Chapter 151 The Beast Attacks Li Longji

"Haha, Qilang is still good at dealing with the Tibetans! He drives them away with a piece of bone!"

When Li Longji learned of Li Xuan's tactics in the big tent, he laughed and summoned Li Xuan into the tent.

Inside the big tent, Li Longji sat on the couch, and a fragrance wafted into his nose.

There are silver-plated incense burners on both sides, and petal wheels made of pure gold on the bases.

There are colorful flowers on the tables, chairs, jade desks and shelves.

Splendors from all over the world are folded above, with strips of gauze hanging horizontally.

The tassel gems are gorgeous and the jade carvings are magnificent.

The place is as magnificent as a palace.

There is a curtain in the depths, and a stunning figure is behind it, seemingly combing her hair.

"I am only speaking the truth. It is Tubo that overestimates its own capabilities and does not appreciate our kindness. It even wants to become an enemy of the Tang Dynasty."

Li Xuan bowed to Li Longji first, and then bowed to the curtain.

Back then, when Princess Wencheng entered Tubo, she brought hundreds of volumes of classics and other books, covering history, agriculture, handicrafts, medicine, etc.

They also brought various grains and vegetable seeds, as well as various silk brocades.

There are also many craftsmen, doctors, farmers, and handicraftsmen.

Coupled with the interactions with the Tang Dynasty, the life of Tubo changed dramatically.

It can be said that the reason why Tubo can now be mentioned together with the Tang Dynasty and the Arab Empire is directly related to the help of the Tang Dynasty.

"That Tibetan deputy envoy even smashed the cow bones and sucked the marrow out of them. This guy is very confident!"

Li Longji felt that Enlanda Zhalugong was quite bold and seemed like a person with personality.

But Li Longji had never heard of such a famous general in the Tubo army. Instead, he often saw Meilu Xiequ and Mojie Sangdongzebu in battle reports.

"If he wants to eat the bone marrow, he needs a stone. I only need one fist to break the ox bones. If he wants to fight with me, I will send his head back to Chang'an."

Li Xuan said to Li Longji confidently.

Enlanda Zhalugong's achievements were prominent in later generations, but Geshu Han in history really overcame all obstacles and drove Tubo away from Qinghai and Jiuqu, so that they dared not look north.

"I believe in Qilang's bravery! Qilang's ability is not only to lead thousands of troops."

When Li Longji thought of Li Xuan's ability, he no longer had any concerns about Enlanda Zhalugong.

He remembered the name and waited to see when Shichiro could be killed or captured alive.

As it was getting dark, Li Xuan accompanied Li Longji for dinner.

Before leaving, Li Xuan brought some barbecue for Li Yuying.

When Li Longji learned about it, he immediately ordered the imperial chef to send a portion of the meal to each of Li Xuan's relatives for the next few days.

The next day, the army continued its march.

In the afternoon, we arrived at Xianyang Plain, the venue for the military performance.

Xianyang was originally a very large plain, including Wugong, Xingping, Xianyang, Jingyang, Qianxian, Liquan and other counties. It is the burial place of emperors of various dynasties, such as Zhouling, Maoling, Qianling, Zhaoling, etc.

The place they came to was an area near Zhongshan, which had long been surrounded by the imperial guards.

Except for those who participate in hunting, other passers-by and civilians are not allowed to pass.

Even the people who need to weed the fields.

They could only pray that their crops would not be destroyed by the hunting imperial guards and the hunting dignitaries.

Every large-scale hunting event will inevitably cause a group of people to shed blood and tears.

Led by Chen Xuanli, the army conducted a military exercise and then went hunting.

After the hunt, the princes and nobles began to compete in hunting.

On the third day, the martial arts performance began.

Li Longji was wearing golden armor and looked very majestic.

He was riding his favorite Arabian horse Zhao Yebai, preparing to inspect the soldiers.

Li Xuan also wore armor, rode a Ferghana horse, and followed Li Longji.

Behind them was a team of Yulin Lang, including Li Xuan's fifth brother Li Lang.

After that came the officials and their entourage.

There were as many as 70,000 imperial guards assembled here for the military parade.

Other imperial guards set up checkpoints outside to block the way.

The wind was blowing hard, flags were fluttering, and the team stretched for more than ten miles.

Li Longji rode his horse and stopped at the viewing platform before wandering among the troops.

The Imperial Guards may not be good at anything else, but they are better at this kind of ceremonial etiquette than the border troops.

All that could be heard the entire time was the roar of horses, and the soldiers had only two words to say: "Long live!"

No matter where Li Longji went, the imperial guards would shout "Long live" three times.

"Qilang, how are the border troops and the imperial guards?"

Li Longji was very pleased and asked Li Xuan beside him.

Looking at such a scene, he thought that the imperial guards all had fierce fighting power, especially his Yulin Guards and Longwu Guards.

"The armies in Hexi and Longyou that I command are unable to achieve such a formation."

Li Xuan bowed on the horse.

Indeed, being a member of the Imperial Guard requires training in marching etiquette, which is a compulsory course.

They did better than the Border Troops!

But nothing more.

When they were lined up, they lacked an iron-blooded temperament.

Even among the Yulin Guards and Longwu Guards, few soldiers had seen blood. Moreover, they were never well trained, so if they encountered border troops on the battlefield, they would be defeated in one blow.

"Encourage him!"

Li Longji thought that Li Xuan admitted that the border troops were inferior to the imperial troops, and he felt more comfortable.

After the martial arts performance, the imperial guards began hunting.

Under Chen Xuanli's command, team after team of infantry and cavalry left in an orderly manner.

They have to go to each hunting ground, search for prey, divide the area, and eliminate hidden dangers.

To facilitate the entry of princes and nobles.

This was a very strenuous job for the Imperial Guards, and one of the few challenges in their careers.

It has to be done by tomorrow morning!
This is also in line with the "Xia Miao". The meaning of the ancient Xia Miao is to train soldiers' night marching and fighting capabilities, as well as combat skills.

At the same time, at the instruction of Li Longji, Gao Lishi read out the etiquette to the princes and nobles, and anyone who dared to waste the gifts of heaven would be severely punished.

"God is merciful and kind. Young animals, pregnant animals, bird eggs, and bird nests must not be hunted or destroyed. When rounding up and capturing them, gaps must be left and not all must be caught in one net..."

After Gao Lishi finished reading, the emperor's carriage continued to move forward.

We must reach the vicinity of Zhongshan before nightfall and wait for the imperial guards to finish their hunt.

Only officials of the third rank and above, all of whom were princes and ministers, were qualified to participate in free hunting.

The princess and the prince are both of the first rank, so they are naturally eligible to participate.

Those princes and heirs also wanted to make their presence felt in front of Li Longji.

Other ministers brought their families to enjoy the outdoors, make friends, have fun, and hold various games.

He just needs to wait for the results!

The imperial guards continued to hunt and probe in various ways, and informed Chen Xuanli of the information of each area.

For example, where deer appear and where there are many footprints of wild animals.

Some areas are in bad locations, and it’s hard to spot even a rabbit or a pheasant.

Especially at this season, hares and pheasants are easy to hide.

If the princes have more beasts in their starting area, it will be easier for them to get a rank.

Of course, Chen Xuanli would definitely tell Li Longji the best position.

As for the rest, it depends on Chen Xuanli's mood.

The imperial guards worked non-stop for a day and a night, and after completing the hunt, they reported to Li Longji.

To be fair, each team consisted of fifty people, including the emperor, and the hunt lasted two days.

Two days later, the harvest was counted and rewards were given out.

The princes, ministers, princes and princesses all had slaves who served as hunters.

If there are not enough household slaves, knights can be selected from the imperial guards to fill the gap.

The area where Li Longji was located was a little southwest of Zhongshan.

Although there are many shrubs and trees here, the grassland is abundant and close to water, so it is obviously a place favored by wild animals.

The area around Li Longji is also good, and it is the hunting ground for the prime minister and the prince.

"Saint, shall the Imperial Guards follow you?"

Chen Xuanli said to Li Longji.

"The Imperial Guards just need to guard the perimeter and don't disturb my prey!"

Li Longji waved his hand, not wanting thousands of imperial guards to follow him.

"Saint, there may be a giant beast here. Are you safe?"

Gao Lishi reminded Li Longji again out of concern for his safety.

"Qi Lang is as powerful as a thousand men, why should he fear the giant beast?"

With Li Xuan by his side, he felt at ease.

Gao Lishi stopped persuading him. He saw Li Xuan riding a horse, which gave him a feeling of incomparable confidence.

In addition to Chen Xuanli and Gao Lishi, Yang Yuhuan was also on this trip, accompanied by two female officials.

Yang Yuhuan changed into a pink blouse and a green long skirt, holding the reins with one hand, looking dashing and heroic.

There were more than ten vehicles driven by Yu Lin Lang. In addition to tents and hunting tools for the night, the vehicles were also used to load prey.

Among the other Yulin Guards, there were more than a dozen sharpshooters, and some were experts in capturing prey alive.

They are skilled at catching prey alive on horseback, using ropes or nets.

A group of more than fifty people marched towards the hunting ground in a mighty manner.

"The saint's heroic demeanor remains as strong as ever!"

Gao Lishi sighed when he saw Li Longji riding his horse and waving his whip.

He could see that the sage was trying to prove his grace to Yang Yuhuan, so he couldn't wait to go hunting in this season. "Would you like to shoot a wild beast, Mr. Gao?"

Li Xuan said beside Gao Lishi.

"It was OK in the past few years, but now I can't even draw the bow."

Gao Lishi waved his hands quickly. It would be a big disappointment if he missed a few arrows.

"The first prey will be taken by the Saint, and Qilang will start chasing again!"

Before reaching the destination, Gao Lishi gave Li Xuan a reminder.

Li Xuan nodded in agreement!

This kind of game is like polo. The emperor has to take the first shot, and can only play after his entourage cheers "Long live the emperor".

Li Longji was good at archery and often went hunting. He was sure to catch up with his prey and hit it with a few arrows.

Yang Yuhuan couldn't shoot a bow, but she could ride a horse, and her riding skills were average.

Li Longji kept running and turning his horse, waiting for Yang Yuhuan, looking very majestic.

The team can only slow down and not complain.

It took them about a quarter of an hour to reach the outskirts of the hunting ground.

The grass and trees are lush, and wild animals can easily hide.

Except for Yang Yuhuan, everyone stared with eyes wide open, trying to find the first prey to appease the saint.

Since this is a good place, there must be a lot of prey. Maybe Chen Xuanli has already driven the prey here.

Li Xuan had sharp eyes and saw a head poking out from a place hidden by bushes, then quickly retracting.

It thought no one had noticed it.

Li Xuan rode his horse to Li Longji and reported to him: "Your Majesty, there should be a deer in the bushes 200 steps in the direction of my finger."

"Yuhuan, watch me shoot it to death."

Li Longji believed Li Xuan's judgment, took out the carved bow from the bow bag, said something to Yang Yuhuan, and immediately rode away.

Li Xuan also rode his horse and followed not far away.

A team of Yulin Guards was separated and prepared to block on both sides.

"Hey..."

The sound of horse hooves was getting closer and closer, completely startling the wild deer lying behind the urn. It no longer held out for luck and jumped up and ran away.

Although deer run fast, their endurance is limited.

It ran eastward and was intercepted sideways by the horses of several Yulin Guards.

It had no choice but to turn around and run north.

After chasing for half a minute, they startled two rabbits and several pheasants.

But Li Longji only had eyes for the deer.

He didn't take ordinary small wild animals seriously. With the cooperation of his personal guards in blocking the deer, and with Li Longji riding Zhao Yebai, they were able to catch up with the deer that had slowed down quickly.

Another half a quarter of an hour later, Li Longji was only a hundred steps away from the deer.

Li Longji's bow was a six-bucket bow, which was unable to kill the deer at this distance, so he could only move closer.

The deer ran more and more panicked. It suddenly stepped on air and somersaulted. When it stood up and continued running, its speed slowed down again.

In a blink of an eye, the wild deer was only fifty steps away from Li Longji.

Li Longji had already taken out the arrow and put it on the bowstring.

"call out!"

After running a dozen steps, Li Longji loosened his fingers.

The arrow hit the wild deer in the buttocks, causing it to fall down and unable to get up again.

Concentrating on injecting a deer, Li Longji found passion but was exhausted. He sighed in his heart that he was no longer young.

"The power of the saint!"

Li Xuan, who had been following behind, shouted loudly when he saw Li Longji hit the first target.

"The power of the saint!"

The other Yulin guards raised their bows and arrows and drank along with Li Xuan.

Li Xuan rode his horse to the wild deer, picked up the still-living deer and presented it to Li Longji.

This wild deer is the muntjac of later generations. It is not too big, probably about thirty pounds.

"That's right! Put the prey in the car, and start your performance! Initially, it will be mainly shooting and rope hunting, and then other methods will be used later."

Li Longji ran for a long distance and was very tired, but he could not admit that he was weak, so he asked Li Xuan and others to hunt as soon as possible.

Li Xuan understood and prepared to let Li Longji rest for a while, then ordered the Yulin Guards to drive some prey to the vicinity of Li Longji.

Accompanied by several Yulin Guards, Li Xuan rode his horse in the direction of the rabbits.

After a while, a rabbit was startled a hundred steps away from Li Xuan.

"call out!"

Li Xuan drew his strong bow, raised his arrow and shot.

The rabbit a hundred steps away rolled a few times and then stopped moving.

If Li Xuan had chased the wild deer just now, it would definitely not have taken him more than quarter of an hour.

The horse charged forward, and the moment the wild deer jumped up, Li Xuan was confident that he could kill it.

All the Yulin Guards admired Li Xuan's archery skills.

While walking around the grassland, Li Xuan saw a wild deer running away from under a tree.

"call out!"

Li Xuan jumped on his horse and chased after it. The Ferghana horse charged forward. One hundred and twenty steps away, Li Xuan raised his bow and shot the wild deer to death.

This was bigger than the wild deer that Li Longji had just killed. Along the way, he shot and killed several wild rabbits, a pheasant, and a musk deer.

When Li Xuan returned, he found that there were a lot of prey in the car. In addition to rabbits, there were more than a dozen larger prey such as wild deer and roe deer, and some of them were captured alive.

The guards chosen by Chen Xuanli were all good hunters. After discovering the target, three or five of them would work together on horseback and could easily capture prey such as wild deer alive.

Even more ferocious wild boars and leopards are no problem.

In this situation, it's hard to lose.

Afterwards, with the cooperation of Chen Xuanli, dozens of riders drove a wild deer and a roe deer to Li Longji, asking Li Longji to shoot them.

Li Xuan saw that one of the doe was pregnant, which many experienced hunters could see but chose to turn a blind eye.

He saw columns of smoke rising into the sky in the distance. It was obvious that some princes and nobles found it difficult to hunt, so they used fire attacks to drive out their prey and then hunt them down.

Fortunately, these princes were not fools and knew how to draw lines on the ground to control the fire.

"It is said that there is a leopard in Zhongshan and a wild boar in the forest. Who will help me kill them?"

When they arrived at the foot of Zhongshan Mountain, Li Longji wanted to do something exciting.

"No, sage. There are still many deer in the wilderness for you to hunt. There is no need to be in danger."

Chen Xuanli immediately persuaded Li Longji.

His plan was that the saint would hunt on this side today and hunt on the other side tomorrow, and he would definitely be able to return with several carts full.

He did place quite a few medium-sized animals here.

This is why the resources here are rich.

"It's okay, I have Qilang by my side!"

Li Longji pointed at Li Xuan and said.

"Your Majesty, in the forest, besides pigs and leopards, there are also snakes and insects. I can only defend against pigs and leopards, but not snakes and insects. Please think twice, Your Majesty."

After Gao Lishi glanced at Li Xuan, Li Xuan came out to stop Li Longji from seeking excitement.

If anything happened to Li Longji at this time, regardless of how much responsibility he would have, the strategy he had formulated would be completely futile.

"Yeah... Sanlang shouldn't go, and Qilang shouldn't go either."

After hearing about the snakes and insects, Yang Yuhuan tried to persuade Li Longji.

"That's fine!"

Li Longji thought to himself, this is the case. Deaths from snakes and insects happen every year.

Li Xuan breathed a sigh of relief. It was not because he was afraid of wild boars and leopards. He had no hunting experience. It would be bad if he made a wasted trip and returned empty-handed, thus dashing Li Longji's expectations.

That afternoon, another ten or so medium-sized prey were caught.

By dusk, the Yulin Guards began to set up camp.

This time, Li Longji's tent was not as luxurious as before.

When setting up camp, eunuchs kept coming over to determine Li Longji's specific location and needs.

In order to save face, Li Longji refused to return to the main tent and did not allow a large number of Yulin Guards to follow him.

Li Linfu rode over on horseback and saw the cart full of prey. He admired Li Longji's prowess, saying that he was still as powerful as he was in the past.

He came here to report on several local matters. Li Longji was annoyed when he heard it, so he let Li Linfu handle it himself.

After Li Linfu left, the group barbecued around the campfire.

Li Longji suddenly went hunting once in a few years and felt much more relaxed physically and mentally.

At night, Li Longji did not go to sleep, but watched the stars in the wilderness with Yang Yuhuan.

The moonlight is as bright as a thread, and the sky is full of stars.

Being away from the high walls and deep palaces, but in the boundless wilderness, the quiet state of mind made Li Longji feel particularly comfortable.

A powerful person needs spiritual comfort in his old age, and Li Longji believed he had found it.

The Yulin Guards did not dare to get close to disturb them and could only keep watch from a distance.

Li Xuan was not in the mood to sleep. He looked at the moon in the sky, envious of the moon for not being happy with the outside world, nor sad with itself.

"Sanlang, what is that..."

Yang Yuhuan was with Li Longji. She looked around and suddenly found a pair of eyes glowing in the night.

"It's a leopard, protect the king!"

Li Longji took a quick look and saw that the thing was rushing towards him and Yang Yuhuan at lightning speed.

Just now, in order to prevent anyone from disturbing his mood, he drove the Yulin Guards a hundred steps away.

Although there were Yulin Guards in front and behind him, the number of people was limited and it was impossible for them to be on guard at such a long distance.

Moreover, the leopard crawled out of the bushes and appeared less than a hundred steps away...

(End of this chapter)