The next morning, Old Liu brought the generals and personal guards to the training field behind. They ran first, then the personal guards trained in various subjects. Old Liu and the generals fought in groups to improve everyone's kung fu as soon as possible.
Other than Xu Huang, who no one knew about, everyone else's kung fu had already been revealed. Now, it was Old Liu and Guan Yu sparring, Yan Liang and Wen Chou were in the same group, and the remaining Lu Xiang was naturally going against Xu Huang.
Lu Xiang's kung fu wasn't very good. Among Old Liu's generals, the kung fu of the others was much better than theirs. Therefore, the two brothers had put in a lot of effort. After practicing with Old Liu and the others for the past few months, although they still couldn't compare to the others, they had greatly improved compared to before.
Today, he was not at a disadvantage in his match with Xu Huang. In addition, he had more battle experience than Xu Huang, so he had the upper hand at the beginning. After a hundred rounds, Lu Xiang's innate strength was not as good as Xu Huang's, so he had used all his skills, but he was only able to tie with Xu Huang.
The others also wanted to see Xu Huang's kung fu, so after practicing for a while, they came over to watch the two of them compete.
The others didn't think much of it, but Old Liu was a little confused when he saw that Lu Xiang had fought Xu Huang for so long without showing any signs of defeat. He knew that Lu Xiang's martial arts had improved, but Xu Huang was a general during the Three Kingdoms period, on the same level as Zhang Liao and Wei Yan. How could he be so weak? When he saw Xu Huang's weapon, Old Liu finally understood.
According to the historical records, Xu Huang used a huge axe. However, the Xu Huang in front of him was the same as Lu Xiang. He was also holding a spear, so naturally, he could not display his strength. Moreover, the weapon that everyone used would also have the effect of increasing or decreasing one's martial arts to a large extent. The Xu Huang in front of him was obviously not suitable to use a spear.
Hence, Old Liu stopped the two of them and said to Xu Huang,"Gongming, I don't think it's suitable for you to use a spear. You used to use heavy weapons when you practiced martial arts, right?”
"That's right, my lord. I used to use a big knife. Today, I didn't have a suitable weapon, so I used a long spear.”
"How about this, Gongji lend your saber to Gongming, and you and Lu Xiang compete again to see the result?”
This time, with Yan Liang's fifty-two jin saber, Xu Huang's kung fu had indeed improved a bit. After less than fifty rounds with Lu Xiang, Lu Xiang already had no strength to fight back.
Old Liu stopped the two again," Gongming, go to the weapons shop on the street and buy a suitable weapon. When we return to Wuji, I'll ask Ou Peng, the manager of the blacksmith shop, to forge a weapon for you. You'll know what kind of weapon is suitable for you then."”
After thanking Old Liu, Xu Huang returned the saber to Yan Liang. Yan Liang had seen Xu Huang's saber technique just now. Although it was not as good as his, it had a certain level of maturity. With time, it would definitely improve. It seemed that the lord was good at judging people. That black kid Zhang Fei, Guan Yu, and Xu Huang were not famous generals, but the lord could actually discover them. The lord was indeed smart. He had to work hard. The title of the number one general under the lord had been taken away by Guan Yu. He still had his sworn brother Wen Chou in front of him. If he didn't improve his skills, if another general came in the future, he might even be able to advance…
He couldn't even keep his third place.
He had nothing to do in the morning. Seeing that the personal guards had already completed the required training, Old Liu suddenly had an idea. He asked Lu Xiang to find a servant to sew an oval cloth ball. Then, he wrapped it with a layer of cowhide, sewed it, and brought it over. It had to be fast. Lu Xiang accepted the order and left.
On the other side, Old Liu led everyone to find some lime and painted the field into a miniature football field. There was a goal on each side, about fifteen feet wide and ten feet high.
When they were done, Lu Xiang came back with the sewn ball. Old Liu saw that it was shaped like a football and weighed well, so he picked it up and walked to the center of the field. He called a player over to stand the ball up. Then, Old Liu took a few steps back, ran up, and kicked the ball out.
Old Liu wanted to kick the ball into the goal, but although he was very strong now, playing football required skill. Therefore, when he kicked the ball, it did not go to the goal. Instead, it flew high into the sky. No one knew where it went. Old Liu hurriedly asked the guards to find the ball. It was good to have more people. Soon, everyone found the ball.
He asked everyone to gather around. Old Liu picked out twenty-two people and divided them into two groups of eleven people. Then, he told everyone the rules of English football. Those who didn't understand were asked questions by Old Liu. Old Liu patiently explained to everyone. When everyone was basically clear, Old Liu was the referee. He found a few assistants and told them the rules. Then, the twenty-two people began to play.
At first, they didn't know why Old Liu wanted them to play this game. But when they gradually got familiar with the game, the people on the sidelines saw the benefits. This kind of activity not only trained their bodies, but also improved their flexibility, endurance, and flexibility. It also strengthened their cooperation. Only by cooperating with each other could they win.
Old Liu set the competition as the first half and the second half. Each half was half an hour, and there was a 15-minute break in between. When the competition was over, everyone was exhausted. Only the winner was exceptionally happy. Old Liu asked the kitchen to add more dishes for everyone at noon. The winner would each receive a thousand coins as a reward.
There were also some members who suffered minor injuries. Fortunately, Zhiqing was here now, so these minor injuries were quickly treated by her.
After lunch, Jian Yong led Old Liu to Guo Sheng's house in the afternoon with some gifts.
When they arrived at Guo Sheng's mansion, Old Liu was shocked. He had bought the mansion of a minister who was originally one of the three princes, but it was not as big as Guo Sheng's mansion. One could imagine how greedy Guo Sheng was. There were two gatekeepers at the door, but they ignored them when they saw them. Jian Yong stuffed a bag of money into one of them and asked him to report that Liu Bei from Zhuo County had come to visit. Seeing that the bag of money was indeed a lot, the gatekeeper went in to report.
It wasn't long before a person who looked like a butler came out of the manor. He sized up the two of them without saying a word.
Jian Yong hurriedly stepped forward and stuffed another bag of money into his hands. Only then did the butler say,""My lord has invited Liu Bei from Zhuo County to enter.”
He followed the butler into the gate and passed through a few courtyards before arriving at Guo Sheng's study. Guo Sheng might have known that Old Liu had given him priceless treasures, so he…
He made an exception and actually welcomed Old Liu at the door.
Upon seeing Guo Sheng, Old Liu and Jian Yong hurried forward to greet him,""This commoner Liu Bei greets my lord."
"Get up, Xuande, why are you so late? Yesterday, the emperor asked about us and said that it has been twenty days. Why hasn't Liu Bei come yet? It's good that you're here.”
With that, she pulled Old Liu into the study.
Looking at the decorations in the study, there were jewelry, jade, antiques, corals, and so on. Every piece was top grade. It seemed that Guo Sheng would not be satisfied if he did not bring out some real things today.
Old Liu took out all the gifts that he had brought. Guo Sheng had already seen some small gifts in Wuji. They were nothing special. Not until Old Liu took out a crystal ball did Guo Sheng's eyes glitter. Holding it in his hands, he couldn't bear to part with it.
"Xuande, why are you being so polite with us? You are the emperor's relative and also our friend. If there's anything you need, just say it. I will definitely help you.”
"Lord Guo, you are too polite. It is only right for Liu Bei to show filial piety to you. Besides, the matters in the palace are all dependent on your guidance.”
"That's true. There's no one in the palace that I'm not familiar with. Xuande, since you're the emperor's relative, the emperor will definitely give you the title of township marquis or even county marquis and reward you with some money. Also, based on your military achievements, I reckon that he will also reward you with an official position. Do you have any ideas? Do you want to be an official in the court or a prefect in another place?”
"I already have an idea, but I still need Daren's help in this matter.”
"I have an idea. Then tell me, what kind of official do you want to be?”
"I heard that my uncle, Liu Yan, has returned to the court to be an official. The current Youzhou provincial governor is still vacant. I wonder if you can take on this important task?”
"You want to be a provincial governor? " Alright, it seems that I was right. Liu Bei is indeed capable. You know that as long as you are willing to pay, you can be an official of any size. If you want to be a provincial governor, you have to give the Spirit Monarch at least 20 million coins. Can you do that?"”
He could achieve his goal with 20 million yuan. Of course, Old Liu could do it. His own money was far more than that. With the Zhen family's money, it would be a piece of cake. However, he couldn't show it. Otherwise, he would definitely be blackmailed by Guo Sheng.
Hence, Old Liu pretended to think for a moment before answering,""20 million is indeed a little too much. I can ask my father-in-law to help me, but I'm afraid it's not enough. Lord Guo, it seems that I still need your help. Can you give me less so that I can raise more money?”
"Xuande, I'll be honest with you. With the gifts you gave me today, you don't have to think about it anymore. I just need to get the emperor to agree. I need to help you find two people to help. Of course, I need some of your rare items to pay for this.”
"Alright, then it's all up to Lord Guo. When you came, other than your share, I also prepared some things.”
After saying that, he took out some crystal glass accessories that Jian Yong had brought with him and placed them on the table.
Guo Sheng saw that these things were indeed good, but compared to…
It seemed that Liu Bei really valued him and gave him the best. Then, he would help him this time. With his enthusiasm, he would probably benefit a lot in the future.
"That's enough. I want to give these things to the two leaders of our constant attendants: "I've already made arrangements with Zhang Rang and Zhao Zhong. With these things, it shouldn't be a big problem. However, Xuande, there are still some ministers in the court who have been at odds with our chamberlain. You have to find a way to resolve it yourself. Don't let them ruin your plans."”
"Alright, I will think of a way to resolve the matter of the officials in the court. As for the matter in the palace, I will rely on Lord Guo.”
"Alright, Xuande. When you become the provincial governor in the future, don't forget about our family.”
"Lord Guo, don't worry. Liu Bei is not the kind of person who would burn bridges after crossing the river and be ungrateful. No matter what, Liu Bei will never forget your kindness.”
"And Xuande, since you have arrived in Luoyang, I will report to the Emperor in the next few days and arrange for you to meet him. Don't go too far, I will send someone to your home to inform you.”
"Yes, I won't travel far. I'll listen to Lord Guo's arrangements.”
After chatting about some other miscellaneous matters and seeing that they had achieved their goal, Old Liu and Jian Yong bid farewell to Guo Sheng and left his study.
Hearing Guo Sheng's voice that was neither male nor female, coupled with the strange smell in the room, Old Liu couldn't stand it anymore. Finally, they left the Guo Mansion. Old Liu let out a long sigh and turned to Jian Yong,""Xian He, I really don't want to deal with these eunuchs. In the future, you should handle this matter.”
"My lord, do you think I'm willing to do it? It's just that sometimes, in order to achieve our goals, we have no choice but to do it. Therefore, when it's time for you to appear, you still have to come.”
Thinking that Jian Yong's words were right, Old Liu sighed and did not say anything else.
Since there was nothing else to do in the afternoon, Old Liu asked Jian Yong to bring him around Luoyang and take a look at the Zhen family's business.
As expected of the largest city in the Han Dynasty. Whether it was the scale of the city, the planning of the streets, or the construction of the houses, Old Liu was amazed. He could not let Dong Zhuo burn down such a beautiful city. Now, in Old Liu's mind, besides the original goal of eliminating the Yellow Turban Rebellion, there was another goal: burning Luoyang must not happen.
They looked at the Zhen family's jewelry stores, inns, and hotels in Luoyang. They were the last to arrive at the hotel. This hotel called Hebei Restaurant was very big. It was a three-story wooden building. When they entered, it was almost dark and it was time to eat. However, the business of the Zhen family's hotel was not very good. In the huge hotel, there were only a few tables of guests.
The hotel manager knew Jian Yong and knew that he was sent by the Zhen family. Seeing that he had brought a young master with him today and was so respectful to that young master, he hurriedly came out to welcome them and invited them to sit in a cubicle on the second floor.
Old Liu said," There's no need. Let's just sit in the hall on the first floor. I want to try your dishes today. Bring me your best dishes."”
Jian Yong quickly introduced Old Liu to the shopkeeper. He heard that he was the son-in-law of the Zhen family…
The innkeeper had already received the letter and knew that the son-in-law in front of him was the real master of the Zhen family. He quickly went forward to greet them and invited them to the private room on the third floor for a meal.
Old Liu quickly said," There's really no need. I just want to understand the situation of the hotel today. Let's sit here. There aren't many people anyway. Shopkeeper, come over too. I have something to ask you."”
"Yes, Young Master. If you have anything to ask, feel free to ask.”
The three of them sat down in a corner. "Shopkeeper, is this the case here every day?" asked Old Liu.”
"Young Master, my surname is Wang. You can just call me Old Wang. Our location here is not the most prosperous place in Luoyang, so there are many guests during the holidays.”
"Does our hotel have many dishes? How does it compare to other hotels?"
"We can do whatever other hotels can do. The price is cheaper than those hotels in prosperous places, and the quality of the food is about the same.”
"Alright, then I'll eat first.”
After a while, a few dishes were served. They were similar to what Old Liu had eaten in Zhending. There were preserved pork, steamed pork, steamed Yellow River carp, a few stir-fried vegetables, and a pot of vegetable broth.
She tasted it and found it to be alright, but after all, anyone would get sick of eating the same dishes.
After dinner, Old Liu said to Shopkeeper Wang,""Old Wang, let me give you a few ideas. I guarantee that our hotel will be full every day.”
"That's great. It's just that Young Master, we've thought of many methods but none of them worked.”
"If you do this, from tomorrow onwards, our hotel will be closed. Hang a big sign in front of it saying that the hotel will be opening in three days and will be launching new dishes. Within ten days of opening, all dishes will be 20% off. You don't have to worry about the rest.”
"Good! Good! I'll go and make arrangements now. Our hotel is all up to Young Master.”
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