PFC Chapter 603 Li Zhentao's Recommendation
Chapter 603 Li Zhentao's Recommendation
When Wu Shuangquan said this, he looked at Wu Tianyan closely. His eyes seemed to want to use all the love in his life to carve this son who he regarded as the most precious thing in his life into his heart.
His eyes were slightly red. "Yan'er, I have never had a biological child to support me in my life, but since I had you, I have someone who can take care of me by my bedside and take care of me until the end of my life."
Wu Shuangquan paused slightly, a gentle smile appeared on his face involuntarily, and his voice became much softer unconsciously.
"My life has been full of ups and downs, but since I met you, my life has finally found real meaning."
"Becoming your father and your son is the best luck I've ever had in my life."
He gently patted the back of Wu Tianyan's hand, the calluses on his hand caressing Wu Tianyan's skin, and then continued earnestly: "Yan'er, don't dwell on those things in the past."
“In life, no matter what situation you are in or what decisions you make, never regret it.”
"It's like playing chess. Every move is like a major life decision. Once it's made, it can't be changed."
It was I, Wu Shuangquan, who firmly chose you, and from that moment on, I have never wavered or regretted it."
"I don't think from the bottom of my heart that if I go to Xianyang, I can live a better life than now."
"Look, now I have you and my lovely, sensible grandson. We all have the surname Wu, and our family is reunited. This is the most precious happiness, a priceless treasure that cannot be exchanged for any amount of fame, fortune, or wealth."
Wu Shuangquan turned his head.
"Life is like a game of chess; make your moves without regret. Instead of dwelling on the regrets of the past and feeling sorry for yourself, it's better to straighten your back and stride forward with determination into the future."
“No matter how rough the road is, we must keep going.”
He held Wu Tianyan's hand tightly.
"So, I've never regretted anything in my life. Don't overthink it anymore. Live your life well. That's what's most important."
As he spoke, Wu Shuangquan used up the last of his strength, slightly turned sideways, and moved slowly.
He trembled as he took out a stack of banknotes from behind his pillow.
Because of long-term storage, those banknotes were covered with dense wrinkles and the corners were badly worn. Every wrinkle and every bit of wear and tear told of Wu Shuangquan's daily cautiousness.
"My father was at least a captain at the Mingzhou Port Shipyard back then. Even though the Chamber of Commerce dismissed me, they remembered our past friendship and never treated me unfairly."
His voice was weak, but more of it was a relief from the past.
"This money is all saved by me through years of frugality and saving, penny by penny."
"Now, I'm afraid I won't have the chance to spend it."
"You, take all these banknotes and buy some delicious food and fun things for my precious grandson, so that he can grow up happily and without worries."
"I...I may not be able to stay with him for much longer."
Wu Tianyan's hands were shaking violently as he carefully took the stack of banknotes.
This stack of silver notes is very thick, with some being five taels, some being ten taels, and at the bottom being two one hundred taels. If you count them carefully, the total amount is about one thousand taels of silver.
Looking at these wrinkled banknotes, Wu Tianyan, who had always been as strong as iron, could no longer control his inner emotions and tears welled up in his eyes.
He lowered his head, his shoulders shaking violently, and sobbed, "Dad... Dad!"
At the same time, in the Mingzhou Port Naval Commander's Mansion, the aroma of tea wafted in the air.
Li Zhentao's face was full of enthusiasm and a warm and hospitable smile. He respectfully handed a pot of freshly brewed tea to Li Ji with both hands.
"General Li, please try my Mingzhou Rainforest Longjing tea. How does it taste?"
Li Ji nodded slightly, stretched out his hand, took the teacup, and took a sip.
As the tea went down his throat, he narrowed his eyes slightly, savoring it for a moment, then slowly shook his head with a helpless yet slightly self-deprecating smile on his face. He waved his hand and said, "Oh, Zhentao, it's such a waste to give such good tea to me."
"I'm just a warrior. I've spent most of my life charging into battle, fighting and struggling. I've lived a life of blood and swordsmanship. I only know how to wield a sword. How can I appreciate the aroma of tea, which is so particular? I simply can't taste the uniqueness of this tea."
"In my opinion, this tea is far inferior to wine. Far, far!"
"Wine makes my blood boil and my spirits soar. After taking a sip, my whole body feels relaxed. But I really can't appreciate this tea. I'm not lucky enough to enjoy it."
Hearing Li Ji's words, Li Zhentao smiled. He didn't show any displeasure at all and said cheerfully, "Okay, since the old general thinks the wine is better, I'll go get it for him right away."
"We have a lot of good wines hidden in Mingzhou. We have a wide variety of varieties, including the mellow and smooth rice wine and the fragrant and sharp soju. You will definitely enjoy your drink and leave satisfied."
As he said this, he stood up and walked briskly to get the wine.
Li Ji quickly waved his hand, motioning him to sit down, and with a kind smile on his face, he said, "Don't bother. Let's have this tea."
"I'm old now, and my health isn't what it used to be. Drinking is bad for my health, so I'd better drink less."
"Tasting tea occasionally can improve one's moral character and change one's taste. It allows one to experience this elegant lifestyle and feel a different kind of enjoyment in life. Maybe even show off one's elegance."
After hearing Li Ji's words, Li Zhentao, who had just stood up and taken a step to get the wine, sat back down.
Unable to suppress his doubts, he looked at Li Ji and asked, "May I ask why you came to Mingzhou Port, General?"
"Is it something important?"
Li Ji put down his teacup, his expression slightly straightened, a trace of solemnity appearing on his usually amiable face. He sighed softly, his tone revealing an eagerness: "As for seeking talents, although our Tang Dynasty is a strong country with a strong army and horses, and the people live and work in peace and contentment, we still need pillars of talent to strengthen our border defenses and protect our country."
"Looking for talent?" Li Zhentao was slightly stunned, with a puzzled expression on his face.
In his opinion, the Tang Dynasty is now full of talents, and the imperial examination system is booming, continuously supplying fresh blood to the court. There is no shortage of outstanding talents in all walks of life, and there are many wise ministers and generals in the court.
"The Tang Dynasty is now full of talented people. Are you still short of talents, General?"
He paused, leaned forward slightly, and said, "I wonder what talent the old general is seeking?"
"I have lived in Mingzhou for a long time and have a wide network of contacts. I am well-informed. I know everyone from high-ranking officials to ordinary people. Perhaps I can carefully identify and recommend a few people for the old general to help him solve his problems."
Hearing Li Zhentao's words, Li Ji slowly shook his head, frowned slightly, and looked serious.
"It's easy to get a thousand generals, but it's hard to find a general."
"What I seek is a commander who can command a vast army and win battles thousands of miles away."
He paused briefly, then continued, "An excellent commander must not only possess exceptional military talent, be proficient in military tactics and strategies, and be able to deploy troops with ease, but also possess the insight to seize fleeting opportunities on a complex battlefield."
"We must have the ability to make decisive decisions, act promptly at critical moments, and not drag our feet or hesitate."
"More importantly, one must possess extraordinary leadership skills, able to convince his soldiers to obey him wholeheartedly, unite them as one, and be willing to fight for him to the death."
"Talents like this are truly rare and can only be found by chance."
Hearing Li Ji's words, Li Zhentao's eyes suddenly lit up, and his voice rose slightly. "Old General, you are looking for a talented general? Coincidentally, I actually have someone under my command who might catch your eye. Would you mind meeting him?"
"This man has followed me for many years. He is gifted in military affairs, extremely intelligent, and has unique insights into military tactics."
"He has accompanied me on numerous campaigns, displayed bravery and resourcefulness on the battlefield, and achieved numerous military exploits."
Li Ji frowned upon hearing Li Zhentao's words. He had originally planned to stop by Mingzhou Port for a short rest before taking a boat to the border.
Along the way, wherever he went, the local officials who heard that he was looking for talents were all very enthusiastic and recommended their trusted subordinates to him.
But in Li Ji's view, those who were recommended were as far away from the talented generals he longed for, and could not meet his requirements at all.
Thinking of this, Li Ji wondered in his heart whether the person recommended by Li Zhentao was also like those before, not worthy of the reputation and just a facade?