The Grandmaster Strategist - Chapter 182

[Chapter 13 Leng Yue Silent]

The news of Huaidong was cut off, and the general Lu Can of Southern Chu asked himself to be the lord of Huaidong, but Shang Weijun did not allow him to govern. There were 30,000 people in the Jiujiang camp, 2,500 boats, and Chen Bing at Jingkou to confront the Yong army.

– “Zizhi Tongjian Yongji III”

On the second day of November, Yongdu, the residence of Princess Changle, in Linbo Pavilion, into November, the night in Chang’an was already very cold, not to mention that it had snowed a few days ago, but Jiang Zhe was about to come. Watching the moon on the lake, why didn’t Xiao Shunzi have a headache? Early in the morning, he made the fire dragon in Linbo Pavilion warm. When Jiang Zhe came to Linbo Pavilion from Hanyuan, the pavilion was already full of It was as warm as spring, but looking at Jiang Zhe’s lonely and gloomy expression, Xiao Shunzi couldn’t help but feel distressed.

Since the beginning of the Dayong South Expedition, Jiang Zhe has been living in seclusion in the mansion, never going anywhere. Except for studying in Hanyuan, he is in a daze in Linboting. These days, not only has he declined Li Zhi’s summons, but also Li Xian, Shi Yu and others. Not at all.

Xiao Shunzi naturally understood why Jiang Zhe was like this. It was a matter of time before Dayong Nanzheng, but no one expected that Jiang Zhe would be so depressed once it came true.

After a long time, Jiang Zhe suddenly groaned: “I have been working hard for a long time, and I don’t learn the way of life. I am so sick when I am young, how can I be old?”

Xiao Shunzi was startled when he heard it. Poems involving life, old age, sickness and death are often easy to become poetic prophecies. Jiang Zhe was so exhausted in his early years that Hua Fa gave birth early and almost vomited blood and died. “Although there is a slight deviation, he has also started to practice some health-preserving exercises over the years, but due to his talent, he has not made much progress. It goes without saying that “you are already sick when you are young”, if you say “how can you be old?” If it was fulfilled again, wouldn’t it be a prophecy, thinking of this, Xiao Shunzi only felt a cold sweat, and hurriedly stepped forward and said, “Young master, why did you say this, if you think that you can’t live in Yongdu, why don’t I accompany you Go back to the East China Sea?”

I said indifferently: “This time the emperor invaded Jiangnan, and he did not discuss with me the strategy of marching. Do you know why?”

Limang flashed in Xiao Shunzi’s eyes, and said, “Could it be that the emperor has developed suspicion towards the son, so he deliberately excluded him. This time the army marched south, the Pingnan Xingyuan should be set up to supervise the troops. If this is the case, Qi His Royal Highness Wang is the well-received Marshal of Pingnan Xingyuan, but the emperor has not set an decree, could it be that the emperor is dissatisfied with the friendship between His Royal Highness Qi and the son?”

I shook my head and said, “I don’t know if the emperor is suspicious of King Qi, but even King Qi did not propose to build a line. As for me, if the emperor is really suspicious, he will definitely not show such signs. He just Worrying about my nostalgia for my motherland, I don’t want to be difficult for me. What’s more, after Ping Han, the emperor has grown arrogant in his heart. He thought that it would be easy to destroy Chu. The first battle, of course, was a successful battle, and all the jade and stones were burned. Not only the emperor, but also His Royal Highness King Qi and the generals, it is inevitable to despise Jiangnan. My worries are all in this. ”

Xiao Shunzi slapped his palms and said, “Young master knows everything about Jiangnan. Could it be that Dayong will lose his troops in this battle? If so, why didn’t you explain the situation to the emperor?”

I smiled bitterly and said: “Sometimes, it is hard to believe if things are not in front of you. When the emperor and all the ministers discuss the matter of peace, even with Shi Yu’s steadiness, they all say ‘the powerful ministers in Nanchu’. We are in power, and there is Fengyi’s remnants of evil, and the generals are not in harmony. Although there are generals like Lu Can, there is no reason to make contributions to the outside world. Our army advances in an orderly manner. , occupying the middle of Shu and capturing Xiangyang, so that Nan Chu can only rely on the Yangtze River to survive.’ In this case, it can be seen that the upper class of Dayong has lost his calm. On the contrary, it is Nan Chu. Although Lu Can is controlled by the powerful ministers, he is the same enemy and united. In this battle, Dayong will definitely be defeated by Southern Chu. I have already submitted the secret letter to the emperor. I said that the victory or defeat is between the two, and I advised him not to rush to raise troops. Unfortunately, the emperor kept the secret letter and did not ask about it.

Obviously I don’t agree with my opinion, or I still think that I can’t bear to see the soldiers of my country, so I am alarmist. In fact, how can a man look forward to the future? I have been supported by Dayong for more than ten years, and I have been so loved by the emperor. , do not know the choice.

”

Xiao Shunzi said doubtfully, “Young Master, not to mention whether what Shi Xiang said can be achieved, but the generals of Nan Chu are at odds with each other, and Fengyi’s clan is interfering with it. This is indeed a fact. If you can’t control all the military power, is it possible to defeat this way? General Qin is stable and experienced, General Changsun is deep and wise, and General Pei is brave and decisive. The three are all talented generals who can take charge of themselves. How can General Lu win alone?”

I sighed: “Shang Weijun is indeed the one who wronged the country, but Zhao Long, the lord of Southern Chu, is his grandson, and he regards the Jiangshan of Southern Chu as his own, so once the situation is critical, he will definitely support Lu Can with all his strength. There is no need to go into detail about the squatting and squeezing after the victory, but it was too late for Dayong. Speaking of Fengyimen, I have some regrets. I indulged the remnants of Fengyimen because of They have not enough success and more failures, but I really shouldn’t let Wei Ying go, just because of the situation at the time, I have to do it. Although this person is ruthless and fettered by fame, fortune and hatred, his family is ruined and he lives in Southern Chu, but this person After all, he is the son of Wei Guan, and he is valued by the master of Fengyi. He is really talented and his eyes are shining. He chose Lu Can as his assistant after thinking about it. The character has long been hurt by monk Weijun. Lu Can is different from me. I like to use power and use people. All my subordinates, even if they respect and love me, have full control over their life and death. Can be decisively dealt with, Lu Can employs people with integrity, even if his subordinates have their own plans, as long as it is not harmful to loyalty, he will use it without any doubt, so Wei Ying can be used for him, there is such a person to eliminate political enemies for Lu Can. , solve problems and worries, only then can Lu Can stand firm in Southern Chu.”

Xiao Shunzi asked in surprise, “Is Wei Ying really that powerful?”

I sighed slightly and said, “The strength of this person is beyond your imagination. Since the East China Sea failed, this person somehow reached a tacit understanding with Lu Can. Over the years, Shang Weijun and Fengyi have Mendu had used tactics against Lu Can, but they were all resolved by him. The Ministry of War, Wen Cao, used tactics many times to frame Lu Can through the internal power struggle in Southern Chu, but he was also wiped out by him. I don’t know what Wei Ying did, but I found out from the clues after reading Si Wencao’s documents and Tianji Pavilion’s secret reports. Alas, Lu Can’s ability to appoint Wei Ying is beyond me, and Wei Ying can not I didn’t expect to mind Lu Can’s relationship with me.”

Xiao Shunzi thought for a moment, then said: “Sir, yesterday the emperor sent the military report to Hanyuan, Jiamengguan and Xiangyang have already fought, although there is no progress, but the defenders in these two places have absolutely no time to watch, Huaidong. The overall situation has been settled, and the court of Southern Chu can only respond. Lu Can mobilized Jingkou, Daying Town, Jiujiang, but within a month, Southern Chu has lost Huaidong. Does the son still feel uneasy about such a battle situation? How could Can lead the troops to fight now, now that the Huaidong barrier has been lost, even if Lu Can has the power to return to the sky, I am afraid there is nothing he can do.”

I turned my eyes away from Leng Yue and said, “Do you know that this time Lu Can didn’t send troops to Huaidong in time, it was not in the emperor’s expectation. The emperor’s life is not accepted, which is why he had the courage to attack Jiameng Pass. Why do you think he is willing to delay in Jianye, why Pei Yun reported that the news between Huaidong and Jianye was cut off?”

Xiao Shunzi was startled and said, “Young Master once said that Lu Can has a bright heart.”

I said lightly: “It is necessary to be ruthless for the generals. Lu Can is indeed upright and upright with his enemies and friends, but his methods may not be much kind, otherwise he would not have arranged a plan to kill me back then, not to mention that Wei Ying was by his side. .”

Xiao Shunzi thought for a moment and sighed softly.

I continued: “The terrain in Huaidong is dangerous, and the rivers are crisscrossed, so it is most suitable for land and water combat. The Southern Chu navy is familiar with geography and is good at using boatmen to come and go in the river. If Lu Can and Pei Yun fought in Huaidong, it must be If the situation is cemented, the battle situation will also be beneficial to Nanchu. But in this way, it is not easy for the Nanchu army to give up Huaidong. The soldiers are connected and cannot retreat easily. If this is the case, it is in line with our army. If Lu Can is tied to Huaidong, then Huaixi, Jiujiang, and Jiangxia will be unprepared. Xuzhou’s large camp of 150,000 navy and cavalry troops, why are 30,000 troops missing, and the 200,000 troops of Changsun Ji are all ready to be in Xiangyang Are you staying? The other generals of Southern Chu can’t be alone. Jiameng Guan Yumen is just Xiao Gui and Cao’s follower. If Rongyuan of Xiangyang leaves Xiangyang, he will only be a fish out of water and lose a group of lone geese. The weakness of Nanchu is only Lu Can alone can support the overall situation, but it is not as good as the Northern Han Dynasty. After Long Tingfei died, Princess Jiaping and General Duan could inherit his legacy. Therefore, General Pei steadily attacked Huaidong to lure Lu Can into the Huaidong, it’s a pity that Pei Yun couldn’t go too far. In the end, the victory was close to success, so that the two armies faced each other at Guazhoudu. Although Nanchu lost Huaidong, but relying on the natural danger of the Yangtze River, Lu Can can swim freely and freely. The army’s intentions have already encountered setbacks. However, Huaidong’s smooth sailing will inevitably make Dayong less wary of Southern Chu, and you can understand Dayong’s current situation!”

Xiao Shunzi was in a cold sweat, but he retorted: “Nevertheless, Lu Can was unable to move in Beijing for a while, the Jiangxia camp was unable to move lightly, and the other armies were unable to rescue. Your son’s intention is that our army is interested in Huainan, Huainan. Although the defender Shi Guan is good at fighting, he can’t defeat the warriors of Dayong who have fought for the rest of his life. With the weak brigade in Huaixi, how can he fight against Dayong’s iron cavalry?”

I sighed: “I can’t think clearly about this for a while, but sometimes, manpower can surpass the sky. I think before the fifteenth, there must be a military report, and then it will be clear how Lu Can will deal with it. I only hope that this It’s better not to lose too much in the first battle of Dayong.”

Xiao Shunzi was silent, and after a long time he said, “You don’t have to worry about your son. General Pei and General Changsun are both able to conquer and fight well, and they will definitely not be defeated to the point of uncontrollable defeat. Sir, Chen Zhen received news yesterday, Your cousin Jing Changqing was captured in Chuzhou and suffered a lot, but Shanzi and Qu Huang have used Tianji Pavilion’s secret rudder in Huaidong to send their family back to Jiaxing.”

I smiled slightly and said, “Cousin is stubborn by nature, and my uncle intends to move to Chang’an, but he is the only one who refuses and abides by the way of loyalty. This time he suffered a lot. Pei Yun must not know the relationship between him and me, otherwise he would not Will it embarrass him?”

Xiao Shunzi said with a smile, “Young Master and the Jing family in Jiaxing have long since cut off contact, and even the young master Shunqing has been kicked out of the house by Master Jing, so it’s no wonder that General Pei didn’t pay attention to this matter, but I’m afraid the people from Mingjian Division have already done so. Understood, although Chen Zhen’s arrangements are very thorough, and even Jing’s sect doesn’t know their identities, I’m worried that the Mingjian Division will discover the relationship between Tianji Pavilion and Young Master.”

I nodded and said: “This matter must be avoided, but Xiahou Yuanfeng has learned a lot from the last incident in Shu. Because of the loss of Jiameng Pass, many ministers blamed him for doing things poorly, and we have the king of Shu in our hands. Son, Xiahou Yuanfeng did not dare to offend me too much. After Nan Chuping, Tianji Pavilion should also disappear. Over the years, Lu’er’s achievements and Hai’s profits have been enough to support our lives, so we don’t need to worry too much. The existence of the Tianji Pavilion is over, let them be careful not to be discovered by Lu Can and Wei Ying. In the battle of Pingchu, I still use the Tianji Pavilion.”

Xiao Shunzi complied in a low voice.

At this time, there was the sound of breaking snow in the distance, and I frowned. Why would someone come to Bo Ting to disturb me at this time? Looking up, I saw a few palace lanterns shaded, Princess Changle with only two maids. Come here with Xiao Liuzi.

There was a burst of warmth in my heart, a husband and wife for ten years, respecting each other like guests, this woman is still as affectionate as when we left Chang’an hand in hand.

In order to enjoy the snow scene, I deliberately did not allow anyone to sweep away the snow around Linbo Pavilion. The same is true on the stone path. Seeing her trekking through the deep snow with the support of the maid, I couldn’t help but go up to greet her, and as soon as I walked out of the Bo Ting, the cold wind is blowing in my face, I can’t help shivering, and my heart aches. I took a few steps to hold Chang Le’s prime hand, and said, “It’s so late, what are you doing out here?” He quickly pulled her into Linbo Pavilion.

In Linbo Pavilion, the lights were like snow, I couldn’t help looking at Changle’s quiet and beautiful face. After so many years of ups and downs, even after returning to Chang’an, she often needed to deal with all kinds of bright guns in the palace. An arrow, fight for a comfortable and comfortable space for me, but no matter how time passes, her demeanor is not detracted in the slightest. Although there are traces of time between her eyebrows, it can only make her more moving, just like a glance The refreshing spring, although silent and quiet, is sweet and pleasant.

Holding her icy hands and looking at her jade face that was blown red by the cold wind, I sighed softly and kissed her cherry lips lightly.

Chang Le’s delicate body twitched slightly, even though she has been married for many years, she is still not used to such intimacy in front of people, but she did not push me away, and let me love and pity arbitrarily.

Feeling her shyness, I gave up my plan to continue the attack and said with a smile, “I’m fine, don’t worry, don’t worry about me.”

At this moment, Changle’s jade face became more and more blushing, and he quickly glanced at the four people outside Linbo Pavilion who looked at the nose, the nose and the mouth, and the mouth looked at the heart, and said gently: “I know you have plans, and I don’t want to ask you, It’s just that the snowy night is cold, you should also add some clothes, little six, bring it here.”

Xiao Liuzi walked in with a package, Princess Changle shook off the bright yellow furskin, took out a ferret fur cloak, and said, “This is what the imperial sister-in-law sent me today, it’s a tribute from Youzhou this year, and it’s the most frivolous. Warm, I don’t care if you are enjoying the snow or the moon, you always have to add some clothes.”

I let her put on the cloak for me, and then I held her hands again, nodding with satisfaction, her hands had regained their warmth, and I reached out to hold her waist, and I smiled: “Since you’re here, stay with me. Let’s take a look at this wave of cold-hearted moons and cold stars in the sky.”

Chang Le raised his head, instead of looking at the stars and moon in the sky, he looked at me without saying a word.

I just feel at peace in my heart, and I really hope that time will never stop at this moment.

At this time, Xiao Shunzi and others had already retreated far away, leaving only our husband and wife whispering under the moon.

Holding Changle, temporarily putting aside the troubles in her heart, and concentrating on chatting with her, a thought surged up in her heart and disappeared in an instant. Is there anyone who is savoring the silent cold moon on such a moonlit night above the Yangtze River?

Thousands of miles away, across the mighty river, Yong Jun’s main camp and Nan Chu army’s water camp are facing each other. The crescent moon is dim, and the stars are full of stars. Standing on the building boat, Lu Can looks at Jiang Xin Lengyue, and Feng Jiu prays: “May the heaven bless me, drive out the strong enemy of Dayong, and protect the people of our society. General Cai has a good soul, so please forgive me.” After saying this, he looked at Cai Lin’s token in his hand and couldn’t help but sigh. Cai Lin’s token came to ask to see him, and then the man wanted to return to Huaidong to rescue Cai Lin. After he confessed that Cai Lin had committed suicide and died for his country, the man cried and passed out.

Thinking of his own abandonment of Huaidong, even if no one blamed him, he felt uneasy.

A person behind him said coldly: “Why should the general be worried, it was Wei who cut off the news exchange between Huaidong and Jianye. If not, how could Shangxiang hand over all military power? Now the general has control of all the military power of Nanchu. , you can fight the Yong army with all your strength, and what is it to sacrifice Huaidong, not to mention that the Huaidong army is weak and still related to each other, their losses are only good for the general, isn’t it?”

Lu Can smiled bitterly and said, “Brother Wei, why did you say this? I am also an accomplice in this matter. Although the news from Huaidong has been cut off, how come I don’t know about Pei Yunzhi’s ability and the generals of Huaidong, there is no one who can fight against it, just for the overall situation, I can only pretend to be ignorant, the monk and the prime minister are entangled in Jianye, so that Huaidong fell, General Cai calmly surrendered, alas, this is my sin, Brother Wei is just for the sake of our army.”

Wei Ying’s expression changed, but she just said lightly: “Why does Wei Moussau try it for you? It just wants you to win a big victory. Are you sure?”

Lu Can smiled but said, “Huaixi’s military report is here an hour ago, Nanyang Camp Cui Jue has already set out for Shouchun, and Xuzhou Camp did not show up in Huaidong this time. Dong Shan has already arrived at Zhongli, the eldest grandson. Ji personally led a 140,000-strong army of Nanyang camp to besiege Xiangyang, and Huaixi only had General Shiguan’s 30,000 horses. It was clear that Yong’s army wanted to force me into trouble. I have ordered Zhongli to hold back for three days. When it comes to Shouchun, if you really can’t retreat safely, you can always ask to surrender without hindrance. In this way, you can attract both Yongjun troops to Shouchun.”

Wei Ying frowned and said, “Do you really think that Shouchun can fight against the Yong army? Shi Guanzhi’s talent is only above average, but the Yong army has a large number of soldiers.”

Lu Can solemnly said: “The key to defending the city lies in the hearts of the army and the people. General Shi will definitely be able to keep Shouchun without hindrance, not to mention that Yun’er is my eldest son and the prince of Zhenyuan. Shouchun Duan will not fall.”

Wei Ying said: “But just relying on the city to stick to the city will not last forever. What’s more, the Jiangxia camp is also dominated by the navy. Although there are three thousand cavalry, it is a drop in the bucket. You will never let the navy go to battle with Dayong’s iron cavalry. Well, wouldn’t that be abandoning the root and chasing the end, and the Jiujiang camp is here to confront the Yong army again, Pei Yun only needs to contain our army, and Shouchun will not be guaranteed sooner or later, don’t you worry about the safety of your beloved son?”

Lu Can said lightly: “As the son of the Lu family, he should have the plan to sacrifice himself for the country, not to mention that I have already prepared for this battle. This time the Yong army is mainly targeting Huaixi, Huaidong is a trap, and Xiangyang and Xiangyang are here. Jiameng Pass is just a dispensable goal, but unfortunately, there is no one in the Yong army to lead the overall situation, and no Donghai army is dispatched. This must be because Emperor Yong despised my southern Chu soldiers, and Lu Mou should give it to the Yong army once. The heavy blow made Yong Jun’s iron cavalry no longer dare to spy on Huainan.”

Hearing the words, Wei Ying remained silent. At this moment, he could clearly see the murderous intent that erupted from Lu Can. Perhaps choosing to support this man was the most correct decision in his life. In this case, I have to be considerate for him, and I must not allow him to be harmed by the treacherous ministers of power.

Thinking of this, Wei Ying asked tentatively, “Is Hu Cheng, the governor of Yangzhou already in the general’s camp?”

Lu Can raised his brows and said, “Yes, this person abandoned the city and fled, abandoned the thousands of soldiers and civilians in Yangzhou, he really deserved to be killed, crossed the river, this person still wanted to go back to Jianye to enjoy prosperity and wealth, but he fell into my hands. In my hands, I have decided to sacrifice the flag with his head before crossing the river to fight.”

Wei Ying sighed and said: “Although this person is shameless, he is the county governor chosen by Shang blind date. It is said that he spent 300,000 gold to buy this county governor’s official position. This time he returned to Nanchu and sent his family to bribe Shang Xiang twenty. Wan Jin, Shang Xiang’s document will arrive tomorrow, so you should send him back to Jianye for disposal.”

Anger flashed between Lu Can’s brows and said, “What a corrupt official, no wonder he openly smuggled sea salt in Yangzhou, he wanted to recover the loss, Shang Weijun is really confused, such a person actually becomes Yangzhou county governor, no wonder Yangzhou does not Since the documents will arrive tomorrow.” He pondered for a moment, then said aloud: “Here comes.” A guard came in from the outside and listened to the order.

Lu Can said coldly: “You go back to the camp, pass my order, and immediately behead Hu Cheng to show the public.” The sergeant promised to go.

Then Lu Can looked at Wei Ying with a half-smile but not a smile and said, “Brother Wei also wants to plead for Hu Cheng?”

Wei Ying smiled lightly and said, “I just want the general to do it sooner, lest the monks collide.”

Lu Can was startled, shook his head and laughed, looked at the fire in the camp on the opposite river bank, and said, “Brother Wei, would you dare to spy on the camp with me?”

Wei Ying said with a smile: “The general called me on board, didn’t he just to check the enemy’s situation?”

Lu Can smiled slightly and ordered the sergeant to drive the building boat to the other side.

At this moment, the sky is full of stars, and Jiang Xinyue is cold. Apart from the whimpering of the cold wind, there is only the sound of building boats crossing the water.

[End of this Chapter]