can carry the boat but also capsize it!' This means that the people's hearts are the most important thing!" He pointed. All the tea guests said: "You have already seen what the people's heart is. Whether King Yan is a wise king or a holy master, there is no need to elaborate!"
Liu Quan said angrily: "You are deviant and ignore the teachings of the saints. Sooner or later, you will not end well!"
As soon as these words came out, many people started yelling and cursing. Li Yan said: "When the emperor of the Zhao family was in power, the so-called teachings of the saints were in power. As a result, the Central Plains fell. The Zhao family's monarchs and ministers did not care about the lives of the people and just fled for their lives! But at this time, the King of Yan devoted all his strength to fight bloody battles in the Central Plains. More than a hundred battles, big and small, were driven out. The foreign race restored China! I would like to ask, which one deserves admiration for the way of the saint, or the King of Yan? Is the teaching of the saint useful, or the thought of King Yan?" Everyone agreed and asked Liu Quan to answer. Liu Quan was so angry that he felt a surge of anger in his chest, but he couldn't find any words to refute. Two facts were right in front of him, and any words were powerless in the face of the facts.
Liu Quan snorted, stood up suddenly, and said angrily: "You villains, you are so incompetent!" Then he walked away, followed by several other old men. There was a round of jeers.
Li Yan said angrily: "I don't know what to say, it's nonsense! What you say about the way of a saint is not the privilege obtained before Lianzhan! The reason why he hates King Yan and Yan Yun is simply because he has no ability to regain the privileges under King Yan's rule! In fact, Yan Yun was very kind to them. Like Liu Quan, his family had good land and a house. Yan Yun also considered that his family was only an old couple and exempted them from all agricultural taxes so that they could live in peace and quiet. This is comparable to Zhao Song has done much better! But some people just don’t know how to be grateful and always think that others owe them! After they have eaten and have nothing to do, they will come out and say bad things about Yan Yun! Such people are really hopeless! No wonder Youdao It's 'a thief who doesn't die even when he's old'!"
Yang Peng asked with a smile: "The scholars you passed during the Zhao family's time are useless now. Don't you hate King Yan?"
Li Yan smiled and said: "To be honest, I actually feel that this change came too late! It would have been great if King Yan had ruled when I was young!" After a pause, "I actually didn't like reading when I was a child. , even those who care about it give me a big headache! I only like to do practical things! However, Confucianism is in power and the imperial examination is popular. If you want to make a difference, the only way is the imperial examination. I have no choice but to bite the bullet and read the classics, and finally passed the exam Scholar! It will be difficult to go further after that. After all, my personality is really not used to reading such dead books, and there are many theories in the classics that I don’t agree with. In this case, I can only stop at being a scholar!"
He raised his eyebrows and said happily: "It's good now. The universities opened by King Yan are all for applying what you have learned, which suits my taste. I have been preparing for a long time and am waiting to be admitted to the university after the spring to further my studies. , and then go somewhere and do a great job!"
What happened after all, let’s see what happens next.
