The First National Preceptor of the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 133

"What do you mean by 'how'...how did I get promoted?'" Sima Liang was getting a little impatient. "I was naturally chosen because I'm exceptionally intelligent!"

"So what exactly is your official rank? What grade are you?"

Upon hearing Xu Tian mention this, he suddenly erupted in anger, as if someone had struck a nerve.

"What's it to you? Who are you? Why are you asking so many questions?" Sima Liang said angrily. "Let me tell you, no matter where I, Sima Liang, am an official or what official position I hold, it's none of anyone's business to talk about me."

Xu Tian stopped asking. He already knew the most crucial information, so there was no need to ask any more questions.

At this moment, Sima Liang seemed to have regained some of his senses, but he suddenly seemed to have forgotten what had just happened. He stood up, looked at Xu Tian, ​​and suddenly said, "You really are a gentleman. Why don't we become sworn brothers? I'd like to hear more about what you said about making money from antiques!"

As he spoke, he grabbed Xu Tian's hand and pulled out a dagger hidden at his waist, preparing to slash Xu Tian's fingertips with it.

Xu Tian quickly pulled his hand back, looking at Sima Liang with a complicated expression: "Sworn brotherhood? Why are you suddenly bringing this up?"

"That hot pot you just gave me, what was it called? It was just what I wanted! You even paid someone to make the meatballs, vegetables, and noodles. That must have been quite a splurge for you." Sima Liang suddenly started rambling. "Oh, I see. I meant your knowledge of antiques is far too profound. You even know where some imperial tombs from previous dynasties are. How about we become sworn brothers today? In the future, when I excavate imperial tombs, you'll help me out!"

As Sima Liang approached, brandishing a dagger, Xu Tian's expression became even more inscrutable.

This guy's drunken antics are truly impressive.

Xu Tian was about to refuse, but suddenly changed his mind.

If he could take this opportunity to hand over all his belongings to the Emperor, that would be a good thing.

With that thought in mind, he agreed: "Great! After you become sworn brothers with me, we'll rob tombs together and make a fortune."

After he finished speaking, he refilled their cups and said, "Brother Sima, how about we have a drink to celebrate our sworn brotherhood?"

Sima Liang was already quite drunk, and when Xu Tian brought him another cup of wine, he tilted his head back and drank it down.

After Xu Tian saw him drink it, he poured him another cup of wine and said, "Brother Sima, it is truly my good fortune to have met you."

Sima Liang accepted the wine and nodded repeatedly: "Meeting you is a blessing indeed."

It's a blessing that you've been able to end things here. Isn't that a blessing?

Afterward, he drank cup after cup of wine, his face flushed and his head throbbed. He swayed a few times and then collapsed onto the table.

This time, he didn't wake up again; he was clearly completely drunk.

Upon seeing this, Xu Tian called out, "Brother Sima?"

Sima Liang did not respond.

Xu Tian asked again, "Brother Sima?"

Sima Liang still didn't give him any response, but simply turned over and knocked the wine cup off the table in the process.

Hearing the commotion outside, the guards immediately opened the door and went in, only to find Sima Liang already drunk and passed out on the table.

Xu Tian glanced at the guards and then at Sima Liang's men who were following closely behind, signaling the guards to deal with them.

The guard reacted quickly, turning around and kicking the group of people rushing towards him.

Sima Liang's men were caught off guard and were kicked hard down the stairs. The others frowned, and the two sides immediately started fighting.

Xu Tian watched calmly, then took out a needle and stabbed it hard into the back of Sima Liang's hand.

There was still no response.

Meanwhile, the guards had almost finished clearing out Sima Liang's men.

Xu Tian said, "Arrest them all and keep them in check."

The guards nodded and tied the group of people up tightly with ropes, stuffing a large wad of cloth into their mouths.

They looked at Xu Tian in horror and struggled, making "uh-uh" sounds.