The First National Preceptor of the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 221

The other ten people stared in disbelief. One of the villagers stepped forward and said, "Grand Tutor Xu, although you can use the vegetable greenhouses to protect them from the wind and snow in the cold winter, what about the prickly pear and hawthorn trees?"

Xu Tian's eyes lit up, and he stepped forward and patted him on the shoulder: "This is a good question, brother. We only need to apply heat-insulating coating to the trunk to ensure that the willow tree can survive the winter normally."

This way, the willow tree won't freeze to death, and the grafted part only needs to be covered with a cotton quilt. Woody plants are definitely much better at withstanding the cold than herbaceous plants.

When everyone saw that Xu Tian's feet were red from the cold, and then he walked out of the farmland, Niu Er was moved to tears and said, "We were wrong. Grand Tutor Xu, you are a good official, but we kidnapped you for a few cartloads of grain!"

Xu Tian was somewhat speechless, then patted Niu Er on the shoulder and said, "In this chaotic world, who doesn't have their own troubles?"

Hearing this, Xu Tian felt a little emotional and was speechless for a moment. He didn't expect that his words would successfully comfort Niu Er and the others.

General Wang was stationed in Baishitun and drilled his soldiers every day, which Niu Er had long admired.

"Grand Tutor Xu, inspired by you, we have decided to turn over a new leaf and wish to serve under your command."

General Wang happened to walk by and overheard this, and immediately burst into laughter.

"This general welcomes them most. The deputy general will take them down to register."

General Wang walked up to Xu Tian and said, "Grand Tutor Xu has finally resolved these matters and can now come to your residence for a banquet."

Xu Tian was somewhat helpless, then clasped his hands and said, "I shall accept your offer."

As the two were preparing to return to the frontier, a young man in fine clothes immediately blocked their way.

"You're Xu Tian?"

Xu Tian saw that the newcomer was hostile and felt somewhat helpless. Was this person here to cause trouble again?

"Who is your Excellency?"

"I am Fang Yi'ai, and I've come here specifically to challenge you, Xu Tian!"

General Wang glanced at Xu Tian and found that the latter had no expression whatsoever, and even a hint of naivety in his eyes.

General Wang was speechless, then burst into laughter and said, "Since you are the son of Fang Xuanling, then come back to the border with me. Do you dare?"

Fang Yi'ai pulled the reins back and sneered, "What do you mean I'm afraid of him? Do you really think I'm afraid of him?" Seeing the tension between the two, General Wang was very satisfied.

The three returned to the mansion together, and there was no need for a banquet. General Wang took the two directly to the martial arts training ground of the general's mansion.

Fang Yi'ai walked directly to Xu Tian's side and said, "You know why I'm here."

Xu Tian simply nodded and said, "You did this for Princess Showa."

At this point, Xu Tian was speechless again. He had no intention of pursuing the princess, but Fang Yi'ai was very fond of Showa and regarded him as a rival in love. Xu Tian had no choice but to accept his challenge.

"He's still a man!"