Strongest Soldier King

The competition results were related to everyone's future, and no one dared to be careless. Under the scholar's leadership, everyone came to Luo Zheng for a discussion, seeking to understand the truth. Their intention was very clear, and Luo Zheng understood, nodding with a smile, "You're all too polite. What's there to hide? If I were hiding something, that would mean I'm quite capable, and I do wish that were the case."

"If you're unwilling to speak, that's fine. Others might not know, but I know very well the character of your military district's commander; he's definitely not someone who would bend the law for personal gain. Having been selected by such a commander to compete, you must have some exceptional strengths. We are a team, comrades-in-arms. I hope there are no barriers among us; unity and sincerity are the keys to victory, don't you think?" the scholar earnestly said. Indeed, as someone selected to be a captain, his words were measured and matched his style of command.

Luo Zheng faced this calmly and responded, "I will firmly obey your commands, please be assured."

"Let's drop it, we're all brothers. Tomorrow we will fight side by side, there's no need for such seriousness. Let's talk about flowers instead," the gardener said with a chuckle, interrupting the conversation, "Brother, your knowledge of flowers is almost on par with mine. Could it be that like me, you also enjoy tending to flowers?"

"My family was poor, so I helped my mother grow some to supplement our household income. Over time I've learned a bit, I'm sorry if it's laughable," Luo Zheng explained.

"How vulgar! Flowers are an elegant affair; how could you use them to make ends meet?" The gardener said with a feigned agonized stance, not truly meaning to blame Luo Zheng.

"Elegant? Can elegance be eaten? Where we come from, flowers are the best fertilizer. Buried in the ground, they enrich the soil for the next year's crops that feed our families," the farmer said disdainfully, "Elegance is for the ladies. We're men; our job is to provide for our families. I think using it to supplement the household is just fine."

"Amitabha, blessed be. Flowers, too, have life. Buddha says, 'Each flower is a world.' One of you trades a world for mere trinkets, while the other directly buries the world underground. Alas, this is a sin, a sin indeed," the monk muttered to himself.

Seeing the situation, the scholar could only offer a wry smile. It wasn't appropriate to say anything, so he simply kept quiet while observing Luo Zheng, only to find that Luo Zheng remained indifferent and didn't join in the banter. This realization suddenly struck him; it was Luo Zheng intentionally diverting the topic, and more importantly, with just one sentence, he had shifted the attention away, demonstrating his deep understanding of the group.

With that thought, the scholar grew even more convinced of his judgment. Luo Zheng was no simple character. Just as he prepared to take over the conversation and shift focus back to Luo Zheng to see how he would respond, someone knocked. It was a guard from the Command Center, saying that the commander had something to discuss and asked Luo Zheng to come.

Luo Zheng responded and after greeting everyone, he hurried out the door, full of confusion. Why would the commander want to see him? Soon, Luo Zheng followed the guard to the Commander's office, knocked on the door, and sure enough, the commander was there, seated across from the Commander. Hurrying in, Luo Zheng saluted. As for the guard, he closed the door and left.

"Have a seat, don't be shy," the Commander said with a smile.

Luo Zheng became even more puzzled. He stole a glance at the commander, who appeared calm. Relieved that it was nothing serious, Luo Zheng sat down without further ceremony and respectfully inquired, "Commander, do you need something from me?"

"Oh? I specifically had the guard say it was your commander looking for you; how are you so sure it was me who summoned you?" the Commander inquired with a smile in his eyes, as if testing Luo Zheng.

"The commander just left my side a short while ago, and besides, this is the Group Army headquarters. Even if there were an urgent matter, it could have been discussed back in the guest room; there'd be no need for someone to call me over. Upon entering and seeing you here, I surmised it must truly be you seeking me, not the commander," Luo Zheng hastily explained.

"Hmm, interesting. Do you know why I wanted to see you?" the Commander asked with an approving smile.

"Considering our interactions, there's only one thing you could want with me, the competition. I've performed poorly these past days, and you've publicly criticized me already, so it's unlikely you want to lecture me again. Moreover, the commander looks unfazed, so it can't be bad news. Since it's not bad news, it must be good news. Every competitor is outstanding, definitely stronger than me. I can't understand what good news could possibly come my way," Luo Zheng earnestly explained.

"You're composed and rational; very good. Little Li, you've recommended a fine soldier," the Commander said, laughing heartily, looking at the commander with satisfaction. Then, turning to Luo Zheng, he continued, "Analyze it further. What could be the reason for me seeking you out?"

"Thank you for the praise, Commander," Luo Zheng gratefully said, stealthily glancing at the commander, who remained as unperturbed as ever, showing no signs of what he might be thinking. Luo Zheng managed a smile and said, "Since the Commander has asked, I will attempt to analyze it. If there's something amiss, I hope you will be lenient."

"Leniency is guaranteed, haha," the Commander chuckled, finding Luo Zheng's maturity beyond his years, along with his sharp thinking and clear logic quite interesting, and began to jest.

"There's only one thing on my mind right now, the competition. With every moment on the field ever-changing, no one can truly anticipate every motion, so giving timely advice can't be the case. Even if it were, it would be given to the captain, not me. So, there's only one thing left, the captain's authority. Rest assured, Commander, I will steadfastly follow the captain's lead," Luo Zheng said solemnly.

"That's not it. Guess again, and don't evade the question. Say what comes to mind," the Commander said with a smile.

"Err?" Luo Zheng paused, wondering why he'd need to be evasive. What could he not say? Could it be the position of captain? But he didn't want to be the captain, so why play coy? Wait a minute? With that thought, Luo Zheng looked at the commander, who was conversing pleasantly with the Commander. Could it be?

"What did you think of?" the Commander asked warmly.

"I've thought of something, but I dare not believe it. Commander, has the commander spoken to you about me? That was just nonsense, not to be trusted," Luo Zheng awkwardly explained.

"Whether it's trustworthy or not, I'll be the judge of that. But you, you've played your cards close to the chest, even fooling me. If it weren't for the commander explaining things to me, I would still be in the dark. Deceiving a superior is an offense. Do well in the competition, and I'll let it slide; otherwise, I won't spare you when you return," the Commander said sternly.

"This..." Luo Zheng looked helplessly at the commander.

"Commander, Zhengzi had good intentions. It was all for the competition. Maybe let's forget the punishment?" the commander awkwardly suggested.