Spring search can also be called spring collection (sou).
To search means to select. When animals are pregnant but not yet fully developed, they are searched and taken.
There is also a folk proverb in later generations that says: I advise you not to eat spring fish, as there are thousands of fish eggs in its belly.
Therefore, hunting, as a military activity, also has its own rules. If two sides are competing in hunting, if a pregnant female animal is found among the prey, no matter how much you hunt, you will be considered a loser.
This unconventional tradition is also a way for our ancestors to respect all mothers in nature; of course, to put it more scientifically, it is a protection for the reproduction of all things.
With the gathering of officials and military governors, the military activity called Spring Search organized by the Tang Dynasty court also kicked off.
Yang Sixu, the trembling old eunuch who was known as Liu Xingshen, stood up immediately upon seeing that all the governors had arrived, and said in a clear voice, "All the ministers and generals."
"The Tang Dynasty was founded on military power, and our founding emperor was also a horseback emperor who was skilled in archery."
"As the saying goes, a country's prosperity lies in its rich people, and a country's strength lies in its strong army. Hunting is a real combat test for soldiers who have been in the army for a long time."
"It not only promotes the coordination between officers and soldiers, but also tests the bravery of the soldiers. Therefore, this activity has never been interrupted since the founding of the Tang Dynasty."
"During this spring hunt, the two princes, Prince Ji and Prince Shou, are hunting in Kunming Lake to compete for the position of Crown Prince. All the generals and ministers have already chosen the side they want to support. So, I hereby announce that the spring hunt has officially begun."
As soon as Yang Sixu finished speaking, he heard the roar of cannon fire breaking through the air; then, countless palace maids fluttered out like butterflies flying through flowers.
They lined up in long, winding queues, like long dragons decorated with flowers in their hairpins, and walked towards the seated court officials and local officials.
All of these palace maids were pretty ladies with charming and graceful figures; but without exception, they all held a tea tray with wine on it, which was obviously meant to be given to officials and high-ranking officials of the local governments.
Then, several more actors, swaying with unrestrained and heroic dance moves, rushed to the center of the platform and began to dance slowly and steadily; their dance moves were vigorous, like warriors on the battlefield, galloping among thousands of troops.
There is a sonorous song, which starts out low and gradually becomes loud, and then becomes majestic and mighty; it is like a stream flowing into the sea, turning into rolling waves and sweeping across the sky.
"The banners and flags are connected to the sky, the flying horses chase the stars and lightning; the silver moon shines brightly, and the tigers are chased across the cliffs and streams..."
The song is heroic, with a hint of war and iron horses, and it sings out the heroic spirit of men hunting in the fields, riding horses to hunt at night and chasing tigers under the stars.
Amidst the wine and hunting songs, Yang Sixu, who was at the head of the group, continued, "Spring hunting is a tradition of the Tang people and a test for our soldiers. This spring hunting, our first test is hunting."
"Everyone, including the governors, commanders-in-chief, and colleagues, can send out a hunting team to participate in the hunting competition. The number of people is one team, and the time limit is three days."
"When the three days are up, the hunting teams must gather here to count the prey and determine the winner."
"Now, we will be limited to the hunting songs of the actors. You must select the contestants before the singing stops. Let's start now." Yang Sixu's eyes drooped and he gave the request with an indifferent look on his face.
Hunting, in Zhu Li's impression, is hunting on horseback.
He had been struggling with emotional distress these past few days and had not deliberately inquired about related matters. He only became alert when he was about to appear.
As soon as Yang Sixu finished speaking, Zhu Li suddenly realized that this so-called hunting competition was not as simple as he had imagined.
Upon hearing Yang Sixu's request, all the vassal states looked solemn, which made Zhu Li's heart tremble. Could it be that there was something fishy about this hunting
become
Otherwise, why do these important officials who are in charge of guarding a place look so solemn
With this doubt, he turned his head to look at Yuchi Jin with a shy face, and said with a light cough: "Jin, uh, Chief Yuchi, you and I are both supporters of the King of Shou, but Zhu has something unclear, may I ask you for advice?"
At this time, Yuchi Jin was frowning slightly, obviously considering the issue of who to choose for the hunting trip.
Suddenly hearing Zhu Li's voice, she looked over with an impatient look on her face and said bluntly: "General Zhu, I don't know what advice you have. Let me first state that I may not be able to answer your question."
Seeing the other party's impatient expression and hearing the tone of rejection, Zhu Li's eyes dimmed and his old face became hot. However, he still said, "General Manager Yuchi is joking. I just think that hunting is nothing more than horseback hunting. Why don't we just send a few good horsemen to participate in the hunting competition? Why do everyone look so solemn?"
"Could it be that you have something else to worry about?"
Before he finished speaking, Zhu Li looked at Yuchi Jin expectantly; he really didn't know what these high-ranking officials were worried about.
However, meeting his gaze, Yuchi Jin's pretty face changed three times in an instant, first from white to red, which meant she was swollen; then from red to purple, which meant she was holding back.
Obviously, Yuchi Jin almost burst out laughing at Zhu Li's almost idiotic question.
Fortunately, Zhu Li asked her this question. If he had asked others, they would have thought that Zhu Li was testing them. After all, for any authentic Tang person, this is common sense.
Fortunately, Yuchi Jin knew Zhu Li quite well; she knew that although he was an idiot, he considered many important matters in a longer-term and more profound way, which was something that many people could not achieve even if they flattered him.
Although he was quite capable, this guy actually knew nothing about many basic common sense questions. Looking at his curious look, Yuchi Jin's heart suddenly softened for some reason.
Although she was very hostile to Zhu Li now, she couldn't bear to see him being treated as an idiot, so she sighed and said, "I'm afraid the general doesn't know the difference between ordinary field hunting and competition hunting."
"In ordinary hunting, the soldiers who participate in hunting can set up nets to wait, set fire to drive the prey, or ride horses to hunt; but competitive hunting is different."
"In short, in the hunting competition, in addition to the above methods, there is another rule that is not a rule; that is, except for the members of your own hunting team, all other contestants can participate in the hunt."
"In this case, it is obviously not that easy to get a higher ranking."
"Also, since the founding of the Tang Dynasty, during hunting competitions, a group of soldiers can only have one general in command; the number of assistant generals is limited to one, and the rest are all strong men."
"It would be very difficult to defeat all the rivals and take the lead with such a lineup. This is why they have to consider it carefully."
Yuchi Jin explained the reason why the governor looked so solemn, which made Zhu Li also become serious.
In his understanding, this is a big melee. Not only do you have to shoot prey, but sometimes you also have to rob others. Of course, you also have to be on guard against others coming to rob you at all times. The cruelty of this is self-evident.
While they were talking, the other vassal states seemed to have already selected suitable candidates; and Yuchi Jin, who was explaining the pros and cons to Zhu Li, was busy selecting soldiers as soon as he finished speaking.
After listening to Yuchi Jin's explanation, Zhu Li narrowed his eyes slightly and immediately said, "Yue Pengju."
"I'm here." Yue Pengju, who was standing behind Zhu Li, quickly bowed in response.
"Did you hear clearly what Chief Steward Yuchi said just now
”
"I understand."
"Okay, you will lead the hunting team this time."
"promise"
Among those who followed Zhu Li south, if we talk about commanding talent, I believe no one can be more capable than Yue Pengju, who is known in history as Yue Fei, also known as Yue Wumu.
It was obviously the most suitable person for him to lead the hunting team.
The main general needs to be selected as the assistant general, and Zhu Li's side has no shortage of assistant generals; but even so, Zhu Li still has a dilemma.
Since it is a large-scale battle, an experienced scout becomes particularly important.
A squad of soldiers only has ten people, so there can be no more than two people acting as scouts. If there are more, the combat effectiveness of the entire squad will be reduced.
One or two scouts not only need to keep track of other people's movements, but also pass the news to their own side in a timely manner. Whether it is reconnaissance or transmission, it requires extremely high skills and keen insight. It is definitely not something that ordinary people can do.
Zhu Li is not without such masters around him, but their positions are too high; Yi Jiangnan and Li Gufeng, the two brothers, are actually the most suitable candidates. With their cultivation in the natural realm, they will definitely be able to take into account both reconnaissance and timely communication.
However, one of them is the commander-in-chief of the Ghost Guard, and the other is the commander of the Ghost Guard. Both are officers with the rank of general and can be generals, but using them as scouts would be a waste of talent and obviously inappropriate.
At this moment, a gentle voice suddenly came over: "I greet the general. Are you worried about the selection of scouts?"
Following the voice, Zhu Li turned his head and looked over, and what came into his sight was a charming and enchanting beauty. This person was none other than Li Tianfu's wife Yang Liuye, the former leader of the Wushen Cult of the Nanzhao Kingdom.
"My lady, there is no need to be so polite. Do you have a suitable candidate?" Zhu Li looked at the beauty and asked sincerely.
Seeing Zhu Li's attitude, Yang Liuye knew that her husband and Guan Yu's worries were obviously correct. Zhu Li's side did not have a suitable scout candidate.
"Thanks to the general, I and Alang are traveling north with three girls from the sect. They grew up in the sect and have extraordinary martial arts skills."
"Besides, each of them is good at controlling poison, and they are the best candidates for scouts. If the general needs it, I will let the girl Longjia come and serve the general." After Yang Liuye finished speaking, she looked at Zhu Li calmly, waiting for the other party's approval.
"That's great. Thank you very much then." Zhu Li was overjoyed when she heard that and there was no way she would refuse.
"General, you are too polite. It is also an honor for Longjia to be able to serve you." After saying politely, Yang Liuye said goodbye and left.
In a moment, a graceful lady with a white veil on her face and in white clothes came over.
This lady was exactly the Longjia lady in Zhu Li's memory. After not seeing her for many years, this lady seemed to be even more charming than before.
But it was true, at that time, the other party was at best a budding, innocent age; but now, Lady Longjia was obviously in her prime.
Long Jia, one of the three holy ladies of the Wushen Cult; when Zhu Li was still a young general, this lady was ordered to assassinate Zhu Li, so how could he not be familiar with her.
Zhu Li was very confident about the skills of this Lady Longjia; a few years ago, she was comparable to Zhou Chenghui and others of the Secretary General. Now, after so many years, she must be even more extraordinary.
With the joining of Longjia, Zhu Li instantly had a complete candidate in mind.
Yue Pengju is the central commander. Although Yi Jiangnan is not the best candidate for scout, he can serve as an assistant general, there is no doubt about that.
In this case, Yue Pengju, Yi Jiangnan, and Long Jia, leading seven ghost guards to hunt, is undoubtedly the best choice.