Chapter 48 - Come On, Big Brother, Test Your Skills!

"You can't say that…" Su Dingfang watched as Su Li beat his chest, stamped his feet, shook his head, and smiled, taking Princess Changle's hand. "Her arsenic is my medicine!"

"If there is no eternal happiness, how can I be noble one day?" Su Li said.

To put it bluntly, as a time traveler, Su Li's stumbling in this unfamiliar era was enough to leave him frustrated. But Su Li was just an ordinary person in his previous life, lacking the knowledge and skills he needed now.

While he had read about salt refining and soap making in novels, he struggled to remember the exact process for a long time. As for taking the imperial examination to become an officer? Forget it. He hadn't passed the college entrance examination in his previous life, let alone become a class monitor. How could he become an officer through the imperial examination and govern a region after time travel?

Furthermore, the system he possessed was of little use. Until he married Princess Changle, he had to rely on it…

To be honest, Su Li contemplated starting his life anew.

"Besides, Princess Changle and I are now husband and wife. As husband and wife, we are one. You and I share happiness and adversity together. Brother, you can't speak of this anymore. Besides, who said Changle can't wake up?" Su Li's words remained as firm as ever.

Princess Changle heard these words, but they only brought a fleeting warmth after the disguise was stripped away. Su Li's voice was gentle and resolute, just as it had always been.

This brought joy to Princess Changle's heart, as it meant that Su Li didn't look down on her as a disabled person with a frail body.

However, after Su Dingfang's words revealed the truth, deep self-blame, and guilt spread within Princess Changle's heart.

Although Su Li unwaveringly chose her as before, even defending her, Princess Changle knew deep down that Su Dingfang was right.

As long as she remained unconscious, everything was a mere illusion.

Su Li still couldn't pass on the family line and continue the lineage…

Su Li had simply married a useless person, and if she truly died like this, she would leave Su Li with nothing.

Even if she wasn't buried alongside him, Princess Changle would likely be left alone in the princess's mansion.

Princess Changle wished to wake up as soon as possible. She had never felt such a strong desire. She no longer wanted to live like a disabled person, incapable of doing anything. She yearned to tell Su Li loudly that she loved him and wanted to become his true wife and bear his children. She longed to see his face and feel his touch. She wanted to hold Su Li's hand firmly and unwaveringly, just as he had held hers.

She… couldn't leave Su Li anymore.

"I… I really can't do it, brother. Please go ask the teacher…" Su Dingfang attempted to speak but was earnestly interrupted by Su Li.

"We can't dwell on these thoughts, big brother. Today should be a happy day. Why do you keep bringing up these matters?" Su Li interjected.

Su Li understood that Su Dingfang was concerned for his well-being, but marrying Princess Changle was a great blessing for him.

Besides… it would be too naive to seek help from Li Jing.

Due to his photographic memory, many of Su Li's hazy memories became clear.

He knew that Li Jing's position during the Zhenguan period was precarious.

Su Dingfang, as a fourth-rank officer, had no contact with the core of power. He was unaware that Li Jing treaded carefully with every step he took.

Now that Su Li and Changle were already married, what use would it be for Su Dingfang to ask Li Jing? Thinking that Li Jing could persuade Li Er to annul the marriage was truly outlandish.

The result couldn't be changed, so where should Li Er's dignity be placed? If Li Jing were to intervene, it would only further jeopardize his already precarious political environment.

Seeing Su Li's serious expression, Su Dingfang opened his mouth but ultimately held back his words. The atmosphere turned awkward and silent for a moment.

"Alright, let's not bring this up for now," Su Li said with a smile, attempting to ease the tension.

With the matter settled, Su Li called in the female officer and maid, instructing the female officer to take Princess Changle away, leaving only Su Li and Su Dingfang in the room.

"Brother, You are a general of the country. How skilled are you in martial arts?" Su Li asked curiously.

Just moments ago, Su Li had been lamenting the fact that although his attributes had greatly improved and he had acquired the Overlord's Halberd Technique, he had no point of reference to gauge his own strength in the Great Tang. And now, he suddenly had an older brother.

Su Li knew Su Dingfang's future better than anyone. If it weren't for Li Er's suppression, Su Dingfang might have already made a name for himself and risen to the top ranks of the Tang Dynasty.

Taking advantage of this opportunity, Su Dingfang could help Su Li gain a clearer understanding of his own strength.

"Leading troops in battle is no easy task, but those who can physically overpower me can be counted on one hand!" Su Dingfang replied confidently, speaking about his area of expertise.

Su Dingfang was highly skilled. While serving under Dou Jiande and Liu Heita, he achieved numerous military exploits due to his bravery and was always invincible on the battlefield.

However, during that time, Su Dingfang was merely a brave general who could control the situation on a small battlefield. Without a sufficient military strategy, he couldn't change the ultimate direction of the war.

Later, he had the fortune of being valued by Li Jing, who taught him the art of war, allowing Su Dingfang to truly accumulate knowledge in this field.

Unfortunately, after studying military strategy under Duke Li Jing, Su Dingfang only had the opportunity to participate in one battle before being sidelined. He had few chances to demonstrate his skills and apply what he had learned, leaving him uncertain about his proficiency in military strategy.

However, martial arts were more intuitive. Su Dingfang had been in the army and had an easy way of assessing the specific skill levels of the famous generals of the Tang Dynasty.

Su Dingfang was renowned for his bravery and martial prowess. He was a fearless general who was always willing to take the lead under the command of Dou Jiande.

Moreover, Li Jing personally stated that when it came to bravery on the battlefield, only five individuals in the entire Tang Dynasty could surpass Su Dingfang. Li Jing's evaluation carried significant weight, and it was a source of pride for Su Dingfang.

Unfortunately, despite Su Dingfang's exceptional bravery and martial skills, his capabilities were limited to small-scale battles and skirmishes on the battlefield. Throughout history, only a few individuals, such as the hegemon, could reverse the world situation through their martial prowess. This was precisely why Su Dingfang followed Li Jing and learned the art of war.

Even if one was incredibly powerful, without the ability to be invincible like an overlord, one could only fight against tens of thousands of soldiers on the battlefield. If they were to encounter Li Jing, a renowned general in the world, they could easily be outmaneuvered and defeated.

After all, every human has their limits.

"So powerful?" Su Li said while beaming with joy.

This was truly a pleasant surprise. After all, Su Dingfang wasn't famous for his martial arts prowess. However, considering the confident demeanor of his elder brother Su Dingfang, claiming that only five individuals in the entire Tang Dynasty could defeat him, it didn't seem like an exaggeration.

With this knowledge, Su Li could compare himself to Su Dingfang and quickly ascertain his position in the Tang Dynasty.

"On the battlefield, individual bravery alone cannot determine the outcome of a battle…" Su Dingfang shook his head upon seeing Su Li's surprised expression.

"I don't agree!" Su Li shook his head and spoke to Su Dingfang excitedly.

"Come on… Big brother, it has been a long time since we last met. Let's test each other's skills!"